PUW Soars Above the Goal
By Gary Scott on March 3, 2026 at 11:43am
This year’s Prairieland United Way campaign surpassed the half million dollar mark. The campaign wrapped up the final week of February. Executive director Karen Walker says the final tally put together today was $517,500. That’s 9 percent more than the goal of $475-thousand. Walker says the two co chairmen, Daniel Hackett and Ryne Turke worked […]
Jacksonville Main Street Awards
By Gary Scott on March 3, 2026 at 10:33am
Jacksonville Main Street has released its list of year end award winners. Unforeseen circumstances forced Jacksonville Main Street to cancel its year end meeting. Jacksonville Main Street director Judy Tighe says Donny Gillis was given the volunteer of the year award for his dedication, generosity and willingness to step up whenever called upon. GFL Environmental […]
Jackson nailed in Federal Indictment
By Benjamin Cox on March 3, 2026 at 6:35am
A Jacksonville man is facing federal drug charges following an indictment by a grand jury in the Central District Court of Illinois. Thirty-four-year-old Marquise Jackson is charged with two counts of distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in Morgan County in July and August of 2025. According to federal court records, Jackson was served […]
Morgan County Plays Key Role in Big Pot Bust
By Benjamin Cox on March 3, 2026 at 6:32am
An Oregon man first busted in Morgan County in 2017 has now been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a massive cross-country marijuana conspiracy. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York, 38-year-old Robert Fiels of City Falls, Oregon, was sentenced to 70 months behind bars by U.S. District Judge Lawrence Vilardo after […]
Tix for Wednesday JHS Game
By Gary Scott on March 2, 2026 at 11:06am
Getting tickets for post season basketball is a new experience beyond the regional level for Jacksonville High School basketball fans. This is the first year JHS has played beyond the regional level since the 1999-2000 season. Jacksonville plays Wednesday night at 7 at Waterloo High School against East St Louis. JHS athletic director Ryan VanAken […]
February Weather
By Gary Scott on March 2, 2026 at 10:33am
Temperatures were up last month, and precipitation was down in Jacksonville. The average temperature last month was a little over 35 degrees. That’s about 3 degrees higher than normal. It was not an extravagant range last month. There were were just two of single degree readings, and one night of a below zero reading. At […]
Green Wall to Close
By Benjamin Cox on March 2, 2026 at 9:58am
The Green Wall Bar and Grill in Franklin is temporarily closing its doors. In a Facebook post, owners George, Gina and Kyle Hamilton announced the business would close after Thursday due to significant staffing changes that Hamilton’s needs time to adjust to. They thanked customers for their patronage and said they were appreciative for their […]
Winchester Gym Coming down
By Gary Scott on March 2, 2026 at 5:41am
The Winchester school board decided the inevitable Friday afternoon in a special session. The Winchester grade school gym is coming down. Superintendent Jeff Abell says the board hired Graham Hyde Architects to get a demolition permit for the gym, and begin design of the multi purpose building. The building won’t be the gym. Abell says […]
Durbin, Duckworth vote in favor of Gilmore’s appointment to Central District Court top prosecutor job
By Benjamin Cox on February 27, 2026 at 4:38pm
Illinois’ U.S. Senators are backing a Central Illinois prosecutor for a top federal position.U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and Senator Tammy Duckworth announced support this week for the nomination of Gregory M. Gilmore to serve as U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois, according to reporting from WGLT in Normal and official Justice Department information. […]
Sheurman Appointed to WIEDA
By Benjamin Cox on February 27, 2026 at 4:30pm
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has appointed Gina Sheurman to serve as a member of the Western Illinois Economic Development Authority. The appointment awaits confirmation by the Illinois Senate. Sheurman currently is Executive Director of the Pike County Chamber & Economic Development Corporation in Pittsfield. She has been involved with the Pike County Chamber and EDC […]