Rock Island Today

State Rep. Tony McCombie (R-Sterling) recently invited her constituents to enjoy outdoor activities responsibly in an Aug. 6 Facebook post.

McCombie highlighted various activities that occurred during the first weekend of August in her post, including the Ogle County and Jo Daviess County Fairs, the Albany Riverfest, and Forreston Sauerkraut Days.

"A lot going on this weekend and it is HOT out so please be careful," McCombie stated, "Ogle County & Jo Daviess County Fairs are both happening; $8 wristband day at Ogle county for the kiddos!"

In a late-July Facebook post, McCombie also informed her constituents that she was aware of individuals misusing the SNAP program, recounting her own personal experiences with the program

"Many years ago I was questioned by a new clerk using my mother's 'SNAP' card to buy her Ensure, McCombie stated, "Luckily I shopped local and the owner knew me and quickly remedied the situation but today there is little to question and grocery clerks around the district do talk to me about fraud; They feel guilty doing so because they want people to be helped but know this program has gotten too big to avoid the misuse!"

According to Rock Island Today, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) expenditures recorded a new high of $113.8 billion in the fiscal year 2021.

"Misuse that will hurt those that need it the most," McCombie stated.

McCombie also highlighted the presentation of the 2022 DCFS Youth Scholarships in a July 14 Facebook post.

"Yesterday, I joined many in Springfield to honor the 2022 DCFS Youth Scholarship Winners," McCombie said, "It was a privilege to present the Pamela Knight Memorial Award to Miss Lillie."

McCombie stated that the award is presented yearly to a student wishing to earn a social working profession degree in recognition of Knight's dedication to children, Rock Island Today reports.

"Pamela Knight dedicated her life to protecting children for over 3 decades," McCombie posted, "She died on Feb. 8, 2018, after succumbing to injuries sustained in the line of duty."