SPRINGFIELD, IL (KFVS) - Illinois Governor Pat Quinn marked National Volunteer Week on Saturday by encouraging communities to submit entries for the 31st Annual Governor's Hometown Awards.

According to the governor's office, it's a program that recognizes volunteer efforts to improve Illinois communities.

The application deadline is July 15, and communities of any size may submit nominations.

"Local volunteers and organizations are improving communities across Illinois and enhancing the quality of life for everyday people," Governor Quinn said. "The Hometown Awards recognize people who are helping us build a better Illinois for current and future generations."

CARBONDALE, IL (KFVS) - The City of Carbondale Police Department is asking for the public's help finding a suspect in connection with a report of a credit card theft.

During the course of the investigation, officers say they learned that a suspect used the credit card at a business in the 200 block of South Wall Street on April 19. They say the suspect is described as a black male. The investigation into the incident is continuing.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Carbondale Police Department at 457-3200 Crime Stoppers at 549-COPS (2677). Anonymous tips can also be made by selecting the “Crime Stoppers” tab located on the Police Department website.

Copyright 2013 KFVS. All rights reserved.

MURPHYSBORO, IL (KFVS)- Murphysboro Mayor Will Stephens is addressing energy aggregation and some of the confusion surrounding the topic. 

He says the state has enacted legislation which empowers municipalities with the right to negotiate electricity rates on behalf of its residents and small businesses located within its jurisdiction.

Municipal aggregation uses collective bargaining power of residents to negotiate lower electricity supply rates from alternative suppliers, according to the mayor. He says this creates purchasing power resulting in electric prices much lower than any that an individual customer could get on their own.

Stephens says there has been some confusion created by independent suppliers going door to door and telling residents they have a permit with the city. He says residents don't have to sign up for the program and the independent suppliers don't have a contract with the city.