INA, Ill.  – Through the extreme generosity of the SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital – Mt. Vernon, Rend Lake College Radiologic Technology and Bio-Medical students will get the opportunity to train on a trifecta of machines that represent the cutting edge in medical imaging.

SSM has donated a Sequoia Ultrasound unit, Shimadzu portable x-ray, and a Ziehm Exposcop 7000 C-Arm, with a total value more than $268,000.

“For our Rad Tech students, they will get some hands-on training with these pieces of equipment that, up until now, they were not introduced to until their clinical rotations began during their second semester. This donation will greatly benefit our students by allowing them to get some hospital experience prior to stepping foot into their clinical rotation,” explained Holly Heisner, Radiologic Technology Program Director.

On-hand to commemorate the donation were (pictured left-to-right): Holly Heisner, Radiology Program Director (RLC); Barry Baughn, Ultrasound Supervisor (GSH); Jenny White, Diagnostic Lead Technician (GSH); Kay Zibby-Damron, Chief Executive Officer, RLC Foundation; David Dykstra, Sr. Diagnostic Imaging Specialist (GSH); Randy Shields, Director of Diagnostic Imaging (GSH).

For their part, SSM said they are proud and grateful of the relationships that have been established with local post-secondary education institutions.

Kay Zibby-Damron, CEO of the Rend Lake College Foundation, was on hand to facilitate the donation.

“Our ability to provide high-quality instruction using state of the art medical technology and equipment is imperative to the success of our students in the healthcare industry. We are very grateful to SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital for this very generous donation and enhancement to our programs,” she expressed.

“With the rising cost of education coupled with decreased state and federal funding, the private support we receive from businesses and individuals throughout our district is critical to maintaining our high standards of instruction. Rend Lake College is very fortunate to have strong community partners like SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital,” said Zibby-Damron.

For more information regarding RLC’s Radiologic Technology Program visit www.rlc.edu/allied-health/radiology-tech or call (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1251.

President Donald Trump’s administration has finalized an exemption allowing for a much cheaper health insurance plan. Advocates and businesses say the affordable choice will lead to more insured but others worry it’s woefully inadequate coverage.

Here’s the link to the story at Illinois News Network.

PEORIA — Gov. Rauner signed legislation today that improves post-secondary education opportunities by allowing high school students to enroll in an unlimited number of dual credit courses in which they can earn both high school and college credits. The courses, whether taken in class or online, must be taught by instructors who are in compliance with the Dual Credit Quality Act.

“This legislation will help give students greater access to higher education,” Rauner said. “Earning college credit in high school may mean completing college in less time and that, in turn, could significantly lessen the financial burden for students and their families. It could also hasten General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) completion and entry to community colleges.”

The new law is another step toward the administration’s objective of improving access to education to help students prepare for the 21^st century economy. Cost is a major deterrent. A 2017 survey by the Institute for Higher Education Policy estimated that 70 percent of U.S. colleges are unaffordable for low- and middle-income families who are unwilling or unable to take out loans.

SB 2527 amends the School Code and prohibits a school board from enacting limits to the number of dual credit courses a student may enroll in or the number of credits a student may receive from dual credit courses, provided the courses are taught by Dual Credit Quality Act-compliant instructors, licensed teachers, or community college professors. With some exceptions, the bill also states that if a school district establishes a dual credit online learning program for students, the school board may not limit which students may participate.

Sen. Chuck Weaver and other proponents of the legislation welcomed the signing of the bill at an event held at Richwoods High School in Peoria.

“Dual credit courses are one of the most cost-effective options for helping students earn a college degree,” said Weaver, R-Peoria. “This new law will help boost degree completion rates and help cut costs for students.”

Dual credit programs allow students to get college credit for courses they take while in high school, reducing the amount of time it takes to get a degree, thus decreasing the cost of higher education. It allows students who face time and financial constraints to complete a program.

Community colleges could see a benefit with increased enrollment and General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) certificate completion. The legislation requires that school boards must have their school district’s high schools inform all 11^th– and 12^th-grade students of  dual enrollment and dual credit opportunities available at public community colleges for qualified students.

Under the new law, students have the ability to complete all of their General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) before graduating high school. Studies reflect that students who attain a certification or a degree are more likely to begin paying off student loans earlier than those who do not finish their programs.

The bill, passed unanimously in both Houses, takes effect Jan. 1, 2019.

The Governor also acted on the following bills:

8-1-18 at 12:45 pm Deputies arrested Samuel L. Williams age 33 of West Frankfort for five counts of forgery that had occurred in Benton during the month of June.

8-4-18 at 6:23 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural West Frankfort. The investigation led to the arrest of Michael S. Wright age 53 of West Frankfort for driving while license revoked.

8-4-18 at 10:58 pm Deputies investigated a complaint related to a domestic dispute that had occurred earlier in rural Royalton. The investigation resulted in the arrest of James B. Grammer age 34 of Mulkeytown for domestic battery.

8-5-18 at 6:11 pm Deputies were notified of an underage gathering in rural Sesser by the Sesser Police. Out of a group of approximately twenty people, six were cited for underage drinking. Addison G. Baxter age 19 of Sesser, Ashley A. Laskowski age 18 of Sesser, Kendra R. Green-Shurtz age 18 of Sesser, Rylie E. Mansker age 19 of DuQuoin, Joshua R. Gunter age 19 of Valier and a 17 year old female from Sesser.

8-7-18 at 1:45 pm Deputies responded to a reported fight at Elsie’s Tavern in Orient. The investigation resulted in two arrests. Donald L. Peavey age 51 of Zeigler and Frederick N. Bowling age 33 of Orient. Both were charged with battery. More arrests are possible.

8-7-18 at 9:40 pm a traffic stop south of West Frankfort resulted in the arrest of Gary N. Rogers age 49 of Thompsonville for felony driving while license revoked.

8-8-18 at 3:11 pm a traffic stop in rural Benton led to the arrest of Ally R. Morris age 18 of West Frankfort for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and driving while license suspended.

8-8-18 at 4:08 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Il. State Highway Rt. 14 at Il. State Highway Rt. 184. A 2006 Toyota driven by Gillian D. Eubanks age 17 of Murphysboro was west bound on Rt. 14, negotiating a left turn (south) onto Rt. 184 and turned into the path of a 2011 Lexus that was east bound on Rt. 14. The Lexus was driven by Pamela M. Pearson age 60 of Marion. There were no injuries and Eubanks was ticketed for failure to yield right of way.

8-9-18 at 4:41 am Deputies responded to s single vehicle traffic crash on South McLeansboro St. at Spring Pond Road in rural Benton. A 2013 Chevrolet Silverado Pick-Up was north bound and failed to negotiate a left turn and continued straight through a ditch, into a wooded area striking a tree. The truck was driven by Zackary M. Holder age 22 of West Frankfort. Holder was not injured and was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

8-10-18 at 9:36 am Deputies responded to a request from the Corps of Engineers to investigate a suspicious vehicle in the South Marcum Campground of Rend Lake. The investigation led to the arrest of Paul E. Ray age 35 of Benton and Rachel D. Ray age 32 of Benton for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

8-10-18 investigators have located a Black 2015 Dodge Ram Pick-Up Truck and its driver believed to have been involved in the fatal hit and run crash last Saturday morning, August 4th. The investigation is continuing and more information will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. No charges have been files at this time.

WARRANT ARRESTS

8-3-18 Marranda K. Booten age 27 of Marion. Failure to appear on a theft charge.

8-7-18 Jeremy J. Jackson age 29 of Benton. Solicitation of a sex act.

8-11-18 Jerry L. Murray age 32 of Harrisburg. Retail theft.

8-9-18 Tabitha L. Brown age 30 of Christopher. Failure to appear for retail theft.

8-10-18 Robert W. Key age 45 of Buckner has been arrested and charged with a violation of the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Statue. He is being held in the Franklin County Jail in lieu of $50,000.00 bond.

8-10-18 Levi V. Vinson age 18 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for aggravated driving under the influence.

REND LAKE FISHING REPORT

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Phone (618) 724-2493
Fax (618) 724-4089
e-mail : rendinfo@usace.army.mil
Web site http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/rend
“Like” us on Facebook at Rend Lake Project Office/Visitor Center

MAIN LAKE AND TRIBUTARIES

SPECIES RATING BAIT OF CHOICE SUGGESTED LOCATIONS REGULATIONS

LARGEMOUTH BASS
Fair Minnows, spinner baits, worms, and black and blue jigs, soft plastics. Reports of fish being caught around Jackie Branch, Sandusky Cove, and South Marcum Cove. Fish in shallow bays near brush cover and bushes. Fish around bridges and along the rocks. 14” minimum length limit, 6 daily creel limit.
1 fish daily creel limit in PONDS 14” minimum length.

CRAPPIE

Good Small or medium minnows on a cork over the brush.
Quarter-ounce pink and white tub jigs.
The Crappie are suspended on the brush in the 8ft -12ft range. From shore, fish near structures, hot spots are Sailboat Harbor, and North & South Marcum. Some brush piles are holding lots of fish, keep moving and you will find the right spot. Try the main lake drop off areas. 25 fish daily creel limit with no more than 10 fish 10 inches or longer

BLUEGILL

Fair Small jigs, worms, meal worms, wax worms, crickets. From shore try Sailboat Harbor and Mine 21 Road. Fish shallow with crickets, worms or small jigs. Set bait at half of water depth. Fish in the back of necks and on flat shallow banks and on the rocks. 10 fish daily creel limit in PONDS.

CHANNEL
CATFISH

Good Garlic shrimp, leeches, cut shad, dip bait, and night crawlers. Try garlic shrimp in moving water. Drift fish near the creek channels on the main lake. Also, try Waltonville Dam, Turnip Patch, and Jackie Branch as well. Creeks are doing well. 6 fish daily creel limit in PONDS.
Jugs must be attended at all times while fishing.

WHITE BASS
Good Rooster Tails and spoons.
In-line spinners, jig and curly tail grubs. Reports of fish being caught anywhere the shad are moving. Try the main lake points first. Fish around the rocks and drop-offs, near brush cover / bushes. 20 fish creel limit.
No more than 3 fish 17” or longer daily

Information as of: 08/10/2018
LAKE LEVEL: 406.06 AVERAGE POOL FOR THIS DATE: 406.29 WATER TEMP: 81°F
Use of a minnow seine, cast net, or shad scoop for bait collecting within 1000 yards downstream of the Rend Lake dam and spillway is prohibited.
Maps of the Fish Attractor tree locations along with GPS locations are available at the Rend Lake Corps of Engineers Project Office or online at www.enjoyrend.com. Contact Mark Cazier for more information at (618) 724-2493.

House Bill 4897 gives brewers more freedom to sell, purchase, store beer and cider

 

NORMAL — Gov. Bruce Rauner today signed legislation that makes it possible for Illinois brewers to serve a greater selection of beers at their own taprooms, giving smaller breweries new opportunities to expand their businesses without having to open new locations. The new law will also let brewers buy and sell ciders for the first time.

“This legislation removes antiquated regulatory barriers that have stifled the growth of smaller craft brewers and limited beverage choices for consumers who visit their taprooms,” Rauner said. “Craft beer production is a growth industry in our state and this will help ensure its continued success.”

Included in the legislation is an allowance for Illinois brewers to sell their own beer to other Illinois breweries, which will then be able to sell the purchased beer directly to customers in their taprooms, and to purchase cider for selling in their taprooms.

The Brewer Warehouse Permit created by HB 4897 will allow small and growing breweries to expand their operations by using warehousing and storage facilities instead of opening second locations or moving to larger spaces. The permit will allow for Class 1 and Class 2 Brewers to transfer and store, at an off-site warehouse within 80 miles, as much as 930,000 and 3.72 million gallons, respectively, of beer that the brewery manufactured.

Prior to this bill, brewers were restricted from any of the above by outdated regulations set forth by the Liquor Control Act of 1934. In addition to being unnecessary to ensure safe liquor consumption, the controls also created a barrier to market entry for small businesses and protected established businesses from competition.

“The craft brewing industry is growing every year across Illinois with wonderful, unique beers for consumers to enjoy in all regions of our state,” said Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield. “These changes help ensure everyone can continue to explore and learn about our local breweries and support our local small businesses.”

“This law is a step toward a stronger free market economy. It gives greater lift and encouragement to the entrepreneurs in our state,” said Sen. Barickman. “It makes it easier for Illinois’ craft brewers to market their products and do business in Illinois. Smaller and growing breweries will have a better chance at succeeding-knowing they can expand their operations and reach without as many limitations.”

“Today represents an important step toward strengthening and growing the Illinois craft beer industry,” said Danielle D’Alessandro, executive director for the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild. “HB 4897 not only enables our state’s taprooms to offer a more diverse selection of guest beer and cider, but it also eliminates product transfer and storage barriers that were cumbersome for our members. We’re grateful for the support of Governor Rauner and all those who made this legislation a priority.”

“There is a tremendous sense of community among Illinois craft breweries,” said Matt Potts, founder, CEO, and brewmaster at DESTIHL in Normal, Ill. “This law allows our breweries to tap into that community even more, promoting collaboration, selling one another’s craft beer, and giving our patrons more of what they want.”

The new law is effective immediately. Proponents of the legislation include the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, Illinois Restaurant Association, numerous craft brewers and the Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois.

INA, Ill.  – Beginning this fall, Rend Lake College students enrolled in four popular programs will have a new opportunity to receive paid on-the-job training while completing their desired degree or certificate.

These apprenticeships, offered through the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Office of Apprenticeship, are geared toward students enrolled in the Industrial Maintenance Technology, Basic Machining Technology, Truck Driver Training, or Welding Technology programs, with additional program options in the works. Each apprentice will have the chance to team up with local industry businesses and mentors for the trainings.

Bruce A.L. Hallam, USDOL Apprenticeship & Training Representative, FOURTH FROM LEFT, visited RLC this week to meet with program faculty and administrators to discuss the new partnership between the college and USDOL. Also pictured is, FROM LEFT, Pete Wilce, RLC Welding Associate Professor; Joy Fitts, RLC Applied Science & Technology Administrative Assistant; Lori Ragland, RLC Vice President of Instruction; Hallam; Terry Wilkerson, RLC President; Gabriele Farner, RLC Dean of Applied Science & Technology Division; David Nordin, RLC Truck Driver Training Instructor; Mike Meinert, RLC Welding Instructor; and Chris Sink, RLC Computer Networking / Wireless Professor.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

The goal of the new apprenticeships is to meet student and industry needs for continuous training in high level skill jobs. Together with the USDOL, RLC has adopted apprenticeship standards for each of the four programs.

“It’s important to our business partners that our students and graduates are skilled professionals, but are also familiar with the everyday aspects of their job that may not be taught in the classroom, such as company and customer orientation and specific workplace safety,” said Gabriele Farner, RLC Dean of Applied Science & Technology.

Some other work processes covered in the apprenticeships include planning and organizing work, maintaining operating equipment, operability of technical systems, and quality control.

During the apprenticeship, RLC students will complete approximately 2,000 hours, depending on industry standards, of hands-on training while receiving related training instruction (RTI) at RLC. Apprentices are paid wages that will increase throughout the apprenticeship.

Farner said RLC students should look at the apprenticeships as opportunities to get a leg up in the local work force.

“The apprenticeship is a practical, cost-effective way to expose our students to the industries where they are interested in working,” said Farner. “It’s a win for everyone involved. Students receive hands-on training from skilled mentors while earning incomes above minimum wage, local businesses get to work directly with new professionals, and RLC continues to lead students and graduates down a path they desire to walk.”

Students successfully completing the required RTI and on-the-job learning will receive the national occupational credential in their related field from the USDOL. According to the USDOL, receipt of this credential indicates the employer is certifying the apprentice to be fully skilled in their respective occupation.

To learn more about these apprenticeship programs, contact RLC’s Applied Science & Technology Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1261 or AppliedScience@rlc.edu.

INA, Ill. – Cross everything off your “to-do” list for the Fall 2018 semester during extended hours and Super Saturday at Rend Lake College in the following weeks. Students will be able to register for classes, pick up textbooks, take a photo for their Student ID, and much more.

For students needing to visit campus on the weekend, staff will be on-hand during Super Saturday from noon – 2 p.m. Aug. 18. Placement testing will be offered on Super Saturday, and those interested in testing should arrive in the Academic Advisement Center by noon.

RLC will continue to offer 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. extended hours Monday-Thursday next week and the first week of classes: Aug. 13-16 and Aug. 20-23 respectively. The college will also be open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Fridays, Aug. 17 and Aug. 24. Classes begin Monday, Aug. 20.

Henry “Buster” Leeck, RLC Dean of Liberal Arts, LEFT, leads a group of incoming students on a tour of campus last week. Students have extended office hours and Super Saturday to enroll before the Fall 2018 semester.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

Staff in the Academic Advisement Center, Business Office, Financial Aid Office, Student Records, and RLC Bookstore will stay open late to accommodate all students. The offices are located in the Administration Building on the Ina campus and the Bookstore is on the first floor of the Academic Building.

Students will need to make sure they have financial aid for the fall semester before registering for classes. Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Those who do not have financial aid will need to make a payment the same day they register to remain enrolled.

No appointments are necessary for Super Saturday or during extended hours. Walk-in students will be assisted on a first come, first serve basis. Additional information is available by contacting the RLC Academic Advisement Center at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1266, or by sending an e-mail to advising@rlc.edu. Students can also visit www.rlc.edu to see the fall course schedule.

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner blamed Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Thursday for the city’s gun violence, saying the mayor has “failed horribly” on public safety after gunfire last weekend injured more than 70 people and killed at least 11.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.