News Around Illinois – December 20, 2019

Knott Named University of Illinois Secretary

URBANA – Gregory Knott has been named the new secretary of the University of Illinois. Beginning next month, he’ll take on a wide-range of duties, from setting agendas and maintaining records for the board of trustees … to advising and assisting administrators, including President Tim Killeen. Knott has been with the U of I since 2002, most recently as the Assistant Dean of Libraries. He is also the chair of the Parkland College board … but will leave both positions to become university secretary. The 53-year-old Knott has two master’s degrees from the U of I, and operates a small farm near St. Joseph. As U of I secretary, he will succeed Dedra Williams, who is retiring.

Danville Approves Recreational Cannabis Use But Only At Home

DANVILLE – The new Illinois recreational cannabis law will allow public consumption of the product only at cannabis dispensaries and so-called smoke shops or cannabis cafes. But that won’t be allowed in Danville, under new rules approved by the city council this week. Danville Mayor Rickey Williams, Jr. says smoking cannabis in Danville will only be allowed in private. A cannabis dispensary expected to open in Danville by this coming March will not be able to allow customers to use its product on the premises. Recreational cannabis use becomes legal in Illinois on January 1, 2020. – Jim Meadows, Illinois Newsroom

Quad Cities Chosen For Disc Golf Championships

QUAD CITIES – The 2021 US Masters Championships for the Professional Disc Golf Association will be held in the Quad Cities. Chase Roberts, owner of a disc golf supply store in Moline, says the association chose the Quad Cities because it successfully hosted two previous national competitions, in 2007 and 2017. Disc golf is similar to golf, with something resembling a frisbee. It’s scored the same as golf, but instead of holes competitors “putt” into baskets. The 2021 Masters Championships will be for those age 40 and above, and will be held in September, 2021. Roberts says the Quad Cities is a “hotbed” for disc golf, with 11 courses in the area, and a total of about 40 within easy driving distance. – WVIK News

Church Seeks Return Of Statue Of Priest Who Helped Kids

DES PLAINES – The Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago is requesting that a statue of a well-known priest be returned, months after it was removed from church property in a suburb. The statue shows the late Rev. John Smyth with his arms outstretched to a child above him. It was unveiled in 1996 to honor Smyth’s years of work at Maryville Academy in Des Plaines, a home for troubled children. The Daily Herald reports that archdiocese officials know who removed the statue. Smyth died in April at age 84, a few months after he was accused of sexual abuse. His attorney denies the allegations. – Associated Press

Willis Tower Receives Highest Level Of Green Certification

CHICAGO – Chicago’s Willis Tower skyscraper has become the largest building in the U.S. to reach the highest level of energy efficiency. The Chicago Tribune reports that the building’s owner announced Thursday that the 110-story skyscraper received the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum certification. It’s the top designation for energy efficiency and sustainability under LEED guidelines. Willis Tower attained LEED Gold status in 2018. Equity office said efficiency was improved via upgrades to heating and cooling systems, hot water generators, lighting, plumbing and ongoing elevator system overhauls. Willis Tower is the second-tallest building in the Americas. It was previously called the Sears Tower. – Associated Press

TAGS: Archdiocese of Chicago, Catholic, Chicago, Danville, Des Plaines, disc golf, Jr., marijuana legalization, Quad Cities, Recreational Cannabis, Rickey Williams, Willis Tower

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