Former Legislator Hartke Writes Book

Chuck Hartke has had quite a life. 

Hartke served for 18 years in the Illinois House of Representatives, but also served as the Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture and is also a former Effingham County Board member.

His early days, though, were served on the farm. Those early experiences and what happened from there are the basis for a book Hartke has written. The book is called, "A Farm Boy's Journey into Politics". 

Hartke has worked on the book for the past three years, and it's ready for a public unveiling. Chuck will have a book signing event this Sunday from 1 to 5pm at the Teutopolis Banquet Hall. Admission is free, and copies of the book will be available for purchase.

Our Greg Sapp had the opportunity to sit down with Chuck Hartke about what's included in the book and why he decided to write it. Here's that conversation...

Chuck will also be signing copies of a second book he's written. It's called "The Boy Box Turtle". It's a children's storybook about a turtle who falls hopelessly in love with a little girl box turtle, their separation and the twists and turns involved in their finally finding each other again. Copies of the storybook will also be available at Sunday's event.

If you can't attend Sunday's book signing, but would like to purchase the books, email Hartke at chuck.hartke@gmail.com.