INA, Ill. – Brush up on your trivia and fast facts for Rend Lake College’s first Trivia Night, set for Thursday, April 12 at the RLC Rec. The event is a fundraiser for updates in the college’s Learning Resource Center (LRC).

The night of fun, friendly competition will begin at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m. Teams with a minimum of three people and a maximum of eight people are encouraged to choose a theme and decorate their table. Teams may also bring in snacks and beverages for the evening’s event.

Questions will vary from many different categories, including pop culture, current events, history, movies, music, sports, and politics. The winners of the Trivia Night will receive a cash prize. A 50/50 drawing will also be available.

Teams cost $10 per person. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. No alcohol is allowed on campus. To RSVP for a team, contact the LRC by Thursday, April 5 at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1308. More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page.

 

INA, Ill. – A magnificently macabre musical comedy “The Addams Family” is set to hit the Rend Lake College stage next month featuring an iconic “creepy and kooky, mysterious and spooky” American family. The cast and crew of the 2018 Spring Musical are working hard for opening night, set for 7 p.m. Thursday, April 5, with evening shows at 7 p.m. Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7, and a matinee final show at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 8.

“The Addams Family” is based on characters created by Charles Addams with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. This original story, written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, focuses on Wednesday Addams who has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – quite the opposite from the Addams family. The musical escalates to a dinner party where everything changes for both families.

 

The cast of RLC’s 2018 Spring Musical “The Addams Family.”

Taking the lead role of Wednesday Addams next month is Emeri-Jean Farnum of Benton in her second production at RLC. Farnum, a self-proclaimed “happy-go-lucky, always smiling” student, said Wednesday’s character has been a challenge to portray.

“Wednesday has a complete opposite personality from mine, so it’ll be exciting to take on a darker, more intimidating character. Wednesday is dark, straight-faced, and loves to torture anyone who will let her. I did go into the audition hoping to land Wednesday, and I can’t wait to do her justice,” said Farnum. “The Addams Family, while not quite the same as the story most people remember, is still very reminiscent of the older series. The characters are essentially the same personality-wise, but you get the added dynamic of Wednesday being in love.”

Last spring, Farnum filled the shoes of a character very similar to herself – Glinda the Good Witch in the musical “The Wizard of Oz.” Outside of theatre, she’s interested in all things music as a percussionist, vocalist, and pianist. The RLC music education major said music is at the core of nearly everything she does.

“I love to perform and teach in any capacity. I play piano and sing for my church, compose, and teach a few students outside of school,” said Farnum. “I thank God for blessing me with the talents that He has given me and allowing me to use them to their fullest extent.”

When it comes to next month’s shows, Farnum said she’s looking forward to bringing the music to life with her fellow cast members.

“I think my favorite part of the musical so far is the music. It’s a difficult thing to sing, but so fun and upbeat. I cannot wait to perform a wonderful show with my dearest friends,” said Farnum. “This musical is jam-packed with hilarious one-liners and exciting music that’s perfect for the whole family.”

Playing the part of Wednesday’s boyfriend Lucas Beineke will be Parker Robbins of Sesser making his debut performance on RLC’s stage. Unlike Farnum, Robbins said the role of Lucas is right up his alley.

“Lucas is a small town boy from Ohio who is very ambitious and wants more for his life. I’m a small town boy from Illinois who is very ambitious and wants more for his life. I relate to Lucas so much it’s almost creepy,” said Robbins. “I’m very excited to finally be in a theatre production. I know it will be challenging and time consuming, but God gave me this opportunity to bring joy to people, so that’s what I’m going to do.”

Though it’s his first production, Robbins is no stranger to RLC’s stage as he performs with the college’s Concert Band and Choir. He’s also looking forward to bringing “The Addams Family” music to life during the comedic show.

“My favorite part of this musical has to be the song ‘Crazier than You.’ It is very up-tempo and I love how it ends in a harmonious quartet,” said Robbins. “Come watch a funny show about family, love, and a little mischief.”

When it comes to the Addams family, one of the most memorable characters is Wednesday’s stern mother Morticia. Next month, Alexandria Kubiak of Ashley will take on this aloof role in her second RLC production.

Kubiak, a vocal performance major and RLC volleyball athlete, first took to RLC’s stage last spring as an Ozian, tree and fairy in the musical “The Wizard of Oz.” This year, she went into auditions hoping for something a little more nostalgic.

“I went into the audition hoping to get the role of Morticia. I am really excited to play Morticia because I love her demeanor and dry humor. She has always been one of my favorite Addams from the old shows and movies,” said Kubiak. “I think I relate to my character well. I am known for being a little pessimistic and serious. I rarely smile, which sounds bad, but I am just quiet and shy in public. Going a little bit deeper, Morticia is laid-back and not very active until someone threatens her family. She does anything to protect them, which I really relate to myself.”

Outside of theatre, Kubiak loves to do anything involving music or spending time with her family and friends. After graduating this spring, she plans to transfer to Maryville University to pursue a degree in music therapy. She said she hopes the audience enjoys the performances as much as she does.

“Many people know of the Addams Family shows and movies, but not very many people know there is a musical. The storyline is so fun and dark. The musical is filled with so much unexpected humor and I think it would appeal to a wide variety of ages. The music is wonderful and the cast is filled with an abundant amount of talent,” said Kubiak. “I personally love any scenes that include all the members of the Addams’ family, or even the whole cast. It is so amazing to be surrounded by all of these talented cast members.”

Another popular character from the original cartoon is the bald-headed and electrifying Uncle Fester who will be portrayed by Mt. Vernon’s Zion McMillan. Much like his character, McMillan is full of comedic relief and is excited to take the stage for his second production.

“I am excited to wear a bald cap,” joked McMillan. “I am willing to take any role that the director thinks is the best fit for me. Hopefully the crowd loves me as Fester. It’ll be challenging for me because, at first, I didn’t really grasp his character and it’s a type of character I’ve never played before.”

Last fall, McMillan played a very different part on RLC’s stage as Prince Rupert in the play “The Sleeping Beauty of Loreland.” The RLC music performance major said outside of the theatre, he enjoys modelling and sleeping. Overall, he said he’s looking forward to his solo, “The Moon and Me,” and having fun with the rest of the cast and crew on opening night.

“I want to thank the whole cast and crew for their hard work. I am proud of all of you. Also, thanks to my family for supporting me,” said McMillan. “Come and watch a story that could change the way you look at young love.”

Joining Farnum, Kubiak, McMillan and Robbins on stage are 19 actors ranging from college students to middle schoolers. They are:

• Alex Brue (Chandlerville) as Grandma
• Seth Ellis (Mt. Vernon) as Mal Beineke
• Taylor Frank (Valier) as an Ancestor, Alice Beineke understudy
• Kailey Greer (Pinckneyville) as an Ancestor
• Shayne Kempfer (Coulterville) as an Ancestor
• Melina Launay (Mt. Vernon) as Alice Beineke
• Nealia Lewis (Waltonville) as an Ancestor
• Matthew Loucks (Sesser) as Gomez Addams
• Jon Mandrell (West Frankfort) as Pugsley Addams, an Ancestor
• Adrianna Maxwell (Macedonia) as an Ancestor
• Ariel Moore (Mt. Vernon) as an Ancestor
• Bailey Palmer (Herrin) as an Ancestor, Wednesday Addams understudy
• Benjamin Payne (Bonnie) as an Ancestor
• Lucy Rains (Mt. Vernon) as an Ancestor
• Riley Rogers (Wayne City) as Pugsley Addams, an Ancestor
• Maggie Sanders (Pinckneyville) as an Ancestor
• Cade Shadowens (Benton) as an Ancestor
• Celia Summers (Macedonia) as an Ancestor
• Madison Webb (Dahlgren) as an Ancestor, Morticia Addams understudy

Tickets will be on sale Monday, March 19 for “The Addams Family” and cost $12 each. Contact the Box office to reserve a seat at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1467. The show is rated PG (parental guidance). Showtimes are 7 p.m. Thursday, April 5 through Saturday, April 7 and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 8, all in the RLC Theatre.

INA, Ill. – The rosters are set for the 40th Annual Benton Lions Club All-Star Basketball Classic, Friday night at Rend Lake College’s James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium. The girls’ game will tip-off first at 6 p.m., followed by the boys’ game at 8 p.m.

The event features the best in boys’ and girls’ high school basketball from the area. The price of admission is only $5 for adults and $3 for students. A dunk contest will take place in between games and three-point shoot-outs will happen at halftime of each game. MVP awards will be presented at the conclusion of each game.

Boys Game

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Boys Gold Team (Home)

Coaches: Eric Griffin (Meridian)

Roster:

15	Ja`Quan	Jones	Meridian
20	Darnell	Lowe	Meridian
25	Demond	Vasser	Meridian
35	Isaiah	Thompson	Massac Co.
12	Blake	Drue	Harrisburg
24	Cason	Hight	Century
11	J. C.	Moll	Pinckneyville
30	Grant	Jausel	Pinckneyville
25	Jeremy	House	Murphysboro
23	Jaron	Gaston	Murphysboro
10	Bronson	Nesler	Herrin
50	Jayden	Lewis	Fairfield
20	Gavin	Arnhart-Powell	Egyptian
15	Kaleb	Cox	Joppa
3	Levi	Vinson	Crab Orchard
5	Justin	Johnson	Carterville
35	Keagan	Thrash	West Frankfort
13	Justin	Saddoris	Marion
14	Matt	Rubenacker	Hamilton Co.
23	Damond	Crosby	Salem

Boys Purple Team (Away)

Coaches: Matt Morgan (Zeigler-Royalton) & Pete Gordon (Thompsonville)

Roster: 

10	Lukas	Gunter	Sesser-Valier
23	Preston	Launius	Sesser-Valier
43	Addison	Page	Sesser-Valier
30	Marcus	Davis	Century
20	Charles	Neal	Webber
14	Dylan	Stratton	Webber
20	Jake	Parr	Anna-Jonesboro
3	Sheldon	McGrath	Anna-Jonesboro
23	Isaiah	Saulsberry	Harrisburg
41	Braden	Attebury	Eldorado
11	Peyton	Massey	Goreville
23	Tanner	Dunn	Goreville
42	Kobi	Dagg	Fairfield
25	Ben	Mitchell	Galatia
15	Austin	Stevens	Galatia
12	Jaxon	King	Wayne
44	Jared	Meyerhoff	Trico
41	Cord	Brown	Salem
20	Dawson	Linder	Salem
12	Jake	Whipple	Hamilton

Girls Game

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Girls Gold Team (Home)

Coaches:Doug Althoff (Nashville)

Roster:

15	Rachel	Kell	Nashville
3	Paige	Kasten	Nashville
44	Karly	Stanowski	Nashville
11	Meridith	Flamm	Cobden
30	Lindsey	Holhubner	Vienna
12	Lotte	Miller	Harrisburg
32	Kayla	Walker	Murphysboro
35	Paige	Tucker	Sesser-Valier-Waltonville
34	Lauren	Coakley	Massac
24	Jada	Hale	Sesser-Valier-Waltonville
10	Megan	Beery	West
15	Brooke	Wilderman	Sesser-Valier-Waltonville
4	Katherine	Drone	Hamilton

Girls Purple Team (Away)

Coaches: Jerry Johnson (Meridian) & Keyth Blissett (Meridian)

Roster: 

1	Alexis	Crain	Meridian
4	Ra`Kyah	Jeter	Meridian
20	Cymone	Ballard	Meridian
32	Ra`Keya	Jeter	Meridian
23	Grace	Haney	DuQuoin
21	Jessica	Hopson	Harrisburg
22	Abby	Bayer	Marion
11	Madison	Russell	Herrin
12	Marissa	Russell	Herrin
41	Lucille	Smith	Wayne
34	Taylor	Thompson	Mt.
4	Savannah	Childers	Mt.
11	Arie	Ciganovich	Murphysboro

Information submitted by Benton Lion’s Club. For more information, please call 618-435-5555. 

On March 26, 2018 at approximately 5:00 p.m. the Benton Police Department responded to a report of a burglary to motor vehicle in the 200 block of McFall Street.  Officers later tracked down three male juvenile suspects.  Subsequent to an investigation, the three ranging in age from 14 to 15 years of old, were charged with burglary and released to their parents.

 

INA, Ill. – With more and more industries headed online, it only seems fitting that one of Rend Lake College’s recently-revitalized programs also moves in that direction. Starting this fall, RLC’s Office Systems Technology (OFTC) certificate program courses will be offered completely online.

RLC offers three OFTC certificate programs to get graduates prepared for a growing industry. These certificates – Medical Office Assistant, Medical Office Associate, and Office Technologies Assistant – provide options for any student or professional, whether they’re looking to broaden their skillset or make a career change.

Sarah Bilderbeck, OFTC Professor, said the changes were presented to members of the OFTC Advisory Council earlier this year and were welcomed with enthusiasm.

“When we presented these changes to our Advisory Council, they were thrilled about the prospect. We couldn’t be more excited to be able to reach out to students who may have not been able to make this kind of a change in the past,” said Bilderbeck. “Our goal is to provide everything in the OFTC curriculum online to our students.”

The two medical office certificates specifically focus on graduates who want to work in offices in the medical industry, but might not be interested in actual patient care.

The assistant program includes two semesters, or 30 credit hours, of study that includes administrative duties combined with several factors in the medical environment. The associate program is only one semester of 10 credit hours for those looking to immediately join the workforce.

According to the U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical specialists hold approximately 634,400 jobs across the country – most commonly found in physicians’ offices, hospitals, dentists’ offices, and outpatient care centers. Median pay for these individuals is approximately $31,540 or $15.17 per hour. It’s expected to be a rapidly growing industry with the addition of nearly 200,000 jobs by 2026.

Similarly, the two-semester, 30-credit hour Office Technologies Assistant program is designed for those looking for entry-level positions in an office or building setting, or for those interested in a new career path or improving skills. At the end of this program, graduates can also sit for the Microsoft User Certification at RLC.

According to the BLS, there are approximately 3.99 million jobs for office specialists and administrative assistants across the country, with median pay falling around $37,230 or $17.90 per hour. The BLS also states, with increasing use of complex software, job prospects will be available for those will a higher skill set.

Bilderbeck said RLC’s online programs are designed to reach new students who may have barriers keeping them from taking that first step and enrolling.

“Each of these certificates lead right into an associate degree, either the Medical Office Specialist or Office Systems Technology Specialist degrees. It makes these online programs perfect for students who are full-time elsewhere and need a way to get back into school outside of the 9-to-5 workday,” said Bilderbeck.

She continued, “Many of the courses in the associate degree programs are also online, with a few exceptions. Only four or five classes are the difference between the two associate degrees, and many students opt to take them all to graduate with all five of the credentials. It’s the perfect combination.”

The three certificates and two associate degree programs were revamped for the Fall 2016 semester to better align with industry standards and keep graduates competitive in the workplace.

To learn more about these certificate programs, contact Sarah Bilderbeck at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1754 or bilderbeck@rlc.edu.

On March 24, 2018 at approximately 8:30 p.m. Benton Police, while on routine patrol, discovered a vehicle in the ditch at the intersection of Frisco and Bond Street.  Upon investigating, police arrested Courtney R. Garavalia, age 23, of Benton for driving under the influence.  Garavalia was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

INA, Ill. – The 40th Annual Benton Lions Club All-Star Basketball Classic will take place Friday night, March 30, on the hardwood at Rend Lake College’s James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium. The girls’ game will tip-off first at 6 p.m., followed by the boys’ game at 8 p.m. More than 100 players have been invited to participate. A mandatory practice will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 25, at RLC for all athletes planning to play. Rosters will be announced following the practice.

The event features the best in boys’ and girls’ high school basketball from the area. The price of admission is only $5 for adults and $3 for students. A dunk contest will take place in between games and three-point shoot-outs will happen at halftime of each game. MVP awards will be presented at the conclusion of each game.

Boys Coaches: Eric Griffin (Meridian), Matt Morgan (Zeigler-Royalton) & Pete Gordon (Thompsonville)

Girls Coaches:Jerry Johnson (Meridian) & Doug Althoff (Nashville)

Players:

Anna-Jonesboro – Jake Parr, Sheldon McGrath
Anna-Jonesboro Girls – Connor Hadley
Benton — Parker Williams, Gehrig Wynn, Cade Thomas, Hamilton Page
Benton Girls – Ebriessa Casey
Cairo – Damarius Taylor
Carbondale – Darius Beane, Kani Acree
Carbondale Girls – Maddie Doan, Atlexus Green, Amiya Moore, Brianna Simelton, Elixis Richardson
Carlyle – Tyler Siever
Carmi-White Co. – Travis Black, Bryce Northcott, Justin Lamp
Carmi-White Co. Girls – Abby Vaughan
Carterville – Justin Johnson
Centralia – Javon Williams Jr. , John Keeler, Jordan Maines
Century – Casen Hight, Marcus Davis
Chester – Josh & Jake Haberberger
Christopher – Bradley Young, Jared Curry,
Cobden – John Russell
Cobden Girls – Flamm
Crab Orchard – Vinson Stevens
Fairfield – Colby Dagg, Jaden Lewis
DuQuoin Girls – Grace Haney
Egyptian – Gavin Arnhart-Powell
Egyptian Girls – Rileigh Petermichel
Eldorado – Atterbery, Traxler,
Galatia – Austin Stevens, Ben Mitchell
Gallatin Co. Girls – Hailey Chubbs
Goreville – Braden Webb, Tanner Dunn, Peyton Massey
Hamilton Co. – Jake Whipple, Matt Rubenacker
Hamilton Co Girls – Kathrine Drone
Hardin Co. – Jamison Hicks
Harrisburg -Isaiah Salsberry, Blake Drue
Harrisburg Girls – Lotte Miller, Maddie Haskins, Jessica Hopson
Herrin – Nessler
Herrin Girls – Madison Russell, Marissa Russell
Joppa – Kaleb Cox
Marion – Lacey , Fletcher, Sadoris
Massac Co. – Cole Vickers, Isaiah Thompson, Noah Taylor
Massac Co. Girls – Lauren Coakley
Meridian – Darnell Lowe, Ja’quan Jones , Demareon Nicholson and Demond Vasser
Meridian Girls – Alexis Crain, RaKyah Jeter, Cymone Vallard, Rakeya Jeter
Mt. Carmel – Jackson Marcotte
Mt. Vernon – Zach Williams, O’Shea Hardin
Mt. Vernon Girls – Taylor Thompson, Savannah Childers
Murphysboro – Jeremy House, Jaron Gaston
Murphysboro Girls – Arie Ciganovich, Kayla Walker
Nashville Girls – Karly Stanowski, Paige Kasten
Okawville – Luke Hensler
Pinckneyville – J.C .Moll, Grant Jausel
Salem – Demond Crosby, Cord Brown
Sesser-Valier – Lukas Gunter, Joshua Gunter, Preston Launius, Addison Page
Sesser Girls – Paige Tucker, Jaycee Gunter, Jada Hale , Brooke Wilderman
Sesser Girls – Paolina Marlo, Adrianna Fedderke
Trico – Jared Meyerhoff,
Vienna Girls – Holhubner
Wayne City – Jaxon King
Wayne City Girls – Lucille Smith
Webber Township – Charles Neal, Dylan Stratton
West Frankfort – Keagan Rash
West Frankfort Girls – Cali Wright, Megan Beery
Woodlawn – Blake Fewkes
Woodlawn Girls – Alisa Doza , Hannah Espes Breanna Sanders

On March 22, 2018 at approximately 11:15 p.m. Benton police conducted a traffic stop in the 700 Block of East Main street.  The driver, 44 year old Randy A. Pulliam of Benton, was operating a vehicle on a revoked driver’s license.  During the stop, Benton Police K9 “Ranger” alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics in the vehicle.  A subsequent search revealed methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.  Pulliam was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, nnlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and driving on a revoked license.  Pulliam was transported to the Franklin County Jail.

On March 23, 2018 at approximately 1:15 a.m. Benton Police, while conducting a narcotics investigation in the 500 Block of Lawrence Street, found 27 year old Shane M. Tate of Benton to be in possession of methamphetamine.  Tate was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, resisting a peace officer and transported to the Franklin County Jail.

 

 

Rend Lake – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake is announcing that the Rend Lake dam road from the intersection with the Rend City Road on the west to the end of the Spillway bridge on the east, including the spillway bridge, will be closed to all through traffic during the period of April 3 & 4, 2018.

This closure is necessary for routine, scheduled maintenance to take place. During the maintenance, contractors will be utilizing a crane, positioned in the roadway, to replace structures within the outlet works. The main purpose of the outlet works is to maintain a constant, regulated flow of water down the Big Muddy river during times of low lake levels.  Access to the South Marcum Boat Ramp, Spillway Recreation Area, Spillway Dedication Lot, and the Rend Lake Bike Trail will remain open during this time frame. Watch for closure signs at Sugar Creek parking lot and the west entrance to the Rend Lake dam road. The staff of the Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake reminds you to exercise caution when near these areas as construction will be taking place.

Updated information on this project will be posted on the Rend Lake Project Office/Visitor Center Facebook page. For further information, contact the Rend Lake Project Office and Visitor Center at 618-724-2493.