Carbondale Reporter

Many organizations are banding together to prepare students for returning to school next month. Rep. Patrick Windhorst and the Franklin-Williamson County Positive Youth Development Action Team are hosting a back-to-school expo.

“Thank you to the many sponsors that are working to prepare students for the start of school,” Windhorst wrote on Facebook with a post advertising the event.

WPSD wrote that the goal of the event is to “support and promote positive youth development in Franklin and Williamson County through prevention programs and services, networking and collaboration, and raising public awareness of resources devoted to the wellbeing of young people."

Food trucks, consignment sales for kids' items and COVID-19 vaccinations will be on-site during the event, which will be held on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Rent One Park, 1000 Miners Drive in Marion. 

Parents will soon have temporary tax relief next month thanks to the Illinois Family Relief Plan. WAWV reported there will be a tax decrease for clothing, school supplies and other back-to-school supplies from 6.25% to 1.25% for ten days.

“It will be huge for all of our students because a lot of them do struggle to get their school supplies and come to school sometimes unprepared,” Shelby Smith, a Paris High School Teacher and mom of three, said to WAWV. “We as teachers feel like we need to fill that void.”

Families can register for dental exams, vision screenings and school physicals, as well as get haircuts or school supplies. To register, visit this link.

Ballotpedia wrote that Windhorst defeated Candidate Ron Ellis during the June primary election and moves to the November general election uncontested.

Windhorst was first elected to the Illinois House in 2018. A Republican, his legislative experience includes serving on the Restorative Justice and Judiciary-Criminal committees.  According to the Illinois House, Windhorst is a state representative who resides in Metropolis.