Another accident on Interstate 57 -Southbound at the 77 milemarker

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

There has been another accident on Interstate 57 in Franklin County tonight.  From preliminary reports it is a single car rollover.

This is at the 77 mile marker at the bottom of the Whittington-Sesser off ramp.

According to the website Southern Illinois Fire Incidents, Sesser and Ewing-Northern Fire Protection Districts are on the scene.  At least two people were airlifted from the scene.

I would avoid the interstate in both directions.  I know there is a backup in the southbound lane.

If someone would tag me or send me a message on Facebook, it would be very helpful in relaying the information.

 

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Agenda – Rend Lake College Board of Trustees 7/11/17

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

REND LAKE COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

July 11, 2017 6:30 PM  Rend Lake College 468 N Ken Gray Parkway Ina, IL  62846

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call

III. General Information
A. Announcements

1. Wednesday, July 12, 2017       LPN Pinning; 3:00 p.m.       Private Dining Area, Ina Campus

2. Wednesday, July 26 and August 2, 2017       Warrior Days – New Student Orientation       RLC Ina Campus

3. Thursday, August 10, 2017       Faculty Orientation; 4:30 p.m.       RLC Theater

4. Saturday, August 12, 2017       Super Saturday; 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon       RLC Ina Campus

5. Saturday, August 12, 2017       Class of RLC Reunion – 50th Anniversary        Celebration; 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.       RLC Ina Campus

6. Monday, August 14, 2017       First day of fall classes       Rend Lake College campuses

7. Wednesday, September 13, 2017       Fun Fest       Activities; No classes from noon – 3:00 p.m.       RLC Ina Campus

8. Thursday, September 14, 2017       37th Annual RLCF Golf Outing       Rend Lake Golf Course; noon shotgun start

9. Tuesday, September 19, 2017       Illinois Regional College Fair; 9-11 a.m.       Waugh Gymnasium, RLC Ina Campus           IV. Closed Session – The Board may go into closed session    pursuant to Section 2(c)(1)(21) of the Open Meetings Act.

Subsection (1) appointment, employment, and compensation of specific employees; (21) approval of meeting minutes.

V. Resume Open Meeting

VI. Approval of Consent Agenda
VII. Approval of Minutes of the: 1 *   June 6, 2017 Board of Trustees Meeting;*     June 6, 2017 Board of Trustees Executive Session;* 11    June 13, 2017 Board of Trustees Special Meeting*

VIII. New Business

15 *   A.   Course/Curriculum Approvals (TO BE PROVIDED)

16 *   B. Approval to Release Closed Session Minutes

17 *   C. Approval of Rend Lake College Policy Manual      Section 4:  Student and Instructional Matters (Second Reading) (TO BE PROVIDED)

18    D. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Policy 4.2.4 –       Faculty Qualifications

21    E. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Policy 3.1200 –       Evaluations of Non-Faculty Personnel

23    F. Annual Review and Acceptance of College Mission Statement       and Mission Document

26    G. Recommendation to Approve 2017-2018 Employee        Handbook (TO BE PROVIDED)

27    H. Recommendation to Approve 2017-2018 Athletic Handbook      (TO BE PROVIDED)

28    I. Approval of Vending Agreement between Pepsi MidAmerica       and Rend Lake College (TO BE PROVIDED)

29    J. Approval to Move the Radio Control Field and Construct      New Shelter

30    K. Permission to Advertise for Diesel Technology Instructor

31    L. Permission to Advertise for Computer Networking Instructor

32    M. Recommendation to Create the Position, Approve the Job       Description, and Advertise for Specialist – Marketing

34    N. Permission to Create New Stipend and Job Description for       Men’s Golf Assistant Coach

IX. Personnel

37    A. Ratify the Acceptance of Resignation of Police Officer

40    B. Amend Retirement Resignation of Dean of Applied Science & Technology

C. Retirement Resignation (TO BE PROVIDED)

42    D. Appointment of Accounts Receivable Specialist

E. Appointment of Student Records Specialists       (TO BE PROVIDED)

F. Approval of FY 2018 Salaries (TO BE PROVIDED)

X. Financial Information

45    A. Ratification of the Payment of College Expenses including      Travel Expense Reimbursements

B. Financials (INFORMATIONAL; TO BE PROVIDED)

XI. Reports

1. Academic Council

2. ICCTA Representative
3. Rend Lake College Foundation

4. Accreditation Report

XII. Public Comment

XIII. President’s Comments

XIV. Adjournment

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Agenda for West Frankfort City Council meeting 7/11/17

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

AGENDA
Regular Council Meeting
Tuesday, July 11, 2017
at 7:00 p.m.

…

PRAYER

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

1. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE JUNE 27, 2017 REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING.

2. APPROVAL TO PAY THE BILLS.

3. APPROVAL TO ACCEPT BIDS AND AWARD PROJECTS FOR DEMOLITION.

4. APPROVAL FOR THE CLOSURE OF THE 100 BLOCK OF NORTH JACKSON STREET FOR E.R. BROWN’S ANNUAL STREET SALE ON JULY 12 THROUGH JULY 15, 2017.

5. DISCUSSION, WITH POSSIBLE ACTION, TO ADVERTISE FOR BIDS FROM INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS REGARDING JANITORIAL SERVICES FOR CITY HALL.

6. APPROVAL FOR PAYMENT OF AN ENGINEER’S FINAL PAYMENT ESTIMATE FOR K.R.B. EXCAVATION, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $26,853.00 REGARDING THE 9TH STREET SIDEWALK PROJECT.

7. APPROVAL FOR PAYMENT OF INVOICES FROM BROWN AND ROBERTS, INC. IN THE AMOUNT OF $5,163.50 AND $4,878.90 REGARDING THE 9TH STREET SIDEWALK PROJECT.

8. APPROVAL FOR PAYMENT OF AN ENGINEER’S FINAL PAYMENT ESTIMATE FOR SIERRA BRAVO CONTRACTORS, LLC IN THE AMOUNT OF $10,749.19 REGARDING THE FACTORY OUTLET LOOP EXTENSION.

9. APPROVAL FOR PAYMENT OF AN INVOICE FROM SCHULTE SUPPLY IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,798.00 REGARDING THE PURCHASE OF WATER METERS FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT.

10. APPROVAL FOR PAYMENT OF AN INVOICE FROM ENERGY CULVERT COMPANY IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,394.60 REGARDING PURCHASE OF CULVERTS FOR THE STREET DEPARTMENT.

11. APPROVAL FOR PAYMENT OF AN INVOICE FROM ILLINOIS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY IN THE AMOUNT OF $17,500.00 REGARDING THE ANNUAL NPDES FEE FOR THE SEWER DEPARTMENT.

12. OFFICER’S REPORTS.

13. BUILDING AND SIGN PERMITS.

14. MAYOR’S REPORT.

15. COMMISSIONER’S REPORTS.

16. AUDIENCE QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS.

17. APPROVAL TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS, PERSONNEL, AND/OR PENDING LITIGATION, WITH POSSIBLE ACTION.

18. APPROVAL OF A MOTION TO RETURN TO OPEN SESSION.

19. MAYOR TO ADJOURN MEETING.

Filed Under: Breaking News

Trump dives into election hacking issue with Putin: ‘Very robust and lengthy exchange’

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2017/jul/7/donald-trump-dives-election-hacking-issue-putin-ve/

 

European Diplomatic photo

HAMBURG, GERMANY – (S.A. Miller and Sally Persons, The Washington Times.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

President Trump brought up Russia’s interference in the U.S. election at the start of his first face-to-face meeting Friday with Russian President Vladimir Putin, sparking “a very robust and lengthy exchange” at the G-20 Summit, Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson said.

“The president pressed President Putin on more than one occasion regarding Russian involvement. President Putin denied such involvement,” said Mr. Tillerson, who attended the highly anticipated meeting on the sidelines of the Group of 20 Summit in Hamburg, Germany.

Mr. Tillerson provided a reporters a readout of the meeting, which was scheduled for 30 minutes but lasted for 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Filed Under: Breaking News, National News, Slider

Another blade found on shopping cart at Walmart in metro St. Louis

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.kmov.com/story/35829933/another-blade-found-on-shopping-cart-at-walmart-in-festus

FESTUS, MO- (KMOV, TV.  Please click on the link for the full story above.)

NOTE:  I have read several national news stories over the last few months of this happening.  There have been incidents reported in St. Louis in the last week.  This is something to keep a possible eye on in the future.

-Steve

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, Slider

ILLINOIS STATE POLICE SAY FAREWELL TO FALLEN BROTHER, TROOPER RYAN ALBIN #5718

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release from the Illinois State Police

Springfield – Illinois State Police (ISP) officials said farewell to their fallen brother, Trooper Ryan Albin, star number 5718. Hundreds of law enforcement officers from across the country made the trip to central Illinois to pay their respects to this fallen hero as well. Trooper Albin was laid to rest today with full honors at Bellflower Cemetery.Trooper Ryan Albin was killed in the line of duty on June 28, 2017, when he was traveling on I-74 westbound near Farmer City, and his vehicle collided with a box truck as both vehicles entered a construction zone. Trooper Albin joined the ISP in 2006 and was currently assigned to District 6 in Pontiac as a canine officer.

Director Leo P. Schmitz fondly recalled memories of Trooper Albin as he eulogized him during today’s funeral. “Ryan took such pride in serving and protecting. Over and over he worked to make a difference to positively impact the citizens of Illinois,” said Director Schmitz. “It will take time to heal. It will take time to rebuild. But Ryan would want us to carry on,” Schmitz added.

Trooper Albin grew up in Bellflower, Illinois. He attended Bellflower Grade School, Blue Ridge Junior High, and Blue Ridge High School. Trooper Albin obtained a bachelor’s degree from Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois. Trooper Albin was an inspiration to his fellow officers who often consulted with him for guidance. He will be remembered for his work ethic and dedication to selfless service.

Trooper Albin is survived by his parents, two sisters, a six-year-old daughter and a two year-old son

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Franklin County Sheriff’s report 7/6/17

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release From Donald Jones, Franklin County Sheriff

On 7/1/17 an investigation of a suspicious vehicle at State Route 148 and Yellowbanks Road resulted in the arrest of Danielle N. Phillips, 18, of Benton for illegal consumption of alcohol.  es

On 7/2/17 at 9:12 a.m. a traffic stop at Rend Lake Dam, resulted in he arrest of David Rector, 32, of McLeansboro for driving on a suspended license.

7/1/17 at 8:00 pm, Deputies arrested Rachel Buretta, 34 of Bluford for obstructing a peace officer. This incident occurred during the festivities at Rend Lake prior to the fireworks.

7-2-17 at 12:39 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on ll. Rt. 37 at Marcum Branch Road. A 2001 Oldsmobile Alero driven by Devin P. Williams Age 22 of Benton was stopped in traffic on Rt. 37 attempting to turn left onto Marcum Branch Road. A north bound 1996 GMC Sierra failed to stop and rear ended the Oldsmobile. There were no injuries, but the driver of the GMC, Brittany N. Studebaker Age 17 of Benton was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

7-2-17 at 3:24 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on the

Elkville Blacktop at intersection with Knighthawk Road. A 2006 Honda Shadow Motorcycle driven by Gloria L. Mcklin Age 67 of Mulkeytown was attempting to turn right while a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, driven by Sarah E. Scott-Spytek Age 37 of Royalton was attempting a left turn in the same intersection. The investigation determined that the motorcycle was traveling too fast to successfully negotiate the turn. The motorcycle rider received major injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Abbott’s EMS. The driver was also cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

7-3-17 at 2:07 pm a traffic stop on ll. Rt. 14 and Camp Hope Road resulted in the arrest of Ronald D. Mueller Jr. Age 44 of Coello for felony driving under the influence, driving while license revoked, illegal transportation of alcohol and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

7-3-17 at 9:49 pm Deputies responded to a single vehicle crash on ll. Rt. 34 east of Akin Blacktop. A 1998 Mercury Mountainer driven by Jason M. Clark Age 35 of Creal Springs was west bound at a high rate of speed, left the roadway and overturned in a ditch. The driver received minor injuries and refused medical treatment. He was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash and for driving while license suspended.

7-3-17 Deputies arrested Hunter J. Ash Age 21 of Ewing for a violation of the

Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act. Ash posted bond $3,500.00 on 7-6-17.

7-4-17 at 2:18 pm Deputies responded to a reported suspicions person on Green Meadow Road in rural Thompsonville. The incident resulted in the arrest of

Delores Louise Beyreis Age 58 of Thompsonville for obstructing a police officer.

7-6-17 at 2:52 pm Deputies responded to a report of a very young child walking unattended in rural Thompsonville. The child was located unharmed and the investigation of the incident resulted on the arrest of Melissa A. Motter Age 46 of Benton for endangered the life of health of a child.

7-6-17 at 4:00 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural Benton that resulted in the arrest of Candace V. Perez Age 31 of Benton for domestic battery.

7-7-17 at 3:16 am Deputies investigated an order of protection violation at South Sandusky Beach Rend Lake. This resulted in the arrest of James R. Parish Age 53 of Harrisburg for unlawful violation of an order of protection.

WARRANTS

6-25-17 Dustin L. Motsinger Age 31 of Mulkeytown. Failure to appear on domestic battery.

6-25-17 Nicole J, Lydiksen Age 29 of Marion. Failure to appear on domestic battery.

6-26-17 Daniel L. Hayes Age 40 of Johnston City. Failure to appear on traffic charges.

6-26-17 Danica L. Carner Age 23 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear on traffic charges.

6-30-17 April N. Miller Age 36 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for D.U.I.

6-30-17 Jeremy R. Thiele Age 27 of Marion. Failure to appear for theft.

6-30-17 Jeresa A. Wilkens Age 37 of Thompsonville. Possession of a controlled substance.

7-1-17 Robert C. Yocum Age 47 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for felony D.U.I.

7-2-17 James B. Miller Age 50 of Murphysboro. Failure to appear for D.U.I.

7-5-17 Matthew A. Grimes Age 32 of Royalton. Failure to appear on traffic charges.

7-5-17 Chase A. Morgan Age 28 of Johnston City. Methamphetamine Manufacturing.

The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff Don Jones

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, Slider

Search continues for missing man from Karnak, IL

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.kfvs12.com/story/35763517/search-continues-for-missing-man-from-karnak-il

GRAND CHAIN, IL  –  (Jasmine Adams, KFVS-TV.  Please click for the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Search crews will resume their search on the Ohio River for a man from Karnak, Illinois who went missing on June 25.

According to a family member, Shawn Neill, 42, went camping Saturday night on June 24 behind the Grand Chain Lodge.

The last time anyone saw Neill was on Sunday afternoon, June 25, between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

They said he stopped by his mom’s house the next afternoon for dinner and went back to his camping location after visiting with his parents.

The family member said he went back and forth between the camp site to his parent’s house on an ATV.

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Marginal risk of severe thunderstorms today

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

There is a marginal risk (level one of five) for severe thunderstorms for Southern Illinois, mainly for the afternoon and evening hours.

There is a line of intense, but non severe storms, that extends from the Quincy area, all the way back to Jefferson City, MO.  If these stay together, the could possibly intensify in the heat of the day.

There might be some pop up storms intensify to severe levels.  To me it looks like an event in which there might be a couple of warnings issued.  As of now, this will not be an organized severe weather event.

If you are traveling east, the threat for severe weather is greater in the Evansville area, and for the counties along the Wabash river as well.

After this passes t0day, we should have a nice weekend with highs in the mid to upper 80’s with storm chances increasing Tuesday through Thursday.

Here is the Hazardous Weather Outlook for the National Weather Service of Paducah, KY.

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern
Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast
Missouri.

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms will be possible later this
afternoon and this evening. An isolated severe storm or two
cannot be ruled out. Damaging wind gusts and hail would be the
main concerns.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Saturday through Thursday

Isolated to scattered thunderstorm will be possible Tuesday
through Thursday. The main hazards with any storms would be
dangerous lightning and heavy rain. An isolated strong to severe
storm cannot be ruled out, especially during the heat of the day.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

Spotter activation cannot be ruled out today, mainly over
southwest Indiana and northwest Kentucky.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, Slider

Dale Fowler statement on income tax increase

July 6, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release from Senator Dale Fowler

State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) offered the following comments after the Illinois Senate passed a spending plan for Fiscal Year 2018 and a tax increase on July 4.

“Southern Illinois can’t afford another tax increase, our region is already suffering from an exodus of residents to Indiana, Kentucky, or Missouri or other points across the nation. I made a promise to my constituents, that I would oppose tax increases if they were not coupled with reforms to make Illinois more competitive, Fowler said. “To lend my support for another tax increase without the assurances that it would be applied to the state’s $14.7 billion backlog, would be irresponsible. It is a shame that the legislative majorities backed away from any meaningful reforms and decided to instead proceed with a tax package which endangers our already fragile Illinois economy.”  State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) offered the following comments after the Illinois Senate passed a spending plan for Fiscal Year 2018 and a tax increase on July 4. “Southern Illinois can’t afford another tax increase, our region is already suffering from an exodus of residents to Indiana, Kentucky, or Missouri or other points across the nation. I made a promise to my constituents, that I would oppose tax increases if they were not coupled with reforms to make Illinois more competitive, Fowler said. “To lend my support for another tax increase without the assurances that it would be applied to the state’s $14.7 billion backlog, would be irresponsible. It is a shame that the legislative majorities backed away from any meaningful reforms and decided to instead proceed with a tax package which endangers our already fragile Illinois economy.”

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News, State News
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