Vermilion County's retired Justice Hon. Rita B. Garman has been awarded the Order of Lincoln. It is the state’s highest civilian honor for professional achievement and public service. She was one of seven winners announced by Governor J.B. Pritzker.

Garman retired as an Illinois Supreme Court Justice after nearly five decades of service. Garman was appointed associate judge in Vermilion County in 1974, she was elected to circuit judge in 1986, and elected to the Fourth District Appellate Court in 1995. In 2001, Garman was elected to the Illinois Supreme Court, and went on to serve as Chief Justice from 2013-2016. She was only the second woman to hold that position. The Vermilion County Courthouse is named in honor of Rita Garman.