Lyons retires after 48 years of service

Posted on April 30, 2017
Louis Lyons is retiring as the Pontiac Township Supervisor after 48 years. (Photo courtesy Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News)

By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

After serving 48 years as the Pontiac Township Supervisor, Louis Lyons has decided to retire, effective May 15.

Lyons said he has many memories of his time serving the community.

“Over the years we have had a few successes here and we really helped a lot of people and that has been one thing. The fact that we have brought all the roads in the township to blacktop and improved our total equipment overall to very good shape. Those are the things – that what it all about but – just being here to take care of the public is what the job is about so I enjoy it all,” Lyons said.

Lyons said he’s looking forward to fishing and relaxing in retirement. He said Lori Pemberton has been selected as the new supervisor.

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…