New Mexico semi driver arrested for cocaine trafficking on I-72

By Benjamin Cox on July 12, 2025 at 9:48am

A New Mexico semi truck driver is behind bars in Morgan County for allegedly trafficking a large amount of cocaine on Interstate 72. According to a press release, yesterday afternoon, Morgan County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, while conducting criminal interdiction on Interstate 72 near the 71-mile marker, seized approximately 30 kilograms of powder cocaine.  The narcotics […]

Feds seeking 6-year prison sentence for Madigan agent McClain

By Benjamin Cox on July 11, 2025 at 6:04pm

Federal prosecutors are seeking a six-year prison term for former House Speaker Michael Madigan’s right hand man from Quincy. Prosecutors said in federal court filings Thursday that Michael McClain’s “tight connection” with the former speaker led to McClain “making demand after demand of ComEd to fulfill Madigan’s directives,” as a jury concluded in May 2023. […]

Free Narcan Available at Downtown Bookstore

By Seth Gabriel on July 11, 2025 at 5:36pm

Free Naloxone is now available in a box found in front of Our Town Books. Naloxone, more commonly known by the brand name Narcan, will be available to reverse the effects of opioid poisoning. The bookstore, located on the square in downtown Jacksonville, teamed up with the Locust Center and The Phoenix Center in Springfield […]

Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln Celebrates Centennial with gifts to county fairs

By Benjamin Cox on July 11, 2025 at 5:19pm

The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln is celebrating the centennial of its predecessor organization, the Sangamon County Foundation this year. The Sangamon County Foundation was established by three local banks in 1924, when they joined forces to create a philanthropic organization to provide financial resources to local charitable causes. To mark the 100th […]

South Jacksonville Village Board weighs local grocery tax question

By Benjamin Cox on July 11, 2025 at 8:26am

The Village of South Jacksonville’s board of trustees wants to take some time to discuss the passage of a local grocery occupation tax.  The State of Illinois did away with their version of the tax in the most recent Spring legislative session. Governor J.B. Pritzker has urged municipalities not to re-institute the tax locally. As […]

Davidsmeyer Seeks Re-election

By Seth Gabriel on July 9, 2025 at 5:06pm

Rep. CD Davidsmeyer has announced that he will seek re-election as 100th District State Representative. Davidsmeyer says he’s been faced with many challenges serving in the minority party but has remained strong on issues that are important to his district while maintaining relationships on the other side of the aisle. He said local issues are […]

Sangamon Co. Man sentenced in Greene Co. for Methamphetamine arrest

By Benjamin Cox on July 9, 2025 at 11:58am

A former Sangamon County man now incarcerated in Joliet was sentenced to additional prison time in Greene County Circuit Court for a methamphetamine arrest last year. Justin L. Livingston, 41, pleaded guilty to Class 1 felony possession of methamphetamine 15-100 grams in front of Greene County Circuity Judge Zachary Schmidt on Monday. Livingston was arrested […]

Former Winchester EMS employee charged by ISP for theft and wire fraud

By Benjamin Cox on July 9, 2025 at 11:04am

The Scott County State’s Attorney’s Office has announced charges in an investigation surrounding theft of funds from the Winchester EMS. According to a press release, on Monday, the Illinois State Police Special Investigation Unit presented a completed investigation to the Scott County State’s Attorney’s Office concerning unauthorized purchases and transfers of funds at the Winchester […]

New Royalty Crowned at the Fair

By Gary Scott on July 9, 2025 at 6:32am

New royalty took over at the Morgan County Fair last night. Crews and crowds braved the rain to watch the opening grandstand event. The 2025 Morgan County fair queen is Bella Evans. Chloe Buhlig is the junior Miss, and the Little Miss is Tess Cully. The grandstand event tonight is the Salute the Troops World […]

Roodhouse Fire Protection District opens applications for new cadet program

By Benjamin Cox on July 8, 2025 at 6:47pm

The Roodhouse Fire Protection District announced a new program to attract new firefighters. The Roodhouse Fire District has recently created a CADET program for students aged 16-18 that has an interest working in the fire service. Cadets will work directly under an officers supervision at medical/fire scenes, with limitations. Trainings are provided. Roodhouse joins the […]