Wow, what a week! This week in review will cover a big recent endorsement, the DuQuoin State Fair Parade, and two major events in Mt. Vernon. Many of you have reached out to the campaign wishing for a yard sign. If you have a sign, great! If you want one, or if you want MORE, please call our campaign office at (618) 204-5686 and a volunteer will deliver it to you!

ABATE Endorsement!

The campaign started out the week by receiving the endorsement from ABATE PAC. I am honored to have the support of motorcycle enthusiasts and activists. A.B.A.T.E. of Illinois, Inc is organized for charitable, educational, civic, benevolent, social, and athletic purposes, including such purposes as the promotion of motorcycle use, acceptance, safety, and enjoyment. Thank you to ABATE PAC for your support!

DUQUOIN STATE FAIR TWILIGHT PARADE - Calling all volunteers and parade walkers! 

Next Friday August 26th, my campaign will be marching in the DuQuoin State Fair Twilight Parade. I would love to have you join us as the campaign season begins in earnest. I will have t shirts and plenty of candy available. If you wish to walk in the parade with us, please check out the details below. For more information please call (618) 204-5686 or email [email protected]. I hope to see you there!

WHAT: DuQuoin State Fair Twilight Parade

WHEN/WHERE: Friday, August 26th - Line up begins at 5:00 PM in the section of town by Banterra Bank and the MotoMart off Rte. 51. in DuQuoin and the Twilight Parade begins at 6:00 PM. 

BIG NEWS IN MT. VERNON THIS WEEK - NEW HIGH SCHOOL RIBBON CUTTING AND DNR GRANTS AWARDED

I was very proud to participate in two very big announcements and ceremonies in the city of Mt. Vernon this week. First, Mayor Mary Jane Chesley and I announced the long-awaited release of critical grant funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. In total, Mt. Vernon will be receiving $1.9 million in grant funding to make improvements to the old Armory Building to make it a multi-use community facility. Another grant will make improvements to existing structures that are part of the city's parks system.

  
It is important to note that these DNR grants can not be used for other purposes such as balancing the budget. I will continue to fight to bring state funding to Southern Illinois to put people to work and improve our communities.

MT. VERNON TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL RIBBON CUTTING AND DEDICATION
It was a beautiful morning in Southern Illinois on Friday for the Ribbon Cutting and Dedication of Mt. Vernon's newly built high school. I had an opportunity to tour the new school and was impressed with the size and scope of the project. Students at MVTHS will have access to so many educational and technological tools in a beautiful new facility. Congratulations to the Mt. Vernon Township High School Board, faculty, staff, and members of the community that raised funds, and helped make this tremendous undertaking a success. Below are photos from the event and a picture of the front of the new Mt. Vernon Township High School.