Deadlines approach to apply for RLC nursing program

March 17, 2018 By Leave a Comment

INA, Ill. – Deadlines are rapidly approaching to complete the test needed to enter Rend Lake College’s Associate Degree Nursing Program. As part of the program’s application process, interested students are required to complete the PSB Aptitude for Practical Nursing Exam.

The exam must be completed and submitted with the rest of the Nursing Program materials before the April 1 program’s fall semester deadline. That means that only a few select dates are left to complete the PSB Exam before the cutoff.

Currently, there are available testing slots at 9 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 21; at 9 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 27; or at 9 a.m. Thursday, March 29.

The PSB Test is a five-part computerized exam that will take an estimated 2.5 hours to complete.

To schedule a test, interested individuals must register at least 24 hours in advance in person by visiting the Administration Building, Room 116. The cost of the test is $30. Scores will be available the day of the test.

On the day of the test, students are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes in advance with a valid student ID or driver’s license.

RLC’s Nursing Program is designed to provide a career mobility path for individuals interested in health care. The curriculum is a concept-based method of instruction emphasizing critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, clinical reasoning and nursing judgment. Graduates will be prepared to practice professional nursing in a variety of health care settings.

Anyone seeking more information on Nursing, or any other of RLC’s Allied Health options, can visit www.rlc.edu/allied-health for more information or contact the Director of Nursing at 618-437-5321 Ext. 1706 or the Allied Health Department at Ext. 1251.

Those with questions regarding the PSB Exam are encouraged to contact the RLC Testing Center at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1268.

Filed Under: Breaking News

Benton police make arrest

March 17, 2018 By Leave a Comment

On March 15, 2018 Benton Police were dispatched to the Dollar General Store on East Main Street in reference to a retail theft.  Upon investigating, police arrested Nathaniel S. Casey, age 29, of Benton for felony retail theft and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.  Casey was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

Filed Under: Breaking News

Fourteen at NCOE commit to RLC on college signing day

March 16, 2018 By Leave a Comment

INA, Ill. – Fourteen Norris City-Omaha-Enfield (NCOE) seniors officially became Rend Lake College students today during College Signing Days. RLC Advisors met with the students to pass along important information, answer questions, and enroll students into summer and fall classes.

Registration for Summer and Fall 2018 classes at RLC is going on now. Classes start the week of June 4-8 for the summer semester and during the week of August 20-24 for the fall semester. Contact RLC’s Academic Advisement Center at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1266 to schedule an appointment for summer or fall registration.

NCOE CSD2018WPictured is, FRONT ROW, FROM LEFT, Riley Price, Ally Black, Ashton Healy, Alli Blair, and Alexis Jones; BACK ROW, Evan Healy, Jeb Baumgart, Treylen Veach, Dustin Niehaus, Mike Brown, Noah Floyd, and Alex Mendoza. Not pictured is Wyatt Dillinger and Tiffany Smith. Click on the image for a larger view.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

In April, Academic Advisors will visit Christopher, Mt. Vernon, Pinckneyville, Waltonville, Wayne City, and Zeigler-Royalton high schools to speak with students. In total, Advisors will travel to all 13 in-district high school campuses this spring to meet one-on-one with students and help them prepare for their first semester of college life.

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 college 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. To learn more about RLC, visit www.rlc.edu/journey.

Filed Under: Breaking News

RLC Culinary cooks up something special for Showcase

March 16, 2018 By Leave a Comment
INA, Ill.- An extensive menu has been announced for the upcoming Rend Lake College Culinary Arts Showcase, the annual student-run restaurant that has met with rave reviews. The theme of the menu is “the new twist on old classics,” an attempt to look at traditional dishes and ingredients in a new and experimental light.

The Culinary Arts Showcase is an event that resembles a fine dining restaurant run by RLC Culinary Arts students enrolled in the Restaurant Management course. Using the bi-level kitchen and dining area in the Student Center on the Ina campus, students work in a variety of roles, ranging from executive chef, sous chef, server, runner, Maitre D’, and many more to get hands-on experience in all aspects of the restaurant business.

The Showcase will be open and taking reservations for 5, 5:30, 6 and 6:30 p.m., on Thursdays and Fridays between March 23 and May 4, with the exception of Good Friday, March 30.

Guests can begin making reservations now for up to six diners for dates two weeks in advance of the date they wish to attend. In addition to this pre-registration, guests will also be required to pre-pay for their reservation at $25 per ticket.

To do so, contact or visit RLC’s Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714. Their office is located upstairs in the Student Center, Ina campus.

Guests will have a choice of:

Appetizers

Kentucky Hot Brown Bruschetta: Bacon and roast turkey on lightly toasted French bread and covered in cheese sauce.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Meatball: Chicken meatball stuffed with Swiss cheese and ham.

Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuffed mushrooms topped with parmesan cheese.

Soup or Salad

Turkey Potpie: Creamy chicken soup with peas and carrots.

Soup du Jour: See the server for the soup of the day.

Wilted Spinach Salad: Baby spinach with eggs, mushroom, red onions topped with warm bacon vinaigrette and croutons.

Cobb Salad: Fresh romaine lettuce with tomatoes, avocado and green onion topped with blue cheese dressing.

(Ranch dressing or vinegar and oil available upon request)

Entrees

Osso Buco: Braised veal shank in espagnole sauce. Served with a loaded baked potato and green bean bundles.

Bourbon pecan chicken: Pan fried chicken breast crusted in pecans served with a bourbon beurre blanc sauce. Served with a baked sweet potato and green bean bundles.

Orange glazed ribs: Pork ribs glazed in an orange sauce. Served with Slaw and baked beans.

Pork tenderloin: Gently roasted loin with a lemon basil cream sauce. Served with Buffalo cauliflower and herb mashed potatoes.

Chicken and Veggie Alfredo: Fettuccine noodles with Alfredo sauce topped with sliced deep fried chicken breast or deep fried vegetables your choice.

Salmon Cakes: Lightly seasoned salmon patty served with Duck fat fried potatoes and glazed carrots.

Desserts

See the server for available desserts

Filed Under: Breaking News

Toys R Us tells workers it will liquidate and sell or close all stores

March 14, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Reuters News Service

Toys R Us told employees Wednesday that it is planning to sell or close all of its U.S. stores, and that it will file liquidation papers this evening in advance of a court hearing scheduled for Thursday afternoon.

The company confirmed a Wall Street Journal report that Chief Executive Dave Brandon had shared the news with employees in a conference call. A spokeswoman for Toys R Us told The Record that Brandon told employees it was a sad day and that customers and others would be sad to see the brand disappear.

The decision to liquidate the company might not be the final chapter if a buyer surfaces who wants to buy some of the stores and operate them as an ongoing business. Many in the toy business believe there is room for a smaller version of Toys R Us.

Please click on the link from Joan Verdon and Charisse Jones, The (Bergen County, N.J.) Record and USA TODAY
 https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2018/03/14/toys-r-us-told-employees-wednesday-planning-sell-close-all-its-u-s-stores-and-file-liquidation-paper/426292002/
Filed Under: Breaking News, National News

Student housing to be consolidated on West Side of SIU Campus

March 14, 2018 By Leave a Comment

 

Schnider Hall, (SIU News Service Photo)

From SIU News Service 

CARBONDALE – SIU Carbondale will bring students together in residence halls on the west side of campus this fall in order to increase student engagement, according to SIU Chancellor Carlo Montemago.

Currently, the campus has two major housing areas: the “towers,” which consists of two currently open high-rise residence halls, and a number of smaller, three-story residence halls on the west side of campus called Thompson Point.

“By bringing students together in Thompson Point, we can continue to build a tightly knit, engaged community,” Montemagno said. “It will also increase traffic to our Student Center, which should be a centerpiece of campus life.”

Building engagement with closer-knit communities

Montemagno acknowledged that enrollment declines make the move possible but says that the change is driven primarily by efforts to build engagement and enhance retention.

“As we rebuild enrollment in the years ahead, we will always have the option of having students on both sides of campus again,” he said. “For now, we can best serve students by making sure that they are part of a vibrant and active community.”

Jon Shaffer, director of University Housing, said the move will also create efficiencies that will help the university minimize future room and board costs for students.

“We can effectively serve students in one dining hall instead of two, for example,” he said.

Commitment to living-learning communities remains

Shaffer said that new students who have signed housing contracts for fall will not be affected, since they have not yet been assigned rooms. About 500 to 600 returning students have already selected rooms for the fall, and the housing office will reach out to them to work through changes.

He said the move will also affect the location of living-learning communities for students who share similar majors or interests. Currently, there are communities on both sides of the campus.

“We are continuing to grow the number of living-learning communities on campus,” Shaffer said. “While the location may change, our commitment remains the same.”

University Hall, campus apartments will remain open

In addition to the residence halls on the west side of campus, the university will continue to offer housing at University Hall, Wall and Grand Apartments and Evergreen Terrace.

The Gathering Place Snack Shop, currently housed in Grinnell Hall, will move to University Hall.

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

Highlights from the March 13, 2018 Rend Lake College Board Meeting

March 14, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Articulation agreement, two MOUs receive approval

The board approved an articulation agreement and ratified two memoranda of understanding designed to ease transfer of Allied Health students to three universities.

  • An articulation agreement with Southern Illinois University Carbondale will allow graduates of Rend Lake College’s Radiologic Technology program to transfer to SIUC’s Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Technology program.
  • A memorandum of understanding with Indiana Wesleyan University will allow RLC Associate Degree Nursing graduates to transfer into the post-licensure Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing program at IWU.
  • A memorandum of understanding with McKendree University will allow RLC Associate Degree Nursing graduates to transfer into the Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing McKendree.

These agreements are intended to smooth the transition for RLC graduates and to maximize the transfer of credits.

President Wilkerson’s contract renewal receives final approval

The board approved renewing the contract of President Terry Wilkerson (second reading). The contract is for a four-year term from June 30, 2018, through June 30, 2022, and per President Wilkerson’s request, represents no increase in salary or benefits.

Featherstone transfers to Coordinator of Data Information Systems

The transfer of James Featherstone from Report Writer to Coordinator of Data Information Systems, effective Feb. 16, was ratified Tuesday. Featherstone has been with RLC full-time since May 2013. The transfer is needed to fill the vacancy left by the departure of Brian Clark.

Two police officers join RLC

The board appointed two new police officers Tuesday. The hires were made in order to ensure adequate levels of security for students and staff.

  • Rodney Sweetin, Police Officer, effective March 14. Sweetin has worked part-time for RLC since 2011. He served as a police officer and detective with the Mt. Vernon Police Department from April 1992 through May 2015.
  • William Young, Police Officer, effective March 19. Young has been working part-time with the RLC Police Department since November 2017, and also has worked for the Benton, Buckner and Ewing police departments.

Two positions to be filled

The board granted permission to create two positions and their accompanying job descriptions and to advertise to fill them.

  • Health Studies Student Success Center / Help Desk Support Technician – This new position is needed to support technology and software in the HSSSC and to provide extended coverage hours for the Information Technology Help Desk. The position is grant-funded, and the hire will be ratified at the April board meeting.
  • Student Success Coordinator – This new position is needed to develop, implement and assess student success efforts at RLC and is needed to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of Rachel Sveda-Webb. The position will include early alert process and procedure, career testing, working with faculty for academic input, working with the Financial Aid Department to overcome student barriers, and individual student counseling. The position also will represent RLC at various outside events at area high schools, career fairs, college expos and other community events. The hire will be ratified at the April meeting.

Health Info Tech’s Henry moving on

The board ratified acceptance of the resignation of Charlotte Henry, Health Information Technology Program Director, effective May 14, 2018. She has been with RLC full-time since April 2014.

Bids for roof, gutter replacements receive approval

The bid of $111,150 from D7 Roofing of Albers was accepted for replacement of the roof on the Administration Building and for various gutter replacements across campus. The projects will be paid for with Protection, Health and Safety Levy funds.

Accreditation update

The board heard a report on the college’s reaffirmation of accreditation activities. The college is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is due for a comprehensive evaluation visit by the HLC September 24-25, 2018. In addition to continuing work on the Assurance Argument, designed to prove the college meets HLC’s five criteria for accreditation, the board also heard an updated from Kim Wilkerson and Angie Kistner on the federal compliance portion of the accreditation effort. This piece is designed to show the college’s compliance with various regulations, including Title IV compliance, credit-hour compliance and several other matters.

The third-party comment process, also a part of the compliance section, is set to begin this month. This process is designed to provide the college’s constituencies with the opportunity to present their perspectives on the college. Comments must be in writing and can be submitted at www.hlcommission.org/comment, or by mail to Third-Party Comment on Rend Lake College, Higher Learning Commission, 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL  60604-1411. Comments must be submitted at least four weeks ahead of the visit date. RLC has been accredited by HLC since 1969.

The college also is required to deliver a student opinion survey on behalf of HLC, and this will go out to students April 2. The college also is preparing for HLC’s annual conference in April at Chicago.

In other business, the board …

  • Ratified payment of college expenses including travel reimbursements.
  • Approved revision to college policy and procedure concerning social media (second reading).
  • Approved a request to develop five online courses and to authorize their submission to the Illinois Community College Board for action. The courses are Business Data Entry, Office Procedures and Technology, Beginning Microsoft Word, Intermediate Microsoft Word, and Microsoft Excel.
  • Approved revision to the job description for the Coordinator of Network Operations and Security.
  • Approved revisions to the alcohol and drug policy (first reading) and authorized signature of an agreement with First Advantage.

Mark your calendars …

  • Transition Summit, Tuesday, March 20, RLC campus.
  • Advisory Council meetings, 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, Waugh Gymnasium.
  • Kickstart Your Journey, Thursday-Friday, March 22-23, RLC campus.
  • Spring Musical: The Addams Family, 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, April 5-7, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 8, RLC Theatre.
  • ICCTA Southeast Region Trustees Meeting, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, Rend Lake College.
  • RLC Spring Musical: The Addams Family, RLC Theatre. Performances 7 p.m. nightly Thursday, April 5, through Saturday, April 7; 2 p.m. matinee Sunday, April 8.
  • Higher Learning Commission Annual Conference, Thursday-Monday, April 5-9, Hyatt Regency Chicago.
  • Job Search Party, 3-6 p.m. Thursday, April 12, Mt. Vernon Hotel and Event Center.
  • Trivia Night, Thursday, April 12, The Rec on campus. Doors open at  p.m., trivia begins at 7 p.m.
  • Phi Theta Kappa Induction, 2 p.m. Thursday, April 19, RLC Theatre.
  • Lake Reception, 5 p.m. Thursday, April 19, King City Books, Mt. Vernon. Lake is RLC’s fine arts publication.
  • Children’s Health Fair, Thursday, April 26, The Rec on campus.
  • Flummoxed Fairy Tales, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Thursday-Friday, April 26-27, RLC Theatre.
  • RLC Music Showcase, 3 p.m. Sunday, April 29, RLC Theatre.
  • RLC Spring Concert, 7 p.m. Thursday, May 3, RLC Theatre.
  • Annual Board / Faculty Staff Awards, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, May 8, RLC Theatre.
  • Radiologic Technology Pinning Ceremony, 1 p.m. Thursday, May 10, RLC Theatre.
  • Associate Degree Nursing Pinning Ceremony, 7 p.m. Thursday, May 10, Waugh Gymnasium.

·         RLC Commencement, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday, May 12, 2018, Waugh Gymnasium

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Bost School Safety Proposal Passes House of Representatives

March 14, 2018 By Leave a Comment

From Congressman Mike Bost’s office

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congress passed a bipartisan proposal introduced by U.S. Representatives Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) and  fellow Illinois Congressman Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield) to help schools acquire and install panic buttons for alerting law enforcement to incidents of classroom violence.  Introduced in January, Bost and Schneider’s legislation was incorporated into H.R. 4909, the STOP School Violence Act, a broader package aimed at addressing school safety, which passed the House today by a vote of 407-10.

“As a former first responder, I know response time is vitally important during emergency situations,” said Bost. “We have panic buttons in banks, office buildings, and retail locations, there is no reason we shouldn’t have them at our schools to protect our children. I’m proud the House passed this bipartisan, commonsense proposal I worked on with Representative Schneider to protect our kids.”

“Representative Bost’s work on the STOP School Violence Act improved this legislation and will help make our communities safer,” said Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy. “By including his SOS Act in the final bill that passed the House today, schools will have critical resources to improve safety and put them in more direct and discreet contact with local law enforcement in an emergency. Mike deserves a lot of credit for his work to make American schools safer.”

“We have a responsibility to protect our children and young people where they learn,” said Schneider. “I am proud of the bipartisan support Congressman Bost and I have built together for the Securing Our Schools Act, and am very pleased this commonsense idea has now passed the House. This should be just the start of our work here in Congress on solutions to reduce gun violence and improve student safety, and I look forward to building on this progress in the days ahead.”

Bost and Schneider’s bill, titled the Securing Our Schools Act, has over 50 bipartisan cosponsors, including Illinois Reps. Rodney Davis (R-IL), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and Jan Schakowsky (D-IL).  It also has the support of the National Sheriffs’ Association and the National Education Association.

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

Bicentennial launches new video commercial, statewide media

March 14, 2018 By Leave a Comment

CHICAGO  — The Illinois Bicentennial Commission today released its first video commercial promoting the state’s 200th birthday. The :30 second spot is the center point of a statewide multimedia campaign named after the theme of the yearlong celebration: BORN, BUILT & GROWN in Illinois.

The campaign, which will run from now until the 200th birthday party on December 3, 2018, will showcase Illinois’ influence on the worlds of music, sports, agriculture, literature, commerce, history, technology and innovation, transportation, art and architecture, among others.

The content for the effort is pre-produced and being distributed statewide for carriage on television, radio, digital and social media. The messages can be run as public service announcements by media outlets or packaged by outlets for sponsorship by local advertisers. The Illinois Broadcasters Association is the distributor.

“We’re delighted with this creativity and the opportunity it now provides our association’s members in seeking local sponsorships,” remarked Dennis Lyle, president and CEO, Illinois Broadcasters Association.

The content was produced by Chicago-based AnswersMedia and paid for with private funds.

The Bicentennial program incorporates material supplied by Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Illinois Association of Museums,  Illinois Department of Agriculture, and the Illinois State Museum.

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

South Marion Road closed from approximately 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Thursday

March 14, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Franklin County Emergency Management  reports South Marion Rd between C Rd and Lawrence will be closed until approximately from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM Thursday for a water line install.  Use alternate routes.

This is on the edge of the city limits of West Frankfort.

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