Benton Fire Department to provide secondary ambuance service

From the Benton Fire Department

Benton Residents, we are happy to inform you that we have received our blessings from IDPH and the men are trained and licensed to begin providing you with another critical service, a secondary Ambulance service. We are currently on track to begin this long awaited service at 8:00 a.m. Monday, July 17th.

As always, 911 is your go to for an emergency. We thank you for all the support you have shown us, the men are excited to raise the level of service we provide you, the taxpayer in your time of need.

New assistant principal to prepare grads for career

http://www.wfgazette.com/news/new-assistant-principal-to-prepare-grads-for-career/article_913002dc-671e-11e7-8a28-b7ab5796ade8.html

Jory Dial, (West Frankfort Gazette photo)

WEST FRANKFORT, IL (Tim Hastings, West Frankfort Gazette.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Frankfort Community High School’s (FCHS) new Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Jory Dial says he wants to help students prepare for life beyond the classroom.

“As assistant principal I hope to set a standard for students to be prepared for work experiences,” Dial said. “And I want to set standards that reflect well on the students, the high school, and the community.”

Dial has similar goals for FCHS athletics. “I’d like us to consistently compete at the best level we can,” Dial said. “And, I want to give the coaches and athletes everything they need to compete.” Dial said character and sportsmanship should be just as important as winning or losing.

Heat indecies between 103-107 this afternoon

Special Weather Statement issued by the National Weather Service- Paducah KY, at 2:18 p.m. 7/12/17

…Heat Index Values between 103 and 107 degrees possible in
some areas of Southern Illinois, Southwest Indiana, and Southeast
Missouri through 6 pm CDT…

Much higher moisture has moved into the Quad State region this
afternoon. This moisture, combined with temperatures in the upper
80s and lower 90s, is producing heat index values in the 103 to
107 degree range in a few locations.

If you live along or near Interstate 64 in Southern Illinois and
Southwest Indiana, and along Interstate 55 in Southeast Missouri,
you may experience heat index readings in the 103 to 107 degree
range for the rest of this afternoon.

Be sure to drink plenty of water, take frequent rest breaks in the
shade or air conditioned shelter. Get out of the heat, if you are
experiencing health issues.

Be watchful for those especially impacted by the heat. Young
children, the elderly, persons with serious health issues, and
pets are especially susceptible to the heat during this time of
year.

Do not leave young children or pets in cars with closed
windows…this could become deadly situation in a short period of
time.

Heat index values should gradually fall through the evening.

Only one-quarter of lawmakers decline per diem for special session

https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/only-one-quarter-of-lawmakers-decline-per-diem-for-special/article_415dc442-6688-11e7-b3a6-c3ca65f67e99.html

SPRINGFIELD, IL – (Greg Bishop, Illinois News Network.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Three-quarters of Illinois’ state lawmakers will be accepting their per diem for last month’s 10-day special session, which will cost taxpayers at least $145,000.

According to a response to an Illinois News Network Freedom of Information Act request, of the 177 state lawmakers, only 46 denied the .39 cent-per-mile travel reimbursement and a $111 a day per diem for the special session that started June 20 and ended June 30. Although lawmakers were in Springfield for a few days in early July, they were not eligible for the per diem because that was not special session called by the governor.

But, excluding the 39 cent per mile travel reimbursement – which only covers one round trip per week – all state lawmakers who will accept the $111 per day per diem will cost taxpayers at least $145,410 for last month’s special session.

NOTE:  State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) or State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) did not accept the per diem payment.  There is a full list of those who didn’t at the end of the story.

RLC partners with Rend Lake RC Club to build new airfield

by ReAnne Palmer/RLC Public information

Rend Lake RC Club members donate $5,000 to RLC to help build the new Radio Control Field on campus. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, Rend Lake RC Club President Dave Black, Club Treasurer Philip Bean, Club Safety Coordinator Pete Renick, RLC President Terry Wilkerson, Club Secretary Angela Black, and Club Vice President John Griffin.
(Reece Rutland / RLC Public Information)

INA, IL – Remote control aircraft enthusiasts will soon have a new place to soar with the construction of the new Radio Control Field on Rend Lake College’s Ina campus. The old field, located north of campus, will be moved to the east side of campus to better suit event, parking, and student needs.

The new field construction was approved by the RLC Board of Trustees earlier this evening at the projected cost of $34,000, of which the Rend Lake Remote Control (RC) Club donated $5,000. The project will be completed in-house by RLC’s Physical Plant Department.

“We just really appreciate everything the college is doing for the organization,” said RC Club President Dave Black. “The college has done a lot for us over the years and that was really on display this fall. We just wanted to show our appreciation and give something back. This has been a great partnership, and we are looking forward to continuing it for many years to come.”

Structure fire near Orient

by Steve Dunford

In the midst of the accidents on Interstate 57, there was a pole barn fire on Orient Road this afternoon.

Fire crews from West Frankfort, Benton, and West City were already on the scene of the accident.

Benton FD was moved to the scene in Orient with Zeigler called for mutual aid.  Johnston City FD provided station coverage for West Frankfort during the event.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.  Please keep emergency personnel in your prayers during this heat.

Two late night advisements, Super Saturday remain before fall classes at RLC

ReAnne Palmer / Rend Lake College Public Information

INA, IL – Students have one month left to prepare for the fall semester at Rend Lake College, and advisors are ready to help. RLC staff will be available during two late nights in July and Super Saturday in August to assist with enrollment, testing, financial aid, and much more.

Two evenings of late night appointments are available from 4 – 6 p.m. Monday, July 24 and Tuesday, July 25. Students should make an appointment before arriving on campus. All appointments will be held in the Administration Building on the Ina campus.

Currently, students can register by appointment during regular summer hours: Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on the Ina and Murphy-Wall Pinckneyville campuses. Walk-in registration, with no appointment required, will begin Monday, July 31 on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Next month, Super Saturday will be held from noon – 2 p.m. August 12 on the Ina campus. That afternoon, students can visit a number of college offices, including Academic Advising and Testing, Financial Aid, Student Records, and the Business offices. The RLC Bookstore will also be open so students can purchase or rent textbooks.

Those interested in taking the placement test at noon on Super Saturday should call ahead to reserve an appointment. No other testing times are available. Payment for the fall semester is due at the time of registration, and those without processed financial aid will need to establish a payment plan.

Limited seats are available for late night appointments and Super Saturday is on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students with questions or those interested in enrolling should contact the Academic Advisement Center at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1266 or advising@rlc.edu . Classes start Monday, August 14. Students can also visit www.rlc.edu to see the Fall 2017 course schedule.

Interstate opened back up to one lane

by Steve Dunford

There has been an accident reported by Franklin County Emergency Management agency, as well as passers-by of an accident on Northbound Interstate 57 at the 68 mile marker between Benton and West Frankfort.

Also it has been reported there is a semi fire at the 65 mile marker right at the West Frankfort exit.  Traffic is being detoured off the interstate at West Frankfort.

Please take alternate routes.  Keep in mind during similar incidents, that traffic gets heavy on State Route 37 rather quickly.

Updates will be provided as additional information comes in.

UPDATE:  3:25 p.m.  The interstate is opened back up to one lane now, according to the website Southern Illinois Fire Incidents.

New Tax Rates Take Effect from Passage of SB 9

Press Release from the Illinois Department of Revenue

SPRINGFIELD –  The Illinois Department of Revenue is providing general information regarding the recent Income Tax increase, and changes to various credits, deductions and additions to income.  Taxpayers are encouraged to review the information and web links below to determine how the recent change in tax rates impacts their status. For most taxpayers, their employers will change withholding amounts based on rate tables provided by the Department.

A summary of Illinois Income Tax and Sales Tax changes may be found here:
http://tax.illinois.gov/Publications/Bulletins/2018/FY-2018-01.pdf.

Illinois Income Tax increase guidance with detailed instructions for filing may be found here: http://tax.illinois.gov/Publications/Bulletins/2018/FY-2018-02.pdf.

 

Withholding Tax rates (Booklet IL-700-T) and personal exemption amount changes may be found here: http://tax.illinois.gov/Publications/Bulletins/2018/FY-2018-03.pdf.

 

For the most up-to-date information, forms, schedules, and instructions for the changes in tax rates, please visit IDOR’s website at: tax.illinois.gov.

Latest on the Marine Plane Crash in Mississippi

http://www.msnewsnow.com/story/35851293/watch-live-press-conference-held-on-deadly-military-plane-crash?&autostart=true

LE FLORE CO, MS-  (WLBT-TV, Jackson MS.  Please click on this link for updates from this tragedy and video from a press conference that is going to start at any time.  Here is the latest below.)

Sixteen people are dead following a military airplane crash in Mississippi, according to LeFlore County EMA Director Fred Randal

First responders said the military C-130 left Memphis on Monday.

The plane crashed in Leflore County just off Highway 82 on Monday afternoon.

According to Leflore Co. EOC, the plane had structural failure at 20,000 feet.

The plane is believed to have exploded in mid-air. Investigators said they found debris on both sides of the highway, leading them to believe an explosion happened prior to the crash.

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News