Benton Fire Department to provide secondary ambuance service

July 12, 2017 By Leave a Comment

From the Benton Fire Department

Benton Residents, we are happy to inform you that we have received our blessings from IDPH and the men are trained and licensed to begin providing you with another critical service, a secondary Ambulance service. We are currently on track to begin this long awaited service at 8:00 a.m. Monday, July 17th.

As always, 911 is your go to for an emergency. We thank you for all the support you have shown us, the men are excited to raise the level of service we provide you, the taxpayer in your time of need.

Filed Under: Benton News, Breaking News

RLC’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems adds pair of offerings

July 12, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Reece Rutland – Rend Lake College Public Information

INA, IL –  The subject matter might be up in the air, but the career prospects sure are grounded with the Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) program at Rend Lake College.

This year’s offering is being significantly bolstered to offer students the most cutting-edge training in the area for a field where the possibilities keep going up and up.

“With the addition of the new courses, we have the most comprehensive UAS program available in Southern Illinois. This is not just a test prep curriculum, we teach students not only how to pass the FAA Certification Exam, but we teach them how to apply what they have learned in the real-world. Students do not need to have a background in aviation, they only need to have an interest in the technology, and we teach them the rest,” explained UAS instructor Chris Edwards.

“We are now in our second year of the program. Also, we have two additional courses we have added to the program. They are UAS 1204 which is Advanced Flight and Nature Videography and UAS 1205 which is Videography Production.”

 

The two new courses offer valuable experience in one of the most practical applications to UAS piloting, shooting and editing video captured by the aircraft.

Advanced Flight, Nature Videography (UAS 1204) covers advanced UAS flying techniques, including various autonomous flight applications and strategies to deal with challenges in capturing video and stills. This course will address safety concerns when flying in and around controlled airspace as well as focusing on developing skills in videography.

Videography Production (UAS 1205) teaches basic and intermediate techniques for hands-on video editing on Adobe Premiere Elements 15. Students will take RAW video with their drones and learn how to turn the footage into professional looking movies, complete with audio, title and other text, transitions, color and lighting adjustments and removal of unwanted clips.

Applications for UAS run the gamut from agricultural work to fire and rescue to insurance adjusters.

“Instead of sending a company rep out into the field to walk all 300 acres of it, you can take an aircraft like what we use on campus and go up 200 to 400 feet and see the entire field. Then, if you have areas that you want to go investigate further, you just drop down in altitude and view it. All of that can be done without ever leaving your parked truck,” he stated.

“It’s supposed to create $82 billion worth of GDP bottom-line by 2020 and create over 100,000 jobs just in the United States. So, there is a lot of room for growth. It’s an exciting time to get into the field.”

Edwards detailed how the technology could be applied to search and rescue missions. UAS with infrared sensors can sweep large areas of ground to locate lost individuals. Law enforcement has also looked at utilizing the technology to track suspects who flee into wooded or fielded areas. Recently, the aircraft have been utilized for crash-scene reconstruction on the interstate, allowing officers to gain a better idea of the entire crash site without employing a costly helicopter.

Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS 1200) covers many facets of UAS systems, including an examination of safety procedures, human factors, payloads, and information gathering. This course also incorporates flight simulations and live flying exercises.

Advanced Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS 1201) is an in-depth look at programming and flying UASs which will take place over these five weeks with a special look at the selection and operation of sensors, and post-processing and analysis of data.

The final class, Unmanned Aircraft Law and Test Prep (UAS 1202), will examine current FAA guidelines on the flight of a UAS system in U.S. airspace. It will also cover all applicable state and federal laws, plus serve as the test prep portion to study the FAA material to pass the UAS Certification Exam.

“So, now you are actually able to go out and take an FAA certified exam to go out and get your FAA Unmanned Aircraft Pilot’s license. That allows you to go out and actually get hired and make money flying these aircraft. Here at Rend Lake, we are focusing on helping students prepare for their FAA exam and teaching novices how to fly responsibly in the national airspace,” Edwards said.

To become a certified pilot with the FAA, students must be 16 years of age, pass an aeronautical knowledge test, be vetted by the Transportation Security Administration, and be in a physical and mental condition to safely operate a UAS.

The three original required courses for the program run one after another in a single semester. Upon completion, participants are granted an occupational certificate. The program’s two new offerings are provided as supplements to certificate curriculum.

More information about UASs can be found on the FAA’s website www.faa.gov/uas.

For more information about RLC’s UAS program, contact Chris Edwards at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1278 or edwardsc@rlc.edu.

 

Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, Slider

Police canine unit begins work today

July 12, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.bentoneveningnews.com/news/20170712/police-canine-unit-begins-work-today

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

The Benton Police Department’s new canine unit is now on the job.

At Monday’s meeting of the city council, canine Officer Mark Wilkey and the department’s new police dog, Ranger, were introduced to the council. The two just completed a 400-hour training course at the police academy.

Police Chief Kyle Melvin said the pair will begin full time duties today, July 12.

 

 

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

New assistant principal to prepare grads for career

July 12, 2017 By Leave a Comment

http://www.wfgazette.com/news/new-assistant-principal-to-prepare-grads-for-career/article_913002dc-671e-11e7-8a28-b7ab5796ade8.html

Jory Dial, (West Frankfort Gazette photo)

WEST FRANKFORT, IL (Tim Hastings, West Frankfort Gazette.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Frankfort Community High School’s (FCHS) new Assistant Principal/Athletic Director Jory Dial says he wants to help students prepare for life beyond the classroom.

“As assistant principal I hope to set a standard for students to be prepared for work experiences,” Dial said. “And I want to set standards that reflect well on the students, the high school, and the community.”

Dial has similar goals for FCHS athletics. “I’d like us to consistently compete at the best level we can,” Dial said. “And, I want to give the coaches and athletes everything they need to compete.” Dial said character and sportsmanship should be just as important as winning or losing.

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

7th Annual College Changes Everything® Conference Will Address Efforts To Equip All Students For Postsecondary Success

July 12, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Press Release from the Illinois Student Assistance Commissioin

CHICAGO, IL  – Now that Illinois has a budget and higher education is funded, it is more important than ever that Illinois renews its collective efforts to improve postsecondary access and success for the state’s new, continuing, and future college students. On July 20th, Illinois educators, government, business and non-profit leaders, other professionals and students will come together for the seventh annual College Changes Everything® (CCE) Conference, the state’s premier higher education conference focused on improving efforts to make college possible for all Illinois students. 

The state’s two-year budget delay created significant obstacles for institutions, families and students—with many students scrambling to find alternative ways to pay for college, leaving the state, or simply dropping out. Yet research shows that a high quality postsecondary credential or degree impacts not only future income, but health and happiness quotients. Moreover, with 8 of 10 Illinois employers requiring such credentials, an educated populace is a key economic driver for the state.

“Our students are our future, and getting them on—or back on—track to attend and graduate must be a priority for Illinois,” said Eric Zarnikow, executive director of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), the agency that sponsors the CCE Conference in collaboration with other partners. ISAC also helped develop the College Changes Everything® college access movement, designed in part to help advance the state’s goal of increasing the proportion of adults in Illinois with high-quality degrees and credentials to 60% by the year 2025. 

To achieve this goal, Illinois must improve postsecondary success for a variety of student populations, and this year’s CCE Conference asks participants to consider the varying needs of these populations as well as their barriers to success. Workshops and discussions will focus on equitable practices in college access and career readiness, ways to reduce or eliminate opportunity gaps for underrepresented students, and how we can engage all students in ways that are inclusive, culturally responsive, and socially just. 

Dr. Kyle A. Reyes, Special Assistant to the President for Inclusion at Utah Valley University (UVU) and Assistant Professor of Education at UVU will deliver the keynote. Reyes, who teaches courses in Multicultural Education, ESL Methods and Family & Community Partnerships, focuses his research on conditions for underrepresented student success throughout P-20 educational institutions. Dr. Reyes will also host a breakout session on using family and community partnerships to collaborate for equity, and will moderate a student perspectives panel during lunch.  

The 2017 CCE Conference will be held at the Tinley Park Convention Center in Tinley Park, Illinois on Thursday, July 20 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The registration fee of $40 includes a light breakfast, lunch, and all conference materials. For more information or to register online, visit 2017 CCE Conference.  

The CCE Conference is a collaborative effort of volunteers including its sponsor, ISAC, as well as the Illinois Board of Higher Education, Illinois Community College Board, Illinois State Board of Education, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Illinois College Access Network, Federation of Independent Illinois Colleges and Universities, Advance Illinois, Center for the Study of Education Policy at Illinois State University, Council for Adult and Experiential Learning, Education Systems Center at Northern Illinois University, Generations Serving Generations, ACT Now, and Women Employed. 

Join us on social media with the 2017 CCE Conference hashtag: #CCE4me

About College Changes Everything

College Changes Everything™ is a college access movement that recognizes that college can be a life changing experience not only for students, but also for families and communities. In Illinois and across the nation, those who obtain education beyond high school not only see a significant impact on their potential career prospects and future salary, but also change levels of poverty, life expectancy, crime and obesity rates in their communities. Join the conversation and help make college relevant and possible for everyone by sharing your story about how college changed, is changing or can change everything for you. Find out more and share your story at www.collegechangeseverything.org. 

About ISAC

The mission of the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) is to help make college accessible and affordable for students throughout Illinois. ISAC provides comprehensive, objective, and timely information on education and financial aid for students and their families—giving them access to the tools they need to make the educational choices that are right for them. Then, through the state scholarship and grant programs ISAC administers, ISAC can help students make those choices a reality. www.isac.org

Filed Under: Franklin Co. News, State News

Heat indecies between 103-107 this afternoon

July 12, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Special Weather Statement issued by the National Weather Service- Paducah KY, at 2:18 p.m. 7/12/17

…Heat Index Values between 103 and 107 degrees possible in
some areas of Southern Illinois, Southwest Indiana, and Southeast
Missouri through 6 pm CDT…

Much higher moisture has moved into the Quad State region this
afternoon. This moisture, combined with temperatures in the upper
80s and lower 90s, is producing heat index values in the 103 to
107 degree range in a few locations.

If you live along or near Interstate 64 in Southern Illinois and
Southwest Indiana, and along Interstate 55 in Southeast Missouri,
you may experience heat index readings in the 103 to 107 degree
range for the rest of this afternoon.

Be sure to drink plenty of water, take frequent rest breaks in the
shade or air conditioned shelter. Get out of the heat, if you are
experiencing health issues.

Be watchful for those especially impacted by the heat. Young
children, the elderly, persons with serious health issues, and
pets are especially susceptible to the heat during this time of
year.

Do not leave young children or pets in cars with closed
windows…this could become deadly situation in a short period of
time.

Heat index values should gradually fall through the evening.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Rend Lake College Board of Trustees Meeting Highlights

July 12, 2017 By Leave a Comment

From Chad Copple, Director of Marketing and Public Information, Rend Lake College

Radio Control Field move, construction approved

The board approved moving the Radio Control Field from its current location on the east side of campus and constructing a new shelter. The project will be completed with in-house labor, with a projected cost of $34,000. The size of the current field is not equipped for larger planes, and moving the field will allow it to be made larger and more easily accessible to parking. This will allow for bigger events and will bolster the relationship between RLC and the Rend Lake Radio Control Club. The field also is being designed for the use of drones for the Unmanned Aircraft Systems program.

Updated mission statement receives approval

The updated college mission statement was reviewed and approved by the board Tuesday. The mission statement and accompanying documents have undergone a thorough review as part of the Higher Learning Commission reaffirmation of accreditation process. The mission statement reads: “Rend Lake College provides educational opportunities across cultural and economic boundaries to the diverse student population we serve. We are committed to our students’ success in achieving their educational goals and to meeting our community-focused program objectives. With Rend Lake College, student journeys start here.”

Williams to join Student Records

Tracey Williams was appointed Student Records Specialist effective July 18. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and most recently was a travel consultant for Bailey’s Travel.

DeForest moves to Accounts Receivable

The board appointed Emily DeForest as Accounts Receivable Specialist, effective July 1. She previously served as Business Office Specialist at RLC. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Southern Illinois University.

Three positions to be advertised; new assistant coach stipend created

The board granted permission to advertise for three positions Tuesday: Diesel Technology Instructor, Computer Networking Instructor and Marketing Specialist. The instructor positions are needed to provide consistent instruction in Heavy Equipment, Ag Mechanics, Computer Science and Computer Networking, and the Marketing Specialist position is needed due to the department director taking on additional administrative duties. A job description and creation of the position also were approved for the Marketing Specialist.

Additionally, a job description for Men’s Assistant Golf Coach and an accompanying annual stipend of $7,500 received approval Tuesday.

VP Price announces retirement

The board accepted with regret the retirement resignation of Lisa Price, Vice President of Student Services, effective May 11, 2019. She has been with RLC full-time since October 1994. “As a product of Rend Lake College and a true believer in the community college system, I am happy to be able to have had the opportunity to give back to ‘my’ college,” Price wrote in her retirement letter. “I am proud to be a member of the Rend Lake College family and will always be a supporter of the place that taught me so much and has been very good to me throughout the years.”

Police Department’s Brown moving on

Accepted with regret the resignation of Charlie Brown, Police Officer, effective July 21. He had been with the college full-time since September 2012. “I appreciate the opportunity I have been given during my time here,” Brown wrote in his resignation letter. “I wish you and Rend Lake College the best in the future, and hope the campus remains safe and secure for all who come to RLC.”

In curriculum matters …

The board approved a new online course, Communication in Technical Services, which is part of the Office Systems Technology curriculum. Two existing certificates, Health Care Coach and Home Health Aide, were deactivated, and changes to six Physical Education courses were approved.

In other business, the board …

Ratified payment of college expenses, including travel reimbursements, as presented.

Approved an amended retirement resignation for Chris Nielsen, Dean of Applied Science and Technology. The new retirement date is Dec. 31, 2017, as opposed to the original date of July 1, 2018.

Approved section 4 (second reading) of the revised RLC Policy Manual.

Approved revision to board policy concerning faculty qualifications and evaluations of non-faculty personnel (first readings).

Approved salaries for the 2018 fiscal year.

Approved the 2017-2018 RLC Employee Handbook and the 2017-2018 Athletic Handbook.

Approved a vending agreement with Pepsi MidAmerica.

Reviewed closed session minutes and decided that minutes from July 2015 to November 2015 would not be released.

Heard a report on the college’s reaffirmation of accreditation activities. The college is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is due for an evaluation by the HLC in September 2018. The Steering Committee, Compliance Committee and other groups will participate in a series of meetings and small-group work sessions on campus on July 19 and 20. Organizers plan to have a draft of the assurance argument, which is generated in support of HLC’s Five Criteria, prior to that.

Heard a report from Dr. Elizabeth Bailey-Smith of the Academic Council covering the curriculum matters taken up by the board Tuesday and reporting on additional meetings and activities.

Mark your calendars …

Practical Nurse Pinning, 3 p.m. Wednesday, July 12, Private Dining Area, Student Center.

Warrior Days (New Student Orientation), Wednesdays, July 26 and Aug. 2, on campus.

Faculty Orientation, 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, RLC Theatre.

Super Saturday, noon-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, on campus.

Class of RLC Reunion – 50th Anniversary Celebration, 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, on campus.

First Day of Fall Classes, Monday, Aug. 14.

Fun Fest, Noon-3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, on campus.

37th Annual RLC Foundation Golf Outing, Thursday, Sept. 14, Rend Lake Golf Course; noon shotgun start.

Illinois Regional College Fair, 9-11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19, Waugh Gymnasium.

Filed Under: Franklin Co. News

Only one-quarter of lawmakers decline per diem for special session

July 12, 2017 By Leave a Comment

https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/only-one-quarter-of-lawmakers-decline-per-diem-for-special/article_415dc442-6688-11e7-b3a6-c3ca65f67e99.html

SPRINGFIELD, IL – (Greg Bishop, Illinois News Network.  Please click on the link above for the full story.  Here is an excerpt below.)

Three-quarters of Illinois’ state lawmakers will be accepting their per diem for last month’s 10-day special session, which will cost taxpayers at least $145,000.

According to a response to an Illinois News Network Freedom of Information Act request, of the 177 state lawmakers, only 46 denied the .39 cent-per-mile travel reimbursement and a $111 a day per diem for the special session that started June 20 and ended June 30. Although lawmakers were in Springfield for a few days in early July, they were not eligible for the per diem because that was not special session called by the governor.

But, excluding the 39 cent per mile travel reimbursement – which only covers one round trip per week – all state lawmakers who will accept the $111 per day per diem will cost taxpayers at least $145,410 for last month’s special session.

NOTE:  State Representative Dave Severin (R-Benton) or State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) did not accept the per diem payment.  There is a full list of those who didn’t at the end of the story.

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

RLC partners with Rend Lake RC Club to build new airfield

July 12, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by ReAnne Palmer/RLC Public information

Rend Lake RC Club members donate $5,000 to RLC to help build the new Radio Control Field on campus. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, Rend Lake RC Club President Dave Black, Club Treasurer Philip Bean, Club Safety Coordinator Pete Renick, RLC President Terry Wilkerson, Club Secretary Angela Black, and Club Vice President John Griffin.
(Reece Rutland / RLC Public Information)

INA, IL – Remote control aircraft enthusiasts will soon have a new place to soar with the construction of the new Radio Control Field on Rend Lake College’s Ina campus. The old field, located north of campus, will be moved to the east side of campus to better suit event, parking, and student needs.

The new field construction was approved by the RLC Board of Trustees earlier this evening at the projected cost of $34,000, of which the Rend Lake Remote Control (RC) Club donated $5,000. The project will be completed in-house by RLC’s Physical Plant Department.

“We just really appreciate everything the college is doing for the organization,” said RC Club President Dave Black. “The college has done a lot for us over the years and that was really on display this fall. We just wanted to show our appreciation and give something back. This has been a great partnership, and we are looking forward to continuing it for many years to come.”

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

Structure fire near Orient

July 11, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by Steve Dunford

In the midst of the accidents on Interstate 57, there was a pole barn fire on Orient Road this afternoon.

Fire crews from West Frankfort, Benton, and West City were already on the scene of the accident.

Benton FD was moved to the scene in Orient with Zeigler called for mutual aid.  Johnston City FD provided station coverage for West Frankfort during the event.

More information will be provided as it becomes available.  Please keep emergency personnel in your prayers during this heat.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News
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