Edgar/Champaign Co RTB Town Hall?

[Drylok]

I would be willing to do some leg work to set up a RTB Town Hall for E Central Illinois. I live in Edgar Co. where by in large I do believe we have great support especially our county Sheriff Tim Cripis. I also have two LEO friends that work for Edgar Co that are big supporters. I also think I know enough people there that I wouldn't have any trouble coming up with some donations. The other thing I like about Paris is it butts right up to the Indiana line and I think we could get some residents or LEOs from the land of the free to slip over and share their experiences of living in a land where the right to bear arms is allowed and fairly common. I don't know what the powers that be here think about having an IN res over but just a n idea I

However do you think it would be moot point to have such an educational event in an area where we seem have so much support already?

 

The reason I ask is because I work in Champaign county and have a lot of friends there. Champaign is an area where we have a lot more fence sitters and antis so if we're going to do something in E Central maybe we'd be better off to do it in Champaign. + We have alot bigger media coverage out of Champaign. I am aquainted with the hosts of Holstien & Company radio show on WIXY 100.3, Penny For Your Thoughts on 1400 AM is a great show to get the word out and the host supports the RTB.

The trouble I would run into with Champaign is it's so big I feel a bit overwhlemed as to where to start looking for a suitable and "friendly" location.

So what do you think Paris or Champaign?

 

I know there are atleast 2 others on here that are in this area, care to jump on and get something going?

 

Edit To Add: Spoke with Molly B. we've decided if we're going to chose one or the other we'll go Champaign. I look forward to visiting with you next week Molly after the Kane Co. meeting to begin getting the wheels turning. If you folks can help with getting a location I can handle some of the advertising and some of the donations.

[Drylok]

I'm going to use this thread to document my notes so you'll have to excuse my talking to myself.

I see the Champaign co fair is set for July 23-31st so we'd better plan for something before then. So the 8th or the 15th perhaps.

[Drylok]

For those who wish to make a donation towards this particular meeting can they make donations directly here at illinoiscarry.com or is there a certain pot for those funds?

[Ashdump]

Some folks in Vermilion county were interested in a RTC town hall meetin g a while back. It was/is my opinion that the already overworked Molly B's time would best be spent in the areas that could reap the most benefit from these (mostly the burbs north of I-80) I've never seen that much opposition to it downstate. However, if folks want to have a meeting in this area, could we possibly work Vermilion county into it also? (kill 3 birds with one stone)

[Buzzard]

 

However do you think it would be moot point to have such an educational event in an area where we seem have so much support already?

 

 

I don't think it would be wasted effort because I think most people that attend these meeting walk away having heard a wealth of factual information and not just hearsay or rhetoric. That means no matter which side of the issue they're on - they will undoubtedly learn something they didn't know regarding RTC, or RTB if you prefer.

 

I'd say 'GO for it!', and if nothing else, you may educate some folks and they'll discover that Illinois is the very last state that denies it's people the right to self defense. Also, I can't think of any 'downside' to having Indiana LEOs speak in favor of RTB. What could it hurt? I can't think of one thing. I'd say it's a novel idea.

 

One suggestion I might have is this. As these meetings start spreading throughout the state, we should be adjusting the subtopics within the discussion to the demographics of the area. Meaning, what needs to be covered at length in Chicago - such as simple gun ownership - need not be covered so heavily in rural and southern Illinois. I'm not suggesting drastic changes - just a slight 'tweaking' to tailor the message to the audience.

 

In you area I would say that while all aspects and subtopics of RTB be covered, we may want to concentrate on electing officials that not only support concealed carry, but will get involved and help pass it! Officials that will take a harder line on the House or Senate floor, that will co-sponsor carry bills, that will go toe to toe with the Chicago Dems to get it passed.

 

Many people in Illinois support concealed carry. But they're not actively helping to get it passed. Supporting concealed carry is no longer enough. We need people and public officials working to pass concealed carry. That's how we'll get the job done!

[Drylok]

Some folks in Vermilion county were interested in a RTC town hall meetin g a while back. It was/is my opinion that the already overworked Molly B's time would best be spent in the areas that could reap the most benefit from these (mostly the burbs north of I-80) I've never seen that much opposition to it downstate. However, if folks want to have a meeting in this area, could we possibly work Vermilion county into it also? (kill 3 birds with one stone)

You're saying title it "Edgar/Vermilion/Champaign Co. Right To Bear Town Hall"? Absolutely fine far as I can tell. They're doing that with Effingham and a couple surrounding counties. We could also just call it "E. Central Illinois Right To Bear Town Hall". I know a few folks in Vermillion and we farm there as well. Once we get everything hashed out if you would post some fliers in N vermillion county I'll get s vermillion and Edgar and hopefully we can get a couple to help post some in Champaign and I think we'll have it covered.

[Drylok]

 

However do you think it would be moot point to have such an educational event in an area where we seem have so much support already?

 

 

I don't think it would be wasted effort because I think most people that attend these meeting walk away having heard a wealth of factual information and not just hearsay or rhetoric. That means no matter which side of the issue they're on - they will undoubtedly learn something they didn't know regarding RTC, or RTB if you prefer.

 

I'd say 'GO for it!', and if nothing else, you may educate some folks and they'll discover that Illinois is the very last state that denies it's people the right to self defense. Also, I can't think of any 'downside' to having Indiana LEOs speak in favor of RTB. What could it hurt? I can't think of one thing. I'd say it's a novel idea.

 

One suggestion I might have is this. As these meetings start spreading throughout the state, we should be adjusting the subtopics within the discussion to the demographics of the area. Meaning, what needs to be covered at length in Chicago - such as simple gun ownership - need not be covered so heavily in rural and southern Illinois. I'm not suggesting drastic changes - just a slight 'tweaking' to tailor the message to the audience.

Yes sir, very good what you say there Buzz on the discussion at these meetings. Once we get passed Kane co tonight we'll be in touch the leaders to see if they are any objections to the Indiana LEO idea and if not I think I know someone who can get us in touch with a freindly LEO from the land of the free.

[Bird76Mojo]

I was just between Paris and Champaign today. You gotta love the catchy firearm support signs along the highways and interstates in that entire area..

 

 

[Drylok]

I was just between Paris and Champaign today. You gotta love the catchy firearm support signs along the highways and interstates in that entire area..

 

 

GB

I wouldn't be suprised if you drove right by my house. Do you remember seeing a bunch of Pioneer seed signs and then not too far w of that a bunch of Guns Save Life signs on Hwy 36? *wink*

Actually last night I went down to Paris to the jail to get my figner prints for the FL permit. Turns out one of my long lost buddies is now with the Edgar Co. and he and 2 other officers and the deputy who printed me were asking alot of questions about ccw and where we're at on things. It kind of gave me a warm fuzzy feeling to be standing in a jail with 4 police officers talking about how we can't wait for ccw to come to Illinois.

As we were starting to walk out we had been talking about the Diggins case and then the deputy mentioned that "now you can carry on someone elses property if you have permission?" I smiled and said yep the Taurus is in my console and as soon as I step onto my property or where I have permission it comes out of the console and goes right here...and I lifted my shirt tail revealing my IWB. He just smiled and said, "were getting there aren't we?"

It's a whole different world down here.

[Bird76Mojo]

Yep, those are some of the signs I'm talking about. I've always loved seeing them! This was the first time I had been down RT36 though. Small world...

 

 

[Drylok]

Yep, those are some of the signs I'm talking about. I've always loved seeing them! This was the first time I had been down RT36 though. Small world...

 

 

GB

 

Well next time your coming down let me know and you can stop by where all those seed signs are at and plink with us. It's kinda hard to see from the hwy but there's a looooong grass strip back behind those buildings. Makes for a great place to shoot

[Molly B.]

 

You're saying title it "Edgar/Vermilion/Champaign Co. Right To Bear Town Hall"?

 

Taking a little side step here about our terminology. In the interest of consistency and understanding throughout the state we need to

use the term "Right to Carry". In recent years that terminology has been adopted by the NRA, the ISRA, and other pro-rights groups and we have been

using it here at IllinoisCarry for quite some time. It is important that citizens, elected officials, and the media see these town hall

meetings as a single message being supported by a grassroots effort all across this state, a growing voice rising up in unison from

Chicago to Cairo, from St.Louis to the Indiana border.

[abolt243]

You're saying title it "Edgar/Vermilion/Champaign Co. Right To Bear Town Hall"?

 

Taking a little side step here about our terminology. In the interest of consistency and understanding throughout the state we need to

use the term "Right to Carry". In recent years that terminology has been adopted by the NRA, the ISRA, and other pro-rights groups and we have been

using it here at IllinoisCarry for quite some time. It is important that citizens, elected officials, and the media see these town hall

meetings as a single message being supported by a grassroots effort all across this state, a growing voice rising up in unison from

Chicago to Cairo, from St.Louis to the Indiana border.

 

Besides, I don't want to "bear" a firearm in the sense of "bearing children". Just being able to "carry" the durn thing when I want to would be fine. Kinda' like grandkids!!!

[Drylok]

Valid points on the terminology and well taken.

Well I've just been doing some nosing around in the last couple days about this and have some thoughts, questions and so forth so I'll look forward to talking to you some time this week Molly.

[Drylok]

Again just brain storming here. There is a Champaign co officer that I visit with who I know supports RTC. He's the guy posted a conversation about last fall who said it ticks him off because his son who lives in Ohio has his RTC license but when he comes home to Illinois he has to unholster, unload and render himself defenseless.

I just left a note while at lunch to ask him to call me. I thought I would tell him that we're trying to put together a RTC town hall and ask him if he would speak or atleast make his presence known if we do get something together.

 

Also one of the guys I work with works part time for Champaign Drug Task Force and he shows interest in attending.

 

One of my duck huntig buddies is also with Champaign co police and I intend to ask him if he'd be interested in attending.

 

I also intend to visit with Tim Cripis who is the Edgar Co Sheriff/Pro Carry and ask for his attendance as well.

[Drylok]

updated:

[Drylok]

Molly I appreciate you time yesturday. sorry to keep you for 45 minutes on a friday night but that helped give me some direction. My pen was running out of ink when I was trying to make this note, but what did we say about the newspapers I listed as advertisement? You need me to get the contact info for them to you and you will set that up about 2 weeks before the event is that what we said?

And then we said I can get things set up with the radio stations

Otherwise I have my notes in line and I'm working focusing on location as that is top priority at the moment.

[Drylok]

I don't know if my research is 100% correct but it looks like the county fairs are as follows

Edgar Jul 17-24

Champ Jul 23-31

Verm Jul 31- Aug 7

Douglas Aug

 

So we need to look at the 8th and 15th of July. Maybe we could get by having it the 22, the night before the Champaign fair starts but my gut says stay away from that.

[abolt243]

Molly's out of touch for the day. You might be best to do the planning via PM or e-mails.

 

AB

[Drylok]

1. Sponsors

Bowyer Seed Co. (committed 100)

Rogers Farms (committed 100)

Pizza Man (committed 20)

Rural King

Log Cabin (committed)

Chrisman Farm Center

Knights Insurance

John Deere Sloan Impliment

True Value

Daves Firearms (committed, Donating Taurus pistol)

Sutton Firearms (says can't make it, but he'll consider donation)

Larson Woodyard & Henson Eric Bradom (committed probally 100)

Champaign Co. Sportsman Club

 

2. Speakers

A.Valinda Rowe (illinois carry)

 

B. Mike Weisman, 1st VP of the ISRA

 

C.Todd Vandermyde (NRA)

 

D. David Pike President Of GSL(Based in Champaign)

 

E. One of the Co Sheriffs to speak on behalf of all four because they're all Pro carry

(1)Note:Sheriff Walsh says send him letter siting date,time, location

(2)Note: Just had a really good conversation with Douglas Co. Sheriff McGrew. He says he would most certainly attend so long as the sheriff in the hosting county will attend. He also commented that he is good friends with Vermilion co sheriff for 30 years now.

(3)Note: Sheriff Cripis called back 5/3 very enthusiastic said let him know when and where and he'll be there. Also suggested asking Sheriff Shothorn to speak because he is actively pro carry and has the most tenure of the 4 of them.

(4)Note: Sctman800 spooke with Vermillion co sheriff Shothorn, said he was very enthusiastic about speaking at the town hall.

 

F.Sheriff From IN

(1)Note: got a lead on Vermilion co and Boone co sheriffs in IN.

 

3.Media outlets

WIXY 100.3

WDWS 1400

98.5

Tuscola Journal

Paris Beacon

Need One In Danville

Champaign News Gazzete

 

4.Date/Location

Need to look at July 8,15,22 to avoid county fairs and other community events

 

Hanford Inn

Note:Plenty of room all 3 dates available. She said should talk to Mic Cauffman, might be able to get discount price.

 

I-Hotel

Note:Left message

 

Hilton Garden Inn

Note: Spoke with Thai on 5/1, 2 rooms available 7/8 and 7/15 one holds 350 other 1,000 but pricey

 

Having trouble contacting a union hall

[Drylok]

I have conversed with the president of GSL David Pike and I will be attending the GSL monthly meeting next Tuesday to bring the group up to speed on what has been accomplished in setting up the E Central meeting and what we need help with. If there's anyone here who can make it to the meeting I think the more the marrier to help brainstorm.

[Drylok]

Thank you sctman800 for making contact with Vermillion co. Sheriff Hartshorn! Glad he is so enthusiastic about speaking

[Ashdump]

Thank you sctman800 for making contact with Vermillion co. Sheriff Hartshorn! Glad he is so enthusiastic about speaking

 

Yes, Thanks Sctman!

[Drylok]

Anyone know the name of the shooting club that's there on 74? Is it just Champaign co. sportsman club? I'm going to try to solicite some funds from them this week. This is going to be more expensive than I was hoping unless the GSL boys come up with some place cheap.

[Drylok]

(Brainstorming here)

Things To Be Sure To Have For Tonights GSL Presentation On RTC Town Hall:

The list of 4 steps Valinda gave me to accomplish, listing the things that have been acomplished and things we need help with.

 

A list of all of the RTC town halls that we've already have and the schedule for the ones coming up

 

Extra cash for GSL raffle tickets

[Drylok]

GSL meeting went last night. Illinoisnare/Templair it was good to meet you guys, thanks for your suggestions.

[Drylok]

We got another donation commitment. Eric Bradom, part owner of Larson Woodyard & Henson in Parisis a 2A supporter and member of the Edgar Co gun club. My mother is with that firm and was telling him what we are trying to do and I guess he was thrilled to hear of this and said he peronally would make a donation. He didn't actually say how much but mom says she imagines 100 or 200. So we'll add him to the list.

Also I spoke with Tiffany Harkin at the Round Barn yesturday. I told her that one of the members of GSL/illinois carry recommended them and that we are having a hard time finding a "friendly" place that will work out a deal for this important event. She is going to talk with the owner because she's hopeful that we can work something out. Hope to hear from them today.

[Drylok]

Heard back from The Round Barn and it's hard for them to set a price since our attendence could vary so much.

Ol Coach and Valinda came up with Hawthorne Suites, $500 and sound system.

Make a follow up call and try to make arrangments to stop and check it out today 5/19

Moving date from July 15 to July 12

 

Got 2 more donation commitments yesturday Chrisman Farm Center & Wilson Farms

[Drylok]

The Edgar/Douglas/Vermilion/Champaign Co.

Right To Carry Educational Town Hall Meeting

will be Monday July 12, 7:00 pm at Hawthorn Suite in Champaign

 

Leann at Upclose is going to send the proof of the raffle tickets tomorrow. We're going with 500 chances for a Taurus 85 stainless at $5 ea. or 3 for $10

 

I will be collecting donations tomorrow from Larson Woodyard & Hennson, Pizza Man, Log Cabin, Wilson Farms, Bowyer Seed and Rogers Farms. I can either mail them to you Valinda or drop them off for Uncle AB when I go down to Shelbyville to fish next weekend.

 

My little sister is pretty handy with graphics designing so she is going to make the fliers. I want to make sure it's something that really stands out which the illinois carry logo does but I may add something else.

[Drylok]

Master List Of Locations To Hang Fliers

 

Edgar County:

Front St. Market

Rural King

CFS

IGA

Wal-Mart

Family Video

Caseys (3)

NAPA

Bowyer Seed

Suttons Firearms (stack)

Monicals

Pizza Hut

McCowns Gun Club

Brocton Fest(June)

 

 

Douglas County:

Pizza Man

J&Ts

Country Junction

Log Cabin

IGA

True Value

Monicals

Prouds

Newman Festivlle (maybe a spot in the parade?)

 

Vermillion County:

Harley Davidson

Champaign County:

Daves Firearms

Caseys (4)

Wallmart (2)

Champaign Co Sportsman Club

Farm & Fleet

Rural King

Menards

Lowes

Gold and Diamond Exchange

Hunters Haven

Andre's Harley Davidson