Benton & Associates, Inc. announces addition of new employee:
Benton & Associates, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of James B. (Brian) Martin, PE, to our Jacksonville, Illinois office. Martin is a graduate from the University of Texas at El Paso with a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering. He is an Army veteran and a licensed professional engineer in Illinois with 25 plus years of experience. Martin is working in our water/wastewater departments.
His experience includes: water system hydraulic evaluations, wastewater collection systems, water tower inspections, site plans, water and wastewater treatment, preliminary engineering reports, rate studies, assistance with violations notices and administrative orders of consents, as well as construction observation.
Martin currently resides in Jacksonville with his wife.
Benton & Associates, Inc. of Jacksonville, Illinois, is a Consulting Engineering Firm providing civil and electrical engineering and land surveying services for both public and private clients in Illinois and Missouri. Major service areas include: Environmental, Transportation, Land Development, and Structural Engineering.
Osage Orange Festival returns as part of celebration for Class of 2024:
Illinois College will host the Osage Orange Festival on Saturday, May 11, from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Memorial Lawn located at the corner of Mound Road and Lincoln Avenue.
The all-ages event is free admission and open to the public. The evening will feature face painting, inflatables, games and more. A variety of the area’s favorite food trucks including Twyford’s BBQ, Leo’s on Wheels and Lazy Laker will provide festive food and drink options, including beer and wine for purchase.
The annual celebration kicks off the 190th Commencement Weekend and will serve as a welcome to the graduating Class of 2024 and their families as they join the Illinois College alumni community.
The festival dates back to 1882, when students and faculty would break from their studies to picnic and trim the Osage hedge that surrounded campus. In that same spirit, Illinois College welcomes the Jacksonville community, alumni and friends to join in the fun tradition.
The Illinois College Alumni Association will host the event. Osage Orange Festival and Senior Celebration attendees are invited to RSVP online to help with planning, but all are welcome to attend without an RSVP. For more information about Commencement Weekend, visit www.ic.edu/commencement.
Land of Lincoln Honor Flight Springfield, IL flights announced:
Land of Lincoln Honor Flight is kicking off the 2024 flying season on May 14, 2024 with Mission #70.
Mission #70 will serve 94 Veterans including 15 Korean Era veterans 79 Vietnam era veterans from 54 Central Illinois home towns of Altamont, Bethalto, Bloomington, Brighton, Casey, Champaign, Chandlerville, Chestnut, Clinton, Columbia, Cropsey, Danville, Dawson, Decatur, Dow, Effingham, Elizabeth, Farmer City, Fisher, Grafton, Greenville, Gurnee, Hettick, Jacksonville, Jerseyville, Lincoln, Litchfield, Longview, Loves Park, Mahomet, Marion, Mason City, Mattoon, Monmouth, Mt Zion, Neoga, Newton, Normal, Petersburg, Pleasant Plains, Rantoul, Rochester, Roxana, Rushville, Secor, Shelbyville, Sherman, Sorento, Southern View, Springfield, Teutopolis, Thomasboro, Topeka and Tuscola as well as veterans from Cotter, Arkansas, and McKinze, Tennessee. Our May 14 veterans represent all branches of the military as well as the Air National Guard and the Army National Guard.
These 94 veterans and their Guardians will report May 14 at the Abraham Lincoln Capitol Airport at 4 a.m. to travel to Washington, DC, on a chartered Sun Country 737 aircraft to visit the World War II; Korean and Vietnam War memorials; as well as Arlington National Cemetery Tomb of the Unknowns; the Lincoln Memorial; the National Air & Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia; the US Marine Corps Memorial and the US Air Force Memorial. This day of honor is provided at absolutely no cost to our veterans and is completely funded by donations from the general public.
These heroes return to Springfield airport at 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The general public, friends, family, and LLHF alumni veterans are encouraged to pack the airport to welcome home these heroes. Bortolon states: “The welcome home at the airport is very special to our veterans; it is the experience our veterans earned deserve and but never received.” Greeters are encouraged to arrive early and show appreciation for and support of these veterans who sacrificed so much for our country. Parking is free and volunteers will be in the parking area to assist guests to open spaces as well as the shuttle bus that will take them directly to the airport terminal door.
“We are looking forward to this 2024 flying season with additional flights scheduled for August 27 and October 15. We encourage any World War II, Korean Era or Vietnam Era veteran to apply now. This is your time to be honored.” Bortolon states. Any seriously impaired or terminally ill veteran will be given flight priority. Veteran and Guardian Applications may be obtained at www.LandofLincolnHonorFlight.org by clicking on “Applications” tab. LLHF also offers a “Flightless Honor Flight” program for those otherwise eligible veterans whose physical condition limits their ability to participate on an actual flight.
Land of Lincoln Honor Flight is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that receives no government funding. Over 5,600 Central Illinois veterans have been served on LLHF’s 69 flights. It is only able to honor veterans due to the generous donations, sponsorships, fundraising events, merchandise sales and supporting efforts of the many local businesses, individuals and organizations within our service area. Land of Lincoln Honor Flight is operated by all volunteers; it has no paid staff, no office and no utilities costs. Its overall administrative cost is approximately 2% so virtually every dollar raised supports flight costs for veterans.
Jacksonville Area CVB and the City of Jacksonville partner to launch kayak rentals:
Discover the beauty of Lake Mauvaiseterre with our new self-service kayak rentals, proudly introduced by the Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau in collaboration with the City of Jacksonville and City Lakes Department. Kayak Jacksonville offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to engage with Jacksonville’s natural scenery in an active, enjoyable way.
Available at Lake Mauvaisterre, you will find a fleet of six top-quality kayaks and two stand up paddleboards that can be rented from sunrise to sunset. Initial rental rates are set at $25 for the first two hours, with each additional hour priced at $15, which can be launched from the nearby boat launch. While visiting, you can also enjoy the picnic areas, or even travel right across the street where you can continue the fun at Nichols Park, where you will find fishing, walking, swimming, golf, disc golf, covered pavilions for picnicking along with a children’s playground.
Renting a Kayak
Renting a kayak is simple using our dedicated app from Rent.Fun, which facilitates the entire self-checkout process. Each rental comes equipped with paddles and safety gear, including U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets. Renters must be at least 18 years old.
Brittany Henry, Executive Director of the Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, expressed enthusiasm about this new service, “We are appreciative of the support and partnership to bring Rent.Fun to the area, we were able to secure the Tourism and Attraction Grant through the Illinois Office of Tourism and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, to help fund part of the kiosk system. This opportunity allows our community and visitors to interact with Lake Mauvaiseterre in a fresh and exciting way!
Brett Gilbreth, Lakes Director said, “I am thrilled to enhance our recreational offerings and invite everyone to come and discover Lake Mauvaiseterre’s charm at their leisure.”
The Kayak Rental program is expected to go live on May 2nd. Mayor Andy Ezard mentions, “The introduction of the rental program marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance recreational opportunities and promote more outdoor activities in our community. This is more than just a rental service; it’s an invitation for folks to explore and connect with our city’s stunning surroundings.”
For more information regarding Kayak Rentals in Jacksonville visit jacksonvilleil.org or call 217-243-5678.
About the City of Jacksonville:
Jacksonville, Illinois is a vibrant community known for its rich history, cultural offerings, and commitment to education and outdoor activities, making it a welcoming destination for residents and visitors.
About the Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau:The Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau works to highlight, the Jacksonville Area, as a premier destination to drive economic growth through strategic marketing, and to promote the unique experiences the Jacksonville Area offers to both visitors and residents alike.About the Illinois Office of Tourism:The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism manages industry efforts that result in sustainable and significant economic and quality-of-life benefits for Illinois residents.
Jacksonville Memorial Hospital and Jacksonville Police Department to host bicycle rodeo:
Jacksonville Memorial Hospital and Jacksonville Police Department will host a bicycle rodeo on Saturday, May 18, in celebration of Bicycle Awareness Month.
The event will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Jacksonville Farmers Market, located at Pathway Plaza, 1905 W. Morton Ave. Children in pre-K through eighth grade are invited to attend and bring their bicycles.
Tire and safety checks will be available, and children can test their skills on the bicycle safety course. All children should be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
“Bicycling is a great way to enjoy exercise and get around,” said Erika Procarione, JMH community health worker. “But it’s important to be safe when riding. This event is a fun way to increase awareness of bicycle safety and make sure your child’s bike is in good riding condition.”
