LIHEAP funding exhausted in western Illinois
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households with paying their utility bills. The program runs for a limited time each year, or until funding is exhausted.
As of April 24, Western Illinois Regional Council Community Action Agency officials say they have spent their available funding and cannot take any new LIHEAP applications for the time being.
More than 4,300 households have been helped by the program through WIRC-CAA in Hancock, Henderson, Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties.
New applications for LIHEAP are expected to resume on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
Funding for LIHEAP is provided through a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. WIRC-CAA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Jeff Holtz scholarship hits fundraising goal
The Jeff Holtz Jazz Recording Scholarship is now fully endowed.
Donations made during this week’s performance by the Post Six Big Band, along with a matching gift from the band, pushed the fund balance past $25,000. That will allow scholarships to be paid for with the interest earned.
The scholarship helps Western Illinois University jazz students record a professional-looking video to send out when applying for jobs or graduate school.
It’s named for Jeff Holtz, the late, longtime host of Jazz After Hours on Tri States Public Radio.
Contributions to the scholarship can still be made by donating to the WIU Foundation and designating it for the Jeff Holtz Jazz Recording Scholarship.
Illinois House honors former Macomb Mayor Tom Carper
The Illinois House adopted a resolution in honor of former Macomb Mayor Tom Carper.
Carper, a military veteran, was recognized for his contributions to the city and the state, and for his work on the national Amtrak Board of Directors.
Carper recently left the Amtrak board. He is the longest-tenured member in its history, having served under four presidents.
State Representative Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) sponsored the resolution.
On the House floor, Hammond said Carper “has exhibited an unwavering commitment to public service and transportation excellence.”
Burlington Greater Partnership seeks new leader
The head of the Burlington Greater Partnership is stepping down.
President and CEO Della Schmidt is taking a position in Minnesota after leading the organization since 2019.
The Greater Burlington Partnership includes the Chamber of Commerce, Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Downtown Partners Inc.
The organization will launch a search for a new president this spring.
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