Submit Info for Veterans Day Wall of Honor Display by October 24
The members of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus are once again hosting their annual Veterans Day Wall of Honor display at the Statehouse, from October 28 to November 13, providing 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.
State Senator Sally Turner is encouraging 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 questions, please call (217) 782-1154.
Senator Turner Presents Outstanding Teacher Award to Ralph Allen
Over the weekend, State Senator Sally Turner honored Ralph Allen of Mt. Pulaski High School as the recipient of her 2025 Outstanding Teacher of the 44th District Award.
Allen, who has taught Agricultural Science and served as FFA advisor at Mt. Pulaski CUSD 23 for decades, was nominated by community member Clay Aylesworth. In his nomination, Aylesworth praised Allen as a teacher who “puts in countless hours in the classroom and also FFA contests,” noting that his students consistently excel at Section, District, and State competitions. He added, “Mr. Allen is a great teacher and even a better person.”
This honor adds to Allen’s recent recognition as the 2025 Golden Owl Award winner, a statewide honor provided by Nationwide Insurance to celebrate exceptional agricultural educators. His long career is marked by a passion for teaching, a deep commitment to his students’ success, and a willingness to put his own farming on hold to ensure his students are prepared for competition. He plans to officially retire from Mt. Pulaski High School in June 2026.
Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Assassinated
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated during an attack at an outdoor event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday.
Kirk, 31, 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.
In response to the tragedy, State Senator Sally Turner expressed condolences to Kirk’s family and loved ones, emphasizing that violence has no place in political discourse. She added that to do anything other than condemn such violence and intolerance is unacceptable.
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 the state. 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.
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.