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Benld Council revamps comptroller’s position, eyes support for coal severance tax proposal

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Pam Richart of Eco-Justice Collaborative discusses potential legislation to impose a severance tax on Illinois coal sold out of state during Monday night's meeting of the Benld City Council. The measure, if it became law, would impose a five percent tax on coal sent out of state to generate about $141.5 million annually, to be divided equally among the state's General Fund, local counties where coal is extracted and a trust fund to help pay for remediating environmental issues resulting from mining activity. Richard and her husband, Lan (seated to the left), founded the not-for-profit Eco-Justice Collaborative after operating an environmental consulting business for several years in the Chicago area.

Pam Richart of Eco-Justice Collaborative discusses potential legislation to impose a severance tax on Illinois coal sold out of state during Monday night’s meeting of the Benld City Council. The measure, if it became law, would impose a five percent tax on coal sent out of state to generate about $141.5 million annually, to be divided equally among the state’s General Fund, local counties where coal is extracted and a trust fund to help pay for remediating environmental issues resulting from mining activity. Richard and her husband, Lan (seated to the left), founded the not-for-profit Eco-Justice Collaborative after operating an environmental consulting business for several years in the Chicago area.

The Benld City Council on Monday night took under advisement the adoption of a resolution in support of legislation being sought by a not-for-profit environmental group to impose a severance tax on coal mined in Illinois. Prior to the meeting, representatives of the Community Futures Initiative, an arm of Eco-Justice Collaborative, presented a brief PowerPoint presentation outlining the proposal. The presentation can be viewed on their website.

Pam Richart, Champaign-Urbana, who founded the Eco-Justice Collaborative with her husband, Lan, told council members a five percent severance tax collected on coal currently sent out of state would generate about $141.5 million in revenue annually. Under the group’s proposal, those funds would be divided equally with one-third going to the state’s General Fund, one-third distributed to coal-producing counties on the basis of production, and one-third set aside for a trust fund to pay for recovery from environmental impacts left behind by coal production operations. Currently, coal sales are taxed at the point of sale, meaning 78 percent of Illinois’ coal production generates no revenue for the state because it is transported across state lines.

[pullquote]Currently, coal sales are taxed at the point of sale, meaning 78 percent of Illinois’ coal production generates no revenue for the state because it is transported across state lines[/pullquote]Richart said Illinois is one of only three of the top 10 coal producing states that does not already impose a severance tax. With the bulk of the coal being burned in Illinois coming from Wyoming, she said Illinois consumers already are paying the cost of the severance tax being passed onto consumers by Wyoming coal producers.

“Coal companies pass the severance tax onto its customers,” Richart said. “It doesn’t cost them anything, it doesn’t cost us anything. We already pay for it on the coal we import from Wyoming.”

The group claims that while coal represents less than one percent of the state’s gross production, the industry gobbles up nearly $20 million a year in tax subsidies, incentives and grants. Money generated from the severance tax would help cover that cost, and assist with cleaning up environmental impacts such as acidic slag piles and leaking ash ponds. Problems such as Benld’s recent issues with mine subsidence also would be subject to financial assistance through the trust fund.

Both Pam and Lan Richart said they have met with some state legislators, most of whom have been receptive to the idea.

“We think most legislators are going to want to say to their constituents that they are part of process to bring money back to their communities,” Pam said.

Mayor Gloria Sidar said she spoke with State Rep. Avery Bourne after the city began experiencing mine subsidence issues early last year.

“I told her the state needs to do something, not to just throw money at it, but something to assist with the kind of problems we’ve had here,” Sidar said, but she worried that the legislature would be able to sweep new revenue generated from the tax to help plug the growing deficit in the state budget.

Richart said that the legislation proposed by the Community Futures Initiative, the money would be earmarked in a way that would preclude it from being diverted to other purposes. Moreover, the amount of money generated, while significant for addressing coal-related environmental issues, would be insufficient for making a dent in the budget deficit.

[pullquote]The money coming in will not help with the state deficit, but it can do a lot at the local level[/pullquote]”The money coming in will not help with the state deficit, but it can do a lot at the local level,” Richart said. “What we need is a bill that mandates the split we’re proposing.”

The council took no immediate action on the resolution of support, but will likely consider it at the next regular meeting in April.

In a related matter, Sidar reported that the Illinois Mine Subsidence Insurance Agency had sent a letter advising the city it will install pins and monitors at City Hall to help the agency determine if ongoing damage to the building is the result of mine subsidence and is eligible for insurance coverage. The letter indicated the study will continue for 120 days, after which another 120 days will be required to make a determination.

COMPTROLLER IS NOW OFFICE MANAGER

In other action, the council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance amendment changing the appointed position of Comptroller to a city employee position of Office Manager. While the job duties remain the same, the change makes the position subject to a collective bargaining agreement the council approved last month with Laborers International Local 338, the union designated to represent city employees. The measure also makes the position a hired position subject to protection when the administration changes. Previously, the Comptroller was appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the council and served at the pleasure of the administration.

On a motion by Ald. Mickey Robinson, seconded by Ald. Jim Kelly, the amendment was adopted with Ald. Brian Frensko voting “present.” Frensko’s wife, Gina, currently serves in the position of Comptroller/Office Manager.

City aldermen also voted unanimously to amend an ordinance regarding the filing of liens against property owners for unpaid water/sewer bills. Under the previous ordinance, the Comptroller was directly responsible for filing a lien with the County Recorder’s Office. The change is a technical provision requiring the council to direct the Office Manager to file the lien. The significance of the change is that it allows the State Department of Revenue to withhold money from the property owner’s tax refund to help satisfy the debt.

FEE WAIVER FOR CCCC EVENTS

After hearing briefly from Brian Bequette and Annetta Veres, representing the Coal Country Chamber of Commerce, the council voted unanimously to waive $25 of the city’s $100 rental fee for city facilities for Chamber events.

Veres said the Chamber will sponsor four events in Benld this year–Fall Festival, Tour de Coal Bike Ride, Summer Concert Series and a circus.

“We feel as though we bring a whole lot of people into the community,” Veres said, pointing out those guests often patronize local businesses while in town. “Every time we have to pay rent for your facilities, it’s money we can’t spend to help other people.”

[pullquote]Every dollar helps[/pullquote]Mayor Sidar pointed out, however, that $75 of the rental fee is earmarked for clean-up after the event. The city stopped waiving the entire fee some time ago because of issues with certifying that renters have cleaned up the properties to the city’s satisfaction following an event. As an alternative, Ald. Teresa Tucker recommended waiving $25 of the rental fee.

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“Every dollar helps,” Veres said.

On a motion by Ald. Jim Tilashalski, seconded by Tucker, the council then voted to waive $25 of the rental fee for CCCC events on municipal properties. Ald. Mickey Robinson, who serves as CCCC Executive Director, voted “present.”

DONATIONS SOUGHT FOR BODY CAMS

Mayor Sidar reported that the Benld Police Department is participating in a program through which local individuals and businesses can make donations toward the purchase of body cameras for full-time police officers. The State Journal-Register reported earlier this week that Benld is one of 10 police departments statewide that are attempting to raise money for body cameras through BodyCameraDonations.com, a website sponsored by the founder of Wolfcom, a company that designs and manufactures body cams. While local police departments are not yet required to have body cams, Sidar said it likely to become a legal requirement in the future. Through the website, donations are applied toward the purchase of body cams at a price of $250 per camera–a $100 discount from the company’s normal pricing.

Sidar said that as news of the donation program spread earlier Monday, $250 in donations “came through the door” within a period of about two hours at City Hall.

“We are well on our way,” she said. Sidar noted that individual cameras are needed for each of the full-time officers, but only one receiver unit (which is more expensive) is required.

Members of the public who wish to donate may do so at City Hall or visit the website.

Sidar also announced that a used police car, the purchase of which the council approved two months ago, has arrived and police are in the process of transferring radios and other equipment from the older vehicle to the new car. “When that’s done, it will be on the road,” Sidar said.

TELEPHONE SYSTEM UPGRADE

The council deferred action on accepting a quote from Madison Communications to upgrade the city’s telephone system. Council members earlier voted to switch from Frontier to Madison to provide telephone and internet service because Madison offered substantially lower pricing. Madison, however, has since advised the city it must upgrade its telephone system in order for its services to work.

“Frontier had told us the same thing three years ago and they gave us a price of $3,000,” Mayor Sidar noted. Madison’s quote for the necessary upgrades amounts to $2,000.

Ald. Peyton Bernot, who was absent Monday night, was the contact person with Madison Communications and the council agreed to delay action until Bernot can confirm the quote with Madison.

DERELICT PROPERTY

The council discussed but took no formal action regarding the status of the so-called Thompson property at 600 East Central Avenue. City Attorney Rick Verticchio advised the council in January to have the building inspected to determine whether or not it can be salvaged before filing a petition for a court order to tear the building down. But Ald. Tucker reported Monday night that the city’s building inspector refused to re-enter the building for inspection.

“He said he wouldn’t go back in there without a haz-mat suit,” she said. “He cannot make an inspection until it is cleaned out.”

While city workers have cleaned up the exterior of the building, the interior reportedly remains strewn with trash and debris. Ald. Tucker said the inspector advised the council that some of the trash is of a type that could “fester” as summer temperatures start to rise.

Verticchio said he had been waiting for a decision from the council before filing suit against the property. He suggested that if the city can find a potential buyer for the property the city could enter into a contract, contingent upon the city’s acquisition of the parcel, to sell it for a specific amount that could include or exclude the cost of the clean-up.

“Wouldn’t it be smart for us to get an estimate on what it will cost to clean it up?” Tucker asked.

“Yes,” said Verticchio. “Even a buyer would want to know that.”

The council referred to the city attorney a letter from a Benld resident asking to secure an exclusive contract to raze derelict properties in exchange for salvage rights.

TREE REMOVAL

Council members accepted a bid of $1,000 from Ruff & Tuff Tree Service to remove a large, hollow tree in the 200 block of North Seventh Street.

In further discussion, Mayor Sidar directed Ald. Frensko to drive around the community and identify trees most in need of removal with an eye toward obtaining more favorable pricing as opposed to removing trees one at a time.

“These trees are like the coal mine, they are 100 years old and they are starting to come down,” Sidar said. “These trees were all planted at the same time and they’re all maples.”

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Ald. Tucker noted there is at least one tree that is dropping branches in an area used for a school bus stop where parents and children congregate.

No action followed a brief executive session called at the end of the meeting for the purpose of discussing a personnel issue.

A measure to renew membership in the Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway program failed for lack of a motion. Last year, Build Benld paid the $200 dues but later reported the Blue Carpet Corridor event did little to draw new visitors into the community. The council also declined donations to the Sheriffs Association and Gillespie Post Prom Committee, citing previous action to eliminate all city-sponsored donations.

Mayor Sidar announced that a city-wide spring clean-up has been scheduled for June 1. Residents with items to be picked up should have them on the curb by 6 a.m. that morning.

Council members also voted unanimously to accept a bid of $1,005 from Paul and Linda Rasmussen for the purchase of a surplus lot in the 700 block of Eighth Street.

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HSHS St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary drive-thru dinners return

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LITCHFIELD, Ill. — The HSHS St. Francis Hospital Auxiliary will sponsor a drive-thru dinner on Monday, May 11 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. to support the hospital’s Family Maternity Center.

The meal will feature a grilled pork chop, loaded mashed potatoes, glazed carrots and a roll prepared by Nelson’s Catering of Springfield plus a dessert provided by the Auxiliary. Cost per meal is $15.

Dinners must be ordered by noon on Monday, May 4. Orders can be placed online at stfrancis-litchfield.org/dinners, or at the hospital gift shop. The drive-thru dinner pickup will take place in front of the main hospital entrance.

“We are excited to be continuing this series of drive-thru dinners that provide a convenient opportunity to take home a delicious meal while supporting our hospital’s Family Maternity Center and its patients,” shared Gwen Barcum, St. Francis Hospital’s Auxiliary President. 

Additional drive-thru dinners with various menus will take place on June 8, July 13, Aug. 10, Sept. 14 and Oct. 12.

For more information, visit stfrancis-litchfield.org/events or call Gwen Barcum at 217-324-8678.

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Engineer outlines infrastructure improvements for Gillespie Council

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Anthony Vercellino of Juneau Associates, Inc. describes infrastructure issues the City of Gillespie faces with its water and sewer systems during a meeting of the Gillespie City Council.

An engineer from Juneau Associates, Inc. Edwardsville, outlined sweeping improvements to the city’s water and sewer systems that the city may opt to pursue in the future.

“Buckle up,” Mayor Landon Pettit told members of the city council before Anthony “Tony” Vercellino outlined immediate needs and potential future needs during the council’s regular monthly meeting Monday night, April 13.

Vercellino identified repairs and renovations to two sewer system lift stations as immediate needs that need to be addressed. 

Though engineers did not yet have cost estimates, Vercellino said both pumps in the systems interceptor lift station are failing. Replacing the pumps with either grinder units or trash pumps is necessary to keep the lift station in operation. During previous meetings of the council, Sewer Department Manager Ethan Martin has said he has been having to replace pumps periodically to keep the lift station operable. One of the main culprits, both Martin and Vercellino said, are purportedly “flushable” baby wipes.

“They may say they’re flushable but they’re not,” Mayor Pettit said.

A main flow lift station is in need of a new electronic control panel to enable city employees to monitor the status of its operation off site.

In addition to the lift station work, Vercellino said Pettit asked him to draw up a proposal to create a designated site for waste haulers who add sewage to the city’s system for processing. Vercellino said the dedicated site would alleviate situations where waste haulers “pop a manhole cover” to unload waste.

Vercellino said he is working on a proposal for all three projects which presumably will include engineers’ cost estimates for council action at a later date.

For the longer term, Vercellino outlined a number of projects that would run into millions of dollars over a period of several years. He recommended seeking a low interest loan through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Agency to improve the city’s water and sewer systems.

“My recommendation is to get as much money as you are comfortable with,” Vercellino said, and pay it back over 30 years at an interest rate of one to two percent. Under the right circumstances, according to Pettit, the city may be eligible for forgiveness on as much as 30 to 60 percent of the principal

Vercellino said the long-term projects are not critical but would avoid problems in the future. “These are not critical projects,” he said. “You’re not being fined right now.”

One area in need of attention is the chemical storage area at the water treatment plant, which currently does not meet EPA standards. There also is a need to complete and pressure test a new supply line from between the lake and the treatment plant to deliver raw water. Vercellino said Juneau engineers also are looking at the possibility of raising the lake level in lieu of dredging to increase water storage capacity. Raising the water level one foot, he said, would result in an additional 1.3 million gallons and only minimally affect the shoreline profile.

According to Vercellino, the city should consider a hydraulic study to provide the city with “a computer model of the distribution system” in the city and satellite communities that get water from Gillespie. The study also would provide engineers with an understanding of where additional fire hydrants may be needed to not only improve water quality but also improve fire protection.

Vercellino also recommended getting flow testing done on existing hydrants in conjunction with the Community Unit 7 Fire Protection District’s annual hydrant flushing. Flow testing hasn’t been done since sometime in the 1990s and getting it done now should result in lower home insurance rates for homeowners.

“It’s not cheap to get flow testing done,” Vercellino said. “The fact the Fire Department is willing to do this with us is a major advantage.”

“One of the biggest problems we have is with maps and locating water and sewer lines,” Pettit said, adding that the city is using maps from the 1930s to find underground water and sewer lines. On his recommendation, the council voted unanimously to purchase a subsurface locator from Subsurface Solutions, Inc.,at a cost of $15,092.20, with the cost split evenly between the Water and Sewer funds.

Later in the meeting, Martin expounded on issues with the city’s two sewer system lift stations. In January, he said, the city installed a new $20,000 pump in the interceptor lift station only to have it burn out eight days later. The culprit, again, was “flushable” baby wipes clogging the trash system.

“We can’t continue to drop 20 grand every couple of months,” he said. “I can tell you, it’s not going to get any better.”

Ald. Dona Rauzi suggested asking resident to refrain from flushing baby wipes.

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“It’s a problem everywhere, not just here,” said Ald. J.Q. Hatleman. “The problem is we have the wrong pump in that station.” He suggested seeking a $10 million loan for 10 years to address the issues at both lift stations.

Martin said IEPA is recommending the city repair aerators at the sewage lagoon and remove vegetation from rip-rap around the lagoon, but neither recommendation is a priority.

“These are recommendations,” Martin said. “These are things they want to see done but they’re not critical. We are not of noncompliance.”

BANK LOAN

On a motion by Ald. Wendy Rolando, seconded by Ald. Janet Odell-Mueller, the council approved a plan to open a line of credit with United Community Bank and secure it with a $125,000 certificate of deposit. Mayor Pettit said the city is renewing an existing $100,000 certificate of deposit and buying a new $125,000 certificate of deposit with money from the Water Department Fund.

The credit line will preclude the necessity for inter-fund loans that have to be paid back before the end of the fiscal year.

“This gets us out of the cycle we’ve been in the last few years,” Pettit said. “Essentially, we are borrowing our own money.” He said the interest rate on the loan is essentially the same what the city earns on the certificate of deposit.

LIBRARY ASSIST

Without taking formal action, the council generally agreed to loan the Public Library up to $10,000 if needed. Librarian Steve Joyce told the council the library may come up short on a roofing project if Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) grant money is not released in time.

Joyce said the library has been paying for improvements from the renovation fund but could run out of money while waiting for CEJA money to be released. The library was set to receive about $60,000 in CEJA dollars. It has already spent about $48,000 for repairs, an entry door, and materials for the roofing project. 

“The roof needs to be fixed immediately,” Joyce said, adding that the library may not be able to come up with the balance without the city’s help. He asked the city to front the library $10,000 with the expectation the library would reimburse the city when CEJA funds are released.

Delays in releasing CEJA has been an increasingly common complaint from local governments who have committed to spending funds due to them.

“My understanding is that they are going through everything line by line,” Pettit said, before disbursing funds.

In a related CEJA matter, the council approved using CEJA funds to pay a $10,000 third installment for a Business Boot Camp that took place last year.

CIVIC CENTER RATES

The council unanimously approved a resolution implementing a rental fee structure for non-profit groups renting the Civic Center. Under the new rates, non-profit groups are exempted from paying a damage deposit fee.

STREETSCAPE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE

On a motion by Ald. Rolando, the council set a limit of $10,000 to buy flowers and plants for green areas included in the extensive downtown Streetscape development. Rolando said she had consulted with La Bella Fiori to choose plants for the project, while Grow Gillespie members have volunteered to do weeding, watering and maintenance.

While included in the project scope, the landscaping aspect was not part of the contractor’s bid.

“If we’re going to do this, I really think we should do something with our Welcome to Gillespie signs,” Ald. Janet Odell-Mueller commented.

PAY ESTIMATE

On a motion by Ald. Rauzi, seconded by Mueller, the council unanimously approved payment of Pay Estimate No. 8 to Stutz Excavating, Alton, for work completed on the downtown Streetscape project.

“We’re getting close to the end,” Pettit noted. Work on the $4 million improvement project began earlier this year.

STREET ISSUE

A measure to vacate a portion of Virginia Street that is platted but has never developed, was tabled until May while City Attorney Rick Verticchio determines whether or not there is an easement that would preclude the action. Anita McLain, who asked for the measure, owns lots on Clinton Street on both sides of the undeveloped portion of Virginia Street.

“This is a road that doesn’t exist,” said Mayor Pettit. “The road behind it is in East Gillespie.”

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Assuming there is no easement, “I don’t see any issue with this,” said Pettit. “It was previously used as a driveway.”

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING

City aldermen approved a memorandum of understanding with the Village of Mt. Clare to link Mt. Clare’s storm siren system with Gillespie’s. The city has similar agreements with Benld and Wilsonville. City Attorney Verticchio said the agreement exempts the city from liability in the event the link does not work.

MOWER PURCHASE

The council gave the committee power to act on the purchase of two Cub Cadet self-propelled lawn mowers at a cost of about $680 each.

OTHER ACTION

In other action, the council:

• Approved a business license for the Snack Shack, owned by Caysea Gray, at 201 W. Pine St.

• Agreed to pay $1,320.78 in delinquent property tax on 307 East Elm St. The property was acquired by the city through a nuisance property action. Now that it is owned by the city, the property will be tax exempt going forward.

• Approved a liquor license for the Coal Country Kitchen, formerly the Barracks, at 206 W. Spruce St.

• Approved a 60-day liquor license for Jumping’ Jimmy’s, 506 E. Elm St., pending the hiring of a new general manager.

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Illinois youth turkey hunters set new harvest record during 2026 season

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois youth turkey hunters set a new record, harvesting a preliminary total of 2,318 birds during the 2025 Illinois youth season. The total surpasses last year’s record of 2,099 birds and marks the third consecutive year of record-setting youth turkey harvest in Illinois.

Participation also reached an all-time high this spring. Youth hunters purchased a record 7,369 permits in 2026, surpassing the previous record of 6,538 sold in 2025. Along with a success rate of over 30% for the third year in a row, the increasing totals reflect strong youth interest in turkey hunting, excellent hunting opportunities and a robust statewide turkey population.

This year’s youth season was March 28-29 and April 4-5. The top five counties for youth harvest were Jefferson, 75; Fayette, 74; Marion, 68; Adams, 62; and Clay, 62. The following table shows preliminary harvest figures for the youth turkey season by county for 2025 and 2026.

County20252026
ADAMS         5062
ALEXANDER     1429
BOND          2026
BOONE         44
BROWN         3834
BUREAU        1912
CALHOUN       3840
CARROLL       98
CASS          2419
CHAMPAIGN     65
CHRISTIAN     813
CLARK         2843
CLAY          5062
CLINTON       3037
COLES         77
CRAWFORD      3834
CUMBERLAND    2127
DEKALB        00
DEWITT33
DOUGLAS21
EDGAR         97
EDWARDS       1115
EFFINGHAM     4242
FAYETTE       6374
FORD          10
FRANKLIN      2735
FULTON        2829
GALLATIN/HARDIN 3148
GREENE        3131
GRUNDY        44
HAMILTON      3834
HANCOCK       3043
HENDERSON     912
HENRY         2518
IROQUOIS      77
JACKSON       2845
JASPER        2830
JEFFERSON     7275
JERSEY        2032
JO DAVIESS4734
JOHNSON       2335
KANKAKEE      67
KENDALL       21
KNOX          156
LAKE01
LASALLE       77
LAWRENCE      1311
LEE           1410
LIVINGSTON    35
LOGAN         47
MACON         13
MACOUPIN      6057
MADISON       3644
MARION        4868
MARSHALL/PUTNAM 912
MASON         2220
MASSAC        1717
MCDONOUGH     811
MCHENRY       1712
MCLEAN        911
MENARD        1812
MERCER        1212
MONROE        2534
MONTGOMERY    3440
MORGAN        1115
MOULTRIE      56
OGLE          2721
PEORIA        1120
PERRY         3442
PIATT         00
PIKE          7159
POPE          3038
PULASKI       1823
RANDOLPH      6655
RICHLAND      178
ROCK ISLAND   1012
SALINE        2634
SANGAMON      2023
SCHUYLER      2726
SCOTT         39
SHELBY        3134
ST CLAIR      2847
STARK         36
STEPHENSON    1822
TAZEWELL      118
UNION         2134
VERMILION     178
WABASH        68
WARREN        98
WASHINGTON    2726
WAYNE         4852
WHITE         3436
WHITESIDE     2725
WILL          45
WILLIAMSON    3848
WINNEBAGO     2526
WOODFORD      1310
Total2,0992,318

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