http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36459147/morthland-college-fined-more-than-2-million-by-department-of-education

WEST FRANKFORT, IL – (Brandon Merano, WSIL-TV.  Please click on the link for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

A federal and state investigation reveals troubling findings at West Frankfort’s Morthland College, with “numerous ethical and financial issues” resulting in a more than $2 million fine from the Department of Education.

The DOE and Illinois Board of Higher Education interviewed select college staff one on one Tuesday, reviewing student records, the college’s contracts and financial statements.

The investigation adds to a troubling financial history for the young Christian college.

Financial problems first surfaced at the college after court documents News 3 obtained in May showed Morthland College owed more than $700,000 to the IRS, at that same time Dr. Morthland said there were no financial issues within the college.

 

by Steve Dunford

At 8:52 am Benton Firefighters were toned to the Franklin County Courthouse for a bomb threat.

Several emergency service agencies are on the scene at this time.

The public square is blocked off and NO ONE is allowed access to the square.  Please avoid the area.  We will provide further updates as they become available.

UPDATE 10:05 A.M.  I just spoke with the Williamson County Sheriffs Department.  The bomb threat that was called in applied to both the Franklin and Williamson county courthouses.  This was one call. Streets are being blocked off around the area of the courthouse in Marion.

I will continue to update further information and will provide links from other media sources with any additional information.  -Steve

UPDATE 11:20 A.M.  WSIL TV just released this story in the last few minutes.  It contains some new information.  The call was a 911 call that routed to the West Frankfort Police Department.  Since it could not be determined what county it was coming from, WFPD contacted both counties.  There is also a press release attached.  Please click on the link below for the story.

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/36465500/bomb-threat-closes-2-local-courthouses?platform=hootsuite

UPDATE 12:10 P.M.  WPSD-TV is reporting the all clear has been given for the Williamson County Courthouse, and they plan to reopen at 1:15 p.m.  In the last half hour, the bomb detection crew has arrived in Benton.  I will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

UPDATE 12:30 p.m. from Franklin County EMA Director, Ryan Buckingham

A bomb detection K-9 unit from the Department of Defense at Scott Air Force Base has arrived on scene at the Franklin County Courthouse and is currently clearing the building. Franklin County EMA personnel have cleared the roof top of the Courthouse and surrounding buildings using the agency’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones is on site coordinating with Federal and local agencies. Updates on the incident will be posted as new information becomes available. Citizens and motorist are encouraged to remain clear of the public square until operations have concluded.
Ryan M. Buckingham
Director of Emergency Management

UPDATE 1:15 PM from Franklin County Emergency Management

Franklin County Sheriff Don Jones has opened the Franklin County Courthouse and Public Square. Sheriff Jones would like to thank the public and the various agencies that responded to assist during this incident.

 

by ReAnne Palmer – Rend Lake College Public Information

INA, Ill. (Sept. 25, 2017) – Get inspired next month at the Motivated Manager’s Training Workshop, hosted by Rend Lake College and taught by Joel Busboom of The Inspired Workplace. The free event will be held from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24 in the RLC Student Center.

During the four-hour workshop, Busboom will use his experience with personal development programs and the Army’s Officer Training to encourage those in attendance to reach their potential in the workplace.

In the morning, Busboom will cover the basics of leadership, including dropping the shield, helping others feel supported, laying the foundation for success, and other simple programs. After lunch, he will focus on program development, such as community resources, program development, the importance of stakeholders, and next steps.

Lunch will be provided for attendees. The workshop is sponsored by Country Financial and Mountain Valley Spring Water. To register or for more information, contact RLC’s Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714 or commcorped@rlc.edu.

Local, State and Federal Agencies Partner to Reduce Rail Crossing Fatalities

Press release from the Illinois State Police District 13- DuQuoin

DuQuoin, IL – Illinois State Police District 13 is partnering with local, state and federal agencies to promote vehicle and pedestrian safety around railroad tracks and trains during Rail Safety Week, September 24 through September 30.

To promote rail safety awareness and education, Illinois State Police District 13 has planned enforcement details throughout the week at various railroad grade crossings. Drivers and pedestrians who disobey the laws associated with railroad grade crossings and railroad property will be cited. In addition, police officers will be distributing literature to the public that contains information on how to be safe around trains and train tracks.

“Trains have the same weight ratio to a vehicle as a vehicle does to a can of soda. It’s 4000 to 1!”, stated Lieutenant Michael Alvey, District 13 / 22 Commander. “Because of the energy involved in train collisions, there simply is no winning. That’s why it is so important to obey the laws concerning rail roads and trains”, Alvey continued.

When crossing railroad tracks, motorists must always obey the law and be aware of your surroundings. Please remember, it against the law to stop your vehicle on the railroad tracks and anywhere within the highway-rail grade crossing. Highway-rail grade crossings are typically marked by white stop lines located on the pavement in advance of the crossing, and if not marked by white stop lines, the highway-rail grade crossing extends from protective gate arm to protective gate arm.

According to Illinois Operation Lifesaver, more than 67 percent of all rail-related collisions occur at crossings with active warning devices (flashing lights, gates, and ringing bells).

During 2016 there were 120 railroad crossing collisions in Illinois involving motor vehicles. These collisions resulted in 43 injuries and 22 fatalities. In addition, there were 39 trespassing incidents on railroad property which resulted in 17 injuries and 22 fatalities. Illinois is ranked 2nd in the nation in grade crossing fatalities and 7th in the nation in railroad trespassing fatalities.

For more information on Rail Safety Week please visit: https://oli.org/about-us/news/rail-safety-week-2017.

Press Release from the office of State Representative Dave Severin

 

JOHNSTON CITY, IL – On Friday, State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) visited a fourth grade music class at Lincoln Elementary School in Johnston City. The visit took place to bring awareness to National Keep Kids Creative Week, which occurs once a year during the third week of September.

After watching his son and now grandsons grow up, Rep. Severin knows that creativity comes easy to all kids.

“Being able to express your creativity is one the many fun aspects of being a kid.” Severin said, “As I have watched my son and now grandsons grow up over time, it makes me believe creativity just comes so naturally to children. From the art projects brought home from school to musical performances, you really see how they all are overflowing with creativity.”

Creativity may come natural to kids but Rep. Severin knows it is important that we are continually supporting and cultivating it in schools.

“It is important that our schools continue to foster creativity in our kids through music, art, and other creative programs, otherwise it will be lost on them sooner than we think.” Severin said “The best ideas come from dreamers, and as far as I am concerned you can never have too many good ideas, so it is important to recognize National Keep Kids Creative Week and promote creativity in all our kids.