Big Jake welcomes Leon Edwards to the program this morning to announce the return of Wolfe Cattle Company to Du Quoin's Southern Illinois Center for two massive nights of Cord McCoy PRCA Pro Rodeo action and country concerts the 2nd to last weekend in March!

DU QUOIN, IL (FEB 2, 2024) – The Wolfe Cattle Company proudly announces the 3rd Annual Cord McCoy PRCA Du Quoin Pro Rodeo. Once again, the event will happen inside the Southern Illinois Center at the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in Du Quoin, Illinois, on March 22 and 23, 2024.

David Wolfe, the owner, said, “Partnering with Cord McCoy and the PRCA has allowed us to grow this event year after year. This year, we are again planning to bring in some of the nation’s top rodeo competitors and some of the nation's best country music!”

For two nights, fans can experience all that a PRCA Rodeo has to offer. Each night will offer wall-to-wall action featuring some of the best cowboys in the country and the toughest world-class Cord McCoy bulls you’ll ever see! Experience: Barrel Racing, Saddle Bronc, Bareback Bronc, Tie-Down Roping, Team Roping, Steer Wrestling, & Bull Riding!

Stick around after the dust settles for special performances by 2 of the nation's top country music performers. On Friday, March 22^nd, don’t miss one of the most successful crossover artists of all time, Colt Ford! His unique blend of country music, hip hop, and rock & roll has led him to sell over 3 million albums, attracting millions of followers on social media and hitting one billion-plus streams.

On Saturday, March 23^rd, the country music superstar, who has sold over 11 MILLION albums, charted over 20 singles, earned numerous awards and GRAMMY nominations, and garnered over TWO BILLION streams, Trace Adkins will be performing!

All rodeo tickets include entry into the concert. Concert-only tickets are also available for those who would like to come later in the evening. This year, we will be offering VIP tickets as well. VIP tickets will include bleacher seating, access to the VIP section of the concert, and food & drink until the concert begins.

All tickets are on sale now at www.wolfecattlecompany.com! Tickets are only sold from the website via Etix/EDW MKTG. 

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.

The Mt. Vernon Township High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) stopped by Big Jake's show this morning to chat about their 16th Annual Blackout Game Fundraiser. The event takes place at MVTHS during the Rams game on 2/11 vs. Marion. This fundraiser helps offset the costs for FBLA to attend the State Conference in March. There are business sponsorships available for space on the shirts and there will be shirts available for sale to the general public. More information, sponsorship options, or to order a shirt, contact FBLA's Adviser Julie Hayes at jhayes@mvths.org or by calling 618-246-1828.