Nebraska/Springfield Cougar Officially Named
By Jeremy Coumbes on March 14, 2023 at 1:24pm
A multi-state traveler who made local headlines last fall officially has a new name. What had been dubbed “The Springfield Cougar” since his capture on the west end of the capitol city in late October, is a young mountain lion who made his way from Nebraska to Springfield drawing major attention. The cougar was tranquilized […]
2023 Downtown Concert Series Lineup Announced
By Jeremy Coumbes on March 14, 2023 at 1:09pm
Music returns to the city center this year as Jacksonville Main Street has announced the lineup for the 2023 Downtown Summer Concert Series. The beloved annual event on the downtown plaza kicks off on Friday, June 3rd, and runs for eight weeks of free concerts in a wide array of musical styles. Jacksonville Main Street […]
Illinois Becomes 3rd State to Enact Mandatory Paid Leave
By Benjamin Cox on March 14, 2023 at 9:41am
Illinois has become the third state in the nation to require 40 hours of paid time off for workers. Under existing law, workers are not guaranteed pay when taking time off for sick leave, childcare, mental health reasons, medical appointments, vacation, or any other reason. Starting on March 31st or 90 days following commencement of […]
South Jacksonville Neighborhood Says ‘No’ To AirBnB Location
By Benjamin Cox on March 14, 2023 at 9:32am
A large group of South Jacksonville neighbors have said ‘no’ to an AirBnB coming to their neighborhood. The South Jacksonville Plans Commission met last Thursday night for the first time since August to hear a special use permit application from Ashley Lu. Lu currently owns a home at 1710 Linden, just north of Vandalia. Lu […]
West Central IL Developer Asking For Loan From the City of Jacksonville to Re-Develop Former Shopko Site
By Benjamin Cox on March 14, 2023 at 9:21am
The Jacksonville City Council heard a business plan last night from a West Central Illinois businessman wanting to redevelop the old Shopko building. Tom Marx, who currently owns many of the properties in the former Wal-Mart plaza as well as Lincoln Square spoke to the city council last night saying that the “iron is hot” […]
Scott County Special Service Area On Track After Judge’s Order
By Benjamin Cox on March 14, 2023 at 8:58am
The Scott County Special Service Area is on track to receive funding this year after the commissioners missed a crucial deadline in December. According to a press release yesterday afternoon from Scott County State’s Attorney Rick Crews, Scott County Circuit Judge David Cherry entered an order on Tuesday, March 7th directing the county to adopt […]
Salvation Army Working to Expand Food Pantry Ahead of Move to Former Mac Campus
By Jeremy Coumbes on March 13, 2023 at 2:01pm
A pair of area service groups are helping the Jacksonville Salvation Army with its mission of providing food for the needy ahead of its big move. Salvation Army Captain Chris Clarke says they are extremely grateful to the Rotary Club of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Children’s Foundation who have donated funds toward the purchase of […]
Estranged Husband Charged in Wife’s Shooting Death in Quincy
By Benjamin Cox on March 13, 2023 at 1:42pm
The estranged husband of a Quincy woman who was found shot dead in her home last month has been charged with her murder. 39 year old Timothy Bliefnick of Quincy was taken into custody without incident by Quincy Police this morning at his home. He has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and […]
IDNR Seeking Summer Help at Local State Parks & Historic Sites
By Benjamin Cox on March 13, 2023 at 10:08am
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is seeking summer help at its state parks and historic sites around the state. The current seasonal help is temporary and will not exceed 6 months. Conservation workers perform routine maintenance and custodial duties. Other responsibilities include assisting in preparing locations for hunting and fishing, preparing sites for programs, […]
Benton & Associates Talks About Area OSLAD Grants and the Projects They Represent
By Benjamin Cox on March 13, 2023 at 10:02am
Several West Central Illinois municipalities recently received Illinois Department of Natural Resources grants to upgrade their parks and recreational opportunities. At the heart of many of the local projects is engineering firm Benton & Associates. The man who has a specialty in recreational engineering and design is Greg Hillis. Hillis is the face of the […]