Bost, Lawson Focus on Veterans’ Hiring in Agriculture

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Bost (R-IL) and Al Lawson (D-FL) introduced bipartisan legislation to make more United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) apprenticeships available to veterans. The Veterans’ Agricultural Apprenticeship Act instructs the USDA to work with state departments of agriculture to identify farmers and ranchers eligible for a direct loan to train apprentice veterans.  The loan would, in turn, be paid back to the USDA after the harvest season.

“Our bipartisan bill provides a common sense solution for helping our farmers and ranchers fill jobs and expand their operations, while offering our veterans new skills and a potential career path after their service,” said Bost. “Representative Lawson and I sit right next to each other in the House Agriculture Committee, we both have rural economies in our districts, and we both know there’s no more dedicated workforce than our returning military men and women. I’m proud to carry this bill right before Veterans Day to give a hand up to our returning heroes.”

“Our bill helps prioritize veterans by getting them the on-the-job training they need to be successful in farming,” said Rep. Lawson. “This program also ensures that veterans have access to quality jobs when they return home, and helps to feed our country.”

According to the USDA, nearly 45 percent of veterans come from rural America.  Over the next 20 years, it is projected that our nation will need 700,000 new agricultural workers.

Windy and cold today…..slight warming trend to take place

Seven Day Forecast

Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 42. East northeast wind 6 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 26. East wind around 6 mph.
Veterans Day
Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. South southeast wind around 6 mph.
Saturday Night
A 40 percent chance of showers after midnight. Increasing clouds, with a low around 39. Southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday
A 30 percent chance of showers before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 53. Calm wind becoming west northwest around 6 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 35. North wind 3 to 5 mph.
Monday
Sunny, with a high near 53. Light north northeast wind.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 34. Light and variable wind.
Tuesday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 56. South wind 3 to 7 mph.
Tuesday Night
Showers likely, mainly after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. South wind 6 to 9 mph.
Wednesday
A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 58. South southwest wind 6 to 9 mph becoming northeast in the afternoon.
Wednesday Night
A chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. East northeast wind around 6 mph becoming southeast in the evening.
Thursday
A chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 60. East southeast wind 6 to 9 mph becoming south in the afternoon.

Agenda for Rend Lake College Board of Trustees meeting

REND LAKE COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

November 14, 2017 6:30 PM Rend Lake College 468 N Ken Gray Parkway Ina, IL 62846

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call

III. General Information

A. Announcements

1. Friday, November 15, 2017; Noon Documentary Film Showing, Paper Clips RLC Theatre

2. Thursday, December 7, 2017; 6:00 p.m. RLCF Annual Dinner Meeting Mt Vernon Hotel & Event Center “formerly Holiday Inn”

3. Friday, December 8, 2017 RLC Faculty/Staff Holiday Luncheon “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium

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

Subsection (1) appointment, employment, and compensation of specific employees; (21) approval of meeting minutes.

V. Resume Open Meeting

VI. Approval of Consent Agenda

VII. Approval of Minutes of the: 1 * October 17, 2017 Board of Trustees Meeting;* * October 17, 2017 Board of Trustees Executive Session*

VIII. New Business

13 * A. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Policy Manual 2.1700 – Background Checks for Potential and Current Employees (Second Reading) 16 * B. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Policy Manual 3.1420 – Return to Work Certification (Second Reading)

18 * C. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Policy & Procedure 4.1010 – Enrollment of International Students (Second Reading)

22 * D. Approval to Create Rend Lake College Policy 2.1507 – Media Relations (Second Reading)

24 * E. Approval to Create Rend Lake College Policy 3.1112 – Student Employment (Second Reading)

26 * F. Course / Curriculum Approvals (TO BE PROVIDED)

31 G. Approval of Student Worker Handbook (TO BE PROVIDED)

32 H. Approval of Transfer Admission Guarantee Program Agreement Between The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois and Rend Lake College

39 I. Approval of 2018 – 2019 Academic Calendar

41 J. Approval of Protection, Health, and Safety Projects (PHS Levy) for FY 19

42 K. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Policy 3.1530 – Holidays (First Reading)

IX. Personnel

45 A. Ratify the Acceptance of Resignation of Academic Advisor

48 B. Create the Position, Approve the Job Description, and advertise for License Exempt Monitor – CCRR

51 C. Appointment of Dean of Applied Science & Technology

53 D. Amend Retirement Resignation of Administrative Assistant of Math and Sciences

A. Employment Status of Tenured Certified Nursing Assistant Instructor (TO BE PROVIDED)

X. Financial Information 56 A. Ratification of the Payment of College Expenses including Travel Expense Reimbursements

B. Financials (INFORMATIONAL; TO BE PROVIDED)

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

Billboard Magazine: Kendell Marvel Reflects on His Career Following the Release of ‘Lowdown & Lonesome’

http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/country/8023246/kendell-marvel-reflects-career-lowdown-lonesome

(Chuck Dauphin,  Billboard Magazine.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

When you think Illinois, the first thing that usually appears in people’s minds is “The Windy City” of Chicago. But, there’s a lot more to the Land of Lincoln than simply the third-largest city in the United States. Just ask singer-songwriter Kendell Marvel, who hails from the southeastern portion of the state — where there is nary a skyscraper in sight.

“It’s interesting,” Marvel admitted to Billboard. “When I say Illinois, people think Chicago. I grew up about 30 miles from Paducah, Kentucky — about three hours from Nashville. It’s pretty country up there, very much agricultural-based and a lot of coal mines. It’s a hotspot for country music lovers up there.” And, there was certainly plenty that influenced him — from Waylon and Willie to Southern rock sounds such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers Band.

Franklin County Sheriff’s Report – 11/8/17

BENTON, IL – The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law

10-30-17 at 8:40 pm a 2001 Dodge Ram Pick-Up Truck driven by Paul R. Lingle age 75 of Whittington was east bound on ll. Rt. 154 when it failed to stop at the stop sign at the intersection with ll. Rt. 37. The Ram continued through the intersection, first striking a traffic sign and then into a ditch, striking a tree head- on. The driver and a passenger, Catherine E. Lingle age 73 of Whittington both received major injuries and were air evacuated to an out of state hospital.

10-31-17 Deputies responded to an incident in rural Benton that resulted in the arrest of Candace V. Perez age 32 of Benton for unlawful violation of an order of protection.

11-2-17 at 3:33 pm a traffic stop in Christopher resulted in the arrest of Phillippe J. Laurant age 35 of Mulkeytown for driving while license suspended.

11-3-17 at 10:55 pm a traffic stop in rural Benton resulted in the arrest of Brett R. Eubanks age 28 of Benton for traffic charges and unlawful possession of cannabis over 10 grams and less than 30 grams. Class A misdemeanor.

11-4-17 at 3:57 pm a traffic stop in West Frankfort resulted in the arrest of Samuel C. Poteete age 53 of Valier for felony driving while license revoked, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine. Also charged were Erick L. Sprague age 33 of Pittsburg and Caressa M. Pyles age 39 of West Frankfort with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of methamphetamine.

11-4-17 at 7:13 pm Deputies responded to a reported suspicious person walking on the roadway on ll. Rt. 14 five miles east of Benton. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Ryan J. Halaska age 30 of West Frankfort for aggravated assault. 11-6-17 at 5:44 pm Deputies initiated an investigation into a reported sexual abuse incident that was alleged to have occurred the previous Sunday,

.
11-7-17 at 3:04 pm a traffic stop in West Frankfort resulted in the arrest of Stacy Kaye Manning age 32 of Benton for driving while license suspended.

WARRANTS

10-25-17 Shane F. Utley age 29 of Marion. Domestic battery

10-27-17 Amanda M. Miller age 29 of Christopher. Possession of methamphetamine

10-27-17 David K. Jennings age 29 of Benton. Failure to appear on a battery charge

10-28-17 Bobby J. Brown age 37 of South Fulton, TN. Burglary and theft

10-29-17 James E. Johnston age 53 of Mt. Vernon. Failure to appear on traffic charges

10-30-17 Brian E. Carle age 26 of Ewing. Unlawful delivery of controlled substances

11-1-17 Brian S. Swift age 40 of Sesser. Failure to appear on traffic charges

11-1-17 Christine E. Pencook age 38 of Creal Springs. Violation of probation

11-2-17 Larissa D. Pearce age 25 of Benton. Failure to appear for arson

11-3-17 Laura L. Orlovich age 43 of Marion. Failure to appear for D.U.I.

11-4-17 Ricki L. Carter age 24 of Herrin. Violation of probation

11-4-17 Jordan L. Hewitt age 20 of Pinkneyville. Failure to appear for theft

11-4-17 Natalie A. Hartley age 39 of Macedonia. Contempt of court

11-4-17 Carrie L. Stahura age 31 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear on traffic charges

11-6-17 George R. Burger age 54 of Benton. Failure to appear on possession of methamphetamine

11-7-17 Brieanna E. Johsnon age 23 of DuQuoin. Failure to appear for criminal trespass
The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

DuQuoin man arrested on sex charges near Zeigler

ZEIGLER, IL – On November 5th, 2017 at the Diesel Mud Ranch which is located west of Zeigler and south of ll. Rt. 149. The incident is alleged to have occurred during the evening hours and the alleged victims; two adult females, reported the crime.

The investigation has resulted in the arrest of Toby E. Dearmond age 39 of DuQuoin. Dearmond is being held in the Franklin County Jail on two counts of criminal sexual abuse. Both are class 4 felonies. The investigation is ongoing and more arrests and charges are possible.

Veteran’s Day Celebration tomorrow at Ewing-Northern Grade School

EWING, IL –   Ewing-Northern Grade School will be hosting their annual Veterans Day Celebration, tomorrow at 2:00 p.m..

According to music teacher Emily Milton, The kindergarten through 4th grade music classes will perform, as well as the middle school chorus.  There will be a veteran that will be a guest speaker.  Everyone is encouraged to attend.

Severin Honors the City of Orient for Its 100th Birthday

 

ORIENT, IL – Monday night, State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) presented a House Certificate to Orient city officials honoring the city’s 100th birthday. Rep. Severin presented the certificate to Orient’s Mayor Pete Witkewiz at city hall prior to the City Council’s monthly meeting.

“It is incredible to think that Orient, Illinois is celebrating its 100th birthday,” Rep. Severin said. “The small Southern Illinois town has been a great addition to Franklin County over the years and it has been an honor for me to represent its constituents in the General Assembly.

The City of Orient was incorporated on September 11th 1917. It was formed in connection to Orient #1 coal mine which at its peak production was the top producing coal mine in the world. Mayor Witkewiz expressed gratitude for the recognition the city received from Rep. Severin.

“It was very thoughtful of the Representative to honor the City of Orient for its land mark birthday” Mayor Witkewiz said, “It is a small town but we are very proud of the long history our small community has had in Southern Illinois.”

Abundance of sunshine over the next four days

Seven Day Forecast

Today
Mostly sunny, with a high near 52. North northeast wind 6 to 8 mph.
Tonight
Mostly clear, with a low around 33. North northeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 56. Calm wind becoming west northwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 27. North northeast wind around 7 mph.
Friday
Sunny, with a high near 44. East northeast wind 6 to 8 mph.
Friday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 30. East wind around 6 mph.
Veterans Day
Mostly sunny, with a high near 51. South southeast wind around 6 mph.
Saturday Night
A chance of showers after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 41. Southeast wind around 6 mph becoming light and variable after midnight.
Sunday
A chance of showers, mainly before noon. Partly sunny, with a high near 55. Light and variable wind becoming west southwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 36. North northwest wind around 6 mph.
Monday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 50. North northwest wind 3 to 5 mph.
Monday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 36. Light and variable wind.
Tuesday
Sunny, with a high near 56. South southeast wind 3 to 6 mph.

Suspect on the loose around Goreville

 

GOREVILLE, IL – The Illinois State Police District 22 is searching for Michael A. Lafond age 30, who fled on foot from a traffic stop on I-24 at milepost 7. Lafond was last seen on Tunnel Hill Road at Deer Ridge Road wearing a light Gray T-shirt, gray fleece (pajama) pants and slip on canvass shoes. The State Police is urging residents in the Goreville area to lock the doors to their residence, vehicles, and be on the watch for Lafond. If anyone observes Lafond please do not approach and call 911.

Lafond is described as:
5’10”
210 lbs
Shoulder length brown hair
Musical note tattoo on his temple.
Wearing Light Gray T-shirt, gray fleece pants, and canvass shoes

Lafond is Wanted for Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.

UPDATE 7:45 p.m.  –  KFVS-TV reports the manhunt is still active.

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News