Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Assassinated
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated during an outdoor speaking engagement at Utah Valley University last Wednesday.
Kirk, a 31-year old husband and father of two, was struck by a single bullet as he was preparing to address a crowd of mostly college students. On Friday, September 12, the FBI announced that they had a suspect in custody.
The fatal shooting comes amid a troubling rise in attacks on political figures, with the most recent tragedy involving the killing of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, who were murdered in their home in mid-June. That event followed two assassination attempts against President Trump.
I vehemently oppose any form of political violence and believe it has no place in our political discourse. My heart breaks over this most recent senseless death, and I extend heartfelt condolences to Charlie Kirk’s wife, children, and extended family.
Senator Wilcox Joins Colleagues for Tour of Rock City Meat Processing/Butcher Shop
On Friday I joined a few of my legislative colleagues for a tour of Arrow Farm Meats in Rock City. Arrow Farm Meats is a family-owned and operated USDA-inspected butcher shop and meat processing facility that offers a variety of beef, port, and venison products. It is owned by Justin and Laura Earlywine and I sincerely appreciated the invitation to tour the facility and talk about the meat processing industry. Shown with me in the group photo are Justin and Laura Earlywine, Tom Eickman of Eickman’s Processing Company in Seward, Matt King of Main Street Meat Company in Roscoe, Senator Andrew Chesney, and House Republican Leader Tony McCombie.
ICE Launches Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago
Last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security launched a new crackdown on illegal immigration in Chicago known as Operation Midway Blitz. Under the operation, ICE officials are tasked with tracking down violent criminal illegal aliens, including gang members, rapists, kidnappers, and drug traffickers who were set free under Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s sanctuary state policies.
In 2021, Governor Pritzker massively expanded the TRUST Act, banning state and local government from working with ICE in almost every situation, drawing sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers and tying the hands of law enforcement officers throughout the state.
Governor Pritzker’s actions have put Illinois families at risk time and time again. If Governor Pritzker and Chicago leaders refuse to do their jobs, the federal government has both the right and the duty to act. I support Operation Midway Blitz 100%.
IPASS on Demand Coming to Lake Villa Library on September 17
Following a successful IPASS on Demand event in Fox Lake last week, I’m bringing the mobile team from the IL Tollway back to Lake County for another event on September 17. This event will be held at the Lake Villa District Library from 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM. If you have not yet switched out your plastic IPASS transponders for the new sticker technology, this event is for you! If you plan to attend, please bring your plastic transponder(s) with you and jot down your license plate number(s) to ensure quick service.
Other upcoming outreach events include:
- September 23: Constituent Services Event with Senator Wilcox and Cary Mayor Mark Kownick, Cary Municipal Center, 755 Georgetown Drive, Cary, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
- September 30: Medicare 101, Harrison School (Use Entrance #1), 6809 McCullom Lake Rd, Wonder Lake, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
- October 14: Senior Resource Fair, Grand Oaks Recreation Center, 1401 IL-176, Crystal Lake, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
New events are added regularly, so please visit the Events page of my website regularly to be kept up to date about events taking place near you.
IDOT Now Accepting Applications for Harvest Permits
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is now accepting applications for Illinois Harvest Permits (IHPs), a free, practical tool that helps farmers and agricultural haulers move crops more efficiently during the fall harvest season.
IHPs can be obtained by applying online through IDOT’s Illinois Transportation Automated Permits website system. The permits allow farmers to haul 10 percent more weight, resulting in fewer trips, lower costs, and reduced delays.
As one of the leading producers of corn and soybeans, these permits enhance the efficiency of agricultural logistics across Illinois. They provide greater flexibility when loading near the vehicle’s capacity. This reduces the number of trips needed to transport the same amount of agricultural products, resulting in lower fuel costs, fewer drivers needed, and less wear and tear on vehicles. Additionally, these permits help prevent elevator backups, extra storage costs, and market delays.
The permits are only valid during the harvest season, from September 1 to December 31. In the fall, roads tend to be drier and firmer, which makes them less prone to damage. IDOT requires route authorization every 14 days to make sure vehicles avoid lower-grade bridges.
Questions about the Harvest Permit can be directed to the Department of Transportation Permit Office at dot.permitoffice@illinois.gov or by calling (217) 785-1477.
Submit Info for Veterans Day Wall of Honor Display by October 24
My Illinois Senate Republican colleagues and I are once again hosting our annual Veterans Day Wall of Honor display at the Statehouse, from October 28 to November 13. This project provides families across Illinois with an opportunity to pay tribute to their loved ones who courageously served our nation.
The memorial will feature a large electronic display of veterans and their stories, along with a wall where visitors can write notes of thanks to those who served.
I would encourage friends and families 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.
Please email submissions to veteransday@sgop.ilga.gov by October 24, 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 additional information, please call (217) 782-1154.
Applications Now Being Accepted for Illinois Small Equipment Grants
The Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has recently announced the opening of the application period for the Small Equipment Grant Program.
The program offers grants of up to $26,000 to fire departments and ambulance services across the state to aid in the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. A total of $6 million is available to support eligible organizations this year.
These grants are used to help fire departments and ambulance services purchase small tools and equipment. Most Illinois fire departments, fire protection districts, and township fire departments are eligible to apply, as well as stand-alone, not-for-profit ambulance service providers.
Applications must be submitted online only and are due no later than November 14, 2025. Visit OSFM Grants & Loans for more information and to access the application.
In the last grant cycle, $4 million was awarded to 178 fire departments, districts, and EMS providers across Illinois.