INA, Ill.  – Rend Lake College’s Institute of Lifelong Learning has a pair of day trip offerings this spring aimed at providing adventurers with fun and affordable trips to Missouri to take in some culture, history and, of course, food.

On April 19, travelers kick off their trip with a visit to historical Missouri with a visit to the “Old Courthouse” and a ranger-led tour.

The “Old Courthouse” was the site of the first two trials of the pivotal Dred Scott case in 1847 and 1850. It was also where Virginia Minor’s case for a woman’s right to vote came to trial in the 1870s. Visitors will tour this historic structure, and visit the restored courtrooms to learn more about 19^th century judicial system, followed by lunch at The Lodge at Grant’s Trail.

In the afternoon, activities begin with a visit to the Missouri Civil War Museum, one of the largest Civil War museums and research libraries in the nation. Participants will be treated to the story behind Missouri’s role in the American Civil War.

The trip concludes with a drive through Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, which was established during the Civil War in 1863 and is the final resting place for some 16,000 Civil War Soldiers. (Note: To view Civil War tombstones, participants will have to de-board the coach and walk – this can be optional.)

The cost of the excursion is $130 and includes tour fees, lunch, gratuities and charter bus transportation. Anyone interested is asked to pre-register by March 12. The bus will depart from RLC’s Ina Campus at 7:30 a.m. and return by 6:30 p.m. The bus will depart from the Mt. Vernon MarketPlace Campus at 8 a.m. and return by 6 p.m.

—

On May 11, travelers begin their day at Trinity Lutheran Church with a tour by Dennis Amman, sexton. He will show the beautiful sanctuary, their priceless communion chalice (if available) and speak of the fascinating history of this church, which was the birthplace of today’s Missouri Synod.

The next part of the trip ventures to the Shrine of St. Joseph, with its vast history. This beautiful old church had its beginnings in 1843. Founded by Jesuits to serve a residential German community, the church is the site of the only authenticated miracle in the Midwest.

Travelers will then enjoy lunch at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and take a tour of the church as well. After lunch, there will be a tour of the Cathedral Basilica, an amazing architecture structure home to 83,000 square feet of mosaics.

Rounding out the day will be a visit to Christ Church cathedral, an inspiring space for worship, prayer and advocacy for the neighborhood and city. The cathedral is an example of 14^th century English Gothic architecture and is well-known for its stained glass windows, organ and its reredos, carved between 1909 and 1911 and shipped to the Cathedral in 230 cases. The reredos consist of 52 religious figures and biblical scenes in stone. (Please note, some churches may not be available due to funerals or other church functions that may arise. Organizers will do their best to schedule the churches listed above, but may need to substitute at the last minute due to funerals, weddings or special church ceremonies.)

The cost of the excursion is $110 and includes tour fees, lunch, gratuities, and charter bus transportation are included. Anyone interested must pre-register by April 11^th. The bus will depart from RLC’s Ina Campus at 8 a.m. and retur

WSIl-TV photo

BLUFORD — Construction of the new Webber Township High School in Bluford is ahead of schedule.

That’s according to superintendent John Ashby.

Officials broke ground on the new school in November.

Please click on the full story from Joe Ragusa of WSIL-TV.

Note:  Good luck to Webber as they face the Christopher Bearcats tonight in the championship of the Norris City Regional.

http://www.wsiltv.com/story/37571907/construction-ahead-of-schedule-for-new-high-school-in-bluford