New laws took effect yesterday, including raising the minimum wage and an increase in vehicle registration fees.

Adults ages 18 and up who are making minimum wage now will receive 25 cents more an hour.

The Illinois Vehicle Code also was amended in 2008 to provide for a $1 surcharge on vehicle registration fees. The extra $1 will be spent on upgrading equipment for Illinois State Police, according to information from the Illinois Secretary of State's office.

The fee applies to passenger vehicles, B-trucks and vans weighing 8,000 pounds or less.
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Some businesses and offices will be closed Friday due to the Fourth of July holiday. Residents may want to call ahead and make sure an establishment is open.

The Chillicothe Times-Bulletin office will be closed on Friday.
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Activities today include:

CHILLICOTHE ROTARY meets at 7 a.m. at Happy Thought Coffee downtown. Featured speaker is Glenn Zipp, chairman of the GAR Hall 100th anniversary celebration. Guests are welcome to attend.

CHILLICOTHE HISTORICAL SOCIETY meets at 7 p.m. at the main musem, 723 N. Fourth St. Bring items and stories to share for Show & Tell. Complimentary refreshments. Public welcome