Chesney Welcomes Association of Equipment Manufacturers to Oregon
Last week we had a lot of fun when the Association of Equipment Manufacturers’ Express Bus Tour made a stop at E.D. Etnyre & Company in Oregon. I enjoyed talking with Vice Chair of the Board Don Etnyre, CEO Ganesh Iyer, and several employees of this equipment manufacturer that serves the asphalt road construction industry.
Rail Safety Upgrades Coming to Northwest Illinois
I am pleased to report that new automatic warning gates are coming to six railroad crossings in Jo Daviess and Stephenson Counties. These gates will improve safety at the crossings and work will be completed over the next 18 months. New automatic warning gates are set to be installed at the following locations:
- Canyon Park Road
- West Buckhill Road
- Council Hill Road
- North Hill Road
- North Baker Road
- North Waddams Grove Road
The total estimated cost of the signal designs and construction is approximately $3.3 million.
Chesney Presents Forreston FFA Trap Team with $500 Grant
As a member of the Illinois Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, I recently had the opportunity to present a check for $500 for the Forreston FFA Trap Team. This is a fantastic group of students who have an appreciation for the 2nd Amendment and are learning about responsible gun ownership!
Left to Right, Principal – Travis Heinz, Jeremiah Newill, Levi Bocker, Zak Glick, Senator Andrew Chesney, Josiah Newill, Adam Wubbena, Hunter Miller, Head Coach – Kelley Parks, and Superintendent – Sherri Smith
Madigan Trial Underway
Jury selection is underway in the long-awaited trial of former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who faces 23 counts of racketeering, bribery, and official misconduct charges.
The former Speaker, who was once one of the most influential political figures in Illinois, was indicted in March 2022 with charges stemming from Madigan’s alleged involvement in a years-long bribery scheme with the state’s largest utility, Commonwealth Edison (ComEd).
Madigan, who served in the Illinois House from 1971 until his resignation in 2021, held the speakership for much of his tenure and was also the chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois.
You may recall that back in 2020, when I served in the Illinois House, I was one of three petitioners who called for a House investigation into alleged corruption activities of Madigan. A panel consisting of three Republicans and three Democrats convened, and through slick maneuvering by the panel’s chair, then State Representative Chris Welch, the committee only heard from one witness before Welch abruptly shut down the committee.
As Madigan’s trial begins, I renew my call for sweeping ethics reforms to prevent future abuses of power. My Republican colleagues and I have introduced several bills aimed at closing loopholes and increasing accountability for public officials, including stronger revolving door prohibitions, banning elected officials from working as paid lobbyists, and campaign finance reforms.
With Veto Session scheduled to take place in November, we are urging immediate action on substantive ethics reforms.
IDFPR Warns of Increased Scams Targeting Students
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) is making families with children who are currently attending or have attended college aware of an uptick in scams targeting those who have taken on student loans.
Due to recent challenges to federal relief programs, scammers have taken this opportunity to attempt to scam students by promising lower rates, loan forgiveness, and requests to sign over power-of-attorney. Most often, there will be a request for immediate action, which is a red flag. Students should also be wary of claims that the servicer has ties to the government.
Scammers commonly communicate through the use of telephone calls, text, email, or physical mail.
Those who believe they may have been a target of a student loan scam should immediately contact the Illinois Attorney General’s Student Loan Hotline by calling 1-800-455-2456. The Attorney General’s website can also be a valuable resource to file a complaint for those who believe they have been targeted.
Return of Illinois Deer Season
Illinois deer hunting season is officially underway, with archery season starting on October 1 and running through January 19 for counties east of Route 47. In counties west of Route 47, the archery season will also run during this period, with breaks for firearm seasons beginning in mid-November.
General firearm deer season for those with the appropriate tags and accompanying license takes place from November 22 to 24 and from December 5 to 8. A separate muzzleloader-only season will occur from December 13 to 15. The lottery drawings for firearm season tags are complete, and over-the-counter sales will begin on October 15, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
To ensure safety and avoid legal issues during deer hunting season, hunters should keep the following in mind:
- Have a valid Illinois Hunting, Sportsmen, Youth or Apprentice License in addition to a deer permit.
- Hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
- When in the field, be sure to wear pink or orange outer garments to make yourself more visible.
- Drive with caution in areas where deer crossing signs are posted, as hunting season can cause deer to be more active.
For more information on safe hunting in Illinois, visit: https://dnr.illinois.gov/hunting.html.
