Mt. Sterling Contractor Charged For Alleged Contraband Investigation at Western IL Correctional Center
By Benjamin Cox on May 8, 2024 at 11:20am
A Mt. Sterling contractor working at Western Illinois Correctional Facility has been arrested and charged for allegedly smuggling drugs and contraband into the prison. The Journal Courier reports that 49-year old Joshua D. Havens of Mt. Sterling was arrested on February 21st by the Illinois State Police after an investigation into reports of contraband being […]
Springfield Woman Pleads Guilty to Cass Co. Arson
By Benjamin Cox on May 8, 2024 at 11:13am
A Springfield woman will spend the next month in the Menard County Jail after pleading guilty to arson in Cass County Circuit Court on Monday. 41-year old Amy M. Coats pleaded guilty to Class 2 felony arson. Coats was arrested on November 30th of last year after a fire destroyed a home that Coats formerly […]
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 Jacksonville‘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 […]