The uncertainty of the State of Illinois to fund the community college system has resulted in the IECC Board of Trustees to increase student fees. Trustees have approved a $2 increase for the Student Support Fee; a $5 increase to the Maintenance Fee and a new Activity Fee of $60 for students taking six or more credit hours in the fall or spring semesters. A new $50 per semester program fee has also been added to the Electrical Distribution Program, which is offered at Frontier Community College in Fairfield.
Gallatin County girls’ basketball coach Robert “Radar” Patton died Wednesday morning at his home in Shawneetown. He was 60. Patton also served as the police chief in Shawneetown for over 30 years.
The IECC Board of Trustees have approved a 1.5% pay increase for bargaining unit faculty members. The same increase was approved for administration and staff members.
Carmi City Police report the arrest of two suspects after making a run to a home in the 600 block of Shumaker Street. 35-year-old Anthony L. Bennett of Chicago was arrested for resisting arrest, obstructing police and for being a registered sex offender in a prohibited place. He was also wanted on a Vanderburgh County, Indiana warrant for failure to register as a sex offender. Also arrested was 19-year-old Brittany S. McDonald of Carmi for failure to appear in court.
32-year-old Brian L. Dennis of McLeansboro has been sentenced to 2 years in prison after pleading guilty in White County Circuit Court to a class-4 felony charge of aggravated drunk driving while his license was revoked. He will also have to serve another year of parole once he is released from prison.
Each month, Fairfield Memorial Hospital honors an employee who has exemplified outstanding patient care and customer service. In February, Mona Grisham, who works in Nutrition Services, was named Employee of the Month. Mona is an exceptionally hard working individual. Her peers say she always has a “thank you” ready, even when you are handing her more trays to clean or fill! Her fellow workers really enjoy working beside her. Mona is an employee who does her very best to go above and beyond to help the Nutrition Services team run smoothly. Customers, patients, and staff truly appreciate the service she provides them.