Fire Claims a Local Man’s Life
By Gary Scott on January 30, 2026 at 5:48am
A Jacksonville man died in a house fire about 6 last night on West Walnut. No name has been released pending the notification of next of kin. We do know the man was 66 years old. The house address is 842 West Walnut. Firefighters say the fire damage was limited because of a lack of […]
Bunker Hill Man Faces Aggravated DUI
By Gary Scott on January 30, 2026 at 5:20am
A Bunker Hill man has been charged with aggravated DUI in connection with a fatal accident in Macoupin County December 9th. Macoupin County state’s attorney Jordan Garrison has filed formal charges of two counts of aggravated DUI and aggravated use of a cell phone against 41-year-old Jarod Fagan. The crash claimed the life of a […]
Winchester Gym Days Numbered
By Gary Scott on January 29, 2026 at 1:21pm
It appears that the Winchester Grade School gym’s days are numbered. The Winchester school board held an emergency meeting Tuesday afternoon and heard the grim details from architect Jamie Cosgriff, and direction from regional school superintendent Jill Reis that the gym is closed until further notice. Winchester school superintendent Jeff Abell says Cobden High School […]
Turke Blue Diamond Winner
By Gary Scott on January 29, 2026 at 9:59am
One of our own has been named winner of a prestigious local honor from a bank. First National Bank of Arenzville president Kai Schnitker has announced Ryne Turke has been awarded the banks’ 2025 Blue Diamond Community Service Award. Turke is currently a co-chairman of the Prairieland United Way Campaign, along with Daniel Hackett. Turke […]
PUW Nearing its goal
By Gary Scott on January 29, 2026 at 6:54am
Prairieland United Way is edging closer to its goal. Prairieland United Way director Karen Walker says the goal is $475-thousand, and the campaign has hit beyond the $430-thousand mark. Walker says the update gives campaign workers confidence. She is very optimistic that the campaign will surpass its goal. Walker says a polar plunge this weekend […]
Strategic Planning-Police/Fire/Emergency Services for Jax
By Gary Scott on January 29, 2026 at 6:49am
Jacksonville has begun looking at a strategic long range plan for the emergency services, police and fire departments. The process began Monday night, and will be handled by Emergency Services Director Phil McCarty, police chief Doug Thompson, and fire chief Matt Summers. All three departments are clamoring for more space. McCarty says it’s something the […]
McClenning Drops Out of Scott Co Sheriff’s Race
By Harold Smith on January 29, 2026 at 5:26am
Voters in Scott County will have one less choice in the March Republican Primary election for Sheriff. In a press release issued Wednesday night, Leighton McClenning announced that he is not only withdrawing from the 2026 primary for Scott County Sheriff, but is also resigning as a Scott County Sheriff’s deputy. McClenning did not go […]
Fire Department Looks Back at 2025
By Gary Scott on January 28, 2026 at 6:56am
Jacksonville fire chief Matt Summers sees consistencies in several categories in the year end fire numbers. Summers released the annual report to the Jacksonville city council Monday night. He took over as fire chief this past year. Summers says the number of calls has been fairly consistent over the past several years. It is close […]
Virden man pleads guilty to sexual abuse, dissemination of child sexual abuse material
By Benjamin Cox on January 27, 2026 at 5:58pm
A Virden man has pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges stemming from a child sexual exploitation investigation that began more than three years ago. Jacob R. Rogers, 37, pleaded guilty to one count of dissemination of child pornography involving children under the age of 13, a Class X felony, and two counts of aggravated criminal […]
South Jacksonville man sentenced to two decades in prison for child pornography case
By Benjamin Cox on January 27, 2026 at 5:47pm
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced today that Gary Steininger, 50, of South Jacksonville was sentenced to 24 years in prison following his guilty plea in Morgan County Circuit Court. Steininger pleaded guilty to two Class X felony counts of dissemination of child pornography, both involving children under the age of 13. The sentence was […]
