The Mt. Vernon Township High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) stopped by Big Jake's show this morning to chat about their 16th Annual Blackout Game Fundraiser. The event takes place at MVTHS during the Rams game on 2/11 vs. Marion. This fundraiser helps offset the costs for FBLA to attend the State Conference in March. There are business sponsorships available for space on the shirts and there will be shirts available for sale to the general public. More information, sponsorship options, or to order a shirt, contact FBLA's Adviser Julie Hayes at jhayes@mvths.org or by calling 618-246-1828.

 

Jo Dee joins Big Jake for a second interview ahead of her show in Nashville at the Washington County Fair. This time around, Jake and Jo Dee talk her faith and it's importance alongside her career choice. Would she ever do a collaborative album featuring her hits sung alongside newer country artists. Were there ever any songs that she passed on that would go on to become huge hits, you'll be shocked at the big one she passed up. And so much more!

After a widely successful 2023 concert, The Washington County Fair is proud to announce that headlining the fair concert on July 10th, is Jo Dee Messina, a country artist who has posted nine No. 1 hits, sixteen Top 40 songs, sold over five million albums worldwide, and has been honored by the ACM Awards, CMA Awards, and Grammy Awards.

Opening for Messina is Walker Montgomery, who has been chosen as an Artist to Watch by Country Now, Music Mayhem Magazine, Sounds Like Nashville, and The Boot. The Country Next pick by Country Now is a rising singer/songwriter who knows a thing or two about family tradition, but he’s an artist making his own legacy. The 21-year-old son of John Michael Montgomery and nephew of Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery pedigree is matched only by his country passion.

The concert will take place at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Nashville, Illinois. Gates will open at 6 PM, and the show will begin at 7 PM. Tickets (if available) and show information can be found at thewashingtoncountyfair.com!

 
...

Executive Director Nat Shook joins Big Jake's show to discuss a new initiative by United Way of South Central Illinois designed to support teachers in enhancing or building their classroom libraries. Teachers can now request specific books they need for their students, ensuring every child has access to the educational resources necessary for a successful learning experience.

This program was inspired by our joint venture with the Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce, where we discovered the significant need for books in classroom libraries. United Way Reads aims to fill this gap by providing essential educational materials to teachers.

How You Can Help:

Book Donations: Check our website and Facebook page for a list of requested books. If you have any of the listed books and wish to donate, please drop them off at:

📍 123 S 10th St., Suite 202, Mt. Vernon, IL.

Amazon Wish List: Prefer to purchase books online? Visit our Amazon Wish List for a complete list of requested books. Your purchase will be sent directly to our office, ready to be distributed to teachers in need.

Teachers: You can apply for books directly on our website or by clicking the following link: https://forms.gle/mmNb3inTWR2RPFaZ8.

By supporting United Way Reads, you are directly contributing to the educational success and future of our community’s youth. Together, we can ensure that every child has the resources they need to thrive. Thank you for your generosity and commitment to making a difference!

 
...

Big Jake invites Paul Shields with Allstate Insurance in Mt. Vernon to come sit in on his chat with Elijah & Nicole Adkins. This month you can save on insurance, win some prizes, and help a local family in need. Nolan Adkins is a 4-year-old from our area that is winning, but still recovering from, his fight with cancer. Obviously costs add up and still to this day since being diagnosed, the family is dealing with the costs of care. During the month of March, txt the name "NOLAN" to the Paul Shields, Allstate Insurance text line at 618-242-0094 to get a link for an insurance quote. For every new quote, Paul will donate $20 to the Adkins Family and there is no obligation to you to donate nor agree to switch insurance providers. Paul just wants the chance to potentially help you but for sure, this local family. By participating, you'll also be in the drawing for a jumbo adult Easter egg containing a $100 Visa gift cart, free food gift certificates, chocolate, some Allstate swag, and so much more!

 
...