Joyce accepts award for support of agricultural education in Illinois

• Agriculture
• Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education
• FFA
• Award

PARK FOREST – Senate Agriculture Chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) received the Jim Guilinger Legislative Award from the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education on Friday for his support of agricultural education and Future Farmers of America student programs.

“I am humbled to accept this award from the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education that is strengthening our young agricultural leaders,” Joyce said. “Agriculture is one of our state’s top industries, and that’s why we place a major emphasis on agricultural education in the General Assembly. Agricultural education and programs like FFA have such a positive impact on our young people, and I will always be a supporter of that mission.”

Since 1987, the Jim Guilinger Legislative Award has been presented to legislators who advocate for and have been publicly supportive of Illinois agricultural education. According to ILCAE, these legislators understand the importance of the agricultural industry that makes up about a quarter of Illinois’ jobs. They also know the importance of today’s youth understanding the ever-evolving and expanding agricultural industry with the knowledge gained through a current and progressive agricultural education.

The award is named in honor of the late Jim Guilinger, a nationally recognized agricultural education leader and former secretary of the McDonough County Farm Bureau. Guilinger spent 56 years of his life dedicated to agricultural education, constantly seeking out innovative and cutting-edge technology and curriculum for the betterment of his students.

Joyce: Greater Kankakee Airport to receive $1.6 million in state funding

• IDOT
• Greater Kankakee Airport

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced a $1.6 million investment in state funding to help maintain and upgrade the Greater Kankakee Airport on Monday.

“I’m thrilled the state is investing in our local airports,” Joyce said. “This massive investment will make air travel safer and more reliable while helping grow our local economy.”

The 96 projects selected for funding will help meet the needs of airports large and small in both urban and rural communities. Projects will include planning, construction, reconstruction, development and improvement of public airports to increase safety and efficiency. Communities also will benefit from increased aviation access, good-paying jobs during construction and long-term opportunities for workforce expansion.

Among the projects to receive funding, the Greater Kankakee Airport will use these funds for construction to the Widen Taxiway Fillets and Relocate Taxiway D.

“The Greater Kankakee Airport is a strong economic driver in our community,” Joyce said. “This funding will provide much-needed dollars to strengthen our state’s infrastructure for years to come.”

A full list of recipients can be viewed by going to https://idot.click/rbi-airport-program-awards.

Joyce reminds residents to shop small on Small Business Saturday

• Small businesses
• 40th District
• Small Business Saturday

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.

Joyce encourages drivers to utilize IDOT’s road conditions map

• IDOT
• Getting Around Illinois

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.