KANKAKEE - As the temperatures drop, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging drivers to utilize the winter road conditions map on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s website.

“With the winter months here, drivers need to be aware of road conditions before traveling,” said Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex). “Using this resource from IDOT can allow individuals to take precautions before their drive, which can prevent crashes and road delays altogether.”

GettingAroundIllinois.com is available on your computer and optimized for smartphones. The site includes the ability to identify and zoom in on a location, travel route or destination on a state map. The map is updated frequently through a cloud-based system to provide a general overview on IDOT-maintained highways

“The weather in Illinois can change suddenly and this online tool is really helpful and updates often,” said Joyce. “I encourage all individuals to view this map before any trips this winter so everyone can stay safe on the roads.”

The road conditions map averages more than 2.5 million page views during snow-and-ice season, featuring a color scheme of pinks and blues to differentiate from the red, yellow and green of traffic congestion reporting, as well as to increase accessibility for those who have difficulty distinguishing colors.

For more information and to view the map, visit https://www.gettingaroundillinois.com/.

KANKAKEE – During this holiday season, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging people to write uplifting notes to veterans as part of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Operations Rising Spirit Campaign.

“It is important for our veterans to know they are honored and appreciated every day,” said Joyce (D- Essex). “The Operation Rising Spirit campaign makes sure that message is relayed.”

Operation Rising Spirit was first launched in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support residents who were unable to visit with family and friends. The successful campaign encourages veterans and facilitates their connection with the community through positive, uplifting notes sent to veterans’ homes in Anna, LaSalle, Chicago, Manteno and Quincy.

“I encourage community members and organizations to take a moment and write letters to veterans who deserve our support and well wishes,” said Joyce. “This is a small act of kindness that will be very appreciated, especially with the holiday season approaching.”

To participate, notes may be sent directly to the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Letters will be disseminated equally to the five homes:

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Central Office

833 South Spring Street

P.O. Box 19432

Springfield, IL 62794-9432

Notes may also be sent directly through the IDVA website at https://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/services%20benefits/homes/Pages/send-a-note.aspx.

KANKAKEE – With daylight saving time coming to an end this weekend, State Senator Patrick Joyce is reminding households to check and change their smoke detector batteries.

“As we set our clocks back, it is a good reminder to test and replace batteries in your smoke detectors to keep your families safe,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This helpful tip can help save lives.”

If residents find an alarm that is not working or is expired, replace the alarm immediately with a new 10-year sealed battery alarm. Joyce also reminds families it is a great time to review their household’s fire escape plan.

KANKAKEE ––  State Senator Patrick Joyce urges area residents to show appreciation to emergency personnel on First Responders Day, which falls on Friday, Oct. 28.

“First responders put their lives on the line each and every day to keep us safe,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “That’s why this day is dedicated as a small way to celebrate the courage and strength of these remarkable heroes in our communities.”

This day specifically thanks 911 dispatchers, as well as firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics for their commitment to Illinois public safety.

Joyce reminds residents to extend gratitude to first responders year-round for their dedication and remember those lost in the line of duty. 

“I want to extend my greatest gratitude to these individuals who keep our communities safe,” said Joyce. “They put their lives on the line each day and deserve the utmost respect and recognition for their service.”

Joyce urges residents to recognize the contributions of first responders in their communities with ceremonies and activities.