June 2017 Climate Summary – Near normal temperatures and varied rainfall

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.weather.gov/pah/June2017ClimateSummary

PADUCAH, KY – National Weather Service.  Please click on the link above for some interactive weather charts with some climatological information for the Paducah warning area.  Here is the introduction below.

June 2017 Climate Summary: Temperatures were near normal to slightly below normal while precipitation varied across the region. Rainfall was below normal across much of southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, and northwest Kentucky (Henderson, Owensboro area).  However, there were some locations that picked up higher amounts due to thunderstorms. Portions of Perry County Missouri along with parts of Perry, Jackson, and White counties in Illinois and Pike County Indiana experienced heavier rainfall amounts due to thunderstorms. South of the Ohio River over much of west Kentucky, rainfall was generally above normal with amounts of 5 to 7 inches in many locations.

 

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

Another accident on Interstate 57 -Southbound at the 77 milemarker

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

There has been another accident on Interstate 57 in Franklin County tonight.  From preliminary reports it is a single car rollover.

This is at the 77 mile marker at the bottom of the Whittington-Sesser off ramp.

According to the website Southern Illinois Fire Incidents, Sesser and Ewing-Northern Fire Protection Districts are on the scene.  At least two people were airlifted from the scene.

I would avoid the interstate in both directions.  I know there is a backup in the southbound lane.

If someone would tag me or send me a message on Facebook, it would be very helpful in relaying the information.

 

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Agenda – Rend Lake College Board of Trustees 7/11/17

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

REND LAKE COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

July 11, 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. Wednesday, July 12, 2017       LPN Pinning; 3:00 p.m.       Private Dining Area, Ina Campus

2. Wednesday, July 26 and August 2, 2017       Warrior Days – New Student Orientation       RLC Ina Campus

3. Thursday, August 10, 2017       Faculty Orientation; 4:30 p.m.       RLC Theater

4. Saturday, August 12, 2017       Super Saturday; 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon       RLC Ina Campus

5. Saturday, August 12, 2017       Class of RLC Reunion – 50th Anniversary        Celebration; 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.       RLC Ina Campus

6. Monday, August 14, 2017       First day of fall classes       Rend Lake College campuses

7. Wednesday, September 13, 2017       Fun Fest       Activities; No classes from noon – 3:00 p.m.       RLC Ina Campus

8. Thursday, September 14, 2017       37th Annual RLCF Golf Outing       Rend Lake Golf Course; noon shotgun start

9. Tuesday, September 19, 2017       Illinois Regional College Fair; 9-11 a.m.       Waugh Gymnasium, RLC Ina Campus           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 *   June 6, 2017 Board of Trustees Meeting;*     June 6, 2017 Board of Trustees Executive Session;* 11    June 13, 2017 Board of Trustees Special Meeting*

VIII. New Business

15 *   A.   Course/Curriculum Approvals (TO BE PROVIDED)

16 *   B. Approval to Release Closed Session Minutes

17 *   C. Approval of Rend Lake College Policy Manual      Section 4:  Student and Instructional Matters (Second Reading) (TO BE PROVIDED)

18    D. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Policy 4.2.4 –       Faculty Qualifications

21    E. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Policy 3.1200 –       Evaluations of Non-Faculty Personnel

23    F. Annual Review and Acceptance of College Mission Statement       and Mission Document

26    G. Recommendation to Approve 2017-2018 Employee        Handbook (TO BE PROVIDED)

27    H. Recommendation to Approve 2017-2018 Athletic Handbook      (TO BE PROVIDED)

28    I. Approval of Vending Agreement between Pepsi MidAmerica       and Rend Lake College (TO BE PROVIDED)

29    J. Approval to Move the Radio Control Field and Construct      New Shelter

30    K. Permission to Advertise for Diesel Technology Instructor

31    L. Permission to Advertise for Computer Networking Instructor

32    M. Recommendation to Create the Position, Approve the Job       Description, and Advertise for Specialist – Marketing

34    N. Permission to Create New Stipend and Job Description for       Men’s Golf Assistant Coach

IX. Personnel

37    A. Ratify the Acceptance of Resignation of Police Officer

40    B. Amend Retirement Resignation of Dean of Applied Science & Technology

C. Retirement Resignation (TO BE PROVIDED)

42    D. Appointment of Accounts Receivable Specialist

E. Appointment of Student Records Specialists       (TO BE PROVIDED)

F. Approval of FY 2018 Salaries (TO BE PROVIDED)

X. Financial Information

45    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

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Another blade found on shopping cart at Walmart in metro St. Louis

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.kmov.com/story/35829933/another-blade-found-on-shopping-cart-at-walmart-in-festus

FESTUS, MO- (KMOV, TV.  Please click on the link for the full story above.)

NOTE:  I have read several national news stories over the last few months of this happening.  There have been incidents reported in St. Louis in the last week.  This is something to keep a possible eye on in the future.

-Steve

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

Franklin County Sheriff’s report 7/6/17

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release From Donald Jones, Franklin County Sheriff

On 7/1/17 an investigation of a suspicious vehicle at State Route 148 and Yellowbanks Road resulted in the arrest of Danielle N. Phillips, 18, of Benton for illegal consumption of alcohol.  es

On 7/2/17 at 9:12 a.m. a traffic stop at Rend Lake Dam, resulted in he arrest of David Rector, 32, of McLeansboro for driving on a suspended license.

7/1/17 at 8:00 pm, Deputies arrested Rachel Buretta, 34 of Bluford for obstructing a peace officer. This incident occurred during the festivities at Rend Lake prior to the fireworks.

7-2-17 at 12:39 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on ll. Rt. 37 at Marcum Branch Road. A 2001 Oldsmobile Alero driven by Devin P. Williams Age 22 of Benton was stopped in traffic on Rt. 37 attempting to turn left onto Marcum Branch Road. A north bound 1996 GMC Sierra failed to stop and rear ended the Oldsmobile. There were no injuries, but the driver of the GMC, Brittany N. Studebaker Age 17 of Benton was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

7-2-17 at 3:24 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on the

Elkville Blacktop at intersection with Knighthawk Road. A 2006 Honda Shadow Motorcycle driven by Gloria L. Mcklin Age 67 of Mulkeytown was attempting to turn right while a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse, driven by Sarah E. Scott-Spytek Age 37 of Royalton was attempting a left turn in the same intersection. The investigation determined that the motorcycle was traveling too fast to successfully negotiate the turn. The motorcycle rider received major injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Abbott’s EMS. The driver was also cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

7-3-17 at 2:07 pm a traffic stop on ll. Rt. 14 and Camp Hope Road resulted in the arrest of Ronald D. Mueller Jr. Age 44 of Coello for felony driving under the influence, driving while license revoked, illegal transportation of alcohol and operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

7-3-17 at 9:49 pm Deputies responded to a single vehicle crash on ll. Rt. 34 east of Akin Blacktop. A 1998 Mercury Mountainer driven by Jason M. Clark Age 35 of Creal Springs was west bound at a high rate of speed, left the roadway and overturned in a ditch. The driver received minor injuries and refused medical treatment. He was cited for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash and for driving while license suspended.

7-3-17 Deputies arrested Hunter J. Ash Age 21 of Ewing for a violation of the

Illinois Sex Offender Registration Act. Ash posted bond $3,500.00 on 7-6-17.

7-4-17 at 2:18 pm Deputies responded to a reported suspicions person on Green Meadow Road in rural Thompsonville. The incident resulted in the arrest of

Delores Louise Beyreis Age 58 of Thompsonville for obstructing a police officer.

7-6-17 at 2:52 pm Deputies responded to a report of a very young child walking unattended in rural Thompsonville. The child was located unharmed and the investigation of the incident resulted on the arrest of Melissa A. Motter Age 46 of Benton for endangered the life of health of a child.

7-6-17 at 4:00 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural Benton that resulted in the arrest of Candace V. Perez Age 31 of Benton for domestic battery.

7-7-17 at 3:16 am Deputies investigated an order of protection violation at South Sandusky Beach Rend Lake. This resulted in the arrest of James R. Parish Age 53 of Harrisburg for unlawful violation of an order of protection.

WARRANTS

6-25-17 Dustin L. Motsinger Age 31 of Mulkeytown. Failure to appear on domestic battery.

6-25-17 Nicole J, Lydiksen Age 29 of Marion. Failure to appear on domestic battery.

6-26-17 Daniel L. Hayes Age 40 of Johnston City. Failure to appear on traffic charges.

6-26-17 Danica L. Carner Age 23 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear on traffic charges.

6-30-17 April N. Miller Age 36 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for D.U.I.

6-30-17 Jeremy R. Thiele Age 27 of Marion. Failure to appear for theft.

6-30-17 Jeresa A. Wilkens Age 37 of Thompsonville. Possession of a controlled substance.

7-1-17 Robert C. Yocum Age 47 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for felony D.U.I.

7-2-17 James B. Miller Age 50 of Murphysboro. Failure to appear for D.U.I.

7-5-17 Matthew A. Grimes Age 32 of Royalton. Failure to appear on traffic charges.

7-5-17 Chase A. Morgan Age 28 of Johnston City. Methamphetamine Manufacturing.

The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff Don Jones

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

Marginal risk of severe thunderstorms today

July 7, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

There is a marginal risk (level one of five) for severe thunderstorms for Southern Illinois, mainly for the afternoon and evening hours.

There is a line of intense, but non severe storms, that extends from the Quincy area, all the way back to Jefferson City, MO.  If these stay together, the could possibly intensify in the heat of the day.

There might be some pop up storms intensify to severe levels.  To me it looks like an event in which there might be a couple of warnings issued.  As of now, this will not be an organized severe weather event.

If you are traveling east, the threat for severe weather is greater in the Evansville area, and for the counties along the Wabash river as well.

After this passes t0day, we should have a nice weekend with highs in the mid to upper 80’s with storm chances increasing Tuesday through Thursday.

Here is the Hazardous Weather Outlook for the National Weather Service of Paducah, KY.

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of southern
Illinois, southwest Indiana, western Kentucky, and southeast
Missouri.

.DAY ONE…Today and Tonight

Isolated to scattered thunderstorms will be possible later this
afternoon and this evening. An isolated severe storm or two
cannot be ruled out. Damaging wind gusts and hail would be the
main concerns.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Saturday through Thursday

Isolated to scattered thunderstorm will be possible Tuesday
through Thursday. The main hazards with any storms would be
dangerous lightning and heavy rain. An isolated strong to severe
storm cannot be ruled out, especially during the heat of the day.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT…

Spotter activation cannot be ruled out today, mainly over
southwest Indiana and northwest Kentucky.

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

I-57 mural to remember Harrison’s Benton connection

July 6, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/news/20170705/i-57-mural-to-remember-harrisons-benton-connection

BENTON, IL – (Rick Hayes, Benton News.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Intrigued by the connection between Beatles star George Harrison and the city of Benton, a California artist will donate his talents later this summer by painting a life-size mural.

John Cerney is a Salinas, Calif., native whose artwork is described as “giant cut-out art,” ordinarily viewed from the comfort of an automobile. Cerney’s work has been featured in numerous magazines, books and newspapers over the years, including National Geographic, Sunset Magazine, Reader’s Digest and the New York Times.

“He chose Benton to donate his art for one year. He chooses somewhere across the country every year,” said Rachel Gartner, the city’s marketing director. “He is interested in the story behind George Harrison visiting his sister (Louise) here.

Filed Under: Benton News, Featured, Slider

Royalton High School “Pirates”

July 6, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.illinoishsglorydays.com/id381.html

Royalton High School building in the early 1960’s

ROYALTON, IL  (Illinois High School Glory Days.  Please Click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Royalton (population 1,130) is located in far southern Illinois about 12 miles southeast of DuQuoin. In its “hey day” in the early 1900s Royalton enjoyed a population of over 3,800!  Illinois Route 149 is the main roadway to and from this southwestern Franklin County town.  The town’s area was settled in the mid 1850s but it was not recognized as an official Illinois town until 1907.  the Missouri Pacific Railroad runs to the southeast of town.  A branch of the Big Muddy River flows through the south side of Royalton.  For some EXCELLENT history and facts about Royalton and its former High School please visit the town’s official website at:
A school was established in Royalton by the late 1800s.  Royalton High School served the town as, at first, a three year school, and later earning a four year high school status.  The original school building was found unsafe in 1936.  A new building was quickly constructed and ready for use in 1937.  This is the building you see pictured above.  Royalton High continued to be the pride and joy of Royalton residents until the early 1960s.  It was then that dwindling enrollment led to a consolidation effort with its neighbor four miles to the northeast, Zeigler.  This effort became a reality in 1962 with the creation of the Zeigler-Royalton School District.
 
Filed Under: Featured, Royalton News, Slider, Zeigler News

Dale Fowler statement on income tax increase

July 6, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release from Senator Dale Fowler

State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) offered the following comments after the Illinois Senate passed a spending plan for Fiscal Year 2018 and a tax increase on July 4.

“Southern Illinois can’t afford another tax increase, our region is already suffering from an exodus of residents to Indiana, Kentucky, or Missouri or other points across the nation. I made a promise to my constituents, that I would oppose tax increases if they were not coupled with reforms to make Illinois more competitive, Fowler said. “To lend my support for another tax increase without the assurances that it would be applied to the state’s $14.7 billion backlog, would be irresponsible. It is a shame that the legislative majorities backed away from any meaningful reforms and decided to instead proceed with a tax package which endangers our already fragile Illinois economy.”  State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) offered the following comments after the Illinois Senate passed a spending plan for Fiscal Year 2018 and a tax increase on July 4. “Southern Illinois can’t afford another tax increase, our region is already suffering from an exodus of residents to Indiana, Kentucky, or Missouri or other points across the nation. I made a promise to my constituents, that I would oppose tax increases if they were not coupled with reforms to make Illinois more competitive, Fowler said. “To lend my support for another tax increase without the assurances that it would be applied to the state’s $14.7 billion backlog, would be irresponsible. It is a shame that the legislative majorities backed away from any meaningful reforms and decided to instead proceed with a tax package which endangers our already fragile Illinois economy.”

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

The Reptile Experience with Serengeti Steve

July 6, 2017 By Leave a Comment

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE US ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, REND LAKE PROJECT OFFICE

BENTON, IL – Join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Saturday, July 8th, as they host everyone’s favorite reptile expert, Serengeti Steve, for the Reptile Experience at the Rend Lake Visitor Center. This program will amaze you with up close and personal encounters with some of the most exotic live reptiles the world has to offer.  Serengeti Steve also has a unique way of involving audience members into the program as they meet scorpions, crocodiles, snakes, lizards, and more!

“The Reptile Experience” will present three separate programs on Saturday July 8th .  The same program will be at 11:00 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. at the Rend Lake Visitor Center. As always Environmental Science Series programs are free, open to the public, and appropriate for all ages.

On Saturday July 15th, the Rend Lake Environmental Science Series will continue with “Campout with Camo the Clown.” This program will be presented at the Rend Lake Visitor Center from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Join this local conservation clown as he educates and entertains with the audience with colorful stories, props, skits, and live animals!

For more information about the Rend Lake Environmental Science Series please contact the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rend Lake Project Office at 618-724-2493 or “like” the Visitor Center Facebook page at facebook.com/rendlakeusace.

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