After Successful Senior Fair, Wilcox Looks Ahead to IPASS on Demand Events
Thank you to everyone who came out to the senior fair I co-hosted with Senator DeWitte last week in Crystal Lake. Attendance exceeded all expectations with more than 200 seniors coming through to visit with vendors, get flu shots, and take advantage of all of the other offerings.
Looking ahead, I will be rounding out my community outreach events for the year with two additional IPASS on Demand events in the coming weeks.
A mobile team from the Tollway will be at the Algonquin Township Offices, in meeting room #1 on Monday, October 28, and at McHenry City Hall on Monday, November 4. The October 28 event will be held from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM, and the McHenry event will be held from 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM. Please note the time change for the McHenry event. Addresses for both locations are listed in the graphics above.
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.
Feds Back Lawsuit Against Illinois Fee Ban
The federal government has stepped into the legal fight over a new Illinois law that could change how banks and credit unions handle transaction fees. The U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has filed an amicus brief supporting a lawsuit aimed at blocking the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act.
Passed earlier this year, the law would be the first in the country to ban banks from charging interchange fees on taxes and tips—a move critics say goes too far and could create headaches for retailers and consumers alike. Opponents argue it would force consumers to swipe their credit cards twice—once for purchases and again for sales tax. Federal officials claim the law interferes with their authority and threatens “safe and sound banking” by undermining fees that cover transaction costs and protect against fraud.
Supporters of the law, however, say banks are exaggerating, claiming they can easily separate taxes and tips from the fees without breaking the system. The case is set to be argued in court on October 30th.
Stay Safe While You Trick-or-Treat
With Halloween creeping closer, it’s important to be safe and responsible so your night of trick-or-treating is all treats and no tricks!
Please stick to your local community’s designated hours and keep to the sidewalks to avoid any frightful falls. Adults should carry flashlights to light the way through the spooky streets. And before your little goblins dig into their candy haul, be sure to check everything first to keep things safe and sweet.
Additional Trick-or-Treating tips include:
- Choose flame-resistant costumes or use polyester/nylon for DIY outfits.
- Use bright, reflective clothing or tape to increase visibility.
- Opt for makeup over masks to avoid obstructing vision.
- Test makeup 24-48 hours ahead to prevent allergic reactions.
- Avoid decorative contact lenses without a prescription.
When it comes to enjoying Halloween treats and sweets, the FDA offers the following nutritional and safety tips for trick-or-treaters:
- Wait to eat treats until they’ve been inspected at home.
- Avoid unwrapped or homemade treats, and check labels for allergens.
- Parents of very young children should remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies, or small toys from the Halloween bags.
Let’s make this Halloween a scream—in the best way!
IDPH Updates Respiratory Illness Dashboard as Virus Season Kicks Off
With the arrival of cooler weather, respiratory virus season is just around the corner. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has rolled out updates to its Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard and is encouraging residents to take proactive steps to protect themselves against common seasonal illnesses.
The updated dashboard provides real-time data on respiratory illness trends across the state, including hospital visits, demographics of affected individuals, and outbreak reports from local health departments.
Health officials are also reminding the public that one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses is to stay home when sick. If you’re experiencing symptoms like coughing, a runny nose, or fever, self-isolate to protect others unless medical care is needed.
Stay informed and stay healthy this season! For more information on respiratory virus season or to check out the Seasonal Respiratory Illness Dashboard, visit IDPH’s website.