Fire Destroys House on Hardin
By Gary Scott on June 23, 2026 at 6:57am
Fire destroyed an empty rental house on Hardin Avenue overnight. Firemen were called about 1 this morning to 847 Hardin. The house is owned by Joey and Leslie Dillard. Captain Curt Reuter says the house was fully involved in the rear, and the fire quickly spread through the attic to the front of the home. […]
Festival of Lights Downtown?
By Gary Scott on June 23, 2026 at 5:05am
The Festival of Lights appears to be coming downtown. The display is the idea of WJIL-WJVO, and has been at the Morgan County fairgrounds since it was first put up several years ago. Jacksonville mayor Andy Ezard presented the idea of bringing it downtown to the Jacksonville city council tonight. Ezard says […]
New Fire Truck Ready to go
By Gary Scott on June 22, 2026 at 7:37pm
Jacksonville’s newest fire engine was put in service last night. The 100 foot ladder truck was purchased from Pierce in Wisconsin, and firemen trained on the truck last week. Fire chief Matt Summers says three rings of the bell signify the honoring of the past, celebrating the present and committing to the future […]
Two Wanted through Crimestoppers
By Gary Scott on June 22, 2026 at 12:07pm
Two Jacksonville residents are being sought with the help of Crimestoppers through its most wanted program. One is identified as a black male, 52-year-old Robert Branch. Branch is wanted for retail theft here, and on a Sangamon County warrant as well. Branch has brush cut black hair, with brown eyes. He stands 5-9 and weighs […]
Illinois Sets New Record for Tornadoes
By Seth Gabriel on June 22, 2026 at 11:40am
Illinois is already setting records for most tornadoes in a year with 148 tornadoes reported so far in 2026. This breaks the previous record of 142 set in 2024. The state actually leads the nation in tornadoes this year according to preliminary data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Last week’s storms left behind […]
Good Audit Report for Morgan County
By Gary Scott on June 22, 2026 at 10:33am
The Morgan County board this morning received a good financial report from the local auditors. Adam Withee of Zumbahlen, Eyth, Surratt, Foote and Flynn delivered the audit of last year’s finances to all three county commissioners this morning. Withee says Morgan County’s general fund is in very good shape. He says the amount of money […]
River Flooding Threat Update
By Gary Scott on June 22, 2026 at 10:24am
The heavy rains in central Illinois have lengthened the flooding threat along the Illinois River. The National Weather Service says the flood warning continues until further notice. Officials have given no end date. The Illinois River at Meredosia was reported at just under 18 feet yesterday, and is expected to crest Saturday morning at slightly […]
New Ladder Truck Display This afternoon
By Gary Scott on June 22, 2026 at 6:54am
An unveiling of sorts will be held late this afternoon to show off the Jacksonville fire department’s newest truck. It is a 2026 Pierce 100 foot ladder truck from Wisconsin. It’s only the second ladder truck the city has purchased since the turn of the century. Fire chief Matt Summers says the doors will be […]
Grayson Seeks Release from Prison
By Seth Gabriel on June 19, 2026 at 10:42am
The former Sangamon County sheriff’s deputy convicted in the 2024 killing of Sonya Massey is seeking his release from prison. According to WICS News, Sean Grayson is scheduled to appear before the Illinois Prisoner Review Board on July 31. Details regarding the nature of the hearing were not immediately available. Sangamon County State’s Attorney John […]
Petersburg Circus History Celebrated at Abe Lincoln Museum
By Gary Scott on June 19, 2026 at 10:04am
An exhibit at the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum links up a circus history of an area town. The display examines the circus history of Petersburg. Petersburg served as the winter home to circus folks who trained, perfected new acts, and performed for the community in a custom built arena, known as the Ring Barn. […]
