FALLEN OFFICERS CEREMONY
This week, we paid tribute to Illinois police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty over the last year. The Fallen Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony is a somber event that reminds us of the bravery and strength of our men and women who wear the badge.
We were honored to stand beside law enforcement officers from across Illinois to honor our fallen heroes and their families. May their sacrifice never be forgotten.
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Congratulations to Eureka High School students Vivian Neukomm and Kinley Stoller, who both participated in the Poetry Out Loud 2025 Illinois State Contest in March! Vivian and Kinley were each regional contest winners in this season’s program, which began last fall with nearly 8,000 students, 201 teachers and 48 high schools in Illinois all participating.
There were seven regional competitions held, with 14 students advancing to the State Contest hosted by the Springfield Area Arts Council. Students at the State Contest presented excellent recitations of the works of well-known classic and contemporary poets.
The Poetry Out Loud program, sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation, offers high school students an opportunity to expand their analytical, memorization, and presentation skills, which benefit their overall education experience.
The students who participated at the Poetry Out Loud 2025 Illinois State Contest, including Vivian and Kinley, are featured in this video that was produced by UMedia: Poetry Out Loud 2025 Illinois State Contest
HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION
The Illinois EPA is holding three Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) one-day collection events for the Spring of 2025. One-day collections are open to all Illinois residents and operate from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on the day of the event. Pre-registration is required for all one-day collection events.
May 3 – Belleville
May 31 – Peoria
June 7 – Crystal Lake
Residents participating are encouraged to bring chemical cleaners, oil-based paints, thinners, antifreeze, motor oil, gasoline, kerosene, weed killers, insecticides, and pesticides, and similar hazardous household products. Fluorescent and other high-intensity discharge lamps may also be brought to the collections.
Learn more: Illinois EPA Announces Three Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events for the Spring of 2025
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
This week, we celebrated National Day of Prayer, in which individuals from all backgrounds are invited to reflect, connect, and pray together. Across faiths and traditions, today serves as a reminder of the power of prayer.
HUNTING
As of January 1, Illinois now allows smaller shotguns, such as the .410, to be used for turkey hunting. Taking advantage of Illinois’ new turkey gun regulations – Chicago Sun-Times
EDUCATION
There are bills in both the House and Senate aimed at changing state university funding based on DEI admissions. We will continue to push back against these bad bills and stand up for what’s right for Illinois and our students. Illinois Senate committee holds intense hearing on potential higher education evidence-based funding model | Illinois Politics | wandtv.com