Officials at the Edwards County Courthouse are rallying community support to honor the late Resident Circuit Judge Michael Valentine with a commemorative bench. Donations of plastic caps, lids, and monetary contributions are being collected to fund the project.
The bench, which will cost $348 and require 200 pounds of plastic to produce, will serve as a lasting tribute to Judge Valentine.
Organizers have placed a donation tote outside the Edwards County Supervisor of Assessor’s office for plastic contributions.
Accepted bottle caps include those from pill bottles, beverages, shampoos, detergents, and condiments. Lids from containers such as cottage cheese tubs, Pringles cans, mayonnaise jars, coffee cans, and peanut butter jars are also welcome.
Judge Valentine’s tragic death on Election Day, November 5th, has deeply impacted the community. He was murdered at his home north of Albion, leaving many to mourn his loss. The bench project aims to celebrate his memory and dedication to the county.
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