Thursday Bulletin – December 19, 2024
Executive Director's Message Richard Pearson Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays
from the ISRA family to you and yours! |
Legislative Update We are still watching several bills that will probably come up in lame duck session. The lame duck session will start January 4 and run to January 8 at noon. The new legislature will also
be seated January 8 at noon. This is an unusually long time for a lame duck session. There is plenty of mischief that can be done and we are prepard for a lot of action. Aside from our bills, which are listed below, my guess is they are going to try and do as much damage to President-Elect Trump's agenda as possible. HB5888 - Lost and Stolen Firearms HB5891 and SB3971 - Safe Storage of Firearms SB2633 “Karina's Law” - This is a push for gun
confiscation by the police. These bill numbers could change, so be careful about them. Litigation Update The ISRA lawsuit – Harrel v Raoul, has been combined with the National Shooting Sports Foundation – and is now known as Barnett v Raoul – and it’s currently before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. On December 5th, the Seventh Circuit ruled in favor of the State of Illinois and extended the stay that was issued by Federal District Court Judge Stephen McGlynn. The stay will be in effect until the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals hears the case and makes a decision. This means the PICA is still fully in effect and we are at the mercy of the Seventh Circuit. Presently, we have not received a briefing schedule. And while we hope to move this case along as quickly as possible, the
reality is that it could be another year or so. But whatever the time frame – we will not stop working to advance our position, even if that means petitioning the Supreme Court of the United States. Rest assured, the ISRA will not back down until our 2nd Amendment rights are restored in Illinois – no matter how much it costs or how much time it takes. We won’t back down. Training The Children In Poland In Europe, the Polish legislature has mandated firearms trading in Poland's 18,000 schools. The winds of war are blowing harder day by day in the world. Russia borders Poland and is already
at war with Ukraine, Poland's neighbor. There is a new axis of evil that has formed which consists of Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. These countries only understand one thing, power. Poland is getting ready. Meanwhile the rest of Europe and the United States sleep. Deer Harvest Report – 2024 The preliminary firearm deer harvest report from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources shows 82,496 were taken. The first season yielded
nearly 55,000 deer. Alexander County lead the way with 2,291 deer harvested. Jefferson county was second with 2,083, followed by Jackson County with 2,032. Online Store Now Open! We are pleased to announce that the ISRA online store is now open –
just in time to find some great gifts for Christmas! If you go to the ISRA website, we have a variety of ISRA items that you can purchase. Show your colors proudly by purchasing your ISRA items today! Vistit the ISRA Store HERE! In addition to merchandise, the ISRA is also offering GIFT CERTIFICATES! You can purchase these to put toward a training class offered by the ISRA. Or, of course, you can give an ISRA Membership to the favorite people in your life! Recipients will get all kinds of good information, discounts on ISRA classes, opportunities to learn and challenge themselves, and
both you and they will be helping to secure the Second Amendment, all at the same time! It is a great deal and a wonderful stocking stuffer! Call the ISRA office at 815-635-3198 or visit www.isra.org for more info. Important Announcement - IGOLD The 2025 IGOLD date has
been moved to May 14, 2025. This is due to a change in the legislative calendar. I am looking forward to seeing you there. “12 Days Of Christmas” Raffle There is still time to enter the “12 Days Of
Christmas” Raffle! We will be giving away 12 custom engraved Red Rider BB guns. To be included in our “12 Days Of Christmas” raffle for one of these beautiful BB guns, you must call the ISRA office to buy your tickets. Visit this link, 12
Days Of Christmas Raffle Page , to view the beautiful engraving on this wonderful, custom BB gun. Please call the ISRA office to purchase tickets @ 815-635-3198.
Good
luck! Henry 1000 Man Shoot Rifle Raffle The ISRA will be raffling off rifle #873 out of 1000 Henry Silver Boy rifles. The paperwork is provided to authenticate this rifle was used in
the 1,000-man shoot, and comes with its original case. The winning ticket will be drawn March 31, 2025. This raffle will also go to fund youth shooting programs, so please join in for a chance to win this wonderful firearm!
Purchase
Tickets for the Henry 1000 HERE Reminder – Key Tag Donation If you have not sent your donation in for the Key Tag mailing, please try to do so as soon as you can. Education & Training @ ISRA Range, Bonfield, IL. ISRA Academy is continuing to offer CCL renewals each month – 1/06/2025 (Monday) 9:00am – 12:00pm / Range 11
& Clubhouse – Register HERE 1/30/2025 (Thursday) 1:00pm – 4:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE 2/1/2025 (Saturday) 9:00am – 12:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse - Register
HERE CCL Class – 1/18/2025 (Saturday) 8:30am – 5:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register
HERE 1/19/2025 (Sunday) 8:30pm – 5:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE NRA Basic Pistol Instructor
Couse – 1/11/2025 (Saturday) 8:30am – 6:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE 1/12/2025 (Sunday) 8:30am
– 6:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE Glock Armorer Course – 2/11/2025 (Tuesday) 8:00am – 5:00pm / Clubhouse - Register HERE Glock Operator Course – 2/12/2025 (Wednesday) 8:00am – 5:00pm / Range 11 - Register HERE 2/13/2025 (Thursday) 8:00am – 5:00pm / Range 11 - Register HERE Pistol Coaching Class / Level 1 – 3/22/2025 (Saturday) 8:30am – 4:30pm / Range 1 & Clubhouse – Register HERE 3/23/2025 (Sunday) 8:30am – 4:30pm / Range 1 & Clubhouse – Register HERE Pistol Optics Principles with Brian Hill of “The Complete Combatant” – 4/12/2025 (Saturday) 9:00am – 6:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE 4/13/2025 (Sunday) 9:00am – 6:00pm / Range 11 & Clubhouse – Register HERE *** Please contact academy@isra.org for any training or class questions and check the ISRA Range Calendar HERE
for links to dates, times, descriptions of ISRA activities and events. The Illinois State Rifle Association is the home of marksmanship in Illinois Tidbits December 26, 1776 – General George Washington and the Continental Army are in desperate straits. Moral was low, enlistments were down and the men just wanted to go home. George Washington desperately needed a victory. In Trenton, New Jersey, a group of German mercenaries, known as the Hessians, held the town.
Washington decides to take advantage of the Hessian Christmas party and attack on the morning of December 26. He planned a three-prong attack. Washington would lead his troops against the 1400 Hessians, General James Ewing would prevent the Hessians from escaping, and Colonel John Cadwalader would prevent British reinforcements from coming to the aid of the Hessians. General
Washington and his troops crossed the Delaware river, completely surprising the Hessians and capturing over 1000 of their troops. The other two leaders failed to make their objectives. Washington knew he could not hold Trenton, so he withdrew across the Delaware River. The victory, while not militarily important, rallied the Americans' spirits. General George Washington
then hears that General Cornwallis and General Grant are taking troops from Princeton, New Jersey, and marching on Trenton. Washington crosses the Delaware River and challenges the British troops at a creek and bridge. They attack three times, unsuccessfully. Washington then rushes back across the Delaware, leaving a small force to man campfires which caused the British to hunker in place. On December 29, Washington marched his troops north and prepared to attack Princeton. The Army enlistments were all up on December 31 on news of Washington's troops rallying and he was able to convince his troops to stay on for another six weeks. On January 3, 1777, Washington attacked the British troops at Princeton. General Hugh Mercer, who was
leading the charge, was killed, causing the American troops to falter. George Washington then rides to the front of the battle and rallies the troops, defeating the British. The battles of Trenton and Princeton saved the American Revolution. Not only did these victories deprive the British of munitions and supplies, but showed General George Washington for the pivotal leader
that he was. He gained the respect not only of his own troops, but of his fellow countrymen and women. December 26, 1944 – General George S. Patton strikes the German left flank, relieving the troops at Bastogne during the Battle of the
Bulge. General Patton turned his army 90 degrees and traveled nearly 100 miles to the city of Bastogne in three days. December 30, 1903 – In Chicago, a fire at the Iroquois Theater claims 591 lives. The Iroquois Theater was supposed to be fireproof but, unfortunately, a fire broke out started
by one of the calcium lights. There was no stopping it. The theater had 30 exit doors but, when the fire started, the ushers ran for their lives and forgot to unlock 27 of those doors. The theater's claim to be fireproof was questionable since it's interior featured a fully wooden stage with wooden trim, conditioned with oil-soaked rags stored around the stage area. There
was also an asbestos curtain, which was supposed to be lowered to protect the crowd, but that did not work. There was no fire safety plan, no fire alarm and no sprinkler system over the stage. There were about 2000 people in the theater when the fire broke out and the patrons ran for the doors. In a horrendous scene, the bodies near the exits were piled six deep. A nearby
saloon was used as a temporary morgue. The saloon's owner was later convicted of robbing from the dead patrons. Ah...Chicago at it's finest. December 31, 1879 – Thomas Edison demonstrates the light bulb. Along with the light bulb came the embedded power distribution grid that we know today. Edison's invention has
affected the entire world by bringing light to the darkness. Edison himself was amazed at how profoundly his light bulb had changed the world. January 1 – Happy New Year everyone!!! January 1, 1863 – Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. Lincoln hated slavery. He was always looking for a way to wipe slavery out within the United States. The problem was that the war was going badly and he knew there must be a Union victory in order for him to issue the Emancipation Proclamation. Otherwise, it would look like an act of desperation. Finally, the victory at Antietam gave Lincoln his opportunity. On September 22, 1862, he issued a preliminary Emancipation Proclamation declaring all enslaved people free, including those within the rebellious states. Lincoln stated after the signing that he never felt more certain that he was doing the right thing. While the gun show information shown in this email is believed to be accurate, sometimes changes occur. This is provided for informational purposes only. If your club or organization is holding a gun show, event or class,
let us know the details, and we’d be happy to post it in our Weekly Range Schedule.
Jan 4 – Jan 5, 2025 **CANCELLED** Decatur Gun & Knife Show, Decatur Conference Center & Hotel, Decatur, IL
Jan 12, 2025 Kane County Sportsman's Show, Kane County
Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL Jan 18 – Jan 19, 2025 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman's Show, Kankakee Co. Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL. Jan 25 – Jan 26, 2025 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL. Feb 1 – Feb 2,
2025 Bloomington Gun & Knife Show, Interstate Center, Bloomington, IL. Feb 8 – Feb 9, 2025 Quad Cities Gun Show, QCCA Expo Center, Rock Island, IL. Feb 9, 2025 Kane County Sportsman's Show, Kane County
Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL. Feb 15 – Feb 16, 2025 Central Illinois Gun Collectors New Berlin Gun Show, Sangamon County Fairgrounds, New Berlin, IL. Mar 1 – Mar 2, 2025 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman's Show, Kankakee Co. Fairgrounds, Kankakee, IL. Mar 7 – Mar 8, 2025 Plainfield Frontiersman Show, Sullivan American Legion, Sullivan, IL. Mar 9, 2025 Kane County Sportsman's Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL. Mar 29 – Mar 30, 2025 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau
County Fairgrounds, Princeton, IL. April 13, 2025 Kane County Sportsman's Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles, IL. ISRA Grassroots Monthly Meetings
Come and meet fellow activists and learn the latest on protecting our
Second Amendment Rights! East Central Illinois - 3rd Thurs – Clifton Sportsman’s Club, 3106 US-45 #52, Clifton, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm Northwest Suburban - 3rd Tues – Golden Corral, 1591 S. Randall Rd., Algonquin, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm South
Suburban/Cook County - 2nd Thurs – Kenootz Pizza, 4659 147th St., Midlothian, IL; Doors open 6:30pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm Will County - 3rd Wed – Silver Dollar Restaurant, 422 E. Mississippi Ave., Elwood, IL; Doors open 6pm; Meeting 7pm – 8pm
Stand
Strong &
Thank you for being a member! |
|
|
