Friend,
I hope your week is off to a good start.
It’s been wonderful connecting with you at Darby in the District events! My next meetup is September 19. Don’t miss opportunities to honor veterans this fall and apply for Small Equipment Grants for local fire and ambulance services. See details below for more information!
As always, my office is here to help if you have questions or need assistance with anything. You can contact us here or call (224)662-4544.
Sincerely,
Senator Darby Hills
Northwest Highway Full Closure in Barrington
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that a project managed by the Village of Barrington will require a full closure of Northwest Highway (U.S. 14) from north of Valencia Road to Hough Street (Illinois 59), in Barrington, for approximately four weeks, beginning, weather permitting, Monday, Sept. 15.
For more information, visit http://www.us14underpass.com/.
21 Interns, 20,000 Doors, Countless Conversations
Over the summer, my district office hosted 21 high school and college-aged interns who assisted my team with the different types of outreach we do to connect with and serve our constituents. My interns knocked on almost 20,000 doors in communities across the 26th District to share contact information from my office, promote community outreach events, and gather feedback from my constituents about the issues and priorities they’d like me to focus on in Springfield. The feedback we received was very eye-opening and will help to guide my work and legislative priorities. I am so thankful for all the hard work and dedication these young people demonstrated and am confident each of them will go on to do great things.
Darby in the District – Brandts of Palatine
It has been wonderful meeting so many of you at my Darby in the District events, and I’m excited to keep the conversations going. My next stop will be on Friday, September 19, from 1:30–3:00 pm at Brandts of Palatine. I hope to see you there!
Veterans Day Wall of Honor Display & Veterans Luncheon
Illinois’ veterans deserve nothing less than our deepest honor, respect, and remembrance. These brave men and women dedicated their lives to protecting our country, safeguarding our freedom, and defending others around the world. While we can never fully repay their sacrifice, we can ensure their stories live on, teaching future generations about the extraordinary impact our heroes have had on the fabric of our state and our nation.
To do just that, our office is hosting the “Honoring All Who Served” Veterans Day Display in the Illinois State Capitol Rotunda from October 28 to November 13, providing families across Illinois with an opportunity to pay tribute to their loved ones who courageously served our nation.
I am encouraging 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 questions, please call (217) 782-1154.
Also, mark your calendars now! I am hosting a free veteran appreciation luncheon and expo with Senator Wilcox on November 15. Veterans and their families are invited to a complimentary luncheon and expo to honor their service. The Expo will provide a reliable place where local veterans and their families can make connections and receive information on many different types of veterans’ programs and resources.
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.
Veterans of Lake Barrington Shores 9/11 Ceremony
I had the honor to attend the Veterans of Lake Barrington Shores 9/11 ceremony.
Today we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and honor the courage of the first responders and service members who answered the call.
May we never forget their sacrifice, and may we continue to stand united as a nation.
