The World War II tanks have officially formed up at the Morgan County fairgrounds.

The fully functional tanks are a part of Rabbi Rob Thomas’s collection. Along the tank line, fairgoers get an up close look at the historical military equipment, accompanied by men dressed in World War II era Army uniforms.

On top of each tank sits a mounted .50 caliber machine gun. Thomas says its not easy to find them but they are an essential part of the collection. Thomas says the turnout for the exhibit has been great so far. He says to be sure to come early for the Salute the Troops Tank demonstration Wednesday night and to expect some surprises.

“Based on the turnout last year and the expected turnout this year, I’d tell people to get here at 6. But any seat will be a good seat. People can expect to see the tanks moving. So, they will see how tanks operated during World War II. They will be firing small and large caliber machine guns, up to the main guns. Of course, it’s all blanks, so it’s all safe. And then there will be a heck of a fireworks show. Plus, there may be some special effects worth seeing.” – Rabbi Rob

The tank line is open to the public from noon to 430pm. The Salute the Troops tank demonstration is at 7 pm in the grandstands. Learn more about the collection and its history at WW2armor.org.

The Rotary Club of Jacksonville has announced a change for the 4th of July Parade.

Because of construction on West State Street near the downtown square, the end point of the parade has been changed. The parade route will still form up and originate at the Morgan County Fairgrounds.

The route will proceed on Grand Avenue headed east on West State Street until the parade ends at the corner of Church and State Streets. Parade participants must exit South on Church Street. The Jacksonville Bowl parking lot will be available as a parking area to meet and pick up parade riders and walkers.

This year’s theme is “Unite for Good.” The Parade kicks off this Friday at 10 am. Coverage of the parade begins at 10:20 on WEAI 107.1FM.

Lineup will be along Grandstand Road on the fairgrounds. Floats and long vehicles must arrive by 9:00 a.m. One person with each entry is required to check in to receive a parade number and last-minute information. For entries with multiple vehicles, all vehicles MUST check in TOGETHER.

Parade participants must guarantee that all vehicles and drivers entered in the parade are properly insured, drivers are 25 years old or older, and have a valid driver’s license. Registrants further agree to abide by any public health or safety guidelines of the Rotary Club of Jacksonville or local authorities.

Two people suffered minor injuries after a two vehicle roll-over crash on East Morton. The accident occurred at East Morton and Mobil road about 12:30 Monday afternoon.

 

Jacksonville Police report 30 year old Randall Pean of the 200 block of Caldwell was southbound on Mobil Road when he failed to yield at the intersection, striking a car driven by 37 year old Crystal Coonrod of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The impact caused the Coonrod car to roll over landing upside down in the median.

 

Pean initially left the scene of the crash. Crystal Coonrod and her passenger, 72 year old Mary Coonrod of Winchester, both escaped with minor injuries. Pean reported no injuries.

 

Pean was cited for operating an uninsured motor vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to report an accident and failure to yield at an intersection.

A group of teachers from Greenfield are trying to raise funds to save a bridge that has become a historical landmark of the town.

The bridge, known to locals as the Bridge to Knowledge, is 80 feet long and gets its name from a time in history when students used to cross the bridge to get to the old school building. The building no longer exists, but the Bridge to Knowledge has been standing since 1874. Janice Meyer, Greenfield junior high math and literature teacher, says they are hoping to raise $6,000 for the repairs. She added that the bridge has become an iconic and sentimental part of the community.

“The Bridge to Knowledge was built back in, we think 1874, at that time Greenfield had built a brand new high school and in front of that high school was a great big ravine. When kids walked to school, they had to walk through the ravine to get to the building. So, they built this bridge, and it is called the Bridge of Knowledge because the kids had to walk across it to get to the school building. So, its been there for a long time. It’s almost 150 years old now. It’s time for a repair again. We are estimating about a $6,000 cost. But the bridge has become an icon in Greenfield because all the old folks remember back in the day, walking across the bridge, getting pictures taken on the bridge. When something has been in a town for that long it just kind of becomes sentimental and special.” – Janice Meyer.

Meyer says they’ve come up with a few different ways to raise the funds to repair this piece of history to include getting the students involved at the elementary school to help raise funds and earn things like pizza and hot dog parties through various activities.

Meyer says they have raised $1,000 in the first three days. They also have an account opened at the Greenfield United Community Bank. Those who wish to donate can drop off or mail in a check made out to the Bridge to Knowledge Benefit.

Ameren Illinois is launching a new program to help public schools reduce their carbon footprint.

The new program is called the Public Schools Carbon Free Assessment Program. Michael Pittman is the manager of DER and New Clean Energy Programs for Ameren Illinois. He says the program will help K-12 public schools within Ameren’s service territory save money on utility bills and it starts with getting a comprehensive no cost assessment from an energy expert.

“Assessments are designed to show schools a pathway to reduce their energy cost and ultimately transition to clean energy. We look at both the interior and exterior of every school building in a district, as well as all of the other district’s facilities, identifying their cost-saving opportunities and giving them solutions to optimize their energy uses, implement some sustainable upgrades to their buildings, and work towards what is the state of Illinois’s goal of carbon -free school buildings.” – Michael Pittman.

Pittman says it can take up to 6 weeks for the school to receive the assessment. Once schools receive the assessment, they can use it as a guide to adopt simple yet efficient energy-saving practices to start saving money right away.

Illinois has linked certain school construction and modernization grants to the completion of a School Carbon-Free Assessment, meaning schools must complete the assessment to be eligible for specific state funding opportunities. 64 public schools have already completed the assessment.
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Gov JB Pritzker made an appearance in downtown Jacksonville on Tuesday to make a special announcement. Pritzker made the official announcement that the city of Jacksonville has been selected as the recipient of $2 million dollars through the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy Rise Grant program, also known as the RISE grant.

The RISE grant is intended to fund new initiatives and make capital investments to accelerate economic recovery in Illinois communities. Pritzker says that for too long state government has ignored the economic needs of smaller towns and the importance of these communities.

“For too long, our state government treated these towns as a relic from the past rather than a key part of our future. Main streets and downtowns were losing their businesses in part because they needed upgrades and improvements that local governments sometimes could not afford.

If our towns and cities cannot succeed, then neither can the state of Illinois. So, a few years ago I proposed, passed, and signed into law a program to reverse decades of neglect and broken promises at the state level. And to help bring jobs and people to Jacksonville. It’s designed to breathe new life and opportunity into our school districts, into our business districts, into our homes, and into our neighborhoods.”

Pritzker says the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is awarding $20 million dollars to 25 grantees across the state as part of the Rebuild Illinois downtown to Main Streets program, plus an additional $10 million dollars from the RISE grant program.

During a Q&A session after the announcement, Pritzker remarked on the future of the JDC grounds, saying he believes something will be done this year once the budget is passed.

“So, what’s going to happen is, and again it will be a decision by your city council, by your local mayor, by all of you, what should happen with that property. In some cases, across the state, you can revitalize the property itself. Like leaving the building in place and using it for something. I don’t think that’s the case here. Again, that’s up to you to decide. But the idea is for us to make available the capital that’s necessary for you to prepare that property for whatever you decide it should be.

I know Jacksonville, this has been a thorn in the side of everyone that’s lived here for quite some time and I’m really pleased to say that if the general assembly will pass this, and I believe they will and you should all communicate with your legislators to get them to pass this and make it happen, I believe we can help you do what you’ve been wanting to do for a long time.”

The Illinois General Assembly has until April 30^th to pass the budget.

With thousands of Illinois families at risk of losing healthcare and food assistance, several members of the community gathered in downtown Jacksonville earlier today to call on Congresswoman Mary Miller to protect these programs.

Lynn Bohlmann, a member of Indivisible Jacksonville, says holding this rally to support these programs on April 15^th, the day our taxes are due, is symbolic.

“Its my understanding that there are rallies all across the nation on this day to talk about various things and I know that we felt that it was a good day to rally to show support for all of the people who’s jobs are being cut, the programs, the services being cut, all the people affected by that. And basically to tie in directly our paying of taxes to support those programs and people.

And then also to stand up against taking the money we pay for those services, for our common good, for our common defense etc. and taking that to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest and corporations.”

Bohlmann says the next step is to just keep getting the message out and call on our leadership to protect our best interest.

Over 190,000 people in Illinois’s 15^th congressional district are at risk of losing programs like medicaid, SNAP, and other essential services under the Congressional republican budget proposal. As Congress debates federal spending, constituents are asking Rep. Miller to reject a budget proposal that would hurt vulnerable communities.

Crime Stoppers of Morgan, Scott & Cass Counties are requesting information to assist the Jacksonville Police Department in their investigation of a recent burglary.

Sometime over the winter months, unknown individuals entered a camper located at Point 7 at Lake Jacksonville and removed items. Among the items removed were two Vizio flat screen televisions.

The police are asking anyone who has information concerning this incident to submit a tip online by going to the Morgan, Scott, Cass County Crime Stoppers Facebook page and clicking the “Contact Us” button on the top of the page, or visit www.morganscottcrimestoppers.com website and click on the “Submit A Tip” button. You may also call Crime Stoppers at 217-243-7300.

Remember, Crime Stoppers want your information and not your name. If your tip leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property, you may be eligible for a cash reward.

Routt Catholic High School is pleased to announce the appointment of Mrs. Danielle Evans as the incoming principal, beginning July 1, 2025. Evans succeeds Mr. Dan Carie, who will be retiring at the conclusion of the 2024-2025 school year after serving as principal for the past 4 years.

Mrs. Evans brings to Routt Catholic High School a wealth of experience in educational leadership. She is currently serving as the assistant principal for grades 6-12 and curriculum director for the Franklin School District. Mrs. Evans received her principal certification from Western Illinois University where she is also currently pursuing a doctorate.

The selection process was led by the Routt Catholic High School Board of Directors, who worked closely with faculty, parents, and community members to identify a leader who embodies the values and mission of Routt Catholic.

A welcoming reception will be scheduled this summer, providing an opportunity for students, families, and community members to meet Mrs. Evans. Details will be provided at a later date.

For the first time, Jacksonville, Illinois, has secured a place in Site Selection Magazine‘s prestigious 2024 Top Micropolitan List, ranking tied for 27th out of 125 micropolitan locations nationwide. Jacksonville ranks second highest among 11 other Illinois cities, reflecting the city’s strong momentum in increasing investment and job creation. While this marks its debut on the Micropolitan List, Jacksonville was previously recognized in 2001, ranking 79th on the Site Selection Magazine‘s Top 10 Small Towns for Corporate Facilities list.

Why This Ranking Matters for Jacksonville and the Region

Site Selection Magazine’s Top Micropolitan List is a widely respected benchmark for economic performance in smaller communities across the United States. To qualify, micropolitan areas must meet strict investment and job creation criteria, with at least two projects reaching a minimum threshold of $1 million invested, 20 new jobs created or 20,000 square feet of new or expanded facility space. Jacksonville exceeded this threshold with four active development projects, signaling robust economic activity and a favorable business climate.

“This ranking reinforces what we already know about the Jacksonville region. We know it is a top destination for businesses looking for skilled workers, a community focused on the future and unique development opportunities in the Midwest,” said Kristin Jaminson, president of the Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation. “Being recognized among the nation’s top micropolitan brings positive attention, which will help us increase economic growth, improve our quality of life and advance workforce readiness.”

A Strategic Advantage for Business Expansion

Jacksonville offers a compelling mix of strategic location, workforce and pro-business policies. The city’s infrastructure supports various industries, including manufacturing, agri-business, clean energy projects, food processing, tourism, logistics and transportation, professional services, warehousing and distribution and healthcare. Additionally, Jacksonville’s ranking on this list enhances its visibility to site selectors and corporate decision-makers who rely on objective data to determine the best places for investment.

A Community That Supports Business and Quality of Life

Beyond its business-friendly environment, Jacksonville offers a high quality of life, making it attractive for employees and their families. With affordable housing options that are almost 65 percent less expensive than the national average, an excellent educational system and a vibrant community culture, the city provides a wonderful backdrop for professional and personal success. The integration of economic development efforts focusing on community well-being ensures that Jacksonville continues to grow in a way that benefits both businesses and residents.

“This recognition affirms what we’ve always believed. Jacksonville is a strong, forward-thinking community with the talent, resources, and opportunities businesses need to succeed,” said Andy Ezard, mayor of the City of Jacksonville. “Earning a spot among the nation’s top micropolitans highlights our city’s commitment to growth and innovation, helping us attract new investment, strengthen our workforce and enhance the quality of life for our residents.”

Looking Ahead: Continued Growth and Opportunity

Jacksonville’s ranking in the Top Micropolitan List is a shining example of the city’s commitment to continued and sustainable economic growth. With ongoing development projects, Jacksonville is prepared to continue its upward trajectory. For businesses looking for the right environment to expand, Jacksonville presents an opportunity backed by proven success and a supportive community.