WVC to offer photography class in the fall

Are you interested in learning more about digital photography? Wabash Valley College is offering a photography class this Fall beginning Aug. 20. The class will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays in Bauer Media Center, Room 3, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.

The class will be taught by Amanda Linn, who owns Fords the Art of Photography.

“For 18 plus years, I have owned a professional portrait studio that focuses on portrait photography from commercials, families, seniors, food, schools, events and much more. I donate my time and skills to local organizations to teach and share my passion for the arts.”

Linn earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1999 from Indiana State University and her Master of Fine Arts from the Academy of Arts in San Francisco in 2019. The latter accomplishment is one that Linn is justifiably pleased with.

“I’m proud of raising two wonderful children, successfully running a portrait studio, and 20 years after getting my BFA being brave enough to go back to school for my MFA.”

Over the years, Linn’s work has been recognized for its excellence. Her work earned her the Directors' Choice Award from the 2019 Spring Art Show in San Francisco. Her thesis work has been exhibited at the 2018 Spring Art Show in San Francisco and the Open-Door Gallery in Vincennes, Ind. She was also invited to be the guest speaker at the Vincennes University Humanities and Film lecture series "Art, Hope and Covid-19,” as a visual artist.

Linn commented that she is most looking forward to working with her students.

Knox County Sheriff's Dept. Will Not Enforce Or Issue Citations For Non-Compliance With Mask Mandate

From Knox County Sheriff Doug Vantlin:

Governor Eric Holcomb has mandated the use of masks in all public indoor spaces and outdoor spaces when social distancing is not possible. The governor’s statement says that failure to comply will be a crime, specifically a class B misdemeanor. A class B misdemeanor is punishable by up to 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $1000.

As your Sheriff I continue to encourage the use of masks whenever it is needed, but the Knox County Sheriff’s Office will not be enforcing or issuing citations for failure to comply with this order. Again, I encourage those at high risk or those unable to social distance themselves to continue wearing a mask while in public.

Please do not contact the Sheriff’s Office or the Knox County Central Dispatch regarding violations of this executive order. Instead, you may contact the Indiana State Department of Health with any concerns or complaints. If a disturbance or other issue were to develop, deputies would respond as always; however, we will not respond solely for the allegations of violation of the executive order. Please remember that any business organization may refuse entry or service to any individual who refuses to wear a mask.

ILLINOIS EASTERN COMMUNITY COLLEGES PREPARE FOR FALL CLASSES

Olney, Ill. -- Illinois Eastern Community Colleges is preparing for the return of students to the classroom when the Fall Semester begins August 20. The Presidents and Deans at Frontier Community College, Lincoln Trail College, Olney Central College, and Wabash Valley College have been following the guidance of the Illinois Community College Board and the Illinois Department of Public Health and are taking proactive steps to prepare for the return of students.

The four colleges in the district will use a variety of ways to teach students this fall. Many IECC courses will continue to be delivered in a face-to-face format like they were before the pandemic. Face-to-face class sizes may be smaller, or the classes may be relocated to larger spaces that allow for social distancing. In all instances, these classes will adhere to IDPH guidelines and use of facial coverings will be required when social distancing is not possible. “From the onset, we have had two guiding philosophies,” says Chancellor Dr. Ryan Gower. “First, is to deliver the distinctive, interactive, and personal educational experience our students desire. Second, to do so in a fashion where we are protecting the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. It is a delicate balance.”

IECC will also offer some classes in “hybrid” and “flex” teaching formats. In hybrid courses, students will attend in-person classes one or two days a week and then engage in remote learning on days when they are not in class. In flex courses, students will go to class on certain days, and on other days they will attend the class virtually remotely using Zoom, Teams, or another form of video chat. Flex teaching is similar to hybrid, with the exception that it allows for real-time student-to-student and teacher-to-student interaction. 

A few IECC courses will be delivered in remotely way. In these courses, students will join the class virtually in real-time with the instructor and fellow classmates. In these courses, interactions will take place using Zoom, Teams, or another form of video chat. “While a few of our courses are built this way from the beginning, we are working to add the capacity to make this option available for any IECC student who indicates to us that their life circumstances would make this form of instruction necessary,” says Gower.

He says IECC is also looking ahead in the semester to help faculty members prepare. “I have spent many hours on the phone with presidents from other community colleges and consulted with epidemiologists and public health officials to discuss our plans for Fall, Spring, and Summer. There are many different options and approaches, but across the board, all parties are anticipating significant difficulties as we enter the traditional cold and flu season. Even if we do not see an increase in cases in District 529, we will see an increase in COVID symptoms which are very similar to flu or the common cold.”

Gower says all four colleges in IECC are preparing faculty and staff to move many face-to-face classes to remove instruction after the Fall break. He says faculty needed this guidance now to allow for adequate time to plan and prepare to prevent the same hasty transition that happened in March.

Students still have the opportunity to register for Fall Semester classes at each of the four colleges in the district. “We understand that parents and students are still very uncertain about going off to college in the fall,” says Gower. “I’ve spoken with many students who are attending IECC Colleges because they feel safer staying closer to home. Our excellent programs and low cost of attendance make us an obvious choice.” Students can learn more about programs offered by IECC visiting www.iecc.edu or by calling any one of the colleges to set up an appointment with an advisor.

Tanner Creed, of Albion named Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship recipient

Tanner Creed of Albion, Ill., has been named one of two of Wabash Valley College’s Phi Theta Kappa scholarship recipients.

Tanner is the son of Bob and Donna Creed. He will be graduating from WVC with an Associates of Science and Arts, and he intends to transfer to Evangel University to study theology and psychology.

During his time at WVC, Tanner was an active member of WVC’s community. He was a member of the WVC Tribe Council, WVC tutors, Players Guild, WVC Community Garden, Spark discussion club, Seekers club and served as a Fall orientation tour guide and panel member. He also served as a PTK Rho Psi chapter president.

Tanner is also being recognized as a new member of the Phi Theta Kappa Illinois All-Academic team.

Congratulations, Tanner! Good luck in your future endeavors!

Certified Nurse Aide class to be offered in the Fall at WVC

Are you interested in becoming a Certified Nurse Aide? Wabash Valley College will offer a CNA class during the Fall semester. The Fall CNA class will start on Sept. 8 at WVC. The class will meet on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 1:00 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. in the Science Building, Room 58, from Sept. 8 thru Nov. 10.

Pre-registration for the class is required. For more information, contact Cathy Ile at 618-263-5043 or ilec@iecc.edu

IECC Board Of Trustees Meeting Recap

Illinois Eastern Community Colleges’ Board of Trustees approved updates to the 2020-2021 IECC Catalog at their regular meeting held Tuesday, July 21st at Lincoln Trail College in Robinson. The catalog is considered a contract with the IECC student. Catalog revisions approved by the Board throughout the year were reviewed and approved for posting to the IECC website and for publication.

A public hearing was held for the purpose of hearing public comment regarding the

issuance of bonds of the District, not to exceed $2,500,000, for community college purposes.

An existing athletic training services agreement was extended with Crawford Memorial

Hospital for athletic training services to Lincoln Trail College. Each of the colleges are required to provide athletic training services that are consistent with requirements set by the Illinois Athletic Trainers Practice Act.

Trustees approved agreements with Counseling & Information for Sexual Assault/Abuse (CAISA), located in Robinson, Illinois, and with Sexual Assault and Family Emergencies (SAFE) located in Vandalia, Illinois. These agreements allow the District to meet requirements to have confidential advisors available to a student or employee who experiences sexual violence.

Approval was given to revise the Academic Calendar for 2020-2021 and to revise the Employee Holiday List for Calendar Year 2020. The revisions designate Election Day as a day that the District facilities are closed and employees do not report to work. Legislation for this designation was passed by the Illinois General Assembly in June of 2020 as Public Act 101-0642 and requires that District facilities be closed on November 3, 2020 for Election Day.

Easements were approved between the IECC District and Ameren and Frontier Communications. The easement for Ameren will allow replacement of an underground power line to be run under property on the Olney Central College campus. This power line provides electricity to Olney Central College. The easement for Frontier Communications will allow fiber optic cable to be run underground to the Carle property facility along Illinois Route 130 adjacent to Olney Central College.

IECC students continue to be satisfied with services provided by the colleges, according to the latest student satisfaction survey, with survey questions included in the areas of Communication, Student Services, Instruction, Technology and recommending the college to others. Results included:

95% were satisfied with Advisement services.

93% were satisfied with Financial Aid services.

97% were satisfied with Entrata.

96% were satisfied with Help Desk services.

92% were satisfied with the quality of instruction.

97% were satisfied with classroom size.

94% were satisfied with courses available at the times they want or needed them.

The survey was completed by 411 students and the results of the survey are shared with various district-wide committees as well as college committees to work on improving any area that needs attention.

A bid was approved for replacement of the HVAC system that serves the Lincoln Trail College Natatorium. The project bid was approved with Central State Construction, Inc. in the amount of $276,305.00.

The Board approved the Technology Plan for FY 2021 through FY 2023. The three year plan addresses technology needs and expenditures for the District in the areas of administrative systems, academic technology, and technology infrastructure. Budget expenditures for these updates were approved in the amount of $600,00.00 each fiscal year.

Affiliation agreements between the District and two area health care facilities were approved. This allows placement of students for clinical experiences with United Methodist Village for Olney Central and Lincoln Trail’s Basic Nurse Assistant Program, and with St. Vincent Health, Inc. for the District’s Associate Degree in Nursing Program.

Trustees approved several new employments. Andrea McDowell was employed as Director of Human Resources at the District Office, effective August 3; Jamie Henry as Director of Business at Lincoln Trail College, effective July 22; Dr. Lisa Hoipkemier as Physical Therapy Assistant Program Instructor at Wabash Valley College, effective August 13; Luke Scheidecker as Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Wabash Valley College, effective July 23; Sarah Burke as Nursing Instructor at Wabash Valley College, effective August 13; Andrew (Holden) August as Coordinator of Public Information & Marketing at Frontier Community College, effective July 22; Scott Correll as Maintenance/Custodian at Olney Central College, effective July 23; Amy Hohlbaugh as Office Assistant at Frontier Community College, effective August 17; and Jodi Robinson was employed as Administrative Assistant at Frontier Community College, effective July 23.

Approval was given for a change in status for Amanda Nelson, from current TRIO Upward Bound Counselor, located at Olney Central College, to TRIO Upward Bound Coordinator, located at Olney Central College, effective July 22.

Resignation ratifications were approved for Jacy Ghast, Assistant Professor at Olney Central College, effective August 1; for Scott Sparks, Head Women’s Basketball Coach at Lincoln Trail College, effective July 7; for Amy Theriac, Coordinator of Financial Aid at Lincoln Trail College, effective August 8; and for Shannon Waters, Office Assistant at Lincoln Trail College, effective July 11.

A retirement ratification was approved for Sibyl Janello, Director of Registration & Records for Workforce Education, effective August 1.

Next regular meeting of the Board of Trustees will be held at Olney Central College, Olney, Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.

Students Choosing Remote Learning Allowed To Return To In Class Anytime

One of the components of the return to school plan approved Monday night by the Wabash District #348 school board is giving parents the option to have their students stay home and use remote learning. And if a student uses remote learning, District #348 superintendent Dr. Chuck Bleyer said there are no restrictions as to when the student can return to school for in-person instruction…

Some districts who are offering remote learning have stipulated students can’t opt out until the current grading period ends.

Federal Lawsuit Threatens Illinois' FOID Card

The future of Illinois’ Firearm Owners Identification card could be in jeopardy. 

D’Andre Bradley, a Marine living in Chicago Heights, is the lead plaintiff in a federal lawsuit filed Monday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. 

At issue is the Illinois State Police's long delays in issuing FOID Cards. The Illinois State Police is named as the defendant in the case. 

“There’s this ridiculous amount of time that we have to wait for our FOIDs,” Bradley said Tuesday. “The best thing to do is to go forward with a lawsuit and move on from there.”

Bradley said he has no legal or mental issues that would disqualify him for gun ownership under Illinois laws. 

State law requires FOID cards to be issued or denied within 30 days, but Bradley and others have said delays have gone on months longer. Illinois is one of 10 states that require a permit to buy at least some firearms, according to the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence.

When asked about the delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bradley said the Second Amendment should be protected just as other Constitutional rights. 

“Just because there’s an epidemic doesn’t mean your rights disappear,” he said. 

The complaint, filed with help from the nonprofit Goldwater Institute, asks the state to either issue FOID cards without delay or abolish the program entirely. 

Illinois has seen an increase in firearm purchases. FBI data shows more than 42,000 Illinoisans had requested background checks run in order to purchase a firearm in just the first half of June, representing a 500 percent increase from the same time the year prior.

The suit is the latest in a handful of legal battles over FOID delays that predate the pandemic.

“We’ve been looking at this problem for a long time, gathering information for filing this lawsuit, and that day has finally come,” Illinois State Rifle Association Executive Director Richard Pearson said. “These delays have gone on long enough. We had hoped to avoid litigation, but at this moment, we have no choice.”

Illinois State Police officials said underfunding and an increase in firearm transactions contributed to the delays. 

“The Illinois State Police agree FOID applications should be processed quickly and within the statutory guidelines,” ISP Spokeswoman Beth Hundsdorfer said. “Financial instability brought on by the lack of a budget in the prior administration greatly impacted the processing of FOID applications by the Firearm Services Bureau. Gov. Pritzker’s budget and the fiscal assurance it brings will allow the ISP to continue efforts to hire at least 32 additional analysts and invest in technology upgrades. This year alone, FSB processed 65,969 new FOID applications."

Hundsdorfer said the agency is focused on solutions.

"Nonetheless, with an increase in applications and firearms purchases during the pandemic and current events – 63,823 FOID applications and 65,222 FTIP applications just last month – broader legislative remedies to streamline and modernize the FOID process will be necessary to meet statutory timelines," she said. "We look forward to working with all interested parties and members of the general assembly to reach those solutions."

A state lawmaker and the Illinois State Rifle Association sued the Illinois State Police in February, alleging the state swept funds meant to facilitate issuing FOID cards. 

At the time, Illinois State Police said: "In 2015 and 2018, $13.2 million was swept from the Firearms Service Fund into the general fund during the budget crisis," and that the agency was no longer sweeping funds from the accounts in question. 
 
Lawmakers in Illinois frequently use fund sweeps to balance the state's budget or to pay for other spending programs.

Fatal Traffic Crashes Increase During Pandemic

Despite fewer cars on the roads because of pandemic restrictions, traffic crashes are becoming more deadly.

The National Safety Council, based in Itasca, reports a 23.5 percent increase in the fatality rate in May compared to last year.

Lorraine Martin, the president of the NSC, said the pandemic has exposed our national road safety culture for what it really is.

“It is clear that our open roads have created somewhat of an open season for reckless driving,” Martin said.

The number of miles driven in May dropped 25.5% compared to the year prior. Overall, the mileage death rate per 100 million vehicle miles driven was 1.47 in May compared to 1.19 in 2019.

Jonathon Adkins, executive director of the Governor’s Highway Safety Association, said drivers are ignoring the speed limit by a wide margin.

“Speed has been a dramatic problem for us,” Adkins said. “Folks are real excited to be out on the roads and are not used to seeing empty roads and they are taking advantage.”

There have been 511 fatalities in Illinois so far this year, which is comparable to last year, despite far less traffic. Cook and the surrounding counties lead the state in traffic fatalities. In downstate Illinois, the Metro East, Macon, Champaign and Peoria counties lead the way.

Jake Nelson, the director of traffic safety, advocacy and research with AAA, said that speed is the main contributing factor in the higher death rate.

“Speed camera data that recorded as high as a 16% increase in drivers going 50% faster than the posted speed limit, and we have not seen that speed problem in other parts of the world,” Nelson said.

"Cannabis Cup" Coming To Illinois

The Cannabis Cup, started in Amsterdam in the 1980s, is coming to Illinois and all adults in the state will be able to vote for their favorite strain.

The organizer, High Times, calls it the world’s leading marijuana competition. For the first time, High Times is opening up the judging process to the public by offering testing kits at dispensaries around the state.

While normally 28 to 35 expert judges would alone determine the rankings, the competition has pivoted into crowdsourced rankings, offering 224 judge kits per category to consumers in Illinois. Past celebrity judges have included Tommy Chong, rocker Patti Smith, and Snoop Dogg.

Derrick Levy, Illinois district manager for GTI Grows, which owns Rise dispensaries, said Illinoisans can participate in the People's Choice competition after growers submit their entries.

“Those entries will then be put into judge kits to which the public would be able to pick up those judge kits and then test them over a period of time and basically pick their favorites,” Levy said.

Since Illinois legalized marijuana in January, the state has collected more than $52 million in tax revenue, exceeding expectations. Levy said the sale of the kits will also generate tax revenue for the state and local municipalities.

“The municipalities would get the same 6% tax that would fall under cannabis sales, so they would get the tax revenue from that as well,” said Levy.

The winners will be announced Sept. 27 during an online broadcast in what High Times is calling the “Oscars of Cannabis.”

To apply to judge, go to https://www.cannabiscup.com/register/.