After 74 people were shot over one of the city’s most violent weekends in more than two years, Chicago police said they would flood the city’s crime-wracked neighborhoods with hundreds more cops while acknowledging that no arrests for those shootings had been made as of late Tuesday

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

After the most violent weekend in Chicago in more than two years, police Superintendent Eddie Johnson announced Tuesday afternoon that several hundred additional officers have been deployed to neighborhoods most wracked by the shooting.

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

The Illinois Bicentennial will be on full display this weekend — for free.

Here’s the link to the story by the Associated Press.

MURPHYSBORO — A man charged with criminal sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl will appear in Jackson County court Thursday.

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

Jeff Jones seated as new Trustee

The board accepted the appointment of Jeff Jones of Whittington as the new Trustee, replacing Eric Black of Mt. Vernon who resigned last month to concentrate on his family and business. Jones is the owner and operator of Burton’s Café in Whittington.

“Rend Lake College is a very important asset for our community and I wanted to be a part of that,” Jones said of his appointment. “I want to make sure it’s going to be around for a long time, and I want to be a part of that. I’m excited and I feel very honored.”

Joint Agreement with SIC approved for Massage Therapy

The board approved a Joint Agreement for Educational Cooperation between RLC and Southeastern Illinois College for Massage Therapy, effective Aug. 7, 2018. The agreement allows for course offerings that normally might not be offered due to low enrollment or lack of instructor qualifications.

FY 2019 Budget approved, hearing set for September

The board approved the tentative FY 2019 budget as presented. As required by law, the proposed budget will be available for public inspection for 30 days and a public hearing on the budget will be held at 6 p.m. prior to the regular board meeting, which is to be held Sept. 11, 2018.

Three Instructor positions filled

The board approved three instructor positions for the Fall 2018 semester:

• Karla Duncan-Gunter, effective Aug. 16, 2018. Duncan-Gunter has 10 years of experience as an adjunct instructor at RLC and John A. Logan College. She has also served as RLC Upward Bound Science Teacher and Tutor for two years. Duncan-Gunter holds a Master of Science degree in Biology from the University of Nebraska.
• Jeff Keen, Mathematics Instructor, effective Aug. 16, 2018. Keen has served as an adjunct instructor at RLC for 13 years, has tutored students at all levels of mathematics and has worked in the RLC Math Lab. He has also helped to redevelop curriculum for IAI course submissions. Keen holds a Master of Science degree in Mathematics from Kent State University.
• Dr. Jared Kemling, Philosophy Instructor, effective Aug. 16, 2018. Dr. Kemling will fill the position left vacant by Stephen Kennett’s retirement in May 2015. Dr. Kemling has a Ph. D in Philosophy from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Upward Bound Advisor appointment ratified

The board ratified the appointment of J. Lynanne Page as TRIO / Upward Bound Student Advisor, effective July 30, 2018. Page has experience with working with students from a similar background as RLC Upward Bound students. She has a Master of Fine Arts degree in Creative Writing from Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

Pickford resigns as Nursing Instructor

The board accepted with regret the resignation of Juliana Pickford, Nursing Instructor, effective Aug. 3, 2018. Pickford was hired full-time on July 1, 2017.

She stated in her resignation letter, “I appreciate the learning opportunities I received thru teaching the ADN program this past year… I appreciate the guidance of my Director of Nursing, Nancy Buttry, and all of my fellow Nurse Instructors, and wish the RLC program the best.”

Accreditation update

The board heard a report on the college’s reaffirmation of accreditation activities. The college is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is due for a comprehensive evaluation visit by the HLC Sept. 24-25, 2018. The assurance argument will be submitted to HLC later this month. This is the document which lays out the college’s evidence that it meets HLC’s five criteria for accreditation.

In other business, the board …

• Ratified payment of college expenses including travel reimbursements.
• Approved the minutes of the July 10, 2018 Board of Trustees meeting.
• Approved the minutes of the July 10, 2018 Board of Trustees closed session meeting.
• Approved creation of Board Policy & Procedure 2.1516– Record Retention (second reading) to better serve the needs of the institution.
• Approved revisions to Board Policy & Procedure 1.5000 – Organizational Chart to better serve the needs of the institution.
• Approved revisions to Board Policy & Procedure 4.1115 – Fees to better reflect the needs of the college.
• Approved a Memorandum of Understanding between Rend Lake College and the Rend Lake College Foundation to update and clarify the relationship of the RLC Foundation to the college.

Mark your calendars …

• Faculty Orientation, 1-8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 16, Theatre on campus.
• Student Learning Day, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 17, Theatre on campus.
• First Day of Fall Classes, Monday, Aug. 20, RLC Campuses.
• RLC Student Job Fair, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 5, Student Center Private Dining Area.
• Fun Fest, Noon – 3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12, Ina campus.
• Thirty-seventh Annual Rend Lake College Foundation Golf Outing, noon shotgun start, Thursday, Sept. 13, Rend Lake Golf Course, Whittington.
• HLC On-Site Visit, Monday, Sept. 24 – Tuesday, Sept. 25, RLC Campuses.
• Faculty / Staff Fall In-Service, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 9, Theatre on campus.
• RLC Foundation Scholarship Dinner, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, Benton Civic Center.

CHICAGO – Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner said today that a $24 million USAID contract award to NORC at the University of Chicago reinforces the state’s reputation as a catalyst for world-changing thought and endeavor.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced the award today in Washington. The contract means that NORC will lead USAID’s effort to turn a global consortium of university-based researchers into a supply chain of evidence that decision makers need – often rapidly and on demand – to inform the deployment of USAID’s strategic resources.

“USAID is the best of America coming together to save lives, reduce poverty and advance democracy all over the globe,” Rauner said. “It is exciting to see a prestigious member of our research community win an opportunity to help USAID pursue their mission of helping families, communities and countries thrive and prosper.”

The contract involves a consortium of 250 researchers in 128 institutions around the world that comprise the Agency’s Research Technical Assistance Center (RTAC). The Center will be institutionally and individually diverse, drawing a significant percentage of participants from minority-serving institutions in the United States as well as universities in the countries where USAID works.

The RTAC award to the NORC-led consortium will run from 2018-2022 and the network of researchers will continue to grow and expand throughout the period. The University of Illinois at Chicago is among the initial RTAC participants.

In a video released by the Governor’s office in connection with the award, Rauner said that the evidence developed by the consortium would be put to use in a wide range of humanitarian efforts, from “preventing the next global epidemic, or hastening response to a devastating earthquake, or helping a farmer access tools to grow her business.”

“This is important work,” he said, “and Illinois is quite proud of NORC’s engagement in our country’s effort to make our world a better place.”

7-25-18 at 9:44 pm Deputies responded to a disturbance at a residence in Freeman Spur. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Jesse D. McClure age 47 of Freeman Spur for an outstanding Franklin County warrant for failure to appear on traffic charges and for a second charge of resisting a peace officer.

7-25-18 at 8:38 pm Deputies responded to a series of burglaries that occurred in rural West Frankfort. The investigations are ongoing. Thus far the investigation has led to the arrests of four individuals; Michael Andrew Perkins age 38 of West Frankfort for residential burglary, felony theft, unlawful possession of methamphetamine and possession of hypodermic syringes. Dawn M. Lay age 50 of West Frankfort, residential burglary, felony theft, unlawful possession of methamphetamine and possession of hypodermic syringes. Clinton W. Crabtree age 46 of Herrin, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of firearm ammunition by a convicted felon and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Chelsie D. Schaefer age 25 of West Frankfort, unlawful possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. More arrests and further charges are possible.

7-27-18 at 7:54 am Deputies responded to a burglary and theft at the Williford Blacktop Shop in Akin. The investigation thus far has resulted in the arrests of four individuals. A 15 year old male juvenile from Benton charged with residential burglary, burglary and theft. A 17 year old male juvenile from Benton charged with residential burglary, burglary and theft. A third juvenile, a 15 year old male from Benton charged with burglary and theft. Nathan A. Paul age 20 of Benton was charged with burglary and theft. Paul was taken to the Franklin County Jail and all three juveniles were detained in the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center. More arrests and further charges are possible.

7-28-18 at 7:25 pm a traffic stop on Marcum Branch Road at Rend Lake led to the arrest of Zachary S. Labuwi age 28 of Benton for driving under the influence of alcohol.

7-29-18 at 12:13 am in rural Benton, the investigation of suspicious activity outside a rural Benton business, resulted in the arrest of Randy A. Pulliam age 44 of Benton.

7-29-18 at 2:10 am Deputies responded to a domestic dispute in rural Thompsonville. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Iassia E. Woodring age 37 of Thompsonville for domestic battery.

7-30-18 Sheriff’s Investigators are working investigations involving two stolen vehicles taken from rural Mulkeytown. A stolen vehicle was recovered in the same area that had been reported stolen in the state of Kansas. These vehicles are believed to be linked to numerous crimes and other vehicle thefts occurring the last week of July in Jackson, Perry, Franklin and Clinton Counties in Illinois and the state of Kansas. One of the vehicles reported stolen in Mulkeytown has been recovered in Jackson County Illinois, while the second has been recovered in Kansas City, Kansas. Several juveniles are believed to have been involved and leads are being pursued at this time. Investigators from multiple jurisdictions are cooperating in this investigation.

WARRANT ARRESTS

7-21-18 Aaron E.L. Parker age 28 of Zeigler. Possession of a controlled substance.

7-21-18 Seth W. Powell age 22 of Benton. Failure to appear for theft.

7-23-18 Samuel A. Kite age 24 of Shelbyville. Aggravated criminal sexual abuse and predatory criminal sexual assault of a child.

7-27-18 Joyce E. Gallagher age 38 of Carterville. Failure to appear for aggravated D.U.I.

7-27-18 Charles J. Boyd age 23 of Benton. Failure to appear on traffic charges.

7-28-18 Juan E. McManis age 30 of Marion. Failure to appear for unlawful violation of an order of protection.

7-28-18 Michael J. Wyant age 21 of West Frankfort. Failure to appear for unlawful consumption of alcohol by a minor.

7-30-18 Tara L. Motsinger age 58 of Christopher. Failure to appear for aggravated assault and resisting a peace officer.

7-30-18 Kenneth l. Mitchell age 37 of Metropolis. Failure to appear on D.U.I.

7-30-18 Ashley L. Tison age 31 of Benton. Failure to appear on traffic charges.

7-31-18 Kaleb E. Mandrell age 19 of West Frankfort. Unlawful possession of a controlled substance.

7-31-18 Kendra L. Key age 47 of Coello. Failure to appear for domestic battery.

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

Measures expedite Medicaid eligibility determination and eliminate backlo

ROCKFORD — Gov. Bruce Rauner today signed legislation (SB2385 and SB2913) to expedite enrollment in Medicaid long-term care (LTC). SB2385 makes it possible for banks to share financial information with the state to help determine LTC eligibility; SB 2913 eliminates the need for annual applications for qualified LTC beneficiaries if their financial situation is unchanged.

“We want to do everything possible in easing the bureaucratic burden on seniors and their loved ones as they enroll in Medicaid long-term care,” Rauner said. “It is not fair to residents that it can take up to year to get approved for essential services. Our families deserve better. These important reforms will reduce the wait time and help eliminate a backlog of applications.”

Beginning today, banks can send data directly to the state upon receipt of a standardized financial institution request form. The law alleviates concern about exploiting of seniors by releasing financial information to family members or LTC facilities. It should also hasten compliance with requests for eligibility information.

The change in re-enrollment eliminates a timely and expensive re-application process in situations where the financial situation of a beneficiary already in the program has not changed. As it stands, nearly 100% of applicants are re-approved, and the change eliminates backlog as well as costly paperwork and duplicative staff work. It also reduces unnecessary uncertainties experienced by needy LTC patients.

Other reforms contained in SB 2913 include:

• Allowance for the long-term care facility to provide missing application information, as opposed to waiting on a response from the resident or family member.
• Improving education for those enrolling residents so they avoid leaving out important information in the application. This will include training tools like webinars.
• Allowance for an electronic application process, reducing the costs of materials and mailings.
• Codification of the simplified enrollment process for individuals who have been on Medicaid for at least six months before applying to long-term care, a process the governor previously had enacted by executive order.

Beyond legislative measures, the Rauner administration also hired more staff assigned to processing applications, and is securing a procurement to further expand capacity to reduce the backlog. Additionally, the Departments of Human Services and Healthcare and Family Services have made changes to identify and eliminate application process bottlenecks, and undergone computer modernizations to more efficiently track the application processes. These steps have reduced the backlog of cases from 14,000 to just under 10,000, and the contract will remain in place until the backlog is eliminated.

This legislation is a bipartisan effort led by Sens. Dave Syverson and John Mulroe, together with the long-term care industry and members of the governor’s office. The bills received the support of banking and credit union associations, health care associations and the Department of Human Services.

“For over a decade, those going into long-term care in Illinois have struggled under an outdated and burdensome system that created long delays,” said Sen. Syverson, R-Rockford. “I want to thank the Governor for his leadership on making key reforms and his help on these bills which work to finally fix this broken system.”

“A major reason for the backlog of Medicaid long-term care eligibility determinations was the inability to expeditiously obtain an applicant’s financial documents from the banks,” said Sen. John Mulroe (D-Chicago). “Senate Bill 2385 creates a statutory form that aims to improve and expedite the eligibility determination process by allowing the banks to rely on the form to release an applicant’s financial documents directly to the departments, making the determination without exposing the banks to liability and at the same time protecting the applicant’s financial information. This part of the bipartisan solutions crafted this session will benefit our elderly and most vulnerable as well as the people that care for them.”