NEWS RELEASES

Decatur to Host 2008 Illinois Republican Party Convention - Friday, July 13, 2007 - First convention held in Decatur since Abraham Lincoln Nominated for President in 1860

Highlighting a theme that focuses on the future of Illinois, Illinois Republican Party Chairman Andy McKenna announced today that following a statewide search, Decatur will be the host city for the 2008 Illinois Republican Party State Convention.

“There were a number of great Illinois cities vying to host the 2008 convention, but Decatur stood out as a leader on many fronts,” said McKenna.  “One important factor in making our decision is that Decatur was the location of the convention that endorsed Abraham Lincoln as Illinois’ choice for President in 1860.”

The decision culminates an intensive search process by a three-member panel selected from the State Central Committee including Carbondale Mayor Brad Cole, Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar, and Kenilworth Village President Tolbert Chisum.

Chisum added, “With its central location, recreational opportunities and the Decatur Conference Center and Hotel serving as the location, Decatur led the pack in terms of its overall package.”

“Two individuals who deserve special praise are Deputy State Central Committeewoman Deb Detmers and State Central Committeeman Tolbert Chisum who took much time from their busy schedules to visit each of the potential host cities,” said McKenna.

“As Senate Republican Leader I’m proud that our party is looking to come back to its roots and bring the 2008 State Party convention to Decatur. We’ve come a long way since 1860 when Decatur hosted the convention that put Abraham Lincoln on track to the U.S. presidency,” said State Senate Minority Leader Frank Watson.  “Decatur rallied as a community in 1860 and it’s no different today. Once again we’ll roll out the Red Carpet.”

Through the efforts of Andy McKenna, Senator Watson, Macon County Republican Chairman Jim Gresham, the Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, the Party will return to Decatur to highlight the accomplishments of Illinois Republicans since Abraham Lincoln’s nomination and look to a revitalized future in Illinois. “We can’t thank the Convention & Visitors Bureau and the hotel enough for all they did to assist us in winning this bid,” said Gresham. Plans for the convention include organized tours of local and regional Lincoln sites, which will be guided by Kim Bauer, director of the City of Decatur’s Lincoln Heritage Project.

Watson added, “It’s only fitting for the party to return to Decatur as we near the State’s celebration of Lincoln’s 200th birthday.” McKenna said, “Lincoln’s leadership was the essence of Republican leadership.  He expressed values.  He challenged people to think about the kind of government they wanted.  It is time for change in Illinois and it’s time to challenge people in Illinois once again with the question of what kind of government they want.”

The Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau estimates that the convention will generate at least $250,000 in revenues for Decatur-Forsyth.  Over 1,000 are expected to attend. The convention will take place June 6-7, 2008 at the Decatur Conference Center & Hotel.

Macon County Museum Announces Additional Exhibit - May 22, 2007

The Macon County Historical Museum announces the opening of a new exhibit entitled, "Made in Decatur: Past & Present."

The exhibit was made possible in part by a matching grant from the Illinois Association of Museums and matching contributions from Macon County Historical Society members. It explores the history of many of the companies, inventions and products that have been, and are, part of Decatur's industrial revolution, which began in the 1870's. For information on admission and museum hours, go to www.mchsdecatur.org

Haunted Decatur Announces New Ghost Bus! - May 14, 2007

In May 2007, the Haunted Decatur Tours launched a brand new addition to their tour company – the Haunted Decatur Ghost Bus! This new bus is painted and customized to be unique to Decatur and has been added to the company's ghostly tours for the spring and summer months and for special tours during the Halloween season. In addition, the company will be offering the ghost bus for private tours, special outings, parties, corporate events and bachelorette parties!

See the Haunted Decatur website for photos of the new ghost bus at http://www.haunteddecatur.com

By making the bus available for private groups, Haunted Decatur will entice even more people to come to Decatur and will attract additional locals who would like to have a more intimate tour of the city’s many haunted places. A private group that books the Haunted Decatur ghost bus will be able to rent the bus (including guide and driver) for a whole evening for the flat fee of just $400. Along with the guide, this includes a full tour of Haunted Decatur and visits to all of the locations that have given the city such a reputation for being haunted.

The company will also be offering private “Haunted Decatur Pub Crawls”, which include not only visits to haunted places but also stops at 3 of the city’s haunted pubs! These tours will be available to private parties of 21 years of age and older only!

MACON COUNTY MUSEUM OPENS NEW EXHIBIT – March 29, 2007

The Macon County Historical Museum announces the opening of a new museum exhibit, “Macon County Goes to War – Recollections of WWII.” The new exhibit will spotlight the war years of the 1940’s in the Decatur and Macon County area, through artifacts, uniforms, photos and other media of the era.

The exhibit will open April 5, 2007. For additional information contact Patrick McDaniel at 217-422-4919.

GALLERY 510 SPONSORS NATIONAL JURIED SHOW – March, 2007

A National Juried Fiber Arts Exhibit will take place October 2007 at the Madden Arts Center, in Decatur, Illinois. To enter this show, fiber artists should send an SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) to receive a prospectus from Gallery 510, 160 E. Main Street, Decatur, IL 62523. The juror/judge is Kathleen Field of Lake Forest, IL. The postmark deadline for entries is July 8, 2007. Send up to 3 slides, photos or JGP on a CD for an entry fee of $30.00. Call 217-422-1509 for additional information or check Gallery 510’s web site at www.gallery510.org.

DECATUR WINS JAMES FARRELL NATIONAL TOURNAMENT AWARD FROM THE AMERICAN SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION – December 2006

Decatur, Illinois was awarded the 2006 James Farrell National Tournament Award for hosting one of the highest-rated ASA National Tournaments in 2006. Decatur hosted the ASA National Men’s Fast Pitch Class B Championship tournament in August, 2006. The award was presented at the 2006 National Council Meeting Awards Luncheon in Colorado Springs, Colorado in December 2006.

Decatur received a “highest” rating from the commissioners, teams, coaches and ASA National office. The Decatur Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Decatur Park District worked closely together to attract the tournament to the area and to make it one of the most highly-rated tournaments of 2006.