Pritzker Announces RULES IN COVID-19 Pandemic

CHICAGO – Building on efforts to protect Illinois’ workers and communities in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Governor JB Pritzker announced that the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will file emergency rules for businesses, schools, and child care establishments regarding the use of face coverings and the size of gatherings. The governor also signed SB471 to help protect workers who continue to serve on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19.  

“As I’ve visited with and listened to mayors and health departments all across our state, it’s clear there is still an even greater need to get people to wear masks – especially to protect frontline workers, whether they’re at the front of a store asking you to put on your mask or whether they’re responding to 911 calls to save those in distress,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These rules, which provide multiple opportunities for compliance before any penalty is issued, are a commonsense way to enforce public health guidelines. Illinois has made substantial progress in our fight against COVID-19 because the vast majority of communities and business owners have done the right thing. These rules will help ensure that the minority of people who refuse to act responsibly won’t take our state backward.”

“We know that face coverings are key to helping prevent the spread of COVID-19, but it only works if everyone wears them,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “We are seeing cases increasing each day and hearing about people not complying with the masking mandate.  This rule is an effort to help keep all of us healthy and decrease the risk of contracting COVID-19.” 

NEW IDPH COVID-19 EMERGENCY RULES 

In an effort to maintain the progress we have made in Illinois’ COVID-19 pandemic response, the Pritzker administration is filing emergency rules for businesses, schools, and child care establishments regarding the use of face coverings and the size of gatherings.  

These rules provide multiple opportunities for compliance before any penalty is issued, giving local health departments and local law enforcement more leeway to support community public health in a productive manner. While existing, pre-pandemic enforcement laws, like revoking a license, are stringent and severe, these rules provide flexibility for local communities and a measured process to help keep people safe.   

That process is as follows:  

• First, businesses will be given a warning in the form of written notice and encouraged to voluntarily comply with public health guidance.  

• Second, businesses that do not voluntarily comply will be given an order to have some or all of their patrons leave the premises as needed to comply with public health guidance and reduce risks.  

• Third, if the business continues to refuse to comply, the business can receive a class A misdemeanor and be subject to a fine ranging from $75-$2,500. 

These rules do not apply to individuals and penalties will not exceed a misdemeanor and a $75-$2,500 fine.   

The emergency rules also reinforce the authority of IDPH and local health departments to investigate COVID-19 cases and reaffirm that businesses have a responsibility to cooperate with those investigations.  

SENATE BILL 471 

As Illinois’ essential workers continue to serve on the frontlines of the fight against COVID-19, Governor Pritzker signed SB 471 to expand workplace protections. To directly protect workers in retail, the law adds a penalty for assaulting or battering a retail worker who is conveying public health guidance, such as requiring patrons to wear face-coverings or promoting social distancing. This provision sends the message that it’s vitally important for workers to be both respected and protected while serving on the front lines.  

“As we continue to adapt to the changes forced on us by the current pandemic, we have to also create a response that addresses the long-time issues it has exacerbated,” said Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford. “Our essential workers put their lives at risk for us to stay safe, and it is clear that we have to continue to do better to protect working class people with a renewed commitment to providing basic rights for everyone.” 

“As our state faces the challenges created by the ongoing global pandemic, we are doing all we can to support and protect our front line and essential workers,” said State Representative Jay Hoffman. “This legislation allows front line workers that have been impacted by COVID-19 to focus on recovering while sending a clear message to all our essential workers that we are behind them and will do all we can to protect their safety and well-being.”  

The law also increases paid disability leave for any injury that occurs after March 9, 2020 by 60 days for firefighters, law enforcement and paramedics whose recovery was hindered by COVID-19. 

More specifically, eligible employees include: 

• Any part-time or full-time State correctional officer or any other full or part-time employee of the Department of Corrections 

• Any full or part-time employee of the Prisoner Review Board 

• Any full or part-time employee of the Department of Human Services working within a penal institution or a State mental health or developmental disabilities facility operated by the Department of Human Services 

• Any full-time law enforcement officer or full-time firefighter 

These measure build upon the Pritzker administration’s efforts to protect the safety and livelihood of Illinois residents by continuing to enforce all labor laws during the pandemic.  

SB 471 takes effect immediately.  

Wabash District #348 Special Board Meeting Personnel Matters

These personnel actions were taken by the District #348 school board at a special meeting July 30th….

Area Corn Crop Set Up For Big Yields After Recent Rains

Parts of the area have seen in excess of 5 inches of rain or more in the last 10 days. As local farmers head into the final stretch of the 2020 growing season, certified crop advisor Mike Wilson said on yesterday’s “Valley Update”, things are setting up for a tremendous corn crop…

As far as the soybean crop, Wilson said rain will be needed later this month to enhance its’ yields. If things progress as they are now, Wilson said farmers should be starting the corn harvest by the end of the month.

Crossvile Mother Arrested for Impaired Driving while Transporting Two Children

Gibson County – Last night at approximately 10:05, Trooper Hurley stopped a motorist on SR 64 east of CR 100 North for driving left of center. The driver was identified as Deana Hoffman, 48, of Crossville, IL. The driver displayed signs of impairment. Hoffman’s two children, ages 15 and 4, were also in the vehicle. Further investigation revealed Hoffman was under the influence of morphine. Hoffman was arrested and taken to the Gibson County Jail where she is currently being held on bond. Hoffman’s two children were released to a family member.

Arrested and Charges:

Deana Hoffman, 48, Crossville, IL

• Operating a Vehicle while Intoxicated with Passengers less than 18 years of age, Class 6 Felony

• Neglect of a Dependent, Class 6 Felony

Arresting Officer: Trooper Tanner Hurley, Indiana State Police

EVAN ACREE RECIPIENT OF DON HORRALL SCHOLARSHIP

Evan Acree is this year’s recipient of the Don Horrall Scholarship which is awarded each year to a Mt. Carmel High School graduating senior who will be attending Wabash Valley College. This year’s scholarship is in the amount of $1,000.00

The Don Horrall Scholarship, in memory of Don Horrall, who was one of the original members and the first President of the Wabash Valley College Foundation, was established to encourage study in engineering, electronics, or math.

Bob Horrall and his wife, Frances, made this scholarship possible through a generous donation to the Foundation in memory of his father, Don.

Evan is the son of Kim and the late John Acree. After WVC, he plans to transfer to a four-year university to further his education. Evan was on the High Honors List throughout high school and was selected for the National Honor Society his Junior year. He was a member of the Mt. Carmel Golden Aces Basketball Team all four years. Evan was an escort for the Homecoming Queen Court and was a candidate for Prom King his Senior year.

Cassandra Goldman, Chairman of the Wabash Valley College Foundation Scholarship Committee, was pleased to present the Don Horrall Scholarship to Evan Acree, a 2020 MCHS Graduate.

Acree Awarded Lions Scholarship

The Mt. Carmel Lions Club is pleased to award scholarships each year to graduates of Mt. Carmel High School. The Lions Club Scholarship is based on the student’s academic performance as well as the participation in extra-curricular activities, including other honors and accomplishments throughout high school.

Evan Acree is a recipient of this year’s Lions Club Scholarship in the amount of $500.00. He plans to attend Wabash Valley College this fall and will transfer to a four-year university after graduating from WVC to further his education.

Evan is the son of Kim and the late John Acree. He was on the High Honors List throughout high school and was selected for the National Honor Society his Junior year. He was a member of the Mt Carmel High School Golden Aces Basketball Team all four years. Evan was an escort for the Homecoming Queen Court and was a candidate for Prom King his Senior year.

Photo Caption: Larry Hodgson, Lions Club Scholarship Committee Member, was on hand to present the Lions Club Scholarship to Evan Acree, a 2020 MCHS graduate.

Bailey wants Pritzker held in civil contempt

Press Release From State Representative Darren Bailey:

Louisville, IL. – Governor J.B. Pritzker has continually ignored a valid court ruling that his COVID-19 Executive Orders after April 8, 2020 are null and void, according to State Rep. Darren Bailey.

“This isn’t about some political battle between me and the Governor, it’s about the law,” said Bailey (R-Xenia). “The Governor should respect and follow state law, and a court that ruled in accordance with that law.”

Bailey filed a petition seeking a civil contempt order Aug. 5.

The filing accuses Gov. Pritzker of violating the court ruling by imposing three new Executive Orders. Two on July 24, 2020 and one on July 27, 2020. On July 2, Clay County Circuit Court Judge Michael McHaney ruled Pritzker overstepped his authority in issuing emergency executive orders subsequent to April 08, 2020.

Bailey’s new petition asks the Court to hold Pritzker in civil contempt, and he be required to show cause why he should not be held in contempt. The petition also asks the Court to order the Governor to rescind his July 24 and July 27 COVID-related Executive Orders, #47, #48 and #50, or that he be held in the Clay County Jail until such time as he complies.

Rep. Bailey said the General Assembly should meet in special session and take up its proper role to address public health issues surrounding COVID-19.

“Apparently, some people have forgotten we have a representative government,” said Bailey. The General Assembly needs to convene immediately to address the critical issues of governance in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, instead of the one-person rule from the Governor’s headquarters in Chicago. The Declaration of Independence states that government derives its just power from the people (‘consent of the governed’). The Legislature has a duty and responsibility to act, which up until now, those in charge have ignored.”

WVC Freshman Information

Hey, incoming class! When starting something new, it can be unnerving to wonder what this new experience is going to be like. Will it be fun, hard, too much, not enough, a step forward?

Let's keep it simple and start with learning some basics about being in college! This course is designed to help you learn key people, places and processes while you are a student at Wabash Valley College. This orientation will cover topics such as your financial accounts, career planning, learning management system, academic records, and more! WVC’s online orientation allows you to work through the modules and videos at your own pace while also providing outreach and support if needed. 

Here's the plan:

1) Begin your orientation program online in the WELCOME WARRIOR module by clicking on Modules to the left. Watch the videos and/or read the content associated with each module. You will have access to this class throughout this term. If you feel confident that you are ready for a strong college start after completing orientation online, you are not required to attend additional workshops.

2) Take the brief quiz at the end of each module to double check your knowledge of key concepts. If you do not pass a module quiz with a 70% or better, it is recommended that you sign up for a supplemental workshop to help clarify anything related to that area for you. If you feel confident that you have met all of the requirements for a strong college start, you may choose to complete your orientation online only and are not required to attend any additional workshops.

3) To attend a supplemental workshop, select a date and time available by following the instructions in the Supplemental Workshops module. Workshops will be held in the mornings and afternoons on Aug. 7, 12 or 18. Students will be able to attend the workshops remotely if they choose or can RSVP for a seat in the classroom at the times offered. The class will be recorded for posting. Students who RSVP to attend in-person will need to stay for the entire session.

NOTE: Workshops are approximately 30-45 minutes long and will also be streamed through the conferencing feature in this course. Due to restrictions related to COVID-19, seating for face-to-face sessions is limited and will be first come, first serve. These sessions are designed for more direct questions related to preparation and processes involved in starting college at WVC. Each workshop has limited seating, but students who join remotely will be able to ask questions through a moderator. The Supplemental Workshops module will contain instructions on how to join a workshop session should you want further information on a particular module after you have completed the online components of the course.

Workshop Sessions

1)  Strong Start: Overview of Technologies, Process and Procedures 

2) College Academic Success: Key Offices & Skills to Help You Thrive at WVC

3) Guided College Tour 

These in-person orientation sessions are entirely optional if you feel comfortable and confident after having completed the online orientation. Once again, if you do not pass a module quiz with a 70% or above, it is recommended that you sign up for one of these supplemental workshops to help clarify that area.

*PLEASE NOTE: These sessions are not designed to answer questions related to a particular student's detailed academic or financial records during the session. Please contact Student Services or the office you need for answers to more specific questions by calling 618-262-8641.

WVC hires physical therapy assistant program director

Wabash Valley College welcomes Lisa Hoipkemier, PT, DPT, NCS, as the director of WVC’s fledgling physical therapy assistant program.

Dr. Hoipkemier brings with her a wealth of experience in a wide variety of settings. She holds a Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Indiana University and is a clinical specialist in neurological physical therapy.

“I started my career in an acute inpatient rehabilitation setting at Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes,” said Dr. Hoipkemier. “After two and a half years, I moved to Fort Wayne to work at an independent rehabilitation hospital. After a few years there, I came back to the area to work in the outpatient setting. At each of these areas, I worked part-time with pediatrics in First Steps, the early intervention program in Indiana.”

Dr. Hoipkemier stated that she is excited to be part of a new program that will give students the opportunity to be part of the rehabilitation process in healthcare.

“The greatest reward is working with individuals and giving them back their independent mobility. I want the students to experience the reward of helping a patient restore their function and independence,” said Dr. Hoipkemier.

Dr. Hoipkemier will be teaching Structural Kinesiology, Prevention/Treatment of Athletic Injury, and in the Health Careers program this fall. Structural Kinesiology (SPM 2204) explores musculoskeletal anatomy as it relates to human movement. Prevention/Treatment of Athletic Injury (EDU 2104) covers principles and techniques of preventing, recognizing, treating and rehabilitating common athletic injuries.

Graduation from a physical therapist assistant education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education is necessary for eligibility to sit for the licensure examination, which is required in all states. Wabash Valley College is seeking accreditation of a new physical therapist assistant education program from CAPTE.

The program is planning to submit an application for candidacy— which is the formal application required in the pre-accreditation stage— on March 1, 2022. Submission of this document does not assure that the program will be granted “candidate for accreditation” status.

Achievement of candidate for accreditation status is required prior to implementation of the technical phase of the program; therefore, no students may be enrolled in technical courses until candidate for accreditation status has been achieved. Further, though achievement of candidate for accreditation status signifies satisfactory progress toward accreditation, it does not assure that the program will be granted accreditation.

For more information, please call (618) 262-8641.

Free GED test prep classes to be offered at Wabash Valley College

Wabash Valley College is pleased to announce it will be offering free GED test prep classes. This class includes tutoring, instruction and materials, and it’s all free!

The classes will be offered from Aug. 20 to Oct. 15 and there will be two different class slots to choose from. One class will meet on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., and the other class will meet from 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Both will meet in Main Hall, Rm. 202, at Wabash Valley College. 

You must register before Thursday, Aug. 20. To schedule an appointment to register, please call Tabby in the Academic Success Center at (618) 263-5126.

The GED allows you to test when and where you want, receive test scores immediately and complete one section at a time. It also offers easy online registration and online scheduling.

The cost of the test is $120 for the entire test or $30 for each section.

If you become a WVC adult education student by enrolling in one of the GED test prep courses, you could qualify to take the GED test for free. As a WVC GED test prep course graduate and GED test completer, you could also qualify for special college scholarships.

For more information, contact Tabatha Niduaza at (618) 263-5126.