It’s been a fantastic FFA Week and our FFA Chapter of The Month contest was a success yet again thanks to the local chapters and all you listeners! We got to hear about some great and well deserving chapters, but one stands above the rest. Our grand prize winner, WOODLAWN! They pulled out all the stops and sent out the signal to all students, alumni, and members of the community… and they responded big time! The Woodlawn FFA chapter is a tight-knit group. Countless stories from former members about their time recount how it not only helped them open up and meet others, but also how it set them on the path for future success in college and life after schooling. Some still connect with former classmates years and years later. The students at Woodlawn also have a positive impact on the younger kids in our area. Those children aspire to become FFA members due to the great work the Woodlawn students do throughout their community. They have done everything from collecting donations for local community banks to helping out each year with a petting zoo for the grade schoolers and various fundraising events throughout the year. And they’ve even fundraised for other FFA chapters in their time of need. All while still performing in their competitions and workshops. The Woodlawn FFA chapter may be small, but they work hard and create a welcoming environment for students to learn and grow, with a lot of community support behind them! Give it up for the Woodlawn FFA chapter, our FFA Chapter of the Month! Thanks to Landon Hutchison & Gracie Lowery for stopping by Big Jake's show.

 

Bristal Tudor is the older sister of Madelyn Tudor who was just retired as Little Miss Illinois 2023 and joined Big Jake's show recently. Bristal was named not only Jr. Miss Illinois this year but also Jr. Miss Southern Illinois & Jr. Miss Illinois United States Agriculture all in 2024. Congrats to the Royal Tudor Family and thanks so much for stopping by WMIX to chat!

 
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Wendi with BCMW Community Services, as administrator of the Energy Assistance Program Bond, Clinton, Marion, and Washington is pleased to announce that funds are available to assist income-eligible households with their natural gas, propane and/or electric bills and furnace assistance for inoperable heating systems.

The program will begin taking applications on October 1, 2024 for older adults (60 years +), individuals with a disability , families with children age 5 or under and households that are disconnected from their utilities, have a disconnection notice or have less than 25% in their propane tank.  All other income eligible households can start applying November 1, 2024.

Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis through August 15, 2025, or until funding is exhausted.  Households that receive a one-time benefit may return during the program year for a Reconnection Assistance or Furnace Assistance benefit(s), if needed.

Households must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level to receive a benefit from LIHEAP.  The 30-day income guidelines for LIHEAP are based on Federal Poverty Guidelines, State Median Income and the number of persons living in the household. The income guidelines are as follows: 1- $2,510, 2- $3,407, 3- $4,303, 4- $5,200. Go to bcmwcommunityservices.org or liheapillinois.com to know income limits for households with 5 members and more.

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides one-time benefits to income eligible homeowners and renters to help with energy bills and for reconnection of energy service.  Propane customers who are part of the priority group are encouraged to apply when the program opens in October.  Propane prices typically increase during the winter months so by applying early propane customers will see their LIHEAP benefit go further.

Applications will be taken at 909 E Rexford, Centralia IL and bcmwcommunityservices.org.

To submit an application, you MUST submit ALL documentation required:

  1. Proof of gross income from all household members for the prior 30-day period beginning with the date of application.
  2. For all customers new to LIHEAP, and/or for new household members of previous customers, proof of Social Security numbers (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for all household members. Individuals without a SSN or ITIN can still apply and BCMW Community Action Agency will advise accordingly.
  3. A copy of current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days.
  4. A copy of rental agreement (if renting) showing that utilities are included, the monthly rental amount and landlord contact.
  5. Other documents may be needed based on your household situation. If you have questions regarding this, please call our office.

Beginning October 1, 2024 income eligible LIHEAP customers of Ameren Illinois will receive a monthly discount on their natural gas bill through the new Low Income Discount Rates.  Visit liheapillinois.com or bcmwcommunityservices.org to know more details.

Please call BCMW Community Action Agency at 618-532-7388 for outreach locations and schedules, and for information on what documents are needed to apply and different ways to submit your application.

 
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JIm & Teresa join Big Jake's show this morning to chat about the science experiment in the sky that is piloting a hot air balloon. Be sure to get out and see Good Greeph or Blu E'nuff this weekend at Foundation Park in Centralia for the 35th Balloon Fest! Get more details at https://centraliachamber.com/balloon-fest and be sure to buy those wristbands!

 
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