Rain chances diminish to 30% Saturday, chance of rain again on Monday

October 4, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

Expected weather through the end of the work week. (NWS-Paducah)

Dry conditions still continue. Here in West Frankfort yesterday, we just got enough rain to settle the dust.  The southeast side of the county received a half-inch of rain in places, around Sesser to the northwest, there was about a quarter of an inch.  This information is from the National Weather Service in Paducah.

Earlier in the week, it looked like that showers and thunderstorms would possibly hamper the Friday Night Lights.  That is not the case now.  Going into week seven, there has not been any weather interruptions this season.

There is a tropical depression that is forming in the Gulf of Mexico at this time.  If it intensifies, we will share information as there are a lot of people that vacation there in this area.

Seven Day Forecast

This Afternoon
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 83. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph.
Tonight
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Calm wind.
Thursday
Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming south southwest around 6 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Light south wind.
Friday
Partly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming south southwest 5 to 9 mph in the morning.
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind 6 to 8 mph.
Saturday
A 30 percent chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. South wind 9 to 11 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 59. West wind around 6 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 86. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the morning.
Sunday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 62. South southeast wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Columbus Day
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the morning.
Monday Night
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly cloudy, with a low around 56. Light and variable wind becoming southwest around 5 mph after midnight.
Tuesday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 72. Northwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

 

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

Alabama woman arrested on Benton Square for traffic charges

October 4, 2017 By Leave a Comment

BENTON, IL – On October 2nd, 2017 Benton Police were dispatched to the area of 400 Public Square in reference to a suspicious vehicle.

Upon investigating, police arrested Shana Bertucci, age 46, of AL for driving while license suspended.

From

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

Plans to build medical clinic in Zeigler are on hold

October 4, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36514866/plans-to-build-medical-clinic-in-zeigler-are-on-hold

WSIL photo

ZEIGLER, IL – (Evie Allen, WSIL-TV.  Please click from the link above for the full story and video.  Here is an excerpt below.)

With the City of Zeigler’s finances under scrutiny, some wonder if it has played a part in slowing down plans for a new medical clinic.

Mayor Dennis Mitchell told News 3, money for the clinic is still there, but other problems have halted plans, for now.

The dream for and old bank building in Zeigler to become a medical center, is now on hold.

Making the total cost around $525,000. Mitchell also said the “Morthland Foundation” had a part in the lease agreement.

Representatives with the Morthland Foundation told News 3, they still hope to move forward with the clinic as well.

 

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

In Response to the Signing of Illinois H.B. 40, Illinois Republican Congressional Delegation Releases Statement on H.R. 36

October 4, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Washington, D.C. — In the wake of legislation signed by Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner that would allow for the use of taxpayer money to cover an unlimited number of abortions anytime for any reason, members of the Illinois Republican Congressional Delegation voted to advance bipartisan legislation H.R. 36 – the Unborn Pain-Capable Child Protection Act – to restrict abortions 20 weeks or more after conception, the point at which unborn fetuses can feel pain.

Representatives Peter Roskam (IL-06), John Shimkus (IL-15), Randy Hultgren (IL-14), Rodney Davis (IL-13), Adam Kinzinger (IL-16), Darin LaHood (IL-18) and Mike Bost (IL-12) released the following statement:

“Henry Hyde championed the rights of the unborn through the Hyde Amendment, which expressly prohibits federal funding for abortions. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 2005 to 2014, the infant mortality rate in the United States dropped 15 percent. Much of this progress can be attributed to technological advancements in medicine that gives children born prematurely and with various medical issues a fighting chance. H.R. 36 protects children like Micah Pickering who was born at 22 weeks and is a thriving toddler today.

“In a reversal of long-standing Illinois policy, Governor Rauner has let down Illinois taxpayers and the unborn by signing H.B. 40. Today, the Illinois delegation stands together in our support of H.R. 36 to protect human life.”

Background:

The Pain-Capable Unborn Child Act (H.R.36) restricts abortions 20 weeks or more after conception. Specifically, H.R.36 establishes criminal penalties for any person who performs or attempts an abortion on a fetus after the 20-week mark. In addition, this bill provides exceptions to save the life of the mother and in the case of rape or incest.

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that H.R 36 would save roughly 10,000 lives each year. The U.S. is one of only seven countries in the world that allows elective abortion past 20 weeks (5 months), at which point scientific evidence suggests that the baby is capable of feeling excruciating pain during an abortion procedure. A poll released in January 2017 found that 74 percent of Americans want abortion restricted to, at most, the first trimester. At the state level, over a dozen states across the country have enacted 20-week bills.

From George O’ Connor Communications Director – Congressman Mike Bost

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Upward Bound students treated to a little magic

October 4, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Reece Rutland

INA, IL  – The Upward Bound program at Rend Lake College celebrated its students with a little magic at the annual Upward Bound Banquet, held RLC’s James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium.

This year’s Harry Potter-themed event recognized dozens of local students for their involvement in the academic year program, as well as the summer program. The academic year program focuses on achievement in the classroom, team building, and goal setting activities. The summer program is more intensive with five weeks of classes on the Ina campus. Some students also take part in trips throughout the year and others enroll in RLC credit courses.

During the awards aspect of the banquet, students received certificates for participation in the Upward Bound program and the summer program during the 2016-17 year, for earning straight As, for perfect attendance, for receiving RLC college credit, and many others.

The RLC Upward Bound program is a federally funded college preparatory program designed to provide academic support, personal and career counseling, and cultural and social enrichment to high school participants who have the academic ability to be successful in college. Services are provided at no cost to the student. To learn more about the Upward Bound program, contact Stallman at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1366 or stallmanl@rlc.edu

Reece Rutland is a Public Information Specialist and Sports Information Director for Rend Lake College

 

 

Zeigler-Royalton High School Participants
Front row, from left: Hannah Absher, Brie Bates, Erin Eldridge, Gabby Dover, Lacey Grammer, Dawson Thomas. Back row, from left, Payce Morgan, Draven Witt, Brandon Bates, Chase Bates, Dakota Emery.
( Photos by Reece Rutland – RLC Public Information)

 

Benton High School Participants
Front row, from left: Kendra-jo Sanders, Diamond Anderson, Brandie Anderson. Back row, from left: Desiree Phillips, Alexis Jones, Honey Harvill, Hailey Bryan, Andrew Blackman, Karli Slomka.

 

Hamilton County High School Participants
Front row, from left: Kennedy Moles, Alex Farthing, Emilie Green, Summer Matthews. Back row, from left: Samantha Alverth, Noah Colclasure, Cheyenne Powers, Alesse Strumpher, Kelcie Green, Elizabeth Isaacs.

 

Mt. Vernon Township High School Participants
Front row, from left: Asia Huggins, Jay King, Jasmine Howard, Caleb Isaacs. Back row, from left, Lance White, Casey White, Madison Waters, Ally Vuichard, Lexy McKinney, Hailey Mays.

 

 

Filed Under: Benton News, Featured, Franklin Co. News, Royalton News, Zeigler News

Celebrate Christmas in the Capitol with RLC Community and Corporate Ed

October 4, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Reece Rutland – Rend Lake College Public Information

INA, Ill. Oct. 2, 2017) – Ring in the holidays with a double dose of festive cheer and United States history by joining Rend Lake College on a trip to Colonial Williamsburg and Washington, D.C. during the height of the Christmas season.

Colonial Williamsburg and Washington, D.C. Christmas trip will take place from Dec. 9–15, 2017. Pre-registration is required by Oct. 15, and the cost of the trip is $1,975 per person, double occupancy.

Vacationers will head to the preserved colonial city of Williamsburg to learn about Christmas traditions of the past, plus tour the homes of Presidents Jefferson and Washington. Other highlights of the trip include a stop to explore the Smithsonian Museums in Washington D.C. Travelers will also enjoy the modern day tradition of Christmas lights in both the nation’s capital city as well as Newport News.

To register, contact Community and Corporate Education at 618-437-5321 x1714. Cancelled registrations after the Oct. 15 deadline may not be eligible to receive a full refund

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Avoid the area of the intersection of State Routes 37-154

October 3, 2017 By Leave a Comment

There have been two accidents around the intersection of 37 and 154.  One is right at the intersection.  One is 1/4 mile North.  Please avoid that area at the present time.

Benton and Sesser Firefighters , as well as the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department is responding. -sd

TIME: 4:10 p.m.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Chance of showers this afternoon

October 3, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Isolated showers and possibly a thunderstorm will continue to be possible across mainly southern Illinois and southeast Missouri through late afternoon. (NWS Paducah)

Seven Day Forecast

This Afternoon
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 76. South wind around 9 mph.
Tonight
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 65. South southeast wind 3 to 5 mph.
Wednesday
A 30 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly before 8am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 81. Southwest wind 3 to 7 mph.
Wednesday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 62. Calm wind.
Thursday
Partly sunny, with a high near 84. Calm wind becoming south southwest 5 to 7 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night
A 20 percent chance of showers after 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 63. Light south southwest wind.
Friday
Partly sunny, with a high near 85. South wind 5 to 8 mph.
Friday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 64. South wind 7 to 9 mph.
Saturday
A chance of showers before 1pm. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. South southwest wind 8 to 11 mph.
Saturday Night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.
Sunday
A slight chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 84. South wind 3 to 7 mph.
Sunday Night
A slight chance of showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 61. South wind around 6 mph.
Columbus Day
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 80. Southwest wind 6 to 8 mph.

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

RLC Foundation Children’s Center receives five-year NAEYC Accreditation

October 3, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by ReAnne Palmer

 

One-year-old Olivia Gonzalez of Valier plays on a slide in the recently-opened Skill Development Room at the RLC Foundation Children’s Center. Gonzalez is one of many children who benefit from the RLCFCC’s NAEYC accreditation.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

INA, IL– Children enrolled at the Rend Lake College Foundation Children’s Center (RLCFCC) will continue to learn and play for the next five years on the Ina campus, thanks to consistently high standards met by their teachers and staff.
Last week, the RLCFCC received official word from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) of their successful completion of the accreditation process for early learning programs. The accreditation is valid through October 1, 2022.

RLCFCC Director Brooke May said the center has maintained NAEYC accreditation since 2003 by upholding high standards and criteria, which specifically includes extra effort to sustain classroom and program portfolios.
“NAEYC accreditation is the means to promoting high-quality early learning for all young children. We work non-stop every day to ensure that we adhere to their standards,” said May. “Our staff works hard at connecting best early childhood practice, policy, and developmentally-appropriate programming in our center. We are extremely happy with the results of our site visit findings and being awarded another five years of NAEYC accreditation.”

To achieve accreditation, the RLCFCC had to meet a number of program and classroom criteria, which include areas such as relationships, teaching, assessment of child progress, teachers, families, community relations, and many others.
In three areas – assessment of child progress, families, and community relations – the RLCFCC scored 100 percent plus, proving they go above and beyond expectations. May said those areas are extremely important and continue to be the focus for the teachers and staff.

“We serve the children and families in our program by being dedicated to upholding high quality standards, as well as striving to be an exemplary model of what quality early childhood education looks like,” said May. “Plus, we feel that involving the community and families in our center is an integral part to creating a true partnership and being successful in being seen as a member of our local society.”

NAEYC also commended the RLCFCC for their exemplary teaching staff. May said the teachers and staff work tirelessly to stay current on educational trends and practices to provide the best of the best for the children enrolled.

“Our teachers constantly strive to learn and follow best practices in Early Childhood Education, as well as seek out additional resources to enhance our educational program,” said May. “Our teachers work as a team to make sure our center provides the highest quality child care for the families in our community.”

The RLCFCC will soon be enrolling students for the Spring 2018 semester. Enrollment for all classrooms opens Wednesday, Nov. 1. To learn more about the RLCFCC, contact Director Brooke May at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1393 or mayb@rlc.edu.

ReAnne Palmer is a Public Information Specialist For Rend Lake College

Filed Under: Featured, Franklin Co. News, Slider

SHARE THE ROAD

October 3, 2017 By Leave a Comment

DU QUOIN, IL –  As harvest seasons quickly approaches, the ISP wants to remind everyone to share the road. Because EVERYONE has a vested interst in roadway safety!

For Farmers – Make sure all slow moving vehicle emblems are visible and lights are activated; Take your combine’s head off to minimize width while traveling between fields; Be considerate while traveling – travel during lighter traffic times (for instance a roadway near a school at 8AM and 3PM Mon – Fri would be a high traffic time) and pull over often to let traffic congestion behind you ease up.

For Motorists – If it isn’t legal to pass a regular vehicle, it isn’t legal to pass a farm vehicle – no matter how slow they may be traveling; Allow extra room when passing and increase your following distance to get a better view around the extra width of machinery; Allow extra travel time during harvest season when near fields to reduce frustration levels – Be patient!; Put down your distractions!

Working TOGETHER, we can make this harvest season the safest ever.

From The Illinois State Police, District 13. DuQuoin

 

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