Kevin Smith named new Thompsonville Postmaster

February 14, 2018 By Leave a Comment

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THOMPSONVILLE – A familiar face will be the head of the operations at the Thompsonville Post Office beginning  March 3rd,

Life-long resident Kevin Smith, has been named as the new Postmaster. He has been with the US postal service for nearly a quarter of a century, spending the last 15 years as a city carrier in West Frankfort.

Smith also serves as President of the Thompsonville Community Unit District #174 Board of Education, is the scorekeeper and PA announcer for Thompsonville High School Basketball, and teaches a young adult Sunday School class at Thompsonville First Baptist Church.

He also spent a decade coaching junior high basketball in Thompsonville.

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

RLC tuition remains stable…President Terry Wilkerson commended by the Board

February 14, 2018 By Leave a Comment

INA –  Here are the highlights of the February 13, 2018, meeting of the Rend Lake College Board of Trustees.

Tuition remains flat for coming academic year

The board set the in-district tuition rate at $110 per credit hour for the Summer 2018, Fall 2018 and Spring 2019 terms, representing no increase from the current rate. There also was no increase in student universal fees. The out-of-district tuition rate will be set at a later date. At this time, college officials believe the institution will be able to maintain a strong financial position and meet its forecasted budget needs without a tuition increase. Maintaining the current rate allows RLC to remain competitive with its peer group schools.

President Wilkerson’s contract renewal receives first-reading approval

The board approved renewing the contract of President Terry Wilkerson (first 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.

“President Wilkerson has done a fine job of leading the college through some tough economic times in Illinois,” said Randy Rubenacker, chair of the RLC Board of Trustees. “We appreciate his leadership and his commitment to the college, and we look forward to the next four years.”

“It’s an honor to be in this position. I am a product of Rend Lake College,” said Wilkerson. “This college has been good to me, from my time as a student here through time as a faculty and an administrator, and I hope I am returning the favor. Leading the institution that you consider home is a privilege.”

Entrepreneurship Director, Facilitator stipends receive approval

The board approved stipends and accompanying job descriptions for Director of Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurship Facilitator. Both of these stipend positions are needed to support the expansion of entrepreneurship programs throughout the district. The Director of Entrepreneurship will help county facilitators create curriculum, assess student outcomes and foster high school student entrepreneurial projects. The entrepreneurship facilitators, where necessary, will coordinate and oversee county-wide entrepreneurial programs for district high school students.

Tenure for three

Based upon recommendations from their supervisors, three instructors will receive tenure and the title of Associate Professor.

  • Dr. Nina Goloubeva, Medical Assistant Program Director, effective July 1. She continues to teach all Medical Assistant courses as well as some Healthcare Terminology sections. She has worked closely with students to encourage critical situation analysis and continues to contribute significantly to moving the program forward, reported Kim Wilkerson, Dean of Allied Health.
  • Charlotte Henry, Health Information Technology Instructor, effective April 21. She is a knowledgable instructor who continues to keep up to date on changes in the field. Henry has been instrumental in the HIT program accreditation process and in online curriculum development, according to Dean Wilkerson.
  • Dr. Richard Holland, Physical Science Instructor, effective Aug. 17. According to comments from Andrea Banach, Dean of Math and Sciences, Holland has assumed responsibility for instruction, curriculum, revision and assessment of numerous physical science courses, has been instrumental in the repair and update to lab equipment and has developed online formats for some of the college’s physical science courses.

Clark, McBride moving on

The board accepted with regret two resignations Tuesday.

  • Brian Clark, Coordinator of Data Information Systems, effective Feb. 16. He had been with RLC full-time since August 2008. “In the past 10 years, I have grown personally and professionally at Rend Lake College, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunities provided to me at this institution,” Clark wrote in his resignation letter. “I hope that I have had as positive an impact on the institution as it has had on me.”
  • Don McBride, Mining Technology Associate Professor, effective Dec. 28, 2018. He has been with RLC on a full-time basis since April 2013. “I have enjoyed my time here and feel that Rend Lake College has accomplished much in assisting the mining industry over the past decade,” McBride wrote in his resignation letter. “I am proud to have been a member of your group.”

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 an evaluation by the HLC in September 2018. The board was presented with an early rough draft of the assurance argument, which is designed to prove the college meets HLC’s five Criteria for Accreditation.

In other business, the board …

  • Heard a report from Dr. Elizabeth Bailey-Smith of the Academic Council covering the curriculum matters taken up by the board Tuesday and reporting on additional meetings and activities.
  • Ratified payment of college expenses including travel reimbursements.
  • Approved withdrawal of the Green Facilities Management and Sustainable Design curricula, approved withdrawal of eight related courses, approved changes to eight classes and approved a change in credit hours for the Mine Operations certificate curriculum. The board authorized submission of these changes to the Illinois Community College Board for action.
  • Approved the notice of election of the student member of the Board of Trustees.
  • Approved creation of policy and procedure concerning the review and publication of Student Right to Know information, campus security disclosures, student policies and recruitment materials (second reading).
  • Approved revision to college policy and procedure concerning social media (first reading).
  • Approved revision of college procedures concerning fees, stipends, and performance evaluation and tenure of faculty members.
  • Ratified approval of the 2018-2019 Emergency Medical Technician Handbook.
  • Approved submission of the statement of final construction compliance for the Protection, Health and Safety Project involving the South Oasis roof replacement and campus sidewalk replacement.

Mark your calendars …

  • Visiting Artist: Erica Burton, Jan. 15-March 2, Theatre lobby.
  • Warrior Superfan Shoot-Out, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, Waugh Gymnasium.
  • Faculty / Staff In-Service, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 20, RLC campus.
  • RLC Basketball Homecoming Games vs. Lincoln Trail College, women’s game at 5:30 p.m., men’s game at 7:30 p.m.; Waugh Gymnasium.
  • Career Fair, Friday, March 2, RLC Campus.
  • Spoken Word and Open Mic Night, 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 5, King City Books, Mt. Vernon.
  • Glo Bingo, 5:30 p.m. Friday, March 9, The Rec on campus.
  • Transition Summit, Tuesday, March 20, RLC campus.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

KFVS-TV’s Carly O’Keefe: ‘No smoking gun’ in terms of causes of crashes on I-57

February 14, 2018 By Leave a Comment

MARION – In a well publicized investigative report, released from the noon news anchor on KFVS-TV on the 6:00 p.m. newscast last night, O’ Keefe conducts several interviews about the barrage of crashes on I-57.

During last summer, it was a daily occurrence.

Below this jumped out at me when I viewed the story last night.

“When you approach an urban area, you ramp up your alertness, and we want drivers to do the same in this corridor,” said IDOT District 9 Program Development Engineer Carrie Nelson.

Nelson is referring to a 53-mile stretch of Interstate 57 south of Marion at the Interstate 24 split north to the Interstate 64 interchange in Mt. Vernon.

Believe it or not, IDOT traffic counts show that stretch of I-57 in the heartland is as busy as I-80 near Chicago.

Please click on the link below for the full story and video from Carly O’Keefe from KFVS-TV.  Along with her interview of Nelson, she interviews, ISP trooper Joey Watson,  and State Representatives Dave Severin and Terri Bryant. -Steve

http://www.kfvs12.com/story/37487213/idot-no-smoking-gun-causing-crashes-on-i-57

 

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

Bost Takes Plight of Southern Illinois’ Steelworkers to White House

February 13, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro), Co-Chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus, joined a select, bipartisan group of lawmakers at the White House to meet with President Donald Trump about steel trade policy. The administration is currently reviewing recommendations from the Department of Commerce following its investigation into the national security implications of unfairly traded foreign steel imports. Bost detailed the negative impact that these imports have had on Granite City Works, which temporarily idled operations in 2015 and laid off over 2,000 employees.

“American steel jobs are at risk due to global competitors who refuse to play by the rules”, said Bost. “We’ve seen the harm that unfair and illegal trade practices have done to our steel industry right in Madison County, with the idling of Granite City Works and layoffs at Alton Steel. That’s why it’s vitally important for President Trump to take action to ensure U.S. companies and workers have the ability to compete on an even playing field. I have no doubt in my mind that the American steelworker is second to none when competing on equal footing.”

The purpose of the Section 232 investigation is to determine whether imports are harmful to national security and whether measures should be taken to protect domestic industries critical to national security. The Commerce Department report summarizing findings from the Section 232 investigation was delivered to the President on January 11, 2018. The Administration has 90 days following the delivery of the report to decide on any potential action.

Link to the video of Congressman Bost’s statement to President Trump

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

SIU receives 115-pound black carp specimen for invasive species study

February 13, 2018 By Leave a Comment

By Tim Crosby, SIU News Service 

CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois University Carbondale researchers this weekend received what is believed to be the largest specimen of the invasive fish species black carp ever brought in for scientific analysis.

The fish, a 115-pound female caught Thursday by commercial fishers on the Mississippi River near Cape Girardeau, Mo., could help unlock important secrets about its range, health and reproductive potential in that river and its larger tributaries, said Gregory Whitledge, associate professor of zoology at SIU.

SIU took possession of the fish Friday, after the fishers contacted the university. SIU manages a program funded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources that pays commercial fishers for black carp that they catch and turn over to the university for scientific research.

Zoologists hope new specimen will shed light on an invasive species

Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduate student Hudman Evans stands with what is believed to be the largest specimen of the invasive fish species black carp ever brought in for scientific analysis. The fish, a 115-pound female caught Thursday by commercial fishers on the Mississippi River near Cape Girardeau, Mo., could help unlock important secrets about its range, health and reproductive potential in that river and its larger tributaries. (Photo provided)

During the weekend, researchers, including graduate student Hudman Evans, who is writing his master’s thesis in zoology on the invasive black carp issue, removed key organs and tissue samples that will tell the scientists much about the individual and its population. SIU also cooperates with the U.S. Geological Survey and IDNR on the research.

Evans said he became interested in fisheries as a middle school student and became interested in black carp after searching for graduate school opportunities. So far, his research has included capturing specimens and examining their diet in order to determine if they are eating the same prey as native fish species.

“This specimen will contribute diet analysis data to my project and also shed light on how black carp diets change as they get older and grow to bigger sizes,” he said.

 

Black carp initially meant to control parasites

Black carp initially were brought to the United States from their native China as a potential means of controlling parasite-carrying snails that were damaging aquaculture fish in the southern states. At some point, however, some of them escaped – possibly during flooding events – and made their way to the Mississippi River.

The first wild black carp were caught in the river during the early 2000’s. But during the last five years, commercial fishers increasingly have reported catching them in nets along with the game fish they are seeking. It’s a worrying trend Whitledge said, and one that SIU is on the vanguard of investigating.

“We have several projects going with the black carp, as well as Asian carp, another invasive species,” Whitledge said. “We hope this fish will tell us more about how black carp might impact native species, how big the potential population is, their range and how fast they are expanding.”

Fish of unusual size

Typically, only commercial fishing outfits catch the fish, as its location and feeding habits lend it more to those practices than the typical rod-and-reel angler. Whitledge said the enormous specimen is certainly the largest ever brought in for scientific research, and quite possibly the largest ever caught in the United States.

When he heard about the catch, Whitledge said he was excited.

“I wanted to get a look at it because it’s much bigger than anything we’ve seen so far,” he said. “I’m curious to find out all we can.  We knew they were capable of growing this big, but this is one that is large enough that it is still quite an event. “

SIU at the vanguard of invasive species research

SIU is playing a leading role in finding out more about the problems it and the Asian carp might cause. As such, the university has received about 150 specimens caught all up and down the Mississippi River during the last few years.

“We are sitting here in the heart of the range into which these fish are expanding,” Whitledge said, adding that he and others also are working with funding from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

In particular, scientists are concerned about the invasive species impact on native mussels, a favorite food that also are listed as threatened or endangered. As a bottom-feeder, it also likely competes for food with popular game fish, such as catfish.

“So looking at their diets is important,” Whitledge said.

Looking at a range of factors to learn more

To determine the specimen’s age, researchers will closely examine the specimen’s otoliths, bony anatomical structures in its ear, which forms tree-like rings at certain intervals as it grows.  The oldest such specimen so far identified was 16 years old, but Whitledge said this specimen’s size indicates it may be older than that one.

“This is the largest individual so far, so one thing we’re trying to understand is how old they get and how that might impact the size of the potential population,” he said.

Scientists also will analyze the chemical composition of this fish’s otoliths using mass spectrometry methods to try to determine where the fish spent most of its time. They also will examine the fish’s reproductive system and its overall health and growth rate, which might tell them how well the species is doing in the Mississippi River.

In China, the fish lives in larger rivers and tributaries, so the Mississippi River would seem an ideal habitat. While they can live in still waters such as ponds or lakes, the species requires flowing water to successfully hatch its eggs.

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

Ameren announces planned power outage in West City

February 13, 2018 By Leave a Comment

WEST CITY –Ameren will conduct a planned power outage Tuesday, February 13, from 11:00 pm until 5:00 am in the Village of West City.

This is for only 131 customers in West City. Ameren has replaced an 80 foot pole and needs to move the service over to the new pole. If all goes well, the outage should only be within the specified time range

Filed Under: Breaking News, Featured, Franklin Co. News, Uncategorized

WSIL’s Unsung Hero: Benton’s Shannon Carr

February 12, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Shannon Carr – WSIL image

BENTON – In this week’s Unsung Hero, a Benton woman spends her days volunteering. Shannon Carr has been recognized for her generosity several times in the community.

Shannon has been helping with the cub scouts for about four years, planning activities for more than 25-boys.

The mother of four has been “filling a need” most of her life. She’s also organizer for her church’s free clothing store.

But it doesn’t stop there, Shannon is the fill in van driver for her church, cooks for Vacation Bible School, and organizes the church’s Christmas toy drive all while working a full-time job.

Please click on the link for the full story and video from Evie Allen of WSIL-TV.

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/37467807/unsung-hero-shannon-carr

 

 

Filed Under: Benton News, Breaking News, Featured, Franklin Co. News

Benton man arrested while driving on revoked license

February 12, 2018 By Leave a Comment

BENTON – On February 10th, 2018 Benton Police arrested Craig Dillard, age 28, of Benton for driving while license revoked. Dillard was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

REND LAKE COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

February 12, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Agenda for the Rend Lake College Board of Trustees meeting for Tuesday, February 13, at 6:30 P.M. at Rend Lake College. 468 N Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, Ill.,  62846

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call

III. General Information

A. Announcements

1. January 15 – March 2, 2018 Visiting Artist: Erica Burton Theatre Lobby

2. Saturday, February 17, 2018; 5:30pm Warrior Superfan Shoot-Out James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium

3. Tuesday, February 20, 2018; 8:30 – 3:30 Faculty & Staff In-Service Rend Lake College, Ina Campus

4. Tuesday, February 27, 2018 RLC Basketball Homecoming Games vs. Lincoln Trail Women’s @ 5:30pm; Men’s @ 7:30pm James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium

5. Friday, March 2, 2018 Career Fair Rend Lake College, Ina Campus

6. Monday, March 5, 2018; 6:30pm Spoken Word & Open Mic Night King City Books, Mt. Vernon

7. Friday, March 9, 2018; 5:30pm Cosmic Bingo The REC

8. Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Transition Summit Rend Lake College, Ina Campus

9. Thursday – Friday, March 22 – 23, 2018 Kickstart Your Journey RLC Campus

10. April 5-7 @ 7pm nightly, April 8 @ 2pm Spring Musical: The Addams Family Rend Lake College Theatre

11. Thursday – Monday, April 5 – 9, 2018 HLC 2018 Annual Conference Hyatt Regency Chicago 12. Thursday, April 12, 2018; 3:00 – 6:00 pm Job Search Party Mt. Vernon Hotel and Event Center

13. Thursday, April 12, 2018 Trivia Night The REC

14. Thursday, April 19, 2018; 2:00pm Phi Theta Kappa Induction Rend Lake College Theatre

15. Thursday, April 19, 2018; 5:00pm Lake Reception King City Books, Mt. Vernon

16. Thursday, April 26, 2018 Children’s Health Fair The REC

17. Thursday-Friday, April 26-27, 2018;10a &1p Flummoxed Fairytales Rend Lake College Theatre

IV. Closed Session – The Board may go into closed session pursuant to Section 2(c)(1)(2)(11)(21) of the Open Meetings Act.

Subsection (1) appointment, employment, and compensation of specific employees; (2) collective negotiating matters; (11) litigation; (21) approval of meeting minutes.

V. Resume Open Meeting

VI. Approval of Consent Agenda

VII. Approval of Minutes of the: 02 * January 09, 2018 Board of Trustees Meeting;* * January 09, 2018 Board of Trustees Executive Session*

VIII. New Business

10 * A. Approval to Create Rend Lake College Policy & Procedure 4.1260 – Review and Publication of Student Right-To-Know & Campus Security Disclosures, Student Policies, and Recruitment Materials (Second Reading)

12 * B. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Board Policy & Procedure 6.7 – Fees

31 * C. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Board Policy & Procedure 3.1115 – Stipends

33 * D. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Board Policy & Procedure 3.1205 – Performance Evaluation and Tenure of Faculty Members

39 * E. Course / Curriculum Approvals

41 F. Ratify the Approval of EMT Handbook (TO BE PROVIDED)

42 G. Approval of Student Trustee Election Notice

44 H. Approval of Tuition Rates for FY 2019

45 I. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Board Policy & Procedure 2.1510 – Social Media (First Reading)

47 J. Approval of Statement of Final Construction Compliance and Statement of Final Completion
iv

50 K. Permission to Create Stipend and Job Description for Entrepreneurship Facilitator

52 L. Permission to Create Stipend and Job Description for Director of Entrepreneurship

IX. Personnel

A. Ratify the Acceptance of Resignation 55 1. Coordinator of Data Information Systems 58 2. Associate Professor, Mining Technology

B. Tenure 61 1. Physical Science Instructor 64 2. Medical Assistant Program Director 67 3. Director of Health Information Technology Program

70 D. Approval of Renewal of President’s Contract (First Reading)

X. Financial Information 86 A. Ratification of the Payment of College Expenses including Travel Expense Reimbursements

B. Financials 

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

A bit of pragmatism and a bit of hope — Franklin County officials talk 2018

February 11, 2018 By Leave a Comment

WEST FRANKFORT — For Franklin County leaders moving into 2018, an obvious point of emphasis will be economic development. But officials also say a recognition of their limitations will be important.

2017 saw a lot of news come from Franklin County, some good, some not so good. There was West Frankfort sealing the deal with Dollar General and expanding the outlet mall’s portfolio of businesses. But there was also the investigation into Morthland College’s alleged mismanagement of Title IV money and former Zeigler treasurer Ryan Thorpe’s arrest and later federal indictment on embezzlement charges. There was the announcement that the theater in West City had been purchased and would at some point reopen.

Please click on the link from Isaac Smith of the Southern Illinoisan for the full story, as he talks to several elected officials in the county.

http://thesouthern.com/news/local/communities/a-bit-of-pragmatism-and-a-bit-of-hope-franklin/article_5d92747f-fb16-59eb-9d17-263ddb8520b5.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

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