Eagles welcome state's attorney

Randolph County State's Attorney Jeremy Walker was the featured guest speaker at a public luncheon at the Chester Eagles on Feb. 15.

Walker touched on how COVID-19 has affected the county court system; case reform and trends in the county; and bail reform in Illinois. He discussed the "meth explosion" that has existed in Randolph County since 2018.

"Meth has become a real burden on the system," Walker said. He also explained that effective January 2023, the state of Illinois will be doing away with cash bail, creating a system much like the federal government and being called free trial release.

Chamber of Commerce President Bob Welker publicly thanked recently retired Linda Sympson who had served as executive director of the Chamber for the last 20 years. He then introduced the new executive director, David Randall.

Chamber Vice President and Treasurer Bruce Luthy announced that the Chamber's Night At The Races fundraiser will be held Friday, March 25, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Chester Country Club. Anyone wanting to purchase tickets or reserve tables for the event should contact Luthy or Randall at B.V. Bank.