Sangamon Sun

Families across Illinois are being invited to honor veterans through the annual Veterans Day Wall of Honor display at the Statehouse, hosted by the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus. The event will run from October 28 to November 13 and will feature an electronic display of veterans’ stories and a wall for visitors to leave notes of appreciation.

State Senator Sally Turner is asking families and friends to submit photos and brief stories about their loved ones who served in the military. Submissions should include the veteran’s name, branch of service, conflict served, and may be sent by email or mail by October 24. “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 also recognized Ralph Allen of Mt. Pulaski High School as her Outstanding Teacher of the 44th District for 2025. Allen was nominated for his dedication as an Agricultural Science teacher and FFA advisor. In his nomination letter, Clay Aylesworth said Allen “puts in countless hours in the classroom and also FFA contests,” noting that students under his guidance excel at competitions. He added, “Mr. Allen is a great teacher and even a better person.” Allen has also recently received statewide recognition with the Golden Owl Award from Nationwide Insurance for exceptional agricultural educators.

In other news highlighted by Senator Turner, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed during an outdoor event at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. Kirk was shot while preparing to address college students; authorities announced Friday that a suspect is in custody. This incident follows recent violence against political figures nationwide, including attacks on Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and assassination attempts against President Trump.

Responding to Kirk’s death, Senator Turner stated: “Violence has no place in political discourse,” adding that failing to condemn such acts is unacceptable.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has begun accepting applications for Illinois Harvest Permits (IHPs), which allow farmers and haulers to move up to ten percent more weight during harvest season—September 1 through December 31—helping reduce trips and costs for agricultural producers across one of the nation’s top corn- and soybean-producing states.

Farmers can apply online through IDOT’s automated permit system; permits require route authorization every two weeks to avoid lower-grade bridges during transport when roads are typically drier and firmer.

Additionally, applications are now open for grants from the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM). The Small Equipment Grant Program offers up to $26,000 per grant with $6 million available statewide this year for fire departments and ambulance services seeking small equipment purchases. Applications must be submitted online by November 14.

Last year’s grant cycle saw $4 million awarded among nearly 180 fire departments and EMS providers throughout Illinois.

Turner was elected as a Republican state senator representing Illinois’ 44th Senate District in 2021 after succeeding Bill Brady.

For more information about OSFM grants: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/sfm/Iam/FireDepartment/grantsandloans/Pages/default.aspx