National First Responders Day
Today, October 28th is National First Responders Day, a time to honor the courage and commitment of the men and women who serve on the front lines, protecting and supporting our communities.
According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, an estimated 4.6 million people serve as career and/or volunteer first responders in the nation. Whether it’s firefighters rushing into burning buildings, police officers maintaining public safety, or paramedics providing life-saving care, these individuals respond in times of crisis for the safety and well-being of others, often putting their own lives at risk.
Illinoisians are encouraged to help celebrate National First Responders Day by taking a moment to thank a first responder, honor their contributions, and show them they are appreciated for the work they do in communities throughout the state.
Wilcox Rounds Out 2024 Events Schedule with Two IPASS on Demand Events
I will be rounding out my community outreach events for the year with two additional IPASS on Demand events in the coming weeks. The first one takes place TODAY at the Algonquin Township offices in Crystal Lake.
Monday, October 28
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Algonquin Township Offices
Meeting Room #1
3702 Northwest Highway (Route 14)
Crystal Lake
Monday, November 4
12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
McHenry City Hall
333 South Green Street
McHenry
At these IPASS on Demand events, Tollway employees can help residents switch out their plastic IPASS transponders for the new sticker technology the Tollway is using. Plastic transponders will work until the expiration date printed on the transponder, but these local events help people make the switch in a convenient location so they can avoid long lines at the DMV.
You can visit the Events page on my website to learn more about these events.
Deadline Approaching for Wall of Honor Submissions
To pay tribute to veterans and honor their legacies and sacrifices, I am encouraging constituents to submit a photo and story of their loved one who served our nation so it can be displayed in the rotunda of the Illinois Capitol from November 11 to 25 in honor of Veterans Day. The deadline for submissions is November 8.
Families are asked to submit a photo and written story (max: 250 words) along with the following information: name, military branch (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy) and conflict served (Afghanistan, Iraq, September 11, Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, WWI, Peacetime, other). Military photos are preferred but not necessary.
Submissions should be emailed to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov to be included in the Veterans Day Display at the Illinois State Capitol. Submissions can also be mailed to Veterans Day Wall, 110 D Statehouse, Springfield, IL 62706. For questions, please call (217) 782-1154.
Senator Wilcox Named “Friend of Agriculture” by Illinois Chamber of Commerce
The 32nd Senate District is home to hundreds of farms that feature some of the most fertile soil in the nation, and I’m proud to announce that I was recently named a “Friend of Agriculture” by the Illinois Farm Bureau. I received his award during a recent presentation at Richardson Farm in Spring Grove, with McHenry County Farm Bureau Manager Dan Volkers and Lake County Farm Bureau Director Andy Yarc presenting it.
It is an incredible honor to receive this award from leaders from the McHenry and Lake County agricultural community, and very fitting that this award was received at the Richardson Farm, one of northern Illinois’ most famous farms- known for its corn maze and Christmas trees. Efforts that support agriculture are very important in Illinois, and as a legislator I am committed to helping farmers with their goal of improving food production practices and ensuring a plentiful and safe food supply.
The award was based on each legislator’s support of farming and agriculture in the 103rd General Assembly. Legislators receiving this award recognize the far-reaching benefits of Illinois’ agricultural products and the important role farmers play in providing quality food, fiber and fuel for the state, nation, and world.
Illinois Drivers Reminded to Stay Alert for Deer as Seasons Change
With the changing weather, Illinois motorists are being reminded to be on the lookout for deer, particularly at dawn and dusk, through the end of the year.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), 2023 saw 14,862 crashes involving deer, with 663 of these resulting in injuries and seven leading to fatalities. More than 41 percent of deer-related crashes occurred in the months of October, November, and December, with November posing the greatest risk.
If a driver does hit a deer, IDOT recommends pulling off to the shoulder, turning on hazard lights, and calling 911. Drivers are also reminded not to exit their vehicles. For information on claiming a deer from a crash or reporting possession, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) provides resources on its website.