District 117 Reminds Class is in Session on Monday
By Jeremy Coumbes on March 3, 2023 at 2:36pm
District 117 is reminding parents and students alike that there is class on Monday. In an email communication this afternoon, Superintendent Steve Ptacek says he has been asked multiple times this week about Monday which is Casimir Pulaski Day, and historically a day the district has had off as a holiday. Ptacek says in the […]
East Street Vehicle Fire Remains Under Investigation
By Jeremy Coumbes on March 3, 2023 at 12:03pm
More information has become available on a vehicle fire that spread to a mobile home early Thursday morning in Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Fire Department was called to the scene just after 6:00 am Thursday after a call to West Central Joint Dispatch of a vehicle that was on fire at 925 East Street. While en […]
South Jacksonville Hears Potential of Cell Tower, Trustee Resigns Abruptly, Water Rates Tabled
By Benjamin Cox on March 3, 2023 at 11:14am
The Village of South Jacksonville received three different pieces of news at last night’s monthly Board of Trustees meeting. Village President Dick Samples started the meeting by informing the present board members that Jackie Killion-Bridget had resigned her post from the board prior to the meeting. Bridget had left a letter of resignation with Samples […]
Crime Stoppers Seek Tips on Recent Vehicle Burglary
By Jeremy Coumbes on March 3, 2023 at 9:24am
Crime Stoppers of Morgan, Scott & Cass Counties are requesting information to assist the Jacksonville Police Department in their investigation of a recent burglary. Sometime between 11:30 pm and midnight on Sunday, February 26th, an unknown person used a brick to break a window in a parked vehicle in the 400 block of East Douglas […]
Memorial Health, Aetna Reach In-Network Service Agreement
By Benjamin Cox on March 2, 2023 at 5:49pm
State retirees may get to breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to their health insurance. In a statement requested today by WLDS News from Memorial Health, West Central Illinois’ largest healthcare provider says that Memorial Health and Aetna have reached an agreement that will be finalized in the coming weeks that will enable […]
Plans Commission Approves Rezone Along North Main; Moving Housing Project Forward
By Benjamin Cox on March 2, 2023 at 5:47pm
The Jacksonville Plans Commission has approved a rezone request of multiple properties along North Main Street for potential extension of the Downtown Commons. Attorney Eric Hanson, counsel for the Morgan County Housing Authority, says that getting more housing similar to the Downtown Commons is contingent on funding: “Currently, we have an application in with the […]
After Thrilling First Run Sell Out, “Downtown Jacksonville Then & Now” Back on Shelves
By Jeremy Coumbes on March 2, 2023 at 3:24pm
The recent success of a new book focused on the ever-changing face of downtown Jacksonville left even its creators surprised however, fresh copies are now back on the shelves. Jacksonville Main Street’s new book, Downtown Jacksonville Then & Now, sold out its first print run nearly two and a half weeks after its debut in […]
Plea Deal Rejected in Alleged Child Abuse Case in Pike County
By Benjamin Cox on March 2, 2023 at 3:00pm
Pike County Judge J. Frank McCartney rejected a plea deal this week on a two-year old alleged child abuse case. 50 year old Kris W. Koeller of Hull was indicted on 17 counts of battery of a child dating back to July 2020 filed in a criminal information in September of last year. The allegations […]
Mayor Cautiously Optimistic on Proposed JDC Legislation
By Jeremy Coumbes on March 2, 2023 at 1:24pm
The Mayor is cautiously optimistic after recent legislation was filed to raise and remediate the Jacksonville Developmental Center grounds. Jacksonville Mayor Andy Ezard says he is glad to see 99th State District Representative Randy Frese has sponsored House Bill 1609 which would set aside more than $67 million to demolish and remediate the abandoned JDC […]
Second Fundraiser For Rauch Family Coming on March 11
By Benjamin Cox on March 2, 2023 at 1:16pm
The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police is hosting a second fundraiser to benefit a Rushville Police Officer and his family. On March 11th, the Spoon River Valley Lodge 427 is hosting a meal, 50/50 raffle, and live auction to support Rushville K9 Officer Nathan Rauch and his family in his fight against cancer. The event […]