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Bethany water improvements

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Bethany water improvements
According to Bethany mayor Jonathan Book, work has started on the water tower portion of the water improvements project for the Village of Bethany. Workers have been busy pressure washing and cleaning the outside of the water tower. There is also surface preparation to be done before painting can take place. There is currently welding and grinding being done inside to do repairs to the interior. Bethany had a water main break late last week as a result of the water project. Due to work being done, pressure changed in the water lines causing the main break. As of deadline the boil order was still in effect. Book said that the village hopes to have interior repairs and painting of the tower completed by July 4.

Key Updates to One Day Rest in Seven Act

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•May 18, 2022•
A bill strengthening the One Day Rest in Seven Act has been signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker.
Senate Bill 3146 is the result of negotiations among the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL), the business community, community groups and unions.
“The changes will strengthen the One Day Rest in Seven Act and reflect the ongoing mission of the Illinois Department of Labor to protect the rights, wages and working conditions for people in Illinois,” said Illinois Department of Labor Acting Director Jane Flanagan. Read More

ICC Staff Issues Beneficial Electrification Workshops Report

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•May 18, 2022•
The Staff of the Illinois Commerce Commission has issued a Report summarizing the Beneficial Electrification Workshop series held from November 2021-February 2022. Pursuant to requirements of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (“CEJA”) specifically updated provisions to Section 45 of the EV Act, the workshops were held to consider the benefits and barriers of electric vehicle adoption and to solicit input on the design of beneficial electrification programs that Ameren Illinois and ComEd will offer beginning in 2023. The report also includes recommendation for transportation electrification investment or incentives.
“Widespread electric vehicle adoption is key for Illinois to decarbonizing the transportation sector. This report is comprised of input and ideas from a diverse array of stakeholders that will move us closer to the goal of having 1 million EV’s on the road by 2030,” said ICC Chairman Carrie Zalewski. Read More

Appellate Justice Lisa Holder White named to replace Justice Garman

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Republican will become first Black woman on Illinois Supreme Court

•May 18, 2022•
By Peter Hancock
Capitol News Illinois
phancock@capitolnewsillinois.com

The Illinois Supreme Court announced last Tuesday that 4th District Appellate Justice Lisa Holder White had been appointed to succeed Justice Rita Garman, making her the first Black woman to serve on the state’s high court.
“Being appointed to the Illinois Supreme Court is the honor of a lifetime. I am humbled by the confidence Justice Rita B. Garman and the entire Court have placed in me,” Holder White said in a news release. “My service to the judiciary for the past 21 years has helped prepare me for this historic moment. I look forward to the privilege of resolving matters my fellow citizens bring before the Court.” Read More

Coles County Chorus to Hold Concert June 4

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•May 18, 2022•
After a cold winter and chilly spring, the Coles County Chorus (CCC) will present “In the Good Old Summertime” at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 4, at Eastern Illinois University. The barbershop music concert will be held in the Doudna Fine Arts Center on the Dvorak Concert Hall stage. General admission tickets are $20 each, $5 for children 12 and under. You can order your tickets online at: Read More

Governor Pritzker Signs Legislation Addressing Rise in Organized Retail Thefts

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•May 18, 2022•
Governor Pritzker last Friday joined Attorney General Kwame Raoul, lawmakers, advocates, and law enforcement officials to sign legislation designed to combat a nationwide rise in coordinated retail thefts.
“This new law represents another important step to fight crime and advance public safety in Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This is how we protect store workers and customers, prevent militarized storefronts and empty commercial corridors, and across the board, make communities safer for all who call them home. And I look forward to furthering our work to shape a public safety system that works for all of us, including ensuring the victim rights advanced today are carried throughout our justice system.”
House Bill 1091, otherwise known as the INFORM Act, enforces the new crime of Organized Retail Theft. Those who violate the crime by knowingly engaging with others in a theft valued at $300 or more would be guilty of a Class 3 felony. Those who engage in retail theft from one or more establishments would be guilty of a Class 2 felony. Read More

Sullivan Lions Present Scholarship to Caprice Smith

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Sullivan Lions Present Scholarship to Caprice Smith
Caprice Smith, Sullivan High School senior, was awarded the Lions’ Club $1000 scholarship honoring John Ruscin. Mr. Ruscin is 70 year member of Sullivan Lions, World War II Navy Veteran, and was a long-time teacher and coach at Sullivan Middle School. Pictured above are Dave Walker, Jess Barker, Caprice Smith, and Lynn Elder. Scholarship committee members unable to attend were Bill VanKeuren and Dick Martín.

Sullivan Lions Present Scholarship to Jesse Kirk

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Sullivan Lions Present Scholarship to Jesse Kirk
Sullivan Lions presented a $500 scholarship in memory of Larry Jones to Sullivan High School senior, Jesse Kirk. Larry Jones was a long-time Sullivan Lions’ treasurer and teacher at Arthur High School. Pictured are Dave Walker, Jess Barker, Jesse Kirk, and Lynn Elder. Unable to attend were committee members Bill VanKeuren and Dick Martín.

CEO Pop Up Event Held at Metro in Sullivan

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Photo by Crystal Reed
Makenzie Herschberger (left) and Brady Urban (right), both juniors at Tuscola High School and Illini Prairie CEO students were part of a CEO pop-up event held on Wednesday, May 11 in Sullivan.

•May 18, 2022•
by Crystal Reed
NP Writer

Two students from Illini Prairie CEO had a pop-up shop event in Sullivan last week at Metro. All of the CEO students participated in the trade show that was held on April 26 in Tuscola. Read More

Sullivan Singers Boosters bring back Bingo

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•May 18, 2022•
The Sullivan Singers Boosters are teaming up with the Sullivan American Legion to bring back bingo. Bingo play will be every Thursday beginning June 2. Bar doors open at 5 pm, bingo doors open at 5:30 pm. Food and drinks will be available.