COMMUNITY NEWS
Survey, Prizes Available
Decatur Celebration officials are conducting a Community Survey to gain valuable feedback about the festival. The goal of the survey is to determine what the public loves, where the Celebration can improve and what people would like to see at future Celebrations.
Decatur Celebration has paired with Land of Lincoln Credit Union to offer prizes to three randomly chosen participants who complete the survey. Participants can enter to win (2) $100 cash prizes + Celebration Goodies and (1) $50 cash prize + Celebration Goodies. The deadline to complete the survey and to be entered in the drawing is Friday, June 28 at 5PM CST.
To take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DecaturCelebration
The Decatur Public Library has announced the arrival of “The Wall that Heals.” The public is invited to view "The Wall That Heals" in the Decatur Public Library parking lot from Thursday, May 16th through Sunday, May 19th.
"The Wall That Heals" exhibition features a half-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. It is approximately 250 feet in length, and, like the original Memorial, is erected in a chevron-shape. The replica is constructed of powder-coated aluminum, supported by an aluminum frame, and is made up of 24 individual panels, each containing six columns of names. The panels join together to form a nearly 250 feet wide structure. The exhibit includes a visitor's booth and mobile museum.
The public is invited to join The Vietnam Remembrance Committee at 10:30am on Saturday, May 18th at the Decatur Public Library in the parking lot next to "The Wall That Heals" as they take the opportunity to say "thank you" to those who served and to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation during the Vietnam War.
Rain location is the Madden Auditorium at the Decatur Public Library.
DPD Joins Click It or Ticket Campaign
to Help Save Lives
The 2013 Click It or Ticket campaign kicked off May 10 in Illinois. The purpose of the campaign is to help save lives by cracking down on those who do not buckle up through the Memorial Day holiday weekend.
The Decatur Police Department joined the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Illinois State Police (ISP) and over 500 local enforcement agencies across the state to save more lives by strongly enforcing seat belt laws.
"As we kick-off the busy summer driving season it's important for everyone to buckle up every trip, every time, day or night - no excuses," said Deputy Chief James Chervinko. "Our officers are prepared to ticket anyone who is not wearing a seat belt."
Provisional numbers show that during the 2012 Memorial Day weekend there were six fatalities and almost 600 injuries on Illinois roadways. Three of those fatalities were alcohol-related. Remember - wearing your seat belt is your best defense against an impaired driver.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 52 percent of the 21,253 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2011 were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash. As noted, deaths involving seat belt nonuse are more prevalent at night than during the daytime. According to NHTSA, 62 percent of the 10,135 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2011 during the overnight hours of 6:00 p.m. to 5:59 a.m. were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.
"Seat belts save thousands of lives every year, but far too many motorists still are not buckling up, especially at night when the risk of getting in a crash is even greater," said Deputy Chief James Chervinko, "Our goal is to save more lives, so Decatur Police Department will be out enforcing seat belt laws year-round. Buckle up and encourage loved ones to do the same. You will save the cost of a ticket and may save a life.
For more information about the Click It or Ticket campaign, visit www.buckleupillinois.org.
Decatur Memorial Hospital has received the Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award, the highest level award for stroke care, from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
The award recognizes DMH’s commitment and success in implementing excellent care for stroke patients, according to evidence-based guidelines.
This marks the second consecutive year that DMH has been recognized with the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.
Get With The Guidelines–Stroke helps DMH’s staff develop and implement acute and secondary prevention guideline processes to improve patient care and outcomes. The program provides hospitals with a web-based patient management tool, best practice discharge protocols and standing orders, along with a robust registry and real-time benchmarking capabilities to track performance.
The quick and efficient use of guideline procedures can improve the quality of care for stroke patients and may reduce disability and save lives.
“Recent studies show that patients treated in hospitals participating in the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines-Stroke program receive a higher quality of care and may experience better outcomes,” said Lee H. Schwamm, M.D., chair of the Get With The Guidelines National Steering Committee and director of the TeleStroke and Acute Stroke Services at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Mass. “Decatur Memorial Hospital’s team is to be commended for their commitment to improving the care of their patients.”
Following Get With The Guidelines-Stroke treatment guidelines, patients are started on aggressive risk-reduction therapies including the use of medications such as tPA, antithrombotics and anticoagulation therapy, along with cholesterol reducing drugs and smoking cessation counseling. These are all aimed at reducing death and disability and improving the lives of stroke patients. Hospitals must adhere to these measures at a set level for a designated period of time to be eligible for the achievement awards.
“With a stroke, time lost is brain lost, and the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award demonstrates Decatur Memorial Hospital’s commitment to being one of the top hospitals in the country for providing aggressive, proven stroke care,” said Oliver Dold, M.D., Medical Director of DMH Neuroscience. “Decatur Memorial Hospital has a comprehensive system in place for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the DMH Emergency Department. This includes always being equipped to provide brain imaging scans, having a stroke team available to conduct patient evaluations and using clot-busting medications when appropriate.”
This is the fifth time Decatur Memorial Hospital has been nationally recognized for stroke care by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Last year, the hospital was also recognized with Get With the Guidelines-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. In 2011, the hospital received Get With The Guidelines– Stroke Gold Performance Achievement Award. In 2010, the hospital received Get With The Guidelines–Stroke Silver Performance Achievement for demonstrating measures for stroke care for 12 consecutive months. In 2009, the hospital received the Get With The Guidelines– Stroke Bronze Quality Achievement Award for consistently following the treatment guidelines in the Get With The Guidelines–Stroke program for 90 days.
In 2008, the hospital was awarded Primary Stroke Center Certification and the Gold Seal of Approval by the Joint Commission, an independent organization that accredits and certifies U.S. healthcare organizations.
According to the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association, stroke is one of the leading causes of death and serious, long-term disability in the United States. On average, someone suffers a stroke every 40 seconds; someone dies of a stroke every four minutes; and 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke each year.
Scherer Asks Community to Help Collect Supplies
for Victims of Domestic Violence
To raise awareness about the disastrous impact that domestic violence has on our communities and to provide victims of abuse with helpful supplies to get back on their feet, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, is partnering with community organizations to host a donation drive benefitting victims of domestic violence and asking area residents for help.
“The toll that domestic violence takes on families and the community is devastating,” Scherer said. “I hope everyone can find it in their heart to help these families by taking a moment to donate one of the requested items. Together, we can help people who are struggling to make a better life for themselves and their children.”
Many items are welcome, but requested materials include: healthy snacks for children and cereal, cold medicine and pain reliever, alarm clocks, paper and cleaning products, baby products like diapers and powder, and toiletries like shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, chap stick and feminine hygiene products. Individuals willing to offer unused supplies can drop off their donations at any of the following locations from Monday, May 13 through Monday, June 17. Participants are welcome to donate throughout the year at Scherer’s constituent service offices and at Dove in Decatur and the Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence in Springfield. Businesses or offices that would like to serve as collection locations are welcome.
Drop-off locations:
Representative Sue Scherer’s Decatur Constituent Office – 1301 E. Mound Rd., Decatur
Dove Inc. Decatur Headquarters – 788 E. Clay St., Decatur
Kroger at Brettwood Village – 3070 N. Water St., Decatur
First Baptist Church – 1320 Arbor Dr., Decatur
Representative Scherer’s Springfield Constituent Office – 401 S. Spring St. Office E-2, Springfield
Illinois Coalition Against Domestic Violence – 801 S. 11th St., Springfield
Fire Station 2 – 2810 Stevenson Dr., Springfield
Fire Station 5 – 1723 E. Clay, Springfield
For more information on these events, for a complete list of accepted supplies, or to offer your business or office as a collection drive location, please contact Scherer’s Decatur constituent service office at 217-877-9636, or by email at StateRepSue@gmail.com.
Judge Lisa Holder White To Be Keynote Speaker At
73rd Annual NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet May 18
The NAACP will sponsor its 73rd Annual Freedom Fund Banquet on Saturday, May 18, 2013, 6:30 p.m. at the Decatur Conference Center. The Honorable Judge Lisa Holder White is the Keynote Speaker. Tickets are $30 each for all ages. Reserved tables, seating 10 individuals, are available for $300. Tickets can be purchased from any Executive Committee member or by calling 877-2439. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
Judge Lisa Holder White, a Decatur native, is the daughter of Marvin and Corinne Holder. She graduated from Macon Community High School in 1986.
Judge White obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree from Lewis University in 1990 where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. In 1993, Judge White earned her Juris Doctor degree from the University Of Illinois College Of Law in Champaign-Urbana.
Judge White has an Honorary Doctorate from Millikin University in Decatur. Assistant State’s Attorney for Macon County was the first legal position held by Judge White. During her tenure in the State’s Attorney’s office, she handled various matters ranging from traffic to criminal felonies. Subsequent to serving as an Assistant State’s Attorney, Judge White served as an Assistant Public Defender litigating on behalf of those charged with criminal offenses and representing abused and neglected children.
Prior to being appointed to the bench, Judge White enjoyed a thriving private practice at the firm formerly known as Brinkoetter & White. Her private practice was focused in the areas of family and criminal law.
In 2001, Judge White was sworn in as an Associate Judge, becoming the first African-American Judge in the Sixth Judicial Circuit. During her term as an Associate Judge, Judge White was instrumental in securing and implementing the Juvenile Illinois Redeploy grant aimed at reducing the incarceration rate for non-violent juvenile offenders.
In 2008, she became a Circuit Judge, after being appointed to the position by the Illinois Supreme Court to fill a retirement vacancy. In 2010, she was elected to the position. In Macon County, Judge White served as Supervising Judge of the Criminal Law Division.
On January 14, 2013, Judge White was sworn in as the first African-American Justice on the Illinois Appellate Court Fourth District.
Judge White is dedicated to giving back to the community. She enjoys utilizing the courtroom to host mock trials to allow school children to learn about and participate in the justice system. She routinely allows young people who have expressed an interest in a career as an attorney or judge to spend a day with her to gain an understanding of what being an attorney or judge involves. Judge White has also allowed college and law school students to complete internships in her office. In addition, she has planned and hosted activities allowing local Girl Scouts to meet, learn from and work with women in various law enforcement positions.
Judge White is the chair of the Illinois Judicial Conference Committee on Education, which is charged with planning and providing continuing judicial education for Illinois judges. She serves as an instructor for "New Judge School" and teaches at the bi-annual Education Conference, which all Illinois state court judges are required to attend. Judge White has also served as a presenter for the Illinois State Bar Association and the Decatur Leadership Institute.
Judge White is a member of the Decatur Bar Association and the Illinois Judges Association. She previously served on the boards of the Decatur Public Schools Foundation and the Mid-Illinois Chapter of the American Red Cross. She currently serves on the boards of the Community Foundation of Macon County and Millikin University. She is a member of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church.
In April 2013, Judge White was named "Woman of the Year" at the 2013 Women of Excellence Awards, hosted by the Decatur YMCA and United Way of Decatur and Mid-Illinois.
She and James, her husband of twenty-four years, are the proud parents of two children, Brett, age 18 and Myah, age 14.
Ceremonies May 18-19
Millikin University will celebrate its Spring Commencement with two ceremonies on the weekend of May 18-19, 2013.
Millikin's traditional ceremony for students will be on Sunday, May 19 at 2 p.m. at the Decatur Civic Center. Millikin will host a ceremony for graduates of its Professional Adult Comprehensive Education (PACE) program and Master of Business Administration (MBA) program on Saturday, May 18 at 7 p.m. in Kirkland Fine Arts Center. Tickets are required for admission to both ceremonies.
The Sunday ceremony will mark the graduation of approximately 350 students. David L. Giertz '86, president of Nationwide Financial Institution Distributors Agency, Inc., will deliver the commencement address. The ceremony will also include remarks by student Jackson B. Lewis of Dallas, Texas, selected by his fellow classmates to address the graduating class.
The Saturday night ceremony will celebrate the graduation of students earning their bachelor's degree from Millikin in one of six academic programs offered in PACE, the accelerated evening bachelor's degree program for adults, and students receiving their MBA degree from Millikin. The speaker for the ceremony will be Rodney L. Davis '92, United States Representative for the 13th Congressional District of Illinois. The ceremony will also include speeches by PACE student Tammy M. Maxwell of Decatur, and MBA student Julienne W. Shields of Lovington.
David Giertz earned his bachelor's degree from Millikin University in 1986 and his MBA from the University of Miami. He also holds NASD Series 7, 63 and 24 licenses and is an arbitrator with Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. (FINRA).
As president of Nationwide Financial Institution Distributors Agency, Inc., Giertz has led the company since 2004 and captured the number four share slot within the industry through a results-oriented, performance based leadership style. Giertz has been with NFS in positions of increasing responsibility since 1999 and previously served as executive vice president of Citigroup in Miami, Fla. He is a native of Chicago, Ill., and has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. He is a current member of the Millikin University Board of Trustees.
Congressman Rodney Davis graduated with honors from Millikin University in 1992. On Jan. 3, 2013, Davis was sworn-in as the congressman for the 13th District of Illinois, a 14-county district covering both urban and rural areas of central and southwestern Illinois. As a member of the 113th Congress, Davis serves on the House Committees on Agriculture and Transportation & Infrastructure.
For 16 years, Rodney served as projects director for Congressman John Shimkus. In that position, Rodney became familiar with the role that the federal government plays in local communities. He was instrumental in helping Illinois citizens and communities cut through government red tape and worked daily to provide support and relief to a wide array of important local projects. Rodney resides in Taylorville, Ill., with his wife, Shannon, and their three children, Toryn, Clark and Griffin.
For more information on Millikin University's 2013 Spring Commencement, visit www.millikin.edu/commencement.
To Decatur
Work to make way for a new $14 million County Market grocery store could begin this summer following action by the Decatur City Council during its regularly scheduled meeting Monday night.
Council members voted 7-0 in favor of a redevelopment agreement with Niemann Holdings LLC to construct a new 38,000 square foot store on Decatur's near northwest side. Council also voiced its unanimous support for a series of ordinances to establish a tax increment finance (TIF) district to provide assistance to the developer to build the store on what is a difficult to develop site in the area bordered by Illinois Route 48, Grand, Oakland and Leafland Avenues.
The area in question, over the years, has experienced significant vacancy, can be difficult to access from surrounding streets and many of the properties on site no longer comply with current building codes. In order to eliminate the blighted conditions and barriers to development, the developer requested the City’s assistance to prepare the site and build the new grocery store.
As part of the agreement the City will share the incremental property taxes and 50 percent of the sales taxes generated as a result of the project to cover eligible project costs up to a maximum of $2.5 million. Niemann Holdings is proposing to invest $14.8 million in the project.
The City’s agreement with Niemann calls for the company to build and pay for the project with certain eligible costs – including environmental remediation, demolition, property acquisition and site preparation, among other items – being deemed reimbursable expenses as per state statute.
Wounded Warriors For Memorial Day
Former Illinois House Representative and local pharmacist, Ron Stephens is teaming up with Dale's Southlake Pharmacy again to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project.
Dale's 2nd Annual Warrior Walk will be held on Saturday, May 25th, and all proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. The Wounded Warrior Project raises public awareness about the needs of injured service members, helps injured service men and women aid and assist each other, and provides unique, direct programs and services to help meet their needs.
In honor of Memorial Day and our Wounded Warriors, Dale's will be collecting donations at their store at 245 W 1st Dr in South Shores, during the month of May.
Ron's journey will be a little different for the 2nd Annual Warrior Walk. Ron will kick-off his walk from Dale's Southlake Pharmacy on May 25th at 12pm, and head towards St. Louis, MO to the site of the proposed Veterans Memorial Bridge.
"Ron has agreed to walk a mile for every $100 we raise", says Dale Colee, the store's owner. "Please join us on May 25th at Dale's to wish Ron good luck."
Pharmacist Stephens served in the US Army during the war in Vietnam. In 1970, he was wounded while leading a patrol in the Central Highlands. "I'm grateful for everything that was done for me", says Stephens. "But, after 18 months of recovery and several surgeries, the Army pretty much just sent me home to my wife and infant daughter and said, ‘Good luck’. I had suffered a traumatic brain injury and didn't even know what PTSD was, although, I would prove to be a classic case. Today's wounded warriors and their families deserve better!"
Erica Colee, the pharmacist who helped spark this idea at Dale's, said, “When we brought this event to Dale's last year, the community helped us raise almost $13,000 in donations. I can't wait to see what our 2nd Annual Warrior Walk can do to help our veterans."
All proceeds will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. The Wounded Warrior Project is a tax-exempt 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization.
This morning (Monday) Cameron D. Slater, 22, was taken into custody by members of the United States Marshall’s in reference to charges related to the shooting incident last night on West Harper, in which Toby L. Britton, 35, of Decatur was fatally shot. Detectives of the Decatur Police Department developed probable cause to arrest Slater after conducting interviews and evaluating evidence. Slater was booked into the Macon County Jail. The investigation is still ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to call the Decatur Police at 424-2734, or Crimestoppers at 423-TIPS.
Decatur Police Investigate Shooting Death
At approximately 10:00 last night (05/05/2013), Decatur Police Patrol Officers responded to the area of the 700 Block West Harper regarding 911 calls of gunshots being heard. Upon arrival of emergency personnel, a 35 year old male was found lying on the ground outside 728 West Harper, the apparent victim of gunfire. He was pronounced deceased after being transported to a local hospital. Macon County Coroner Mike Day has identified the deceased as Toby L. Britton, 35, of Decatur. His death at 10:24 p.m. came shortyly after being transported to the Decatur Memorial Hospital Emergency Room, apparently from gunshot trauma. An autopsy is to be scheduled at the McLean County Coroner's office in Bloomington.
Decatur Police Detectives executed a search warrant and processed the scene at 728 West Harper overnight. Several items of evidence were seized. No arrests have been made, however leads are still being followed up on by Decatur Police Detectives.
Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Decatur Police Detectives at 424-2734 or Crime Stoppers at 423-TIPS.
Winners Of Decatur Duck Derby Announced
The winners of the Children’s Museum of Illinois Decatur Duck Derby were drawn Saturday. The 1st prize of $3,500 went to Nancy Hunter of Decatur, 2nd Prize of $1,000 was won by John Maas of Mt. Zion, and the 3rd prize of $500 was won by Gay Donahue of Decatur
This year marks the 22nd year that Children’s Museum of Illinois has hosted the Decatur Duck Derby. 3,460 rubber ducks were sold and raced, raising over $13,700 for the Museum. Almost 400 visitors enjoyed a free admission day and giveaways from Texas Roadhouse, Next of Kiln and Papa Murphy’s were given to all children. Texas Roadhouse and Refreshment Services Pepsi provided free food and drinks, and children enjoyed multiple derby games, winning great prizes courtesy of Mid-West Fiber Recycling.
Children’s Museum of Illinois is located at 55 South Country Club Road, next to Scovill Zoo on the shores of Lake Decatur. It is ranked one of the top 25 children’s museums in the U.S. In 2012, nearly 60,000 guests visited the museum. The museum contributes to the community’s quality of life as an educational facility, visitor attraction, family destination, and site for volunteerism. Museum hours are Tuesday – Friday, 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and Sunday 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Admission is $5 for everyone ages 2 and older.
“I desire and pray that the District and the entire community of Decatur will continue to take pride in itself and the accomplishments we have completed together. Our children are counting on us to do what is right for their future,” said Davis.
She will continue leading the district and its many initiatives until June 30, 2014 which will complete her career of almost 44 years dedicated to working in public education. When reflecting on the decision to retire, Davis said, “I will end this chapter of my career the same way I began – It is and will always be, “All About The Children!”
He has had a diverse employment background including his current position at Community Consolidated School District #168 in Sauk Village, Illinois where he is a physical education teacher and athletic director for Rickover Junior High School. He has been employed there since 2001. His coaching experience includes football, volleyball, basketball, baseball and track and he has coached at the grade school, middle school and high school levels.
“We are very excited to have Mr. Crutcher joining our team at Decatur Public Schools. His
experience and enthusiasm will continue to elevate the athletic programs and serve our students in a positive way,” said Dr. Rhonda Key, MacArthur High School principal.
Decatur Celebration August 2-4
Decatur Celebration organizers have announced plans for the 28th annual street festival this August 1, 2, 3 and 4. The massive 4-day event attracts hundreds of thousands of people annually to the downtown business district of Decatur, Illinois.
2013 THEME
This year’s festival theme hints at Decatur Celebration as a “staycation” or weekend getaway destination and is reminiscent of watching the sunset on a beachfront promenade complete with carnival rides and concerts— “Good Vibrations!”
WHAT’S “ON TAP” FOR 2013
• NEW! Celebration Kick Off Concert featuring Here Come the Mummies on Thursday, August 1 at the Lincoln Square Theater. Tickets range from $15 to $40 and go on sale May 1.
• NEW! Country Financial Band Together Wristbands will offer chances to win large cash prizes.
• NEW! Theater 7 celebrates their 50th Anniversary with events including a Street Piano and an interactive mission that brings improv to the streets and makes you the actors.
• The second annual Heinkel’s Packing Company Hot Dog Eating Competition will take place on Saturday. A pre-qualifying event will be held on June 22 at Curly’s Bar.
• The Award Winning Land of Lincoln Credit Union 21 Film Project hosts their Awards Ceremony in the Civic Center Auditorium on Friday, and screens films Saturday and Sunday in The Back Lot.
• Once again the Cyber Street Team will offer up to the minute festival updates through social media and chances to win festival perks including (10) Superfan Experience Packages.
“The best part of Decatur Celebration is that there’s something fun everywhere you look,” states Decatur Celebration board president, Eric Pries. “Community support allows us the unique opportunity to enjoy world-class entertainment in our own backyard. With our focus on family fun, Decatur Celebration is the perfect ‘staycation’ or weekend getaway for any family.”
2013 HEADLINERS
The stage is set for success with a well-rounded and highly energized lineup of national headliners:
• Double Platinum early 2000s rock band, Vertical Horizon, with hits “You’re a God,” “Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning),” and “Everything You Want”
• Quadruple Platinum 1990s alternative rock band, Blind Melon, with hit song “No Rain”
• Grammy Award Winning Platinum hip hop trio, Naughty by Nature, with hits “Hip Hop Hooray,” “O.P.P.,” and “Jamboree”
• Double Platinum ‘70s Rock Band, Foghat, with hits “Slow Ride,” "I Just Wanna Make Love To You," and "Drivin’ Wheel"
• ‘90s Dance Club Music Diva, Ce Ce Peniston, with chart topping songs “Finally,” “We Got a Love Thang,” and “Keep on Walkin”
• Grammy and ACM Nominated country artist, David Nail, with hit songs including #1 on the country charts “Let It Rain,” “Red Light,” and “Turning Home”
• The man with over 243 thousand Facebook Fans, Country comedian Kevin Fowler with hilarious antics and hit songs “Pound Sign (#?*!),” “That Girl,” “Best Mistake I Ever Made,” and “Ain’t Drinkin’ Anymore”
• Season 10 American Idol Finalist Casey Abrams with hits “Get Out” and “Simple Life”
• Dove Award Winners, Building 429, named the 2012 Billboard Christian Artist of the Year with hit songs “Where I Belong,” “Listen to the Sound,” and “We Won't Be Shaken”
• Christian duo for KING & COUNTRY, named as one of Billboard Magazine’s “New Artists to Watch” in 2012 with hit songs including “The Proof of Your Love,” “Busted Heart,” and “Middle of Your Heart”
• Emerging country music star, Tyler Farr, with fan favorites “Redneck Crazy,” “Hot Mess,” and “Hello Goodbye”
• Grammy nominated, Lisa Haley & the Zydekats brings a unique fiddle driven style combining music from the Louisiana Bayou, French Celtic, R&B and Jazz.
• Classic rock fans will enjoy Heartache Tonight, A Tribute to the Eagles playing the soaring harmonies of “Seven Bridges Road,” the snarling guitars of “Life in the Fast Lane,” the country rock of “Take it Easy” and the beautifully evocative “Heart of the Matter”
• Voted Best Band of Warped Tour, Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, brings their country blues sound offering hits from their album “Between the Ditches” which debuted at #1 on the iTunes Blues Album Chart.
The 2013 headliners punctuate a lineup complete with regional bands and original acts, keeping ten show stages pulsing with energy all weekend. As is tradition, Decatur Celebration will once again feature three blocks of authentic Arts and Crafters, spectacular carnival rides, the Tate and Lyle Razzle Dazzle Goodtimes Parade televised LIVE on WAND, over 60 unique food items hand-picked for quality and inspected for safety, and Kids Block featuring children’s games, shows and prizes.
Decatur Trades & Labor Assembly, a Central Labor Council of the AFL-CIO representing 13,000 union members and retirees in Macon County, has announced distribution of $3,500 to seven recipients of the Michael E. Shampine Memorial Scholarship.
The scholarship was open to affiliate union members and their immediate family who plan to enroll in higher education, vocational trade schools or apprentice programs. It was named after the passing of their dedicated president. This year, two applicants were awarded the maximum amount of $1,000, one applicant was awarded $500, and four applicants were awarded $250. Trevon Sylvester and Koleton Cochran are each recipients of the $1,000 award and Matthew Warner will receive a $500 award from the Michael E. Shampine Memorial Scholarship.
Trevon Sylvester attended Richland Community College and will enroll at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale pursuing an education in Political Science. He is a graduate of Eisenhower High school. Trevon is the son of Sarah Sylvester Drake who is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 51.
Koleton Cochran attends Mt. Zion High School and will enroll at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale pursuing an education in cinematography and media relations. Koleton is the son of Jim and Donna Cochran. His step-mother is a member of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 317.
Matthew Warner is a graduate of Shelbyville High School and is attending Eastern Illinois University majoring in Athletic Training. This is the second year he has been a recipient of the Shampine Scholarship. He is the son of John and Julie Warner. His father is a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 146. All three students will be asked to lead this year's Labor Day parade in recognition of their accomplishments.
Four additional amounts of $250 each were awarded to the following individuals:
Samantha Gray, daughter of Barbara Jackson, AFSCME 674; Kori Morstatter, daughter of Jerd Morstatter, AFSCME 268; Joseph Neal, son of Mike Neal, Roofers 92; Tanner Murphy, apprentice member of Painters Local 288, we all $250 grant recipients.
Since its inception in 2007, $9,075 in scholarships and grants have been awarded to 25 students.
"This scholarship is given based on student's role in leadership, community and political action. These are qualities that honor our past president, Michael Shampine, who was a visionary for the labor movement in Macon County," stated scholarship chair, Amy Rueff."We are so excited that we more than doubled the dollar amount given this year, but we would still like to give more. It is our goal to continue to provide educational assistance to our youth while strengthening our community."
The central labor council created the memorial scholarship in 2007 in an endowment at The Community Foundation (www.endowdecatur.org). Rueff noted that the initial funds collected were invested with the earnings being distributed in annual scholarships. "It is our hope that eventually we will have invested enough that we can award larger amounts to more students."
The central labor council is encouraging the public to join them in an educational investment by donating to the fund. Donations may be sent to: Michael E. Shampine Memorial Scholarship, ℅ The Community Foundation, 125 N. Water, Suite 200, Decatur, IL 62523. All donations are tax deductible.
Decatur Trades & Labor Assembly is a central labor council of the AFL-CIO and is made up of 35 local unions. They represent approximately 13,000 union members in Macon County. The mission of the AFL-CIO Central Labor Council is to organize in the community to promote social justice for all working people.
A history of the Michael E. Shampine Scholarship recipients can be found on the "Shampine Wall of Fame" at http://il.aflcio.org/decatur.
For more information, contact Amy Rueff at 217-433-5126.
to the editor at:
or to: Decatur Tribune,
P. O. Box 1490,
Decatur, IL 62525-1490.
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The above photo shows part of the Farmers' Market on North Water Street across from Central Park.
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P. O. Box 1490
Mon.-Thurs. 9:00-4:30
Phone: 217/422-9702
Fax: 217/422-7320
Email: decaturtribune@aol.com
