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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The Gillespie Public Library is having a promotional giveaway during the month of December. The “December Spin Giveaway” will allow patrons to spin for prizes each time books are checked out during the month of December.
The prizes are to Gillespie businesses.
Although December is a hectic month with the holidays, take time to relax with a “good book” and visit the library.
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Limited Spots Available, Register By December 20
This winter, Blackburn College invites children ages 6-12 to participate in an exciting All-Sports Camp from December 30-31, 2024 and January 2-3, 2025. The camp will be held at the newly opened Blackburn Athletic Center and newly redesigned M.C. Court in the historic Dawes Gymnasium. The four-day camp runs from 9 am to 12 pm each day, offering young athletes the chance to stay active during the holiday season while exploring a variety of sports. With limited spots available, early registration is encouraged. The registration fee is $100, and the sign-up deadline is December 20, 2024.
Participants will engage in baseball, basketball, soccer, softball, and volleyball activities designed to build confidence, encourage teamwork, and inspire a love for sports in a fun and supportive environment. They will spend part of the day developing essential skills and putting those techniques into action by playing games. Most equipment will be provided, but attendees should come dressed in athletic clothing and ready to play.
“This camp is a fantastic opportunity for kids to stay active during their winter break, make new friends, and experience the thrill of learning skills taught by NCAA coaches and players,” said Kim Camara-Harvey, Blackburn College’s Director of Athletics and Recreation. “Our brand-new Blackburn Athletic Center, with its 200-by-120-foot turf field and retractable batting cages, and our revitalized basketball and volleyball court will be the perfect setting for fun and growth.”
In addition to the camp activities, all participants will receive two (2) tickets to watch the Blackburn Men’s Basketball Team take on the University of Dubuque on Monday, December 30, at 3:00 pm.
Don’t miss this opportunity to give your child a memorable winter break experience! To register or for more information, visit blackburn.edu/recreation or contact Heather Heater, Blackburn College Recreation Coordinator, at athletics@blackburn.edu or 217-854-5719.
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Madison Communications sponsored the Community Hope Center’s Christmas Toy Drive once again this year. The new and unwrapped toys for girls and boys ages 0-12 were collected from the middle of October through the first week of December.
Madison was overjoyed with the outcome of the Toy Drive and wants to thank anyone who took the time to donate. The holiday season is a perfect time to give back to the local communities.
