Fairfield businessman Gary Carter says he has been taken off the ballot for the primary election for House District 116. He announced his intent to run in December and filed his petition last month. He says he had enough petition signatures and fulfilled the law's requirements when filing, but a House Republican Attorney filed suit against him on name and date issues. A hearing officer ruled in Carter's favor that he should be on the ballot, but the State Board of Elections met last week and decided his name should be removed. Carter will challenge the decision by filing an appeal in Sangamon County Circuit Court to have his name on the ballot. The Fairfield Community High School Board of Education met last week. Members approved new flooring for the study hall at a cost of $13,358 from K&M, and they approved Prairie Farms for dairy services for the upcoming year. Following executive session, the board approved rehiring Bob Wells as Assistant Principal with a four percent
Illinois Senate Democrats announced a $1.8 billion package of primarily temporary tax relief proposals Friday they hope to include in the FY23 budget. Legislative session is in its final scheduled week, and lawmakers still have several key items to address, including the budget for the upcoming year. Measures include direct checks to Illinoisans, with those earning less than $250,000 in 2021 receiving $100 and joint-filers earning less than $500,000 getting $200. They would include an extra $50 per dependent, up to three dependents. Lawmakers said they could be distributed by September, and anyone who is eligible based on their 2021 return would be sent a check automatically. Other potential actions are a 10-day stay on taxes on school supplies and qualifying clothing, and a six-month stay on the grocery and motor fuel tax increases. The Albion City Council will meet tonight at 7 at City Hall. Grayville Mayor Travis Thompson and Water Superintendent Codey Lynn are scheduled to speak on
Fairfield Mayor Mike Dreith says he will propose 36-year-old Cody Attebery to fill the unexpired term of Alderman Brett Coale, who announced he would step away from the seat in February and has moved to Florida. His name will be presented to the City Council tomorrow night for a vote. If approved, Attebery would serve for the next year before deciding if he will run as an incumbent in 2023. Mayor Dreith says the nomination was based on Attebery's qualifications and the fact he ran for a seat on the council in 2021, losing by five notes to Dewey Eckleberry. The Fairfield City Council will meet tomorrow at 6:00 at City Hall. Following the resolution to appoint Attebery as First Ward Alderman, the council is set to appoint a leadman for the Water Distribution Department, authorize the Board of Fire and Police Commissioners to proceed with hiring and testing, and discuss fees for transient or temporary ag operators. It is also anticipated to change utility collection dates. There will