SE Illinois News

State Representative Patrick Windhorst has announced that voting is now open for the "Southern Illinois is Beautiful" photo contest. Over 50 submissions were received from talented residents of the district, showcasing the natural beauty of the region. Voting will take place on Rep. Windhorst's official Facebook page.

"I'm very pleased with the outstanding submissions we received this year for our first ever Southern Illinois is Beautiful photo contest," said Rep. Windhorst. "Our region is blessed with some natural beauty, and it turns out a lot of creative and talented folks that really know how to capture it in photos. I'm encouraging everyone to check out the finalists on my Facebook page and cast your vote for your favorite!"

Voting opened on Tuesday, November 14th, and will continue until Tuesday, November 28th. The photo that receives the most likes and loves will be declared the winner. The winning photographers will receive a certificate of congratulations from the Illinois House of Representatives, signed by Rep. Windhorst. Additionally, their winning submissions will be displayed in Rep. Windhorst's capitol office, as well as his district offices in Harrisburg and West Frankfort.

In the adult category, the finalists include John O'Connell's captivating photo of Garden of the Gods with snow and stars, Stacey Penn's stunning shot of Ferne Clyffe State Park with frost and fog, LaRita Nance's picturesque image of Millstone Bluff in Pope County, Illinois, and Suzanne Asaturian's mesmerizing "Tunnel Vision" at the Tunnel Hill Bike Trail in Vienna, Illinois.

For the student category, the finalists are Lydia Wells from Harrisburg, Savannah Oslay from Jackson Falls, Emilie Horstman near Eddyville, and Miley Wells, also from Harrisburg.

To view the finalists' photos and cast your vote, visit Rep. Windhorst's Facebook page. The winners will not only receive recognition and a certificate but also have their photos showcased in various offices.

This photo contest highlights the beauty and talent of Southern Illinois residents. It is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and appreciate the natural wonders that surround them. So don't miss out on the chance to vote for your favorite photo and be a part of this celebration of Southern Illinois' beauty.

To find out more, go to this link: https://repwindhorst.com/2023/11/14/southern-illinois-is-beautiful-photo-contest-finalists-chosen-voting-now-open/