Best Selling Author Once Again Draws Inspiration For Book from Blessings on State, Jacksonville

By Benjamin Cox on May 7, 2024 at 4:12pm

A national bestselling author is giving another nod to Jacksonville and a local inn for her recently released book. USA Today bestselling author Rachael Bloome has once again featured Jacksonvilleā€˜s Blessings on State Bed & Breakfast in her new release The Unexpected Inn, which hit the shelves May 1st. This book continues the story from […]

South Jacksonville Celebration Enjoys Quiet Success

By Benjamin Cox on May 7, 2024 at 2:32pm

The South Jacksonville Celebration had a much quieter year this year with a great turnout over the weekend. Select students from Jacksonville School District 117, students from Garrison Alternative School, and students from the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired got a free pre-event attendance day on Friday. Police Chief Eric Hansell says other than […]

Few Details on Calhoun County Chase Incident From Monday

By Benjamin Cox on May 7, 2024 at 2:14pm

Few details have been released about a police pursuit through multiple counties involving multiple agencies in Calhoun County have been released since Monday. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department issued a public notice on their social media page on Monday that their office had received multiple calls requesting additional information involving suspects involved in an incident […]

Former Brown Co. Sheriff’s Deputy’s Trial For Domestic Violence Begins in Adams County

By Benjamin Cox on May 7, 2024 at 2:13pm

The trial of a former Brown County Sheriff’s Deputy for armed violence, domestic battery, and aggravated battery to a pregnant person began yesterday in Adams County Circuit Court. 31-year old Cody R. Shaffer of Loraine is facing up to 30 years in prison after he is alleged to have strangled, bit, and pointed a loaded […]

Hy-Vee Recalls Cream Cheese Spread, Cookies & Cream Mix Over Potential Salmonella

By Benjamin Cox on May 7, 2024 at 11:31am

Hy-Vee officials announced a recall on Monday affecting two types of Hy-Vee Cream Cheese and bulk-packaged Cookies & Cream Mix. Officials reported the products are being voluntarily recalled due to possible Salmonella contamination. Although there have been no confirmed reports of illness due from consuming these products, the manufacturer recommended Hy-Vee recall the products out […]

Semi Stuck Under Overpass on East College on Monday

By Benjamin Cox on May 7, 2024 at 11:08am

East College Avenue from Hardin to Blackburn Alley was closed Monday evening after a semi got stuck underneath the railroad bridge. Jacksonville Police, the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department, and a local towing company responded to the bridge at 4:55PM. No one was hurt in the incident, including the driver, identified as 42-year old Mahad Abdi […]

Three Morgan County Elected Offices Have Annual Salaries Set

By Benjamin Cox on May 6, 2024 at 7:06pm

Three Morgan County elected offices had their salaries set and frozen for the next four years this morning by the current Morgan County Commissioners. One commissioner seat, currently occupied by Ginny Fanning who is not seeking another term in office; the Morgan County Circuit Clerk seat, and the Morgan County Coroner seat all had their […]

Morgan County Gets Reimbursement for Legal Fees For Lotus Wind Project

By Benjamin Cox on May 6, 2024 at 6:29pm

Morgan County is receiving reimbursement for legal and permitting fees attached to a nearby wind farm project. The Morgan County Commissioners authorized over $12,000 in reimbursement from the Lotus Wind Project for professional fees accrued for the portion that will be in Morgan County. Morgan County Planner Dusty Douglas says the authorization allows the county […]

Schuyler Co. Sheriff Seeking Info on Damage to Rural Ag Fields

By Benjamin Cox on May 6, 2024 at 6:10pm

The Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help for a recent criminal damage case in rural cornfields. Schuyler County Sheriff Bill Redshaw reports that several fields throughout Schuyler County have had unknown individuals drive through them, with some of the fields already planted. Some of the fields have had donuts and ruts […]

Petersburg Man, Former RCHS/OSS Teacher, Theater Director Pleads Guilty to 34 Federal Charges of Child Sexual Exploitation, Child Pornography Possession and Distribution

By Benjamin Cox on May 6, 2024 at 6:02pm

A Petersburg man with former ties to Our Saviour Grade School, Routt Catholic High School, and Central Christian Church in Jacksonville as well as youth theater productions in Springfield has pleaded guilty to 34 counts of sexual exploitation of children, possession of child pornography, and distribution of child pornography attached to a federal indictment. 30-year […]