August 7, 2025/
Illinois quick hits: Cook County declares flood disaster; opt-out forms promoted; State Fair begins

Illinois quick hits: Cook County declares flood disaster; opt-out forms promoted; State Fair begins

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

Cook County, Chicago declare flood disaster

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle have issued respective disaster proclamations for flooding that took place July 25-28.

According to resident survey information, 111 residences were considered to be destroyed and 544 homes had major damage.

City and county agencies are working to determine if the jurisdictions could qualify for federal assistance.

Opt-out forms promoted

After Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed legislation to implement universal mental health screenings in public schools, the Illinois Family Institute is encouraging parents to opt out of programs and agendas which they said could be harmful to children.

The group said Christian parents should be especially alert to the assessment of their children’s well-being through the lens of secular ideologies.

The institute offers links to various opt-out forms on its website.

State Fair begins

The Illinois State Fair is underway in Springfield.

Thursday’s events include harness racing, $3 carnival rides and the Twilight Parade at 5:30 p.m.

The fair runs through Aug. 17.

Events

Clark County Fair
Clark County Fair
18 Aug 25
Country Farm Antiques Show
Country Farm Antiques Show
23 Aug 25
Back to School Block Party
Back to School Block Party
23 Aug 25
Back to School Block Party
Back to School Block Party
23 Aug 25
Absent Ground @ Casey Popcorn Festival
Absent Ground @ Casey Popcorn Festival
29 Aug 25
All 90s Trivia at Casey Popcorn Festival
All 90s Trivia at Casey Popcorn Festival
30 Aug 25
Casey Popcorn Festival Jeep Showdown
Casey Popcorn Festival Jeep Showdown
30 Aug 25
Tyler Farr at Casey Popcorn Festival
Tyler Farr at Casey Popcorn Festival
31 Aug 25
Emo Night LIVE w/ All American Throwbacks
Emo Night LIVE w/ All American Throwbacks
31 Aug 25
Colton Dixon at Popcorn Festival
Colton Dixon at Popcorn Festival
1 Sep 25
01 Sep
Casey City Council Board Meeting
1 Sep 25
Bird of the Fall - winging it
Bird of the Fall - winging it
6 Sep 25

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Clark County Logo

Clark County Residents Challenge Solar Developers on Farmland, Finances, and Future

A public hearing on two proposed solar energy projects became a forum for resident anxieties on Tuesday, June 10, as citizens pressed developers about the long-term impact on prime farmland,...
Rich Schelsky of Rockville, IN, smiles after sinking the winning putt in a playoff to capture his first Casey Open title on Sunday. Schelsky shot a 68.

Schelsky Wins 75th Casey Open in Playoff Thriller

Rich Schelsky of Rockville, IN, smiles after sinking the winning putt in a playoff to capture his first Casey Open title on Sunday. Schelsky shot a...
Meeting Briefs

Casey-Westfield Meeting Summary: Board Saves on Insurance, Approves Major Purchases

The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education made several significant financial decisions at its June 23, 2025, meeting, including approving a new insurance package that will save over $52,000 and...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

Casey-Westfield School Board Adopts Amended Budget, Locks in Fuel Prices

The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education formally adopted its amended budget for the 2025 fiscal year following a brief public hearing where no comments were offered. The hearing was...
Residents Enjoy Matt Poss.7

Matt Poss Band Delights Crowd in Casey’s Central Park

The heart of Casey was alive with the sound of southern rock and country music last night, as residents gathered in Central Park for a live performance by the Matt...
Mary-Boyd-Hippler-1753436721

Mary Elizabeth “Betty” (Mills) Boyd Hippler

Mary Elizabeth “Betty” (Mills) Boyd Hippler, age 72, of Casey, IL, passed away on Wednesday, July 23, 2025—dancing with friends in Arthur, IL. Betty was born on February 13, 1953,...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Board Approves Over $74,000 in Facility Upgrades, Equipment

The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education approved a series of proposals Monday totaling over $74,000 for concrete repairs, new kitchen equipment, and HVAC upgrades across multiple district buildings. The...
Casey Westfield School Board.1

School District Buys Tractor to Curb Outsourcing Costs, Projects Future Savings

The Casey-Westfield school district is investing in its own maintenance capabilities with the purchase of a compact tractor, a move officials say will reduce costly rentals and contractor fees for...
Casey Westfield School Board.2

Casey-Westfield School District to Save Over $52,000 on Insurance Premiums

The Casey-Westfield CUSD C-4 Board of Education approved a new insurance package for the 2025-2026 fiscal year that will save the district more than $52,000 compared to the current year's...
Casey City Council 07.21.25

Casey Proposes Electric Rate Hike to Stave Off Deficits; Gas Rates Next Under Review

Casey residents may soon see an increase in their electricity bills as the City Council considers raising rates for the first time in years to combat significant financial losses in...
Casey City Council 07.21.25

Casey’s Proposed Budget Jumps 53% to $31 Million, Driven by Grant Opportunities

The Casey City Council has moved forward with a proposed fiscal year 2026 appropriations ordinance totaling over $31.1 million, a staggering 53.5% increase from the previous year. City officials, however,...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Briefs: Casey City Council for July 21, 2025

Police Department to Upgrade Radios: The City Council unanimously approved the purchase of 10 new portable radios for the police department at a cost of $13,355 from Commercial Radio. Police Chief...
Patrick-Simpson-1752666343

Patrick Randel Simpson

Patrick Randel Simpson Jr, 67, of Casey, Illinois, passed peacefully on July 14, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on July 25, 1957, in Terre Haute, Indiana, Pat was the...
Roy-Hock-1752681748

Roy Lee Hock

Roy Lee Hock, age 68, of Casey, IL, passed away at 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Twin Lakes Extended Care Facility in Paris, IL. He was born...
The Casey Rotary Club toured the Rock Shop on Main Street in downtown Casey on Tuesday, following a presentation by owner Jeff Winnett at Tuesday’s Rotary Club meeting at Richards Farm. Pictured (l to r) in front of the World’s Largest Jigsaw Puzzle are Chris Snedeker, Jay Marwell, Teresa Winnett, Jeff Winnett, Marcy Mumford, Megan Peavler, Sharon Durham, Kurt Squires, Tom Daughhetee, and Brian Hancock.

Casey Rotary Club Meeting Held

The Casey Rotary Club toured the Rock Shop on Main Street in downtown Casey on Tuesday, following a presentation by owner Jeff Winnett at Tuesday’s Rotary...