A series of free public workshops on essentials of the Freedom of Information Act and Open Meetings Act is being conducted by the Illinois Press Association and Foundation at locations around the state.

Titled “Open and Honest Government: The Role of Illinois' Public Access Counselor,” each program features insights from assistant Illinois attorney general Terry Mutchler, who holds the unique position created by Lisa Madigan.

Mutchler's remarks include overviews on the establishment of her office, knowledge and understanding of the two statutes, and insights on how the public and news media can use its services.

The series began Jan. 18 in Springfield, and presentations have continued in Oak Park, Arlington Heights, Geneva, Crystal Lake, Woodstock, DeKalb and Collinsville.

Future workshops will take place in Mt. Vernon from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, in the Airport Room, and in Carbondale the same day from 2 to 4 p.m. The final program will be held at the News-Gazette in Champaign from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 1.

For more information, call Kim Filson at (217) 241-1300.