Randolph County briefs
Southwest Connector task force underway
SPRINGFIELD - The Southwest Illinois Task Force will soon be able to get to work exploring the potential for a four-lane highway between the Metro East area and Carbondale, says state Sen. Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo). "This road could be an important tool for economic development in our region, but first we have to find if the idea is truly feasible," Schimpf said. "The task force will help us ... by determining the cost, the impact and what route it would take." The Southwest Connector Task Force was created last year, and has a deadline of December 2019 to report back to the Illinois General Assembly. Members of the public will be able to provide input at subsequent meetings of the task force.
SIU Day of Giving; opens 150th year
Today, Southern Illinois University hosts its annual Day of Giving - a 24-hour online campaign. But it's also the start of SIU's 150th anniversary year. Join the celebration at 2 p.m. in the Morris Library 1st Floor Rotunda as a special birthday gift to SIU is opened, followed by remarks by Chancellor John Dunn and birthday cake. All gifts made online between 6 a.m. today and 6 a.m. Thursday count toward the Day of Giving. Visit siuday.siu.edu to make a gift in support of SIU.
Pollinator seeds available to 4-Hers
Free garden seeds, to help establish habitats for bees and other pollinators, will be available to 4-H members, Ag in the Classroom groups, and FFA chapters, courtesy of the Growmark System. "One in every three bites of food we eat is dependent on the work of pollinators," said Brandi Swisher, U of I Extension 4-H program coordinator for Randolph County. "By increasing the number of pollinator gardens, we hope to provide protected habitats for bees and other beneficial pollinator species to thrive." Apply online at bit.ly/2019GMKPollinator or call (618) 443-4364 by April 1. Gardens should be planted in public areas. Clubs will receive enough seed for a 700-square foot area.
Omega Delta chapter murder mystery
The Omega Delta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi held their February 2019 meeting at Benson's Wine Bar. President Tammi Schroeder called the meeting to order and 10 members stood for the Opening Ritual. After a brief meeting, Hostess Dianne Hecht presented a program on "Laughter Is Healthy." The chapter participated in the murder mystery "Bachelorettes & Bullets". Sisters were given their parts weeks in advance to prepare and dress for their assigned part. Dianne and Co-Hostesses Valerie Blechle and Robin Barton served fabulous snacks and drinks and awards were given out. It was a great evening! Sisters in attendance were Robin Barton, Valerie Blechle, Kaile Eggemeyer, Lindsey Hargis, Dianne Hecht, Patsie Hopkins, Missy Meyer, Christie Modglin, Tammi Schroeder and Janet Vasquez.
SWIC Adult Education offers free GED class
Southwestern Illinois College will offer free high school equivalency preparation classes in Randolph County in March and April. Daytime classes will be held Monday through Wednesday from March 18 to April 17 at the SWIC Red Bud Campus, 500 W. South Fourth St. Learn more about upcoming classes and schedule a preregistration appointment by calling (618) 235-2700, ext. 5525, or (866) 942-7942, ext. 5525.
Spring hikes set up by River-to-River
The River-to-River Trail Society has organized two early spring hikes for Saturday, March 9, both are free to the public. Hike #1 will meet at 10 a.m. at the New Simpson-Tunnel Hill School on Route 45, between Ozark and Vienna, and follow Cedar Creek past four waterfalls. This is a hike of moderate difficulty, about 4⅓ miles and is intended for hikers in good physical condition. Hike #2 is 1 p.m. at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge and will visit five cemeteries in the closed section of the Refuge. Register in advance at (630) 470-7692. Both hikes require boots or sturdy shoes, and bring your own water. No dogs.