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/ .

Photo: Litchfield City Administrator Tonya Flannery (left), State Senator Doris Turner and Litchfield Mayor Steve Dougherty(right) stop for a smile in front of the AMI jukebox at the Litchfield Museum & Route 66 Welcome Center on Sunday, July 11.

SPRINGFIELD –NPR Illinois is expected to lose more than $400,000 in funding from the University of Illinois-Springfield annually, phased out over the next several fiscal years. State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) has sent a letter to the chancellor of UIS and the president of the U of I system urging them to reverse the decision.

“NPR Illinois is one of the best sources of news for Illinois residents, especially in an era where it's becoming more difficult to distinguish between slanted and genuine news sources," Turner said. “I recognize the COVID-19 pandemic has had an economic impact on many universities, but cutting this program from UIS’s budget would do a huge disservice to both area residents and journalism students.”

According to recent reports in the media, NPR Illinois will see its yearly financial support from UIS decline gradually, dropping to zero within five years.

NPR Illinois is also one of the few remaining media venues that extensively covers state government. While more than 30 print and broadcast organizations once had bureaus at the Capitol, less than 10 do now.

“Over many years, this station has delivered true, fair and unbiased coverage to a multitude of listeners,” Turner said. “It has also given many journalists and interns an opportunity to thrive in the field while reporting on state government. This outlet produces quality journalism, and it needs to continue to operate.”

The university will continue to provide and maintain operational space on campus for NPR Illinois, along with parking and security.

SPRINGFIELD –The City of Decatur will see a combined $4 million investment in bike paths and sidewalks, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) announced Monday.

“This is a great investment for the city of Decatur, especially as we head into the warmest months of the year,” Said Turner. “This grant creates an opportunity for safe activities for families, residents and cyclist.”

Residents of the Central Illinois area will see improvements to Stevens Creek Bikeway 2A and Decatur Route 51 Bike/Walkway. 

The Park District will use the grant funding to acquire 31.7 acres of land located in the northwest portion of Decatur.  The land will allow for access to the current 10-foot-wide asphalt bike trail, which is 9.8 miles long with an additional 1.5 miles under development.  The new gain in land will help complete the final 2 miles of the Stevens Creek Bikeway.

These projects are part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, for which the Illinois Department of Transportation has selected 99 projects totaling $105.7 million. Projects receiving funding in this round of investment include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification, and other projects designed to encourage safe travel across the various modes of transportation at the local level.

Learn more about the program, eligible projects and the application process here.

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.”

SPRINGFIELD – Central Illinois communities will see more than $400 million in funding for road and bridge projects over the next six years as part of the Illinois Department of Transportation’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) announced Thursday.

“The Rebuild Illinois program is the largest infrastructure investment in Illinois’ history, and continues to have a transformational impact on Central Illinois,” Turner said. “This financial commitment is not just about streets and highways or roads and bridges. It has a much larger and life-changing impact. Through this funding and Investment infrastructure we are invigorating communities, promoting healthy living spaces, spurring economic development, and putting people to work in good union jobs right here in our own neighborhoods.”

SPRINGFIELD – On Saturday, May 15, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) will celebrate the grand opening of the Decatur District Office with a ribbon cutting.

“I’d encourage those of you in the area to stop by for a personal meet and greet,” said Turner. “I am very excited about the opening of our new offices and I am eager to get out and meet the community.”

The event will be held until 1 p.m. and district advisors strongly encourage visitors to wear a mask.

What: Ribbon Cutting for Decatur District Office

When: Saturday, May 15, 2021

Where:  12:00 p.m. – Ribbon Cutting for Decatur District Office
J. Morris Enterprises 1210 S. Jasper St. Decatur, IL 62521

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.”