Conservative Activist Charlie Kirk Assassinated
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated during an outdoor speaking engagement at Utah Valley University last Wednesday.
Kirk, a 31-year old husband and father of two young children, was struck by a single bullet as he was preparing to address a crowd of mostly college students. On Friday, September 12, the FBI announced that they had a suspect in custody.
The fatal shooting comes amid a troubling rise in attacks on political figures, with the most recent tragedy involving the killing of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, who were murdered in their home in mid-June. That event followed two 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.
Second Senior Expo Set for September 16 in St. Charles
This week on Tuesday, September 16, I will once again be partnering with close to 50 agencies, non-profits, and businesses that cater to the needs of area seniors. I would invite all seniors, their caregivers, and loved ones to attend my Senior Fair in St. Charles. Admission is free and refreshments will be served.
St. Charles Senior Fair
Tuesday, September 16
10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
St. Charles Park District
Pottawatomie Community Center
8 North Avenue, St. Charles
In addition to the vendor booths, seniors will be able to take advantage of the following services at the St. Charles Senior Fair:
- Blood pressure checks
- Cholesterol checks
- BMI screenings
- Diabetes information, Glucose screenings
- Vaccinations provided by Walgreens (wide variety of vaccines available)
- IPASS transponder updates
- ICASH/Unclaimed property searches
- Senior transportation information by PACE and RTA
For more information, please contact my office at (847) 214-8245 or email Abby at amccarthy@sgop.ilga.gov.
Additional upcoming outreach events include:
- September 27: FREE Document Shredding Event, Carillon at Cambridge Lakes, 1865 Andrew Blvd, Pingree Grove, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- September 29: Fall/Winter Coat Drive, New or gently-used coats will be collected through October 13 to be distributed to families in crisis in Kane and McHenry Counties
- October 4: FREE Document Shredding Event, Elburn Town & Country Library, 320 E North Street, Elburn, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
- October 14: Senior Fair in Crystal Lake, Grand Oaks Recreation Building 1401 IL-176, 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
New events are added to the calendar regularly. You can remain up to date about upcoming events by visiting the Events page on my website.
DeWitte Coat Drive Gets Underway in Late September
The people of the 33rd Senate District are generous people, and I’m hoping that once again I can count on people to help with my annual coat drive that will get underway soon.
We have families right here in Kane, McHenry, and DuPage Counties that cannot afford warm outerwear for colder weather. If you would like to make an immediate difference in the life of neighbors right here in this area, I’m hoping you will consider donating a new or gently-used coat that will be put to good use.
This year’s coat drive will take place from September 29 through October 13. Coats that are collected will be distributed to
- Kids in Need, McHenry County
- Wayside Center in Elgin
- Lazarous House in St. Charles, and
- The Salvation Army in St. Charles
Donated coats can be dropped off at the following locations:
- My West Dundee Office at 461 South 8th Street in West Dundee, Monday through Friday from 8:30-4:30
- The St. Charles Municipal Building, 2 East Main Street in St. Charles, Monday through Friday from 8:00 until 4:30
- Algonquin Village Hall, 2200 Harnish Drive in Algonquin, Monday through Friday from 8:00 until 5:00
- And the Salvation Army in St. Charles, 1710 South 7th Street in St. Charles
- Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 8:00 until 4:00
- Tuesdays: 8:00 to 4:00 and 5:00 to 7:00
- Sundays: 10:00 until 12:30.
The Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a very cold Winter this year, so I hope you’ll donate generously to this year’s coat drive.
DeWitte Joins Colleagues for ABDI Tour and Award Presentation
I was happy to join the Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois (ABDI) last week give out its “Key Distributor Member Award.” This year, Matt Brown of Grey Eagle Distributors in Belleville, was the winner. Matt was in attendance for the ABDI convention earlier in the week, but unfortunately had to leave early before they could present him with the award. ABDI surprised him later in the week by organizing a short distributorship tour, culminating with the award presentation at the end of the tour. Congratulations to Matt and the entire Grey Eagle team!!
Submit Info for Veterans Day Wall of Honor Display by October 24
My Illinois Senate Republican colleagues and I are once again hosting our annual Veterans Day Wall of Honor display at the Statehouse, from October 28 to November 13. This project provides families across Illinois with an opportunity to pay tribute to their loved ones who courageously served our nation.
The memorial will feature a large electronic display of veterans and their stories, along with a wall where visitors can write notes of thanks to those who served.
I would encourage friends and families to submit a photo and written story (max: 250 words) along with the following information: name, military branch (Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, National Guard, Navy) and conflict served (Afghanistan, Iraq, September 11, Gulf War, Vietnam, Korea, WWII, WWI, Peacetime, other). Military photos are preferred but not necessary.
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 additional information, please call (217) 782-1154.
Applications Now Being Accepted for Illinois Small Equipment Grants
The Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) has recently announced the opening of the application period for the Small Equipment Grant Program.
The program offers grants of up to $26,000 to fire departments and ambulance services across the state to aid in the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. A total of $6 million is available to support eligible organizations this year.
These grants are used to help fire departments and ambulance services purchase small tools and equipment. Most Illinois fire departments, fire protection districts, and township fire departments are eligible to apply, as well as stand-alone, not-for-profit ambulance service providers.
Applications must be submitted online only and are due no later than November 14, 2025. Visit OSFM Grants & Loans for more information and to access the application.
In the last grant cycle, $4 million was awarded to 178 fire departments, districts, and EMS providers across Illinois.