The Southern Illinoisan Editorial Contacts and Letters Policy
Publisher Dennis DeRossett Editor Meta Minton Voice of the Reader Jeff Smyth invites reader letters, tips, and comments. Details cover submission methods, contact numbers, publication rules, word limits, and editing rights for letters and Vent comments.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dennis DeRossett
Meta Minton
Voice of the Reader
The
Southern Illinoisan
P.O
Carbondale
Modifications to Open Meetings Law urged by West Frankfort Park Board
The passage of Senate Bill 1586 would require audio or video recordings of closed sessions. It would allow judges to assess compliance with the Open Meetings Act and permit tape release for public scrutiny. A West Frankfort Park Board closed meeting earlier this month highlights the potential usefulness of such recordings.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
West Frankfort
West Frankfort Park
Senate Bill 1586 Advocates Open Session Recordings
Voice of the Southern Board attorney cites a 4 2 vote in executive session to grant raises and a later reconvened open session without proper notice. Supporters argue tapes foster trust and deter secret deals while opponents warn of cost and burden. Senators Watson and Luechtefeld back the measure as amended, predicting House approval.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Board
Mike Riva
Riva
Robert Swafford
Frank Watson
Greenville
Dave Luechtefeld
Rokanville
House
Controversy Over City Council War Resolution Sparks Letters
Readers criticize Carbondale mayor for halting citizen comments before voting an anti war resolution and note ensuing disruption. Letters defend free discussion, urge civil decorum, and urge support for peaceful protest amid wartime debates.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Carbondale
Iraq
Farmer on Tractor Paralyzes Washington in Lockdown Era
Leonard Pitts reflects on life, freedom, and security after Dwight Watson, a 50-year-old tobacco farmer from North Carolina, drives a tractor to a pond near the Lincoln Memorial claiming explosives. Police confront him for two days. he surrenders without harm. The incident exposes the tension between preparedness and liberty in a city under terror alert.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Washington
Dwight Watson
Lincoln Memorial
Watson
Nort Carolina
Also Mentioned on This Page
Lee Enterprises
Opinion
Jeff Smyth
Jeff.smyth
Thesouthern
Dennis, Derossett
Minton
Murphysboro
de Soto
Williamson County
Abby Hatfield
Abby.hatfield
Thesouthern.com
Fion. Illinois Ave
Enterprises
Davenport
Iowa
Wilinoison
Illinois Municipal League
George Ryan
Jim Lyntt
John D. Homan
Navy
Susan A. Cox
Federal
Makau
Leonard
Pitts
White House
George Washington
Leonard Pitts JR
Miami Herald
Pittsherald.com
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!