NW Illinois News

Rep. Andrew Chesney shared a Facebook post on Sept. 1 about a recognition ceremony he participated in with state Sen. Brian Stewart. 

"I was delighted to join Senator Stewart in celebrating the reading achievements of 136 students at a special recognition ceremony held at Lincoln-Douglas Debate Square in Freeport on Aug. 27," Cheney said on Facebook. 

Participating students from the 45th Senate and 89th House Districts who read at least eight books during the summer were awarded official certificates from the Illinois Senate and the Illinois House of Representatives for their commitment to reading. They were also invited to an official presentation commemorating their achievements at the Lincoln-Douglas debate site, and an ice cream party at the famous Union Dairy Ice Cream Parlor next door. Cheney went into more details as a part of a post on his website and made sure to thank those who participated in the event.

“Many thanks to all the students who participated, and to their family members who supported their efforts this summer," Chesney said. “Reading is its own reward, but official recognition and ice cream at Union Dairy are also great incentives to keep our young people reading and excelling.”

Chesney has represented the 89th District since December 2018. He has served as an elected member of the Freeport City Council and has been a previous board member of the Regional Access Mobilization Project — an organization that gives support services and advocacy for people with disabilities. He is also a former mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Chesney is holding mobile office hours around the district in September. The first event was on Wednesday at Pecatonica Village Hall. The next is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 13 at Winnebago Village Office, 108 W. Main St. The third event is from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 14 at Durand Village Hall, 308 W. Main St.