Jacksonville man sentenced to prison for child sex abuse material
By Benjamin Cox on March 23, 2026 at 1:19pm
A Jacksonville man has been sentenced to prison following a child pornography investigation last year by local authorities. Jacksonville Police say detectives conducted a month-long investigation into allegations involving child pornography and the illegal videotaping of a minor, culminating in the execution of a search warrant on October 15th of last year at a residence […]
Local food banks begin feeling crunch of new SNAP requirements
By Benjamin Cox on March 23, 2026 at 1:18pm
A recent policy shift is expected to impact hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents relying on food assistance—and local organizations say the effects are just beginning to be felt. According to the Illinois Department of Human Services, new federal SNAP work requirements officially took effect back on Feb. 1, following a federal court ordered delay. […]
Budzinski grills new Postmaster General on plans to fix poor deliver times, financial problems at USPS
By Benjamin Cox on March 23, 2026 at 1:16pm
The head of the United States Postal Service says central and southern Illinois are at the center of the agency’s biggest challenges. Postmaster General David Steiner made the comments during a congressional hearing this week, in response to concerns from Illinois Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski. Budzinski says the previously implemented Deliver for America plan instituted by […]
Jacksonville Homelessness Steering Committee revived
By Benjamin Cox on March 23, 2026 at 1:14pm
Jacksonville’s efforts to address homelessness are gaining renewed momentum with the formation of a new community steering committee. Prairieland United Way announced this week that an Unhoused Steering Committee has been established to strengthen the city’s response to homelessness and better support individuals experiencing housing instability. The group includes Rabbi Rob Thomas, Karen Walker of […]
Former New Berlin School employee arrested for alleged child sex abuse
By Benjamin Cox on March 23, 2026 at 1:12pm
A former New Berlin school district employee is facing multiple felony charges following a child sexual abuse investigation. Sangamon County authorities say 43-year old Lyndsey Prather of New Berlin was arrested on Thursday on five counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, along with one count involving child sexual abuse material after a warrant was issued […]
Johnson Gets 10 Years
By Gary Scott on March 23, 2026 at 11:59am
A local man is headed to prison on child sexual assault charges. 41-year-old Larry Johnson of Stratford Lane off Sandusky Road was sentenced last week in Morgan County Court to 10 years in prison. He admitted to two counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child. Two other counts of the charge were dropped. […]
Colo Rectal Kits this week at Jax Memorial Hospital
By Gary Scott on March 23, 2026 at 10:10am
The Mia Ware foundation is sponsoring a free colorectal screening kits drive thru event at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital this week. The kits will be handed out Tuesday afternoon, and Wednesday morning. Jacksonville Memorial spokesperson Claire Peak says the event will be similar to past years in which the kits are handed off to motorists in […]
Jax Council and Street Maintenance
By Gary Scott on March 23, 2026 at 6:30am
The Jacksonville city council will get a look at the summer street maintenance program tonight. The council will first discuss the plans, and be asked to approve the authorization of the program in the regular meeting. Aldermen will look at amending the 2025 appropriations ordinance, and are expected to take final action on an ordinance […]
South Jacksonville to get a New Truck Wash
By Gary Scott on March 20, 2026 at 10:10am
The South Jacksonville village board heard about plans last night for a locally owned truck wash facility. The presentation was made by Hutchison Engineers, and the proposed facility would be located on the west side of the Luv Truck Stop on Magnolia Drive. It is estimated to cost about $2 and a half million. President […]
New Grade School Slowed by Weather
By Gary Scott on March 20, 2026 at 10:03am
Construction is lagging a little for the new Murrayville Woodson Grade School at Watertower Road and the Woodson Winchester Blacktop. Assistant superintendent Matthew Moore told the school board Wednesday night says the lag is caused by the cold, and wet weather over the last couple of weeks. Moore says it’s not a major concern this […]
