INA, Ill. – Rend Lake College AmeriCorps volunteers will continue making a difference in many local communities next year, thanks to the renewal of the program’s grant funding. The $445,000 grant through the Serve Illinois Commission helps train students and provides for educational awards for participants to use after their service.

RLC’s AmeriCorps program began in 1995 and includes 61 members across Southern Illinois who serve at 38 sites. This group of mostly college students serve in schools, environmental agencies and homeless shelters.

Megan Rounds, AmeriCorps Director, said the grant helps train and prepare students for their various service sites now. It also provides for educational awards to help members continue their education in the future.

“I am very excited that we can facilitate this amazing program,” said Rounds. “AmeriCorps has had such an impact in Southern Illinois and, with this renewal, we will continue to do so in 2019.”

According to a press release from the Serve Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, this year marks the largest investment into the AmeriCorps program in Illinois history, totaling $35.7 million for volunteers in 70 counties. Rounds said the positive effects of the grant are felt across RLC’s district and beyond.

“AmeriCorps is a great program that allows members to serve in their communities while gaining professional experience. AmeriCorps members serve in many different ways, some tutor and mentor kindergarten through eighth grade students, while others help transition those who are economically disadvantaged into affordable housing,” said Rounds. “The remaining members maintain and restore the trails and waterways of Southern Illinois and educate the community about environmental stewardship.”

RLC AmeriCorps supports education, economic opportunity, and environmental stewardship for 14 counties in Southern Illinois, including Alexander, Clinton, Franklin, Hamilton, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Marion, Massac, Perry, Pulaski, Washington, Williamson, and Union.

The Serve Illinois Commission states that, since 1994, approximately 41,000 people have served 59 million hours in Illinois through AmeriCorps. Those hours equal more than $1.5 billion in community impact. AmeriCorps members have also earned $140.8 million in education awards.

RLC is currently seeking two new members for specific service locations this year. Applications for the 2019-2020 academic year will be available this fall. To learn more, contact Megan Rounds at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1351 or roundsm@rlc.edu.

INA, Ill. – Four Rend Lake College Agriculture students got their hands dirty today with representatives of Syngenta agribusiness company during a class that combined textbook learning with real-world applications.

Taking a break in the corn field, RLC students and representatives from Syngenta posed for a quick picture before jumping into more field scouting. Pictured is, FROM LEFT, Syngenta Development Sales Representative Hunter Hollis, Anna Kistner of Sesser, Syngenta Agronomist Phil Krieg, Mackenzie Trader of Scheller, Ashley Robert of Dahlgren, Chad Barnard of McLeansboro, Chase Ragland of Sesser, RLC President Terry Wilkerson, Syngenta Representative Barry Beaupre, and Syngenta Representative Tim Walsh. Not pictured is Elijah Lueke of McLeansboro.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

The students started the morning at RLC’s new radio control airfield learning about the use of unmanned aircraft systems from RLC Computer Networking Instructor Chris Edwards. They had the chance to fly the college’s drone to learn how the aircraft helps farmers in the field and professionals, like those at Syngenta.

RLC Computer Networking Instructor Chris Edwards, BOTTOM RIGHT, gives RLC students and Syngenta representatives some hands-on experience working with unmanned aircraft systems, or drones, during a short presentation Wednesday morning. Edwards spoke to the new technologies available to farmers and the agriculture industry to assist with crop scouting. Also pictured is, FROM LEFT, Anna Kistner of Sesser, Syngenta Representative Barry Beaupre, Chase Ragland of Sesser, and Chad Barnard of McLeansboro.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

Syngenta Agronomist Phil Krieg then spoke directly to the students, explaining the different job opportunities in the agriculture field and addressing their concerns. The students spoke about where they wanted to go after RLC and internships while also asking about career advice and changes in the industry.

In the heat of the day, the students wrapped up the class in RLC’s test farm, located east of the Ina campus, doing some field scouting and weed identification with the Syngenta representatives.

In the middle of RLC’s test farm on the Ina campus, Syngenta Representative Barry Beaupre, LEFT, tests the students with weed identification. Using knowledge learned in the Pest Management class, the students helped to categorize the plants and talk about solutions for farmers. The students are, FROM LEFT, Chad Barnard of McLeansboro, Chase Ragland of Sesser, Mackenzie Trader of Scheller, Anna Kistner of Sesser, and Ashley Robert of Dahlgren.
(ReAnne Palmer / RLC Public Information)

The class, AGRI 1213 Pest Management, is taught this summer by RLC President Terry Wilkerson. He thanked Syngenta for spending time with the students.

“Having the Syngenta representatives on campus provides the students with learning opportunities involving the latest agronomic technology, and also the opportunity to network and discuss employment possibilities for their future,” said Wilkerson.

To learn more about RLC’s Agriculture program, visit www.rlc.edu/programs-and-degrees/332-agriculture, call 618-437-5321, Ext. 1261, or email AppliedScience@rlc.edu.

Gov. Rauner welcomes Japan Ambassador, looks to expand business

SCHAUMBURG — Gov. Bruce Rauner today told the newly appointed Japan Ambassador to the U.S. that Illinois is eager to expand its job-creating partnership with Japan and those businesses operating in Illinois. The Governor and Ambassador Shinsuke J. Sugiyama met in Schaumburg, where the ambassador is visiting as part of a Grassroots Caravan to tour company facilities, see the latest in manufacturing innovations, and learn more about the Illinois workforce.

“Our relationship with Japan is so important to the Illinois economy,” Rauner said. “More than 630 Japanese companies operate within our borders today and they provide employment for 46,690 Illinois workers. For us, today’s meeting reinforces the benefits our state derives from foreign direct investment. For Ambassador Sugiyama, we hope it helps confirm our commitment to helping Japanese companies grow here in Illinois.”

Rauner and Sugiyama toured Amada America Inc.’s 133,000-square-foot facility to see the company’s industry leading work in manufacturing automation and robotics. Along with a delegation of state and local officials, Rauner welcomed Sugiyama on his first official visit to the state of Illinois.

“Seeing is believing,” Sugiyama said. “Participating in the Grassroots Caravan, I understand that it is something more than just deepening our economic relationship, but also brings people closer together.”

Japanese companies have been instrumental in creating jobs and driving economic development throughout the state. Employment at Japanese companies is up 6.1 percent in the last year. Rauner’s first business development mission was to Japan in 2017.

The Ambassador’s Grassroots Caravan visit was organized by the Illinois Department of Commerce, Intersect Illinois, Consulate General of Japan in Chicago, Schaumburg Business Alliances, Japan External Trade Organization, Japan Chamber of Commerce, and the Illinois Manufacturers Association.

“The Illinois Manufacturers’ Association is proud to be part of the delegation hosting new Japanese Ambassador Shinsuke Sugiyama and Consul General Naoki Ito in Schaumburg,” said Mark Denzler, vice president and COO of the manufacturers’ association. “We had a great visit at Amada America Inc.”

“I’m honored that both the ambassador and the governor are here,” Consul General Ito added. “The importance of Japan’s business relationship with Schaumburg and Illinois is on full display today. The greater Schaumburg area really stands out in our economic partnership.”

“The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Chicago, with more than 500 corporate and individual members, continuously strives for a further collaboration with the State of Illinois to better serve the people and play a key role in strengthening the relationship between the United States and Japan,” said Tetsuro Mitani, executive director of the Japanese Chamber of Commerce of Chicago.

Outgoing Trustee Presentation, Appointment of Acting Secretary

The board accepted the resignation of Trustee Eric Black of Mt. Vernon. Black has served on the Rend Lake College Board of Trustees for seven years, having been elected to a four-year term in 2011 and re-elected to a six-year term in 2015. During his tenure, he served as the Board Chair for three years, from 2013-2016, and prior to his resignation, he served as the Board Secretary. His vacated seat will be temporarily filled for the remainder of his six-year term. Black cited his desire to concentrate on his family and business as reasons for his resignation.

“After having served the college for several years now, I can wholeheartedly say it has been a pleasure,” he wrote in his resignation letter. “There has been quite a bit of work, some late nights, and some long phone calls, but I have enjoyed the experience. More importantly, I have had the pleasure of getting to know some very fine individuals, both on the board and faculty and staff. What a great team. Thank you and keep up the great work.”

Trustee Brian Dorris was appointed acting Secretary of the board.

Agreements with Southeastern Illinois, John A. Logan colleges approved

The board approved three agreements Tuesday.

• An agreement for instructor share and course cost sharing between Rend Lake College and Southeastern Illinois College. This agreement allows for course offerings at both institutions that normally might not be offered due to low enrollment or lack of instructor qualifications.
• A Memorandum of Understanding with Southeastern Illinois College. The agreement lays out the details of the contractual relationship between Rend Lake College and Southeastern Illinois College for Cosmetology within Academic Services. This memorandum highlights the continuation of shared resources between both colleges where appropriate and beneficial to the individual institutions.
• A Joint Agreement for Dual Credit between Rend Lake College and John A. Logan College to provide additional educational programs to the high school students of each district.

Renn joins CCR&R team

The board appointed Kelsi Renn as Specialist – Subsidized Child Care – Child Care Resource and Referral, effective July 16, 2018. Renn holds Associate of Science and Art degrees from Rend Lake College. She currently serves as a bank teller at Peoples National Bank and was previously a student worker at Rend Lake College.

Retirement resignation amended

The board amended the retirement resignation of Leah Stallman, TRIO Director, to now be effective Sept. 1, 2018. Her original retirement resignation was approved by the board on Sept. 13, 2016, with an original effective date of Aug. 31, 2019. Stallman wrote in her amended retirement letter, “I will continue to support Rend Lake College as a community member and I wish the college and staff all the best in the future.”

Resignations from two

The board accepted two resignations with regret Tuesday.

• Danielle Kaufman, Student Success Coordinator and Women’s Golf Coach, effective June 21, 2018. “It is with a heavy heart that I submit my resignation. The past three years at Rend Lake College have been wonderful,” Kaufman wrote in her resignation letter. “I’ve enjoyed working for Rend Lake and being a part of a successful team.”
• Christopher Thomas Murphy, Computer Technician, effective June 18, 2018.

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. Chad Copple, Dean of Marketing and Information Technology, passed out an updated draft of the Assurance Argument, which is due Aug. 27. Copple also reminded the board of the HLC visit, set for Sept. 24-25.

In other business, the board …

• Ratified payment of college expenses including travel reimbursements.
• Approved revisions to the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Health Information Technology (HIT), Medical Assistant, Phlebotomy, and Employee handbooks.
• Approved the release of closed session minutes from July – December 2016.
• Approved the destruction of closed session tapes after they have been held for 18 months, in accordance with and as provided by the Illinois Open Meetings Act.
• Approved revisions to Board Policy & Procedure 3.1115 – Stipends to better meet the needs of the college.
• Accepted the College Mission Statement, as well as the mission document, as part of an annual board review and to keep the mission prevalent in the college’s regular operations.
• Approved the creation of Rend Lake College Policy & Procedure 2.1516 – Record Retention (first reading) to better serve the needs of the institution.
• Authorized the purchase of Canvas, a learning management system, and sign a 5-year purchase agreement dating Jan. 1, 2019 – Dec. 31, 2023 for a total of $288,103.51. The college currently uses Blackboard Learning System, but will replace with Canvas, a comprehensive cloud-based software package. The agreement allows for 24/7 tech support for our students and is compatible with the college’s current ERP system.
• Approved the branding of the Rend Lake College Athletic Program to provide various teams with consistent logo graphics for uniforms, apparel, and other print and digital uses.

Mark your calendars …

• Learning Resource Center Trivia Night, Friday, July 13, The Rec on campus. Doors open at 6 p.m., trivia starts at 7 p.m.
• 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.
• Thirty-seventh Annual Rend Lake College Foundation Golf Outing, noon shotgun start, Thursday, Sept. 13, Rend Lake Golf Course, Whittington.

HARRISBURG — With the school year just around the corner, the Fowler Bonan Foundation is again looking for donations to help children in need afford new clothes.

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

ZEIGLER — Ryan Thorpe may have pleaded guilty to embezzling more than $300,000 from the city of Zeigler, but new research might point to more theft.

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

On July 6, 2018 Benton Police were dispatched to the 400 block of North Commercial Street in reference to a domestic dispute.

Upon investigating, police arrested Jeffrey S. Phillips, age 52, of Benton for domestic battery.

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

On July 8, 2018 Benton Police arrested Jesse OKeefe, age 36, of West Frankfort on an active Franklin County warrant for failure to appear.

Okeefe was transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.

A year after Illinois lawmakers ended a historic state budget impasse, social service agencies and other providers hardest hit by funding cuts say they’re just starting to recover.

Here’s a link to the Associated Press story.