HR0670 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0670 LRB103 39787 LAW 70358 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives wish to congratulate Gary and Debby Stricker on the occasion of their retirement from owning and operating The Okawville Times, after providing their community with a steady source of knowledge and information for half a century; and

WHEREAS, The Okawville Times was founded by J.T. Gibbs in 1893; the newspaper was then owned by Gary Stricker's uncle and aunt, Grover and Leona Brinkman, before his parents, Warren and Virginia Stricker, assumed ownership; and

WHEREAS, Becoming the fourth owners in the 130-year history of The Okawville Times, Gary and Debby Stricker took control of the family business from Gary's parents after Gary completed his military service with the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a photographer from 1969 to 1973; and

WHEREAS, Soon after, Gary and Debby Stricker married on May 4, 1973, and Debby proceeded to serve as editor of The Okawville Times while also selling real estate; and

WHEREAS, Gary and Debby Stricker have long been active in their community in a number of ways, such as assisting the Okawville Village Library through advertising library events, providing ticket printing, and contributing in many other ways to aid the library in raising money to buy books for all ages and to host programs for students in the local school district; and

WHEREAS, Gary and Debby Stricker have been leaders in their field and community, with Gary serving on the board of directors of the Illinois Press Association from 2000 to 2011, advocating for journalists across the State, and Debby serving on the Okawville Village Library Board; and

WHEREAS, During their 50 years of leadership and management, Gary and Debby Stricker have received numerous awards from the Illinois Press Association while operating The Okawville Times; and

WHEREAS, In retirement, Gary and Debby Stricker have expressed plans to spend more time with their children, Kit and Shana Stricker, and their grandchildren, Gwen, Grant, Natasha, Zane, and Emma; and

WHEREAS, The Okawville Times has merged with the Nashville News to become the Washington County News, ensuring the viability of local journalism for years to come; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we congratulate Gary and Debby Stricker on their retirement from owning and operating The Okawville Times, and we commend them for their lifetime of service to their community and State; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Gary and Debby Stricker as a symbol of our esteem and respect.