Metro East Sun

A tire recycling event is scheduled for Saturday, September 6, at the Cahokia Heights Community Center, located at 509 Camp Jackson Rd. The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and allows residents to dispose of up to five passenger vehicle tires per car, with no rims or other types of tires accepted. Attendees are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food items for local food pantries.

In district activities, Illinois State Representative Kevin Schmidt met with Freeburg Library Director Kristin Green to discuss the Public Library Per Capita Grant. The Freeburg Area Library District received $8,939.98 in grants to be used for new books and their summer reading program. Schmidt noted that the library helps families by providing affordable activities for children.

Schmidt also met with Jenna Dauer, director of Smithton Public Library District, regarding grant funding awarded by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office. The Smithton library received $7,706.88 for programming purposes. One highlighted program is “Read 1000 Books Before Kindergarten.” Additionally, the library offers a story walk at the park where participants can showcase a book while walking around the lake.

The press release congratulated Khalif Morehead, Khalil Morehead, and Sultan Al Uqdah on their achievements at the Illini District Eagle Scout Ceremony.

For residents facing difficulties with energy bills, income-qualified customers can apply for payment assistance through Ameren and their local Illinois LIHEAP agency. A new program offers an additional $150 in support as a one-time grant toward energy bills. Eligible individuals can visit HelpIllinoisFamilies or call 833-711-0374 while funds remain available. More information is available on the Columbia city website: https://www.columbiail.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=892…

State Representative Kevin Schmidt commented on recent interviews given by Governor JB Pritzker on national television programs Face the Nation and Meet the Press. Schmidt criticized Pritzker’s statements regarding public safety in Chicago following a violent Labor Day weekend that saw over 50 people shot across the city, eight fatally.

“Chicago Is Fine”?

When asked about public safety, Governor Pritzker stated that “Chicago is fine.” Those words came just hours after a bloody Labor Day weekend that left over 50 people shot across the city, 8 of whom did not survive.

Anyone who reads news headlines knows that this is far from a one-off incident. It is part of a broader trend of unchecked violence that continues to tear apart communities across Chicago. Even so, the Governor purposefully chose to minimize the ever-present crisis, offering a dismissive soundbite instead of a sound response….read more.

Schmidt stated that public safety should be prioritized statewide and called for bipartisan efforts to ensure safe communities in Illinois.

Public safety must be a top priority for leaders across the state. This is not a partisan issue. We need to ensure every Illinois community is a safe place to live, work, and learn. Pritzker, Dems under fire for ‘incredible’ National Guard resistance | Fox News Video

Schmidt announced he will host Mobile Office Hours in October as an opportunity for constituents to discuss state legislature issues and share feedback on legislative priorities.

“As State Representative for the 114th District, I’m honored to serve the residents across my district in each community and will continue my work through the Illinois House of Representatives to improve the quality of life for all of my constituents.”

Schmidt was elected as Republican representative for Illinois’ 114th House District in 2023 after replacing LaToya Greenwood (https://ballotpedia.org/Kevin_Schmidt).

Additional news items referenced include Governor Pritzker’s comments about deploying National Guard troops if necessary and reports concerning delayed state spending audits in Illinois.

Alton Expo was also mentioned as an upcoming riverfront event this weekend.