SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) spent her Sunday like a Litchfield tourist, checking out several attractions in the area with Litchfield Mayor Steve Dougherty and City Administrator Tonya Flannery.

“I am really taking advantage of the state reopening, now that we can all come together to enjoy events again,” said Senator Turner. “One thing I like most about being in office is getting out and getting to know constituents. This has been a hard year for everyone, so I encourage residents to go out and enjoy local activities.”

During her first stop, Turner enjoyed a walk through the Litchfield Pickers Market. The market, held 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every second Sunday of the month from May to October, gives visitors a look at vintage items, antiques and collectibles. All items sold at the market date back to 1980 or prior.

Senator Turner also trailed along the historic Illinois Route 66 before coming to a stop at the Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center. The museum has been open since 2013 and proudly welcomes visitors from around the world.

The museum features displays of Route 66 memorabilia, including Bob Waldmire maps and drawings, an original Route 66 road sign, a gas pump, an old automobile, a history section which includes portraits of old country schools as well as town schools, teachers, administration, graduates and much more.

“I had a great time learning about the fascinating history of Litchfield and Route 66 in Illinois,” said Senator Turner. “There’s so much to learn about Central Illinois, and really, Illinois as a whole.”

The Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center reopened to the general public in February after easing COVID-19 restrictions. To plan a free tour, visit http://www.litchfieldmuseum.org/plan-your-visit/ .

SPRINGFIELD – The last veteran to earn the Medal of Honor during World War II should be afforded a state funeral and the option to lie in state in the rotunda of the United States Capitol, State Senator Doris Turner said, and successfully passed a resolution through the Illinois Senate Tuesday to urge President Joseph Biden and Congress to make it so.

“I come from a long line of military veterans,” said Turner. “My father and many of my uncles served in World War II, and were among those we have recognized as the Greatest Generation. It’s such an honor to carry this resolution and I am pleased at its adoption. ”

The Medal of Honor is the highest military decoration that is awarded by the U.S. government. The measure seeks to honor the last living Medal of Honor recipient with a homecoming celebration in the United States’ Capitol. The President of the United States has the sole authority to designate a state funeral.

Hershel Woodrow Williams of West Virginia is the last known surviving Medal of Honor recipient who served in World War II.

The measure was favorably adopted without opposition.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) is highlighting an opportunity for area airports to apply for funding for improvement projects through the Rebuild Illinois statewide construction program.

“The Illinois aviation system is one of the largest in the nation,” Turner said. “The new funding will allow airports in Central Illinois and across the state to pay for much-needed repairs that will keep passengers safe and our economy strong. It is my hope that local airports take advantage of this opportunity and apply for funding.”

Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation announced that the Rebuild Illinois program will provide $94 million in funding to improve public airports throughout the state. Through a competitive grant process, airports may submit project proposals for updates, improvements, and extensions of their facilities.

Airports must be for public use and included in the Illinois Aviation System Plan to be eligible for the funding. Applications are due June 14 to be eligible for grants of up to $25 million.

Airports in the Central Illinois area eligible to apply for the funding include the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, Decatur Airport, Litchfield Municipal Airport and Taylorville Municipal Airport.

Application information is available by visiting IDOT’s Airport Improvement Program page. Awards are anticipated to be announced later this year.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) recently honored 144 Central Illinois high school students who were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.

“This spectacular achievement is a result of hard work and dedication,” said Turner. “I am especially proud of these students’ efforts to persevere while in the middle of a devastating pandemic. Despite the fear and uncertainty this infectious disease has brought on, these students have maintained an esteemed level of academic excellence and I am so proud of each and every one of them.”

The Scholars from the Central Illinois area include students from 17 area high schools, including Morrisonville, Hillsboro, Lincolnwood, Litchfield, Nokomis, Southwestern, Staunton, Bunker Hill, Carlinville, Gillespie, Mt. Olive, North Mac, Sangamon Valley, St. Teresa, Douglas MacArthur, Eisenhower and Lutheran School Association of Decatur high schools.

Recipients of the award will receive a congratulatory letter from ISAC, and a Certificate of Achievement will be sent to their high school. State Scholars will also receive a digital badge issued by ISAC that can be displayed on online profiles, exhibited on social media, and shared with prospective colleges and employers.

More information about the State Scholar program can be found at ISAC’s website.