Wabash Valley College will be closed Tuesday, Nov. 3, in observance of Election Day. There will be no classes and all offices will be closed on Tuesday. Small World will also be closed. The Red Café will be open under revised hours for the day; the Café will not serve breakfast but will open for lunch from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and dinner from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Regular business hours and scheduled classes will resume on Wednesday, Nov. 4.
Lab and Classroom Facilities Ready for OCC’s New Welding and Fabrication Associate’s Degree
Olney Central College is ready for the startup of its new Welding and Fabrication Associate’s Degree next fall with the completion of a new state-of-the-art lab and classroom at the West Richland Center in Noble.
The renovations are part of a Title III Grant initiative, which includes revamping OCC’s welding program to establish an Associate in Applied Science Degree. Work on the former high school welding shop began in June and wrapped up in August.
“There is not a thing in here that isn’t brand new,” said Welding Specialist Maverick Fisher. “This puts us among the elite welding schools. As far as a quality education, we’re as good as the top schools in the country including Hobart (Institute of Welding Technology).”
The new lab features 15 welding booths with Stick, Mig and Tig welding capabilities. Students also have access to aluminum spool guns, which provide a steady and reliable feed for soft aluminum wire.
Other additions are an Ironworker punch press students will utilize in the fabrication class, two industrial-sized band saws and three high-speed pipe bevelers.
“With this equipment, we are getting to the place where students will be able to weld all the time and won’t be waiting for metal to cut,” Fisher said. “The goal is to get the students as much welding time as possible.”
The program also has purchased 20 tons of steel for student use in the lab.
The associate’s degree focuses on fabrication and 6G pipe welding certification. As Certified
Welding Inspectors through the American Welding Society, both Fisher and fellow Instructor Curtis Marshall are qualified to award this and other vital credentials to the students.
Fisher said these skills are highly sought after by both local and national employers looking to hire fabricators, pipefitters, boilermakers, ironworkers, steel metal workers and production welders.
The U.S. is currently experiencing a shortage of qualified welders as many employees are reaching retirement age. According to the American Welding Society, the deficit will reach 400,000 workers by 2024.
OCC is making it easier for individuals to pursue a career in welding by offering an evening Welding and Cutting Certificate beginning in January. Classes will meet at 6 p.m. and be offered Monday through Thursday.
“This is an opportunity for people who are interested in welding to come to college without giving up their day jobs,” Fisher said.
Students who begin classes in the spring will be able to enter the second-year courses for the associate’s degree in Fall 2022. Those classes will also be offered in the evenings and students will be able to graduate with their associate’s degree in Spring 2023.
Students who have already received a welding certificate at OCC or Lincoln Trail College can earn their associate’s degree by simply completing the second-year coursework.
For more information or to enroll in the program, call 618-395-7777.
The Title III program is supported in part by a five-year grant awarded to Olney Central College from the U.S. Department of Education effective October 1, 2018. The estimated total cost for all project activities is $2,506,775 financed by the grant award of $2,249,968 (90%) and $256,807 (10%) by Olney Central College.
Olney Central College student Parker Eaton, of Newton, utilizes a welding booth in the state-of-the-art lab created for OCC's new Welding and Fabrication Associate's Degree. The program will begin in Fall 2021.
Secretary Of State Reminds Public Extensions for License Plate Sticker Ends Nov. 1, 2020
Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is reminding the public that expirations for license plate stickers are set to end Nov. 1, 2020. License plate stickers can easily be renewed online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com. Driver’s licenses and ID cards remain extended until Feb. 1, 2021.
“I encourage the public to renew their license plate sticker online at www.cyberdriveillinois.com from the comfort on their own home,” White said. “Online renewals for license plate stickers have skyrocketed since June 1, and if you pay with an e-check, the payment processing fee is waived through the end of the year.”
To register, drivers will need their vehicle registration card or past renewal notice containing their Registration ID and PIN numbers. If vehicle owners do not have a renewal notice or a current registration card, they should call the Public Inquiry Division at 800-252-8980. After obtaining their Registration ID and PIN numbers, they can visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com and go to the “License Plate Renewal Email Notices” under Online Services.
Since June 1, more than 1.5 million people have renewed their license plate stickers online. This is nearly double the amount renewing online during the same period in 2019.
White is reminding the public that if they renew online and pay with an e-check, the payment processing fee is waived through the end of the year for the following services: renewing a license plate sticker, obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card, and renewing a driver’s license through the Safe Driver Renewal program. People who conduct online transactions will avoid waiting in line at a facility.
For those customers who must visit a facility, face masks are required. In addition, customers are asked to be patient due to heavy volume and to be prepared to wait outside in various types of weather. This is due to social distancing, which limits the number of people inside a facility at one time.
For more information, visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com.
Wabash County CUSD #348 COVID-19 Quarantine & Isolation Rolling List-10/27/20
Wabash County CUSD #348
COVID-19 Quarantine & Isolation Rolling List
This list reflects the current student and faculty counts updated on a daily basis. The numbers will change depending on new quarantines, isolations, or returns. In our efforts to be transparent, this list is being provided to the public. Privacy constraints require names to not be published.
10/27/20
Mt. Carmel High School
Students in quarantine - 9
Students in isolation - 0
Faculty in quarantine - 1
Faculty in isolation - 0
Mt. Carmel Junior High School
Students in quarantine - 2
Students in isolation - 0
Faculty in quarantine - 0
Faculty in isolation - 0
Mt. Carmel Grade School
Students in quarantine - 5
Students in isolation - 0
Faculty in quarantine - 1
Faculty in isolation - 0
Mt. Carmel Elementary School
Students in quarantine - 9
Students in isolation - 1
Faculty in quarantine - 0
Faculty in isolation - 0
Bus Garage
Drivers in quarantine - 0
Drivers in isolation - 1
MCJHS Band Benefits From $2,500 America's Farmers Grow Communities Donation
Local Wabash County farmer, Aaron Seals recently directed a $2,500 America’s Farmers Grow Communities donation, sponsored by Bayer Fund, to the Mount Carmel Junior High School Band. The America’s Farmers Grow Communities program, sponsored by Bayer Fund, partners with farmers to provide grants to local nonprofits to help their communities. Through the program, farmers enroll for the chance to direct a $2,500 donation to a local eligible nonprofit organization of their choice.
Mrs. Ellen Wall, Band Director at MCJHS, was excited to receive word that they had been nominated and chosen for the donation.
MCJHS Band will use the funds to purchase new instruments specifically a new ¾ size tuba!
“I am so thankful for this donation. Donations like this enable us to purchase larger instruments that exceed our regular budget and that of our band families.” said, Ellen Wall, Mount Carmel Junior High Band Director.
Since 2010, the America’s Farmers programs have awarded more than $57 million to nonprofits, aspiring ag students, and public schools across rural America. Farmers know the needs of their communities best, so the America’s Farmers programs rely on them to help identify the most worthy causes.
“Farmers truly understand the needs of their communities and where the opportunities to strengthen them exist. We partner with them to identify the nonprofit organizations that benefit from Grow Communities donations,” said Al Mitchell, Bayer Fund president. “Each donation shines a light on the organizations that are making a positive difference in rural communities across the country. Bayer Fund is proud to partner with farmers to give back in rural America.”
Drs. Royer Introduced To WGH Board Members
Before the start of this afternoon’s Wabash General Hospital Board of Directors meeting, new ENT’s Dr. Mark and Allison Royer were able to meet a few of the board members.
The Royer’s begin their practice next week at WGH and surgeries will start November 9th. .
To schedule an appointment, patients can call (618) 240-2740. No physician referral is needed.
Here’s more information on the Royer’s:
Dr. Mark Royer was born in South Bend, IN. He obtained his undergraduate degree in Chemistry from Indiana University-South Bend, graduating with a perfect 4.0 GPA. He then completed his Doctor of Medicine from Indiana University School of Medicine and was named to the AOA and Gold Humanism Honor Societies. He completed his residency in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Indiana University School of Medicine. He has published extensively within his field and given invited talks both in the U.S. and abroad. He also recently completed his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Southern Indiana. Dr Mark Royer’s practice specializes in comprehensive management of nasal and sinus disorders with a special interest in minimally invasive treatment methods.
Dr. Allison K. Royer was born and raised in Evansville, IN. She attended Purdue University on a full tuition scholarship and obtained a Bachelor of Science with Honors, graduating in three years and with a perfect 4.0 GPA. She then received a full tuition scholarship to the Indiana University School of Medicine. She was named to the AOA Honor Society and was Valedictorian of her medical school class. She completed her residency at Indiana University School of Medicine in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. She received top honors for her residency research. She is the author of multiple publications within her field and has presented research and given talks at national and international conferences. Dr. Allison Royer enjoys caring for patients with sinus and nasal complaints and is dedicated to improving their quality of life.
In their free time, they enjoy spending time with their children (including their newest addition June 2018), hiking, biking, and traveling. They are passionate about serving others through volunteer work locally and medical mission trips internationally.
WGH President/CEO Karissa Turner (L) introduces Dr. Mark Royer & Dr. Allison K. Royer to WGH Board Members this afternoon. The Royer’s are ENT’s and begin their practices next week at WGH.
Wabash County CUSD #348 COVID-19 Quarantine & Isolation Rolling List
10/25/20
Mt. Carmel High School
Students in quarantine - 8
Students in isolation - 0
Faculty in quarantine - 1
Faculty in isolation - 0
Mt. Carmel Junior High School
Students in quarantine - 2
Students in isolation - 0
Faculty in quarantine - 0
Faculty in isolation - 0
Mt. Carmel Grade School
Students in quarantine - 3
Students in isolation - 0
Faculty in quarantine - 1
Faculty in isolation - 0
Mt. Carmel Elementary School
Students in quarantine - 9
Students in isolation - 1
Faculty in quarantine - 0
Faculty in isolation - 0
Bus Garage
Drivers in quarantine - 0
Drivers in isolation - 1
NO CHRISTMAS UPTOWN FOR 2020
Due to the continued spread of Covid-19, Christmas Uptown 2020, the 13th annual event scheduled for Friday, December 4th on Mt. Carmel’s Market Street, has been cancelled. Both the timing of the event, during the cold and flu season, and the very success and growth during our first 12 years have made it impossible to ensure the safety of the many hundreds of attendees. The Christmas Uptown Committee would like to encourage everyone to participate in this year’s “Sights & Sounds of Christmas” home decorating contest, the details of which will be announced soon. To each and every one, we wish you a safe and joyous Christmas!
Christmas Uptown File Photo
Two Injured In 4 Vehicle Crash In Clark County
ISP TRAFFIC CRASH ALERT
The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police
District 12
WHAT: Multiple Vehicle Personal Injury Traffic Crash
WHERE: US 40 at the Livingston Road, Clark County
WHEN: Oct. 26, 2020 at 7:56 a.m.
VEHICLES: Unit 1- 2007 Silver Pontiac Grand Prix
Unit 2- 2019 White Freightliner Van
Unit 3- 2014 Gray Honda Accord
Unit 4- 2013 Black Honda Civic
DRIVERS: Unit 1- Kathlene Beck, 23 year old female from Terre Haute, IN - Uninjured
Unit 2- Michael Jonas, 64 year old male from Terre Haute, IN – Transported by ambulance to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Unit 3- Arun Odhayamangalam, 51 year old male from Terre Haute, IN – Transported to an area hospital with life threatening injuries.
Unit 4- Nauman Khan, 30 year old male from Terre Haute, IN - Uninjured
PRELIMINARY: A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling west on US 40 near Livingston Road in Clark County. Units 3 and 4 were also westbound, traveling behind Unit 1. Unit 2 was traveling east at the same location. For unknown reasons, the driver of Unit 1 crossed the centerline and struck the rear driver side of Unit 2, causing Unit 2 to spin out. After spinning, Unit 2 crossed the centerline struck Unit 3 in the driver's door, pushing Unit 3 into the guardrail. Unit 4 was unable to slow in time and struck Unit 2 in the front passenger door. The roadway was closed for approximately 2 hours during the crash investigation.
CHARGES: Unit 1 driver was cited for Improper Lane Usage, Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle and Failure to Wear Seatbelt by Driver.
All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Regions 4 & 10 Mitigations To Go Into Effect Wednesday
Governor’s Office Press Release:
CHICAGO – Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are announcing COVID-19 resurgence mitigations will be implemented in Regions 4 and 10, which encompass Metro East and Suburban Cook County respectively, beginning at 12:01 am on Wednesday, October 28, 2020. Region 4 has had a 7-day rolling average test positivity rate of 8 percent or above for three consecutive days. Region 10 has had eight consecutive days of increases in test positivity and seven days of increased hospital admissions making it the first region in the state to meet the metrics for additional mitigations in this way and surpass warning levels in two categories simultaneously. The sustained increases seen in the regions exceed the thresholds set for establishing mitigation measures under the state’s Restore Illinois Resurgence Plan.
The administration continues to work aggressively to support small businesses impacted by the ongoing pandemic, distributing $7.5 million and $14.8 million respectively in emergency grants and assistance to businesses and communities in Regions 4 and 10 alone. Businesses in the regions will also receive priority consideration for the current round of Business Interruption Grants as a result of the additional mitigations.
“Over the weekend, two more regions – Region 4, Metro East, as well as Region 10, Suburban Cook County – triggered our metrics for additional mitigations, meaning that, starting Wednesday, 6 of our 11 regions will be operating under our resurgence framework,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Much like the four areas already operating under Tier One or Tier Two of the plan – Northwestern Illinois, Southern Illinois, and Will, Kankakee, DuPage and Kane Counties – Region 4 triggered our 8 percent positivity average threshold, the second time it has done so since mid-summer. Region 10, on the other hand, is the first region in Illinois to earn additional mitigations not because of its positivity rate alone, but because its positivity rate and its COVID-related hospitalizations have both seen a sustained increase over the last 10 days.”
“We are seeing test positivity across the state increase, but for Region 10, Suburban Cook County, we are also seeing a steady increase in hospitalizations for COVID-like illness,” said IDPH Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “At the beginning of the pandemic, we were concerned about overwhelming our hospitals and we must take action now to prevent that possibility. We are entering flu season and our hospitals are facing both COVID-19 and flu admissions. The same things that can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 will help prevent the spread of flu. Please, wash your hands, watch your distance, and wear your mask. And make sure to get your flu shot.”
Mitigation measures taking effect October 28 in Regions 4 and 10 include:
Bars
No indoor service
All outside bar service closes at 11:00 p.m.
All bar patrons should be seated at tables outside
No ordering, seating, or congregating at bar (bar stools should be removed)
Tables should be 6 feet apart
No standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting
No dancing or standing indoors
Reservations required for each party
No seating of multiple parties at one table
Restaurants
No indoor dining or bar service
All outdoor dining closes at 11:00 p.m.
Outside dining tables should be 6 feet apart
No standing or congregating indoors or outdoors while waiting for a table or exiting
Reservations required for each party
No seating of multiple parties at one table
Meetings, Social Events, Gatherings
Limit to lesser of 25 guests or 25 percent of overall room capacity
No party buses
Gaming and Casinos close at 11:00 p.m., are limited to 25 percent capacity, and follow mitigations for bars and restaurants, if applicable
These mitigations do not currently apply to schools.
Support for small businesses has been one of the central features of the Pritzker administration’s COVID-19 response. Since March, the administration has launched a menu of small business and community relief programs – with over $500 million in grants and programs launched by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), including emergency hospitality grants, a downstate small business stabilization program, Fast Track Capital, and more.
DCEO is also actively processing reimbursements for local governments impacted by COVID-19 via the state’s local CURES program. All eligible governments in Regions 4 and 10 can submit their certification to the department and begin submitting reimbursement requests. For more information on programs available for businesses and communities, please visit DCEO’s website.
In the coming days, IDPH will continue to track the positivity rate in both regions to determine if mitigations can be relaxed, if additional mitigations are required, or if current mitigations should remain in place. If the positivity rate in Region 4 averages less than or equal to 6.5% for three consecutive days, then the region will return to Phase 4 mitigations under the Restore Illinois Plan. If the positivity rate averages between 6.5% and 8%, the new mitigations will remain in place and unchanged. If the positivity rate averages greater than or equal to 8% after 14 days, more stringent mitigations can be applied to further reduce spread of the virus.
If the positivity rate in Region 10 averages less than or equal to 6.5% over a three-day period, there is a decrease in hospital admissions for COVID-19 like illness over a three-day period, and the three-day rolling averages of ICU bed availability and medical/surgical bed availability is greater than or equal to 20% over a seven-day period, the region will return to Phase 4 mitigations under the Restore Illinois Plan. Conversely, if the average positivity rate continues to increase over seven out of 10 days and the hospital admissions for COVID-19 like illness continues to increase over seven out of 10 days, more stringent mitigations can be applied. If the metrics remain stable, the region will continue to be monitored.
Currently four of the state’s 11 regions have positivity rates above the public health department’s 8% threshold for resurgence mitigations. Regions 5, 7, and 8 are currently operating under additional mitigations as the regions continue to report a 7-day rolling positivity rate above 8%. Region 1 is currently operating under Tier 2 mitigation measures after experiencing reporting a positivity rate greater than 8% for 14 days despite Tier 1 mitigation measures being in place.
As part of the administration’s robust response to the pandemic, the state continues to strengthen its nation-leading testing operation. Illinois is averaging more than three times the testing than the average state. Testing is readily available throughout the state, and the vast majority of test results are returned within an actionable period. Moving forward, testing remains a critical step to reduce the spread of the virus, given that a positive test result begins the contact tracing process and can prevent further spread in communities.
In addition to testing, IDPH continues to monitor each region in the state for several key indicators to identify early, but significant increases of COVID-19 transmission in Illinois, potentially signifying resurgence. Indictors include an increase in the region’s positivity rate with a simultaneous increase in either hospital admissions for COVID-like-illness or a decrease in hospital capacity, or three consecutive days of greater than or equal to 8% test positivity rate (7-day rolling average). These indicators can be used to determine whether additional community mitigation interventions are needed for a region to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.
A full list of mitigation measures pertaining to some businesses and industries may be found on the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) website at www.dceocovid19resources.com/restore-illinois.