Southern Illinois Healthcare unveils new logo during open house in Carbondale

CARBONDALE — Southern Illinois Healthcare administrators unveiled the organizaton’s new logo and talked about its newest robotic surgical system during an open house Friday at SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale.

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

Law enforcement authorities seek help in locating missing man

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information on the whereabouts of Allen K. Woolard, age 42. He is a white / male, 5’9, 165 lbs., brown hair, blue eyes. Mr. Woolard was last seen wearing a light blue t-shirt,, blue jeans, and a white bandana on his head. Mr. Woolard was last seen walking away from a residence in the Village of Buckner, Il. on Jan. 23rd, 2019 at 11:00 P.M. Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Mr. Woolard are asked to contact the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office at (618) 438-4841.

Illinois governor taps St. Clair County prosecutor Brendan Kelly as new head of state police

Illinois Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker has picked St. Clair County State’s Attorney Brendan Kelly to be the new head of the Illinois State Police, according to a statement Tuesday from the governor’s office.

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

Illinois offers $100 million in loans to federal workers affected by government shutdown

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois is offering $100 million in state funds to finance low-interest or interest-free loans to federal workers going without pay during the record government shutdown, officials said Wednesday.

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

Williamson County man arrested, accused of killing 62-year-old Marion man with ‘machete-type weapon’

MARION — A Williamson County man was arrested Tuesday in Cape Girardeau and charged with three counts of first-degree murder. He is accused of killing a Marion man with what police are calling a “machete-type weapon.”

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

Man exonerated posthumously for 1981 stabbing in Mount Vernon

The Illinois Innocence Project at the University of Illinois Springfield has announced that Grover Thompson, who was wrongfully convicted in 1981 and died in prison in 1996, has received executive clemency based on actual innocence by former Gov. Bruce Rauner.

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

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.

Benton, West Frankfort, Illinois News | Franklin County News