Rec the Scale Challenge returning to RLC after holiday break

December 19, 2017 By Leave a Comment

by ReAnne Palmer 

INA, IL – If getting in shape and losing those extra holiday pounds are on your to-do list for the new year, then Rend Lake College has a challenge for you. The Rec and the Aquatic Center are again partnering for the second annual Rec the Scale Challenge.

rlc.edu photo

Starting Friday, Jan. 5, contest participants of any age will weigh in at the Rec and begin the 12-week challenge to lose the highest percentage of body weight. For a $30 fee, participants can utilize the Rec and Aquatic Center on the Ina campus at their leisure during this time. The individual with the highest percentage of body weight lost will be the winner and will receive a cash prize.

Weigh-ins will be held every other Friday at the Rec, except for the final weigh-in scheduled for Wednesday, March 28. Weigh-ins are mandatory. In the event of a tie, a one-week extension will be given to the tied contestants. The Rec is open for weigh-ins and workouts from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Aquatic Center is available for open swim Monday through Thursday 6:30 – 9 a.m. and 11 – 2:30 p.m., Friday 6:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. – Noon. Additional spinning classes will be available for contestants for an additional $5 fee per day.

For more information about the competition, contact Rec Director Tyler O’Daniel at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1279 or odanielt@rlc.edu, or Aquatic Center Coordinator Laura Johnston at Ext. 1207 or johnston@rlc.edu. For questions about the spinning class, contact Spinning Instructor Larry Williams at 618-231-4899 or williamsla@rlc.edu. Registration for the REC the Scale Challenge must be done in person at the Rec or Aquatic Center.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Franklin County Farm Bureau News

December 19, 2017 By Leave a Comment

From Gay Bowlin, Franklin County Farm Bureau Manager 

This will be my last article for the year. First of all I want to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas. ‘Tis the Season and all – please keep those who are less fortunate and those who are going through personal issues and health issues in your thoughts and prayers. Have a Safe and Happy New Year as well.

Gay Bowlin -Franklin County Farm Bureau Manager

The Young Leaders will finish delivering food to the area food pantries this Thursday. Last Friday we were able to deliver to Thompsonville and Whittington and we still have 7 left this week.  Our donations this year totaled $6,525 – this is a great amount of money. The crops were good but the bottom line on each acre was not as good as it has been in the past. Our farmers and a few others step up each year to make this happen and our Young Leaders are blessed to be able to deliver the food for those who are in need.

U.S. House and Senate conferees have agreed on a final tax reform package and each chamber will take final action this week, sending H.R. 1 to the President’s desk — making it the first comprehensive tax bill in 30 years.   House vote was Tuesday.  Senate vote is later this week. This bill states the following:

 H.R. 1 – the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act contains many provisions that will benefit Illinois agriculture by:

  • Cutting tax rates for small businesses and maintaining Schedule F deductions – including full deduction of property taxes on agricultural land in production.
  • Establishing an automatic 20% deduction for pass-throughs.
  • Doubling the estate tax exemption to $11 million (individual)/$22 million (couple) and while retaining stepped-up basis.  (Sunsets 12/31/25)
  • Expanding Section 179 small business expensing to $1 million per year, and
  • Allowing immediate 100% bonus depreciation for five years.
  • Maintaining the full business interest deduction for farms grossing less than $25 million per year.
  • Allowing farm businesses to carry back net operating losses for 2 years.
  • Continuing like-kind exchanges for land and buildings.
  • Allowing individual taxpayers take a deduction up to $10,000 for any combination of state and local taxes.
  • Partially eliminating the AMT (Alternative Minimum Tax).
  • Making NO changes in the self-employment (SE) taxes farmers pay.
  • Doubling the Child Tax Credit to $2,000
  • Preserving the mortgage interest deduction and relief for Americans with expensive medical bills.
  • We have encouraged our members to take action and contact their Senators and Representatives on this vote.

I want to congratulate Brad Browning, Franklin County Young Leader Chair for being invited to participate in the 2018 Agricultural Leaders of Tomorrow. This year ALOT is being held in the southern part of the state and only 25 individuals were picked to participate. to

As a volunteer organization, the Illinois Farm Bureau relies on our member leaders to not only champion the cause within Farm Bureau, but also to represent agriculture in a wide range of activities. Agricultural Leaders Of Tomorrow provides selected Illinois Farm Bureau members an opportunity to learn a broad range of skills to enrich their leadership abilities and enhance agriculture’s voice in Illinois. ALOT is for IFB® members who are ready to take the next step. Whether it’s as a county Farm Bureau president or a member of the state board, or to head up a committee for your local Farm Bureau, work in an agribusiness, or become a leader in your community, this program can help you achieve your goals. As a group, you’ll tackle new challenges in agriculture. As an individual, you’ll emerge as a leader.

Remember we are farmers working together. If we can help let us know.

 

 

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Make it Home for the Holidays: Drive Sober, Buckle Up

December 18, 2017 By Leave a Comment

IDOT partnering with law enforcement to ensure safe holiday travel

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies throughout the state are working together to ensure motorists drive sober and buckle up this holiday season. Beginning Dec. 18 through Jan. 2, more than 150 police and sheriff’s departments will step up enforcement efforts to prevent alcohol- and drug-related crashes and fatalities.

“The holidays are a time to celebrate and make memories with family and friends,” said Priscilla Tobias, Director of IDOT’s Office of Program Development. “By driving sober and buckling up, you are not only helping make zero fatalities a reality in Illinois, but also ensuring that this year’s memories are joyful.”

The enforcement campaign will be in effect around the clock, with heightened efforts during nighttime hours. Illinois motorists can expect to encounter DUI, speeding and distracted driving patrols as well as roadside safety checks and seatbelt enforcement zones throughout the state.

The holiday enforcement campaign comes as Illinois experiences its second consecutive year of more than 1,000 motor vehicle fatalities. In 2016, a total of 1,078 people lost their lives in a vehicle crash on Illinois roads; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 315 of these individuals died in an alcohol-impaired crash.

“Safe driving habits are essential to reducing fatalities in Illinois,” said Illinois State Police Director Leo P. Schmitz. “The ISP continues to work to remove unsafe drivers from our roadways. We ask that you do your part to assist us in reducing fatal crashes. If you see an unsafe driver, please call 911 to report them.”

The Illinois Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and Click It or Ticket programs are funded with federal highway safety dollars administered by IDOT.

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

Christmas Day Climate Statistics

December 18, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Please click on the link below for climate statistics for Christmas Day for Evansville, IN, Cape Girardeau MO, and Paducah KY

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

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Sharply colder temperatures for the weekend …small chance of snow on Christmas Eve Night

December 18, 2017 By Leave a Comment

A season in a day. For the first full day of winter (on Friday) will see a dramatic change in temperatures as a cold front pushes through the Quad State region. Above normal temperatures in the 50s and 60s during the day will be replaced with 30s overnight. The colder temperatures associated with the cold front will represent the leading edge of much colder air that is expected to settle across the region for the upcoming holiday weekend. Highs are expected to rise only in the 40s Saturday and Sunday, with most locations holding in the 30s for Christmas Day. (NWS Paducah)

Seven Day Forecast

Tonight
Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. South southwest wind 6 to 8 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph.
Tuesday
Partly sunny, with a high near 57. Southwest wind 5 to 7 mph becoming light and variable in the afternoon.
Tuesday Night
A 20 percent chance of rain after midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 39. Calm wind becoming northeast 5 to 7 mph after midnight.
Wednesday
A 40 percent chance of rain before noon. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming sunny, with a high near 50. Northeast wind 5 to 8 mph.
Wednesday Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 32. East southeast wind 3 to 5 mph.
Thursday
Sunny, with a high near 55. Light southeast wind becoming south 5 to 9 mph in the morning.
Thursday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. South wind around 8 mph.
Friday
A chance of showers. Cloudy, with a high near 57. Southwest wind around 9 mph.
Friday Night
A slight chance of showers before midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 32. West southwest wind around 10 mph.
Saturday
Mostly sunny, with a high near 41. West northwest wind 6 to 9 mph.
Saturday Night
Mostly cloudy, with a low around 24. North wind around 6 mph.
Sunday
Mostly cloudy, with a high near 35. North wind around 7 mph.
Sunday Night
A slight chance of snow showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 20. Northwest wind around 7 mph.
Christmas Day
Mostly sunny, with a high near 30. West northwest wind 7 to 10 mph.
Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

State opts in to FirstNet advanced communications network

December 18, 2017 By Leave a Comment

Illinois partnership helps first responders do lifesaving work

WHEELING— A new partnership between Illinois and FirstNet will ensure that the lifesaving advantages of enhanced wireless broadband technology are available to public safety personnel statewide, Gov. Bruce Rauner announced today.

“Communication is a life or death proposition in emergencies. Opting in to FirstNet’s dedicated network means first responders — fire, EMS, police — always have an open channel when it comes to doing their lifesaving work,” Rauner said against a backdrop of officials from numerous first responder agencies who gathered at the MABAS Readiness Center in Wheeling.

Illinois joins dozens of states opting in to the national First Responder Network, a communications network that is being built, operated and maintained at no cost to participating states through a public-private partnership between FirstNet and AT&T.

FirstNet participation will:

• Provide first responders with prioritized network access;
• Connect subscribing first responders with critical information needed in a highly secure manner, whether for day-to-day operations or large-scale emergencies;
• Create an efficient communications experience for public safety personnel in jurisdictions across the state when responding to natural disasters;
• Enhance network coverage across the state’s diverse landscape, particularly benefitting those in rural areas;
• Drive infrastructure investments and create jobs across Illinois; and,
• Usher in new lifesaving tools, including apps, specialized devices and technologies, with the potential for future integration with NextGen 911 networks and Smart Cities’ infrastructure.

Joe Galvin, statewide interoperability coordinator for the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, said today’s opt-in letter signing culminates a years-long effort to ensure broad-based participation.

“Illinois has assembled a 100-member multidiscipline, multijurisdictional stakeholder group that has provided input on what emergency responders will require in a broadband network,” Galvin said. “All the information gathered has been provided to the First Responder Network Authority and has been incorporated in to the offering provided to Illinois.”

“FirstNet is a major step forward for law enforcement — and for all first responders,” added Illinois State Police Director Leo Schmitz. “Whether we’re heading toward the aftermath of a tornado or an incident involving an active shooter, public-safety workers need their communications devices to work, oftentimes in adverse conditions. This will give them the best possible chance to save lives and provide aid to the injured.”

FirstNet, short for First Responder Network Authority, is an independent authority established within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. It grew from a key 9/11 Commission finding that clogged communication lines made it impossible to warn firefighters that the Twin Towers were collapsing, and generally hindered effective response.

“The ability to exchange data between public safety agencies and various other disciplines will be greatly enhanced with the development of the FirstNet network,” said Chief Jeff Macko, president of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm System. “Voice communications on FirstNet will be a significant supportive adjunct to the current land mobile radio systems.”

Alsip Fire Department Deputy Chief Robert Ricker agreed that FirstNet will be a blessing.

“This will provide enhanced communication capabilities for first responders from all levels of government, whether operating at a small local event or a larger regional disaster,” he said. “With FirstNet, we will have additional tools at our disposal to help with decision-making.”

Joseph Klinger, acting director for the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, also welcomed today’s announcement.

“This decision is a culmination of a four-and-a-half-year effort leveraging input from first responders across all of Illinois,” he said. “It is essential for lifesaving activities that public safety has the ability to make cellular phone calls, access critical information and transmit video during an incident.”

And Kirk Lonbom, the acting secretary of the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT), said the action demonstrates the governor’s vision to modernize state government.

“The decision to opt in to FirstNet will enable DoIT to provide enhanced services and innovative solutions in support of public safety and emergency management,” he said.

“Governor Rauner’s decision to join FirstNet demonstrates his strong support and dedication to public safety throughout the state,” added First Responder Network Authority CEO Mike Poth. “We are honored to serve Illinois’ first responders and deliver to them a reliable, broadband communications network that will help them save lives and protect communities.”

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News

Franklin County Sheriff’s report

December 18, 2017 By Leave a Comment

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

12-10-17 at 2:28 am Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural Mulkeytown. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Drake S. McKinney age 29 of Mulkeytown for domestic battery and unlawful restraint.
12-10-17 at 5:23 pm a traffic stop at Rt. 37 at Yellow Banks Road resulted in the arrest in the arrest of Taylor M. Noel age 23 of West Frankfort for driving under the influence of alcohol.
12-12-17 at 7:35 am Deputies responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on Baseline Road. A 2010 Ford F150 Pick-Up driven by John C. Kalahar age 38 of Bonnie was north bound when he swerved to avoid a deer. The driver lost control, ran off the road and overturned in a deep ditch. The driver received major injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Abbott EMS. The driver also cited for driving while license suspended.
12-13-17 at 10:14 am a traffic stop in West Frankfort resulted in the arrest of Sierra S. Brown age 32 of DuQuoin for driving while license suspended.
12-13-17 at 11:54 am Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in Royalton. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Kimberly D. Leonard age 31 of Royalton for domestic battery.
12-14-17 at 12:54 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Il. St. Hwy. 14 at north Thompsonville Road. A 2009 Chevrolet Silverado Pick-Up driven by Dwight Butler age 76 of Benton was south bound on North Thompsonville Road and crossed Rt. 14 in front of a 1992 Ford Ranger Pick-Up driven by Caleb M. Pemberton age 19 of Macedonia. Pemberton received major injuries and was taken to a local hospital by Abbott EMS. Butler was not injured.
12-14-17 at 3:07 pm a traffic stop in Benton led to the arrest of Kasey M. Claycamp age 21 of Benton. Claycamp was wanted on an outstanding Franklin County warrant for possession of methamphetamine. As a resulted of a search associated with the arrest, Claycamp was also charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

WARRANTS

12-8-17 Mikalean K. Barr age 24 of Carbondale. Failure to appear for possession of a controlled substance.
12-8-17 Mark A. Mcgwan age 50 of Herrin. Failure to appear for possession of drug paraphernalia.
12-9-17 Jessie J. Mullins age 21 of Benton. Failure to appear for possession of drug paraphernalia.
12-10-17 Nicholas L. Pickles age 31 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for felony possession of cannabis.
12-10-17 Raymond F. Reid age 29 of Emory Texas. Aggravated driving under the influence and reckless homicide.
12-11-17 Benjamin J. Peairs age 28 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for felony possession of cannabis.
Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Armed robbery attempt at Mt. Vernon Walmart

December 17, 2017 By Leave a Comment

MT. VERNON — The Mt. Vernon Police Department responded to an alleged armed robbery early this morning at Walmart.

Click below to read the rest of the story from the Mt Vernon Register-News

http://www.register-news.com/news/armed-robbery-attempt-at-walmart/article_c4c61cec-e353-11e7-a1b9-fbe93760d318.html

NOTE:  Updates from the Register-News or other media sources will be posted when further information is available.

Filed Under: Breaking News, Franklin Co. News

Benton businesses rally around 10-year-old diagnosed with cancer

December 17, 2017 By Leave a Comment

BENTON — Benton rallies around a ten-year-old girl diagnosed with a rare and deadly form of brain cancer.

A doctor diagnosed Makanda Williams with Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, or DIPG, and because there’s no cure or even a good treatment, her family has to go to Mexico for an experimental procedure.

Makanda Williams – File Photo

Makanda Williams hurt herself on a slide in May during a school field trip. When she went to the hospital, doctors found a tumor on her brain stem, starting a long journey for the child.

“I’ve been kind of scared sometimes and I mostly like to forget about it like I don’t have cancer,” Williams said. “I like to run around with just my brother and sister and just forget about the cancer.

Please click to read the full story and the video from Joe Ragusa of WSIL-TV

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/37080450/benton-businesses-rally-around-10-year-old-diagnosed-with-cancer

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

Kankakee to eliminate class ranks

December 17, 2017 By Leave a Comment

KANKAKEE — Kankakee High School will not have a valedictorian or salutatorian in the spring of 2021 or every year after that.

The Kankakee school board on Monday unanimously agreed to transition to the college-style Latin laude system starting with this year’s freshmen class.

Superintendent Genevra Walters said the move enables students to schedule classes based on their interests and career paths rather than taking certain courses to achieve a higher student rank.

Please click on the link from John Dykstra of the Kankakee Daily Journal.

http://www.daily-journal.com/news/local/kankakee-to-eliminate-class-ranks/article_b0a1735a-888d-5a66-a7fc-26c2db75808e.html

Filed Under: Breaking News, State News
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