Recently there have been a series of break-ins in northeast Illinois within 50 miles of the Illinois-Indiana border.  Farmer’s machine sheds have been the targets.  Most of the stolen equipment are tractors and combines that have very expensive parts that can be resold or scrapped for a very high price.  The new machinery includes platinum in the catalytic converters as well as very sophisticated electronics.  The robbers destroy the machinery in the process.  For those of you who are reading this in a city, we are talking about machinery costing between $300,000 to a $1,000,000.  As with any crime spree, the criminals are becoming bolder and, in this case, are starting to target homes.  Sooner or later someone will be home and will get hurt.  Last Friday, we had a report about a break-in at a home and in this case the police would not come out and investigate the crime.  With what is going on in the country, I think this type of activity will become more frequent and dangerous.  I want everyone to think about this and be prepared.  I would prepare today, not tomorrow or next week.

The IGOLD Raffle drawing was held on April 14, 2020.  The winning ticket numbers are below:

I want to thank all those who share our Facebook Posts, particularly the Thursday Bulletin.  Last week’s Thursday Bulletin reached 114,568 people so far.  We have been teetering around the 90,000 number for a while but we finally broke the glass ceiling.  We get blocked once in a while by Facebook so we can’t boost our posts.  They say we are too political.  Who me?

Follow this link to the ISP FOID and CCL frequently asked questions:

https://www.ispfsb.com/Public/Faq.aspx

Chatsworth, IL – After a few weeks of negotiations with the Illinois State Police, new emergency rules have been issued regarding FOID card renewals, according to Richard Pearson, Executive Director of the Illinois State Rifle Association. 

I want to thank those who sent emails regarding their delayed FOID cards, ICCLs and slow approvals for firearm purchases.  I have forwarded them to our attorney.  Here is some general advice on FOID cards and ICCLs.  FOID cards should be renewed 60 days in advance although, right now, that still won’t get you your FOID on time but it is the best thing you can do right now.  As long as the Illinois State Police website lists you as under review, you know it has been received and you won’t get a knock on your door.  In the case of ICCL renewals, you must apply 90 days in advance.  It is best if you have all of your training done and your renewal training certificate in your hand 120 days in advance.  One problem I am seeing is people who move and don’t change their address on their Illinois Driver’s License or State ID.   That takes about seven working days and can be done online.  If you don’t do that before you renew and try to apply for either your FOID card of ICCL, you will get yourself in a bureaucratic mess of biblical proportions.