SPRINGFIELD – Several suburban Republican senators are calling for legislative action on a bill that would put stricter consequences on those who are behind the bothersome robo-calls and scam calls, which seem to keep cell phones ringing non-stop.

Senate Bill 2573 was announced last week, aiming to address the growing problem of robo-calls throughout the state. Several suburban lawmakers came together to co-sponsor the legislation, noting that these types of fraudulent calls are an ongoing form of harassment for many throughout the state.

Gay Bowlin, Manager

Last week my father-in-law went to be with the Lord and my heart is broken – he always enjoyed reading my articles and I am dedicated this article to Alva “Bud” Bowlin. Forever loved and forever missed.

WOW! The weather has been really uncooperative all over the state – at least three inches of snow in Bloomington area, about four inches of rain in our area and even tornado watches. Not sure when planting will begin but you can be sure that when the farmers are able to get in the fields that they will be going full force. Once again that means that they will be on the roadways and I really want you to watch out for them. Their equipment is MUCH larger than yours and there are many places that are blind spots for them.

China imposed tariffs on a range of U.S. goods, following through on a promise to retaliate against the Trump administration’s penalties on imports of Chinese steel and aluminum.

~ Farm Bureau opposes any U.S. policy that restricts agricultural exports. The administration’s trade policy represents an open invitation for one of our biggest trading partners – in this case China – to retaliate.

~We export more than 25 percent of our pork. China’s retaliatory 25 percent tariff on U.S. pork will reduce our exports to China and damage farm profitability at an already difficult time for farmers.

~ For a pig farmer, the difference right now between making money and losing money is exports. Without huge markets like China, pig farmers lose money.

~ The timing is never good for a trade fight, and here’s why: o Farmers have endured four years in a row of declining net farm income

~ USDA projects that farm income in 2018 could be the lowest in 12 years

~ Exports represent our biggest demand driver right now and defending our markets tops the list of our members’ concerns.

~ China is a key market for U.S. pork. In 2017, the U.S. exported more than $660 million in pork products to China. China is the United States’ third-largest international market by volume and the fourth-largest by value.

~ Agriculture has a positive trade balance of $21 billion. It is a bright spot on our nation’s overall balance of trade. We must do all we can to halt the spread of this trade war.

~ In addition to our agricultural exports, this is also about American jobs. Any time American agriculture takes a hit, all the jobs that rely on – or stem from – the ag sector also take a hit. This includes everyone from equipment sales and service providers to those working in the financial sector.

The Young Leaders Pork Loin sale was a huge success – thank you to everyone who ordered and to Mike Thomas who, once again, did an amazing job of smoking 60 loins. All proceeds go toward the Young Leaders Scholarship which is due this Thursday, April 5^th by 4 p.m. If you have any questions please call the office at 435-3616.

This past Friday I was honored by the Benton Elks with the Distinguished Citizenship Award – I only mention this because the reason that I was given this award was because of the work that I do with the Franklin County Farm Bureau. I felt humbled in receiving this award and very proud at the same time that there are those out there who are aware of everything that the Farm Bureau is doing.

Remember we are farmers working together. If we can help let us know.

April 2, 2018 – According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2018 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, there are 590,000 people providing 672,000,000 hours of unpaid care to the 220,000 people living with Alzheimer’s or dementia in Illinois. The level of assistance provided by caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s or other dementias tends to be extensive. As symptoms worsen and the amount of care needed continues to increase, caregivers report stress, anxiety and even depression at high rates. In honor of National Stress Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter offers tips to help manage stress throughout the role of caregiving.

1. Know what community resources are available. 
Adult day programs, in-home assistance, visiting nurses and meal delivery are just some of the services that can help you manage daily tasks. Use our online Community Resource Finder or contact your local Alzheimer’s Association office for assistance in finding Alzheimer’s care resources in your community.

2. Get help and find support.
Our online Care Team Calendar helps you organize friends and family who want to help provide care and support. Our 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900), ALZConnected online community and local support groups are all good sources for finding comfort and reassurance. If stress becomes overwhelming, seek professional help.

3. Use relaxation techniques.
There are several simple relaxation techniques that can help relieve stress. Try more than one to find which works best for you. Techniques include:

• Visualization (mentally picturing a place or situation that is peaceful and calm)
• Meditation (which can be as simple as dedicating 15 minutes a day to letting go of all stressful thoughts)
• Breathing exercises (slowing your breathing and focusing on taking deep breaths)
• Progressive muscle relaxation (tightening and then relaxing each muscle group, starting at one end of your body and working your way to the other end) 

4. Get moving.
Physical activity — in any form — can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Even 10 minutes of exercise a day can help. Take a walk. Do an activity you love, such as gardening or dancing.

5. Find time for yourself. 
Consider taking advantage of respite care so you can spend time doing something you enjoy. Respite care provides caregivers with a temporary rest from caregiving, while the person with Alzheimer’s disease continues to receive care in a safe environment.

6. Become an educated caregiver.
As the disease progresses, new caregiving skills may be necessary. The Alzheimer’s Association offers programs in-person, online and over the phone to help you better understand and cope with the behaviors and personality changes that often accompany Alzheimer’s. You may also find it helpful to talk to other care partners and caregivers about how they are coping with the challenges of the disease and uncertainty about the future.

7. Take care of yourself.
Visit your doctor regularly. Try to eat well, exercise and get plenty of rest. Making sure that you are healthy can help you be a better caregiver.

8. Make legal and financial plans. 
Putting legal and financial plans in place after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is important so that the person with the disease can participate. Having future plans in place can provide comfort to the entire family.

To shed additional light on this information, I would be happy to arrange an interview with a local Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter spokesperson.

For more information on signs of caregiver stress and ways to manage stress, contact the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or visit alz.org/care.

About the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter:

The Alzheimer’s Association® is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s research, care and support. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter covers an 87-county area with offices in Chicago, Joliet, Rockford, Springfield, Bloomington, Peoria, Quincy and Carbondale. Since 1980, the Chapter has provided reliable information and care consultation; created supportive services for families; increased funding for dementia research; and influenced public policy changes. The Illinois Chapter serves more than half a million Illinois residents affected by Alzheimer’s disease, including more than 220,000 Illinois residents living with the disease. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s®. For more information visit www.alz.org/illinois or call our free 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

INA, Ill. – Brush up on your trivia and fast facts for Rend Lake College’s first Trivia Night, set for Thursday, April 12 at the RLC Rec. The event is a fundraiser for updates in the college’s Learning Resource Center (LRC).

The night of fun, friendly competition will begin at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6 p.m. Teams with a minimum of three people and a maximum of eight people are encouraged to choose a theme and decorate their table. Teams may also bring in snacks and beverages for the evening’s event.

Questions will vary from many different categories, including pop culture, current events, history, movies, music, sports, and politics. The winners of the Trivia Night will receive a cash prize. A 50/50 drawing will also be available.

Teams cost $10 per person. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. No alcohol is allowed on campus. To RSVP for a team, contact the LRC by Thursday, April 5 at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1308. More information can be found on the event’s Facebook page.

INA, Ill. – A magnificently macabre musical comedy “The Addams Family” is set to hit the Rend Lake College stage next month featuring an iconic “creepy and kooky, mysterious and spooky” American family. The cast and crew of the 2018 Spring Musical are working hard for opening night, set for 7 p.m. Thursday, April 5, with evening shows at 7 p.m. Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7, and a matinee final show at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 8.

“The Addams Family” is based on characters created by Charles Addams with music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa. This original story, written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, focuses on Wednesday Addams who has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family – quite the opposite from the Addams family. The musical escalates to a dinner party where everything changes for both families.

The cast of RLC’s 2018 Spring Musical “The Addams Family.”

Taking the lead role of Wednesday Addams next month is Emeri-Jean Farnum of Benton in her second production at RLC. Farnum, a self-proclaimed “happy-go-lucky, always smiling” student, said Wednesday’s character has been a challenge to portray.

“Wednesday has a complete opposite personality from mine, so it’ll be exciting to take on a darker, more intimidating character. Wednesday is dark, straight-faced, and loves to torture anyone who will let her. I did go into the audition hoping to land Wednesday, and I can’t wait to do her justice,” said Farnum. “The Addams Family, while not quite the same as the story most people remember, is still very reminiscent of the older series. The characters are essentially the same personality-wise, but you get the added dynamic of Wednesday being in love.”

Last spring, Farnum filled the shoes of a character very similar to herself – Glinda the Good Witch in the musical “The Wizard of Oz.” Outside of theatre, she’s interested in all things music as a percussionist, vocalist, and pianist. The RLC music education major said music is at the core of nearly everything she does.

“I love to perform and teach in any capacity. I play piano and sing for my church, compose, and teach a few students outside of school,” said Farnum. “I thank God for blessing me with the talents that He has given me and allowing me to use them to their fullest extent.”

When it comes to next month’s shows, Farnum said she’s looking forward to bringing the music to life with her fellow cast members.

“I think my favorite part of the musical so far is the music. It’s a difficult thing to sing, but so fun and upbeat. I cannot wait to perform a wonderful show with my dearest friends,” said Farnum. “This musical is jam-packed with hilarious one-liners and exciting music that’s perfect for the whole family.”

Playing the part of Wednesday’s boyfriend Lucas Beineke will be Parker Robbins of Sesser making his debut performance on RLC’s stage. Unlike Farnum, Robbins said the role of Lucas is right up his alley.

“Lucas is a small town boy from Ohio who is very ambitious and wants more for his life. I’m a small town boy from Illinois who is very ambitious and wants more for his life. I relate to Lucas so much it’s almost creepy,” said Robbins. “I’m very excited to finally be in a theatre production. I know it will be challenging and time consuming, but God gave me this opportunity to bring joy to people, so that’s what I’m going to do.”

Though it’s his first production, Robbins is no stranger to RLC’s stage as he performs with the college’s Concert Band and Choir. He’s also looking forward to bringing “The Addams Family” music to life during the comedic show.

“My favorite part of this musical has to be the song ‘Crazier than You.’ It is very up-tempo and I love how it ends in a harmonious quartet,” said Robbins. “Come watch a funny show about family, love, and a little mischief.”

When it comes to the Addams family, one of the most memorable characters is Wednesday’s stern mother Morticia. Next month, Alexandria Kubiak of Ashley will take on this aloof role in her second RLC production.

Kubiak, a vocal performance major and RLC volleyball athlete, first took to RLC’s stage last spring as an Ozian, tree and fairy in the musical “The Wizard of Oz.” This year, she went into auditions hoping for something a little more nostalgic.

“I went into the audition hoping to get the role of Morticia. I am really excited to play Morticia because I love her demeanor and dry humor. She has always been one of my favorite Addams from the old shows and movies,” said Kubiak. “I think I relate to my character well. I am known for being a little pessimistic and serious. I rarely smile, which sounds bad, but I am just quiet and shy in public. Going a little bit deeper, Morticia is laid-back and not very active until someone threatens her family. She does anything to protect them, which I really relate to myself.”

Outside of theatre, Kubiak loves to do anything involving music or spending time with her family and friends. After graduating this spring, she plans to transfer to Maryville University to pursue a degree in music therapy. She said she hopes the audience enjoys the performances as much as she does.

“Many people know of the Addams Family shows and movies, but not very many people know there is a musical. The storyline is so fun and dark. The musical is filled with so much unexpected humor and I think it would appeal to a wide variety of ages. The music is wonderful and the cast is filled with an abundant amount of talent,” said Kubiak. “I personally love any scenes that include all the members of the Addams’ family, or even the whole cast. It is so amazing to be surrounded by all of these talented cast members.”

Another popular character from the original cartoon is the bald-headed and electrifying Uncle Fester who will be portrayed by Mt. Vernon’s Zion McMillan. Much like his character, McMillan is full of comedic relief and is excited to take the stage for his second production.

“I am excited to wear a bald cap,” joked McMillan. “I am willing to take any role that the director thinks is the best fit for me. Hopefully the crowd loves me as Fester. It’ll be challenging for me because, at first, I didn’t really grasp his character and it’s a type of character I’ve never played before.”

Last fall, McMillan played a very different part on RLC’s stage as Prince Rupert in the play “The Sleeping Beauty of Loreland.” The RLC music performance major said outside of the theatre, he enjoys modelling and sleeping. Overall, he said he’s looking forward to his solo, “The Moon and Me,” and having fun with the rest of the cast and crew on opening night.

“I want to thank the whole cast and crew for their hard work. I am proud of all of you. Also, thanks to my family for supporting me,” said McMillan. “Come and watch a story that could change the way you look at young love.”

Joining Farnum, Kubiak, McMillan and Robbins on stage are 19 actors ranging from college students to middle schoolers. They are:

• Alex Brue (Chandlerville) as Grandma
• Seth Ellis (Mt. Vernon) as Mal Beineke
• Taylor Frank (Valier) as an Ancestor, Alice Beineke understudy
• Kailey Greer (Pinckneyville) as an Ancestor
• Shayne Kempfer (Coulterville) as an Ancestor
• Melina Launay (Mt. Vernon) as Alice Beineke
• Nealia Lewis (Waltonville) as an Ancestor
• Matthew Loucks (Sesser) as Gomez Addams
• Jon Mandrell (West Frankfort) as Pugsley Addams, an Ancestor
• Adrianna Maxwell (Macedonia) as an Ancestor
• Ariel Moore (Mt. Vernon) as an Ancestor
• Bailey Palmer (Herrin) as an Ancestor, Wednesday Addams understudy
• Benjamin Payne (Bonnie) as an Ancestor
• Lucy Rains (Mt. Vernon) as an Ancestor
• Riley Rogers (Wayne City) as Pugsley Addams, an Ancestor
• Maggie Sanders (Pinckneyville) as an Ancestor
• Cade Shadowens (Benton) as an Ancestor
• Celia Summers (Macedonia) as an Ancestor
• Madison Webb (Dahlgren) as an Ancestor, Morticia Addams understudy

Tickets will be on sale Monday, March 19 for “The Addams Family” and cost $12 each. Contact the Box office to reserve a seat at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1467. The show is rated PG (parental guidance). Showtimes are 7 p.m. Thursday, April 5 through Saturday, April 7 and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 8, all in the RLC Theatre.

INA, Ill. – The rosters are set for the 40th Annual Benton Lions Club All-Star Basketball Classic, Friday night at Rend Lake College’s James “Hummer” Waugh Gymnasium. The girls’ game will tip-off first at 6 p.m., followed by the boys’ game at 8 p.m.

The event features the best in boys’ and girls’ high school basketball from the area. The price of admission is only $5 for adults and $3 for students. A dunk contest will take place in between games and three-point shoot-outs will happen at halftime of each game. MVP awards will be presented at the conclusion of each game.

Boys Game

Boys Gold Team (Home)

Coaches: Eric Griffin (Meridian)

Roster:

Boys Purple Team (Away)

Coaches: Matt Morgan (Zeigler-Royalton) & Pete Gordon (Thompsonville)

Roster: 

Girls Game

Girls Gold Team (Home)

Coaches:Doug Althoff (Nashville)

Roster:

Girls Purple Team (Away)

Coaches: Jerry Johnson (Meridian) & Keyth Blissett (Meridian)

Roster: 

Information submitted by Benton Lion’s Club. For more information, please call 618-435-5555. 

On March 26, 2018 at approximately 5:00 p.m. the Benton Police Department responded to a report of a burglary to motor vehicle in the 200 block of McFall Street.  Officers later tracked down three male juvenile suspects.  Subsequent to an investigation, the three ranging in age from 14 to 15 years of old, were charged with burglary and released to their parents.

INA, Ill. – With more and more industries headed online, it only seems fitting that one of Rend Lake College’s recently-revitalized programs also moves in that direction. Starting this fall, RLC’s Office Systems Technology (OFTC) certificate program courses will be offered completely online.

RLC offers three OFTC certificate programs to get graduates prepared for a growing industry. These certificates – Medical Office Assistant, Medical Office Associate, and Office Technologies Assistant – provide options for any student or professional, whether they’re looking to broaden their skillset or make a career change.

Sarah Bilderbeck, OFTC Professor, said the changes were presented to members of the OFTC Advisory Council earlier this year and were welcomed with enthusiasm.

“When we presented these changes to our Advisory Council, they were thrilled about the prospect. We couldn’t be more excited to be able to reach out to students who may have not been able to make this kind of a change in the past,” said Bilderbeck. “Our goal is to provide everything in the OFTC curriculum online to our students.”

The two medical office certificates specifically focus on graduates who want to work in offices in the medical industry, but might not be interested in actual patient care.

The assistant program includes two semesters, or 30 credit hours, of study that includes administrative duties combined with several factors in the medical environment. The associate program is only one semester of 10 credit hours for those looking to immediately join the workforce.

According to the U. S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical specialists hold approximately 634,400 jobs across the country – most commonly found in physicians’ offices, hospitals, dentists’ offices, and outpatient care centers. Median pay for these individuals is approximately $31,540 or $15.17 per hour. It’s expected to be a rapidly growing industry with the addition of nearly 200,000 jobs by 2026.

Similarly, the two-semester, 30-credit hour Office Technologies Assistant program is designed for those looking for entry-level positions in an office or building setting, or for those interested in a new career path or improving skills. At the end of this program, graduates can also sit for the Microsoft User Certification at RLC.

According to the BLS, there are approximately 3.99 million jobs for office specialists and administrative assistants across the country, with median pay falling around $37,230 or $17.90 per hour. The BLS also states, with increasing use of complex software, job prospects will be available for those will a higher skill set.

Bilderbeck said RLC’s online programs are designed to reach new students who may have barriers keeping them from taking that first step and enrolling.

“Each of these certificates lead right into an associate degree, either the Medical Office Specialist or Office Systems Technology Specialist degrees. It makes these online programs perfect for students who are full-time elsewhere and need a way to get back into school outside of the 9-to-5 workday,” said Bilderbeck.

She continued, “Many of the courses in the associate degree programs are also online, with a few exceptions. Only four or five classes are the difference between the two associate degrees, and many students opt to take them all to graduate with all five of the credentials. It’s the perfect combination.”

The three certificates and two associate degree programs were revamped for the Fall 2016 semester to better align with industry standards and keep graduates competitive in the workplace.

To learn more about these certificate programs, contact Sarah Bilderbeck at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1754 or bilderbeck@rlc.edu.

On March 24, 2018 at approximately 8:30 p.m. Benton Police, while on routine patrol, discovered a vehicle in the ditch at the intersection of Frisco and Bond Street.  Upon investigating, police arrested Courtney R. Garavalia, age 23, of Benton for driving under the influence.  Garavalia was charged and transported to the Franklin County Jail for further processing.