by Steve Dunford 

WHITTINGTON, IL-  Sesser Fire and Rescue have been toned to a three semi accident at the Interstate 57 Southbound 78 Mile Marker.  This is just north of the Sesser exit.

Please avoid the area.  Updates will be given as they become available.

UPDATE 12:45 a.m.  Sesser Fire crews are still working clearing the accident scene.  As far as injuries, I just know that Air Evac was not needed.  Benton fire has been called in the last 20 minutes to work a single car accident northbound at the 77 mile marker.  I am unsure of lane blockage northbound, but the left hand lane is open southbound.  –  Information taken from Southern Illinois Fire Incidents.

MARION, IL –  On Tuesday State Representative Dave Severin (R- Benton) announced dates for Satellite Office Hours during November. As in October, the office will be in Carterville the first Wednesday, Benton the second Wednesday, and Mcleansboro the third Wednesday of the month. Location, Date, and Time are listed below.

Anne West Lindsey Library, N Division St. & Bryan Ave, Carterville, November 1st, 12:00-3:00 pm
Benton Public Library, S Main St. & W Hudelson St, Benton, November 8th,  12:00-3:00 pm
McCoy Memorial Library, 118 S Washington St, McLeansboro, November 15th, 12:00-3:00 pm
Staff from Rep. Severin’s district office will be on hand to take your opinions and help you with any constituent related issues you may have. If you would like to learn more about the office hours please visit Rep. Severin’s website at www.repseverin.com, or contact the District Office at (618) 440-5090..

Board adopts 2017 tax levy

The board adopted the 2017 tax levy (payable 2018). The corporate and special purposes levy went from $3,379,083 in 2016 to $3,547,797 in 2017, an increase of 4.99 percent. The debt service levy went from $2,901,908 in 2016 to $3,117,676 in 2017, an increase of 7.44 percent. Because the corporate and special purposes levy is not greater than 105 percent of last year’s levy, no Truth in Taxation hearing is required.

RLC, SIUC ink articulation agreement for History

An articulation agreement between Rend Lake College and Southern Illinois University Carbondale was approved Tuesday. This agreement allows students to complete an Associate of Arts degree in History at RLC and transfer seamlessly to SIUC’s Bachelor of Arts in History program provided they have successfully completed the agreed-upon coursework.

Accreditation update

The board 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 board learned that the Quality Initiative project, which in this case is RLC’s First-Year Experience orientation program, received a positive review from HLC. The Quality Initiative project is an important part of the overall accreditation effort.

In curriculum matters …

The board approved development of an online Supervision course and two hybrid courses, Creative Writing and Office Accounting; approved redevelopment of the Principles of Marketing course; approved withdrawal of the Photography I and II classes; approved changes to several Health Information Technology courses and two Medical Assistant courses; and approved changes to the Medical Assistant curricula. The board also authorized submission of these items to the Illinois Community College Board for action.

In other business, the board …

·         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.

·         Approved revisions to board policy concerning the tenured / tenure-track faculty and staff seniority list (second reading), travel reimbursement (second reading), background checks for potential and current employees (first reading) and return to work certification (first reading).

·         Approved revisions to board policy concerning fees and the criteria for awarding credit.

·         Approved revisions to board policy and procedure concerning enrollment of international students (first reading).

·         Approved creation of board policy and procedure concerning media relations (first reading) and student employment (first reading).

·         Approved an unpaid leave of absence for an employee.

·         Ratified payment of college expenses including travel reimbursements.

Mark your calendars …

·         RLC Foundation Scholarship Dinner, 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 19, Benton Civic Center.

·         Criminal Justice Roundup for Scholarships, 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 23, Mt. Vernon Event Center, Salon C (formerly the Holiday Inn).

·         Southeast Region Trustees Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, Pat Kern Private Dining Area.

·         RLC Halloween Party, 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 26, The Rec.

·         Fall Play: Sleeping Beauty of Loreland, 7 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 2-4, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5, RLC Theatre. Tickets $12.

·         Fall Concert, 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, RLC Theatre.

·         Spoken Word / Open Mic Night, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13, King City Books, Mt. Vernon.

·         RLC Foundation Annual Dinner Meeting, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, Holiday Inn / DoubleTree Inn, Mt. Vernon.

·         RLC Faculty / Staff Holiday Luncheon, Friday, Dec. 8, Waugh Gymnasium.

From Chad Copple – Dean of Communications and Marketing – Rend Lake College