Pinckneyville Resource Guide 2025 - Weekly-Press

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ArtiCle index

Letter from the Mayor ........................................... Page 4

Emergency Services ........... ....................................Page 5

City Services ........................................................... Page 8

City Phone Numbers .............................................. Page 8

Economic Development ................................... ......Page 9

Zoning .............................................................. ......Page 9

County Services Phone Numbers ........................ Page 10

Perry County Services .......................................... Page 11

Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce............ ...... Page 12

2025 Events ......................................................... .Page 13

Perry-Jackson Child Advocacy Center ................ Page 23

Transportation ...................................................... Page 23

Illinois Rural Heritage Museum ............................ Page 24

Memorials............................................................. Page 25

Health Services ........................................................ Page 27

Recreation ................................................................ Page 31

Education ................................................................. Page 35

Athletics ................................................................... Page 39

Library ...................................................................... Page 40

U of I and 4-H ........................................................... Page 40

Pinckneyville Community Center ............................. Page 41

Community Programs........................ ................. .....Page 42

Local Area Churches ................................................ Page 43

Clubs and Organizations .......................................... Page 46

On the Cover

Featured on this year’s cover is Pinckneyville Panther Tyler McConnell as he leaps toward the rim for a Panthers basket against A-J this past February. Photo by Claira Folden.

P.O. Box 411 • Du Quoin, IL 62832 (618) 357-NEWS news@pinckneyvillepress.com

General Manager ........................................Stephanie Waller

Editor .................................................................. Pete Spitler

Graphic Design & Layout ......................... Amanda Holmes

Photography ..................................................... Joey Holmes

Administrative Secretary ..................................... Pat Bathon

Advertising Sales ........................................... Sydnee Baxter

Publishers ............................................................. Jeff Egbert Jerry Reppert An E&R Media, LLC Publication

Pinckneyville Police Department emergenCy ServiCeS

The Pinckneyville Police Department is a full-service, community-minded agency providing twenty-four hour law enforcement services to citizens and visitors of Pinckneyville. The men and women of the Pinckneyville Police Department are professionals. Kenny Kelley is the police chief. Committed to serving and protecting with respect, the department is dedicated to not only fighting serious crime, but also enforcing minor violations of the law and ordinances.

Their mission is to protect life and property, maintain public order, enforce laws and identify and address community problems that impact public safety. The Pinckneyville Police Department is dedicated to providing the highest quality of service to the citizens of Pinckneyville and making every street and neighborhood safe.

PinckneyvilleServiceAmbulance

Pinckneyville Ambulance Service began in February, 1976, as a volunteer service and has grown into a full-time Advanced Life Support Service which serves all of Perry County, 24-hours a day, seven days a week. They have highly-trained Paramedics and EMT’s on staff. They also have Paramedic Units available at all times. Once a part of the fire department, they now serve as their own entity, offering state-of-the-art, up-to-date medical equipment. The department continues to strive to hold timeliness and quality of care as utmost priorities.

They work closely with the Perry County Emergency Management Services, ARCH Air Medical, Air-Evac Medical, local Fire Departments, First Responders, multiple Law Enforcement agencies and both Pinckneyville Community Hospital and Marshall Browning Hospital to provide quality, timely care to the sick and injured.

• Statement furniture pieces for every style

• Stylish home accessories

• Unique wall decor

• Gourmet food items including Savannah Honey

• Extensive gift offerings for every occasion

• Interior Design assistance by appointment

1112 Kennedy Drive

Pinckneyville, Il

Phone 618-318-0616 or showroom at 618-318-7660

Follow us on facebook for events and incoming Merchandise ID by Lisa-Furniture & Home Decor Boutique

emergenCy ServiCeS

Perry County Sheriff’s Office

The Perry County Sheriff’s Office is the chief law enforcement agency in the county. Sheriff Chad Howard says, “We endeavor to protect and serve our community with honor, courage, and commitment. We specialize in drug and traffic enforcement, home and business safety consultation, rural patrol, and criminal investigations. We are here to help make Perry County a more safe and more secure place to live.”

Illinois State Police Troop 10 Headquarters

The Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 10 Headquarters is located at 1391 South Washington Street in Du Quoin. Troop 10 encompasses Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union and Williamson counties. Headquarters are located in DuQuoin and Ullin. The primary function of Troopers in Troop 10 is to patrol interstates I-64, I-57, I-24, and many rural/unincorporated areas throughout the counties. Troop 10 is led by Captain Joshua Anderton. The 33,000-square-foot facility houses the ISP Troop 10 command center, a regional telecommunications center that serves 2 ISP Patrol Troops (Troop 9 and Troop 10), ISP Division of Criminal Investigation – Zone 7, area Crime Scene Services, regional Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit, area Division of Internal Investigation, Troopers assigned to the Illinois Gaming Board, regional evidence collection point for the ISP Forensic Sciences Division laboratories, and a patrol and resource support center.

emergenCy ServiCeS

Pinckneyville Fire Department & Rural Fire Protection District

Although the Pinckneyville Fire Department and Rural Fire Protection District share the firehouse at 110 South Walnut Street, they are two separate departments led by Fire Chief Curtis Miller. The departments consist of 16 shared on-call firefighters and officers including the Chief Miller, Caleb Howard as assistant chief, two captains, and three lieutenants.

The Pinckneyville Fire Department protects close to 5 square miles serving inside the City limits while the Rural Fire Protection District serves approximately a 165 square mile area immediately outside the city limits. Both departments are members of MABAS (Mutual Aid Box Alarm System) and the Coal Belt Fire Protective Association. These organizations provide a network of mutual aid agreements with other departments and fire districts regionally and statewide for assistance on large fires or other natural disasters and emergencies.

Locally, the firefighters respond to a variety of incidents including fire suppression, auto extrication, rescues, and other calls for service. Also, over half of the firefighters are licensed as First Responders or Emergency Medical Technicians and can respond to any type of medical emergency to assist the Ambulance Service. Both departments participate in various community activities as well, including events held at the Fairgrounds, helping to ensure a safe event for all. During fire prevention week, the firefighters visit the local schools to give a presentation to the kindergarten classes. They also let them see a fire truck and equipment. The children get to pretend to be firefighters and squirt some water from a fire hose. Other group presentations and tours of the firehouse are part of the department’s community education programs.

The firefighters take pride in serving the citizens of Pinckneyville and the surrounding community of the Rural Fire Protection District. Anyone considering serving our community as a firefighter can contact the department to apply. Applications are always being accepted.

City ServiCeS

Streets and Public Improvement Department

The Street Department works to maintain the city streets, alleys, sidewalks and storm drainage systems. Installing, maintaining, and repairing is only part of what this department does for our citizens. The employees of the street department work to make efficient transportation in Pinckneyville a reality.

Duties assigned to this department include: snow removal, salting on road, street cleaning, grass and weed control, street & sidewalk maintenance, oiling and chipping of city streets and parking lots, guardrail & curb repair & replacement, asphalt patch repair, mosquito control, storm water drainage, sign maintenance, line striping and relamping.

The Street Department also provides services for special projects and events from year to year and offers much assistance to help make events happen.

This department plays a vital role in the life of every citizen, visitor, and by-passer in Pinckneyville. Just as cars provide the means for transportation, signs, signals, and streets are the necessary ingredients to reach your destination in a safe and timely manner. Have a smooth drive!

Utility Department

The Utility Department works to provide and maintain municipally-owned services/utilities to the community. The department operates and maintains a state-of-the-art water treatment facility, two sanitary sewage treatment facilities and a natural gas distribution system. The utility systems are EPA permitted and stay in strict compliance with various laws and regulations to provide safe and dependable service to the community. Pinckneyville is fortunate to have substantial excess reserve capacities in all of its systems to support a growing community.

Water

The City of Pinckneyville owns the city water supply, Pinckneyville City Lake. The water is treated in the city’s state-of-the art 1.5 million gallon per day water treatment plant. The city has above ground elevated storage tanks with a total capacity of 1.075 million gallons with 400,000 in elevated storage serving the business and industrial development areas. The water treatment plant is located on Waterworks Road.

Wastewater

Two wastewater treatment plants serve the city. Both of these plants are activated sludge processes and have excess capacity to provide service for both residential and business growth.

Gas

The city-owned natural gas distribution system is served by the Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America. This is an interstate pipeline company. The city of Pinckneyville is a member of the IMGA, a group of municipal-owned gas distribution systems, which through joint action work to insure a stable and reliable gas supply to Pinckneyville’s customers. City gas distribution personnel are required to be trained and certified for their work on the natural gas system.

Inquiries concerning utility service may be made by calling the Utility Billing office at 618-357-3505 or by visiting the Utility Billing office at 104 South Walnut Street. Billing office hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

City PhOne numberS

Utility Billing: 618-357-3505 City Clerk: 618-357-6916

& Water Leaks: 618-357-9295 City Commissioners: 618-357-3433

Economic Development/Tourism: 618-357-8775

City Park & Lake: 618-357-5214 Emergency: 911 Gas/Water Leaks: 618-357- 9295

Utility Billing: 618-357-3505

City Park, Lake & Pavilion Rental: 618-357- 5214

City Pool: 618-357-5626

Library: 618-357-2410

Zoning & Development: 618-357-8775

Building Permits: 618-357-2940

City Clerk/City Hall: 618-357-6916

Mayor: 618-357-8927

Commissioners: 618-357-3433

Police Dept Office: 618-357-8231

Fire Department Office: 618-357-2281

Newspaper: 618-357-6397

eCOnOmiC develOPment

Welcome to Pinckneyville, IL – Where Business and Community Thrive!

At the heart of Pinckneyville is a commitment to growth, opportunity, and community. Whether you’re planning to open a new business, explore opportunities, or simply enjoy all the benefits our town offers, the Economic Development office is here to help. Located inside the Community Center Building at 203 North Walnut, our office is a hub for visitors, business owners, and residents alike. We provide a wide range of services and support, ensuring that your experience in Pinckneyville is as smooth and rewarding as possible.

Pinckneyville’s economy is rooted in agriculture, manufacturing, wholesale, retail trade, government, education, and healthcare. However, the true strength of our town lies in the people. Our residents are dedicated, hardworking, and proud of their heritage. They are independent thinkers, yet also come together as a tight-knit community. This combination of a skilled workforce, a favorable business climate, and an outstanding quality of life makes Pinckneyville the perfect place to start and grow your business.

For anyone considering a business venture in Pinckneyville, one of the first things you’ll notice is the ease of getting around. Our traffic flows smoothly, and visitors never find themselves stuck in long, frustrating delays. Pinckneyville enjoys a strategic location at the crossroads of three state highways and within 25 miles of interstates: I-57 (North-South) and I-64 (East-West). This connectivity, coupled with access to two of the nation’s largest railways – the Canadian National Railroad and Union Pacific –ensures easy access to metropolitan areas across the United States and Canada, giving your business a broader reach.

Pinckneyville is also the proud County Seat of Perry County. Our town is home to the American Thresherman Association, notable musicians and athletes, and the longest continuously running county fair in Illinois. These local landmarks, combined with the charm of a small town, create an atmosphere that’s both welcoming and vibrant.

In addition to a rich heritage, we offer all the amenities of larger cities, including a community airport, distinctive shopping options, a variety of dining choices, museums, and exceptional public and private schools. And for those seeking more, Pinckneyville is just a 90-minute drive from the bustling city of St. Louis, Missouri, offering even more opportunities for business, entertainment, and recreation.

The Economic Development office in Pinckneyville isn’t just about helping businesses get off the ground – it’s about supporting the growth of our entire community. With the guidance of our forward-thinking Economic Development Coordinator, Carrie Gilliam, you’ll find a dedicated resource to assist with everything from business planning to financing. If you’re looking to learn more about how Pinckneyville can assist with your business or event, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Contact Information: Carrie Gilliam Economic Development Coordinator

Phone: 618-357-8775

Email: carrie.gilliam@pinckneyvillecity.com

Whether you’re here to visit or start a new business, Pinckneyville welcomes you with open arms. Let us help make your experience a success!

City ZOning

Welcome to Pinckneyville, IL: Understanding Zoning and Land Use Regulations

When planning to purchase property or make improvements in Pinckneyville, it’s crucial to understand the city’s zoning regulations. These rules help guide development and ensure that properties are used in ways that align with the city’s long-term goals, contributing to a well-organized and thriving community. Whether you’re building your dream home, starting a business, or renovating, knowing the zoning laws can save you time, money, and frustration.

What Does the Zoning Office Do?

Pinckneyville’s Zoning and Economic Development office plays a key role in helping both residents and business owners navigate these regulations. Our primary goal is to assist you, not restrict you. The office provides guidance on everything from land use, home-based businesses, signage, to parking regulations. Understanding these rules before you make any commitments is essential, especially if you’re considering a property for business or residential use.

Key Zoning Regulations You Should Know:

Home-Based Businesses: If you’re thinking about starting a business from your home, make sure to check the zoning laws. Residential zones allow home-based businesses, but with specific restrictions. For example, you can only have one non-related employee, and you’ll need to provide off-street parking for your customers, in addition to your residential parking.

Advertising and Signage: Any changes to signs,

including temporary signage, require a permit. It’s also important to maintain your sign structure to meet city codes. The city’s zoning office can guide you on the correct procedures for sign permits and upkeep.

Parking Requirements: Zoning laws also dictate the size and number of parking spaces required for different types of properties and businesses. Be sure to check the regulations when planning for parking at your property.

Residential and Business Space Usage: There are also rules regarding how much of your home can be used for business purposes and the hours of operation. If your plans for a home-based business involve modifying these, it’s important to consult with the zoning office first.

What Happens if Zoning Regulations Conflict with Your Plans?

If you find that the zoning laws conflict with your vision for a property, don’t worry! The city offers the option to request a variance or a special use permit. These are granted in cases where you may experience hardships that prevent you from complying with zoning regulations. The goal of the Zoning office is to work with you to find solutions, not to stand in the way of progress.

Nonconforming Uses:

Sometimes, properties or buildings may already be in use but don’t fully comply with current zoning regulations. These are known as nonconforming uses. If your property is classified as nonconforming, you are allowed to continue using it as is, but any major changes, reconstructions, or expansions will be subject to zoning review.

City ZOning

Zoning Permits: What You Need to Know

Before making changes to your property—whether it’s a new porch, shed, addition, or remodel—be sure to check with the Zoning office. Most changes require a zoning permit, so it’s important to visit the office first. Not every change requires a permit, but it’s always a good idea to verify before starting any project.

Other Key Points to Remember:

Zoning Laws Vary: Laws differ depending on the zoning area of your property, so it’s essential to know your zone.

Building Permits: After zoning approval, you’ll also need a building permit from the county for certain projects.

Signage: Any change to a sign requires a sign permit, including maintenance of the sign post.

Home-Based Businesses: If you’re planning a business from home, there are specific restrictions. Always check with the Zoning office first.

“Grandfathered” Properties: Some properties may be “grandfathered” in under previous zoning regulations. While they may continue to be used as they were, changes and expansions will be subject to current zoning rules.

Pinckneyville’s zoning regulations are designed to ensure that our community grows and develops in an organized and thoughtful manner. By following these guidelines, you’re contributing to a better future for the city while also protecting your investment.

Visit the Zoning Office Today

The Zoning and Economic Development office is located at 203 North Walnut Street, inside the Community Center Building. Our regular hours are Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. For more information, you can view the city’s zoning ordinance on the official

website at ci.pinckneyville.il.us or contact Carrie Gilliam, Economic Development Coordinator, at carrie.gilliam@ pinckneyvillecity.com.

Explore Pinckneyville with Confidence

Whether you’re planning a home renovation, starting a business, or just looking to explore all the city has to offer, Pinckneyville’s Zoning office is here to help. We’re committed to assisting you every step of the way to make sure your project fits perfectly into our growing community.

Perry COunty ServiCeS

Perry County is one of sixteen Illinois counties which operates under the commission form of government. Under the commission form, the county is governed by a three-person board of commissioners.

The Board of Commissioners is the executive and legislative arm of county government. The board sets annual budgets, adopts resolutions and ordinances, hires appointed department heads and sets the general direction of county government. The Board meets twice a month, the first Thursday at 5:00 P.M. and the third Thursday at 5:00 p.m.

In addition to the board members, Perry County elects a number of officials who manage offices and perform specific duties as mandated by State statute. These include the County Clerk and Recorder, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Sheriff, Treasurer, State’s Attorney, Coroner, Supervisor of Assessments, Regional Superintendent of Schools and Resident Circuit Court Judge.

The County operates several other departments which are either mandated by State law or deemed essential to providing necessary County services. These include the highway department, health department, general assistance, solid waste management, emergency telephone system, emergency services and disaster agency. The probation department operates under the arm of the circuit court system.

Statutory authority also gives the County board power to appoint members to several non-county entities. These include local fire district boards, the Perry County Housing Authority Board, the Greater Egypt Regional Planning and Development Commission, the Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council and others.

The facility is a drop-off center that accepts glass (clear, brown and green), cans (aluminum, tin and steel), paper and plastic (#1 and #2).

It was set up with two sided containers; one side for all paper products and the other side for glass, plastic and cans. All paper in the form of boxes should be broken down; this helps to cut down on the cost of transportation so that the bins can hold more product. All cans and bottles should be rinsed out.

Due to the state ban on electronics in landfills, Perry County Recycling has partnered with Jackson County. All Perry County residents can take their unwanted electronics to Southern Recycling Center, 300 West Chestnut Street, Carbondale, IL. They are open Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; and, Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Electronics are not accepted at the Perry County Recycling Center.

The facility is open 24-hours a day and is monitored with surveillance cameras.

For more information, contact Perry County Solid Waste Manager, Becky Tracy at 618-357-3267.

As a commission County, some services that are provided at the County level are provided at the township level in other counties. These include general assistance and property assessment, which are administered countywide by the supervisors of those respective departments. Another difference relates to rural road maintenance. Currently, the roads are governed by a unit road district under the supervision of Engineer Brian Otten.

Perry County Recycling Center

The Perry County Recycling Center opened in July of 2009. The center is located behind the Perry County Government Building south of Pinckneyville on State Route 13/127. The facility was built in part by a grant provided through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

ChAmber Of COmmerCe

The Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce is here to serve, represent, and be the leading advocate for our unique business community. Members of the Chamber are professionals working in various industries throughout the Pinckneyville area. We aim to help our diverse membership grow personally and professionally.

A few Chamber endeavors include the Annual Citizen & Business of the year award, several scholarships (“All My Life I Wanted To Be A Panther”, “Dick Corn and the 1994 State Champions”, and Rend Lake College Scholarships), Cracklin’ Christmas and Community Tree Lighting, Shop Local Programs, Beautification Projects, Ribbon Cuttings for Local Businesses, organizing of Mardi Gras, and much more! The Chamber also dedicates time to several beautification projects throughout the city, including the holiday decorations.

For more information on how your business can grow by becoming a member of the Chamber, or for event information, please call 618-357-3243, email chamber.pville@gmail.com, visit our website at www. pinckneyville.com, or follow us on Facebook.

or

2025 eventS

Optimist Egg Hunt

The Pinckneyville Optimist Club hosts an annual Easter Egg Hunt that occurs the Saturday before Easter at the Pinckneyville High School Football Field at 10:00 a.m. Each year 150-200 children participate. Children are asked to be on time as the hunt begins promptly at 10 a.m. and will end quickly. Children ages 2 thru 8 are welcome to attend. The age groups will be two to three, four to five and six to eight. Each age group will have two big egg prizes and bikes are usually given away in age groups.

Farmer’s Market

The Pinckneyville Farmer’s Market runs from the first Tuesday in May until the last Tuesday in October each year. The Farmer’s Market will be held at Kellerman Feed Store starting at 3:00 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. It features seasonal vegetables, fruits, flowers, baked goods, eggs and other homemade and/or handcrafted items. For those interested in attending this exciting vegetable themed event stay tuned to the Weekly-Press Newspaper for updates on event times and dates. Not-for-profit organizations may participate without paying a vendor fee and are allowed to resell plant materials but not produce.

Illinois Rural Heritage Museum Tractor Drive

The 17th annual tractor drive, which kicks off our month-long celebration of Museum weekends is on June 1, 2025. Check the Weekly-Press for more details.

Perry County Fair

The Perry County Fair started in the fall of 1856 in the Perry County Courthouse.

The event originally ran for one day in an upstairs courtroom. Since culinary items were not yet added to the fair, it mostly consisted of fancy work and farming displays. A few years later, it moved to its current location at the Perry County Fairgrounds and has been located there ever since.

Today, the Perry County Fair is one of the longest running fairs in the state of Illinois as Pinckneyville managed to keep this activity running during the Depression years. The fair took a one-year hiatus in 2020 due to the COV-

ID-19 pandemic. The 168th Annual Perry County Fair kicks off June 7 and runs through June 14. This year’s fair will consist of dairy, sheep and beef shows. They also have a variety of events such as the Little Miss, Junior Miss and Miss Perry County queens pageant on June 10 and animal shows for junior participants throughout the fair.

In addition to these shows and events, this year’s fair will have something for everyone in a jam-packed week of activities.

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Those activities include The Great American Demolition Derby, the pro wrestling show Faircade III, a tractor pull and The Fantazmic Talent Contest.

For additional information about the fair, friend them on Facebook at Perry-County Fair or contact Fair Board President Ilene Ruroede at perry.county.illinois.fair@gmail. com.

The Perry County Fair’s Executive Board members are Ilene Ruroede, President; Robert Pyatt, Vice President; Gaylen Greer, Secretary and Christina Richards, Treasurer.

Other board members include Paulette Keene, Pete Spitler, Nick Bauersachs, Don Engelman, Chris Lacey, Josh Church and Levi Miller.

Relay

for Life

Relay For Life is more than a walk – it’s a chance to come together in your local community to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved ones lost, and fight back against every cancer as we come together for every life. Be a part of the global community of passionate supporters working to help end cancer as we know it, for everyone. To find the event closest to you and the most up to date event details visit: www.relayforlife.org

American Thresherman Association Summer Show

The middle of August not only marks the beginning of the school year for students but also the start of another important yearly event in Pinckneyville, IL: The American Thresherman Association Steam, Gas and Threshing annual summer “Progress of Power” Show!

The American Thresherman Association (ATA) is strongly rooted in Pinckneyville’s history. Exhibitors, vendors and spectators will travel from all across the United States, and sometimes even from other countries to gather and reminisce about simpler times.

In 1959, the group formed in Highland, Illinois, where they held their first two shows. For their third year, 1962, they moved the show to Pinckneyville, where they have gathered on every third weekend in August to exhibit equipment and demonstrate the operations of that equipment. They assemble with old friends and make new ones as they proudly tell stories about the equipment on display. When asked why they continue to put on this show year after year, Board members will tell you that it is because they never want to lose track of the past. The Board and The Association’s members want others to realize how our ancestors worked the land and how the “Progress of Power” revolutionized the agricultural history

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of our country. Members feel keenly that it is important to maintain this equipment from our history, to demonstrate the beginnings of our agricultural history and to educate the current generations.

The 66th Annual American Thresherman Steam, Gas and Threshing show, featuring IHC, IHC 66 Series, IHC Collectors Chapters 10 & 32, Electrall Generators and International and McCormick Deering Engines will open Wednesday, August 13th with a show preview and a tractor parade through town at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, August 14th the show opens for full activity and demonstrations daily and goes through Sunday, August 17th. The majority of the activities and demonstrations will begin on Thursday morning at 9:00 a.m.

An antique auto show & swap meet will be Sunday, August 17th, all vehicles prior to 1968 are welcome. Attractions Include: Blacksmithing, steam engines, wheat threshing, a veneer mill, saw mill, grist Mill, dynamometer, gas engines and tractors, baker fans, plowing with steam engines, tractors and horses, rope making, and feature tractor plowing events. A kids tractor pull on Saturday, August 18th as well as a large flea market. Illinois Tractor Pull Association tractor pulls will be held Thursday through Saturday nights at 7:00 p.m. Worship Services, The Antique Auto Show and Swap Meet, Antique Tractor Pulls will be held Sunday August 17th. Exhibitors are encouraged and are always welcome. Besides exhibits and activities located

Open Everyday

Above: A horse-drawn threshing machine entertains the crowd.

Left: The whistle on a steam tractor blows during a plowing demonstration.

within the fairgrounds, the ATA utilizes several acres to the west of the grounds where field demonstrations will be held. These will feature the giants of the prairie. Case 110-horsepower steam traction engines will pull gang plows and turn the soil much as they did when they broke prairie grounds one hundred years ago. Special plowing events for the Feature Tractor are again planned for Friday and Saturday.

There will be earth moving activities on site using crawlers and heavy equipment of all kinds. There will be several huge “prairie” gas tractors on display and in demonstrations in the field, you won’t want to miss any of it! For everyone age 12 and over, there is a daily grounds admission fee. Also available, a full show armband pass, allowing daily grounds admission. CHILDREN UNDER 12 ARE FREE, AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE FOR THE EVENING TRACTOR PULLS WITH CHILDREN UNDER 6 BEING FREE.

For general information, you can visit the ATA’s website at www.americanthresherman.com or call 618318-0745 or 217-240-0576 before the show and 618-3576643 during the show or contact any ATA Board Member.

The 2025 Executive Board includes: President, Josh Giacomo, 1st Vice-President, Richard Farthing, 2nd VicePresident, Chuck Hoene, 3rd Vice-President, Kent Jansen,

2025 eventS

Secretary, Helen Whitworth, Treasurer, Beth Giacomo and Chaplain, Aaron Whitworth. Board of Directors include Linda Crouch, Matthew Elders, Gaylen Greer , David Logsdon, Josh Hamilton, Gilbert Helvey, Kurt Jansen, Tom Jansen, William Jansen, Paul Kurtz, Jason Mohr, Tom Nikrant, Mike Pearson, Jerome Ripperda, Mark Heberlie, Ralph Schrader, Daniel Haege, Mike Bejma, Michael Storck, Darren Percival, Brett Naeger, Chad Sherman and Helen Whitworth

American Thresherman Association Fall Show

The American Thresherman Association’s 39th Annual Fall Festival kicks off on October 17th and continues through October 19th at the Fairgrounds in Pinckneyville, IL Admission is FREE! Exhibitors are welcome! Attractions include: Flea Market with a variety of arts & crafts, miniature train rides, steam and gas engines on display, rope making demonstrations, draft horses and ponies in action all day, corn shelling, corn shredding, corn grinding, burr milling, hacksel cutting, corn picking and corn binders, cider and apple butter making, kettle popcorn made on the grounds, sawmilling, sawing firewood, crosscut sawing and buck sawing, animal teams and blacksmithing. Other activities include antique tractor pulls on Saturday, October 19th. A giant antiques only, consignment auction sale with machinery, hand tools, engines, tractors and more on Sunday morning, October 19th (NO HOUSEHOLD ITEMS WILL BE ACCEPTED).

Citywide Yard Sales

In conjunction with the American Thresherman’s Show, the Weekly-Press will be sponsoring a citywide yard sale. Since Thresherman’s August show brings hundreds of extra people to the city, it is seen as a great time for yard sales. This year there will be a list in the Weekly-Press listing yard sale locations. This list will be organized by different sections of Pinckneyville. Anyone who places an ad that week will be put on the list. Ads must be paid for when placed on the list. Watch from more information in the Weekly-Press this summer!

Spring Demolition Derby

The Bunny Bash Spring Demolition Derby will be held on April 26. The Perry County Agricultural Society hosts the Spring Demolition Derby annually. The event is held in the grandstand at the Perry County Fairgrounds. The derby is promoted by the Perry County Agricultural Society and is held due to the popularity of the derbies. Between the drivers, riders and crew members, there will be over 100 people participating in the event. This event is a good opportunity to test out a car for

2025 eventS

the beginning of the season. There will also be food vendors available.

Fall Demolition Derby

The Perry County Agricultural Society hosts the Fall Halloween Howl Demolition Derby annually. The event is held in the grandstand at the Perry County Fairgrounds on October 4. The derby is promoted by the Perry County Agricultural Society and is held due to the popularity of the derbies. Between the drivers, riders and crew members, there will be over 100 people participating in the event. This event is a good opportunity to finish a car for the end of the season. There will also be food vendors available. For additional information about the Demolition Derby and the Perry County Fair friend them on Facebook - PerryCounty Fair.

Mardi Gras

Pinckneyville Mardi Gras dates back to 1922 when the Pinckneyville Businessman’s Association placed an advertisement in the Pinckneyville Advocate showcasing the event!

Today, Mardi Gras is organized by the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce and volunteers from the community. The celebration takes place on the last Saturday in October. This year the 103rd annual event will take place on October 25, 2025 The Mardi Gras Queen Pageant takes place two weeks prior, on October 12, 2025.

Mardi Gras offers a wide range of activities to keep the whole family entertained. A highlight of the daytime activities is the vendor fair where over 150 vendors fill the streets with a wide range of crafts, food, and goods for sale.

The Mardi Gras parade begins at 7:00 p.m. at the corner of Mill and Parker Street, travels down Walnut Street, and then Mulberry Street. The Mardi Gras parade is the oldest nighttime parade in Illinois. It features approximately 100 entries ranging from floats, businesses, politicians, marching bands, and costumed individuals. Thousands of people line the parade route and while spectating, they purchase their 50/50 tickets; last year’s winner took home over $11,000.00.

Complete details for Mardi Gras can be found on the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce Facebook page and their website: www.pinckneyville.com

Cracklin’ Christmas &

2025 eventS

Lighting of the Christmas Tree

Each year in November, local Chamber Member businesses will stay open past normal operating hours for Cracklin’ Christmas. Santa will be coming to town during Cracklin’ Christmas, and we invite the whole family out to light the Community Christmas Tree. Please visit the Chamber website www. pinckneyville.com and their Facebook page for complete details and announcements.

Duster Thomas Hoops Classic

The Duster Thomas Hoops Classic takes place annually in December and has become the premier holiday tournament in the southern half of the state. The Tournament is a 16-team bracketed tournament that takes place over three days and is named after PCHS coaching legend Merril “Duster” Thomas. Fans attending the tournament have the opportunity to watch local and regional teams compete head to head that they would not have a chance to see during the regular season. The DTHC also provides fans the op

Perry-Jackson Child Advocacy Center

non-offending family members. Services include: forensic interview by a trained professional on staff at the agency, specialized medical examination by a trained physician, linkage to mental health services and other services available in the community, court support, and any other assistance that is necessary. Communication is maintained with all of the multidisciplinary team members during the entire investigative and court process.

The Advisory Board is made up of community members from both counties. The Advisory Board governs the day-to-day operations of the agency and helps organize fundraisers. In addition, each county has its own Protocol Board that includes a representative from the State’s Attorney’s office, DCFS, the Sheriff’s Department, and the county mental health agency. The Protocol Board annually reviews and revises their respective county’s protocol in relationship to child abuse cases and their agency’s involvement with the child advocacy center.

established in 2002 to coordinate the multi-disciplinary team

serious physical abuse for children birth-18 years old in Perry

Betti Mucha is the Executive Director, Amberley Evans is the Forensic Interviewer/MDT Coordinator, Sara Rezba is the Child Advocate, and Kimmie Helton is the Secretary/ Child Advocate.

For further details, please view our website at www. perryjacksoncac.com or call the office at 618-357-2990. The agency also has a Facebook page with updated information regarding events and news regarding child abuse.

ransportation Services

South Central Transit - Public Transportation Provider

By Sherri Bassen, South Central Transit, Marketing/ Public Relations

As a public transportation provider for 35 years, South Central Transit (SCT) has become an integral part of Perry County as well as the surrounding communities they serve. Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has designated SCT to serve Perry, Washington, Clinton, Marion, Franklin, and Jefferson counties. SCT’s white transit buses with the distinctive Red and Blue SCT Logo operate Monday-Friday providing public demand and deviated shuttle transportation. South Central Transit began operations in Perry County in 2003. In 2024 they provided a total of 419,256 rides throughout their 6-county service area. In Perry County alone, they served 38,994 riders. Transportation with SCT is available to individuals of all ages five years and older. Currently, originating in Du Quoin and/or Pinckneyville, SCT operates five public

shuttle routes with service to SIU Campus, Carbondale (Chestnut Rt), Gilster Cake & Pasta Plants, Steeleville (Oak Rt), Washington County Courthouse and Nashville factories (Maple Rt), Continental Tire, Mt. Vernon (Walnut Rt), and between the Cities of Du Quoin and Pinckneyville (Sycamore Rt). Non-emergency medical trips, local shopping, meal sites, banks, post office, and libraries are examples of places SCT can take you!

All SCT vehicles are mobility device accessible, fully insured and maintained by SCT’s ASE-certified mechanics. South Central Transit provides clean, safe, reliable, and cost effective public transportation to the citizens of the communities we serve.

The director of SCT is Sara Nollman-Hodge, and the Board of Directors comprises one member from each county. Guy Alongi represents Perry County and serves on the Personnel Committee.

Detailed information regarding all routes and services offered by SCT is available 24/7 at www. southcentraltransit.org. SCT’s dispatch/scheduling office is available by calling 800-660-7433. If interested in a service presentation by SCT, please contact Sherri Bassen at 618-532-8076 x135.

illinois rural heritage museum

The Mission of the Illinois Rural Heritage Museum is to educate the public about the rural heritage of Illinois in a manner that tells the life lessons of success. The Museum explains the ever-changing story of rural life from different perspectives: agriculture, business, conservation, education, medicine, natural resources, technology

and transportation. A critical element of the Museum’s Mission is to preserve and restore important items that would otherwise be lost with the passage of time. The Museum invites individuals of all ages to come and learn about Illinois’ rural heritage. The museum currently hosts a children’s story time quarterly. The 17th annual tractor drive, which kicks off our monthlong celebration of Museum weekends is on June 1, 2025. December 7, 2025, will be the annual Old Fashioned Christmas Open House. The Museum has lights, trees, and photos with Santa. Watch our Facebook page for more events and updates. The museum is admission free as well as most events. The Illinois Rural Heritage Museum is located at 187 Fairground Rd, Pinckneyville, IL. Our hours are Thursday-Saturday, 9 am to 5 pm and Sunday 1 pm to 5 pm. Private tours are available by appointment.

Our email address is irhmuseum@gmail.com or call 618-357-8908 (landline) or 618-571-5332 (cell). For more information go to our website www. illinoisruralheritagemuseum.org

memorials

The War Memorial

The War Memorial in the Pinckneyville City Park is a monument to commemorate military service persons from Pinckneyville who have either attended Pinckneyville High School or have been part of the Pinckneyville community. It is located on the north side of the airplane between the road and the walking path.

Completed in 2015, the memorial lists the names of individuals from Pinckneyville who were killed in action from the first World War up to the present day.

The monument consists of three small pillars. The center has a battle cross with a commemorative saying on it, “Honor and remember those from Pinckneyville who gave their lives in defense of freedom.” The two stones on either side list the names at random.

In 2022, the memorial was updated with the addition of the names of Tyler R. Iubelt, Bernard F. Reynolds and Holli R. Bolinski.

memorials

Veterans Memorial and Fallen Heroes Memorial

The Perry County Veterans Memorial, located on the south side of the Perry County Courthouse grounds, was dedicated by the Daffron/Presswood Post #2504 Pinckneyville American Legion in 1998.

The Memorial was updated with the addition of Private First Class Tyler Ray Iubelt. PFC Iubelt died in Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (Afghanistan) in 2016. The Veterans Memorial was rededicated in 2017 during Veterans Day ceremonies.

Anyone wishing to give toward the upkeep and future care of the Perry County Veterans Memorial may make donations toward American Legion, Post #2504.

The Fallen Heroes Memorial, on the northeast corner of the courthouse grounds, was completed on October 25, 2012. The memorial faces the scene of the fire that claimed the northeast corner of the square in June 2011 and also resulted in the death of Du Quoin Fireman Corey Shaw.

Shaw’s name is displayed on the memorial along with law enforcement officers William Watts who passed away in 1881 and John F. Kelly who passed away in 1921. Fundraisers were conducted to pay for materials and Kellerman Masonry donated the labor.

The memorial was damaged on February 3, 2017 when a vehicle drove into the memorial damaging three monuments, marble bench, and two flag poles. The memorial has since been re-erected. Nashville Monument Company completed the work on September 27, 2017, and two flag poles were placed around April 14th.

The memorial was updated in November 2021 with the addition of Tyler Iubelt and Holli Bolinski, both lost in support of Afghanistan Operations.

memorials

The Baby Sarah Memorial

This play area is dedicated to Baby Sarah, an infant found abandoned in Pyramid State Park near Pinckneyville on April, 2, 2000.

The Memorial for Baby Sarah is located at the Pinckneyville City Park near the Perry County Fairgrounds. Baby Sarah is the name given by

the community to an infant found abandoned in Pyramid State Park on April 2, 2000. The tiny female infant’s lifeless body was discovered by two fishermen on a boat ramp at Spring Lake.

When this tragedy struck over 20 years ago, the community wanted to do something to honor and remember this precious child. Donations were given to place a memorial at the City Park along with playground equipment for the community children to enjoy in Baby Sarah’s memory. The Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce wanted to help. So, Kent Epplin and Peggy Sims with First National Bank raised funds to buy the infant’s memorial stones. There are bricks around the memorial site with donor’s names listed on them. The memorial site has been updated in the last few years thanks to local donors. The community may not have answers as to who this child was or what happened to her, but she is thought about often as people visit her memorial and learn about her tragedy.

health Services

High Point Residence Pinckneyville

High Point

Residence Pinckneyville is a supportive living community for seniors over the age of 65, dedicated to providing individualized assistance plans, tailor-made to keep seniors as independent as possible.

High Point Residence Pinckneyville offers two types of apartments, studio or one-bedroom, that residents can decorate and furnish just like they would at home. The residents are offered many services such as medication reminders, three home-cooked meals a day, weekly housekeeping and weekly laundry services, socialization activities and transportation to appointments and shopping. There are also several on-site amenities such as a beauty shop, community dining room and many common areas for visiting. Some of the activities offered are games including brain games, noodle ball, soccer, volleyball, parties, entertainment, cooking classes, bingo, crafts also offered is an excellent exercise program including working with weights, yoga, walking club, recumbent bike and they also compete in State wide exercise competitions and weekly shopping trips in town. Residents also enjoy Wii bowling and are involved in tournaments with other supportive living communities throughout the state. The local churches provide Sunday

afternoon church services to our residents at High Point Residence Pinckneyville. Located in a serene forest setting, the Residences also includes a gazebo for relaxation and conversation with neighbors. This makes for an enjoyable time during the warmer months. Their emphasis is on maintaining health, wellness, dignity and independence. They select their staff based on their dedication to serving seniors. The staff gets to know each individual senior’s favorite hobbies and activities, to better establish them in the community.

The purpose of High Point Residence Pinckneyville is to promote independence and for the resident to be selfsufficient for as long as possible but have the convenience of round the clock on-site care giving peace of mind to the resident as well as their families.

The High Point Residence Pinckneyville is a safe, secure environment intent on eliminating all worries which come with living alone. It is a community built just for seniors and their needs, whatever they may be.

The unique thing about High Point Residence Pinckneyville is that no one is turned away due to their inability to pay. Some residents pay privately for their rent and services, while others qualify for a financial assistance program offered by the Supportive Living Program through the state of Illinois.

So if one just needs that little extra security but are not close to needing the 24-hour skilled nursing care delivered in a nursing home, then the High Point Residence Pinckneyville is where one should call home.

health Services

Pinckneyville Community Hospital and The Wellness Center

Since opening its doors in September 2015, Pinckneyville Community Hospital has remained steadfast in its mission to lead the way toward a

The Ultimate Wood Heat.

healthier tomorrow.

As a Critical Access Hospital, Pinckneyville Community Hospital plays a vital role in serving the community’s healthcare needs. However, with the evolving landscape of healthcare in America, outpatient services have become increasingly essential. Recognizing this shift, the hospital has significantly expanded its outpatient offerings in recent years— introducing new specialty providers, advanced outpatient clinics, and services designed to reduce inpatient admissions and emergency room visits.

Committed to the well-being of the community and surrounding areas, Pinckneyville Community Hospital continues to grow and adapt, ensuring high-quality, accessible healthcare for generations to come.

health Services

Perry County Health Department

The Perry County Health Department was established by a resolution vote of Perry County Commissioners and became a certified local health department on March 15, 1977. The need for a health department in Perry County was demonstrated to the County Board through the need of Home Health services and the department has added programs from that beginning point, continually evolving into what it is today.

The Perry County Health Department’s Home Health Agency has provided home health services since 1977. The agency serves residents of Perry County and surrounding areas with Skilled Nursing Care, Home Health Aide Services, Nutrition Management, Physical Therapy, Speech, and Occupational Therapy in the home when prescribed by the patient’s physician.

Persons qualifying for care in the home include the recently discharged hospital patients, chronically ill or disabled, the recuperating and terminally-ill patients who are homebound and require a skilled nursing service on an intermittent, temporary basis. Clients, family members and significant others are encouraged to actively assist in the client’s plan of care and recovery.

The Perry County Health Department provides assistance through the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program and a voluntary program Family Case Management (FCM). Additionally assistance for home visitation through FCM and safety education are provided. Lead screenings, hearing and vision, hemoglobin, immunizations, well child exams and referrals are made by Registered Nurses and trained professionals. Breastfeeding Peer Counselors, breast pumps, breast pump rentals, breastfeeding

education are also available to all Perry County residents.

Blood Pressure screenings are available for free primarily on Mondays but will be completed for anyone needing one done on days the clinic is operational. Lab services are available to all residents of Perry County by appointment. A health educator is also available to provide education services to our community, churches and schools. Family Planning services are available at a reduced cost as well as STD testing for free to all citizens of Perry County.

Environmental Services such as food inspection, smoking inspections, safe water, septic permits and food permits can be provided by trained staff members. Emergency Preparedness activities are also completed by skilled staff.

The Perry County Health Department provides laboratory testing/blood work at a discounted price for no insurance and high deductibles by appointment. They can bill private insurance for the following services; Laboratory/blood work, family planning and immunizations. Please call to check the list of contracted insurance companies.

The Perry County Health Department houses General Assistance: A county funded program designed to assist adults in meeting their basic needs for housing, utilities, personal needs and transportation. It is a “last resort” effort for individuals who are unable to work.

The Perry County Health Department is located at 907 S. Main Street in Pinckneyville. You can contact staff members at 618-357-5371 for further questions and to schedule appointments.

health Services

Perry County Counseling Center

The mission of the Perry County Counseling Center is to provide programs and services that increase clients’ life satisfaction as they recover from behavioral health and substance use issues. The center provides a variety of treatment options, community resources and a supportive environment for its patients.

Staff at the center area are available 24 hours a day to provide crisis intervention on an ongoing basis. In addition to adult outpatient treatment, including counseling and therapy for persons suffering from mental health issues, the center also provides child and adolescent treatment services. A residential treatment program is also available, which includes supervised or supported programs for individuals who need additional levels of care to complete their recovery.

The center also provides outpatient treatment for alcohol and substance use. The services provided include early intervention assessments, level I and II treatment sessions for adults and adolescents, and aftercare programs.

Additionally, the center provides community support to its clients, which assists in providing additional medical and social services. Case managers at the center also help clients progress through recovery outside the treatment center by providing a resiliency-focused program in the community.

In addition to treatment programs, the Counseling Center also provides prevention, support and educational programs. Staff members work with outside programs, like Life Savers and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, to promote substance use prevention awareness within the community. An employment specialist is also on staff to provide placement services and support for clients with mental illness who need educational or job placement support. Staff members are also trained in providing DUI assessments, treatment sessions and risk education. Telehealth services are available.

For more information about the programs or services available at the Perry County Counseling Center, call 5424357 during regular office hours, Monday thru Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Counseling Center is also open on Tuesday 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for substance use/DUI groups. The center’s 24-hour crisis hotline number is 618-542-HELP.

Perry County Counseling Center

Providing services in Perry County since 1971.

• Outpatient mental health and substance use disorder treatment from ages 5 and older.

• DUI evaluations and Risk education classes as well as DUI groups.

• Supported employment program that assists individuals to become employed.

• Case management program that assists clients with every day needs.

• Supervised residential program that allows individuals to “step down” from a recent hospitalization helping them acclimate back into independent living.

• Supported residential program that assists individuals living independently, but still requiring some assistance.

• Prevention Specialist in Perry County schools educating our youth about substance use disorder.

• We offer telehealth services. We accept all MCO’s, Medicaid &

We offer a sliding fee scale for Perry County residents needing mental health treatment and for all Illinois residents needing substance use disorder treatment that are not covered by any type of Medicaid or insurance.

Mon. & Wed. 8-5, Tues. & Thurs. 8-6:30, Fri. 8-12pm

We are a 24 hour crisis hotline, always answered by a person, not a machine.

The Pinckneyville area and the Southern Illinois region offers endless opportunities for recreational industry development. The area is known for its great hunting and fishing. Within a short distance of Pinckneyville, visitors enjoy a multitude of other outdoor recreational activities. The area supports a wildlife refuge, national forest and numerous state parks.

Perry County Fairgrounds and City Park

The Pinckneyville City Park is a great location for recreation for those of all ages. At all times of the year, people can be seen using the paved 0.62 mile walking track, tennis and pickleball courts, basketball court, playground equipment and pavilions complete with picnic tables throughout for public use. In the summer, Bender Municipal pool is open to the public and on any given day or night, one can see children playing baseball or softball on one of the five ball diamonds located in the fairgrounds. Restroom facilities are available in the park.

The park is also home for the Perry County Fair, the oldest continuous running fair in Illinois. The American Thresherman Association, Inc., also hosts two shows each year at the park.

They are held annually on the third week-end of August and October.

Campsites, the exhibition hall and pavilions provide excellent facilities for a family reunion, wedding reception or rummage sale. These are available for rent year round. Camping permits are available by calling the City Park Manager at (618) 318-9236.

Bender Municipal Swimming Pool

The Bender Municipal Pool is named in honor of former Pinckneyville Mayor, Jake Bender. The Bender Municipal Swimming Pool traditionally opens the weekend before Memorial Day weekend and closes the Sunday before the first day back to school. The pool will be opening later in May and closing in August. The pool is open to the public and is located at the intersection of Murphy Road and Fairground Road at the southeast corner of the City Park. The facility is handicap accessible. The pool offers shower facilities, swimming lessons, water aerobics sessions, a water slide and concessions. The pool is available for rent for swim parties. Private pool parties are typically held in the evening from 8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. (additional hours may be available) and scheduled 1 week in advance. Aerobic classes and swim lessons are also offered.

For this year’s pool hours and day/evening sessions check

with the Bender Municipal Swimming Pool in Pinckneyville for further information.

Pinckneyville City Lake

The Pinckneyville City Lake is a 190-acre impoundment lake in a naturally beautiful setting on the City’s north side. In addition to supplying the City’s drinking water, the lake is a popular recreational site. The facility is improved with paved roads and parking lots, boat launch ramp, dock, and picnic facilities. It is professionally managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and boasts some of the area’s best sport fishing opportunities. The lake is open to the public. There is a 10-horsepower limit on boat motors.

Pyramid State Park

Pyramid State Recreation Area consists of heavily forested hills and many lakes and ponds. Originally, Southern Illinois University formerly owned and used 924 acres for research. In 1968, Pyramid became a State Recreation Area, and at this time received the 924 acres from the university. Additional land acquisition and the latest acquisition of the Arch Mineral Properties and the purchase of the Satellite area known as Campbell Pond consisting of 520 acres, brings the total overall acreage to 19,701 making Pyramid the largest State Recreation Area in Illinois and gets its name from a coal mine

that once existed there.

More than 500 acres of water from lakes varying in size from 0.1 acres to 276 acres. The largest lake on the property is known as “Super Lake” located on the Arch acquisition of the “Captain Unit.” Most of the lakes on the original Pyramid Site were created prior to 1950. Since many of the lakes can be reached only by foot, Pyramid affords an opportunity for the angler to get away from crowds.

In 1962, the state’s first strip-mine reclamation law became effective. The most common method of reclamation in the 1930s was tree planting, but this was discouraging as the trees brought no quick economic return. A mature hardwood timber consisting of mostly White Oak and Hickory on the West edge of the park is an area of about 20 acres which was not mined. Several stands of conifers were planted years ago, and there is a timber cover of cottonwood, box elder and sycamore. Oak and hickory trees are increasing in number.

Many species of wildlife may be found in the area, including songbirds, deer, squirrels, beavers, rabbits, turkey, bobcat, raccoons, possums, coyotes, weasel, mink, woodchucks and waterfowl. Picnic areas are numerous but small due to the terrain. Picnic tables and charcoal grills are available, and there is one picnic shelter. Pit toilets are located throughout the area.

There are 16.5 miles of foot and horse trails and this includes Mountain bike riding. Future plans include increasing the mileage of the hiking, mountain bike and equestrian trail system to expand to the newly acquired Arch property.

Tent and trailer camping are permitted at designated

camping areas only. There are three Class C camping areas, Class D hike-in campsites, a small equestrian camp and a youth group camping area. Water and a trailer dump station are available near the site office. There are no electrical hookups in the camping areas. No reservations are required.

The park now offers an all-purpose building capable of accommodating 90 people for events. A full kitchen area, full toilet facilities and tables and seating are provided. Contact the park office to reserve the building for your event. Go to friendsofpyramidstatepark.com to find information on the park GPS coordinates are provided for specific amenities and destinations in the park.

Fishermen will find that largemouth bass and bluegill are the predominant species. Lost Lake and some of the other lakes contain a hybrid of green sunfish/bluegill. There also are redear and channel catfish in some of the lakes.

Canoeing is popular because of the rough terrain, and all lakes are designated as no-wake. Boat launches are available at some of the larger lakes.

Waterfowl hunting is not permitted on the old original section of Pyramid, however, waterfowl hunting is allowed at the newly acquired Arch Mineral Property consisting of the “Galum” unit, “Captain” unit and the “Denmark” unit. In addition, deer hunting, and upland game hunting will be offered in this area. Check for site-specific information. This area is a managed quality hunting area which means you may take a buck deer with a minimum of 4 points on one side. Upland game is by drawing, and a free upland game

application must be submitted by mail to our Springfield office.

The Friends of Pyramid State Park, a 501c3 corporation, was established in 2011 for the purpose of promoting conservation and improved utilization by the public of the park. Most recent projects were the all purpose building located in the Denmark area and the ongoing eradication program of invasive species. For information about the Friends, please visit our website, friendsofpyramidstatepark. com or call 618-357-8773.

The Park office is located at 1562 Pyramid Park Road, Pinckneyville, IL 62274. Their phone number is 618-357-2574.

Lake Sallateeska Baptist Camp

Lake Sallateeska Baptist Camp and Retreat Center exists to provide your church or church-related group a friendly, comfortable, and convenient place for your group to grow spiritually together and to build lasting memories. Looking to host a retreat for church staff, couples, or Sunday school class/ Small Group? Maybe you want a spot where your youth group can get away from distractions and build unity? We want to provide you with just the place!

Between our seasonal pool and our 6 acre lake where you can enjoy paddle boarding, canoes, and kayaks, you will be able

recreation

to enjoy hours of fun on the water. Doing all Lake Sallateeska has to offer including hiking, ax throwing, miniature golf, sand volleyball, gaga ball and more! We also offer a fun and challenging laser tag course that is perfect for people of all ages!

In addition to the many recreation options, the Lakeview Worship Center, located in the heart of the camp, is great for large gatherings of people. With enough room for 350 people, this building offers a whole host of possibilities. A full-size stage and optional sound system provide the perfect place for your group’s speaker or praise band, and heating and air-conditioning make it a comfortable place to hang out all year round.

The Dining Hall is one of the more important buildings of camp because it is where we feed you! It is built to hold up to 200 people when set up in a cafeteria style, and up to 100 people when set in banquet style. It also has separate men’s and women’s bathrooms, a fireplace, and heating and airconditioning.

There are many lodging facilities within the grounds. The Sallateeska Inn, which looks out onto the lake, houses 14 hotel style rooms with 2 double beds in each room, as well as 2 ADA accessible rooms with 1 double bed each. Every room has its own private bathroom. All rooms are also supplied with towels and linens. The Inn provides lodging for up to 60 people. It also has a large conference room built to hold 60 people and features a kitchen area and a fireplace. This area is great for adult retreats,

church groups, or other small group events.

Other lodging options are our many bunkhouses. Wilma Lodge and Ford Lodge have a large conference room area to host 40 people. These lodges also include a kitchenette, air-conditioning, heating, fireplace, and porches facing the lake to give your group a beautiful waterfront view. Your group will be comfortable in our dorm-like rooms (2 rooms in each lodge). Wilma comfortably sleeps 32, rooms also have their own connected bathrooms. Ford sleeps 20 and each of the two rooms has its own bathroom. Linens are not provided in any of our bunkhouses.

“The Back Three,” Harrison, Metro and Hinkle Lodges, are located directly across from the pool, and are each divided into two carpeted dorm rooms. Each lodge hosts 16 bunkbeds split between two separate bunkrooms, for a total sleeping capacity of 32 people per lodge. Each lodge also has a small conference room area that is outfitted with a kitchenette and a wood-burning fireplace, and all three lodges are heated and airconditioned. Linens and towels are not provided.

Lake Sallateeska Baptist Camp and Retreat Center is managed by Brock Vandever and is located at 4867 Baptist Camp Road in Pinckneyville, just off IL 127, about eight miles north of Pinckneyville. For more information about Lake Sallateeska or to request a tour, find them on Facebook or Instagram, log on to their website www.lakesallateeska.com or simply call our office at 618-336-5272.

education

Community Consolidated School district #204

6067 State Route 154, Pinckneyville, IL 62274

618-357-2419

http://www.ccsd204.org

Superintendent/Principal: Jerry Travelstead

Grades: Pre-K-8

Board of Education:

Jacki Brand, President

Matthew Heine, Vice President

Sean Carter

Jacqueline Brand

Mark Stanton

Janet Szczepanski

James Williams

The Board of Education meets on the second to last Tuesday of the month at 6:00 p.m.

district #50

Pinckneyville elementary School

301 W. Mulberry St., Pinckneyville, IL 62274

618-357-5161 • http://www.jrpanther.com

Superintendent: Brian Pasero

Principal: Brittany McConachie Grades: K-4

Pinckneyville Junior high School

700 East Water St., Pinckneyville, IL 62274

618-357-2724 • http://www.jrpanther.com

Superintendent: Brian Pasero

Principal: Mark Rohlfing Grades: 5-8

Board of Education: President, Kyle Pursell

Vice President, Paul Nehrkorn

Aaron Johnson

Austin Marlow

Gideon Hutchcraft

Justin Martin

Michael Porter

St. bruno Catholic School

210 N. Gordon St., Pinckneyville, IL 62274

618-357-8276 • http://stbrunoschool.com

Principal: Mr. John Smith

Grades: Pre-K - 8th Grade

St. Bruno Catholic School Board of Education: Brian Otten-President

Bailey Lee

Jacky Blum

Jon Ruppert

Marci Specogni

Mitchelle Calderon

Tricia Doerflein

Fr. John Igwe

The board of education meets on the first Tuesday of the month

tamaroa grade School

200 W. Main St., P.O. Box 175, Tamaroa, IL 62888 618-496-5513 • http://tgs5.com

Superintendent: Mrs. Erica Hicks

Administrative Secretary: Ms. Angela Wright Grades: K-8

Board of Education: Charles Stein, President

Misty Doerflein, Vice President

Mackenzie Lively, Secretary

Sherri Phillips

Alaina Marlow

Phillip Catt

Devan Downard

The Board of Education meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m

Pinckneyville Community high School

600 E. Water St., Pinckneyville, IL 62274

618-357-5013 • http://www.pchspanthers.com

Superintendent: Mr. Andrew Dagner

Principal: Mr. Haven Hicks Grades: 9-12

Board of Education:

Brian Kellerman, President

Curtis Miller, Vice President

Lisa Stanton, Secretary

Greg Bigham

John Morgan

Mike Plumlee

Jeff Suchomski

The Board of Education meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 7 p.m.

Rend Lake College Murphy-Wall Campus education

For more than 20 years, the Rend Lake College MurphyWall Pinckneyville Campus (MWPC) has served the community through educational programming that’s affordable and close to home.

“We have a beautiful facility and we are so fortunate to have this campus in our community,” said Campus Director Heather Bauersachs. “It provides so many opportunities for our students.”

Built through the determination and generosity of the community’s residents, the MWPC and ongoing partnership between Pinckneyville and RLC has worked for the benefit of the community. Since opening in the fall of 2002, the campus has generated thousands of credit hours. Pinckneyville Community High School students continue to benefit from tuition-free, dualcredit classes through the MWPC.

The MWPC project first became possible with the support of Murphy-Wall State Bank and Trust, an anonymous donor, and State Senators Bill O’Daniel and David Luechtefeld. Things have come a long way since a dozen area leaders, shovels in hands, broke ground on the project along Highway 154.

“We are incredibly proud of the collaboration and commitment that has gone into the Murphy-Wall Pinckneyville Campus,” said Dean of Pinckneyville Campus Advancement and Outreach Andrea Banach. “It’s a great example of how our community comes together to help students and make education as accessible as possible.”

In addition to the dual-enrollment and dual-credit opportunities for Pinckneyville Community High School students, the MWPC offers placement testing, general education courses, truck driver training, community education opportunities, computer workshops, children’s camps, first aid and CPR training, Certified Nurse Assistant education, and specialized computer training requested by area businesses.

The capabilities of the campus took another leap forward in Fall 2011 when the new Science and Computer Center opened, allowing students at the MWPC to earn an associate degree in some disciplines without having to travel to the main campus in Ina. This project again was the result of the citizens and leaders in Pinckneyville, banding together to raise money with the help of the RLC Foundation.

Over the years, RLCF has increased the number of scholarships dedicated to students in the Pinckneyville community supported by area individuals and businesses. Recently, the Pinckneyville community was blessed with the Charles and Maude Guy Family Endowment Scholarship that will be awarded to a vast amount of RLCF scholarship applicants within the Pinckneyville Community High School district.

Pinckneyville Community High School education

With a rich history and a modern facility completed in September 2012, the staff and faculty of Pinckneyville Community High School (PCHS) District 101 has established a standard of academic excellence and espouses to offer programs that provide the best learning environment for all students. The school annually continues to earn a Commendable rating under the State’s school recognition and accountability system. Individual and group academic success abounds augmented by the success of students in a variety of extra-curricular offerings.

The administration notes that the school has a collegial atmosphere among staff that places the needs of students at the forefront. The faculty and staff are invested in each student and look to provide opportunities not only for academic success but to provide optimal learning opportunities outside the regular classroom. Extra-curricular programs exist for all students that provide opportunities for students to excel in athletics, fine arts, academic competition, and in providing service to others in the community. College and career readiness are focal points of the school’s mission and vision in preparing students for life beyond high school.

The district continues to refine practices to zero in on the “Freshmen on Track” student performance standard that the district is extremely proud of as measured by the Illinois State Board of Education. Students identified as “on track” have earned at least five full-year course credits (10 semester credits) and have earned no more than one semester “F” in a core course (English, math, science, or social science). Freshmen on track is a key predictor of high school success whereby students who finish the ninth-grade on track are almost four times as likely to graduate from high school as students who are not on track.

The school benefits by having small class sizes where a student can receive one-on-one attention from their instructors. The five-year average size of each class is approximately 19 students. This provides a great opportunity for teachers and support staff to know their students and to provide instruction that targets each individual student. A unique class schedule provides extended learning opportunities at the end of each school for students to meet with any teacher for additional academic support.

Academically, the faculty at PCHS looks to continue to increase the amount of rigor of their advanced curriculum, as well as accommodating students who might have difficulty with

their classes. The school utilizes an innovative Math Readiness Academy that is offered for all incoming freshmen students in the weeks prior to school actually starting each fall. A large majority of all incoming freshmen participate in the program that provides an additional 30 hours of math instruction to their academic year. A hidden benefit to the program is the unrestricted access the students have to the school, the faculty and the administration team before the rest of the classes join them. This early orientation process has proven to raise the achievement levels of freshmen by eliminating much of the anxiety of transitioning to high school. In recent years the district has returned Art and Agriculture course offerings in an effort to address the interests of all students. PCHS has an outstanding relationship with Rend Lake College that provides our students early access to college and career coursework through dual credit academic and technical fields. Each year, approximately 35% of our students take advantage of Early College Coursework. The number of students requiring remedial course-work during their first year of college was 32% lower than the state average. This further emphasizes the school’s desire to prepare students for the workforce and for continuing education programs beyond their high school learning experience.

The motto of PCHS remains, “Excellence in Education… No Excuses.” This type of philosophy embraced by the faculty, staff, and administration is based on a continuous improvement mindset as a core value. All programs and instruction methods are evaluated and improved in an ongoing manner based on a school improvement planning process. School stakeholders understand the value of a quality school system in the community and understand the role the high school plays in providing the best education for students as life-long learners and contributing members of society. The school enjoys the support of partnerships with the PCHS Education Foundation, the Foundation for the Future of Pinckneyville, the Pinckneyville Community Hospital, the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce including school related booster organizations. These partnerships provide additional support for the academic and extra-curricular success for all students. There is no doubt the community of Pinckneyville understands the value of a quality education where the school understands and appreciates the value of community support to fulfill the mission, vision, and core beliefs of Pinckneyville High School.

Pinckneyville Community High School Education Foundation

Building a Better Future for Our Kids

One of the best investments a community can make is in its young people. That is the idea behind every strategic decision and every dollar raised by the PCHS Education Foundation. The successes of the Pinckneyville Community High School students are the very center of the Education Foundation efforts. Since its inception in 2006 this group has provided over $400,000 in scholarships and another $200,000 to programs that benefit PCHS Students. Our latest project was the addition of the TouchPro which is a digital archive of all things related to PCHS. On the TouchPro you can find yearbooks from 1950 to 2024, and Class Composite Photos. We are adding content every week that includes sports teams, clubs, Hall of Fame Members and The

Tri-County Special Education education

PantherConnect Alumni Magazine issues.

In 2022 the Foundation brought back the PCHS Hall of Fame as the last inductees were in 1985. Along with sponsoring the Hall of Fame which includes an Annual Banquet in March, The Foundation started the Alumni Magazine PantherConnect which is published annually. The purpose of the magazine is twofold highlighting and telling the stories of our Hall of Fame inductees plus informing our alumni about all the activities going on at Pinckneyville Community High School.

If you would like to donate to the foundation please send checks to PCHS Education Foundation P.O. Box 81 Pinckneyville, IL. 62274 or donate online at www.pantherconnect.org.

Tri-County Special Education is a Joint Agreement between 20 public school districts in Jackson, Perry, and Union counties, TCSE facilitates and provides Special Education services, on behalf of those districts, to children ages 3 through 21. TCSE offers a variety of educational assistance options to help public school children take full advantage of a free and appropriate public education. Services include consultation with regular classroom teachers, partial-day classroom assistance, full-time special education classes, and related services including OT, PT, Speech and Social Work.

TCSE offers assistance to member school districts with educational assessment, program planning, related-service development and staffing, parental consultation, coordination with other service agencies, compliance with current state ISBE and federal IDEA guidelines, and Child Find screenings.

For information community members may contact their local school district or call TCSE Administrative Office located at 805 N. 16th St in Murphysboro at 618-684-2109.

Athletics

Pinckneyville Summer League

Boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 14 are invited to participate in Pinckneyville’s Pony League Baseball and Softball League program. Teams will practice April thru June at the fields located at the city park. Some teams travel to compete with teams from other Communities in their age groups. All coaches and board members are volunteers from our community so if you are interested in helping feel free to contact us as well. For more information please look us up on Facebook under: Pinckneyville Baseball Softball League.

Panther Powerhouse Wrestling Club

The Panther Powerhouse Wrestling Club is a wrestling staple in the community and has been for about 25 years. It serves boys and girls from kindergarten through eighth grade. This club begins its season in early November and continues through mid-March. They hold matches at home as well as in nearby communities. They participate in tournaments and some children compete in regionals, sectionals and state competition. For more information, contact Nathan Scalf at 618-318-0476 or pantherpowerhouse10@gmail.com

Perry County Soccer League

The Perry County Soccer Association, Inc. provides children ages five through 14 an opportunity to compete in soccer. The league was founded in 2007 and is a member of the Illinois Youth Soccer Association. The younger boys and girls play on coed teams. The league hosts two seasons one in the spring and one in the fall with games played at the NEW Sports Complex off of Mildred Drive. Boys and Girls ages 12 through 14 who attend a Perry County School play in the Southern Illinois Middle School Soccer League that was formed in 2015 and compete with teams throughout Southern Illinois. For more information visit our Facebook page, or our website at www.perrycountysoccer.com.

Pinckneyville Dolphins Swim Team

The Pinckneyville Dolphins swim team is made up of local kids ages 4-18 who love to swim and compete. The program promotes a sense of individual achievement along with being part of a team. It is also a great way to stay active in the summer with the added benefit of staying cool in the pool. The swim team is part of the Shawnee Swim Conference which includes Nashville, Red Bud, Sparta, Millstadt and Carlyle. Many of the community’s youth have experienced great success in the pool as part of the team. Some of the Dolphins continue swimming on area club teams through the non-summer months and also on college teams after graduation. The season runs from June 1 through the end of July every year. Watch for registration in April.

For more information check out the Pinckneyville Dolphins Page on Facebook, or contact Ashley Hicks at 618-357-1197.

Pinckneyville Shooting Team

The Pinckneyville Scholastic Shooting Sports team is made up of mature youth from Perry County who exhibit extraordinary firearms safety and etiquette. The team has won numerous awards and is the 2015 SCTP National Champions. The team practices weekly, team members compete in trap, sporting clay, and skeet competitions. In July, the youth compete in the SCTP Nationals and AIM Nationals. In August, they compete in the ATA Grand American at Sparta and other state and local competitions throughout the year. The team also participates in numerous fundraiser shoots and banquets.

Mature youth, as young as fifth grade, who have completed a hunter safety course and have applied for or have obtained a FOID card, along with their parents, are invited to contact the shooting team President Elizabeth Cheek (618) 357-1305 or head coach Kari Craig at 618-318-3381.

Pinckneyville Public library

The Pinckneyville Public Library is located at 312 South Walnut Street in Pinckneyville.

The hours of operation are Monday/Wednesday 12 noon to 6:00 p.m., Tuesday/Thursday 12 noon to 5:00 p.m. Friday 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Our phone number is 618-357-2410 or visit our website at www.pinckneyvillelibrary.com. You can email us at library@pinckneyville.lib.il.us and message us by liking and following our Facebook page.

We offer regular programs including a monthly Story Time, Summer Reading and a weekly after school STEAM Club, as well as events such as book talks, presentations, exhibits, movie nights and more! The library has five desktop computers and two laptops for public use and printing.

Copying and faxing services are offered to our patrons. Genealogical and historical documents are available on our website so members of the community can do genealogical research from the comfort of their home!

As members of the Illinois Heartland Library

System patrons are able to access the card catalog from the library web page for the entire system from any computer in the library or from their home and place reserves on items using their library card id and their pin number. Patrons with a valid library card may visit other libraries in our area and check out items, for example you could visit the Carbondale Public Library using your library card and you can return the item you checked out to the Pinckneyville Public Library and we will send it back to Carbondale for you through the Illinois Heartland Library System delivery. We also offer e-Books through Libby and 3M cloudLibrary.

Residents living in the city limits pay a library tax and are not charged for a library card. Just bring in a picture ID and proof of residency to sign up for your library card. Those living outside the city limits pay $25.00 a year for their library card. This fee is of equal value to what those living in the city limits pay in tax fees.

Our Board of Trustees is appointed by the mayor. The current Board of Trustees includes President Charlene Butcher, Vice President Jill Tegethoff, Treasurer Connie Mathis, Secretary Jamie Wildermuth and Trustees Barry Kellerman, Patti Wittenauer, Sarah Issler and Jonathan

u of i extenstion Center & 4-h

The County currently has the following clubs: The Buckeyes, The Blue Ribbon Go-Getters, Perry County Panthers, The Indians, Go-Getter Buddies, Itsy Bitsy Spikers, Clever Clovers, Jr. Panther Science Club, Area 51, Lucky Clovers, The CloverLeaf Journalism Club, Sew Much Fun, Head & Heart Quilt Club, Bee Squad, Atoms Family, Science Party House, F.I.R.E.builders, Kids in the Park, Panthers ESPORTS, Shooting Sports, Campbell Hill Cherokees and Perry County Federation . Members enjoy doing community service projects such as helping the American Legion place flags on Veterans graves, sending cards to Veterans in Anna, IL, and buying Christmas Gifts for 5-Star Children’s Home. The various clubs do projects and trips with their club members. This year Sew Much Fun made Christmas wall hangings with help from the Perry County HCE ladies. Every June

members participate in the County 4-H Shows (Food, General, Small Pet, Tractor, Swine Premier and Livestock).

4-H partners with the Perry County HCE to host a Passport Party every year. Members learn about a different country and state each year. In March they will learn about South Africa and Georgia. Workshops are held throughout the year to help educate on the different project areas 4-H offers. One does not have to be enrolled in 4-H to participate in the workshops. To be an active member and be allowed to show projects taken, participants must be 8 years old; however younger youth between the ages of 5 – 8 can join as a Cloverbud. If you are interested in joining 4-H, learning more about 4-H, or being an adult volunteer, please contact Rhonda Shubert at the Perry County Extension Office, 618-357-2126.

Pinckneyville Community Center

The Pinckneyville Community Center located at 203 North Walnut St, Pinckneyville, IL 62274. The building is ready to be rented anytime of the year for family gatherings, birthday parties,

baby showers, bridal showers, ect. There is no alcohol allowed in the center. The doors are open 8:00-noon and 1:00-4:30 Monday through Friday, if you would like to come see it. It can also be used for community meetings. We do have a few offices that could be rented for a business. We also run an afterschool program for kids in District 101. We have 60 kids who come every day after school to get help with their school work, eat a snack and have some fun. Anyone wishing to help the afterschool program can donate money, snacks or most important time. Feel free to call and ask questions about the program. Activities that we have for youth to do are: pool table, ping pong table, basketball, soccer, volleyball, pickleball, badminton, board games and books. We also have a 50” tv screen for meetings. This center is for the residents to use, so any questions please call Rhonda Shubert 618-317-7302 or City Hall at 618-357-6916. We also have a Facebook page: Pinckneyville Community Center.

Community Programs

Least of the Brethren Ministry

Least of the Brethren Ministry is a non-profit corporation in Pinckneyville, Illinois founded on May 13, 1997; it is a 501c3 organization, IRS approved, and tax deductible.

Least of the Brethren Ministry has been an Illinois USDA Food Pantry connected to the St. Louis Area Foodbank since June 1997. St. Louis Area Foodbank provides 90% of the food and USDA products every month; local donations provide 10% of the food. Least of the Brethren service area is from south of Interstate 64 all the way to the Mississippi and Ohio River connection.

Least of the Brethren Ministry board of directors are: Founder George Culley (deceased). Betty Culley, President, CEO; Gloria Kellerman Board of Directors.

Jesus Hands Feed the Hungry for Least of the Brethren Ministry is a Christian Organization. Contact the Least of the Brethren Ministry by phone 618-357-6953 or email betty.culley@yahoo. com. Visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ blc.leastofthebrethren or on their YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/user/georgebettyculley Their prayer phone line is 618-357-6953. Food Pantry hours are Monday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. My beloved husband George Culley passed on June 24, 2022. He is greatly loved and missed. God Bless you all.

Perry CountyTransition 2 Hope

At Perry County Transition 2 Hope, we see the value in everyone. We want to be a catalyst for positive change, and we’ve been driven by the same ideas we initially founded our Non-Profit upon: support, empowerment, and hope.

Perry County Transition 2 Hope Resource Center is located at 31 S. Division Street in Du Quoin between the overpass and the former McDaniel’s Furniture Store. We currently offer help to people with housing deficiencies and food insecurities. The facility is staffed by Perry County Counseling Center and Take Action Today, which can offer professional assistance. The Resource Center is open Monday-Friday 9-4 pm. The Resource Center offers free hot meals every Thursday, donated by different businesses and individuals every week. We encourage you to visit the Resource Center to see all that is offered to those in need.

Learn more about our mission, our vision, and how we go about making the changes we want to see by visiting our website at www.t2hope.org or visit our facebook page.

Blessing Boxes

The Blessing Box was donated by William Rosado of Perry County Insight. The mission is to help people in need in the community. Items of necessities needed are toilet paper, shampoo, toothpaste, soap, etc.. Also any non-perishable food items like peanut butter, spam, tuna, fruit cups, ramen noodles, etc. If you have any questions you can call Opal at 618-357-1582.

The Blessing Box is at First United Methodist Church in Pinckneyville 315 West South Street. The cabinet is located under the awning at side entrance.

Free Book Libraries

Free Book Libraries are located at the First Baptist Church at 105 S. Mill and Perry County Wash Tub at 407 S. Main Street in Pinckneyville.

Pinckneyville’s Pay It

Forward Shed

The Shed is located 101 North Walnut, Pinckneyville, behind the Community Center in the back parking lot. It is unlocked during the Community Center hours Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Their goal is to provide warm coats & accessories, and blankets during the winter months. They’re hoping they can provide fans during the warmer months. Donations are always accepted & can be set inside the shed door. All items are available to those in need free of charge. Find us on Facebook at Pinckneyville Pay It Forward.

Area Churches

6:00 p.m. Sunday Night Service

6:00 p.m. Wednesday Biblical Study

First Pentecostal Church

310 S. First Street

Pinckneyville, IL 62274 • 618-357-5191

Rev. J. Mark Harris, Sr. & Rev. Jonathan M. Harris Jr. Service Schedule:

Sunday:

Bible Class and Worship Service - 9:30 a.m. Wednesday: Breaking Bread - 7:00 p.m.

First United Methodist Church

315 W. South Street

Places to Worship in Pinckneyville

Beaucoup Baptist Church

5036 State Route 13 • Pinckneyville, IL 62274

Pastor Mark Lee 618-357-2452

Sunday

9:30 a.m. Sunday School

8:15 a.m. Worship

10:30 a.m. Worship 6:30 p.m. Service

Concord Baptist Church

5694 Swanwick Rice Road • Pinckneyville, IL 62274

618-571-2789

Pastor Gary Pate

Sunday

9:30 a.m. Sunday School for all ages

10:30 a.m. Worship Service

5:30 p.m. Prayer Time 6:00 p.m. Evening Service

Wednesday Evening Service 5:00 p.m.

First Baptist Church

105 S. Mill Street

Pinckneyville, IL 62274 • 618-357-2255

Pastor Dr. Jay Lowder www.pvillefbc.com

Sunday

9:00 a.m. Sunday School (all ages) 10:10 a.m. Morning Worship

First Christian Church

213 W. Randolph Street • Pinckneyville, IL 62274 618-357-2558 • www.fccop.info

Minister Josh Yonts

9:45 a.m. Sunday School 10:30 a.m. Sunday Service

Pinckneyville, IL 62274 • 618-357-6111

Pastor Donald Meeks

Sunday Services:

9:00 a.m. Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Worship Nursery available from 9:00-10:00 a.m.

First United Presbyterian Church

3811 State Route 13/127 • Pinckneyville, IL 62274 fupcpville@frontier.com • 618-357-8017

Pastor Sam Froskey 1upcpville.com Sunday 8:30 a.m. Coffee

9 a.m. Worship & Children’s Sunday School

Holt’s Prairie Baptist Church 5622 State Route 154 • Pinckneyville, IL 62274 Collin Hirsch, Pastor Sunday Sunday School- 9:00 AM Worship Service- 10:00 AM

Adult Evening Worship- 6:00 PM

HPB Youth 3rd – 7th grade- 6:00 PM HPB Youth 8th- 12th grade- 6:00 PM Kingdom Kidz 3yrs- 2nd grade 6:00 PM Wednesday Worship and Prayer Service- 7:00 PM

Least of the Brethren Church

407 S. Douglas St. • Pinckneyville, IL 62274

Prayer phone: 357-6953

www.facebook.com/blc.leastofthebrethren www.youtube.com/user/georgebettyculley Saturday service 5:00 p.m.

Food Pantry is open Mondays and Fridays from 9 till noon.

Area Churches

New Hope Community Church

5290 Snowy Owl Road • Pinckneyville, IL 62274

618-357-9686

Pastor James Clardy

Sunday 10 a.m. Worship

Monday 6:30 p.m. Celebrate Recovery

Wednesday 7 p.m. Bible Study and 7 p.m. Youth

Oak Grove Baptist Church

4628 State Route 127

Pinckneyville, IL 62274 • 618-357-2725

Pastor Rob Mathis

Sunday

Sunday School/Bible Study: 9:30 a.m.

Worship: 10:30 a.m.

Worship on Wednesdays: 6:00 p.m.

Roe’s Dale Baptist Church

314 S. Beaucoup Street

Pinckneyville, IL 62274 • 618-357-2057

Pastor Lee Valerius

Sunday:

10:30 a.m. Worship Service

Wednesday: 6 p.m. Prayer/Bible Study

Saint Mary Magdalen

5047 Todds Mill Rd. • Pinckneyville, IL 62274

618-357-5510

www.stbrunostmarymagdalen.com stbsmm@yahoo.com

Sunday Mass at 7 a.m.

St. Bruno Catholic Church

204 N. Gordon Street

Pinckneyville, IL 62274 • 618-357-5510

Fr. John Igwe C.M, Administrator www.stbrunostmarymagdalen.com

Saturday Mass: 5:00 p.m.

Sunday Mass: 8:30 a.m.

Daily: Tuesday 8:30 a.m. Thursday 8:30 a.m.

St. Paul United Church of Christ

205 E. Jackson Street

Pinckneyville, IL 62274 • 618-357-8075

Sunday School at 9 a.m.

Sunday Worship at 10 a.m.

All are welcome to come and experience God’s love!

Trinity Assembly of God

306 S. Main Street • Pinckneyville, IL 62274

618-357-3905

Rev. Keith A. Tyler

Sunday: 10 a.m. Worship Wednesday: 7 p.m. Service

Willow Glen

1100 Kennedy Drive • Pinckneyville, IL 62274 618-318-0660 • Jerry Ross, Pastor Kevin Place, Co-Pastor

Sunday

10 a.m. Fellowship 10:30 a.m. Worship Service

Zion

Lutheran

508 S. Mill Street • Pinckneyville, IL 62274

Pastor: David Kollmeyer 618-357-2818 • www.ziontrinity.org

Sunday: 10 a.m. Worship Service

Trinity Lutheran 2338 Mountain Lion Road Pinckneyville, IL 62274 • 618-357-2818

Rev. David Kollmeyer

Sunday

8:30 a.m. Worship Service 9:30 a.m. Sunday School

Places to Worship in Tamaroa

Apostolic Lighthouse Church

145 South Hickory Street • Tamaroa, IL 62888

Pastor Joseph Crowe

Sunday 1:30 Wednesday 7:30

First Baptist Church

208 S. Locust • Tamaroa, IL 62888

Rev. Raymond Baggott

Sunday School – 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship – 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship – 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Night Prayer/Bible Study – 6:00 p.m.

Friendship Church of Christ

7405 Parrot Road • Tamaroa, IL 62888

618-731-2563

Preaching Minister Micky J. Emmerson

Sunday School (Children & Adult Classes) - 9 a.m.

Sunday - The Lord’s Supper & Worship - 10 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship - 6 p.m.

Area Churches

ImmaculateCatholicConception Church

533 W. 2nd North St. • Tamaroa, IL 62888

618-542-3423

sacredheartduquoin@gmail.com

Sunday Mass 10:00 a.m.

Father John Igwe, C.M.

Nine Mile Baptist Church

6684 State Route 154 • Tamaroa, IL 62888

618-357-9263

www.ninemilebaptistchurch.com

Sunday School - 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Catylst Youth

Sunday Nights 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Tamaroa Christian Church

28 South Walnut • Tamaroa, IL 62888

Pastor Arven Kirkpatrick

618-318-1031

Sunday 10:30 Worship Service

Places to Worship in Coulterville

Winkle Baptist Church

2737 St. Rt.13 • Coulterville, IL 62237

618-758-2681

Pastor Jeff Downard

Sunday 9:30 a.m. Sunday School

10:30 a.m. Morning Worship

6 p.m. Evening Worship Wednesday 6 p.m. Prayer/Bible Study

First Baptist Church of Coulterville

204 S 3rd St. • Coulterville, IL 62237

618-449-1721

Sunday School 8:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship 9:30 a.m.

Wednesday Service 7:00 p.m.

United Methodist Church of Coulterville and Tilden

114 W Locust St. • Coulterville, IL 62237

618-758-2472

Grandcote Reformed Presby Church

209 S 7th St. • Coulterville, IL 62237

618-758-2432

Sunday School: 9:45-10:30 a.m.

Fellowship Time: 10:30 Worship Service: 11:00

Victory Apostolic Church

618-571-2699 • 207 W Main St Coulterville, IL 62237

Places to Worship in Cutler

Denmark American Baptist Church 2262 Pyatt Cutler Road

Cutler, IL 62238 • 618-497-2752

Sunday School - 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship - 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Worship - 6:30 p.m.

Tri-County First Pentecostal Church

301 W Railroad St • Cutler, IL 62238 618-497-2953

First Baptist Church of Cutler

306 E 3rd St • Cutler, IL 62238 618-497-2347

Sunday Bible Study 9:45 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 6:30 p.m.

Reformed Presbyterian Church

321 S Ervin St • Cutler, IL 62238

618-497-2489

Clubs & Organizations

Pinckneyville American Legion, Daffron-Presswood Post #2504

Pinckneyville American Legion, Daffron-Presswood Post #2504 is a part of the nation’s largest veterans service organization. This organization is committed to advocating patriotism and honor, advancing youth programs in our community, a continued devotion to the fellow service members and veterans and promoting a strong national security. This Post performs the following activities:

1. Maintains (with the assistance of the Perry County Sheriff’s Department) the Perry County Veterans Memorial located on the courthouse lawn.

2. Places American flags (with the assistance of youth groups in the community) on the graves of over 1,200 veterans during the Memorial Day weekend.

3. For a small fee, places American flags in front of participating business places in the Pinckneyville area on National holidays and significant veteran’s days (POW/MIA Day, Pearl Harbor Day, etc.).

4. Conducts community ceremonies on Veterans Day and Memorial Day.

5. Each year, the Post awards two academic scholarships to graduating seniors at PCHS. In addition, non monetary citizenship awards are presented to two students at each school in the Pinckneyville area.

6. Conducts graveside military honors for veterans who are buried in the Pinckneyville area. In 2017, there were 25 ceremonies performed.

7. Provides financial assistance to Veterans homes and activities in Southern Illinois.

8. Sells Poppies to the community during the Memorial Day weekend as a raiser.

9. Makes donations to youth programs and school activities within the community.

Meetings are held on the fourth Monday of every month at 9 a.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Pinckneyville. The mailing address is: Pinckneyville American Legion, Post Office Box 207, Pinckneyville, IL 62274. The Post Commander for the organization is Jim Higgerson. For more information please email Leonard Heisner at: lheisner13@hotmail.com

U of I Extension Service

U of I Extension, Perry County Unit is located at the Pinckneyville Community Center, 203 North Walnut St,

Pinckneyville, IL 62274: (618) 357-2126. Hours are 8-12 and 1-4:30 Monday through Friday. They provide information and educational services in agriculture, home economics, 4-H and youth programs, as well as other areas, such as community development and small business. Perry County Extension is part of Unit 26 which includes the counties of Franklin, Jackson, Perry, Randolph and Williamson. University of Illinois Extension offers a food and nutrition program that teaches SNAP recipients how to eat healthy on a limited budget. The food and nutrition program also provides programming at qualifying schools using the various curriculums. If you would like more information about the food and nutrition program, contact our office at 357-2126. Other Extension Offerings SNAP-Ed Educator, Toni Wright; Local Foods/Small Farms Program Coordinator, Maggie Ray and Agriculture and AgriBusiness, Kim Rohling, Family Consumer Sciences Robin Ridgley does presentations at Senior Centers and other locations about Brain Health and Family issues. These educators are here to provide information and training to the residents of Perry County. Perry County Extension also provides farm record books, as well as pesticide training books at a low cost. If you would like any information concerning any of the above programs, please contact Perry County Extension at 618-357-2126. If you require special dietary or disability accommodations, please contact U of I Extension, Perry County Unit at 618357-2126.

Chamber of Commerce

The Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce is here to serve, represent, and be the leading advocate for our unique business community. Members of the Chamber are professionals working in various industries throughout the Pinckneyville area. We aim to help our diverse membership grow personally and professionally.

A few Chamber endeavors include the Annual Citizen & Business of the year award, several scholarships (“All My Life I Wanted To Be A Panther”, “Dick Corn and the 1994 State Champions”, and Rend Lake College Scholarships), Cracklin’ Christmas and Community Tree Lighting, Shop Local Programs, Beautification Projects, Ribbon Cuttings for Local Businesses, organizing of Mardi Gras, and much more! The Chamber also dedicates time to several beautification projects throughout the city, including the holiday

Clubs & Organizations

decorations.

For more information on how your business can grow by becoming a member of the Chamber, or for event information, please call 618-357-3243, email chamber.pville@gmail.com, visit our website at www. pinckneyville.com, or follow us on Facebook.

Perry County Agricultural Society

President Ilene Ruroede. Sponsor of the Perry County Fair, which is held in June each year.

Catholic Daughters of the Americas Court #1385

The Catholic Daughters’ motto is Unity and Charity. They donate to needs in the community as well as many charities local and abroad. The Catholic Daughters meet once a month (except for June, July, August) on the second Monday at 6:30 p.m. in the St. Bruno Junior High Building. They conduct business, have spiritual enhancement, and social time. All Catholic ladies are invited to join.

The CDA is the largest organization of Catholic women in the Americas. Under the patronage of the Blessed Mother, its members are united by faith in Jesus Christ and devotion to the church. Members develop leadership, share talents, participate in the ministries of the church, and are involved in current issues and concerns.

For more information, phone Angie Bruns, local Court Regent-at 618-599-0478 or visit www. Catholicdaughters.org.

Church Women United

Church Women United was founded in 1941 having a motto of: “Agreed to differ, resolved to love and united to serve.” It is a movement to bring or unite women of different cultures, races and traditions in closer Christian fellowship through prayer and action for peace and justice in the world. It is a national volunteer women’s movement carried on by women in the United States and Puerto Rico. Illinois has 50 local units of CWU, one of which is Pinckneyville. The Pinckneyville unit began around 1970, meeting in members’ homes. Presently the unit meets on the first Thursday in different churches five times a year (February, March, May, July, and No -

vember), with October being their picnic fellowship. Notices are posted in the Press and announced on the radio stations.

CWU serves and promotes four different ministries. They are: farm workers, prison ministering, generations of hope and community service. As they work and unite together they will continue focusing on prioritizing to build a world fit for all God’s children. Some issues they hope to address with prayer and action are: health, economic justice, environmental care and peace. CWU engages millions of women representing 26 supporting denominations and participating Christian women. For more information, contact Mary Lou Portell-Davis at (618) 318-0392.

Beaucoup Creek Chapter Daughters of the AmericanRevolution

The Beaucoup Creek Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution was organized on November 24, 1986. It is composed of women from all parts of Perry County, surrounding counties, and several states who are direct descendents of patriots of the American Revolution. The objectives of the DAR are historic preservation, patriotism, and education. Their motto is God, Home, and Country. For more information, contact Liz Wall, Chapter Regent, at eawall6776@gmail.com. Chapter website: http://ildar.org/chapters/beaucoupcreek.

Delta Theta Tau

Delta Theta Tau is a National Women’s Organization dedicated to the advancement of philanthropy and the helping of others. They are a nonsectarian, nonacademic organization promoting welfare for all and fostering the spirit of good fellowship. This local chapter is well known for the Precious Pumpkin Contest in October and their Cookies with Santa/Christmas Bazaar that takes place in early December.

Delta Theta Tau holds several fundraisers throughout the year, including a home-made cheeseball fundraiser in November to assist with local charitable giving. Their giving includes scholarships for local High School Seniors, financial assistance to families in need, and assistance with funding of community projects. If you would like to help their group with these causes or know a family in need please email DTTbazaar@gmail.com. Visit us online at deltathetatau.weebly.com. Find us on Facebook - Delta Theta Tau - Epsilon Lambda.

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The Annual Delta Theta Tau Christmas Bazaar held at the Pinckneyville Junior High School is always a fun event.

Fraternal Order of Eagles

For more than a century, the Fraternal Order of Eagles has had a major positive influence on our region, nation, world... And most importantly in our communities.

It was the Eagles who pushed for the founding of Mother’s Day, who provided the impetus for Social Security and who pushed to end job discrimination based on age. The Eagles have provided support for medical centers across the country to build and provide research for medical conditions — they raise millions of dollars every year to combat heart disease and cancer, help handicapped kids, uplift the aged and make life a little brighter for everyone.

The Fraternal Order of Eagles uphold and nourish the values of home, family and community that are so necessary and it seems so often get ignored and trampled in today’s society.

The Eagles are hometown builders. They support police, firefighters and others who protect and serve. They fund medical research in areas such as spinal cord injuries, kidney disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. The Eagles help raise money for communities...“We are the Eagles and we are ‘People Helping People.” The Eagles now have a banquet hall for rentals. The Pinckneyville Eagles are located at 13 South Walnut Street, Pinckneyville, IL 62274. For more information, contact the Eagles at 618-357-3102, visit www.foe.com, or email them at eagles2522@hotmail.com…or better yet, come visit the Lodge!

Perry County Farm Bureau

The Perry County Farm Bureau (CFB) is a nonprofit member organization comprised of almost 2,000 members locally. Since being founded in 1945, the Perry County Farm Bureau has been working non-stop to serve agricultural interests in the county. With a strong focus on legislative and agricultural literacy programs, the Perry CFB is committed to helping members with issues that are current and relevant.

The mission of the county organization is “to promote agriculture and improve our economic well-being and quality of life through leadership, education, and community involvement.” The primary goals remain virtually unchanged from inception: to speak out for farmers and protect their interests. Additionally, the CFB and Illinois Farm Bureau provides members with a myriad of benefits that include discount programs that apply to pharmaceuticals, Ford vehicles, eye care, car and hotel rentals, and many others.

As a member of the county organization, members are also represented by the Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB). Since 1916, the IFB has served the interests of the state’s farmers and others who choose to join the state’s largest farm organization, some 400,000+ members strong state-wide. The county Farm Bureau’s grassroots structure and policy development process make the IFB a unique and extremely effective membership association.

Pinckneyville Coon Club

Located at 2705 U.S. Rt. 51 in Du Quoin. Contact Zach Hawkins at 618-318-0470. The club meets the second Thursday of each month.

Perry County Historical Society/ Jail Museum

Located at 108 W. Jackson Street, Pinckneyville, the Perry County Jail Museum is run by the Perry County Historical Society. The society aims to preserve and protect local Perry County history and pass it on to present and future generations. We are also revamping the jail museum to look more like a home for the Sheriff and his family when it was built in 1871. They are always looking for new volunteers to expand open hours and get involved in a variety of

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historical projects. Meetings are held at 6:00 p.m. on the Third Monday of the month at the jail museum. The museum is open to the public by appointment. Follow us on Facebook at Perry County Jail Museum, call 618-357-0075, or contact Cheryl Bigham at 618357-1642.

Perry County Humane Society

The Perry County Humane Society (PCHS) is a 501(c)3 non-profit, no-kill animal rescue dedicated to helping animals in need of loving homes. PCHS is a volunteer-based organization founded in 1984 that operates solely upon the support of the community. PCHS has saved thousands of animals from destruction and abuse.

Adoptable dogs and cats can be viewed online at petfinder.com or at the shelter Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. (we recommend calling prior to arriving at the shelter, as hours may vary and/or an appointment is required). Donations of pet food and supplies, and used ink cartridges for recycling can also be made to the shelter during these hours.

The shelter interfaces with local animal control services. Suspected abuse, animals running at large or to be surrendered, should be reported to Perry County Animal Control at 618 357-2841.

For more information, to volunteer at the shelter or with fundraising events or make a donation, call 618-542-3647, email pchsinfo@yahoo.com or visit www.perrycountyhumanesocietyil.com.

The Perry County Humane Society encourages everyone to spay or neuter their pets to reduce the number of homeless dogs and cats in the county. Call 618-542-DOGS or visit their website at www. perrycountyhumanesocietyil.com for information on how to become a volunteer. Perry County Humane Society is a not-for-profit group of volunteers who operate a no kill shelter in Du Quoin. PCHS was formed to help alleviate the euthanasia rate at the Perry County Animal Control Facility through adoption, transport and education programs.

Pinckneyville Senior Citizens Club Inc .

The Senior Citizens Club was formed in 1976 to serve as ombudsman for all Pinckneyville Senior Citizens’ situations that directly affect their health,

welfare, and social needs. Meetings, including a social time, are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at the Pinckneyville Senior Club, 605 S. Douglas St. Anyone 55 or older and a resident of Pinckneyville or the surrounding area, may join in supporting the many organizations and causes in Pinckneyville with volunteer time and resources. For more information to join or if you would like to use the Pinckneyville Senior Club Building for family gatherings or other events, please contact Fern Turpin at (618) 571-1772.

Pinckneyville Volunteer Fireman’s Association

Located at 110 S. Walnut Street, 618-357-2281. The group promotes and provides for the preservation and protection of life and property from and during such fires or emergencies as may occur in the City of Pinckneyville and the Pinckneyville Rural Fire Protection District. Donations and fundraisers are a source of additional income with the proceeds used for fire safety awareness and education supplies, to purchase equipment to support both departments and other needs of the association.

Knights of Columbus Council #2921

On Oct. 2, 1881, a group of men met in the basement of St. Mary’s Church on Hillhouse Avenue in New Haven. Called together by their 29-year-old parish priest, Father Michael J. McGivney, these men formed a fraternal society that would one day become the world’s largest Catholic family fraternal service organization.

They sought strength in solidarity and security through unity of purpose and devotion to a holy cause: they vowed to be defenders of their country, their families and their faith.

These men were bound together by the ideal of Christopher Columbus, the discoverer of the Americas, the one whose hand brought Christianity to the New World. Their efforts came to fruition with the incorporation of the Knights of Columbus on March 29, 1882.

They were Knights of Columbus.

The Order has been called “the strong right arm of the Church,” and has been praised by popes, presidents and other world leaders, for support of the Church, programs of evangelization and Catholic

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education, civic involvement and aid to those in need.

Father McGivney’s founding vision for the Order also included a life insurance program to provide for the widows and orphans of deceased members. The Order’s insurance program has expanded substantially to serve more effectively the Knights’ growing membership.

Year after year, the Knights of Columbus has earned the highest possible quality ratings for financial soundness from outside ratings agencies. The Order provides the highest quality insurance, annuity and long-term care products to its members, along with many other fraternal benefits.

The Knights of Columbus has grown from several members in one council to more than 14,000 councils and 1.8 million members throughout the United States, Canada, the Philippines, Mexico, Poland, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Panama, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Cuba, Guatemala, Guam and Saipan.

All the good works of the organization are formed by their four core principles:

Charity - Unity –Fraternity –Patriotism

Members of the Knights of Columbus, be they Americans, Canadians, Mexicans, Cubans, Filipinos, Poles, or Dominicans, are patriotic citizens, who are proud of his/her devotion to God and country and believe in standing up for both. Whether it’s in public or private, the Knights remind the world that Catholics support their nations and are amongst the greatest citizens.

The Pinckneyville Knights of Columbus meet the second Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Hall; a meal will be prepared and available before the meeting. For more information, contact 618-357-6626 or visit www.kofc.org.

National Wild Turkey Federation

The mission of the National Wild Turkey Federation is the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage. Pyramid Golden Gobblers Club is our local Perry County Chapter and is open to men, women and children. The National Wild Turkey Federation supports the high school fishing and shooting teams as well as the junior high and high school archery teams. They host an Annual Banquet which is held the 3rd Saturday of March. For more information, contact Martin

Skorch at 618-357-0294.

Loyal Order of Moose Lodge 930

The Loyal Order of Moose is a fraternal and service organization founded in 1888, with nearly 800,000 men and women in roughly 1,800 Lodges, in all 50 states and four Canadian provinces, plus Great Britain and Bermuda.

Along with other units of Moose International, the Loyal Order of Moose supports the operation of Mooseheart Child City & School, a 1,000-acre community for children and teens in need, located 40 miles west of Chicago; and Moosehaven, a 70-acre retirement community for its members near Jacksonville, FL. Additionally, Moose Lodges conduct approximately $50 million worth of community service (counting monetary donations and volunteer hours worked) annually. Anyone age 21 and older is welcome to visit the Moose Lodge. The facility has added live video gaming and is available for rent for uses such as benefits or other events.

Also, the Loyal Order of Moose conducts numerous sports and recreational programs in local Lodges and Family Centers in the majority of 44 State and Provincial Associations, and on a fraternity-wide basis. Visit www.mooseintl.org for more information 101 S. Walnut, or call (618) 357-6215. The members meet the first and third Wednesday monthly at 6:00 p.m.

Caring and Sharing Thrift Shop

Caring and Sharing Thrift Shop, 814 S Main, Pinckneyville, promotes health-related endeavors in Perry County. With a primary focus of reinvesting in the community, they sponsor scholarships to individuals entering healthcare studies as well those in continuing education in those fields of study. They also support area-wide causes related to health and well-being of families and individuals.

The shop thrives through the generosity of dona -

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tions and dedication of volunteers, making it possible to offer a wide variety of nice quality clothing for men, women and children. Additionally, the shop offers an extensive selection of merchandise for in and around the home.

Caring & Sharing Thrift Shop, South Main, Pinckneyville, a not-for-profit organization serving the community accepting donations Monday – Wednesday 9AM– Noon only and customer hours Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 9AM-1PM. To join the team, speak to a volunteer during business hours.

Perry County Home and Community Education Association (HCE)

Perry County HCE began May 8, 1947 as the Perry County Home Bureau. In the 1950s, the organization split from the Farm Bureau by order of the Secretary of Agriculture. The new name became Perry County Home Extension. In the 1980’s the University of Illinois asked the organization to keep its own funds and records.

In 1992, the State organization changed its name to the Illinois Association for Home and Community Education. In 2007 Perry County HEA became the Perry County Home and Community Education Association or HCE.

HCE is affiliated with other national and worldwide organizations such as the National Volunteer Outreach Network (NVON), Country Women’s Council (CWC) and the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW). ACWW is a worldwide organization that has over nine million members worldwide located in 74 member nations. ACWW has representation with members serving on several committees in the United Nations.

HCE members are strong supporters of the 4-H program. Volunteerism is a strong feature of the organization. The two $500 scholarships awarded each year are open to current residents of Perry County that are currently or will be attending college.

HCE provides training, leadership and educational opportunities for its members and the local community. The lessons provided are on all topics ranging from environment, aging, foods, crafts, health to learning about foreign countries. HCE continues to function by cooperating with the University of Illinois Extension whose educators provide many of the lesson presentations. The HCE office is located in the new

Community Center in Pinckneyville on North Walnut Street in the U of I Extension office area. New members are welcome and the general public is welcome to all functions. HCE is an educational, volunteer, community oriented and not-for-profit organization open to anyone regardless of race, gender or religion. For more information call the Perry County Extension office at 618-357-2126.

Pinckneyville Optimist Club

The primary purpose of the Pinckneyville Optimist Club is to aid and encourage the development of youth in the area. The organization also promotes an active interest in good government and civic affairs, inspires respect for law and promotes patriotism. One of its primary projects is the “Toys for Needy Kids” effort during the Christmas Season. The Optimist Club also sponsors the annual Easter egg hunt for kids two through eight years.

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In addition, the Club provides financial support to area youth programs, agriculture programs involving young people and youth leadership activities.

The organization raises funds for its efforts through the food and drink concessions at the American Thresherman Show and The Optimist Club collection on the square.

For more information call (618) 357-3158 or email them at pvilleoptimistclub@gmail.com The current President of the group is Mike Kovic.

Perry County Farm Bureau Young Leaders

The Young Leader Committee is a valuable component of the Perry County Farm Bureau® organization. The purpose of the Young Leader Committee (YLC) is to contribute to the overall effectiveness of the County Farm Bureau (CFB) by providing opportunities for leadership development and enabling young adults to be participating members of the CFB.

The committee is open to Farm Bureau members age 18 to 35, and serves as an outlet for members with similar interests to come together and meet peers, increase their understanding of the Farm Bureau organization, strengthen leadership abilities, motivate others to become involved, and develop opportunities for younger member involvement.

The committee generally meets once a month at the Farm Bureau office in Pinckneyville and works on local programs and activities for the committee members and our communities. Scholarships, recreational outings, volunteer work, community service, and social gatherings are some of the many activities and programs that the Young Leader Committee sponsors throughout the year.

For more information, or to become a part of the Young Leader Committee, interested persons may contact the Farm Bureau office at 618-357-9355 or pcfb@perrycfb.org.

Perry County Shriner’s Club

The Perry County Shriners Club is a not-for-profit organization that focuses its fundraising on children in need by donating money to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital. The group raised $65,000 for the hospital

in 2023. The first Saturday in August is their Shriners Hospital Benefit where all benefits go 100% to the hospital.

During each Christmas season, two bikes are given away to children in Pinckneyville, Tamaroa, Vergennes, Du Quoin and Elkville schools. An onion sale is held each May at various locations. Meetings are conducted the 3rd Monday of each month at 6 p.m., at the Du Quoin Masonic Lodge. For more information, contact Steve Marriott at 618-201-4150.

Perry County Sportsman’s Club

Meetings are the second Tuesday of every month at 6:00 p.m. at the Club, which is located at 6155 White Walnut Rd., Pinckneyville. All meetings are open to anyone interested in becoming a member. The club hosts several shooting matches, a free kids fishing tournament, card games and is always working towards new ways to give back to the community. The building is available to rent for your special occasions. Visit them on Facebook for event listings. For more information contact Al Bruns at (618) 246-8045.

Pinckneyville Hospital Auxiliary

If you’ve been out to Pinckneyville Community Hospital, you’ve probably been greeted by a friendly person in a blue jacket. These people are members of the Pinckneyville Community Hospital Auxiliary. The purpose of this organization is to render service to Pinckneyville Community Hospital, its patients and community, by assisting in leading the way to a healthier tomorrow by promoting the health and welfare of the community in accordance with objectives established by the governing board of Pinckneyville Community Hospital. In addition to serving as greeters and offering shuttle services to and from the hospital, the Auxiliary raises funds for a variety of needs at the hospital.

One of the ways they raise money is through the operation of the recently expanded ‘Once Upon a

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Trinket’ gift shop, where shoppers can find jewelry, gifts, apparel, and more! The Auxiliary honors veterans during the month of November with flag dedications. The Auxiliary meets the 4th Tuesday of every month at 1:30 p.m.

Individuals interested in joining the Auxiliary should contact marketing at 618-357-8898.

Perry County Master Gardeners & Master Naturalists

The Master Gardener program is an educational, volunteer program offered by the University of Illinois Extension. The program provides invaluable training and educational opportunities. Amateur horticulturists and others seeking up-to-date horticulture information can advance his/her gardening expertise and gain self-satisfaction through helping others. The volunteer aspect of the Master Gardener program allows individuals to dedicate his/her time and talents to enhancing the quality of life for citizens of the community through horticultural education. Local Extension educators work with our master gardeners and master naturalists as well as offering horticulture workshops throughout the unit.

Throughout the years, the Perry County Master Gardeners have worked with local 4-H clubs, established a “Lasagna Garden” at the Manor at Mason Woods (a local assisted-living facility), and helped the Five Star Industry residents establish a flower and vegetable garden at their residence. They have done many landscaping projects at the Pinckneyville High School, City Hall and the DuQuoin Fairgrounds. The group meets monthly either in Pinckneyville and/or DuQuoin. To learn how to become an Illinois Master Gardener, visit extension.illinois.edu/mg.

VFW Post 513

Located at 2215 U.S. Route 51, Du Quoin, VFW Post 513 meets the second Tuesday of each month. The Auxiliary Members meet the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. They have a hall which can be rented for any occasion. Contact the VFW at 618-542-5731. Their purpose is to honor the dead by helping the living.

Pinckneyville Ministerial Alliance

The Pinckneyville Ministerial Alliance meets the

second Tuesday of each month at noon. The group promotes cooperation between churches, awareness of Christianity, organizes and supports various youth functions, works with transients, as well as provides chaplains for the Pinckneyville Community Hospital.

Boy Scouts of America Cub Scout Family Pack #47 and BSA Troop #47

Pinckneyville Cub Scout Pack #47 and Scout BSA Troop # 47 are members of the Big Muddy District of the Greater St. Louis Area Council of Boy Scouts of America. The group is made up of several programs for boys and girls kindergarten through fifth grades and the Troop is 6th grade to the age of 18. It is a familyoriented program that strives to instill values, such as citizenship, teamwork, responsibility and respect, to its members. The pack and troop’s annual activities include camping, hiking, day camps, and marching in community parades. The organization also takes part in community-oriented projects, including collecting items for the local food pantry. The group is chartered by the First United Presbyterian Church in Pinckneyville. The scouts represent youth from the surrounding Perry County area. Anyone interested in scouting should call or text Cubmaster Lucy Eisenhauer 618-571-6835, Scoutmaster Michelle Kinkade 618-571-4143 or Kim Schneider Troop Committee Chair and Assistant Cubmaster 618-559-1364.

DuQuoin Pack 128 is a newer Cub scout pack. The scouts are charted by the DuQuoin Church of the Nazarene. For more information on Perry County scouting you may go to beascout.org to search for your local contacts.

Girl Scouts of Perry County

The Girl Scouts of Perry County are part of the National Girl Scouts organization, which seeks to provide girls opportunities to develop leadership skills and environmental awareness, increase financial literacy, improve health and wellness, explore science and math, and experience arts and travel. The Perry County Girl Scouts is open to all girls in kindergar-

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ten through 12th grade within Perry County as well as Elkville girls.

Currently, Perry County Girl Scouts consists of five troops between Pinckneyville, Du Quoin, Tamaroa and Elkville and currently service roughly 90 Perry County girls and their families, as well as 45 volunteers. Troops have consistently worked to help and improve their communities in many ways.

For more information or to join please contact: Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois @ 618-456-7394.

Backstoppers of Perry County

Perry County IL Backstoppers has been serving our community for over 4 years. Perry County IL Backstoppers was created as a non-profit organization that supports Backstoppers.org. Together, we provide ongoing needed financial assistance and support to the spouses and dependent children of all police officers, firefighters (paid and volunteer) and publicly-funded paramedics / EMTs in their coverage area who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

BackStoppers supports the families of fallen heroes by making the families debt free, providing health and dental insurance, reimbursing for outof-pocket medical expenses, covering tuition and educational costs from day care through university, and assisting with miscellaneous extraordinary expenses. This is all done at no expense to the individual First Responders, the Emergency Response Agencies, the Cities, Local Governments, or the Taxpayers. The BackStoppers is totally funded by voluntary donations from individuals and businesses, annual membership drives and fundraising events.

For more information, please visit Perry County IL BackStoppers website https://backstoppers.org/ perrycoil/, or contact Perry County, IL Backstop -

pers via email at Perrycountyilbackstoppers@gmail. com. Consider becoming a member and watch for upcoming fundraising event announcements.

Pinckneyville Garden Club

In December the garden club met at The Grecian to celebrate the end of a great garden year. Members in photo from left to right: April Welch, Rosalie Thomas, Mary Stanton, Karen Heisner, Sandy Sweeney, Santa, Nancy Keller, Roxanne Place, Richard Skortz, and Kay Bigham.

The Pinckneyville Garden Club held their first meeting on March 7 of this year at the Pinckneyville Community Center located at 203 N. Walnut St. Meetings will be the first Thursday of each month at 6 p.m. New and seasoned gardeners are invited. Pictured during the first meeting left to right are: April Welch-President, Glenna Pfau-Vice President, Mary Miller-Treasurer, Roxanne Place-Secretary and Marilyn Ellis-District VII Region Director for Garden Clubs of IL.