For our Women’s Voices series, commentator Febe Pamonag says women in rural areas have played an important role in advancing social issues. She shares an example from overseas, and says such contributions should not be overlooked.

At a Friday afternoon hearing, the electoral board took no action and heard no evidence regarding pending challenges to the nominating petitions of five Republican candidates running in the March primary election, but it did schedule another meeting for next week.

An advocate for public education said Illinois voters have twice supported advisory referenda for such a tax.

The objections were filed against incumbent County Clerk Scott Erickson, treasurer candidates Jerrie Ann Walters and Janet Windish, and county board candidates Anthony Weiss and Tammy Weiss in District 1.

The plan calls for 26 assisted living suites on the second floor.