St. Louis police officers and detectives are investigating the crime scene at Busch Stadium early this morning. (Post Dispatch Photo)
Man shot in head on Busch Stadium MetroLink platform amid assault on train, police believe
March 20, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Bost Legislation to Restore Certainty in VA Leadership Passes House
March 18, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Press Release from Congressman Bost’s office
Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representatives Mike Bost’s (R-IL) bipartisan legislation to address the growing problem of Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) medical centers operating without permanent directors passed the House on Friday. The VA Health Center Management Stability and Improvement Act (HR 1131), was adopted as an amendment to VA reform legislation that now moves to the Senate for further consideration.
“No business or organization can successfully operate under a revolving door of short-term leaders – especially not one tasked with caring for America’s heroes,” said Bost. “At a time when restoring accountability and leadership at the VA is a primary focus, we can’t afford to continue operating in this haphazard way. As a veteran myself, it’s my duty to do my part in providing the stability necessary to ensure our veterans receive the care they deserve.”
“I appreciate the support from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in passing this legislation to support our veterans. This is exactly how the legislative process is supposed to work. A problem was identified that affects veterans throughout the United States, a bipartisan legislative solution was proposed, and the legislation was ultimately passed by the House. I encourage my counterparts in the Senate to take up this legislation as soon as possible.”
Please copy and paste link below to play video https://www.facebook.com/RepBost/videos/1641055019255682/
More than 20 VA medical centers nationwide currently lack a permanent director. Some of these facilities have not been staffed by a permanent director in almost two years. In lieu of a permanent director, these facilities have been managed by interim directors who may only serve in that capacity for an average tenure of 120 days. Rep. Bost’s legislation would require the Secretary of the VA to report to Congress with a plan for addressing the shortage of permanent directors, a shortage that could hinder the ability to engage in long-term planning and other functions necessary to improve service delivery to our veterans.
Bost, a member of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, introduced HR 1131 in February with Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA), Rep. Bill Shuster (R-PA), and Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI). The VA Health Center Management Stability and Improvement Act:
- Requires the Secretary of the VA to develop and submit to Congress a plan to hire highly-qualified medical directors for each medical center that lacks a permanent director within 120 days of enactment;
- Identifies possible impediments to staffing facilities with permanent directors; and
- Assesses the possibility of promoting and training qualified candidates from within the VA for promotion to Senior Executive Service positions.
Christopher College Signing Day at RLC brings in 25 Bearcats
March 17, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Pictured is, in alphabetical order, Brooke Akers, Paige Arondelli, Savanah Cobin, Andrew Dunford, Kyle Gares, Luke Garver, Kelsey Hasty, Jena Holden, Noah Huff, Brennen Kelley, Wesley Laxton, Joshua Martin, Derek Mueller, Tyler Nuss, Kaeleb Pedigo, Korteney Prather, Taylor Presutti, Katlyn Reese, Huel Reynolds, Tessa Robertson, Madilyn Severs, Zack Snell, Karlena Tucker, Joshua Underwood, and Alexis Walters.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)
RLC Academic Advisors will visit Hamilton County and Zeigler-Royalton high schools in upcoming weeks to register interested seniors for classes at RLC. Advisors will visit all 13 in-district high schools in the coming weeks.
Registration for Summer 2017 is going on now for all students with classes starting the week of June 5-9. Fall 2017 registration for sophomores begins Monday, April 3 by appointment. For incoming students, Fall 2017 enrollment appointments begin Monday, April 17. The Fall semester begins the week of August 14-18.
According to the U. S. Department of Education, college graduates typically earn more and are less likely to face unemployment than those with a high school diploma. Over the course of a lifetime, the average worker with a postsecondary degree will earn approximately $1 million more than a worker without a postsecondary education. In fact, by 2020, an estimated two-thirds of job openings will require postsecondary education or training.
RLC is a comprehensive community college located in Ina in Southern Illinois. Rend Lake College offers more than 100 associate degree and occupational certificate programs, preparing students for transfer to a four-year university or direct entry into the workforce. In addition, RLC offers personal interest classes, continuing education, business & industry training, computer workshops and much more. To learn more about RLC, visit www.rlc.edu/journey.
ReAnne Palmer – RLC Media Services
Bost Wants “Your Story” on Health Care Reform
March 17, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Washington, DC – U.S. Representative Mike Bost is seeking input from residents of Southern Illinois as Congress moves forward in crafting a health care reform package. He has created a forum at http://bost.house.gov/yourstory for constituents to share their testimonials of how they have been affected by the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare.
“From day one, I have worked to ensure that the voices of all Southern Illinoisans are heard, especially on controversial issues like replacing Obamacare,” said Bost. “That’s why I created this one-stop-shop for constituents to share their real life health care stories with me. Their perspectives, pro or con, will help shape how we deal with these issues in Washington. It’s important that we get health care reform right, and I want to hear from Southern Illinoisans from across the district and across the political spectrum.”
Veterans Honor Flight of Southern Illinois prepares for first flight
March 17, 2017 By Leave a Comment
World War II veteran Robert Casey, who will be participating in the Honor Flight from Southern Illinois in April (WPSD photo)
Severin Passes Moves Helping Paws Legislation Out of the House
March 17, 2017 By Leave a Comment
SPRINGFIELD, IL- Legislation introduced by State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) that would provide additional assistance to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression received unanimous approval from the Illinois House of Representatives on Wednesday, March 15th.
HB 2897 dictates that veterans suffering from PTSD or depression shall be considered eligible to receive a service dog through the Helping Paws Service Dog Program. Currently this program is facilitated by the Department of Corrections where dogs are trained and provided to people with certain disabilities.
“As Illinois’ veterans return home from conflicts abroad, many struggle with the physical, mental, and emotional scars that they carry with them,” Severin said. “Companion animals like service dogs have proven very effective in helping to relieve the symptoms of PTSD and depression. This bill will help us fulfill our obligation to care for our veterans when they return home, while utilizing a highly effective program that is already in existence.”
Severin was gracious for the support the bill received from both sides of the aisle and now looks forward to gaining the support of the Senate.
“I want to thank my colleagues in the House for unanimously for HB 2897 and I am eager to work with members of the Senate to get this bill on the Governor’s desk.”
Trump’s preliminary budget proposal released
March 17, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Franklin County Sheriff’s Department Report 3/15/17
March 16, 2017 By Leave a Comment
Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones released the recent activity of his department yesterday.
- On March 7th. at 10:19 p.m. a traffic stop in Benton led to the arrest of Joshua E. Framberg 28 of Thompsonville for obstructing identification, no valid driver’s license and operating an uninsured vehicle.
- On March 8th. At 4:24 p.m., deputies responded to a traffic crash on Thompsonville road south of Thompsonville. A 2004 Ford Explorer driven by 16 year old Mason S. Spencer of Thompsonville was south bound, when the vehicle went out of control, left the roadway and overturned several times. The driver and a 16 year-old passenger received minor injuries, but refused medical treatment. A second 16 year-old passenger received major injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Abbott EMS. The driver was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash and for driver’s license violations.
- On March 10th. at 9:26 p.m., deputies responded to a traffic crash on Woodbine road north of State Route 14 near Coello. A 2010 Mazda driven by Shirley J. Makowan, 54 of Christopher was south bound, lost control of the vehicle, first striking a guard rail, running off the roadway, then striking a tree. The driver received major injured and was transported to a local hospital by Abbott EMS. The driver was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and failure to wear a seatbelt. The crash is still under investigation as it is believed alcohol was a contributing factor.
- On March 12th. at 4:58 a.m., deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural Benton that resulted in the arrest off Todd E. Tracy, 46 of Benton, for domestic battery and unlawful restraint, a Class 4 felony.
- On March 12th. at 2:53 p.m., a traffic stop in West Frankfort led to the arrest of Jeffery D. Hargett, 55 of Benton and David K. Osburn, 32 of West Frankfort. Both were charged with the possession of methamphetamine. Hargett was also wanted for failure to appear on a small claims case.
- On March 14th an ongoing investigation has led to the arrest of David W. Dixon, 34 of Mulkeytown, Dixon a registered sexual predator was charged with violating the Sex Offender Registration Act.
Warrant Arrests
- On March 7th, Erika Grimes, 28 of Benton, Failure to appear on a possession of methamphetamine charge.
- On March 8th, Aaron Kaminski, 18 of West Frankfort, Failure to appear on a traffic charge.
- On March 9th Savannah Murphy, 24 of Thompsonville, failure to appear in Saline County for criminal damage.
- On March 10th, Ian Fee, 34 of Benton, failure to appear on a traffic charge.
- On March 10th, James Miller, 49 of Murphysboro, failure to appear on traffic charges.
- On March 11th, Clifford McGuire, 35 of Johnston City, failure to appear on a deceptive practice charge.
- On March 12th, David Rosenau, 30 of Benton, failure to appear for domestic battery.
- On March 12th, Mercedes Willis, 21 of West Frankfort, violation of probation.
- On March 14th, Travis Kraus, 28 of West Frankfort, failure to appear on traffic charges.
- On March 15th, Brandon Pickles, 31 of West Frankfort, failure to appear on drug charges.
