“World’s Tallest” Advent Calendar Returns to Downtown Sunday

By Jeremy Coumbes on November 30, 2024 at 9:15am

One of the world’s tallest holiday attractions returns to Downtown Jacksonville. The Farmers State Bank & Trust Company has again transformed its 110 foot tall building into one of the biggest Christmas countdowns in the world, as the “World’s Tallest Advent Calendar” will again grace the east side of the historic building. Each window contains […]

Morgan Co. Courthouse Renovations Nearing Completion, Elevator Renovation on Pace for January Start

By Benjamin Cox on November 27, 2024 at 1:34pm

The Morgan County Commissioners approved two bills for renovation projects out of their remaining American Rescue Plan Act funds earlier this month, and another this past Monday. Pay invoices totaling over $110,000 was approved to Henson-Robinson Construction for the Morgan County Courthouse HVAC system updates and the first payment to Con-A Elevator Company for initial […]

JSD117 Receives Clean Financial Audit

By Benjamin Cox on November 27, 2024 at 1:20pm

The Jacksonville School District 117 Board of Education heard a clean opinion on their annual audit last Thursday night prior to taking action on restructuring their bond payments to finance a new elementary school in the Murrayville-Woodson area. Zumbahlen, Eyth, Surratt, Foote, and Flynn Auditor Suzanne Steckel says that cash on hand had gone up […]

Jacksonville Raises Tax Levy, Water/Sewer Rates 3%; Grants Holiday Donations to Area Food Banks

By Benjamin Cox on November 27, 2024 at 1:07pm

The Jacksonville City Council’s Finance Committee did most of Monday night’s major work at the final meeting of the month for the council in the month of November. The committee agreed to a 3% increase to the city’s tax levy. Committee Chair and Ward 5 Alderman Don Cook says the increase is in line with […]

Pittsfield Begins Laying Out Work For Town Square Renovations

By Benjamin Cox on November 27, 2024 at 12:49pm

While Jacksonville is on the final leg of its Downtown Turnaround renovations, one West Central Illinois town is in the beginning stages to revitalize its own town square. The City of Pittsfield is currently examining the role a legendary piece of their square, albeit an unseen one, and how it will play in its renovation […]

Dorothy’s Market Reopens After Clean Up From Fire

By Benjamin Cox on November 27, 2024 at 12:46pm

A Brown County grocery store reopened its doors over the weekend after it had to abruptly close them last month due to an unexpected fire. Dorothy’s Market in Mt. Sterling reopened to the public this past Friday. WGEM reports that customers slammed the store with business and no traces of an electrical fire in one […]

Power Claims Ineffective Counsel, Delays Sentencing

By Benjamin Cox on November 27, 2024 at 12:42pm

Resolution in a federal sex crimes case of a man formerly attached to the Springfield and Jacksonville church and performing arts communities will have to wait until the new year. 30-year old Adam L. Power appeared via video conference yesterday in a federal courtroom in Springfield. Power pleaded guilty to 34 felony counts of sex […]

Dreams Proceeds Distributed, Sees $15K Raise

By Benjamin Cox on November 27, 2024 at 12:37pm

The 2024 Routt/Our Saviour’s Dreams Campaign has been finalized and the proceeds were recently presented to each school. The annual Dreams drawing during the Routt Family Fun Festival is the largest fundraiser for Our Saviour Grade School and Routt Catholic High School. Dreams Chair, Lindsay English and Co-Chair, Amy White, awarded $125,000 to both schools. […]

White Hall City Council, Boyd Hospital Reps Talk Proposed Rural Health Clinic Possibilities

By Benjamin Cox on November 27, 2024 at 12:35pm

The White Hall City Council recently heard plans from administrators at Boyd Memorial Hospital for their proposed clinic coming to the city in the near future. The hospital system purchased the property at 113 North 3rd Avenue in White Hall on the city’s north end, the former location of John’s Pizza and Ballard’s Drive-In. They […]

MacMurray Grad, Blackburn Teacher Wins 2024 Clarissa Hug Teacher of the Year

By Benjamin Cox on November 27, 2024 at 12:33pm

A MacMurray College graduate and former teacher at Virginia and Waverly schools now employed at Blackburn College was recently named the 2024 Clarissa Hug Teacher of the Year by the Illinois Council for Exceptional Children. Brianna Sutton, a Springfield native, was presented the award at the ICEC Fall Convention on Saturday. The award recognizes educators […]