The Jacksonville Parks & Lakes Committee heard a detailed presentation and viewed a rendering of what the future of the Nichols Park Pool might look like on Monday night.

The City Council had been discussing going large with renovations at the pool to make it more attractive and to keep up with neighboring communities who have recently updated their own municipal pools.

Ward 2 Alderwoman Lori Large-Oldenettel, who chairs the Parks & Lakes Committee, says the consensus from the committee is to move forward with the existing upgrades proposal: “We do want to move forward with the splash pad, but we do want to be very aware of adding future amenities that we might want to include into the pool. If we get all of the permitting finished, we hope to have the pool closed down next summer, so there would be no public pool available to the residents of Jacksonville next year. Then, we would hope to open up the following year with a brand new, fun pool for families and people to use that following year.”

Some on the committee requested information about bigger amenities besides a splash pad, like a zip line or a rock climb wall that would entice older children to come to the pool. Greg Hillis, engineer of Benton & Associates, told the committee that if the committee could imagine it, engineers could render it – depending upon how much the city would like to spend above their current OSLAD grant and already committed funds to the current pool upgrade.

Oldenettel says she really appreciates one of the upcoming features in the renovation: “As a mom at one point having young children, I know one of the things that I appreciated when I visited other pools was the zero-depth entry. That’s one of the things that’s been incorporated that will happen on the west end of the pool, and a shallow area for children to play in and for moms, dads, and families to be able to interact and play with their kids in shallow water. Also, we will have sunshades to help protect us from the sun when we don’t want to be out in it all the time. Of course, the splash pad will be pretty amazing for children to use.”

Oldenettel says the high dive will be removed in the renovations permanently because of insurance purposes. Other current features like the slide and the low dive will remain. Oldenettel says any future amenities added to the pool will be focused in on junior high-aged children who enjoy coming to the pool in the summer.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and Illinois Attorney General’s Office is warning banking customers of a new scam.

The new scam looks to use fake bank websites to target consumers’ personal information. Scammers create the websites to make them look like a legitimate bank website to lure consumers into thinking they’re entering their personal information to create a bank account. IDFPR has learned of at least two such fraudulent websites.

At this time, IDFPR recommends that consumers considering opening a bank account contact their bank directly to do so. Banks that learn of an impostor website are asked to notify IDFPR’s Division of Banking. They should also consider placing a notice on their website and in their branches to alert customers, and consider contacting the impostor website’s domain name registrar to have it taken down. Banks that learn of an impostor website are also encouraged to consult with their legal and technology advisers to determine what other actions may be appropriate to take.

The Pike County Sheriff’s Office announced multiple felony arrests over the last week.

On July 15^th, at 4:42 P.M., the Pike County Sheriff’s Department, while working for the Village of Hull, conducted a traffic stop on Illinois Route 106 on the west edge of Hull on a silver 2007 Dodge truck. Subsequent to an investigation, the driver, 63 year old Rodney C. Shrader of Plainville was arrested on charges of unlawful possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Police also arrested a passenger in the vehicle, 52 year old Nancy L. Taylor of Plainville on a charge of unlawful possession of methamphetamine. Taylor was also arrested on a felony Adams County warrant or failure to appear on a charge of unlawful possession of methamphetamine. Shrader and Taylor are currently out on a $5,000 recognizance bond with a next appearance in court set for September 13^th.

On July 18^th, at 1:03 A.M., the Pike County Sheriff’s Department conducted a traffic stop on Washington Street in Pittsfield on a silver 2004 Jeep Cherokee. Subsequent to an investigation, deputies arrested the driver, 32 year old Jesika L. Denison of Bowling Green, Missouri for unlawful possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. She remains held without bond at the Pike County Jail awaiting a first appearance in court set for August 23^rd.

On July 24^th, at 12:46 P.M., the Pike County Sheriff’s Department while working for the City of Barry, was dispatched to a residence in Barry regarding a theft complaint. Subsequent to an investigation, deputies arrested 30 year old Shelby B. Burch of Barry on two counts of theft and forgery. Burch also had outstanding Pike County failure to appear warrants for deceptive practice and possession of methamphetamine at the time of her arrest. Burch is being held at the Pike County Jail on $10,000 bond (10% to apply) awaiting a first appearance in court on August 16^th.

On July 27^th, at 11:02 P.M., the Pike County Sheriff’s Department attempted to conduct a traffic stop on East Middle Street in Nebo on an individual traveling on an ATV. The driver of the four-wheeler refused to stop and a brief pursuit occurred. The Deputy Sheriff terminated the pursuit after identifying the driver of the four-wheeler. On July 28^th, at 6:48PM, Pike County Sheriff’s Deputies followed up with the investigation and arrested 26 year old Walter L. Michel of Nebo at a residence in rural Nebo for aggravated fleeing or eluding police, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, felony driving with a revoked license, unlawful possession of hypodermic syringes, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, failure to use a turn signal, improper lane usage, improper operation of an ATV on a public roadway. Michel, who is on mandatory supervised release from the Illinois Department of Corrections, was arrested and lodged in the Pike County Jail. He remains held on $18,000 bond (10% to apply) awaiting a first appearance in court on August 16^th.

On July 29^th, at 4:10 P.M., the Pike County Sheriff’s Department, while working for the Village of Hull, went to a residence located in the 600 block of Elm Street in Hull to attempt to service a warrant. Subsequent to an investigation, deputies arrested 38 year old Carmella I. Birchum of Hull on charges of unlawful possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Deputies also arrested was 53 year old James M. Gardiner of Hull for unlawful possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. The Pike County Sheriff’s Office says this case remains under further investigation. Both remain held without bond at the Pike County Jail without bond.

On July 30^th, at 2:14 A.M., the Pike County Sheriff’s Department conducted a traffic stop on Washington Street near Shetland Drive in Pittsfield on a 2001 Mazda. Subsequent to an investigation, deputies arrested the driver, 44 year old Christina A. Casteel of St. Louis, Missouri for possession of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of adult-use cannabis in a motor vehicle by a driver, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a controlled substance, driving with a revoked license, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Casteel has been released on a $6,000 recognizance bond. A preliminary hearing has been set in the case on August 16^th.

On July 31^st, the Pike County Sheriff’s Department executed 2 court-authorized search warrants at separate locations in Baylis. During the execution of said search warrants, firearms and firearms ammunition were located and seized. Arrested as a result of the search warrants was 34 year old Donovan G. Syrcle of Baylis n charges of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon and Unlawful Possession of Firearms Ammunition by a Felon. Syrcle has since posted bond and been released from the Pike County Jail. A preliminary hearing has been set in the case for August 16^th.

On August 7^th, at 8:50 P.M., the Pike County Sheriff’s Department, while working for the City of Barry, conducted a traffic stop on I-72 near mile post 20 on a white 2015 Chevrolet passenger car. Subsequent to an investigation, a passenger in the vehicle, 50 year old Jonathan A. Kollinger of Salt Lake City, Utah was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession with intent to deliver cannabis over 100 grams. Bond has not yet been set in the case. Kollinger remains lodged at the Pike County Jail.

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office announced several arrests over this past weekend.

On July 6^th, at 5:04 P.M., the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Illinois River Road near Krause Road in Brussels. Subsequent to an investigation, the driver, 34-year old Brittany Hilton of Eldred was arrested for unlawful possession of methamphetamine, unlawful possession of hypodermic syringes, and driving under the influence of drugs. Hilton was taken into custody without incident. Hilton was on probation for a previous drug conviction at the time of her arrest. She is currently lodged at the Jersey County Jail awaiting an appearance in court.

On July 29th, at 7:20 P.M., the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Park Street near North County Road near Hardin. Subsequent to an investigation, the driver, 47 year old Gabriel S. Powell of Alton was arrested for unlawful possession of methamphetamine between 5-15 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Powell was taken into custody without incident and lodged at the Jersey County Jail on $35,000 bond. He has since posted bond and been released with a first appearance ordered in court for August 23rd.

On August 5^th, at 11:11PM, Calhoun County deputies conducted a traffic stop on Illinois River Road, near Hagen Road near Brussels. Subsequent to an investigation, the driver, 36 year old Amy R. Morris of Jerseyville was arrested for aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol (transporting a child under the age of 16), speeding, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Morris was arrested without incident and lodged in the Jersey County Jail on $10,000 bond (10% to apply).

On August 6^th, at 2:42AM, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on South County Road near Hardin. Subsequent to an investigation, the driver, 28 year old Katie N. Scott of Fieldon was arrested for unlawful possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, operating a vehicle with a suspended registration, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. Deputies also arrested a passenger, 30 year old Anthony J. Bushnell of Hardin for unlawful possession of methamphetamine, and Calhoun County warrants for failure to appear and failure to pay. Scott is currently lodged at the Jersey County Jail on $10,000 bond (10% to apply). Bushnell is currently lodged in the Greene County Jail on $10,000 bond (10% to apply).

On August 6^th, at 5:15PM, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Illinois River Road near Gallinepper Road in rural Calhoun County on a maroon 2004 Pontiac. The driver of the Pontiac refused to stop, increased speed, and then fled from the Deputy. The Pontiac then turned westbound on Batchtown Road and the vehicle continued to flee from the Deputy, reaching speeds over 100 MPH. The Deputy continued to pursue the vehicle. The vehicle continued to travel towards Batchtown at a dangerously high rate of speed. The Deputy was able to catch up to the Pontiac in the village of Batchtown, however the driver continued to fail to stop. Eventually the vehicle pulled into the driveway of a residence. A traffic stop and subsequent investigation then resulted in the arrest of 54 year old Jonathan M Logsdon of Batchtown for aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude police, aggravated driving under the influence of alcohol, felony driving on a revoked license, illegal possession of adult use cannabis in a motor vehicle, aggravated speeding, reckless driving, improper lane usage, disobeying a traffic control device, and improper passing. Logsdon is currently lodged in the Jersey County Jail on $10,000 bond (10% to apply).

Jeremy Coumbes contributed to this report.

Entry into the Jacksonville Public Library will be disrupted somewhat due to an upcoming construction project.

The West side entrance will be closed starting Monday, August 15^th. The project is replacing the west side patio.

The North, front entrance on College Avenue will remain open to the public. In an announcement on the Library’s Facebook page today, Library staff will help anyone who is unable to negotiate the front steps by offering to guide them through the East side ground floor Staff entrance.

Library staff say they will also continue to deliver items to patrons unable to venture from their places of residence or they will be happy to run items out to your vehicle.

For more information, call 217-243-5435.

A Roodhouse police officer and a suspect were injured after the suspect attempted to barricade himself in a home in Alsey late Tuesday morning.

A Scott County Sheriff’s Deputy was attempting to arrest a suspect at a home near the corner of Cottonwood and Cherry Streets in Alsey. The deputy was being mutually assisted by an officer from the Roodhouse Police Department in the execution of an arrest warrant.

Upon arrival, the unidentified suspect shouted at police and then fled inside of a residence, where he barricaded the door. One officer and the suspect were injured during the incident. EMS was requested to the scene after officers forced entry into the home.

The Roodhouse Police Department confirmed last night that a sergeant with Roodhouse PD was assisting to apprehend the subject in Alsey and was injured in the process, suffering two fractures in his ankle.

The officer was transported to Jacksonville Memorial Hospital and had to have emergency surgery to repair the damage. According to the report, the surgery went well and the officer is in recovery.

According to scanner traffic, the unnamed suspect received a large cut above their right eye when they ran into the house away from police. He was later taken to Boyd hospital for treatment.

Requests for information yesterday by WLDS from the Scott County Sheriff’s Department have been left and not returned as of press time.

A Sangamon County solar farm will be powering the City of Chicago.

The Double Black Diamond Solar Farm being built on the Sangamon-Morgan County line will be helping supply the City of Chicago with power to run its airports, the Harold Washington Library Center, and other city-run facilities, according to a press release from Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s Office today.

The solar farm is a part of an agreement struck with the solar farm’s ownership Swift Current Energy and retail electricity supplier Constellation to help the city meet a goal of 100% renewal energy for all the City of Chicago’s facilities by 2025.

The City has signed an energy supply agreement with an initial five-year term with Constellation beginning in January 2023.

The 593 megawatt solar farm is expected to be one of the largest solar projects in Illinois to date, and will be located just east of Waverly on 3,250 acres along the Illinois Route 104 corridor. The $535 million project is expected to create nearly 1,000 jobs beginning next year and generate around $2 million in tax revenue per year.

Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter said in a press release: “Double Black Diamond makes Sangamon County a leading generator of clean solar power. We are pleased to host an infrastructure project of this magnitude that will create meaningful and long-lasting benefits for our area and the state. The project will employ hundreds of construction workers and directly create permanent, high paying positions. It will also create a significant, long-term source of tax revenue for our schools and community.”  

Today’s announced agreement is the culmination of a competitive procurement process that started with a September 2020 request for proposals by the City of Chicago’s Department of Assets, Information and Services. According to the announcement, all parties involved will actively work towards Double Black Diamond Solar project’s compliance with the utility-scale renewables diverse workforce and labor requirements of the state Clean Economy Jobs Act (CEJA), including a project labor agreement, paying prevailing wages, and ensuring a minimum of 10% of the project workforce are equity-eligible individuals.

A new Ken Bradbury play is coming into production later this month.

The Ken Bradbury Foundation announced that “From the Writer’s Desk, (and the Director’s Chair)” will debut August 26-28^th at Green Pastures Campground.

Ken’s brother, Keith says that origins of the work come from Ken’s years as a playwright and director: “If you have ever been in a show of Ken’s, you are familiar with his journals. When he first got a concept of an idea for a play, he would start a journal for each play from the beginning of writing it until the last performance. He kept notes. A lot of it would be about the cast and the people involved with the show, even the people in the audience…he would keep that journal. As the show ended, he would print it up and give each cast member a copy of it. It is a nice keepsake for them.”

Bradbury says that long-time Bradbury collaborator Jim Yale of Petersburg has compiled and created a two-act readers theatre show out of the journals.

Bradbury believes that people will enjoy supporting the cause and hearing Ken’s words performed on the stage once again: “This is entirely for the benefit of Green Pastures. Green Pastures is constantly needing funds to keep the gates open, so to speak. This is part of what we are doing to make that possible. We are hoping that people coming to Green Pastures will find it. By the way, many people don’t seem to know where the campground is located. I can tell anyone, if you get to Capitol Records former location on the west side of Jacksonville, and go west – you are only about 10-15 minutes away. It’s very easy to find on Illinois Route 104/U.S. 67. I think people will really enjoy this…to hear Ken’s words again. This is such a small sampling. I’m talking about 36 years of doing this, and we are only covering about 4-5 years of Ken’s work. I think people will really enjoy it. You can hear the Ken Bradbury humor in it.”

Keith says that Ken was on the ground floor of Green Pastures’ opening more than 40 years ago, and that the Performing Arts Camp, one of the pieces of Ken’s legacy continues to go strong with attendance each year at the campground. All proceeds will go towards upkeep and maintenance at the campground as well as continuing to fund programs.

Tickets are $10 and are available at County Market in Jacksonville, Isaac’s Coffee Shop in Arenzville, online at greenpasturesretreatcenter.org/registration, or at the door.

The show will be performed Friday & Saturday, August 26 & 27 at 7PM, and for a Sunday matinee on August 28^th at 3PM. Green Pastures is located at 1936 U.S. Highway 67, just 15 minutes west of Jacksonville. For further information, call 217-473-4735.

The Village of South Jacksonville is helping out a neighboring police agency to come into compliance with the state’s mandate for body cameras.

The Board of Trustees voted unanimously to sell 6 Watchguard Body Cameras to the Chapin Police Department at the cost of $100 each. The body cameras recently became surplus property of the South Jacksonville Police Department as the department recently switched over to new Axon body cameras and tasers.

Chapin Police Chief Steven Helmich says that the sale of the property will lift a burden off of his much smaller department: “First, I want to say thanks to the Village of South Jacksonville for giving us the opportunity to the Chapin Police Department to be able to purchase these. They gave us first crack at it. They didn’t have to do that, and they gave us a very honest, good deal on the price of these body cameras. What this is going to do is put the Chapin PD into compliance with the state statute that says on January 1st, 2025 all municipalities, all the way down to the smallest size government, has to have body-worn cameras for every law enforcement officer that’s performing duties in an official capacity. So, this brings us into compliance early, and allows us to work some kinks out and get policy written in a way that will kind of work with the brand of body camera that we have purchased.”

Helmich says that smaller municipalities like Chapin have to plan months in advance with their budget to buy equipment like body cameras and then, implement them into policies and procedures for officers. Helmich says that some smaller departments haven’t even started yet in getting into the process of purchasing body cameras for their officers: “It’s going to take a sizable chunk out of [some department’s] normal operating budget to come into compliance, because once again, this was an unfunded mandate from the state. The fact that we were able to get these [body cameras] purchased actually 2 1/2 years in ahead of time and get into compliance, and have time to get the kinks worked out, get the policy implemented, get the server and electronic media storage space purchased is a huge help to us. Now, we are able to know that it is a box that’s been checked off our list and we can continue to move forward to focus on other priorities for the department.”

Helmich says it also helps that Chapin’s squad car dash cameras are also the Watchguard brand and that the software licensing is already purchased. Helmich says that he hopes to have the body cameras and charge stations handed out to his current roster of officers within the next month.

HSHS St. John’s Hospital and the Gateway Foundation are partnering together to create a better response to for hospital patients presenting with substance abuse disorder.

Hospital officials around the state are reporting that more cases of patients presenting in the emergency room or needing continued treatment for the effects of substance abuse.

Dr. Teresa Garate, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement for Gateway says, that hospitals are simply not equipped to deal with the problem: “One of the things that we knew before the pandemic started was that hospitals, in general…not all, but most were very unprepared to support people presenting in their hospital Emergency Rooms or even in their med surge floors with substance use issues and opioid use disorder. That’s because hospitals are also under-resourced and just don’t have the right staff to focus on that. So, this warm hand-off model started way before the pandemic; and then, during the pandemic, the need got even more heightened. I think HSHS saw this as a way to partner with a community-based provider to save people’s lives because of the number of people that were coming into both their emergency rooms as well as their med surge floors suffering from some kind of substance use disorder. They themselves saw that they did not have all the resources and sometimes any expertise to engage people and convince them to go to [substance abuse] treatment.”

The new partnership establishes a team, including a certified addictions counselor, to screen patients who may be in need of addiction treatment and to refer them to appropriate facilities for care using a warm hand off model from the E.R. or med surge floor directly to a substance abuse treatment facility or program.

The model for Gateway is being used in 26 hospitals across the state, with 10 of them within the HSHS system. The work is being funded through the Illinois Department of Human Service by a formula grant based on population.