SIJHSAA tournaments return to RLC
The board approved a 10-year contract between the Southern Illinois Junior High School Athletic Association (SIJHSAA) and Rend Lake College District #521 to continue to hold the girls and boys state basketball tournaments in Rend Lake College’s James Waugh Gymnasium.

Atchison joins as administrative assistant
The board approved the appointment of Taylor Atchison as Administrative Assistant for the Applies Science and Technology Division on a full-time basis. Atchison is a graduate of Rend Lake College with professional experience as an administrative assistant or titles, having fulfilled the role in different industry environments.  

Kathalynas named clinical coordinator
The board approved the appointment of Rachael Kathalynas as Radiologic Technology Clinical Coordinator on a full-time basis, effective Jan. 1, 2019. Kathalynas holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern University Carbondale and as Associate of Applied Science from Rend Lake College. She had been teaching part-time at RLC and has the professional experience in her field and necessary skills to be successful in the position.

Patrick transfers to Computer Tech
The board ratified the transfer of David Patrick from Health Studies Student Success Center (HSSSC)/Information Technology Help Desk Support Technician to Computer Technician on a full-time basis, effective Dec. 17, 2018. The move was planned in anticipation of the end of the Title III grant, which partially funded the HSSSC position, as well as the resignations of existing Computer Technicians. Patrick has the knowledge, education and experience to be successful in the position.

Marlow appointed to CTE Student Success Coordinator
The board appointed Joseph Marlow as Career Technical Education (CTE) Student Success Coordinator on a full-time basis for the remainder of the fiscal year, effective Dec. 17. Marlow has worked at Rend Lake College since 2016 as a part-time biology instructor and math and science tutor. He possesses all the relevant education and work experience to perform the duties of the position. Marlow holds Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science degrees for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville as well as Associate degrees in both Arts and Science from Rend Lake College.

Course/Curriculum changes
The board approved the addition of a new course, title changes to existing courses, changes to existing courses, withdrawal of exiting courses, changes to existing curriculum and authorized their submission to the Illinois Community College Board for action.

Addition of New Course
            CNA 1604 Nursing Aide Skills – Effective 5/1/2019
Title Changes to Existing Courses
            CSCI 1260 Intro to .NET Platform Programming
            CSCI 1261 Mastering .NET Platform Fundamentals
            SCSI 1262 Advanced .NET Platform Development
            Effective 6/1/2019
Changes to Existing Courses
            ALH 1204 Introduction to Venipuncture – Effective 5/1/2019
            AGRI 1161 Soil Science – Effective 6/1/2019
            AGRI 1181 Introduction to Animal Sciences – Effective 6/1/2019
            AGRI 1263 Crop Sciences – Effective 6/1/2019
Withdrawal of Existing Courses
            MLT 1200 Introduction to Clinical Laboratory
            MLT 1201 Serology
            MLT 1202 Clinical Microscopy
            MLT 1210 Clinical Rotation I
            MLT 1211 MLT Phlebotomy
           MLT 2202 Immunohematology
            MLT 2205 Clinical Chemistry
            MLT 2210 Clinical Rotation II
            MLT 2228 Hematology and Mermostasis
            MLT 2229 Clinical Microbiology
            Effective Date 1/1/2019
Changes to Existing Curriculum
            CSCI 119 Programming with .NET Platform – effective 6/1/2019
            ECE 590 Early Childhood Certificate – Level 2
            ECE 595 Early Childhood Certificate – Level 3
                        Effective 1/1/2019

Capital Development Board Project
The board granted permission to enter into a trust agreement with Peoples National bank and to establish a trust account for Capital Development Board Project No. 810-078-025 as part of the Emergency/Deferred Maintenance Capital Projects recently approved by the State of Illinois and too be administered by the Capital Development Board as required.

In other business, the board …

·         Approved the schedule of meetings of the Rend Lake College board of Trustees for the 2019 calendar year.

·         Approved the 2019-2020 Rend Lake College Catalog.

·         Accepted the resignation of Mr. Andrew Burk, computer technician

·         Approved the creation of a graphic designer position and granted permission to advertise the position.

·         Ratified the payment of college expenses, including travel expense reimbursements, as presented.

Mark your calendars …

·         RLC Faculty / Staff Holiday Luncheon, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 14, Waugh Gymnasium.

·         Holiday Break (offices closed) – Dec. 24, 2018 – Jan. 1, 2019.

·         First day of spring classes – Jan. 14

Monday officially marked the state of Illinois’ 200th birthday, with a year’s worth of events and commemorations capped with a birthday bash on Chicago’s Navy Pier.

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

Football  12/03/2018 | 3:16:00 By Tom Weber, SIUSalukis.com

Nick Hill selected to attend AFCA’s 35 Under 35 Coaches Leadership Institute

Wisconsin Republicans pushed through protests, internal disagreement and Democratic opposition Wednesday to pass far-reaching legislation that would shift power to the GOP-controlled Legislature and weaken the Democrat who defeated Republican Gov. Scott Walker last month.

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

A truck driver and school bus passenger were killed Monday night when their vehicles collided on I-74 in McLean County, according to Illinois State Police.

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

On November 30, 2018 at approximately 1 a.m. Benton Police conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of Bond and North Main Street.

During the stop, Benton Police K9 “ Ranger”  alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics in the vehicle.

Upon investigating, police arrested Joey A. Cesar, age 38, of Benton for unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and driving under the influence.

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

On December 2, 2018 at approximately 4:45 p.m. Benton Police were dispatched to the 200 block of Bailey Lane in reference to illegal contraband.

Through investigating, police arrested Tammi A. Nowak, age 48, of Benton for unlawful possession of a controlled substance and bringing contraband into a penal institution.

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

Bears quarterback Mitch Trubisky stepped to the microphone Wednesday afternoon at Halas Hall and flashed a wide grin when a reporter welcomed him back to his weekly news conference.

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

Illinois boasts a hair-raising history rife with spine-tingling stories — and that’s just with politics.

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

Toxic waste contaminates water sources near all but two of the coal-fired power plants in Illinois, according to a new analysis based largely on testing conducted by energy companies.

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

Anti-marijuana forces warned Wednesday that legalization will allow white corporate exploitation of minority customers, just as the opponents say happened with alcohol and tobacco.

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