The following article is a two-part series on the fate of racing in the state of Illinois. Part two of the series will run on Harnesslink Wednesday. Illinois horse racing has fallen from grace. The once fruitful state that offered so many excellent racing opportunities for both harness racing Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds is now nothing
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The Grand Victoria riverboat casino in Elgin, Illinois.
Credit Flickr User Joseph Gage (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Illinoisans have bet on horseracing since 1927, purchased Lottery tickets since 1974 and gambled for non-profit charities since 1986.
But on Feb. 7, 1990, Gov. James Thompson signed the Riverboat Gambling Act, laying odds on economic development and tourism.
With a blackjack table as a desk, the signing ceremony took place at the Peoria Boatworks. A steamboat blasted its whistle while a calliope played “Happy Days are Here Again.”
The newly created Illinois Gaming Board granted 10 licenses, giving preferential treatment to economically depressed areas outside the Chicago area. Riverboat casinos could operate only on water and gambling was permitted only after the boats left the dock.
Kimbrough launches Alton city clerk campaign
The Telegraph
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ALTON Steven Kimbrough, Sr., on Thursday launched his campaign for Alton City Clerk.
Born and raised in the community, he attended Alton public schools and obtained an associate’s degree in Criminal Justice at Lewis and Clark Community College.
Kimbrough has served area for more than 30 years in various capacities. He currently is chairman of the Alton Democratic Precinct Committeemen, serves on the Coalition of Concerned Citizens Executive Board, is an elder and pulpit chairman at Deliverance Temple Complex Church of God In Christ and is a former NAACP Executive Board member.