WEST FRANKFORT, IL – (West Frankfort Gazette. Please click on the link above for the statement.
Everyone invited to RLC’s annual Illinois Regional College Fair Sept. 19
September 16, 2017 By Leave a Comment
by ReAnne Palmer – Rend Lake College Public Information
During last year’s IRCF, Hunter Morris, LEFT, and Nick Shrum, CENTER, both of Mt. Vernon, visited with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville representative Daniel Shields, RIGHT, to ask questions and gather information about the university. This year, 39 institutions will be located in the RLC Gymnasium.
(Reece Rutland / RLC Public Information)
Rend Lake College invites students of any age, parents, and community members to join hundreds of high school students at the annual Illinois Regional College Fair (IRCF) next week, hosted by RLC in the James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium.
The free event will begin at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19 and will feature nearly 40 regional colleges and universities. During the two hour fair, representatives for each institution will be available for attendees to interact with, ask questions, and learn about college life.
New to the IRCF this year is StriveScan, a mobile-friendly and paperless student sign up process which allows college representatives to scan an individual barcode for each student to gather information. This allows students to spend more time asking questions and learning about each college or university by reducing time spent completing information forms.
To use it, students should register before the IRCF for free at www.strivefair.com.
When registering, each will complete a short information form to receive a barcode via text. At the IRCF, students will provide that same barcode to each representative at institutions where they are interested in attending or receiving more information.
One of the most important aspects of the IRCF is for attendees to experience the many diverse opportunities to start or continue their post-secondary education, all in one location. Coming prepared to speak to representatives and ask questions is vital. Some of these questions include asking about the admission process and requirements, available majors at the institution, the campus setting and culture, the cost of attendance, financial aid availability, and other student services.
Below are the colleges and universities who have been confirmed for the fair at RLC, though more may be in attendance. The fair is sponsored by the Illinois Association of College Admission Counseling. Students may attend the event without a parent or guardian present. For more information, contact Rachel Sveda-Webb at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1298, or
Barnes-Jewish College
Blackburn College
Bradley University
Eastern Illinois University
Fontbonne University
Franklin College
Greenville University
Hannibal LaGrange University
Illinois College
Illinois State University
Illinois Student Assistance Commission
Iowa Wesleyan University
Lincoln Christian University
Lindenwood University
Lindenwood University-Belleville
MacMurray College
McKendree University
Millikin University
Missouri Baptist University
Murray State University
Northern Illinois University
Olivet Nazarene University
Parkland College – Institute of Aviation
Quincy University
Ranken Technical College
Rend Lake College
Southeast Missouri State University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
St. Louis College of Pharmacy
University of Akron
University of Evansville
University of IL at Chicago
University of Illinois Springfield
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
University of Missouri-St. Louis
University of Saint Francis
University of Southern Indiana
Western Illinois University
Gov. Rauner arrives in China during first international trade mission
September 15, 2017 By Leave a Comment
SHANGHAI – Gov. Bruce Rauner arrived in Shanghai, China, for the next stop in his first international trade mission of his administration. The Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) greeted the governor and the team of Illinois delegates working to build stronger business, cultural and educational relationships with its Asian partners.
“China and the United States enjoy a long-term friendship,” CPAFFC President Xu Kuangdi said. “I highly appreciate your decision of choosing China as one of your destinations at your first foreign visit as the Governor of Illinois. We must strengthen our friendship through more exchanges and cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, education, etc., to benefit our two peoples, and people of the world. Welcome to China!”
The CPAFFC is a national organization engaged in people-to-people diplomacy of China.
The governor also engaged in trade discussions with the vice chairman of Shanghai 12th Committee to discuss trade relations between China and Illinois. That was followed by an official reception at the Intercontinental Hotel in Shanghai.
The governor expressed the need for additional business opportunities, and he said the best way would be to expand trade, investment and economic relationships.
“I’m honored to be here because of the special friendship between China and Illinois,” Gov. Rauner said. “We have 400 Illinois companies in China creating thousands of jobs, and China has 60 companies headquartered in Illinois, including Wanxiang, Decatur’s Fuyao Glass and Bank of China in Chicago. We shouldn’t stop there. I’m personally committed to expanding this economic relationship to benefit the people of Shanghai and Illinois.”
The meeting began with a discussion of Shanghai’s financial position and economic strength in the world economy with the hope of building a more balanced export exchange, as well as growing from an industrial to a more innovative society. The governor and vice chairman expressed the importance of exchanging ideas and developing an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship and a pipeline of the next generation of global leaders.
Council Approves Blue Ridge Sewer Project
September 15, 2017 By Leave a Comment
BENTON, IL – (Benton Gazette. Please click on the link for the full story. Here is an excerpt below.)
During his Finance Report, Finance Commissioner Dennis Miller announced that the Blue Ridge sewer project had been approved.
At a previous council meeting back in May, the city approved tentative construction of a new sewer main on the north industrial park property near the Benton Airport and KOA Campgrounds. The motion stated the agreement would only be active pending available funds—the cost of the project was said to be roughly $135,000.
The EPA approved the project, and Miller said the next step would be to accept bids, which could come in as early as October.
Former St. Louis officer Stockley found not guilty
September 15, 2017 By Leave a Comment
http://www.kmov.com/story/36336844/sources-expect-judge-to-render-verdict-in-stockley-case-friday
ST. LOUIS MO – (KMOV-TV. Please click on the link for the full story and live feed from the Channel 4 News team. Here is an excerpt below)
A St. Louis judge has acquitted former police officer Jason Stockley in the 2011 shooting death of Anthony Smith.
“This court, as the trier of fact, is simply not firmly convinced of defendant’s guilt. Agonizingly, this court has poured over the evidence again and again. This court has viewed the video evidence from the restaurant’s surveillance camera, the cameras in the police vehicle, and the cell phone video by the lay witness, over and over again – innumerable times,” read a portion of the court document.
Stockley, a former St. Louis Police Officer, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of Anthony Smith, who was shot and killed following a police chase in 2011.
Mt. Vernon to Consider Repeal of Utility Capital Improvement Fee
September 15, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Press Release From Mary Becthel, Mt. Vernon City Manager
On Friday, September 15 at 9 a.m. at City Hall, the City Council will be is considering repealing the Utility Capital Improvement Fee also known as the meter fee and replacing it with a sales tax to fund water and sewer improvements. If the City Council chooses to implement a sales tax, the ordinance will have to be passed and file with the State of Illinois by October 1.
The Utility Committee has been studying the water and sewer infrastructure and has identified several immediate needs, such as, water tower maintenance and replacement, water line replacements, water meter replacements, sewer lift station replacements, sewer line replacement and relining.
Also before the City Council will be a plan for equipment replacement, roadway improvement plan, demolition of condemned structures and accelerated debt reduction also funded from the newly proposed sales tax.
In a statement from Mayor Lewis, “The meter tax is putting an undue burden on a large percentage of our citizens who live at the poverty level or on fixed income. The City has some immediate needs with our water and sewer infrastructure”. This MUST be addressed. If you don’t have running water, EVERYTHING stops, the new schools, Water Park, and life as we’re used to. We have also discovered that there has been no equipment replacement program in place for many, many years. A check with our fleet supervisor revealed that there is approximately 6.4 million dollars’ worth of vehicle or equipment which needs to be replaced either because of age, mileage or upkeep maintenance has gotten out of hand.
We have whittled that list down to approximately 3 million in immediate needs but even at that level, it will take many years to get our heads above water. Further, we discovered there has not been a street maintenance program which has kept up with our deteriorating streets as well as funding the demolition of condemned structures.
Although I do not like taxes, the meter tax has to go. To replace that revenue stream, be much more affordable to our citizens, and address ALL of our immediate needs, I am proposing a 1% home rule tax. This is one of those tough decisions but the result would be the removal of your $10 per month meter tax and for the majority of our citizens, 52.8%, replace it with a tax that would cost each household $2.25 OR LESS. A savings for the vast majority of our citizens of $7.75 every month.
This tax would not apply to groceries, medicines, nor licensed vehicles. Not only would this tax save the majority of our citizen’s money, but would also be enough to fund utility system improvements, equipment replacement program, demolition program, a street improvement program AND start paying down our bond debt. Our infrastructure is part of our “house” and we must maintain it if we plan to stay in this house. Every penny will be dedicated to our infrastructure or bond reduction.
Some may wonder why the rush; the reasoning is to remove the meter fee as soon as possible. To do that the State of Illinois requires notification by October 1st in order to collect the tax receipts starting January 1st. If we wait it will not be until June of 2018, meaning the meter tax would stay in place until then.”
Rend Lake College Board of Trustees minutes
September 14, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Board adopts Fiscal Year 2018 budget, tax levy
The board adopted the budget for Fiscal Year 2018. A public hearing on the budget was held prior to the regular board meeting. There were no comments from the public. In a related action, the board accepted the 2017 tax levy (payable 2018). The corporate and special purposes levy went from $3,379,083 in 2016 to $3,547,797 in 2017, an increase of 4.99 percent. The debt service levy went from $2,901,908 in 2016 to $3,117,676 in 2017, an increase of 7.44 percent. Because the corporate and special purposes levy is not greater than 105 percent of last year’s levy, no Truth in Taxation hearing is required.
RLC, Southeastern Illinois College continue partnership, sign MOU for contractual labor
A memorandum of understanding between Rend Lake College and Southeastern Illinois College was approved Tuesday. The MOU lays out the details of the contractual relationship between RLC and SIC for operations and maintenance labor. The agreement highlights the continuation of shared resources between both colleges where appropriate and beneficial to the institutions.
Aquatic Center project to be bid, RLC Foundation pledges assistance
Permission was granted to seek bids for a complete replacement of the PoolPac in the Aquatics Center. The existing PoolPac is original to the building and has exceeded its operational life expectancy. The Rend Lake College Foundation will fund the project, which is estimated at $375,000. The bids will include the unit, installation and commissioning.
University of Southern Indiana, RLC ink Engineering articulation agreement
The board approved an articulation agreement between Rend Lake College and the University of Southern Indiana for Engineering. This agreement allows students to complete an associate degree at RLC and transfer seamlessly to USI in good standing provided they have completed the agreed-upon coursework.
Cornett moving on, DeJarnette returns to executive assistant position
The board accepted with regret the resignation of Mary Cornett, Executive Assistant to the President, with an effective date to be determined. Cornett will be relocating to be nearer to family in mid- to late October. “I have really enjoyed being a part of the team here at Rend Lake College, and working with our board trustees,” Cornett wrote in her resignation letter. “I thank you for your friendship and support in my role.”
In a related action, the board appointed Cathy DeJarnette as Executive Assistant to the President effective Sept. 18, thus providing some overlap between the two to allow for a smooth transition. DeJarnette is a previous holder of the Executive Assistant to the President position, having served in that capacity from the fall of 2011 until September 2014, when she resigned to pursue a business opportunity. She holds both Associate in Science and Associate in Arts degrees from John A. Logan College.
Nichols joins RLC Police Department
The board appointed Sawyer Nichols as Police Officer, effective Sept. 18. He holds an Associate in Science Degree fro Wabash Valley College and has worked part-time for the RLC Police Department since 2015. Prior to that, he was a police officer with the City of Carmi.
Accreditation update
The board heard a report on the college’s reaffirmation of accreditation activities. The college is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is due for an evaluation by the HLC in September 2018.
In curriculum matters …
The board approved changes to 29 courses, ranging from changes in credit, lecture or lab hours to changes in repeatability, and authorized their submission to the Illinois Community College Board for action. Additionally, changes to existing courses and the addition of new courses were approved for the Barber and Cosmetology curricula, 18 courses were withdrawn and three horticulture programs were withdrawn.
In other business, the board …
• Heard a report from Dr. Elizabeth Bailey-Smith of the Academic Council covering the curriculum matters taken up by the board Tuesday and reporting on additional meetings and activities.
• Created and approved a job description for a Communications Specialist for Student Services. This description was created to replace the existing Communications Specialist for Business Office job description because the duties of that position are in better alignment with the Student Services Department.
• Approved revisions to board policy concerning tenured / tenure-track faculty and staff seniority list (first reading) and travel reimbursement (first reading). The tenure list is approved twice each year.
Mark your calendars …
• Fun Fest, Noon-3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, on campus.
• 37th Annual RLC Foundation Golf Outing, Thursday, Sept. 14, Rend Lake Golf Course; noon shotgun start.
• Southern Illinois Health Information Management Association meeting, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 15, Pat Kern Private Dining Area.
• Illinois Regional College Fair, 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, Waugh Gymnasium.
• Upward Bound Banquet, 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 28, Waugh Gymnasium.
• Career Days, Wednesday-Thursday, Oct. 4-5, Ina campus.
• RLC Preview Day, Warrior Fest and Prospect Day, Saturday, Oct. 7, RLC campus. Previous Day and Warrior Fest 9 a.m.-2 p.m.; Prospect Day begins at 10 a.m., Ina campus.
• Faculty / Staff In-Service, Monday, Oct. 9, Ina campus.
• CNA Conference, Friday, Oct. 13, Learning Resource Center.
• RLC Foundation Scholarship Dinner, 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, Benton Civic Center.
• Criminal Justice Roundup for Scholarships, 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23, Mt. Vernon Event Center, Salon C (formerly the Holiday Inn).
• RLC Foundation Annual Dinner Meeting, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, Holiday Inn / DoubleTree Inn, Mt. Vernon.
Retrun to summer: Football Friday forecast for the next two weeks
September 14, 2017 By Leave a Comment
by Steve Dunford
I have not issued a forecast in a few days because it would be a broken record. I have said it has been coming since I shared the remnants of Irma.
It could be what the old timers called “Indian Summer”. This is when the multi-colored corn, that people call Indian Corn would be ready for harvest. This is used in multiple fall decorations. There is always a cool down, then warm up to summer like conditions around this time of year.
If there are stretches of fair weather, I will not update the forecast. However, I will always have an update on Thursday or Friday for the weather conditions for High School Football.
Kickoff weather for tomorrow night is supposed to be 80 degrees and mostly sunny. It sounds like a shorts night instead of a hoodie.
Week 5, which I call rivalry week, it was hotter than blue blazes. I was able to attend both games against C-Z-R and S-V-W-W and Benton vs West Frankfort. It was 91 degrees at kickoff at Christopher. It was 96 at Tabor Field when the horn sounded that Saturday afternoon.
That weekend it is going to be in the upper 80’s with a chance of thunderstorms on Friday. It will be hot but not as hot as last year. A lot of things can change in nine days.
There are no advisories out for Southern Illinois. There is a slight chance of thunderstorms Monday and Wednesday.
Seven Day Forecast
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 62. Light southeast wind.
Friday
Patchy fog before 7am. Otherwise, sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 65. South southeast wind 3 to 5 mph.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming south 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Saturday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 64. Light south southeast wind.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 88. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 5 mph.
Sunday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. Calm wind.
Monday
A slight chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 86. Light south wind.
Monday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 66. Calm wind.
Tuesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the morning.
Tuesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 67. South southeast wind 3 to 5 mph.
Wednesday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 87. Light south southeast wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the morning.
Wednesday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 67. South wind 5 to 8 mph.
Thursday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. South wind 5 to 8 mph.
Five years after introduction, study says video gambling leading to crime upticks
September 14, 2017 By Leave a Comment
CHAMPAIGN, IL – (Cole Latterbach, Illinois News Network. Please click on the link for the full story. Here is an excerpt below.)
September marked the five-year anniversary of video gaming legalization in Illinois. A new report claims that the societal costs of gambling may not be worth the tax revenue.
According to the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, Illinois received $1.3 billion in revenue from wagering in fiscal year 2017. Video gaming accounted for more than 20 percent of that. As of July 2017, there are 27,145 video gaming machines operating in Illinois. That’s more than any other state, including Nevada.
Released in August, the study, titled “Can’t Stop the One-Armed Bandits: The Effects of Access to Gambling on Crime,” found that being near at least one video gambling establishment is associated with an average 6.7 percent increase in property crime and a 7.5 percent spike in violent crime in the areas around Chicago. Despite the fact that video gaming isn’t allowed in Chicago, there are more than 10,000 machines surrounding the city. That’s the equivalent to eight casinos
