I have had the pleasure of writing a column for the Daily Journal
once per month during my term. This month's column focuses on enjoying
the outdoors in our state. You can read the full article Here.
Kankakee Farm Bureau Breakfast
A fun morning at the Kankakee Farm Bureau Breakfast! Thanks
to everyone who came out in support of local farmers!

St. Mary's Receives a Leapfrog A Grade
Congratulations to Saint Mary's Hospital in Kankakee on your
Leapfrog "Grade A" award! This is a well-deserved recognition of the
incredible care you offer to our community.

Bourbonnais National Night
Out
It was a beautiful night at National Night Out at Perry Farm! Thank
you to our local law enforcement agencies for coordinating such a
great event.
Thank you letting me and my
team be a part this wonderful event! Good luck to all students in this
upcoming school year




Mega Home Ribbon
Cutting
Congrats to Mega Home Deals on
the opening of your new store in Bradley!

Harbor House 45th
Anniversary Gala
A great night at the Harbor House
45th anniversary gala! Congratulations to Jim Rowe and Nucor on
receiving the Advocate Award!


Community Health Partnership
Ribbon Cutting
I attended the Community Health Partnership Ribbon Cutting during
National Health Center Week! I presented HR877 which declares August
13, 2024 Community Health Partnership of Illinois Day in the State of
Illinois.
This new mobile health center will make healthcare more
accessible in our communities.
I was also honored to be presented with the Outstanding Local
Health Center Advocate award! Thank you for this recognition!
Bickford Senior Living County Farm Day
Thank you to Bickford Senior Living for inviting us to
attend your 'County Farm' Day! This was a wonderful event with games,
snacks, and animals for the residents.
Crete Fitness Court Grand Opening
Congratulations to the Crete Park District on the grand
opening of your new fitness court! This will make a great addition to
the community by offering another space for outdoor
recreation.
Martin Luther King Memorial Foundation
Luncheon
Thank you to Dr. Polk for inviting me to join the Dr. Martin
Luther King Memorial Foundation’s luncheon and to participate in the
fashion show!
Congratulations to Lyn McIntosh for being named Counselor of the
Year!
CSL Tour
I had a chance to tour CSL Behring alongside Leader Tony McCombie. Thank
you to the team for showing us your facility and for the informative
presentation about the work you do.
Heritage FS Tour
Fun visit to Heritage FS, INC. in Herscher! I had a great
time speaking with staff, touring the grounds, learning about
equipment, and discussing how I can support the agriculture industry
as your State Representative.
Daily Journal Luncheon
Congratulations to all of the women honored at the annual Daily
Journal Women in business luncheon! This is a great event that
supports local women who are excelling in the business world!
Haymaker Ranch Ribbon Cutting
My staff attended a ribbon-cutting at Haymakers Horse Ranch
in Bourbonnais to celebrate joining the Chamber of Commerce.
Congratulations to the team at Haymakers Horse Ranch!
Annual Summer Reading party
My office hosted a party for all of the students who
completed my 2024 Summer Reading Program! Congratulations to all of
the participants, and wishing you a great school year!
KIFA Installation of Officers
Thanks to my staff for attending the Kankakee Iroquois Ford
Association of Realtors installation of new officers. Congratulations
to all of the new officers!

Local Business Spotlight
For my August 2024 local business spotlight, I am honored to
recognize GrannyMa’s Kitchen in Monee! Not only do they offer
incredible comfort food, but they also provide a wonderful, welcoming
environment to everyone who steps inside.
GrannyMa’s Kitchen was founded in March of 2024 by Mary Johnson.
After years of working in the restaurant and catering industries, Mary
decided to open up her own restaurant in Monee where she makes
everything fresh to order.
I also want to
highlight Mary’s dedication to providing a
family-oriented restaurant. There is always a need for more spots
where families can enjoy time together, and her focus on ensuring
patrons of all ages are welcome is a wonderful addition to our
community.
Elks Country Club Banquet Hall
Congratulations to the Kankakee Elks Country Club on your
ribbon cutting earlier this week! Such a great facility to host your
next event!
Update from
IDFPR
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
has reached an agreement to secure a new professional licensing system
for individuals whose careers require a license to work in
Illinois.
With a focus on increased government transparency, the new
licensing system will feature a user-friendly interface with improved
communications and creates a streamlined review of license
applications and fees. Prospective licensees will be notified
electronically when
applications are received, reviewed, and licenses
are issued by the Department.
IDFPR will announce next steps related to the new licensing
system as they become available. More information about professional
licensing in Illinois may be found on IDFPR’s website:
idfpr.illinois.gov.

Virtual
Appointments for Licensing Updates
- Top
Line: IDFPR’s started a virtual appointment pilot program
every Wednesday for individuals seeking support with IDFPR
professional licenses.
- What This
Means: Applicants can directly engage with members of the
Licensing Team who are experts on licensing issues and can provide
direct solutions to licensing
challenges.
- Flag for
Awareness: This is a first-come, first-serve resource and a
popular one, so spots fill up
fast.
Social
Worker/Professional Counselor Online
Applications
-
Bottom-Line: IDFPR’s made the following
applications available online:
- Licensed
Social Workers
- Licensed
Clinical Social Workers
- Licensed
Professional Counselors
- Licensed
Clinical Professional Counselor
- What This
Means: By being available online, these applications are able
to be submitted more easily and processed more expeditiously, which is
good news for everyone.
-
General Note: IDFPR’s goal is to bring
all applications online, which is part of the recently-signed
new licensing system that we’re working to implement ASAP (LINK), which is
exciting—updates coming soon.

On This Day In
History
On August 8, 1870, the Illinois State Constitution took effect.
This Constitution would remain in effect for a century. Here
Funding
Opportunity