Another six month Extension of the Data Center moratorium in two weeks
By Gary Scott on October 13, 2026 at 11:32am
The Morgan County board this morning decided to vote in two weeks on extending the moratorium on data centers another six months. It came during an acrimonious and raucous meeting at times marked by three people being thrown out of the meeting, and board member Michael Woods calling for chairman Mike Wankel’s resignation. Woods claims […]
IL-97 Upgrades begin
By Benjamin Cox on October 13, 2026 at 9:49am
Drivers traveling west of Springfield should expect lane closures as work begins on an expansion of Illinois Route 97. The Illinois Department of Transportation says crews have started preliminary work along Jefferson Street, west of Veterans Parkway. Initial work includes removing medians, with possible utility relocations and drainage improvements to follow. The larger project will […]
Chapin Water Tower painting delayed again
By Benjamin Cox on October 13, 2026 at 9:44am
Painting of the Chapin water tower has been delayed again following additional testing required by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. The Cass County Star-Gazette reports the testing is needed for approval of a water interconnect with North Morgan Water Cooperative. The connection is required while Chapin’s water system is down. This is the second delay […]
ISP Squad Car struck south of Williamsville on I-55
By Benjamin Cox on October 13, 2026 at 9:39am
An Illinois State Police trooper was injured after an ISP squad car was struck by a vehicle on Interstate 55 north of Springfield on the evening of Oct. 8. State police say the trooper was stationary and inside the vehicle in a construction zone near milepost 106.5 in the northbound lanes around 11:49 p.m. this […]
Dismissal Ruling on Sangamon Data Center Case pending
By Benjamin Cox on October 13, 2026 at 9:33am
A lawsuit challenging the approval of a proposed data center in Sangamon County could be dismissed, potentially clearing a legal hurdle for a project just across the border from Morgan County. The Illinois Times reports Sangamon County Circuit Judge Adam Giganti was scheduled to hear arguments Oct. 9 on a motion to dismiss the lawsuit […]
Jacksonville’s Head West Subs location joins LINK Card program
By Benjamin Cox on October 13, 2026 at 9:27am
A Jacksonville restaurant is participating in a state program allowing eligible SNAP recipients to purchase prepared meals using their LINK cards. Head West Sub Stop, located at 401 South Main Street in Jacksonville, is among the locations participating in the Illinois Department of Human Services’ Restaurant Meals Program. The program serves eligible households that include […]
Public Hearing to be held in White Hall over permanent closure of Greene Co. Work Camp
By Benjamin Cox on October 13, 2026 at 9:25am
Residents will have an opportunity later this month to weigh in on the proposed permanent closure of the Greene County Work Camp near Roodhouse. The Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) will hold a public hearing Thursday, October 22nd, at 1 p.m. at the North Greene Unit Office (former White Hall Elementary School […]
Semi Driver OK after Truck Tips Over Near Prison on E. Morton
By Benjamin Cox on October 13, 2026 at 9:20am
A semi truck driver suffered minor injuries Friday morning after his truck flipped over during a turn on the I-72 ramp near the Jacksonville Prison. 39-year old Joshua W. Slater of the 1000 block of West State Street was turning westbound onto East Morton Avenue near the Jacksonville Correctional Center about 7:30 a.m. on Oct. […]
North Greene announces new Photo ID for Entry Policy
By Benjamin Cox on October 13, 2026 at 9:16am
North Greene Unit District 3 is implementing a new visitor check-in procedure at its schools. The district announced Oct. 7 that anyone entering a school building beyond the main office will be required to present a valid, state-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license. The ID will be scanned through the district’s visitor management […]
Deputy Chief for Fire Before Jax Council
By Gary Scott on October 13, 2026 at 5:29am
The Jacksonville city council will be asked tonight to give Jacksonville fire chief Matt Summers permission to appoint a deputy fire chief. Summers made the request this summer. He claims there is no one in position to make important decisions when he is unavailable. The Jacksonville police department operates with multiple deputy chiefs. […]
