McLean County Times

Rep. Tipsword’s Weekly E-Newsletter: National Night Out, East Bay Camp, and More

Aug 9, 2024

National Night Out in El Paso

An event in El Paso this week celebrated community partnerships with first responders on National Night Out. Chief Joe Montemurro and his team were commended for hosting the event. The Pantagraph provided coverage of the occasion.

East Bay Camp

The 105th District features East Bay Camp & Retreat Center, located in rural McLean County on Lake Bloomington. The center spans 160 acres and offers Summer Day Camps and Retreats. Nancy Folsom Lane and her team provided a tour, and appreciation was extended to Illinois Great Rivers Conference for their service to children.

Deer Hunting Workshops

Illinois Learn to Hunt has opened registration for its Deer 101 fall workshops. These free, in-person events aim to assist new deer hunters in starting the sport.

The IDOC Is Hiring!

The Illinois Department of Corrections will hold a screening event in Pontiac on Wednesday, August 14 for job seekers.

ILLINOIS STATE FAIR

The Illinois State Fair began with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Fairgrounds in Springfield. Special days include Ag Day (Aug. 9), Kids Day (Aug. 10), Veterans Day (Aug. 11), and Senior Day (Aug. 12). Each day offers discounted or free admission to designated visitors along with group-oriented events until Family Day on Sunday, August 18.

This year's theme is “It’s Showtime,” featuring activities including the unveiling of the newly-renovated Coliseum and other fairground improvements totaling $85.3 million according to Illinois Department of Agriculture director Jerry Costello.

The Grandstand entertainment lineup includes Keith Urban (Aug. 9), Motley Crue (Aug. 10), Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit (Aug. 11), Jordan Davis (Aug. 13), Lil Wayne (Aug. 14), Jonas Brothers (Aug. 15), Smashing Pumpkins (Aug. 16), Miranda Lambert (Aug. 17), and Shaboozey (Aug. 18).

CRIME

A proposed bill could reduce all prison sentences by half if passed during the January lame-duck session, potentially impacting cases such as JoAnn Cunningham's – serving a sentence for killing her son AJ – who could be released after serving half her term under House Bill 5219 sponsored by state Rep Barbara Hernandez and co-sponsored by Kevin John Olickal and Lilian Jimenez.

Currently, most prison terms in Illinois are not served fully except for murder convictions which must be served at specific percentages based on crime severity under truth-in-sentencing laws.