2023

SPRINGFIELD — The Purple Heart awarded to Army Specialist Kenneth R. Wiest was returned to his family as part of Operation Purple Heart, an unprecedented mission to return 11 Purple Heart medals to their rightful owners, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today. Wiest earned the medal while serving in Vietnam. He also served in Desert Storm, sometimes called the Gulf War. Mr. Wiest died in O’Fallon, Illinois, on Sept. 4, 1998, at age 48. Like many combat veterans, Mr. Wiest rarely spoke about his service and the injuries he…

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate Black History Month and honor leaders in the African American community. The event, held at the Office of the Illinois State Treasurer in the Marine Bank Building at 1 East Old State Capitol Plaza, was an opportunity to reflect on the great achievements of Black leaders. The honorees included a dentist, a mentor and service- provider to young people, a retired pastor, a high school principal, two members of the Illinois Senate, a trades and labor advocate,…

CHICAGO — Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate Black History Month and honor leaders in the African American community. The event, held at the state government building at 555 W. Monroe St., was an opportunity to reflect on the great achievements of Black leaders. The eight honorees included a radio broadcasting owner, an affordable housing executive, a youth sports manager, a university president, an Illinois Senate leader, a transit union advocate, a table tennis and IT entrepreneur, and an opera singer. “It is important that…

SPRINGFIELD — Small nonprofits that provide people with food or workforce and economic development assistance are encouraged to apply for funding through the Charitable Trust Stabilization Program, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said today. Grant applications will be accepted through March 31. “The Charitable Trust program offers an excellent opportunity for small non-profit organizations to have an even greater impact on the people they serve,” said Frerichs, whose office manages the program. “These grants will play an important role in helping organizations to fulfill their missions of feeding, employing, and…

SPRINGFIELD — Collectible coins, sports cards and jewelry are among the more than 400 unclaimed property items to be auctioned online from February 6 through February 10. “The online auction provides a perfect opportunity for people to explore and acquire memorable items for themselves or for others who will appreciate them as gifts,” said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose office oversees unclaimed property in Illinois. “Because the auction is online, you can participate from your home or wherever you like.” Items to be auctioned include a 14-karat gold charm…