CHICAGO (AP) — Thousands of people have marched through downtown Chicago to express their displeasure at President Donald Trump and encourage voters to go to the polls for next month’s midterm election.

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

Some people complain about commercials. Bradley resident Connie Wietrzykowski gets things done.

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

As search and rescue efforts intensify on Sunday in the beachside communities that Hurricane Michael turned into a debris-filled wasteland, authorities believe it’s a matter of time until the death toll will rise.

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

On October 10, 2018 at approximately 12:50 p.m. Benton Police responded to the Public Square in reference to a hit and run.

Upon investigating, police arrested Nicholas J. Johnson, age 38, of Herrin for driving under the influence.  Johnson was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On October 10, 2018 at approximately 12 p.m. Benton Police conducted a traffic stop at the intersection of North Main and Martin Street.  Upon investigating, police arrested Stacy K. Manning, age 33, of Benton for driving while license suspended.  Manning was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

On October 12^th, 2018 at approximately 12:30 a.m., Benton Police were dispatched to the 300 block of West Washington Street in reference to a suspicious person.  Upon investigating, police arrested  Joshua W. Bryant, age 27, of Sesser for unlawful possession of methamphetamine, unlawful delivery of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia subsequent to a vehicle search after  Benton Police K9 “Ranger” alerted to the odor of illegal narcotics in the vehicle .  Police also arrested Joshua C. Sims, age 26 ,of Benton on an active Williamson County warrant for failure to appear.  Both Bryant and Sims were transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

INA, Ill.  – Administrators, trustees, and representatives from four Southern Illinois colleges gathered last night in an effort to talk about current events and learn more about a growing program at Rend Lake College. The Southeast Region Trustees Meeting was held in the RLC Student Center’s Pat Kern Private Dining Area.

The evening began with a welcome from RLC President Terry Wilkerson and opening remarks from RLC Trustee Larry Manning, Illinois Community College Trustee Association (ICCTA) Representative.

After dinner, a presentation from two RLC students and Corey Phillips, Director of the RLC MarketPlace, highlighted the Jefferson County CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program. Phillips, the program’s facilitator, spoke to the specifics of the program, including what is expected of the high school students enrolled, the college-level classes they take, and future plans. The students – Madison Bock of Ashley and Raquel Minor of Mt. Vernon – shared their experiences in the program during the 2017-18 academic year with guest speakers, tours of local businesses, and the annual trade show.

“The Southeast Region Trustees meeting is an opportunity for us and our neighboring institutions to get together and talk about what changes are happening in higher education and share information to help all of our students,” said Wilkerson. “To illustrate this, Rend Lake College students had the chance to share some great news about a program they’re excited about, Jefferson County CEO. They received questions and comments from representatives from the other schools, and we couldn’t be more proud of their hard work.”

RLC students Madison Bock, LEFT, and Raquel Minor discuss the annual Jefferson County Trade Show. This year-end event gives the students enrolled in the program the chance to showcase their businesses. Both Bock and Minor also had the opportunity to attend the national Trade Show last year in Effingham.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

The CEO program is open to seniors in Jefferson County’s four high schools – Mt. Vernon Township, Waltonville, Webber Township, and Woodlawn. Interested students are required to go through an application process in the spring semester of their junior year. Jefferson County CEO currently has 21 students enrolled in the 2018-19 class. To learn more about the Jefferson County CEO program, visit their website at www.jeffersoncountyceo.org.

After the presentation, Illinois Community College Board Executive Director Brian Durham provided a short update on the educational outlook in Illinois, focusing on trends and enrollment. ICCTA Executive Director Mike Monaghan also spoke about statewide legislative issues. The Southeast Region Trustees Meeting featured representatives from RLC, John A. Logan College, Shawnee Community College, and Southeastern Illinois College.

9-30-18 at 5:34 pm Deputies responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on South Mcleansboro Street ¼ mile west of Deering Road.  A 2013 Jeep Carryall driven by Justus J.M. Poole age 17 of West Frankfort lost control and ran off the roadway into a small creek striking a tree.  The driver, nor a one year old passenger were injured.  The driver was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash, unlicensed driver, operating an uninsured motor vehicle and for not properly restraining a child under four years of age.

10-6-18 at 12:17 pm Deputies responded to a single vehicle traffic crash on Deering Road ½ mile north of Reumbler Crossing.  A 2006 Harley Davidson Motorcycle was south bound on Deering Road and failed to negotiate a curve, ran off the roadway into a ditch where the driver was ejected.  The driver, Danny R. Clark age 66 of Benton, received non-life threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital by Abbott E.M.S. The driver was ticketed for operating an uninsured motor vehicle.

10-6-18 at 9:31 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Il. Rt. 14 at the intersection with north Thompsonville Road.  A 2008 Volkswagon Jetta driven by Whitney L. Sanders age 24 of Galatia, pulled onto Rt. 14 from North Thompsonville Road into the path of an east bound 1999 Honda Civic driven by Logan R. Billington age 23 of Benton.  There were no injuries and Sanders was ticketed for failure to yield right of way.

10-7-18 at 10:10 am Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural Ewing.  The investigation resulted in the arrest of Joshua K. Brooks age 29 of Ewing for domestic battery.

10-8-18 at 9:00 am deputies responded to a theft complaint at Drew Rock and Material in rural West Frankfort.  The investigation led to the arrest of Steven C. Melville age 35 of West Frankfort for the theft of decorative landscape rock.

10-10-18 at 3:26 pm deputies responded to a reported domestic dispute in Buckner that involved a stabbing injury.  The investigation resulted in the arrest of Crystal L. Sutton age 27 of Buckner for aggravated battery.  The 29 year old male victim was transported to a local hospital by Abbott E.M.S. with a serious stab wound to his back.  Sutton is being held without bail in the Franklin County Jail pending review by the States Attorney’s Office and filing of formal charges.

10-10-18 at 6:23 pm Deputies responded to a dispute in Akin.  The investigation resulted in the arrest of Jeremiah L. Phillips age 29 of Akin for criminal damage to property.

WARRANT ARRESTS

 10-5-18 Joseph E. Shepard age 31 of Benton.  Failure to appear on traffic charges.

10-5-18 Kendra S. Dent age 32 of Benton. Failure to appear on resisting arrest charges and for unlawful violation of an order of protection.

10-7-18 Micki J. Cox age 39 of Centralia.  Failure to appear for possession of methamphetamine.

10-8-18 Christian T. Vojvodich age 23 of Zeigler.  Violation of probation.

10-10-18 Adam S. Dills age 35 of West Frankfort.  Failure to appear on traffic charges.

The public is reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

 

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.