SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Republicans, led by Gov. Bruce Rauner, rallied the faithful Wednesday by pledging to make the GOP the state’s majority party in the November election.

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

INA, Ill. – Rend Lake College and the US Army Corps of Engineers are partnering together to bring a little more adventure to the lives of local children.

The Rend Lake Search for the Science Stones is an educational treasure hunt targeted towards youth 6-15 years of age that will kick off on August 19.

Every week a new science stone will be released into the wilds around Rend Lake with clues for its location being released on the Rend Lake Search for the Science Stones Facebook group. Links to the group will be posted on both RLC’s and the Project Office’s social media accounts.

The Facebook group will not only be a place for the clues to be revealed, but also a space that hunters can discuss their theories and make new friends.

Clues will start generically, but as the week goes on, and the hunt heats up, new clues will be issued until the science stone is found. The intrepid treasure hunter who finds the stone can bring it to the Rend Lake Project Office and Visitor Center to exchange it for one of numerous prizes provided by RLC.

“We’re excited to partner with the Corps of Engineers on this activity,” said RLC President Terry Wilkerson. “Anyone who wants to join the hunt will have a good time, and it’s an exciting way to generate some enthusiasm among young people in the STEM fields. Also, we hope we can get some more people acquainted with what Rend Lake, the Corps and the college have to offer.”

Every week for the next four weeks, a new stone will be hidden for numerous opportunities at prizes.

Those explorers who discover the stones will also be entered into the grand prize drawing. At the end of the event, one lucky participant will be randomly selected for a 12 credit hour academic award at Rend Lake College for use whenever they are ready to attend.

“The Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake is excited to partner with Rend Lake College in this new Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) initiative. This activity is designed to get youth outdoors where they can learn about nature and science while encouraging them to take ownership of their public lands.  The opportunity to earn prizes and a scholarship at Rend Lake College is a great incentive to get out and have some fun in the park,” said Rend Lake Operations Manager Jackie Taylor.

The Search of the Science Stones will run in conjunction with the Army Corps 2018 Environmental Science Series at Rend Lake. For more information about those events, call the Rend Lake Visitor Center at 618-724-2493 or visit their website at www.corpslakes.us/rend.

Trump International Hotel & Tower is endangering fish and other aquatic life in the Chicago River, Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan alleges in a new lawsuit targeting the president’s skyscraper for multiple violations of clean water laws.

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

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Bruce Rauner signed legislation today aimed at stabilizing families and providing additional services to those whose children are at risk of entering the child welfare system.

The joint-agency services are available to families with children under the age of 5 who already have an open intact family services case with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Families will be offered child care assistance under the Illinois Department of Human Service’s child care assistance program for six months after the child’s intact family services case is closed.

“Children thrive when their families are healthy,” Rauner said. “We want to make sure families stay together. Child care services are critical when it comes to helping parents rebuild, and this additional time gives them an opportunity to transition into new routines after their involvement with DCFS ends.”

Intact Family Services through DCFS provide at-risk families with job training, housing assistance, counseling, and substance use services that help them avoid more intensive and traumatic interventions.

“This is a unique collaboration with IDHS focused on the state’s youngest children,” said DCFS Acting Director B.J. Walker. “This allows social service workers to put an extra set of eyes on a family and help them identify any concerns they may need to address.”

“For some children, their child care setting may be the most reliable and stable part of their lives,” said IDHS Secretary James Dimas. “Allowing these children to maintain some stability during a very critical period of their development will help them for the rest of their lives.”

“Some families involved with the child welfare system have great difficulty accessing safe, affordable child care,” said Paula Corrigan-Halpern, vice president, Ahlquist Center for Policy, Practice and Innovation at Children’s Home and Aid. “Child care can provide the nurturing environment and learning opportunities that support a child’s healthy development and mitigate the impact of early exposure to trauma. Children’s Home & Aid has seen the positive difference high-quality child care makes in the lives of children and families. As a result of HB 4885, parents will be better able to access the services they need to strengthen their families and reduce the risk of abuse and neglect.”

INA, Ill.  – Through the extreme generosity of the SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital – Mt. Vernon, Rend Lake College Radiologic Technology and Bio-Medical students will get the opportunity to train on a trifecta of machines that represent the cutting edge in medical imaging.

SSM has donated a Sequoia Ultrasound unit, Shimadzu portable x-ray, and a Ziehm Exposcop 7000 C-Arm, with a total value more than $268,000.

“For our Rad Tech students, they will get some hands-on training with these pieces of equipment that, up until now, they were not introduced to until their clinical rotations began during their second semester. This donation will greatly benefit our students by allowing them to get some hospital experience prior to stepping foot into their clinical rotation,” explained Holly Heisner, Radiologic Technology Program Director.

On-hand to commemorate the donation were (pictured left-to-right): Holly Heisner, Radiology Program Director (RLC); Barry Baughn, Ultrasound Supervisor (GSH); Jenny White, Diagnostic Lead Technician (GSH); Kay Zibby-Damron, Chief Executive Officer, RLC Foundation; David Dykstra, Sr. Diagnostic Imaging Specialist (GSH); Randy Shields, Director of Diagnostic Imaging (GSH).

For their part, SSM said they are proud and grateful of the relationships that have been established with local post-secondary education institutions.

Kay Zibby-Damron, CEO of the Rend Lake College Foundation, was on hand to facilitate the donation.

“Our ability to provide high-quality instruction using state of the art medical technology and equipment is imperative to the success of our students in the healthcare industry. We are very grateful to SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital for this very generous donation and enhancement to our programs,” she expressed.

“With the rising cost of education coupled with decreased state and federal funding, the private support we receive from businesses and individuals throughout our district is critical to maintaining our high standards of instruction. Rend Lake College is very fortunate to have strong community partners like SSM Health Good Samaritan Hospital,” said Zibby-Damron.

For more information regarding RLC’s Radiologic Technology Program visit www.rlc.edu/allied-health/radiology-tech or call (618) 437-5321 Ext. 1251.

President Donald Trump’s administration has finalized an exemption allowing for a much cheaper health insurance plan. Advocates and businesses say the affordable choice will lead to more insured but others worry it’s woefully inadequate coverage.

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

PEORIA — Gov. Rauner signed legislation today that improves post-secondary education opportunities by allowing high school students to enroll in an unlimited number of dual credit courses in which they can earn both high school and college credits. The courses, whether taken in class or online, must be taught by instructors who are in compliance with the Dual Credit Quality Act.

“This legislation will help give students greater access to higher education,” Rauner said. “Earning college credit in high school may mean completing college in less time and that, in turn, could significantly lessen the financial burden for students and their families. It could also hasten General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) completion and entry to community colleges.”

The new law is another step toward the administration’s objective of improving access to education to help students prepare for the 21^st century economy. Cost is a major deterrent. A 2017 survey by the Institute for Higher Education Policy estimated that 70 percent of U.S. colleges are unaffordable for low- and middle-income families who are unwilling or unable to take out loans.

SB 2527 amends the School Code and prohibits a school board from enacting limits to the number of dual credit courses a student may enroll in or the number of credits a student may receive from dual credit courses, provided the courses are taught by Dual Credit Quality Act-compliant instructors, licensed teachers, or community college professors. With some exceptions, the bill also states that if a school district establishes a dual credit online learning program for students, the school board may not limit which students may participate.

Sen. Chuck Weaver and other proponents of the legislation welcomed the signing of the bill at an event held at Richwoods High School in Peoria.

“Dual credit courses are one of the most cost-effective options for helping students earn a college degree,” said Weaver, R-Peoria. “This new law will help boost degree completion rates and help cut costs for students.”

Dual credit programs allow students to get college credit for courses they take while in high school, reducing the amount of time it takes to get a degree, thus decreasing the cost of higher education. It allows students who face time and financial constraints to complete a program.

Community colleges could see a benefit with increased enrollment and General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) certificate completion. The legislation requires that school boards must have their school district’s high schools inform all 11^th– and 12^th-grade students of  dual enrollment and dual credit opportunities available at public community colleges for qualified students.

Under the new law, students have the ability to complete all of their General Education Core Curriculum (GECC) before graduating high school. Studies reflect that students who attain a certification or a degree are more likely to begin paying off student loans earlier than those who do not finish their programs.

The bill, passed unanimously in both Houses, takes effect Jan. 1, 2019.

The Governor also acted on the following bills:

8-1-18 at 12:45 pm Deputies arrested Samuel L. Williams age 33 of West Frankfort for five counts of forgery that had occurred in Benton during the month of June.

8-4-18 at 6:23 pm Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural West Frankfort. The investigation led to the arrest of Michael S. Wright age 53 of West Frankfort for driving while license revoked.

8-4-18 at 10:58 pm Deputies investigated a complaint related to a domestic dispute that had occurred earlier in rural Royalton. The investigation resulted in the arrest of James B. Grammer age 34 of Mulkeytown for domestic battery.

8-5-18 at 6:11 pm Deputies were notified of an underage gathering in rural Sesser by the Sesser Police. Out of a group of approximately twenty people, six were cited for underage drinking. Addison G. Baxter age 19 of Sesser, Ashley A. Laskowski age 18 of Sesser, Kendra R. Green-Shurtz age 18 of Sesser, Rylie E. Mansker age 19 of DuQuoin, Joshua R. Gunter age 19 of Valier and a 17 year old female from Sesser.

8-7-18 at 1:45 pm Deputies responded to a reported fight at Elsie’s Tavern in Orient. The investigation resulted in two arrests. Donald L. Peavey age 51 of Zeigler and Frederick N. Bowling age 33 of Orient. Both were charged with battery. More arrests are possible.

8-7-18 at 9:40 pm a traffic stop south of West Frankfort resulted in the arrest of Gary N. Rogers age 49 of Thompsonville for felony driving while license revoked.

8-8-18 at 3:11 pm a traffic stop in rural Benton led to the arrest of Ally R. Morris age 18 of West Frankfort for operating an uninsured motor vehicle and driving while license suspended.

8-8-18 at 4:08 pm Deputies responded to a two vehicle traffic crash on Il. State Highway Rt. 14 at Il. State Highway Rt. 184. A 2006 Toyota driven by Gillian D. Eubanks age 17 of Murphysboro was west bound on Rt. 14, negotiating a left turn (south) onto Rt. 184 and turned into the path of a 2011 Lexus that was east bound on Rt. 14. The Lexus was driven by Pamela M. Pearson age 60 of Marion. There were no injuries and Eubanks was ticketed for failure to yield right of way.

8-9-18 at 4:41 am Deputies responded to s single vehicle traffic crash on South McLeansboro St. at Spring Pond Road in rural Benton. A 2013 Chevrolet Silverado Pick-Up was north bound and failed to negotiate a left turn and continued straight through a ditch, into a wooded area striking a tree. The truck was driven by Zackary M. Holder age 22 of West Frankfort. Holder was not injured and was ticketed for failure to reduce speed to avoid a crash.

8-10-18 at 9:36 am Deputies responded to a request from the Corps of Engineers to investigate a suspicious vehicle in the South Marcum Campground of Rend Lake. The investigation led to the arrest of Paul E. Ray age 35 of Benton and Rachel D. Ray age 32 of Benton for possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

8-10-18 investigators have located a Black 2015 Dodge Ram Pick-Up Truck and its driver believed to have been involved in the fatal hit and run crash last Saturday morning, August 4th. The investigation is continuing and more information will be released at the conclusion of the investigation. No charges have been files at this time.

WARRANT ARRESTS

8-3-18 Marranda K. Booten age 27 of Marion. Failure to appear on a theft charge.

8-7-18 Jeremy J. Jackson age 29 of Benton. Solicitation of a sex act.

8-11-18 Jerry L. Murray age 32 of Harrisburg. Retail theft.

8-9-18 Tabitha L. Brown age 30 of Christopher. Failure to appear for retail theft.

8-10-18 Robert W. Key age 45 of Buckner has been arrested and charged with a violation of the Illinois Sex Offender Registration Statue. He is being held in the Franklin County Jail in lieu of $50,000.00 bond.

8-10-18 Levi V. Vinson age 18 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for aggravated driving under the influence.

REND LAKE FISHING REPORT

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Phone (618) 724-2493
Fax (618) 724-4089
e-mail : rendinfo@usace.army.mil
Web site http://www.mvs.usace.army.mil/rend
“Like” us on Facebook at Rend Lake Project Office/Visitor Center

MAIN LAKE AND TRIBUTARIES

SPECIES RATING BAIT OF CHOICE SUGGESTED LOCATIONS REGULATIONS

LARGEMOUTH BASS
Fair Minnows, spinner baits, worms, and black and blue jigs, soft plastics. Reports of fish being caught around Jackie Branch, Sandusky Cove, and South Marcum Cove. Fish in shallow bays near brush cover and bushes. Fish around bridges and along the rocks. 14” minimum length limit, 6 daily creel limit.
1 fish daily creel limit in PONDS 14” minimum length.

CRAPPIE

Good Small or medium minnows on a cork over the brush.
Quarter-ounce pink and white tub jigs.
The Crappie are suspended on the brush in the 8ft -12ft range. From shore, fish near structures, hot spots are Sailboat Harbor, and North & South Marcum. Some brush piles are holding lots of fish, keep moving and you will find the right spot. Try the main lake drop off areas. 25 fish daily creel limit with no more than 10 fish 10 inches or longer

BLUEGILL

Fair Small jigs, worms, meal worms, wax worms, crickets. From shore try Sailboat Harbor and Mine 21 Road. Fish shallow with crickets, worms or small jigs. Set bait at half of water depth. Fish in the back of necks and on flat shallow banks and on the rocks. 10 fish daily creel limit in PONDS.

CHANNEL
CATFISH

Good Garlic shrimp, leeches, cut shad, dip bait, and night crawlers. Try garlic shrimp in moving water. Drift fish near the creek channels on the main lake. Also, try Waltonville Dam, Turnip Patch, and Jackie Branch as well. Creeks are doing well. 6 fish daily creel limit in PONDS.
Jugs must be attended at all times while fishing.

WHITE BASS
Good Rooster Tails and spoons.
In-line spinners, jig and curly tail grubs. Reports of fish being caught anywhere the shad are moving. Try the main lake points first. Fish around the rocks and drop-offs, near brush cover / bushes. 20 fish creel limit.
No more than 3 fish 17” or longer daily

Information as of: 08/10/2018
LAKE LEVEL: 406.06 AVERAGE POOL FOR THIS DATE: 406.29 WATER TEMP: 81°F
Use of a minnow seine, cast net, or shad scoop for bait collecting within 1000 yards downstream of the Rend Lake dam and spillway is prohibited.
Maps of the Fish Attractor tree locations along with GPS locations are available at the Rend Lake Corps of Engineers Project Office or online at www.enjoyrend.com. Contact Mark Cazier for more information at (618) 724-2493.