KANKAKEE – Senate Agriculture Chair Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging young photographers to submit photos for the 2021 Cream of the Crop Photography Contest.

“This is a great contest for kids, but also a great teaching moment about our state’s number one industry – agriculture,” Joyce said. “I encourage young photographers throughout the area to share their vision of Illinois agriculture by submitting an entry.”

Electronic photo submissions will be accepted from Illinois students ages 8-18. Top photographs will be chosen in three age categories: ages 8-10, 11 14 and 15-18. Each student is permitted to submit up to two photos by June 24, 2021.
 
The photo contest is part of the Ag Invest program. Winning photos will be featured in Ag Invest marketing material and displayed at the 2021 Illinois State Fair.

KANKAKEE – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is pleased to announce five local fire departments will receive funding through the Small Equipment Grant Program, administered by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal for equipment upgrades.

“Having the right safety equipment is critical for first responders,” Joyce said. “This grant program is a tremendous resource that helps meet basic equipment needs for local fire departments to fight fires and save lives.”

The Small Equipment Grant Program was established by OSFM to provide grants of up to $26,000 to support small firefighting and ambulance equipment purchases. A total of $3.3 million was awarded to 149 fire departments and EMS providers across the state through the program.

Five grant recipients are located within the 40th Senate District:

• Gardner Fire Protection District – $17,480
• Bradley Fire Department – $25,825
• Grant Park Fire Protection District – $24,520
• Limestone Township Fire Protection District – $26,000
• Park Forest Fire Department – $22,725

A complete list of recipients and awards can be found on the OSFM website.

SOUTH WILMINGTON – Motorists who have been unable to visit a driver services facility to renew their driver’s licenses and purchase vehicle stickers will be able to attend a free mobile unit event, sponsored by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) in partnership with the secretary of state’s office. 

The free event will be available to motorists Tuesday, July 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South Wilmington Village Hall, located at 380 Lake St. in South Wilmington.

“The mobile unit makes it easier for folks to receive necessary services without waiting for long periods of time outside a driver services facility,” Joyce said. “I encourage anyone in need of a safe and convenient way to renew and pay fees to attend this upcoming event.”

KANKAKEE – Kankakee residents will see an investment of over $1.2 million to improve the South Schuyler bike and pedestrian path, plus millions more for projects in surrounding communities, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) announced Tuesday.

“During the pandemic, there has been a boost in outdoor activity which has increased the use of our bike trails,” Joyce said. “This investment shows the state’s commitment to protecting the safety and health of bicyclists and pedestrians while improving active transportation, recreation and community connection.”

Residents of Kankakee County will soon see $1.26 million in improvements to the South Schuyler bike and pedestrian roadway in Kankakee, expanding transportation options in the area and providing an opportunity for safe outdoor recreation.

"The Rebuild Illinois funds provide the City of Kankakee the opportunity to continue improving the downtown district while laying the foundation for our riverfront master plan," said Kankakee Mayor Chris Curtis. "The project will improve the safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicles traveling South Schuyler Avenue across the river. This streetscape project is planned to begin in spring of 2022."