Dear Friend,
What a busy week! Here’s what’s on tap in this edition of Severin Says:
– Southern Illinois Miners Host “Back the Blue Night”
– Marion Chamber has a very busy week!
– Ribbon cut for grand opening of the DuQuoin State Fair
– Community Bankers visit Sparta Shooting Complex
– Summer reading club “Night at the Ballpark” coming up Tuesday Aug. 27
– First Financial Bank of Benton will Host Shred Day Sept. 7
Southern Illinois Miners Host “Back the Blue Night”
Thank you to the Southern Illinois Miners for hosting another successful Back the Blue Night in honor of law enforcement members and their families. The men and women that put on the uniform in service to our communities deserve our praise and respect. Thank you to local, county, and state law enforcement officers and officials for your service and sacrifice to keep our communities safe! I encourage you to get out to a Miner’s game this summer while you still have time. Let’s support those that support the police!
Marion Chamber Hosts Legislative Summit
Thank you to the Marion Chamber of Commerce legislative summit committee for another excellent event this week at Kokopelli.
It was great to see an excellent turnout and hear positive, informative presentations from Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, US Rep. Mike Bost, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs, Illinois State Senator Dale Fowler, Williamson County Commissioner Ron Ellis, and Marion Mayor Mike Absher.
Marion Chamber Hosts Lunch and Learn!
Another thank you to the Marion Chamber of Commerce for hosting local hero Thanet Natisri. The lunch was quite informative and featured the welcoming of two new doctors to Southern Illinois.
DuQuoin State Fair Kicks off with Parade and Ribbon Cutting – Jackie Joyner Kersey on Hand with Elected Officials
Olympic legend and East St. Louis native Jackie Joyner-Kersey joined Statewide elected officials, local elected officials, legislators, Miss Illinois County Fair, and other dignitaries on Friday evening for a ribbon cutting commemorating the start of the DuQuoin State Fair.
DuQuoin State Fair is NOW OPEN!
Rep. Severin, Dept. of Ag Director John Sullivan, State Rep. Terri Bryant and State Rep. Nathan Reitz 
Rep. Severin and Jackie Joyner-Kersey 
Dave and Miss Illinois County Fair Queen 2019 Alexi Bladel
The DuQuoin State Fair celebrated its grand opening with a parade and ribbon cutting on Friday evening. Read The Southern Illinoisan’s coverage of the grand opening here!
2019 Ducky Derby Dash Coming to DuQuoin State Fair Sept. 1
Community Bankers Visit Sparta World Shooting Complex
Thank you to the Community Bankers Association of Illinois for hosting a legislative summit at the Sparta World Shooting Complex. I spent some time meeting with CBAI community bankers and fellow legislators to discuss concerns and opportunities in Southern Illinois and throughout the state.
Summer Reading Program Night at the Ballpark
I have used this space for the last few months to keep you up to date on my Summer Reading Club. The deadline for entry has now come and gone, and the planning for our Night at the Ballpark has begun.
My office has been reaching out to parents that have submitted their child’s completed summer reading club form to invite them to our August 27th Night at the Ballpark with the Southern Illinois Miners. If your child submitted a completed summer reading club form and you have not been contacted by my office by email or phone, please call Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at 618-440-5090 and we will fill you in!
First Financial Bank in Benton to Host Document Shred Day
The First Financial Bank of Benton will host a document shredding event at their Benton location on the square on September 7th from 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Individuals are allowed to bring up to 5 boxes of paper to be shredded. Bring your old, sensitive documents to be shredded free of charge!
Stay Connected!
My office in Marion is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can call any time at 618-440-5090 or email me at Severin@ILHouseGOP.org.