LAW ENFORCEMENT
Even as new laws sponsored by Illinois House Republicans were enacted this year to help survivors of human trafficking, the ill-conceived SAFE-T Act, passed by Illinois Democrats, is keeping traffickers out of jail pending trials after their arrests, giving them the opportunity to target new victims.
Please pray for the Illinois State Police Trooper who was injured in a crash in the Chicago suburbs last weekend. We can all help keep first responders and our fellow motorists safe on Illinois roadways by remembering to SLOW DOWN and MOVE OVER when approaching any vehicle with hazard/emergency lights activated.
Illinois State Police trooper hurt in multi-vehicle crash near Chicago
NEW LEGISLATION
Progressive Democrat state lawmakers are currently pushing through legislation that would make prostitution legal in Illinois and completely decriminalize it.
Illinois state lawmakers propose legalizing consensual sex work – CBS Chicago
TECHNOLOGY
Illinois residents may soon be able to access their driver’s licenses and state IDs on a mobile device. Here’s what you should know:
AGRICULTURE
Did you know Illinois is the No. 1 soybean-producing state in the country? About 15 percent of all U.S. soybeans are produced right here in the Land of Lincoln.
Illinois continues to raise the bar for beans
GRANTS
The Illinois Sheriff’s Association will be awarding over $58,000 in college scholarships throughout the State of Illinois to students pursuing higher education during the 2025-26 academic year.
Sheriff Wayne Strawn II of Marshall County will be awarding one scholarship in the amount of $500. Find more information and an application at the links below. The deadline is March 14, 2025.
Youth Outreach – Illinois Sheriffs’ Association
Scholarship Application Template 2003
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has announced the Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program. This program will provide funding to small businesses owned by Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Individuals or Very Small Businesses for capital improvement and infrastructure projects. Applications must be submitted by April 7 at 5 p.m. Application and Upcoming Grant Training links are below.
Small Business Capital and Infrastructure Grant Program (Notice of Funding Opportunity 2160-2940)
AROUND THE DISTRICT
The Eastern Marshall County EMS is celebrating its 10th anniversary this month. It was formed back on January 1, 2015, as an independent, non-profit contractor by and for the Toluca-Rutland and Wenona Fire Protection Districts to provide emergency medical care and transport for their respective fire districts.
As with most rural EMS services, Eastern Marshall County EMS faces yearly challenges, including staffing, funding, low operating revenue, and equipment transition/replacement. Throughout 2025, several community events will be planned to help improve the health and safety of our communities. Please learn more about your local EMS and the critically important services they provide.
Congratulations to Woodford County native and fellow Metamora High School graduate Kevin McCumber on his appointment to be the Clerk of the House of Representatives of the 119th Congress. Kevin is pictured with Congressman Darin LaHood.
Congratulations Mr. Clerk!
Congratulations to Streator Woodland Elementary School Principal Kristin Mangrich, who has been recognized by the Corn Belt Region of the Illinois Principals Association as the Elementary Principal of the Year!
Woodland’s Kristin Mangrich receives Elementary Principal of the Year award – Shaw Local