Decatur City Council approves two honorary street designations, places ban on sweepstakes kiosks

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — During Decatur's Monday night council meeting the City approved two honorary street designations and placed a ban on sweepstakes kiosks.

Sweepstakes kiosks function similarly to video gaming slot machines by providing the chance to win something of value. The kiosks advertise that they can be played for free; however, investigations in other municipalities have revealed that they typically require some payment.

Council members agreed they wanted to be proactive before these machines spread in Decatur, and they concluded that a local ban was necessary since these machines operate outside of the Illinois video gaming regulations.

Proposals are pending in the State Legislature to have these machines banned statewide.

On Monday, council also approved two honorary street designations for influential Decatur residents, Bishop Thomas Cooper and Dr. Thomas Walker.

The late Bishop Cooper will have the corner of Macon Street & Haworth Street dedicated in his honor. He founded the Church of the Living God, PGT, #2, where he served as pastor for over 40 years, retiring in 2013.

Dr. Walker will have the corner of Water Street & Cerro Gordo Street dedicated in his honor. 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. He also founded and is Senior Pastor of Main St. Church of the Living God.

The council also discussed an ordinance outlining licensing requirements for massage establishments in the city, but they have tabled that discussion until the next council meeting on March 17.