After a widely successful 2023 concert, The Washington County Fair is proud to announce the concert lineup for the 2024 fair! Headlining the fair concert on July 10, 2024, 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 will go on sale on Friday, March 22, 2024, at 8 AM. Tickets and show information can be found at www.thewashingtoncountyfair.com!

 

Regional Recruiters Makyla & Whitney join Big Jake to discuss Deaconess Illinois' upcoming Healthcare Hiring Event in Mt. Vernon.

They are inviting healthcare professionals and job seekers to attend an upcoming Healthcare Hiring Event on Tuesday, July 29, from noon to 2 p.m. at the Deaconess Illinois Crossroads Conference Center, 8 Doctors Park, Mt. Vernon, IL.

This walk-in style event will offer attendees the opportunity to connect directly with department leaders, HR representatives and clinic managers to learn more about available positions and take part in on-the spot interviews.

Deaconess Illinois is actively hiring for a variety of roles, including:

• Registered Nurses (RNs)

• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)

• Clinical and non-clinical support staff

• …and many more roles essential to delivering high-quality care.

Job seekers are encouraged to bring a copy of their resume and come prepared to speak with hiring managers and leadership representatives.

“This event reflects our ongoing investment in people and our commitment to growing a strong, compassionate healthcare workforce,” said Thomas Rye, MBA, PHR, Deaconess Illinois Director of Human Resources. “As we continue building a new era of care at Deaconess Illinois, we are looking for healthcare professionals who are passionate about excellence and patient-centered care,” said Desireé R. Stumpf, MJ, BSN, RN, HACP-CMS, SSGB, Deaconess Illinois Crossroads Chief Nursing Officer. “Whether you’re early in your career or seeking your next opportunity, we welcome you to explore what Deaconess Illinois has to offer.”

To explore open positions in advance, visit deaconess.com/careers.

 
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Big Jake is joined by Courtney Kabat with Cedarhurst Center for The Arts to discuss Thursday Night Live, the upcoming Pooch Parade on Thursday, July 18th, and all things Cedarhurst. Learn more at cedarhurst.org and we'll see you Thursday Night at 5pm!

 
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Executive Director Nat Shook joins Big Jake's show to discuss a new initiative by United Way of South Central Illinois designed to support teachers in enhancing or building their classroom libraries. Teachers can now request specific books they need for their students, ensuring every child has access to the educational resources necessary for a successful learning experience.

This program was inspired by our joint venture with the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, where we discovered the significant need for books in classroom libraries. United Way Reads aims to fill this gap by providing essential educational materials to teachers.

How You Can Help:

Book Donations: Check our website and Facebook page for a list of requested books. If you have any of the listed books and wish to donate, please drop them off at:

📍 123 S 10th St., Suite 202, Mt. Vernon, IL.

Amazon Wish List: Prefer to purchase books online? Visit our Amazon Wish List for a complete list of requested books. Your purchase will be sent directly to our office, ready to be distributed to teachers in need.

Teachers: You can apply for books directly on our website or by clicking the following link: https://forms.gle/mmNb3inTWR2RPFaZ8.

By supporting United Way Reads, you are directly contributing to the educational success and future of our community’s youth. Together, we can ensure that every child has the resources they need to thrive. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to making a difference!

 
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