City Council bans sweepstakes kiosks, approves honorary street designations
Decatur, IL – Highlights from the March 3, 2025 Decatur City Council meeting include the ban of sweepstakes kiosks in Decatur, and approval of two honorary street designations.
Sweepstakes kiosks banned
On Monday night the Decatur City Council approved the prohibition of sweepstakes kiosks from being in the City of Decatur. These machines operate very similar to video gaming slot machines by offering the possibility of winning something of value. The kiosks claim they can be played for free, but based on investigations in other municipalities they do require some payment.
Remembering the community’s desire to reduce the amount of video gambling, Council members agreed they wanted to be proactive before these machines spread in Decatur. A local ban was necessary as these machines operate outside of the State of Illinois video gaming regulations. Proposals are pending in the State Legislature to have these machines banned statewide.
Honorary street designations
Council approved two honorary street designations for influential Decatur residents:
· Bishop Thomas Cooper, for the corner of Macon Street & Haworth Street – The late Bishop Thomas Cooper was the founder of the Church of the Living God, PGT, #2. He pastored for over 40 years, retiring in 2013. He participated in the NAACP, the Ministerial Alliance, and MLK Day Parade. He spent countless hours working to feed the hungry, providing clothing to the needy, and helping many with financial assistance.
· Dr. Thomas Walker, for the corner of Water Street & Cerro Gordo Street – Dr. Thomas Walker is the owner and operator of Walker Funeral Home and Chapel, a longstanding African American business in Decatur, with additional locations in Champaign, Springfield, and Peoria. As a local commercial and residential property owner, former car dealership owner and community
leader, Dr. Walker has set precedent and inspired others to pursue entrepreneurship. He has also led initiatives that promote justice, economic empowerment, and community development. He also founded and is Senior Pastor of Main St. Church of the Living God.
The item related to licensing massage establishments was tabled and can be brought back at a future City Council meeting.
More information about these topics can be found in the City Council meeting packet, downloadable/viewable here: www.decaturil.gov/389/Agendas-Minutes
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