Kane County Reporter

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was killed during a public speaking event at Utah Valley University last Wednesday. Kirk, 31, was shot by a single bullet as he prepared to address an audience mainly composed of college students. The FBI announced on Friday, September 12, that a suspect had been taken into custody.

This incident follows a series of violent attacks against political figures in the United States. In mid-June, Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed in their home. There have also been two recent assassination attempts targeting 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,” said Illinois State Senator Don DeWitte.

Senator DeWitte is organizing several community events for area residents. On Tuesday, September 16, he will host a Senior Fair at the St. Charles Park District’s Pottawatomie Community Center from 10:00 AM to noon. Nearly 50 agencies and organizations will participate to provide services such as blood pressure checks, cholesterol checks, BMI screenings, diabetes information and glucose screenings, vaccinations from Walgreens, IPASS transponder updates, unclaimed property searches through ICASH, and transportation information from PACE and RTA. Admission is free.

Additional upcoming outreach events include:

- A free document shredding event on September 27 at Carillon at Cambridge Lakes in Pingree Grove.

- A fall/winter coat drive beginning September 29 through October 13 to benefit families in Kane and McHenry Counties.

- Another free document shredding event on October 4 at Elburn Town & Country Library.

- A Senior Fair on October 14 at Grand Oaks Recreation Building in Crystal Lake.

DeWitte emphasized the importance of the annual coat drive starting late September. “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,” he stated.

Coats collected between September 29 and October 13 will be distributed to Kids in Need (McHenry County), Wayside Center (Elgin), Lazarous House (St. Charles), and The Salvation Army (St. Charles). Drop-off locations include DeWitte’s West Dundee office; St. Charles Municipal Building; Algonquin Village Hall; and The Salvation Army location in St. Charles.

Last week Senator DeWitte joined members of the Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois (ABDI) for a tour culminating with the presentation of ABDI’s “Key Distributor Member Award” to Matt Brown of Grey Eagle Distributors.

DeWitte also invited constituents to participate in the Veterans Day Wall of Honor display at the Statehouse from October 28 through November 13 by submitting photos and stories about veterans by October 24 via email or mail.

Additionally, applications are now open for the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Small Equipment Grant Program which provides up to $26,000 per grant for fire departments and ambulance services statewide seeking funds for small equipment purchases. This year $6 million is available; applications must be submitted online by November 14. Last year $4 million was awarded to 178 departments across Illinois.

DeWitte has represented Illinois’ 33rd Senate District since his election in 2018 after succeeding Karen McConnaughay as state senator.