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Tuesday, September 22, 2015
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Moffitt will not run for re-election State representative will pursue other opportunities By Goldie Rapp grapp@bcrnews.com
GILSON — State Rep. Don Moffitt announced on Sunday, Sept. 20, he would not be running for re-election in the 2016 election. Moffitt has served as a Republican in the 74th Legislative District. He is the ninth ranking member in seniority in the Illinois House, having been elected in 1992. He announced his news surrounded by family and friends at the 20th annual Moffitt family farm picnic in Gilson. “Everyone leaves the General Assembly … Some are carried out; some are voted out; and some leave on their own terms. And I have chosen to leave on my own terms,” he said. Moffitt stated he was not resigning at this time or retiring,
but he would be looking at other options available to him, if presented, whether it was in government, private sector or a non-for-profit opportunity. “It is my intention to continue to serve this term in the General Assembly and represent the 74th Legislative District to the best of my ability,” he said. Prior to his election to the Illinois House, Moffitt served his communities in many capacities including mayor of Oneida, a Knoxville City Council member, a Knox County Board member and chairman, and was elected as Knox County treasurer. Moffitt’s list of accomplishments is lengthy, but he cited four in particular during the event. He said the genetic privacy bill was cutting edge and one of, if not the first in the nation. The school bus arm bill saved school kids’ lives by preventing them from walking in front
of the bus unseen by the driver. He mentioned all the pieces of legislation to help out first responders, firefighters, EMTs and law enforcement. “The most notable is the interest-free, revolving fire truck loan program,” he said. Moffitt also played a major role in the passage of the Livestock Facility Management Act. At Sunday’s picnic, Henry County Republican Chairwomen Jan Russ Weber said the Republican party has come to rely on Moffitt throughout the years. “He has been there for us as individuals, as groups and as organizations,” she said. “Don Moffitt has served with distinction and dedication to represent and serve all the residents of the district. He always put the people first.” Richard Guebert, president of the Illinois Farm Bureau, said Moffitt has a strong voice in advocating for both agriculture and rural communities. “We know this decision not to seek another term was not easy, and we wish him the best,” he said. Comment on this story at www.bcrnews.com.
BCGS: Celebrating 25 years of service Helping family trees gain more leaves By Goldie Rapp grapp@bcrnews.com
PRINCETON — The Bureau County Genealogical Society (BCGS) is celebrating 25 years of service to the community this year. In 1990, Princeton resident Carol McGee put an ad in the Bureau County Republican asking if there would be interest in starting up a genealogical society. After a great response, McGee worked with Bob Lind and Berneice Burton to get the non-profit organization off the ground. The society began with 30 members, but it quickly grew to more than 100 in little time. “We didn’t think there would be enough manpower. We questioned it,” McGee said. However, volunteers quickly took on responsibilities. Some of the first meetings were held at the Prouty Building, the Clark House and Cushing Hall at the First Methodist Church in Princeton. The society started up a bi-monthly newsletter, which is currently still
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BCR photo/Becky Kramer
Artistic expressions Browsers and buyers had a great time Saturday, Sept. 19, at the annual Hornbaker Gardens Artisan Market in rural Princeton. Event-goers had the opportunity to browse a variety of booths filled with all genres of art, as well as enjoy entertainment and plenty of food as well.
Finders Keepers: Losers Weepers
Resale store begins recovery process after being flooded during weekend By E ric E ngel eengel@bcrnews.com
PRINCETON — One of the main financial generators for Friends of Strays in Princeton suffered a major setback Friday, Sept. 18, due to the excessive rainfall. Finders Keepers Resale Store, located on North Euclid Avenue, was flooded with 7 inches of water in less than an
hour Friday night, store manager Tania Foley said. She indicated a vast majority of the inventory in the 3,000-square-foot store was either ruined or affected by the water. “This is tough because Friends of Strays relies on the store on a weekly basis,” Foley said, speaking of the animal shelter that operates solely off fundraising, donations, a few grants and Finders Keepers.
Foley said she and a few others tackled the problem Friday night with the help of Steve and Sharon Wright, who brought in a commercial sump pump to drain the water from the store. Throughout Friday night and Saturday morning, they made hundreds of trips out of the store in an
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