MEMORIAL-MIKE BEHRENS

104th Regular Session Introduced by Chapin Rose

SR 294 combines two ceremonial resolutions: express condolences to Mike Behrens' family and salute Pierce County High School's 2024 state cheer champions; non-binding acknowledgments.

Resolution Adopted

Summary — SR 294 (Resolution Adopted)

Note: The official version text provided appears to contain two distinct ceremonial resolutions merged into one document (a memorial for Mike Behrens and a congratulatory resolution for the Pierce County High School cheerleading team). The summary below separates and summarizes each component and highlights procedural actions and sponsors listed in the record. Readers should verify the final authoritative text with the appropriate Senate clerk for the correct jurisdiction (the memorial references the Illinois Senate; the cheerleading resolution and listed sponsors correspond to another state).

1) Memorial: Mike Behrens

Purpose: A Senate memorial resolution mourning the death of Mike Behrens of Ogden and extending condolences to his family, friends, and community.

Key details from the text:

Birth and death: Born November 22, 1963 (Urbana); died April 5, 2025.
Education and family: Graduated University of Illinois (1993); M.A. from Eastern Illinois University (2000); married Kristie Baker (September 12, 1987).
Career and public service: Longtime educator and coach (taught and coached at local high schools for about 20 years); taught math at Parkland College (night classes and later as faculty); served as Ogden Township Supervisor; co‑owned a catering business (“Fat Stacks”); active member and leader at St. John Lutheran Church.
Personal life and survivors: Noted hobbies (biking, Spartan race, hunting, cooking), a devoted family man and grandfather. Survived by his wife Kristie, children (Katelyn, Jacob, Abby), granddaughter Lilith “Lily” Carter, brother Doug Behrens, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents.

Effect: Ceremonial — expresses official condolences and directs that a suitable copy be presented to the family.

2) Congratulatory Resolution: Pierce County High School Competition Cheerleading Team

Purpose: A Senate resolution congratulating the Pierce County High School competition cheer team for winning the 2024 AA Division State Cheerleading Championship.

Key provisions:

Recognizes the team’s undefeated 2024 season, teamwork, perseverance, and coach leadership.
Names Coach Mandy Beverly (noting her record of seven consecutive Region Championship teams) and lists team roster members by name.
Directs the Secretary of the Senate to make an appropriate copy of the resolution available for distribution to the team.

Effect: Ceremonial — public recognition and a copy of the resolution provided to the team.

Sponsors, Actions, and Procedural Notes

Sponsors listed: Clint Dixon, Billy Hickman, Freddie Powell Sims, Russ Goodman, Rick Williams, Sam Watson, Blake Tillery (primary sponsors listed in record).

Legislative actions (selected): Introduced 2025-03-17; read & adopted 2025-03-19 (vote recorded); reported enrolled 2025-03-19; filed with Secretary 2025-05-07; resolution adopted 2025-05-08. Co‑sponsored by all senators (noted 2025-05-07) and placed on the Resolutions Consent Calendar.

Nature of the measure: Both components are non‑binding, ceremonial resolutions that do not create legal or regulatory obligations; they serve to express the sentiment of the Senate and to provide formal recognition or condolences.

Recommendation: Because the supplied text contains mixed content from different resolutions/jurisdictions, consult the official Senate journal or the Secretary of the Senate’s enrolled/resolution files for SR 294 in the relevant legislative body to confirm the final adopted language and jurisdiction.