Top Madigan political aide fired over sexual harassment allegations

February 12, 2018 By Leave a Comment

SPRINGFIELD – A high-ranking member of House Speaker Mike Madigan’s political organization has been fired after an investigation into sexual harassment allegations, Madigan said Monday.

Kevin Quinn, who’s worked with Madigan’s political committees for nearly 20 years and previously worked in the House speaker’s state government office, was let go for engaging in “inappropriate conduct.”

“In November, a courageous woman made me aware that a high-ranking individual within my political operation had previously made unwanted advances and sent her inappropriate text messages,” Madigan said in a prepared statement. “I immediately consulted with my attorney, Heather Wier Vaught, and directed her to conduct a thorough investigation.

Please click on the link for the full story from Illinois News Network.

https://www.ilnews.org/news/state_politics/top-madigan-political-aide-fired-over-sexual-harassment-allegations/article_cb1a2da8-100e-11e8-8c8f-27135b866080.html

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

State Seeks Nominations for Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards

February 12, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Winners honored at a special ceremony at the Old State Capitol

SPRINGFIELD – The Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Serve Illinois) is accepting nominations for the ninth annual Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards. These awards recognize individual volunteers and for-profit businesses and highlight the importance of community service in Illinois.

“Each year, millions of Illinoisans take time out of their busy lives to help their neighbors,” said Scott McFarland, Executive Director of Serve Illinois. “These volunteers are helping keep children safe, keeping our environment pristine, helping people find jobs, and so much more. They improve and save lives each and every day, and with these awards, we recognize the best of Illinois.”

Serve Illinois will present individual awards to one youth (18 years and younger), one adult (19-54-years-old), and one senior (55 years and older) in each of Serve Illinois’ five volunteer network regions across the state (Northeast, Northwest, East Central, West Central, and Southern). Serve Illinois will present National Service Awards to one AmeriCorps member, one Senior Corps member, and one for-profit business in each of the five service regions.

Nominations are due to Serve Illinois by February 16, 2018. Please visit www.serve.illinois.gov for nomination forms and more information. Serve Illinois will host a ceremony on April 18, 2018 at the Old State Capitol in Springfield to honor recipients.

The Serve Illinois Commission is a 40 member (25 voting and 15 non-voting), bi-partisan board appointed by the Governor and administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health. Its mission is to improve Illinois communities by enhancing volunteerism and instilling an ethic of service throughout the state. The Commission is accomplishing this mission through the support of local community-based efforts to enhance volunteer opportunities and the administration of Illinois’ AmeriCorps program. For more information on Serve Illinois, or to find one of more than 2,500 volunteer opportunities in the state, please visit www.serve.illinois.gov.

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

WSIL’s Unsung Hero: Benton’s Shannon Carr

February 12, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Shannon Carr – WSIL image

BENTON – In this week’s Unsung Hero, a Benton woman spends her days volunteering. Shannon Carr has been recognized for her generosity several times in the community.

Shannon has been helping with the cub scouts for about four years, planning activities for more than 25-boys.

The mother of four has been “filling a need” most of her life. She’s also organizer for her church’s free clothing store.

But it doesn’t stop there, Shannon is the fill in van driver for her church, cooks for Vacation Bible School, and organizes the church’s Christmas toy drive all while working a full-time job.

Please click on the link for the full story and video from Evie Allen of WSIL-TV.

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/37467807/unsung-hero-shannon-carr

 

 

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

Benton man arrested while driving on revoked license

February 12, 2018 By Leave a Comment

BENTON – On February 10th, 2018 Benton Police arrested Craig Dillard, age 28, of Benton for driving while license revoked. Dillard was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

REND LAKE COLLEGE BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING

February 12, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Agenda for the Rend Lake College Board of Trustees meeting for Tuesday, February 13, at 6:30 P.M. at Rend Lake College. 468 N Ken Gray Parkway, Ina, Ill.,  62846

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call

III. General Information

A. Announcements

1. January 15 – March 2, 2018 Visiting Artist: Erica Burton Theatre Lobby

2. Saturday, February 17, 2018; 5:30pm Warrior Superfan Shoot-Out James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium

3. Tuesday, February 20, 2018; 8:30 – 3:30 Faculty & Staff In-Service Rend Lake College, Ina Campus

4. Tuesday, February 27, 2018 RLC Basketball Homecoming Games vs. Lincoln Trail Women’s @ 5:30pm; Men’s @ 7:30pm James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium

5. Friday, March 2, 2018 Career Fair Rend Lake College, Ina Campus

6. Monday, March 5, 2018; 6:30pm Spoken Word & Open Mic Night King City Books, Mt. Vernon

7. Friday, March 9, 2018; 5:30pm Cosmic Bingo The REC

8. Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Transition Summit Rend Lake College, Ina Campus

9. Thursday – Friday, March 22 – 23, 2018 Kickstart Your Journey RLC Campus

10. April 5-7 @ 7pm nightly, April 8 @ 2pm Spring Musical: The Addams Family Rend Lake College Theatre

11. Thursday – Monday, April 5 – 9, 2018 HLC 2018 Annual Conference Hyatt Regency Chicago 12. Thursday, April 12, 2018; 3:00 – 6:00 pm Job Search Party Mt. Vernon Hotel and Event Center

13. Thursday, April 12, 2018 Trivia Night The REC

14. Thursday, April 19, 2018; 2:00pm Phi Theta Kappa Induction Rend Lake College Theatre

15. Thursday, April 19, 2018; 5:00pm Lake Reception King City Books, Mt. Vernon

16. Thursday, April 26, 2018 Children’s Health Fair The REC

17. Thursday-Friday, April 26-27, 2018;10a &1p Flummoxed Fairytales Rend Lake College Theatre

IV. Closed Session – The Board may go into closed session pursuant to Section 2(c)(1)(2)(11)(21) of the Open Meetings Act.

Subsection (1) appointment, employment, and compensation of specific employees; (2) collective negotiating matters; (11) litigation; (21) approval of meeting minutes.

V. Resume Open Meeting

VI. Approval of Consent Agenda

VII. Approval of Minutes of the: 02 * January 09, 2018 Board of Trustees Meeting;* * January 09, 2018 Board of Trustees Executive Session*

VIII. New Business

10 * A. Approval to Create Rend Lake College Policy & Procedure 4.1260 – Review and Publication of Student Right-To-Know & Campus Security Disclosures, Student Policies, and Recruitment Materials (Second Reading)

12 * B. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Board Policy & Procedure 6.7 – Fees

31 * C. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Board Policy & Procedure 3.1115 – Stipends

33 * D. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Board Policy & Procedure 3.1205 – Performance Evaluation and Tenure of Faculty Members

39 * E. Course / Curriculum Approvals

41 F. Ratify the Approval of EMT Handbook (TO BE PROVIDED)

42 G. Approval of Student Trustee Election Notice

44 H. Approval of Tuition Rates for FY 2019

45 I. Approval of Revisions to Rend Lake College Board Policy & Procedure 2.1510 – Social Media (First Reading)

47 J. Approval of Statement of Final Construction Compliance and Statement of Final Completion
iv

50 K. Permission to Create Stipend and Job Description for Entrepreneurship Facilitator

52 L. Permission to Create Stipend and Job Description for Director of Entrepreneurship

IX. Personnel

A. Ratify the Acceptance of Resignation 55 1. Coordinator of Data Information Systems 58 2. Associate Professor, Mining Technology

B. Tenure 61 1. Physical Science Instructor 64 2. Medical Assistant Program Director 67 3. Director of Health Information Technology Program

70 D. Approval of Renewal of President’s Contract (First Reading)

X. Financial Information 86 A. Ratification of the Payment of College Expenses including Travel Expense Reimbursements

B. Financials 

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

A bit of pragmatism and a bit of hope — Franklin County officials talk 2018

February 11, 2018 By Leave a Comment

WEST FRANKFORT — For Franklin County leaders moving into 2018, an obvious point of emphasis will be economic development. But officials also say a recognition of their limitations will be important.

2017 saw a lot of news come from Franklin County, some good, some not so good. There was West Frankfort sealing the deal with Dollar General and expanding the outlet mall’s portfolio of businesses. But there was also the investigation into Morthland College’s alleged mismanagement of Title IV money and former Zeigler treasurer Ryan Thorpe’s arrest and later federal indictment on embezzlement charges. There was the announcement that the theater in West City had been purchased and would at some point reopen.

Please click on the link from Isaac Smith of the Southern Illinoisan for the full story, as he talks to several elected officials in the county.

http://thesouthern.com/news/local/communities/a-bit-of-pragmatism-and-a-bit-of-hope-franklin/article_5d92747f-fb16-59eb-9d17-263ddb8520b5.html#tracking-source=home-top-story

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

State Senator Dale Fowler: Week in review

February 10, 2018 By Leave a Comment

HARRISBURG – Illinois lawmakers spent the week leading up to the highly-anticipated Budget Address working in committees, beginning the process of moving legislation and gearing up for floor action, according to State Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg).

During committees, Sen. Fowler advanced legislation that would create a tax increment financing (TIF) extension for the City of Marion. Senate Bill 2303 would extend the life of the existing TIF for Williamson County for an additional 12 years, pushing for continued improvement and economic development in the area.

“We should be doing all we can to spur economic development in Southern Illinois. This legislation is simply extending a path forward for Williamson County to bring in investment, implement improvements and encourage economic growth in the region,” said Sen. Fowler.

The TIF extension unanimously passed out of the Senate Revenue Committee on Feb. 7 and will now advance to the Senate for floor action.

In other news from the Capitol, a joint hearing of the Senate Appropriations I and II Committees received an update from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget on the state’s finances. Next week, lawmakers will return to the Capitol for a joint session of the General Assembly to hear the Governor deliver his annual Budget Address on his framework for Fiscal Year 2019 on Feb. 14.

Also heard in committee this week was legislation that would raise the legal smoking age to 21, a measure to expand the number of people eligible to use medical marijuana, and a joint Senate and House hearing on the state’s response to the Legionella outbreak at the Quincy Veterans’ Home.

News in the District

Before heading to Springfield for the week, Sen. Fowler made some stops around the District, beginning with a tour of the Laidlaw Building in Metropolis. Sen. Fowler visited the old factory facility, learning about the current steps being taken to demolish the abandoned property, sell the materials for scrap and use those funds for the expansion of Fort Massac State Park.

Sen. Fowler also stopped at the Shawnee National Forest to visit the new Outpost on Karbers Ridge Road by Garden of the Gods. Sen. Fowler is excited for the business development and is optimistic that the business is meeting a need within the area.

Finally, Sen. Fowler is sharing news from the Illinois Department of Transportation about an upcoming road closure in the area. Beginning Feb. 20, IL 34, approximately 1.75 miles east of Thompsonville, will be closed. Repairs are being made on a drainage structure and will require the road to be closed through March 2.

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

Explore the Colorado Rockies, New England through RLC’s Collette Vacations

February 10, 2018 By Leave a Comment

By ReAnne Palmer – Rend Lakc College Public Information 

INA, Ill. – Explore the east or west coasts of the United States this year with two unique trips offered by Rend Lake College. Partnering again with Collette Vacations, RLC invites you to tour the “old west” through the Colorado Rocky Mountains in July or sightsee New England’s charm as the leaves change in October.

losapos.com image

Enjoy a scenic tour of Colorado and Utah with the Colorado Rockies trip, set for Friday, July 20, through Saturday, July 28. The tour begins in the “Mile High City” of Denver and consists of many stops on the nine-day journey, including four national parks.

Attendees will visit Rocky Mountain National Park and Colorado’s wine country, and will experience traditional cowboy entertainment and food. One highlight of the tour will be a visit to the historic Stanley Hotel, inspiration for Stephen King’s “The Shining.”

The Colorado Rockies trip costs $2,999 per person, double occupancy. The costs include nine days of stay and travel, and 12 meals.

From the UK Independent

Celebrate the year’s fall foliage and American tradition during the New England Fall Charm tour, set for Friday, Oct. 19 through Friday, Oct. 26. The tour begins in one of the country’s oldest towns of Boston and consists of visits to some of the city’s biggest landmarks: Beacon Hill, Boston Public Garden, the historic North End, the USS Constitution, and much more.

Participants will also travel through the Green Mountains to Vermont’s Billings Farm and Museum, and then again to Portsmouth, NH to finish the eight-day tour with a taste of New England on a local delicacy – lobster.

The New England’s Fall Charm trip costs $3,149 per person, double occupancy. The costs include eight days of stay and travel, plus 11 meals.

Early booking discounts may apply to both trips, and single and triple rates available upon request.

An informational meeting will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 at the RLC Historic Schoolhouse on the Ina campus to discuss the trips. Details on early booking discounts will also be available. To RSVP to the meeting, contact RLC’s Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714.

 

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

Special Weather statement issued for upcoming wintry weather

February 9, 2018 By Leave a Comment

The main time period of concern for freezing rain is Saturday night into Sunday night. Light rain will gradually change over to light freezing rain Saturday night in southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, and northwest and far west Kentucky. Light freezing rain will continue into Sunday, although portions of southwest Indiana, southeast Illinois, west Kentucky and far southeast Missouri are expected to change over to rain for a few hours Sunday afternoon. Precipitation will gradually end from northwest to southeast late Sunday afternoon into Sunday night, and any areas of rain will change over to freezing rain before ending. Southern Illinois and areas northwest of a line from Cape Girardeau Missouri to Poplar Bluff may see a tenth to fifteen hundredths of an inch of ice, with the rest of the region receiving a glazing to around 0.05 hundredths of an inch. Depending on temperatures, these amounts will likely be adjusted as the event gets closer. (NWS Paducah)

…Light freezing rain expected at times this weekend…

Rain will spread north across the region tonight and continue into Saturday. The main time period of concern for freezing rain is Saturday night into Sunday night. Light rain will gradually change over to light freezing rain Saturday night in southeast Missouri, Southern Illinois, southwest Indiana, and northwest and far west Kentucky.

Light freezing rain will continue into Sunday, although portions of southwest Indiana, southeast Illinois, west Kentucky and far southeast Missouri are expected to change over to rain for a few hours Sunday afternoon. Precipitation will gradually end from northwest to southeast late Sunday afternoon into Sunday night, and any areas of rain will change over to freezing rain before ending.

Southern Illinois and areas northwest of a line from CapeGirardeau Missouri to Poplar Bluff may see a tenth to fifteen hundredths of an inch of ice, with the rest of the region receiving a glazing to around 0.05 hundredths of an inch.  Depending on temperatures, these amounts will likely be adjusted as the event gets closer. Stay tuned for updated forecasts.

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

Bridge crossing Rend Lake Dam should be opened today

February 9, 2018 By Leave a Comment

Rend Lake Project office photo

BENTON –  I just spoke with a representative of the U.S Army Corps of Engineers, Rend Lake Project Office and plans are to open the bridge across Rend Lake Dam this afternoon.

Also, there are some controlled burns taking place around the dam today.

All facilities are OPEN as the House of Representatives. passed a stop-gap spending plan to advert a government shutdown.  -Steve

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