Gay Bowlin, Manager

You may have heard that the Firearm Owners Identification Card process has changed and I am not exactly sure if it is for the better but none the less we have to deal with it. We have always filled out applications and taken pictures for people but now that process is a little more involved.

Gay Bowlin

First of all you can apply on line or on the phone but either way you must be able to pay with a debit, credit or checking account. If you apply on line you must have a valid email address (not sure about on the phone) and then the 15 minute process begins. You must still have a current picture and a driver’s license or state ID. If you apply online you must be able to pay over the phone.

If you come to the Farm Bureau office we will be able to help with this – we will take your picture and fill out everything online for you and then print out the confirmation. If you do not have a debit, credit or checking account then we will use our information to pay on line for you. This entire fee for this process will be $20 – that includes the $11 to the state. If you have any questions please feel free to call us at 435-3616.

Our breakfast with Representative John Bradley was well attended on Monday. We had a total of 28 in attendance with 21 of those from Franklin County. Also Kevin Semlow, Illinois Farm Bureau Director of State Legislation and Chris Lowery, Administrative Assistant to Representative Bradley.

Many items were discussed including the Juvenile Detention Center in Benton and the uncertainty that surrounds it – John assured us that he and Senator Forby are doing everything they can to keep the center running as it is today.

Representative Bradley is looking to the future and working with Governor Rauner on keeping Southern Illinois in the forefront. If you need to get in touch with him his office number is (618) 997-9697.

As soon as this weather dries up you will begin to see the farmers on the roads once more. Please take into consideration that these are very large pieces of equipment and there is limited space where they can get off the roadways – drive slowly when approaching and be aware of their limitations.
This is the last chance to place your order for Smoked Pork Loin for your Easter dinner. They will be ready for pick up on Thursday April 2nd – that is the day before Good Friday.  1/2 loin is $30 and a full is $45 please call the office or stop by to order yours today.  We will take orders ending March 30 and we don’t have extra. This is a Young Leaders Project with all proceeds going to fund scholarships. See a Young Leader or call 435-3616 to place your order.

This year we will have our Antique Tractor Drive on May 9th and for the first time we will be in the Rend Lake Water Festival Parade.  The tractors will be near the front of the parade.  We will drive the parade route then continue on to the Barren Township Building on 154 stopping for a fish dinner then continue back over the Rend Lake Dam back to the Rend Lake Plaza in West City.  Entry fee is $20 and this covers the cost of meal and a t-shirt.  For more information call the office at 435-3616.
Remember we are farmers working together. If we can help let us know.

INA, Ill.  – Time is running short to prepare for your Illinois Concealed Carry license before the end of the year. Rend Lake College has two classes open on Nov. 8-9 and Dec. 6-7 on the Ina campus.

The two-day sessions last from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. both days at RLC. The first day is lecture-based, focusing on safety, marksmanship, cleaning, and loading and unloading. Firearms are not allowed during day one of the training course. On day two, attendees will practice shooting while learning about weapon handling and state and federal laws at the RLC Shooting Range. Everyone is asked to bring two boxes of unopened factory ammunition to Sunday’s class.

To qualify for licensure, attendees must achieve 70 percent accuracy in a live fire qualification of 30 rounds at five, seven, and 10 yards. A qualifying shot consists of a shot placed inside the seven ring of a B-27 target. You must be at least 21 years old to qualify. Also required for licensure is a valid FOID card and driver’s license.

Concealed Carry courses at Rend Lake College cost $150 for in-state students and $200 for out-of-state students. For more information, contact the RLC Community and Corporate Education Division at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1714, or smithst@rlc.edu.

The board adopted the final Fiscal Year 2015 budget, which was provided in tentative form at the August board meeting. A public hearing on the budget was held at 6 p.m., prior to the regular board meeting. There were no comments from the public.

In a related action, the board accepted the 2014 tax levy (payable 2015). The levy represents a slight increase – 1.39 percent – over last year. The Corporate and Special Purpose levy went from $3,003,038 last year to $3,083,318 this year, a increase of 2.67 percent. The Debt Service levy dropped from $1,820,902 last year to $1,807,794 this year, a decrease of 0.72 percent. The total of the two levies rose slightly, from $4,823,940 last year to $4,891,112, an increase of 1.39 percent.

Because the total of the proposed Corporate and Special Purpose and Debt Service levies is not greater than 105 percent of last year’s levy, no Truth in Taxation hearing is required.

Bevis Construction to replace campus sidewalks

The low bid of $24,300 from Bevis Construction Inc. of Mt. Vernon was accepted for replacement of concrete sidewalks throughout campus.

Two PHS projects submitted to ICCB

The board granted permission to submit Protection, Health and Safety project applications to the Illinois Community College Board for HVAC replacement in the North Oasis and roof replacement of the Theatre and art building.

New courses approved, sent to ICCB

The board approved five new courses and authorized their submission to the Illinois Community College Board for action. Among the new courses are Basic Handgun Training, Advanced Handgun Training and Low-Light Handgun Training. Also approved were Principles of Taxidermy and Selected Topics in Automotive Technology.

O’Daniel to take reins of Recreational Center

The board appointed Tyler O’Daniel as Director of the Recreational Center effective Sept. 16. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Exercise Science from the University of Indianapolis as well as Associate in Science and Associate in Arts degrees from Rend Lake College. He most recently was the event coordinator for Dugout Media / Baseball Youth in Morehead, Ky. Last month, the facility was renamed with the intent to repurpose it to maximize the athletic offerings provided by the college, including individualized lessons, athletic camps, intramural sports and the Wayne Arnold Fitness Center. O’Daniel possesses the necessary knowledge in athletic training, exercise science and marketing along with the strong background in event and camp coordination desired for this position. He has coordinated athletic scouting combines, individualized training programs for youth athletes, and baseball camps throughout the Midwest.

Anselment appointed to CCR&R staff

Appointed Jacquelyn Anselment as Provider Recruitment / Quality Specialist for Project CHILD, the Child Care Resource and Referral program housed at the RLC MarketPlace. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Southern Illinois University Carbondale as well as Associate in Science and Associate in Arts degrees from Rend Lake College. She most recently served as Assistant Director at Bumblebee Child Care Center in Mt. Vernon.

Children’s Center’s Rancuret moving on, Gatimu joins staff

The board accepted with regret the resignation of Emily Rancuret, Lead Child Care Provider at the RLC Foundation Children’s Center, effective Aug. 13. “I have formed lasting friendships at Rend Lake College and feel honored to be a part of this family,” Rancuret wrote in her resignation letter.

In a related action, the board ratified the appointment of Kaitlyn Gatimu as a Lead Child Care Provider effective Sept. 15 to fill the vacancy left by Rancuret. Gatimu holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Early Childhood Education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and most recently worked at Logan Street Day Care and Preschool in Mt. Vernon. She previously worked at the Children’s Center as a part-time Assistant Child Care Provider.

CNA’s Hudgens retiring

The retirement resignation of Aurelia Hudgens, Certified Nurse Assistant Associate Professor, was accepted with regret effective Feb. 28. “I have enjoyed my tenure at Rend Lake College immensely and have had great satisfaction in taking on the challenges given to me and teaching the hundreds of CNA students in my classes,” Hudgens wrote in her retirement letter.

In other business, the board …

Adopted a resolution appointing Terry Wilkerson, RLC President, and Angie Kistner, Vice President of Finance and Administration, as representatives of the RLC Board Secretary for the purpose of accepting candidate nominating petitions.

Approved revisions to board policy and procedure concerning Internet, laptops / laptop data encryption, and information security policy framework and guidelines (all second readings).

Approved revisions to salaries for three employees.

Approved the Jeanne Clery Act Compliance Policy Manual effective Sept. 16.

Mark your calendars …

Visiting Artist Series: Hillary Remm, works on display in Theatre Lobby through Oct. 10.

RLC Foundation Golf Outing, Thursday, Sept. 18, 12 p.m. shotgun start, Rend Lake Golf Course.

Fun Fest, 12-3 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 24, RLC campus.

Rend Lake College Open House, 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, RLC Campus.

RLC Foundation Scholarship Dinner, 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, Rend Lake Resort.

Poetry Reader: Matt Rotman, 12 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15, Pat Kern Private Dining Area.

Warrior Fest, Saturday, Oct. 18, 2014, RLC campus.

Halloween Concert and Party, Thursday, Oct. 30, Theatre and Student Center; 6 p.m concert, 7 p.m. party.