McHenry Times

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was killed during a public speaking event at Utah Valley University last Wednesday. Kirk, 31, was shot as he prepared to address an audience of mostly college students. The FBI reported on Friday, September 12, that a suspect is in custody.

This incident follows a series of violent attacks targeting political figures in the United States. In June, Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in their home. There have also been two recent assassination attempts against President Trump.

“I vehemently oppose any form of political violence and believe it has no place in our political discourse. My heart breaks over this most recent senseless death, and I extend heartfelt condolences to Charlie Kirk’s wife, children, and extended family,” said Illinois State Senator Craig Wilcox.

Senator Wilcox also joined other legislators for a tour of Arrow Farm Meats in Rock City last week. The facility is a family-owned USDA-inspected butcher shop run by Justin and Laura Earlywine. Others present included Tom Eickman from Eickman’s Processing Company in Seward; Matt King from Main Street Meat Company in Roscoe; Senator Andrew Chesney; and House Republican Leader Tony McCombie.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently began Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago to target violent criminal illegal immigrants such as gang members and drug traffickers who have been released under state sanctuary policies. In 2021, Governor J.B. Pritzker expanded the TRUST Act to limit cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE officials—a move criticized by Republican lawmakers who argue it restricts police efforts across Illinois.

“Governor Pritzker’s actions have put Illinois families at risk time and time again. If Governor Pritzker and Chicago leaders refuse to do their jobs, the federal government has both the right and the duty to act. I support Operation Midway Blitz 100%,” Wilcox stated.

On September 17, the IL Tollway mobile team will host another IPASS on Demand event at Lake Villa District Library from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM for residents needing to switch out plastic transponders for new sticker technology.

Additional outreach events include:

- Constituent Services Event with Senator Wilcox and Cary Mayor Mark Kownick on September 23 at Cary Municipal Center.

- Medicare 101 session on September 30 at Harrison School in Wonder Lake.

- Senior Resource Fair on October 14 at Grand Oaks Recreation Center in Crystal Lake.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is now accepting applications for Illinois Harvest Permits (IHPs), which allow farmers to transport up to ten percent more weight during harvest season from September 1 through December 31 each year. These permits help reduce trips required for transporting crops like corn and soybeans—key products for Illinois—and lower transportation costs while minimizing road wear due to drier fall conditions. Farmers must renew route authorization every two weeks during the permit period.

Wilcox encourages families across Illinois to participate in the annual Veterans Day Wall of Honor display at the Statehouse from October 28 through November 13 by submitting photos and stories about veterans by October 24 via email or mail.

Applications are open for the Small Equipment Grant Program administered by the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM). Grants up to $26,000 are available statewide for fire departments and ambulance services seeking small equipment purchases this year; $6 million will be distributed overall. Last cycle saw $4 million awarded among nearly 180 organizations throughout Illinois.

Wilcox was elected as a Republican senator representing Illinois’ 32nd Senate District in 2018 after replacing Pamela Althoff (https://www.ilga.gov/senate/Senator.asp?GA=102&MemberID=2979).