MAJOR STRIDES
Perry, Randolph and Washington counties taking the right steps to improve BY JOE SZYNKOWSKI For The Southern
T
he 70,000 people who make up Perry, Randolph and Washington counties have recently enjoyed substantial progress within their communities. Downtowns in Du Quoin and Pinckneyville are experiencing major overhauls while staying true to their rich Perry County history. Chester’s scenic spot on the
Mississippi River continues to draw in more and more tourists for its now year-long celebration of its cartoon character claim-to-fame. From clean coal to new business buildings, major development is under way in Washington County. These counties are also enhancing and advancing their position in healthcare and education — two pillars of any successful community. Driving all of this newfound success are growth-minded, forward-thinking
leaders and devoted, prideful citizens all working toward attaining a common goal — civic excellence. “The most important thing is that steps forward are being taken to improve the looks of our community,” said Carrie Gilliam, development coordinator for Pinckneyville. “No one wants to invest in a losing horse, so in order to grow in all areas of development, we need to look like a winning thoroughbred.”