Jo Dee joins Big Jake for a second interview ahead of her show in Nashville at the Washington County Fair. This time around, Jake and Jo Dee talk her faith and it's importance alongside her career choice. Would she ever do a collaborative album featuring her hits sung alongside newer country artists. Were there ever any songs that she passed on that would go on to become huge hits, you'll be shocked at the big one she passed up. And so much more!

After a widely successful 2023 concert, The Washington County Fair is proud to announce that headlining the fair concert on July 10th, is Jo Dee Messina, a country artist who has posted nine No. 1 hits, sixteen Top 40 songs, sold over five million albums worldwide, and has been honored by the ACM Awards, CMA Awards, and Grammy Awards.

Opening for Messina is Walker Montgomery, who has been chosen as an Artist to Watch by Country Now, Music Mayhem Magazine, Sounds Like Nashville, and The Boot. The Country Next pick by Country Now is a rising singer/songwriter who knows a thing or two about family tradition, but he’s an artist making his own legacy. The 21-year-old son of John Michael Montgomery and nephew of Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery pedigree is matched only by his country passion.

The concert will take place at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Nashville, Illinois. Gates will open at 6 PM, and the show will begin at 7 PM. Tickets (if available) and show information can be found at thewashingtoncountyfair.com!

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.

Hear our presenting sponsors, Tony Wielt from State Farm and Sandy Sinnett with Heritage Woods of Mt. Vernon announce this year's Letters of Thanksgiving winners in Kindergarten - 4th & 5th-8th grades.