LLCC-Taylorville’s updated welding lab

Brief remarks were made at an open house ceremony on Wednesday for LLCC-Taylorville’s newly updated and renovated welding lab.

Wayne Rosenthal

Wayne Rosenthal, vice chair of the LLCC Board of Trustees, spoke at an open house for the updated LLCC-Taylorville welding lab

Wayne Rosenthal of Morrisonville, vice chair of the LLCC Board of Trustees, represents district 4 on the board, which includes Taylorville. He commented, “When you compare our facilities 10 years ago to where we are today, the changes have been phenomenal. We have a new classroom facility built in 2011, and the original building was updated in 2015. Now, with this new welding lab, all of LLCC-Taylorville is state-of-the-art.”

Marty Swan, Dennis Shackelford, Wayne Rosenthal, Justin Reichert, Dr. Charlotte Warren, Gordon Gates, Ken Elmore, Mike Hazdra and Red Tomnitz

Marty Swan, construction occupations coordinator, LLCC-Taylorville; Dennis Shackelford, chair, LLCC Board of Trustees; Wayne Rosenthal, vice chair; Justin Reichert, trustee; Dr. Charlotte Warren, president; Gordon Gates, trustee; Ken Elmore, board secretary; Mike Hazdra and Red Tomnitz, welding instructors at an open house Sept. 26 for LLCC-Taylorville’s newly updated welding lab.

The $275,000 welding lab project was funded through an anonymous gift combined with LLCC Foundation and college funds. “This project significantly enhances the experience of LLCC’s welding students in Taylorville and surrounding communities,” said Dr. Charlotte Warren, president of LLCC. “The project includes new welding lab equipment, new flooring and welding curtains, and energy efficient ventilation and lighting systems. Additionally, thanks to the Bertrand Hopper Memorial Foundation and its board members, we were able to purchase a band saw. We are so excited about the opportunities that this project will create for our students. This program truly has the ability to put our community members to work!”

Marty Swan, construction occupations coordinator at LLCC-Taylorville, said the new equipment includes 12 machines that will each perform MIG, TIG and stick welding. “This is a big advantage to students and allows us to expand our enrollment. Instructors Mike Hazdra and Red Tomnitz are two of the finest welding teachers anywhere.” He added that the job market for welders is “fantastic. Our graduates can leave here and go immediately to employment.”

LLCC-Taylorville welding lab open house

LLCC-Taylorville hosted an open house yesterday from 4:30-5:30 p.m. to showcase its newly updated and renovated welding lab. The project consists of new welding lab equipment, new flooring and welding curtains, and energy efficient ventilation and lighting systems. The new welding equipment includes 12 machines that will
each perform MIG (metal inert gas), TIG (tungsten inert gas)
and stick (shielded metal arc) welding. Thanks to donors, the new lab significantly enhances the experience of LLCC’s welding students in Taylorville and surrounding communities.

WeldingWelding lab equipment

Spring Regional Office of Education art show

More than 850 pieces of artwork are on display at LLCC-Jacksonville with artists that range in age from five to 18. Art teachers within the Regional Office of Education area have selected artwork created by students in prekindergarten through high school for display at LLCC-Jacksonville.

The winners of the art show were announced Friday.

2018 Spring Regional Office of Education Art Show participantsMayor Awards:  MacKenzie Kassing, St. Mary Elementary; Kallista Conway, Lincoln Elementary; Lucas May, Routt Catholic High School.

Regional Office of Education Awards: Braedyn Thomas, South; Wyatt Booth, Murrayville; Rachel Nelson, Triopia High School

Jacksonville Area Chamber Awards: Madelyn Werries, Triopia Elementary; Nikki Decker, St. Mary Elementary; Chaney Parker, Winchester High School

Lincoln Land Community College: Madison Fortado, Early Years; Willow Platt, North Elementary, Kaitland Gregory, Winchester High School.

People’s Choice: Jaycee Hunnicutt, Washington Elementary; Payton Smith, South Elementary.

LLCC-Taylorville invites public to 50th anniversary celebration April 29

LLCC-Taylorville invites the public to a free community event Saturday, April 29 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the college’s founding. The event is being held from 1-3 p.m. at LLCC-Taylorville, 800 S. Spresser and includes music, a theatrical performance, a special program, children’s activities and informational displays.

LLCC’s Stolen Moments Jazz Band will provide music through the past five decades. A short program begins at 1:15 p.m. with remarks by LLCC Trustee Wayne Rosenthal and LLCC President Charlotte Warren, Ph.D. In addition, City of Taylorville Mayor Greg Brotherton will present a proclamation from the city and announce a street name change from Lee Norse Drive to Lincoln Land Way. At 1:30 p.m., the LLCC Theatre Club will give a short performance.

Children’s activities include Professor Longhair’s up-close magic, experiments by the LLCC Chemistry Club, an inflatable bounce house, barrel train, duck pond and chalk the walk. Children also will be able to explore a police car, fire truck and ambulance. Parents will have the opportunity to have their children fingerprinted by the Taylorville Police Department.

Students interested in attending LLCC can talk with representatives from various departments and programs including advising, financial aid, chemistry, construction, criminal justice, emergency medical services, theater, truck driver training and welding. Representatives from the Taylorville police and fire departments, Dunn’s Ambulance Service and Taylorville Memorial Hospital also will be on hand to provide information.

LLCC’s new book “50 FORWARD!” and other 50th items will be available for purchase at the event and refreshments will be served.

In the news

Scott Stallman, Ph.D., AVP, LLCC outreach, and Tisha Miller, enrollment operations, were interviewed April 5 for an upcoming story in the Breeze-Courier newspaper regarding LLCC-Taylorville’s 50th anniversary celebration and the college’s overall observance.

LLCC-Litchfield co-sponsors Live Line event

An electrical safety program titled “Live Line” was held in the Charles M. Long Auditorium at LLCC-Litchfield on Wednesday, March 22. Approximately 115 fourth graders from Litchfield and Mt. Olive elementary schools learned about electrical safety through a live display provided by Ameren.  The event was sponsored by LLCC-Litchfield, University of Illinois Extension, Rural Electric, MJM Electric and Ameren.

LLCC-Jacksonville students receive Jacksonville Promise Scholarships

Jville Promise Scholarship recipientsFour LLCC-Jacksonville students were among 17 recipients of the first Jacksonville Promise Scholarships awarded in a ceremony at LLCC-Jacksonville Sept. 1. Local donors contributed to a fund that provides scholarships to graduates of high schools in Jacksonville who choose to attend college locally at either LLCC-Jacksonville, Illinois College or MacMurray College. Pictured at the ceremony are Kayla Godair, Connor Moore, LLCC President Charlotte Warren, Ph.D., Kirkland Chappell and Evan Turner.

Beardstown Students hold successful food drive

Btown Canned Food DrivePictured: Reanna Orr, SELF President and Linda Large, SELF Treasurer.

LLCC-Beardstown’s SELF (Students Engaging in Lifelong Friendships) group collected over 200 items in their first annual Holiday Canned Food Drive.  Their donations will go the Cass County Food Pantry to help Cass County residents during the holidays.

Jacksonville Theatre to perform for area schools

LLCC-Jacksonville Theatre hits the road Dec. 5 as instructor Ken Bradbury’s Traveling Theatre troupe begins a four-day marathon of performances in 16 area elementary schools. The play, “Make A Wish,” brings an entertaining message encouraging the thousands in their audience to treat each other with respect and love. The cast will perform on Dec. 5, 6, 12 and 13.