McLean County Times

This week, a ceremony was held to pay tribute to Illinois police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty over the past year. The Fallen Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony is an event that acknowledges the bravery and dedication of law enforcement officers who serve wearing the badge. The ceremony honored fallen officers and their families, emphasizing that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

In other news, Eureka High School students Vivian Neukomm and Kinley Stoller were congratulated for their participation in the Poetry Out Loud 2025 Illinois State Contest in March. Both students were regional contest winners among nearly 8,000 participants from different schools in the state. The State Contest featured 14 students who excelled in recitations of classic and contemporary poetry. The Poetry Out Loud program is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Poetry Foundation.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced three Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) one-day collection events for the spring of 2025. These events, open to all Illinois residents, are scheduled from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The locations are Belleville on May 3, Peoria on May 31, and Crystal Lake on June 7. Residents are encouraged to bring items such as chemical cleaners, oil-based paints, thinners, antifreeze, and similar hazardous products.

This week also marked the National Day of Prayer, encouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds to reflect, connect, and participate in prayer. The event emphasizes the power of prayer across various faiths and traditions.

As of January 1, smaller shotguns, like the .410, can now be used for turkey hunting in Illinois, according to regulations highlighted by the Chicago Sun-Times.

In education news, there are bills in both the Illinois House and Senate that propose changes to state university funding based on DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) admissions. There is ongoing opposition against these bills, as discussions continue regarding what is deemed best for the state's students.

Learn more about the upcoming events and legislative discussions in Illinois.