Kane County Reporter

Jim Edgar, the 38th Governor of Illinois who served from 1991 to 1999, died on September 14, 2025, after battling pancreatic cancer. Senator Don DeWitte reflected on Edgar's legacy and his own experience as part of the former governor’s Edgar Fellow leadership program in 2019. "I had the privilege of being a part of his 2019 Edgar Fellow leadership program, and it was an honor to participate in the program that stressed bipartisanship and civility in the lawmaking process," DeWitte said.

Edgar was recognized for addressing the state budget deficit and implementing reforms in education, welfare, child protection, as well as leading during the Great Flood of 1993. His career began as a legislative intern before he became an Illinois State Representative and Secretary of State prior to being elected governor in 1990. Visitation services were held at the Illinois State Capitol on September 19, followed by memorial services.

Senator DeWitte also provided updates on recent events within his district. He noted another successful Senior Fair in St. Charles and announced several upcoming community events including free document shredding days on September 27 in Pingree Grove and October 4 in Elburn; a fall/winter coat drive running through October 13 for families in Kane and McHenry Counties; and a Senior Fair scheduled for October 14 in Crystal Lake.

DeWitte attended the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting at Chicago Hilton and Towers alongside Senate colleagues Leader John Curran, Senators Li Arellano, and Darby Hills. "The IL Chamber is the independent voice of Illinois businesses. It advocates for policies that foster a competitive business climate for all sectors in the state," DeWitte stated. He congratulated President Lou Sandoval and his team for organizing an event focused on promoting business growth across Illinois.

With harvest season underway, DeWitte reminded motorists to exercise caution around farm equipment on rural roads due to increased activity from farmers working long hours. "Harvest season is a time to recognize the hard work of our farmers, but also a moment to increase caution on rural roads. I would urge motorists to slow down, give large equipment plenty of space, and for farmers to use visible lights and signals so everyone can stay safe during this harvest season," he said. According to research from University of Illinois-Chicago between 2018-2023 there was an average of nearly 530 crashes per year involving agricultural vehicles reported on state roadways (https://www.uic.edu).

DeWitte recently participated in Sherman Hospital’s Community Breakfast and Leadership Roundtable event where hospital goals, accomplishments, and legislative needs were discussed with local officials.

He also highlighted a new initiative from the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) offering tax amnesty this fall: taxpayers with qualifying outstanding liabilities from June 30, 2018 through July 1, 2024 may have late penalties and interest forgiven if paid between October 1-November 17. IDOR does not collect property taxes or certain other taxes such as estate or franchise taxes which are not eligible under this amnesty period; no future amnesty periods are currently planned unless amended by legislative action.

DeWitte has represented Illinois' 33rd Senate District since being elected in 2018 after replacing Karen McConnaughay.

For more information about upcoming district events or tax amnesty instructions visit Senator DeWitte’s website or tax.illinois.gov/taxamnesty.