Carbondale Reporter

The Illinois Senate Republican Caucus will host its annual Veterans Day Wall of Honor display at the Statehouse from October 28 to November 13. The event gives families in Illinois a chance to honor relatives who served in the military. The memorial will include an electronic display of veterans’ stories and a wall for visitors to leave notes of thanks.

State Senator Terri Bryant is asking friends and families to submit photos and short written stories about their loved ones who served, including details such as name, military branch, and conflict served. Submissions should be sent by October 24 via email or mail for inclusion in the display at the Illinois State Capitol.

In other news, conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was killed during an attack at Utah Valley University. Kirk was shot before addressing a crowd of students. The FBI announced that a suspect is in custody. This incident follows other recent attacks on political figures, including the killing of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband and two assassination attempts against President Trump.

State Senator Terri Bryant expressed condolences to Kirk’s family and stated: “Violence has no place in political discourse. To do anything other than condemn such violence and intolerance is unacceptable.”

Last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security began Operation Midway Blitz in Chicago, targeting violent criminal illegal aliens released under state sanctuary policies. In 2021, Governor J.B. Pritzker expanded the TRUST Act, limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and ICE—a move criticized by Republican lawmakers.

Senator Bryant commented on these developments: “Governor Pritzker’s actions have put Illinois families at risk time and time again.” She added: “If Governor Pritzker and Chicago leaders refuse to do their jobs, the federal government has both the right and the duty to act.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is now accepting applications for Illinois Harvest Permits (IHPs), which allow farmers to haul more weight during harvest season with fewer trips required. These permits are valid from September 1 through December 31 each year.

Questions about harvest permits can be directed to IDOT’s Permit Office.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has opened applications for its Small Equipment Grant Program. Grants up to $26,000 are available for fire departments and ambulance services statewide for purchasing small equipment. Applications must be submitted online by November 14, 2025.

Bryant was elected as a Republican state senator representing Illinois’ 58th Senate District in 2021 after succeeding Paul Schimpf.

For more information about OSFM grants visit https://sfm.illinois.gov/agency/grants-and-loans.html

In last year’s grant cycle, $4 million was awarded to fire departments and EMS providers across Illinois.