Southern Illinois legislator continues to monitor flooding
State Sen. Dale Fowler, R-Harrisburg, spent time during the week of June 17-21 in East Cape Girardeau, where he continued to closely monitor the high flood levels affecting areas across the region.
Fowler said that efforts are ongoing to ensure the residents and communities impacted by the historically high flood levels are prepared, assisted and informed.
Fowler has been in contact with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency, Illinois National Guard and the Illinois Department of Transportation, working to address the aftermath of flood devastation in the area.
“The region has been hit hard by flooding and my top priority is to ensure relief and assistance is being provided to those impacted by this natural disaster,” said Fowler.
“Moving forward, as the flood waters subside, we will continue working together to bring resources and assistance to the people of Southern Illinois.”
Senior Fair Held
Also during the week, Fowler partnered with State Rep. Dave Severin, R-Benton, to host their annual senior fair in Marion.
More 200 area seniors came out for the event that took place on June 18 at the HUB Recreation Center.
This year’s fair brought together over 50 vendors who offered helpful guides, literature and free health screenings to those who attended.
“We had a great turnout this year, with dozens of seniors coming out to participate,” said Fowler.
“What I love about this event is that we’re bringing together these entities to provide easier access to information and resources to our senior citizens.”
July Senior Fair
Fowler plans to host a second senior fair later this summer on July 24.
The July senior fair will be presented by Fowler, State Sen. Paul Schimpf, R-Waterloo, State Rep. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, and State Rep. Patrick Windhorst, R-Metropolis.
The senior fair will be at the Carbondale Civic Center.
From 9 to 11 a.m., vendors are scheduled to offer free health screenings, including blood pressure, blood sugar and grip testing. Additionally, there will be a free trigger point chair massage.
Fowler said that area residents are encouraged to come out and learn more about helpful programs that benefit seniors.
Kids Fishing Derby
Fowler also is planning to host his first Kids Fishing Derby at the John A. Logan College Pond in Carterville.
From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on July 13, area residents are invited to bring their kids and spend the morning fishing with Fowler and representatives from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, IDNR.
Those who plan to attend can bring their own fishing pole or borrow one from IDNR.
Parents must accompany children. Free snacks, beverages and legislative brochures will be provided.
Those who want to participate are asked to RSVP to Fowler’s district office by July 9 at 618-294-8951.
Southern Illinois Made Expo
On July 27-28, Fowler plans to host his second annual Southern Illinois Made Expo at the Pavilion in Marion.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, the Southern Illinois Expo will be underway.
The Expo is a premier opportunity for the business community of Southern Illinois to showcase Southern Illinois made products, speak with consumers and sell their goods.
The public can explore what’s being produced and offered by the businesses operating locally, employing residents and driving the economy.
Fowler plans to host traveling office hours during the event to provide area constituents with an opportunity to speak with staff, ask questions and get resources from state government.
Hours run throughout the Expo event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Staff members will be positioned just outside the Pavilion, which is located at 1602 Sioux Dr. in Marion.
More information about the event is available by visiting simade.org or Fowler’s district office at 618-294-8951.