Update on the winter weather event

winter-weather-eventThis is a typical “Southern Illinois” forecast.  It is going to be mostly cloudy with a high of 35 degrees today.  Tonight we have a 60% chance of rain with temperatures rising to 52 degrees by daybreak on Saturday.

There is a 50% chance of rain on Saturday with a high of 56 degrees with the temperatures nosediving after a very strong cold front comes through the region projected around nightfall.

Precipitation chances will increase to 70% Saturday night, with freezing rain, changing to sleet, then light snow before ending early Sunday morning.  The low will be 12 degrees.  Total ice and snow accumulation will be around 1/2 inch.

Bitter cold will grip the region with wind chills of -5 to 5 degrees all day Sunday into Monday morning.

Weather conditions will rapidly deteriorate around dark on Saturday night.  This is something to stay abreast of if you are out and about.  Roads, parking lots and sidewalks will deteriorate quickly.  With the gusty winds, Christmas decorations need to be secured.

Franklin-county-news. com will keep you updated on this developing weather situation quickly, as well as any cancellations and school closings throughout the winter months.

Source-Several different products from the National Weather Service in Paducah KY.

 

 

Winter weather heading to Franklin County over the weekend

FIRST ALERT: I expect light accumulations of ice and snow to cause some travel headaches this weekend. It all starts Saturday with scattered rain and a high forecast of 60°F…but the mercury will fall so quickly at night that the roads may not have time to dry. Rain will change over to a light wintry mix after sunset and taper off early Sunday morning. Mind your bridges, overpasses, as well as untreated sidewalks. Immediately following Saturday night’s wintry weather, dangerously cold & windy weather for Sunday and Monday. The wind chill could approach zero. Help spread the word–like and SHARE!  This is from KFVS 12 Meteorologist Bryan McCormick.   Follow franklincounty-news.com for the latest cancellations throughout this winter season and updates during severe weather events.

Model shared by KFVS 12 Meterologist Bryan McCormick

Model shared by KFVS 12 Meterologist Bryan McCormick

 

 

Highlights of the Rend Lake College Board of Trustees Meeting on December 13, 2016

Business AAS degree returns, two new certificates receive approval
The board approved the reactivation of the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Business and authorized its submission to the Illinois Community College Board for action. The updated curriculum rlc-old-school-logowill allow students to graduate in as little as two years and to specialize in accounting and finance or management and human resources. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a general background in all areas of business and to prepare them for careers in the fields of banking, accounting, management or marketing at the mid-management level in a variety of businesses and industries.
In addition to reactivation of the AAS degree, the board also approved two Business Management occupational certificates, one of 16 credit hours and the other of 31 credit hours. These are designed to be stackable credentials toward the AAS degree.
In a related matter, a new course, Introduction to Economics, was approved and authorized for submission to ICCB. This three-credit-hour class includes an introduction to national income theories, price theories and behavior of the firm under varying economic conditions, among other content.
In other curriculum-related actions, changes to the Tutor Training and Independent Study courses were approved, the board learned of sequence changes to the existing Microsoft User Certificate curriculum, and 35 courses in varying subjects were withdrawn.
Walker receives appointment as Nursing Instructor
The board appointed David John Walker as Nursing Instructor effective Jan. 5, 2017. He holds a Master of Science Degree in Nursing from Western Governors University, a Master of Arts Degree in Human Resource Development from Webster University, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from Old Dominion University and an Associate in Science Degree from Rend Lake College. He spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy, and most recently was facilities director for Crossroads Community Hospital.
DeForest joins full-time ranks
The board appointed Emily DeForest as Business Office Specialist effective Jan. 3.  She currently works part-time in the Business Office as a communications specialist. In her new position, she will continue those duties and will assist with additional Business Office functions in light of the recent resignation of the previous Business Office Specialist. DeForest holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from Southern Illinois University and an Associate in Arts Degree from Rend Lake College.
Education veteran Mongtomery to retire
After more than 20 years as Director of Alternative Education, Walt Mongtomery will retire effective Dec. 31, 2016, a retirement resignation accepted with regret Tuesday evening. “Rend Lake College has been a great place to work,” Montgomery wrote in his retirement letter. “I have made many friends while working here and have found all fellow employees to be cooperative and dedicated to the students. It has been very rewarding to see many students receive their high school diploma by completing classes in the Alternative Education program and continuing their education in various programs here at Rend Lake College.”
Three resignations accepted …
The board accepted with regret three resignations Tuesday.
·Jacquelyn Anselment, Quality Specialist / Provider Recruitment Specialist for Project CHILD, effective Nov. 25, 2016. She had been with Project CHILD full-time since September 2014. “I am so thankful for all of the opportunities that Rend Lake College and Project CHILD have provided to me over the past two years,” Anselment wrote in her resignation letter.
·Mollie Bremer, Title III Health Studies Support Coordinator, effective Jan. 6, 2017. She has been with RLC full-time since March 2012. “I sincerely appreciate the professional guidance and support I received while working at Rend Lake College. I consider it a privilege to have been part, and worked alongside, such a great team,” Bremer wrote in her resignation letter.
·Tony Etnier, Academic Advisor and Head Baseball Coach, effective Jan. 5, 2017. He has been with RLC full-time since July 2006, including time spent as Director of The Hitting Zone on campus prior to transferring to academic advisement. In his letter of resignation, Etnier described his time at RLC as “101/2 of the best years of my life.”  He said his initial employment with the RLC was his first “real job” after graduating from college, and “it developed into a career, and eventually the college became like a family to me. I cannot say enough positive things about my experiences here with the students, athletes, faculty and staff. Go Warriors!”
In other business, the board approved the 2017 schedule of meetings for the RLC Board of Trustees. The schedule will be available on the Board of Trustees page of the college website at www.rlc.edu.
·Approved the 2017-2018 Rend Lake College Catalog.
·Approved revisions to the college organizational chart.
·Approved revisions to board policy and procedure concerning the Board of Trustees Code of Ethics (first reading); identification and disposal of obsolete equipment, materials and supplies (first reading); and inventory records for capital assets (first reading).
·Approved board policy and procedure concerning the Employee Code of Ethics (first reading), sexual offender / sexual predator registration for employment applicants and employees (first reading), and sexual offender / sexual predator registration for students (first reading).
·Approved revisions to board procedure concerning stipends.
·Granted permission to advertise for a college controller, to replace the retiring Wendy Smith.
·Granted an unpaid leave of absence for the Testing and Placement Specialist.
·Approved the current faculty salary schedule as negotiated and accepted within the faculty union agreement for the RLC Federation of Teachers Local No. 3708.
·Ratified payment of college expenses, including travel reimbursements, as presented.
Mark your calendars …
·Thespian Comedy Improv, 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, RLC Theatre.
·WYSE Competition, Wednesday, Feb. 8, Waugh Gymnasium.
·Visiting Artist Series: Mixed Media by Najjar Abdul-Musawwir, Jan. 27-April 21, RLC Theatre Lobby.
·Spoken Word Open Mic, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 30, King City Books, Mt. Vernon.
·SIU Student Filmmakers, noon Wednesday, March 22, RLC Theatre.
·Spring Musical: The Wizard of Oz, 7 p.m. April 6-8, 2 p.m. April 9, RLC Theatre.
· Job Search Party, 3-6 p.m. Thursday, April 13, Holiday Inn / Doubletree Inn, Mt. Vernon.

Fowler Bonan Foundation seeks support, growth for Clothes for SI Kids program

The Fowler Bonan Foundation is seeking donations for its Clothes for SI Kids program, according to a news release from the foundation. This time of year is critical that schoolchildren throughout Southern

Newly Elected State Senator Dale Fowler helping residents of Murphysboro Masonic home pick out clothes provided by the foundation. (Southern Illinoisan file photo)

Newly elected State Senator Dale Fowler helping residents of Murphysboro Masonic Home pick out clothes provided by the foundation back in 2014. (Southern Illinoisan file photo)

Illinois have appropriate clothing. The Clothes for SI Kids program helps this need, and the foundation is seeking monetary support of its mission. “Over the years, we’ve been blessed with some wonderful corporate support,” said Foundation Board Chairman Dale Fowler. “We have received donations, large and small, from individuals, churches, businesses and community groups that all place value on what we do. And we have received proceeds from the likes of the annual Taste of Southern Illinois and Southern Illinois Chili Cook Off events. Please read the remaining part of the press release that appeared in today’s Southern.

Director of shooting complex wants expanded role for facility

SPARTA- NOTE: There is a benefit to the local economy in Frankiin County even though Sparta is 45 miles away. There will be people staying at Rend Lake an local hotels. They will be spending money at local business. In shooting circles, Sparta’s World Shooting and Recreational Complex is recognized as one of the finest facilities in the country. It’s Monica Brackman’s job to build on that. Barackman, a Belleville native, is the WSRC’s executive director. “For me coming out here, everybody looks at it, ‘OK, the Grand

Monica Brachman at the gates of the World Shooting Complex in Sparta.  (Southern Illinoisan Photo)

Monica Brachman at the gates of the World Shooting Complex in Sparta. (Southern Illinoisan Photo)

American, the home grounds for the ATA’s Grand American.’ But, what about the 1,001 campsites we have? What about the local schools that want to have a 5K? What about the lakes we have? I want to make sure the community is aware this is much more than a shooting park. It’s 1,600 acres, all open. There are so many activities that could be done out here.” Brackman is currently putting together programs for the 2017 total eclipse of the sun that will be visible in Southern Illinois. She would like to see concerts, weddings and family reunions as part of the WSRC’s regular calendar. Please click on the link to read more of the stories from Les Winkler of The Southern.

Power Outage in Sesser

sesser-policeThere is a power outage on the very north part of town and in the country. Ameren has been notified. More info to come. If you need a place to be City Hall is open and a warming center. If you need assistance at home contact 7242424 hit 0. Emergency call 911.  Statement according to mayor Jason Ashmore as well as the Sesser Police Department.

Statement from the UMWA regarding legislation in the Senate

The proposed Continuing Resolution (CR) provides for healthcare coverage for the next four (4) months. However, there is no guarantee the proposed CR will be approved by Congress, and the umwaproposed CR will not be voted on and decided until the end of this week. Therefore, the only way for Medicare recipients to have guaranteed healthcare coverage on January 1, 2017, is to purchase a supplemental plan today (December 7, 2016). In addition, non-Medicare beneficiaries have until December 15, 2016, to purchase a healthcare plan. To be clear, the proposed CR provides for healthcare coverage for the next four (4) months. Statement from the UMWA website. Please click on this link to read more on the UMWA’s website.

Police investigation in Sesser

SESSER — An investigation underway in Sesser Saturday night, at one point, involved more than one unit of the Illinois State Police Homicide Squad. Witnesses tell us it happened on Locust Street, sesser-investigationthough city officials could not confirm that. Sesser Mayor Jason Ashmore could only say police officers needed assistance “checking something out” and that Sesser had “NO MURDER” take place. Stay with News Three on air, and on-line, as this story continues to develop, we’ll update you with any details we uncover.  Franklincounty-news.com will monitior local media sources to keep everyone updated.  Link taken from WSIL website.

Chase Her Example

NOTE: This is a blog piece from Central Junior High Principal charley-cass-daughter-morgan-griffithCharley Cass from his blog. It is a touching piece about FCHS basketball player Morgan Griffith, who is the all time leading Scorer at West Frankfort.   Please click on the link to read his piece.

Three-week speech class returning to RLC for Summer 2017

INA, Ill. (Dec. 1, 2016) – Rend Lake College students and other students home for the summer break can knock out a required speech class next summer in only three weeks. RLC is again offering the intersession class between the Spring and Summer 2017 semesters.

rlc-old-school-logoThe class – Principles of Effective Speaking (COMM 1101) – will meet from 8 a.m. – 12:10 p.m. Monday through Thursday beginning May 15, excluding Memorial Day, in the Academic Building, Room 209, on the Ina campus. The last day of class will be June 1, just in time to start regular summer classes the following week.

RLC Professor Elizabeth Bailey-Smith said this is the second time she’s taught the class during the summer, and students last year found the layout helped to keep them on their toes.

“One student stated, ‘I am usually somewhat of a procrastinator, but I didn’t have time to procrastinate with this class.’ It offers the opportunity for students to complete a three-credit hour class in less than three weeks. It’s intense, but only 11 times,” said Bailey-Smith.

In addition to the shorter-than-normal schedule, students enrolled in the intersession class have added benefits. Bailey-Smith explained, “Students can focus on one course and receive more one-on-one attention because of the small class size and longer sessions.”

Principles of Effective Speaking is a requirement for many programs and degrees at RLC and other institutions to which the class can transfer. To register for the course, contact RLC’s Academic Advisement Center at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1266 or advising@rlc.edu.

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