KANKAKEE – Small Business Saturday is this Saturday, Nov. 27, and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging residents to patronize local businesses this holiday season.

“Our small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and deserve our support in these trying times,” Joyce said. “I encourage you to go out and support the small businesses in our area that are trying very hard to keep their doors open and our community vibrant for everyone.”

Joyce reminds residents that Small Business Saturday is a day to celebrate and support the small, family-run shops that do so much throughout the year for the community. Joyce added that supporting small does not just mean shopping at brick-and-mortar stores. Residents can show their support through online sales, ordering carryout from a locally owned restaurant or buying gift cards.

“Small Business Saturday is more vital than ever this year,” Joyce said. “Business owners are hoping to see you in line or online this Saturday, Nov. 27.” 

Additionally, if money is tight due to the financial concerns relating to the pandemic, people can follow their social media, recommend them to friends and leave positive reviews.

PARK FOREST – As the temperatures begin to drop, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging drivers to utilize the winter road conditions map on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Getting Around Illinois website.

“Before hopping in the car this winter, be sure to check the current road conditions beforehand with IDOT’s road map,” Joyce said. “If everyone on the road takes advantage of this resource, we’ll see fewer crashers and reduce delay times.”

Previously, the map displayed conditions by county. New this year, the map shows how weather events are impacting roads, including the ability to identify and zoom in to a location, travel route or destination with current information recorded by plow drivers.

People can interact with the map to understand how weather events are affecting roads across the state. The winter road conditions map is available on IDOT’s website.

NEW LENOX – Ahead of Saturday’s Coffee, Conversation and Constituent Services event, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is reminding residents to take the opportunity to share ideas and concerns with their representation in Springfield.

“Giving residents the opportunity to come to the table and provide input on what’s happening in our community or in Springfield is vital, and that’s why my office continues to host events like this,” Joyce said. “I look forward to talking with everyone over a cup of coffee and hearing about the issues that are important to them.”

The event will be held Saturday, Nov. 20 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. at Gost Coffee Roasters located at 1333 S. Schoolhouse Rd. in New Lenox.

This is another effort from Joyce’s office to increase government accountability and accessibility by hosting this traveling event at different times, locations and days of the week in hopes of reaching working families across Will, Cook, Kankakee and Grundy Counties.

This event is free and open to area residents. Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Joyce’s office at 708-756-0882 or visit his website at SenatorPatrickJoyce.com.

KANKAKEE – The annual Conservation Achievement Scholarship is now accepting applications, and Senate Agriculture Chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) invites eligible Illinois high school seniors to apply.

The Conservation Achievement Scholarship will award up to four scholarships of $2,000 each to outstanding high school seniors in Illinois who demonstrate effective, voluntary, long-term dedication to the preservation, protection or enhancement of the state’s natural resources.

“This scholarship program awards our best and brightest students for their hard work and dedication to conservation stewardship,” Joyce said. “I encourage all eligible high school seniors to take advantage of this opportunity and apply.”

Read more: Joyce urges high school seniors to apply for Conservation Achievement Scholarship