January 2012

The American Cancer Society and Relay For Life of Union County announce that Nancy Watkins and Jaime Watkins have accepted the roles of event co-chairpersons for the 2012 Relay For Life of Union County. 

Along with this year's committee, Nancy and Jaime will help to lead the Relay season into a new venue at the Anna-Jonesboro Community High School on June 8 with the opening ceremony starting at 6 p.m. 

Committee members said they are very excited about the 2012 Relay and are anxious to share new ideas and activities for the event. 

The latest update on construction of Union County's new courthouse was presented last Friday morning.

The update was given at Friday morning's regular meeting of the Union County Board of Commissioners.

The meeting was at the community center in Jonesboro.

Courthouse construction project manager Mike Smith reported that since Feb. 17:

On level 1, the small, only remaining floor was poured.

Violent, deadly weather swept through the Southern Illinois, Southeast Missouri and Western Kentucky region early Wednesday morning, Feb. 29.

The stormy weather was reported to have claimed 10 lives in the Harrisburg area. Widespread damage and power outages also were reported. Hundreds of utility customers were without electric service as of early Wednesday morning.

The website for WSIL television reported Wednesday morning that "the southeast portion of Harrisburg experienced major damage."

A member of the Union County Board of Commissioners is hoping to bring together community members who are interested in keeping two state institutions open.

County commissioner Don Denny has proposed establishing a committee which would work to secure the future of the Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna and the Tamms Correctional Center in Tamms.

Gov. Pat Quinn has proposed closing the Tamms Correctional Center as a way to save money. The Choate Center continues to face an uncertain future.