Inside:
- Scott’s Law education bill signed into law
- Boys and Girls Clubs on the farm
- Scam prevention seminar coming up in August
- Busy time around the district
Scott’s Law education bill signed into law
Far too often we hear about an accident on an Illinois highway in which a first responder who has stopped on the roadside is struck by another vehicle. To prevent these tragedies from occurring Illinois enacted legislation several years ago called “Scott’s Law” to require motorists to slow down and move over when they see the flashing lights of a police car, ambulance, fire truck, tow truck, emergency vehicle, pick-up or car. The law is named for a Chicago firefighter who was killed in a roadside accident.
But in spite of the law, these accidents still happen. Part of the solution is to better educate Illinois drivers about the law and the very simple action they can take to keep first responders safe on the roadsides. It was with this goal in mind that a student from our district, Lucy Kuelper, approached me with an idea for legislation – legislation which has now been signed into law.
Every driver’s license exam asks a multiple choice or true/false question about Scott’s Law. The bill which Lucy came to Springfield and helped us pass this spring requires the Secretary of State testing facility to provide extra information about the law to individuals who miss the Scott’s Law question. This will reinforce what actions to take when they see emergency lights on the roadside.
Our bill passed both the House and Senate, and last Friday it was officially signed into law. I am grateful to Lucy for her hard work in support of not just this legislation but to the cause of protecting those who protect us. Thank you to everyone who supported our efforts to keep first responders safe on the roadsides.
Boys and Girls Clubs on the farm
I recently hosted a group of students from Boys & Girls Clubs of the Mississippi Valley.
We visited the hogs and talked about the corn and soybeans that go into making the feed. I had a sample of feed, corn and soybeans for them to see the mixture. After that we happened to have a turbine repairman repairing a lightning strike on the turbine blade on our farm. We went out to watch him work and from high up on the blade, he told the boys and girls what he was doing. He took an aerial photo of us from his perch.
Since we were standing near the bean field we talked about soybeans and what they are used for. We then drove to the farm to throw apples to the cows, see the new calves and the fat cattle. We crossed the township road and talked about corn and what it is used for. We went to my office, where Henry County and Rock Island Farm Bureau “Ag in The Classroom” coordinators talked with the boys and girls providing information on the products developed from corn and soybeans with the boys and girls putting Cheerios, corn puffs, and other food products in a bag as a munchie.
I then opened up the ice cream shop and they had many variations of floats (root beer or orange pop), ice cream with caramel, chocolate, marshmallow toppings or any combinations of all, and brownies or chocolate chip cookies mom made this morning. A fun time was had by all. A great experience for some young boys and girls who had not been on a farm.
Scam prevention seminar coming up in August
We have all heard the stories of financial scams going around, seemingly every week. Many of us even have friends and relatives who have been harmed by a scammer. Some of the stories are truly heartbreaking.
To raise awareness of these scams and how to avoid them, I will be joining with Farmers State Bank of Western Illinois and the office of the Illinois Attorney General to present a scam prevention seminar next month.
The Attorney General’s office will provide information on scams and updates on the most current types of scams targeting all of us – at all ages.
The event will be on Tuesday August 20 from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. at the Oxford American Legion in Alpha. I hope you can make it to this important informational event.
Busy time around the district
There is a lot going on around the 71st District this time of year!
Tammy and I celebrated the Henry County Veterans Assistance Commission’s 30th Anniversary. Two living founders Andy Koehler and Ted Canellos, both of Kewanee, were recognized. Unfortunately, Andy was unable to attend. Former staff members, drivers and council members were recognized. Tammy was recognized for serving for several years as the first Secretary and I was recognized for 3 years as the second Superintendent. Current drivers, council members of county veteran groups and drivers were recognized for their invaluable volunteer services. Great job HCVAC for providing services to our area veterans.
Over the weekend I started out in Galesburg where I participated in a very informative Mental Health First Aid Training hosted by Bridgeway. I then traveled to a Change of Command ceremony at the Rock Island Arsenal. Major General Wilson relinquished the Army Sustainment Command to Brigadier General Hinson. Job well done MG Wilson and welcome to BG and Mrs. Hinson.
I went home to change clothes and then headed to the Rock Island County Fair and the 4H auction. I purchased the Henry Edward’s Grand Champion Whether goat. A great auction supported by many businesses. Congratulations to all the young people who showed livestock or chickens.
I visited the Western Grain Marketing facility near Adair: an impressive operation shipping local farmer’s grain via BNSF rails to sites across Western U.S. and Mexico. Currently 89 grain trains a year go out and they are looking at increasing up to 120 per year. The most limiting factor is availability of trains in and out of Mexico.
Tammy and I visited The Taste of Galesburg. A great crowd, perfect weather and outstanding music. From there we went to the Warren County Agricultural Fair 2024 Livestock Auction. I purchased from Shane Robb. Great job to all the 4H members who showed at the fair.
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