Pikeland Schools facing major buildings projects
By Benjamin Cox on October 8, 2026 at 10:20am
Pikeland Community Unit School District 10 held a special board meeting Tuesday night at Pittsfield High School to continue discussions about the district’s facilities. The meeting came less than a month after the district held a town hall addressing building needs at Pittsfield High School, Pikeland Community School and South Elementary. District officials and consultants […]
Bob Fair Legacy Day coming Oct. 17 in Virginia
By Benjamin Cox on October 8, 2026 at 10:14am
A celebration of the life and legacy of former Cass County Sheriff Bob Fair is coming up October 17th in Virginia. Bob Fair Legacy Day will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on the Cass County Courthouse lawn. The free community event will include dedication of a memorial to Fair, along with a proclamation […]
Lincoln’s New Salem Candlelight Walks return
By Benjamin Cox on October 8, 2026 at 10:13am
Lincoln’s New Salem State Historic Site is bringing back its expanded Candlelight Walk this fall. The event will take place over three weekends — October ninth through 11th, and 16th through 18th — from 5 to 7:30 each evening. More than 200 candle lanterns will illuminate pathways throughout the historic village, while building interiors will […]
No booze on Sunday in Winchester
By Benjamin Cox on October 8, 2026 at 10:11am
The Winchester City Council has rejected a request to allow earlier Sunday liquor sales. River County News reports Tim and Lauri Mason, owners of Rosie’s Diner and B.J.’s Diner in Winchester, asked the council to allow on-premises alcohol sales before the current 1 p.m. Sunday start time, citing interest in a Bloody Mary and mimosa […]
Man escapes minor injuries after being pinned under mower in rural Greene County
By Benjamin Cox on October 8, 2026 at 10:09am
Greene County rescue workers were able to free a man who became pinned by a mower near a pond on the evening of September 28 in a rural portion of the county. The Jacksonville Journal-Courier reports that first responders were called to a property in the 300 block of Northeast 600th Street between Berdan and […]
Two men Headed to Prison from Morgan Co Court
By Gary Scott on October 8, 2026 at 10:07am
Two men were sentenced to prison Tuesday in Morgan County court. 37-year-old Michael Davidson of the 200 block of West Inedpendence was brought in from the Graham Correctional Center, where he was serving time. Judge Chris Reif sentenced Davidson to 3 years in prison for a drug arrest in May of this year. He was […]
Barry-Western CUSD #12 Investigating Alleged Board member’s policy violations
By Benjamin Cox on October 8, 2026 at 10:06am
An investigation is underway into alleged policy violations involving the Western Community Unit School District 12 Board of Education. According to River County News, the investigation was requested by the Western Education Association last month following a grievance alleging the district failed to enforce its own policies regarding school board member James Broeckling and his […]
First Speakers Corner
By Gary Scott on October 7, 2026 at 7:36pm
A group of about 20 people turned out yesterday morning for the first session of the speakers’ corner in downtown Jacksonville. The idea came from retired Jacksonville High School English teacher Pat Kennedy. Kennedy says people need to feel the freedom and know they have the right to speak out. Kennedy spoke of past city […]
Two Sentenced to Prison in Morgan County Court
By Gary Scott on October 7, 2026 at 9:43am
Two people were sentenced to prison in the Illinois Department of Corrections in Morgan County court Tuesday. 31-year-old Ryan Dyer, listed as homeless, was given 4 years in prison for meth possession. Dyer was arrested in March of this year on the drug charge near the Jacksonville Public Library. Court records indicate he has a […]
September-Record Weather
By Gary Scott on October 6, 2026 at 10:24am
It was a record setting weather month in September for Jacksonville. The average temperature last month was 74-point-4 degrees. That breaks the long time record of 73 and a half degrees set in 1931. Normal average temperature for September is 65-point-7. Daily highs stayed at 90 or better on the first six days last month, […]