AROUND THE DISTRICT
At a press conference earlier this week in Pekin, Tazewell County Clerk John Ackerman and leaders with the Illinois Department of Agriculture urged family-owned farms to register for the State of Illinois Centennial Farm Program. The program recognizes families who have owned farms for more than 100 years.
The Centennial Farm Program is aiming to give recognition to family farms during Tazewell County’s bicentennial, which is coming up in 2027. The goal is to have all qualified Tazewell County Family Farms enlisted in this program, which recognizes and preserves the legacy of families’ commitment to our rich farming legacy.
Generational farms are the backbone of our agriculture industry, and I was proud to stand with those who support our local farmers. Please visit this link for more information.
Local Businesses Recognized
Congratulations and thank you to Lauren Reedy, Elise Panic, Corrie Scott, and DeAnn Heck for opening Woodford County’s newest grocery store, Farm Family Foods, in Benson. Farm-fresh produce that is grown right here in our local communities is now available, the result of a culmination of years of work by three sisters and their mother.
Farm Family Foods opened in Benson on June 27. They support local farmers and have an online food hub that delivers to Benson, Eureka, Gridley, Minonk, Roanoke, Washburn, and Washington. Please read more from the article below and check out their Facebook page and website! Learn more here.
Congratulations to two more small businesses here in District 105 that have earned some spotlight recognition. Pfaff’s Bakery has been a staple in Pontiac since 1954. This authentic family-owned bakery represents everything people love about small-town America. Locals and Route 66 visitors have enjoyed their delicious treats for seven decades, and all of those same traditions continue today. Learn more here.
Common Grounds Cafe and Coffee Shop in Gridley features a diverse menu, including pies, unique sandwiches, baked goods, and espresso drinks. Locals and travelers along Route 24, I-39, and I-55 enjoy all this independently owned cafe has to offer, which includes weekly lunch specials and special pizza nights in the summer. Common Grounds Cafe and Coffee Shop sources from local ingredients, supporting our local farmers and gardeners. Learn more here.
FACEBOOK TOWN HALL
On Monday, July 21, I will be joined by Senator Chris Balkema and Representative Jason R. Bunting for a Facebook Live End of Session Town Hall. We will be discussing the spring legislative session, sharing updates from Springfield, and answering your questions. The Town Hall begins at 6 p.m. You can fill out a form in advance to submit your questions here. Please join us!
FLOODING
Many of our local communities have experienced heavy rain and flooding recently. It is important to document the impacts of these events, including taking pictures and writing down important information. Documenting threats to health and safety is very important for grant applications and Natural Hazard Mitigation Planning in your county.
GRANTS
The application period for Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grants is open through September 30. Learn more here.
PROFESSIONAL LICENSING
There are 24 more professions now available for licensure via IDFPR’s new online licensing system, CORE. More information can be found here.
COUNTY FAIRS
County Fairs are always a highlight of Summer Fun for our families! These fairs are possible thanks to the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the year to make them a memorable experience for our families. County Fairs this weekend include:
• Iroquois County Fair: Tuesday July 15 – Sunday July 20
• Peoria County Fair: Tuesday July 15 – Saturday July 19
• Marshall-Putnam Fair: Wednesday July 16 – Sunday July 20
• Livingston County Fair: Wednesday July 16 – Sunday July 20
SAFE-T ACT
Another day, another SAFE-T Act failure. This dangerous law continues to put Illinois communities at risk.
TAX HIKES
Illinoisans pay the highest cell phone service taxes in the nation, and Democrats still want more. Illinois families shouldn’t have to foot the bill for Democrats’ out-of-control spending habits. We need fiscal sanity in Illinois TODAY so we can provide much-needed tax relief for our residents.
ROAD CONSTRUCTION
Five major construction projects have begun or are planned for the Bloomington-Normal area. Two are scheduled to be completed in 2025 and three are anticipated to be finished in 2026.
These projects include work on I-74 from I-55 to Carlock; Hamilton Road in Bloomington; Historic Route 66 bike trail extension in McLean County, Illinois Route 9; and College Avenue in Normal.
Learn more here.