Community News
Macoupin County Board Renews Support for Clean Coal
Board Members Sign Bi-partisan letter to Governor and state legislative leaders supporting Taylorville Energy Center.
Carlinville – At the October 11th meeting of the Macoupin County Board, the 26 members present signed a letter to Governor Pat Quinn and the four state Legislative leaders asking for support of legislation to help facilitate the building of the Taylorville Energy Center in Christian County.
This letter comes in addition to a resolution adopted by the Board in November of 2010 supporting the Taylorville Energy project which said, in part:
The County Board of Macoupin County, Illinois hereby supports the Taylorville Energy Center IGCC plant with carbon capture, which provides a new market for the Illinois coal industry; incorporates the most advanced emission control technology; and brings thousands of needed jobs through construction and hundreds more through operation of the facility to Christian County and the surrounding region.
“Supporting this project makes sense for many outside of Christian County and certainly will provide a positive impact on Macoupin County and the coal being mined here,” said Board Chairman Andy Manar. “Following the county’s mine closures in 2008, this is the type of project we need to help re-energize our Downstate economy and put Illinois coal back on the map in a big way.”
The Taylorville Energy Center project has committed to using Illinois coal in producing its electricity supply. With technology being used by the plan, the Center plans to reverse the trend of using out-of-state coal, a practice that has resulted in recent years due to high-sulfur content present in some Illinois coal.
Manar and board members said that the new technology that would be used at the Center would certainly shed a new and needed light on Illinois coal.
“An opportunity like this will likely lead to the increase in sale of Macoupin County coal which will undoubtedly increase productivity and the potential for additional revenue and jobs to our county,” said Manar. “By sending this letter to Springfield, we are also demonstrating our bi-partisan support as a board for the addition of 2,500 construction jobs and hundreds more permanent jobs in Central Illinois.”
In the letter signed by the Board, members said they hoped that the upcoming Veto Session will be an opportunity for the General Assembly to once again take up legislation concerning the energy project.
The Taylorville Energy Center plant would be among the first power plants in the world with the ability to remove fuel impurities associated with emissions from coal-fueled power plants, including sulfur, mercury, and particulate matter.
It has been previously estimated that Central and Southern Illinois possess large reserves of high-sulfur coal that would be valued as fuel for the plant at a projected rate of $75 million annually.
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Mt. Olive, IL — The vibrant community of Mt. Olive is proud to host the 4th Annual International Mother Jones Festival on Sunday, May 4th, celebrating the life and legacy of the legendary labor leader and activist, Mother Jones. The festival runs from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature a variety of live music, engaging programs, and historic tours, culminating in a special tribute at Union Miners’ Cemetery, where Mother Jones is laid to rest.
Highlights of the Festival Include:
- Live Music: Enjoy performances by Casting Runes, Wildflower Conspiracy, and Piasa Canyon.
- Family Activities: Kids and the young at heart can participate in a magic and medicine show by Dr. Longhair, as well as a hands-on shoe-making activity inspired by Mother Jones’ famous footwear used in her miners’ strikes.
- Historical Reenactments: Loretta Williams, the only actress to portray Mother Jones in both her native Ireland (City Cork) and at her final resting place, will perform a special program at the library, bringing Jones’ story to life for audiences of all ages.
Special Events & Tours:
- A shuttle bus will be available to transport visitors between downtown and Union Miners’ Cemetery.
- Guided tours will be offered by docents at the cemetery and the Friends of Mother Jones Museum, providing insight into her life and enduring impact.
Food & Refreshments:
Kazoo Coffee will serve their signature Hell Raiser blend—created in honor of Mother Jones—along with B&K Bakery cookies, as well as a variety of food and beverages to keep festival-goers energized.
In Case of Weather Changes:
All downtown activities will relocate indoors to City Hall and the library, ensuring the celebration continues rain or shine.
Come celebrate the spirit of activism, history, and community at this meaningful event honoring one of America’s most influential labor leaders. Everyone is welcome to join the festivities!
For more information, contact the Mother Jones Museum at 618-659-8759 or email friendsofmotherjonesmuseum@gmail.com.
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The Friends of the Library are excited to invite the community to an exclusive “Snap-On Jewelry” demonstration hosted by jewelry artist Jodi Flack. The event will take place on Monday, May 5th, at 6 p.m. in the Gillespie Public Library.
During this engaging program, Jodi will showcase her beautiful collection of snap-on jewelry, featuring versatile necklaces and bracelets with interchangeable pendants. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the various styles and options available, making it a perfect occasion to find a special gift or add a unique piece to their jewelry collection.
Jewelry will be available for purchase at the event, making it an ideal opportunity to find a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift or a special treat for yourself.
Don’t miss this chance to discover stylish, customizable jewelry and support the Friends of the Library. All are welcome!
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The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that a 14-mile patching and resurfacing project on Interstate 55 from Litchfield to the Macoupin/Madison County line begins Monday, April 21. Work is expected to be completed by the end of September.
Additionally, ramps for Litchfield (exit 52), Mount Olive (exit 44) and Staunton (exit 41) will be resurfaced. Most of the work is expected to take place between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Sunday nights through Friday mornings.
Lane closures are expected, and message boards will be used to direct traffic through the work zones. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Benefits of this project include a smoother driving surface.
To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.
