INA, Ill.  – Two new community members have made a commitment to the students of Rend Lake College by stepping up to become members of the Rend Lake College Foundation Board of Directors.

Amanda Basso is the Chief Executive Officer of Crossroads Community Hospital in Mt. Vernon.  Basso is a Sesser native and Rend Lake College graduate, receiving her nursing degree from RLC. She went on to complete a Master’s in Business Administration and in Nursing from McKendree University. Prior to coming to Crossroads Hospital, Basso owned C-Suite Consulting, a leadership firm that provided consultation and she served as the CEO of Clay County Hospital in Flora.

Amanda Basso

“I am honored to serve on the Rend Lake College Foundation because RLC is where my collegiate roots began. I am extremely proud of the exceptional programs offered by Rend Lake College,” Basso said.

“I have been privileged to work alongside and ultimately hire many exceptional health care professionals who have graduated or received certificates from RLC over the past 20 years. Southern Illinois employers benefit every day from the great scholars who pass through the halls of RLC.”

Basso is joined by Tony Wielt, a local State Farm Insurance Agent out of Mt. Vernon.

Wielt attended Rend Lake College his freshman year in college as a recipient of a RLC Foundation Scholarship. Wielt currently serves as the President of the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce and has been active in several community and non-profit organizations. Wielt and his wife Julie (Van Horn) live in Whittington and have been supporters of the Foundation for several years including funding an endowed RLCF scholarship.

Tony Wielt

“My connection to Rend Lake College has taken a lot of different facets over the years, including: camp participant, college student, Advisory Board Member, Foundation Golf Outing participant and sponsor, and now parent of a RLC student,” Wielt explained.

“In my work with the Chamber of Commerce and as a small business owner myself, I can see first-hand the value of the education RLC provides to the workforce. Becoming involved in the RLC Foundation as a Board Member will provide me the opportunity to give back to the next generation of students who are looking to continue their journey at RLC.”

“Given their active involvement in the community, their strong passion for helping others and their deep ties to RLC, I have no doubt that Amanda and Tony will be great assets to the Foundation Board of Directors.  The Foundation is privileged to have such a dynamic group of individuals on our board of directors who are actively involved in ensuring the success of Rend Lake College and our students,” said RLCF CEO Kay Zibby-Damron.

The Rend Lake College Foundation represents a partnership between public and private interests for the benefit of Rend Lake College students. We invite and encourage your participation, interest, and support. Please join the many generous individuals, corporations, and foundations who have given their support to the Foundation and the mission of Rend Lake College.

Last year, the Foundation provided $200,000 to 255 students to complete their dream of earning a college degree.

To learn more about the RLCF, or to donate, visit rlc.edu/foundation, call 618-437-5321 Ext. 1214 or email foundation@rlc.edu.

On October 5, 2018 at approximately 10:30 p.m., Benton Police conducted a narcotic investigation in the 600 block of Mitchell Street.

Upon investigating, police arrested Seth A. Gunter, age 19, of Benton for unlawful possession of methamphetamine.

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

On October 6, 2018 at approximately 10:30 p.m., Benton Police conducted a narcotic investigation in the 600 block of Fairland Street.

Upon investigating, police arrested three suspects identified as Bobby D. Barnfield, age 62, of Benton, Paul L. Barnfield, age 42, of Benton and Brandon S. Ing, age 40, of Benton.  Bobby D. Barnfield and Paul L. Barnfield  were both charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.  Ing was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine.  All were transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On October 6, 2018 at approximately 12:30 a.m.,  Benton Police were dispatched to the Black Sheep Tavern located at 111 North Main Street in reference to a fight in progress.  Upon investigating, police arrested Christopher W. Worthey, age 22, of Benton for resisting a peace officer.  Police also arrested Chase D. Worthey, age 22, of Benton for obstructing justice.  Both were charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On October 7, 2018 at approximately 5:20 p.m., Benton Police were dispatched to a traffic crash at the intersection of West Main and Glenn Street.  Upon investigating, police arrested Chad E. Harmon, age 42, of Carterville for driving while license suspended.  Harmon also had two active Williamson county warrants for failure to appear.  Harmon was transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

INA, Ill. – Rend Lake College Foundation Board of Directors – October meeting highlights

New Executive Committee appointed

·         Chairperson – Robert Bernheimer (replacing Brad Gesell, who served as the Chairman from 2014-2018)

·         Vice Chairperson – Mary Ellen Aiken

·         Secretary – Mark Ballard

·         Treasurer – Jim Leuty

“I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of our past chairs of the Foundation board.  We have an excellent group of board members that I look forward to working with, and building upon the past success that has been achieved.  My goal is to continue the momentum provided by our past chair and board, support our CEO Kay, and help the foundation achieve unprecedented levels,” Bornheimer said of his appointment.

Joy Resigns

·         Board approved with regret the resignation of Ms. Jo Ann Joy – Director Joy has submitted her letter of resignation as the Treasurer and Foundation Director.  Jo Ann has been actively involved with the Foundation Board of Directors since 2003 and served as the Treasurer since 2007. Joy has been a valuable member of the RLCF Board of Directors and we are very grateful for the amount of time, expertise and financial support she has given to the Foundation and the College, as a Director and as the Treasurer.

JoAnn stated “The Foundation is a very important organization and I have enjoyed my time on the board and as the Treasurer.”

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Bruce Rauner today announced the release of funds for more than $14 million in capital improvement projects at state parks and recreation areas managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). This money was included in the FY19 bipartisan budget signed in June and will be used for capital improvements to parks statewide.

“Illinois has some of the nation’s best state parks and recreation areas” Rauner said. “These funds will help improve park infrastructures, so all Illinois residents and visitors can continue to enjoy the natural beauty that our state has to offer. These investments will help keep our parks attractive visitor destinations and that, in turn, helps build our economy.”

The park improvement and maintenance projects are at sites throughout the state and include: Argyle Lake State Park in McDonough Co., Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area in Clinton Co., Fort Massac State Park in Massac Co., the Illinois and Michigan Canal in northeast Illinois, Kankakee River State Park in Kankakee Co., and Mississippi Palisades State Park in Carroll Co.

“These important projects will help ensure the health and safety of our state park visitors and site personnel – and make it easier for visitors to enjoy our state park recreational facilities, including lakes, waterways, and campgrounds,” said IDNR Director Wayne Rosenthal.  “Governor Rauner recognizes the importance of maintaining and improving our state parks for the enjoyment of Illinois residents and visitors to our state, and we are grateful to the Governor for his support in moving these projects forward.”

Kankakee River State Park, located in Kankakee county, is receiving a $1,855,300 grant to help reopen the park’s campgrounds to visitors.

“This is huge news for the many residents and Kankakee visitors who are understandably upset and outraged over the continued closure of campgrounds at Kankakee State Park,” said Rep. Lindsay Parkhurst, R-Kankakee. “This park is the jewel in the crown of Kankakee County and reopening the Chippewa and Potawatomi campgrounds will restore our park to its former glory and grow our area. Thank you to the Governor’s office and all other stakeholders who worked with me to get the campgrounds, which are such an important part of our community, reopened.”

Fort Massac State Park, located in Massac county, is receiving a $2,796,700 grant to aid in various site improvements and evaluate the current condition of the timber-framed 19th century Fort Massac fort replica to determine how to stabilize the structure and allow public access to the interior grounds of the fort.

“As Illinois’ first-ever state park, Fort Massac is truly a one-of-a-kind experience which showcases American history and brings in visitors from all over. I’m excited to see funding being dedicated to preserving and bettering this local attraction,” said Sen. Fowler, R-Harrisburg. “These funds will be directed toward evaluating the current condition of the structures at Fort Massac and making ongoing structural improvements, taking critical steps toward safeguarding the infrastructure of this Southern Illinois treasure in the years to come.”

Argyle Lake State Park, located in McDonough county, is receiving a $1,805,500 grant to use for dam and boat ramp improvements. The contractor should start work by November 2018, with an anticipated completion by the fall of 2019.

“These funds will go a long way toward improving conditions at Argyle Lake’s dam and boat ramp,” said Sen. Jil Tracy, R-Quincy. “This site is host to hundreds of visitors each year. The repairs and upgrades will ensure we’ll be able to provide better recreational opportunities and experiences for years to come.”

“This is a long-awaited project that will be a tremendous asset to the area once it is completed,” stated Assistant House Minority Leader Norine K. Hammond. “The investment in Argyle Lake’s docks, boat ramps, and dam is much needed for the safety and continued enjoyment of the park.”

Mississippi Palisades State Park, located in Carroll County, is receiving a $467,700 grant to update facility infrastructure.

“The Mississippi Palisades State Park is in my hometown of Savanna and was once one of the most visited state parks in the state of Illinois,” said Rep. Tony McCombie, R-Savanna. “The campground, challenging trails, majestic lookouts over the Mississippi River, and natural rock monuments like the Twin Sisters and the Indian Head have been a great draw for our region. One that boosts local and state economies.  This investment is long overdue and will ensure visitors will enjoy our park for years to come.  I am grateful for this investment in our state park and the natural resources infrastructure.”

“Ensuring the facilities at Mississippi Palisades are up-to-date and in good working order is important if we want to not only attract visitors but keep them coming back to enjoy the beautiful natural resources found in our region,” said state Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Andalusia.

I&M Canal located in Will/Grundy County is receiving a $6,672,150 grant to make DuPage River spillway improvements that are needed to ensure public safety.

“These repairs and improvements represent necessary maintenance near the Kankakee River, in particular modifications to help protect against a 100-year flood,” noted state Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Ottawa. “Having been heavily involved in flood mitigation efforts in our region for many years now, I can’t stress enough how important it is to be prepared for extreme weather events—and maintaining and improving our infrastructure plays a role in that.”

Eldon Hazlet State Recreation Area located in Clinton County, received $438,900 for much needed renovations to park facilities to ensure the park’s continued ability to provide services to Illinois residents.

IDNR has already committed $4.2 million in funds to aid in the completions of these projects. All projects are expected to be completed by the fall of 2020 with most reaching completion by fall of 2019.

MT. VERNON, Ill. – The sixth annual Rend Lake College Car Show brought out over 50 local enthusiasts to the RLC MarketPlace in Mt. Vernon to compete for 22 awards and help raise money for student scholarships. The event was held last Saturday, October 6.

Below are the results of the 2018 Car Show, as chosen by RLC Automotive Technology students. To view photos from the event, visit RLC’s Flickr account at www.flickr.com/photos/rendlakecollege.

Best Ford – Tom Duncan of Mt. Vernon, 1930 Ford Model A Coupe

Best GM – Chris Barker of Mt. Vernon, 1947 GMC COE

Best Mopar – Travis Branson of Salem, 1970 Plymouth Barracuda

Best Chevy – Richard Page of Mt. Vernon, 1967 Chevy Nova Supersport

Best Dodge – David Pierce of Marion, 1930 Chrysler CJ6

Best Orphan – John Gray of Dahlgren, 1948 International KB2

Best 4×4 – Brett Damron of Mt. Vernon, 2017 Chevy 3500

Best Street Rod – Louis Schrum of Mt. Vernon, 1928 Ford Model A Lakes Modified

Best Truck – Jeff Osborn of Mt. Vernon, 1953 Chevy Truck

Best Motor – Jim Hutcheson of Mt. Vernon, 1955 Chevy 210 Race Car

Best Wheels & Tires – Bob Dillon of Mt. Vernon, 1950 Mercury Sedan

Best Paint – Diane Morgan of Centralia, 1967 Chevy Nova

Best Sound System – Brody Willis of Mt. Vernon, 2005 Chevy Silverado

Best Motorcycle – Starr Williams of Mt. Vernon, 2007 Kawasaki ZX-14-Ninja

Best Exhaust – Quentin Sullivan of McLeansboro, 1992 Chevy Truck

Best Rat Rod – Ancil Burwell of Mt. Vernon, 1935 Pierce Arrow Pickup

Best Interior – Mike & Roma Pottorff of Fairfield, 1963 Ford Falcon Convertible

Best Corvette – Alan Stockman of Mt. Vernon, 1974 Chevy Corvette

Best Mustang – Barb Childers of Mt. Vernon, 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible

Best Camaro – Rick Taylor of Woodlawn, 1968 Chevy Camaro

Best Race Car – Jim & Joy Luster of Benton, 2002 Pontiac Trans Am

Club Participation – Kingsmen of Mt. Vernon

A Minnesota special education teacher has resigned after she posted a message on Twitter exhorting her followers to kill Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh.

Here’s a link to the story at Fox News.

Hurricane Michael was upgraded early Wednesday to “an extremely dangerous” Category 4 storm and could be the most powerful storm to hit the Florida Panhandle in 100 years, forecasters said.

Here’s a link to the story at Fox News.

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner continues to walk the line on marijuana in the state. 

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

As the November election looms, interest groups and newspaper endorsements are rolling in, but not all of them are pleased with the choices on the ballot.

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

Real estate experts say J.B. Pritzker, Democrat candidate for Illinois governor, may have some serious legal problems stemming from a leaked report outlining how he allegedly manipulated Cook County’s tax system to lower his property tax bill.

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