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.

Angela Schrum & Jason Hulbert stopped by the show to discuss Friday's Food & Art Fest every week this summer in downtown Mt. Vernon and the upcoming Mt. Vernon Brewers Festival. enjoymtvernon.com to learn more after the interview, find their Facebook page @mtvfestivals for event info and ticket link information too!

https://beerfests.com/events/mt-vernon-homebrewers-festival?fbclid=IwY2xjawKtRwhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFVbUxTV1F5WDNOdUk5QjVnAR5dV-5xe3uopEBOFyFIo4kRsuz0VM8fUHS_xHhVKSkZ5iJCxKG_SZ5bLjYXEQ_aem_CqBO3EUlCNnaHK1lBwzF6A

https://enjoymtvernon.com/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKtRrpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFVbUxTV1F5WDNOdUk5QjVnAR66e4xHLMB04bLGR3YzDRt7aWWauQqxBzWrdnZ9EprNKtZP8bHc47enSe4EWg_aem_WwlFdbfyNYe-JMU-dDntgA

The Wolfe Cattle Company proudly presents McCoy Rodeo’s Extreme Bull Bash and country concerts, Friday, March 28th and Saturday, March 29th at the Southern Illinois Center, located within the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds. Cord joins Big Jake's show to get you ready for the adrenaline pumping, bull riding action!

 Prepare for the heart-pounding thrill of the 8-second ride as cowboys strive to conquer the bulls for points and prizes.

 On Friday,  March 28th, Drew Baldridge will be the music headliner. A Southern Illinois native currently making waves in the Tennessee music scene, Baldridge will captivate the audience with his new single, "Tough People," alongside his recently acclaimed viral hit, "She's Somebody's Daughter," which achieved number one status.

On Saturday, March 29, country music superstar Trace Adkins will be performing! Adkins, who has sold over 11 million albums, charted more than 20 singles, and earned numerous awards and Grammy nominations, has garnered over two billion streams. Adkins, originally scheduled to perform at the 2024 Du Quoin Rodeo, had to cancel due to a leg injury.

 All rodeo tickets, including VIP tickets, grant entry to the concert, and concert-only tickets are also available. Please note that rodeo-only tickets are not offered, making this a truly unique and exclusive experience.

 VIP tickets include bleacher seating, access to the VIP section of the concert, and food and drink until the concert begins.

 Doors for the rodeo will open at 5 PM each night, with the rodeo starting at 6:30 PM. For concert-only attendees, doors will open at 8 PM, and the concert will begin at 9 PM.

Tickets and show information will be available at wolfecattlecompany.com.