Rauner makes another plea for reform as Democrats take over Illinois

On his way out, the Republican governor made another push for reducing property taxes and other reforms.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

SNAP benefits will continue through February for Illinois users, despite shutdown

State officials announced Friday that Illinois residents who rely on federal food assistance will continue to get those benefits through February despite the partial government shutdown.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

February brings new personal enrichment classes from Community and Corporate Ed

INA, Ill. – February might be short on days, but it’s not short on options when it comes to learning opportunities provided by the Rend Lake College Community and Corporate Education Department.

Classes kick off with Wooden Door Décor. This class offers multiple opportunities to gather friends for an evening of creative fun as participants make seasonal wooden door hangers for their home or office. Those enrolled in the class will learn painting techniques and will create a custom piece of art. No skills required, just come and have fun. The class will be led by Courtney Overturf. There will be three sessions of the class, each focusing on something different. The cost of the class is $15 per session plus a $20 supply fee per session.

Valentine design: Monday, Feb. 4, 5-8 p.m. at the Main Campus, Learning Resource Center, room 103

Spring design: Monday, March 25, 5-8 p.m. at the Main Campus, Learning Resource Center, room 103

Summer design: Monday, April 29, 5-8 p.m. at the Murphy-Wall Pinckneyville Campus, room 101

For the younger learners (Ages 8-14) Cake Decorating for Kids lets kids step into the RLC Culinary Kitchen and learn the art of cake decorating. Participants will learn basic cake decorating steps like leveling a cake, icing a cake, and using tips and bags to make springtime decorations. Participants will need to bring two baked cakes (1-8” round and 1-8” square) with them to class in order to create a heart cake. Bags, tips, icing, and coloring will be provided by the instructor for a small fee.

The cost of the class is $10 plus a $10 supply fee. Instructor Beth Mandrell will teach the class from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 5 at the Main Campus, Student Center, room 103

The 12 Sprays of Spring will welcome the fresh scents of spring all year with essential oils. The sprays are a simple and inexpensive way for new users to experience essential oils firsthand. Participants will create sprays to take home during this class. The cost of the class is $10 with a $6 supply fee to instructor Katrina Cerutti per spray. The class will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 11 at the Main Campus, Student Center, room 110.

Basic Reloading 101 will offer a beginner-friendly class that will focus on learning how to reload ammunition for a handgun. During this class participants will learn how to utilize the various equipment needed for reloading. Those taking part will also receive hands on training and step by step instruction about the reloading process. No live primers or gun powder will be used in this class. Alternatives will be used to ensure safety. No live ammunition will be created during this class. The class will be open to ages 16 and up. The cost of the class is $15 plus $5 for cost of supplies and will be taught by instructor Michael Dollins.

Classes will be held from: 6 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 11, March 18, April 8 and May 13 all at the Main Campus, Historic Schoolhouse.

Spice up cooking with Growing, Preserving and Cooking with Herbs. Participants will learn the basics of how to grow herbs in beds and containers, and how to identify, harvest and preserve your fresh herbs. Those taking the class will discuss the classifications of culinary herbs as either robust or fine (mild) herbs, and extend their culinary experience by interacting with a Rend Lake College chef as he prepares items using fresh and dried herbs that are local to Southern Illinois. At the end of the class, participants will get a chance to taste test all the delicious items. Bring a friend or come alone to enjoy a unique night out. The cost of the class is $15 plus a $5 supply fee and will be led by Instructors Chef Fairbanks and the Illinois Extension Master Gardener. The class will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22 at the Main Campus, Student Center, room 103.

Close out the month by making good on that New Year’s resolution with some Yoga. Regardless of fitness level or yoga experience, these classes will benefit everyone. Yoga improves blood flow, flexibility, muscle strength, posture, bone health, your immune system, blood pressure, focus, balance, and much more. No experience necessary. Students of all fitness levels are welcome. Please bring a yoga mat and something to drink. The cost of the class is $90 and will be led by instructor Carol Ann Baker. The class will be held from 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Feb. 26 until April 30 at the Main Campus, Gym.

To register or learn more about the hobby classes, contact RLC’s Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714, or email commcorped@rlc.edu.

Gunman gets 84-year term in Chicago honor student’s killing

CHICAGO (AP) — A judge has imposed an 84-year prison sentence on a Chicago man who fatally shot a 15-year-old honor student a week after she performed at President Barack Obama’s 2013 inauguration festivities.

Here’s a link to the story at the Southern Illinoisan.

Jayme Closs kidnapping: Suspect aborted two previous attempts to take girl at her home

A Wisconsin man accused of abducting 13-year-old Jayme Closs and holding her captive for three months made up his mind to take her when he spotted the teenager getting on a school bus near her home, authorities said Monday.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Benton police make arrests

On January 5, 2019 at approximately 5 p.m. Benton Police conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of North Maple and Fourth Street.

Upon investigating, police arrested Kathryn F. Wilkerson, age 33, of Benton on an active Franklin County warrant for failure to appear.

Wilkerson was transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On January 7, 2019 at approximately 10:15 p.m. Benton Police conducted a traffic stop in the 400 block of Huddelson Street.

Upon investigating, police arrested Timothy D Schultz, age 26, of West Frankfort for unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of cannabis.

Schultz was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On January 11, 2019 at approximately 12:15 p.m., Benton Police arrested James L. Weir, age 21, of Benton on an active Franklin County warrant for failure to appear.

Weir was transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On January 13, 2019 at approximately 1:15 a.m. Benton Police conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Buchanan and Washington Street.

Upon investigating, police arrested Jory A. Dial, age 31, of West Frankfort for driving under the influence.  Dial was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On January 13, 2019 at approximately 1:55 a.m. Benton Police conducted a traffic stop at Route 37 and Bowling Alley Lane.

Upon investigation, police arrested Gary M. Hobbie, age 56, of Benton for driving under the influence.

Hobbie was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

Pritzker’s move to match state salary for top staff with his own money raises eyebrows, ethical questions

Illinois’ next governor plans to match the state salaries of his top employees with his own money, a practice that one Republican lawmaker said raises enough ethical questions that he’s considering filing legislation to prohibit it.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Rauner makes a another plea for reform as Democrats take over Illinois

On his way out, the Republican governor made another push for reducing property taxes and other reforms.

Here’s a link to the story at Illinois News Network.

Franklin County authorities seek help in investigation into death of woman found near Zeigler

Franklin County authorities have identified the body of a white female discovered Saturday in a rural area near Zeigler.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s office is investigating the death and said the name of the deceased woman will be released pending the notification of family members. Unconfirmed reports are that the woman is in her early 20s and is a local resident. The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department is heading up the investigation and said the woman’s name will be released as soon as family members are notified.

Authorities also emphasized that the woman is not Lauren Pree, a missing West Frankfort woman who has been missing since September 2018.

The body of the unknown white female was discovered in a rural area west of Zeigler IL. She was reportedly alive by unresponsive when authorities arrived on the scene. The female was located by individuals operating an all-terrain vehicle. Authorities were notified and the female was transported to the Herrin Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

If anyone has any additional information please contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s office at 618-438-4841.

Boy, 11, rescued after falling through frozen Naperville retention pond

An 11-year-old boy who fell through the ice on a Naperville retention pond was rescued Sunday afternoon by the Naperville fire and police departments, authorities said.

Here’s a link to the story at the Chicago Tribune.

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News