NEWS

From the Illinois State Senate

State Senator John Sullivan, 47th Legislative District

For Immediate Release: October 29, 2012

COLCHESTER, IL – State Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville) participated yesterday in a ribbon-cutting for newly improved roads through Argyle Lake State Park near Colchester. He was joined by Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Director Marc Miller, Representative Norine Hammond (R-Macomb), Argyle Lake State Park Superintendent Robin Hinchee and Colchester Alderman Jason Orris.

“Argyle Lake is now in a position to attract even more visitors – in addition to local residents and students – to enjoy boating, fishing and camping in its spectacular natural environment,” Sullivan said. “I’m pleased that, working together, we’ve been able to make these much-needed improvements and safeguard the future of Argyle Lake State Park, one of western Illinois’ gems.”

The project, begun in July 2011, included repairing or replacing aging roads throughout the park, installing culverts to cope with roadway flooding and replacing older camping pads at the Big Oaks Campground. Sen. Sullivan worked with IDNR to secure $5 million in state construction funding in order to preserve and enhance access to boat ramps, trails, campsites and other popular lakeside attractions at the McDonough County park.

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 NEWS

From the Illinois State Senate

State Senator John Sullivan, 47th Legislative District

For Immediate Release: October 25, 2012

MACOMB, IL – State Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville) hosted Secretary of State Jesse White today as he congratulated two western Illinois communities on their commitment to invest in public libraries. Macomb and Rushville are among the top tier of Illinois towns eligible to receive matching grants through the new Public Library Construction Grant Program.

“I’m proud of the Rushville and Macomb communities for laying the groundwork for great libraries that will serve residents for years to come,” Sullivan said. “These two libraries have launched successful campaigns to raise money locally, which allows them to partner with the state of Illinois through this grant program and realize their dreams.”

The 2009 state capital construction package, which Sullivan co-sponsored, contained $50 million for improvements to public libraries. Macomb will receive $2.38 million in state funds, supplementing the $1 million it will raise through a capital campaign it kicked off October 5. Rushville will receive $1.2 million and has already raised most of its match.

"Public libraries are cornerstones of our communities, meeting residents' information needs in reliable and innovative ways," said Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White, who came to formally announce the grants and congratulate Macomb and Rushville on their progress toward securing the matching funds. "I commend Macomb and Rushville on becoming eligible to receive grants awarded through this new library construction program."

The Macomb Public Library District plans to add an additional 10,000 square feet to its historic Carnegie Library, built in 1904. The expansion will add an area for young children’s programming, additional space for computers and expanded reading areas. Changes will also be made to the building to improve safety and accessibility.

Rushville’s library plans major renovations projected to cost $1.6 million. It is contributing $400,000 in local funds to the project in addition to the $1.2 million in grant money.

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 NEWS

From the Illinois State Senate

State Senator John Sullivan, 47th Legislative District

For Immediate Release: October 25, 2012

RUSHVILLE, IL – State Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville) attended a ceremony today at which signs marking the Trooper Floyd J. Farrar Memorial Highway were unveiled. Joined by Trooper Farrar’s family and members of the Illinois State Police, Sullivan paid tribute to the fallen trooper as Illinois Route 103 in Schuyler County was dedicated to Farrar’s memory.

“It is extremely fitting that we honor Trooper Farrar along this stretch of highway where he served and where he gave his life in the line of duty,” Sullivan said. “Trooper Farrar was a war hero and an outstanding law enforcement officer, and these signs will remind current and future generations of his contributions to public safety and his final sacrifice.”

Trooper Farrar was killed by an oncoming vehicle while assisting a motorist along Route 103 on December 17, 1968. He was 51 at the time of his death and had served 23 years with the Illinois State Police. Prior to beginning his career in law enforcement, Trooper Farrar was a member of the Illinois National Guard and attained the rank of Sergeant with the 354^th Infantry in central Europe during World War II.

Floyd Farrar was raised in Pleasant View and attended high school in Rushville, then worked at the Big Four Coal Mine before enlisting with the National Guard. Returning home after the war, he raised two children, James and Susan, with his wife, Christine (Hunter) Farrar.

In February, Sullivan sponsored Senate Resolution 398, which named the stretch of highway after Trooper Farrar.

“As we remember Trooper Farrar, we also remember that our State Troopers put their lives on the line every day for the traveling public,” Sullivan said. “I’m grateful to these brave men and women for their work in keeping our highways safe.”

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 NEWS

From the Illinois State Senate

State Senator John Sullivan, 47th Legislative District

For Immediate Release: October 16, 2012

QUINCY, IL – State Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville) participated today in a municipal funding workshop, where he spoke about local governments' options for securing funding for infrastructure and economic development projects. Sullivan gave pointers on the grant application process and answered questions.

"Whether it's replacing an aging sewer system or developing a park, towns rely on outside funding to improve quality of life without raising taxes on property owners," Sullivan said. "As a state senator, I've always valued the opportunity to help local governments build for the future while creating good jobs now."

The 2012 Funders Forum, hosted in Quincy by Klingner & Associates, brought together representatives of communities throughout western Illinois. Participants heard from lawmakers, grant-writing experts and personnel from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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Adams County:

Central CUSD 3 (Camp Point)

CUSD 4 (Mendon)

Liberty CUSD 2

Payson CUSD 1

Quincy SD 172

Brown County:

Brown County CUSD 1 (Mt. Sterling)

Cass County:

A-C Central CUSD 262 (Ashland)

Beardstown CUSD 15

Virginia CUSD 64

Fulton County:

Astoria CUSD 1

Avon CUSD 176

V I T CUSD 2 (Table Grove)

Hancock County:

Dallas ESD 327 (Dallas City)

La Harpe CSD 347

Southeastern CUSD 337 (Augusta)

Warsaw CUSD 316

Henderson County:

West Central CUSD 235 (Biggsville)

Mason County:

Havana CUSD 126

Illini Central CUSD 189 (Mason City)

Midwest Central CUSD 191 (Manito)

McDonough County:

Bushnell Prairie City CUSD 170

West Prairie CUSD 103 (Colchester)

Pike County:

Griggsville-Perry CUSD 4

Schuyler County:

Schuyler -Industry CUSD 5 (Rushville)

Scott County:

Scott-Morgan CUSD 2 (Bluffs)

Winchester CUSD 1

Warren County:

Monmouth-Roseville CUSD 238

United CUSD 304 (Monmouth)