By Ben Cox
JAB hosting ‘Pack the House’ fundraiser at Applebee’s July 8
Jacksonville Area Baseball will be hosting a “Pack the House” night fundraiser at Applebee’s on July 8 from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Applebee’s will donate back 10% from all sales that day back into JAB. Anyone that goes that day must present a flier to the cashiers (email the address below for a flier).
Coaches are currently passing out fliers to family members of JAB teams. Applebee’s is also offering a season-long discount to JAB families. Any family that eats at
Applebee’s Mondays through Thursday after the games wearing their JAB shirt will receive a free kids meal with every adult entree purchase. For more information or to donate directly to JAB, email jacksonvilleareabaseball@gmail.com.
Rotary Club of Jacksonville announces theme, opens pre-registration for annual 4th of July Parade
The Rotary Club of Jacksonville is inviting the public to take part in the 4th of July Parade. This year the parade’s focus is “Unite for Good,” celebrating agencies, organizations, and individuals who work together to create a positive community impact for all. We honor those leaders, groups, and volunteers committed to education, social and economic well-being, and improving community health.
Rotarian Karen Walker of Jacksonville has been selected to serve as the Parade Marshal. Walker has served as executive director of Prairieland United Way for more than nine years. Prairieland United Way unites resources and people in Morgan, Cass, Scott and northern Greene Counties, to meet human needs by boosting education, economic mobility, and health resources in the community. It provides funding to more than 25 programs in the multi-county area focused on: Crisis/Intervention, Education/Guidance, Early Care/Youth Development, and Health/Wellness. Rotarian Joan McQuillan said, “Please plan to take part in our parade. Join us in celebrating those who consistently take action to ‘Unite for Good,’ helping individuals and families build a better life.”
The parade route will form up and originate at the Morgan County Fairgrounds. The route will proceed on Grand Avenue (Morgan County Fairgrounds gate) headed east on West State Street, around the square, exit on North Main, and disperse at Douglas Ave. (Please note that because of construction on West State Street near the downtown square, the dispersal point is subject to change.)
On the morning of the parade, registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 9:45 a.m. Registration entry point is on Westgate and Horsebarn Road at the Southwest Gate of the Morgan County Fairgrounds. Parade lineup numbers will be assigned the day of the parade. The order of the parade lineup is determined by the order in which entrants check in with registration staff; the first checked in will be the first placed. Lineup will be along Grandstand Road on the fairgrounds. Floats and long vehicles must arrive by 9 a.m. One person with each entry is required to check in to receive a parade number and last minute information. For entries with multiple vehicles, all vehicles must check in together.
Anyone who hasn’t pre-registered for the parade cannot be guaranteed a place in the parade, but may be offered an opportunity to form up at the end of the parade. All vehicles and drivers must be properly insured. Drivers must be 25 years old or older and have a valid driver’s license. Registrants must abide by any public health or safety guidelines of the Rotary Club of Jacksonville or local authorities. The deadline for pre-registering is 5 p.m. on Friday, June 27. Parade entrants can register online or find registration forms to download at jacksonvillerotary.org. Questions may be directed to 217-370-2145 or july4parade@jacksonvillerotary.org.
Waverly bridge condemned by IDOT
A wooden bridge in the northeast corner of Waverly has been permanently closed to all traffic by the Illinois Department of Transportation. The Waverly Fire Protection District announced the closure on May 29 after deterioration and the bridge’s inspection expired. The bridge sits on North Curtiss Street and is owned and supposed to be maintained by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway. The bridge’s closure is only expected to affect a couple of nearby homes who still have another way into town. “Do not ride bicycles over it, walk over it and any other motorized vehicle over it. The bridge is not safe at all. Those that have children please educate them to stay away and off of it,” says the post by the Waverly Fire Protection District.
Winchester School Board approves $7 million in health, life, safety bonds for high school renovation projects
The Winchester School Board approved $7 million in bonds for health, life, safety measures at the Winchester High School building. Voters in April declined a $12 million bond referendum to improve the building that was constructed in 1921. The bonds were passed unanimously at the board’s May 28 monthly meeting. The $7 million is expected to cover the costs of purchase and installation of a new HVAC system, asbestos removal, renovating the high school’s home economics classroom and cafeteria, installation of a new fire suppression system and installation of a new intercom system. The money is not expected to cover any of the building’s Americans with Disabilities Act concerns.
The work is expected to be completed during the current summer break. The new bonds will exhaust the district’s ability to bond for any future health, life, safety concerns. Current superintendent Kevin Blakenship told the Journal-Courier that a rebate on the school’s geo-thermal HVAC system to the tune of $1.8 million would free up some money, but the school would have to pay off the rest of the bonds before doing any other future major projects.
Rotary Club of Jacksonville operating the Ferris wheel in Community Park
The Rotary Club of Jacksonville has announced the summer 2025 schedule for the Big Eli Ferris Wheel in Community Park, and is inviting additional sponsors to participate. With the support of local companies and organizations, the club provides free rides to the community on every summer Sunday.
Rotary Club President Daniel Lepper said, “We want to thank our scheduled sponsors — and invite additional sponsors to join in providing financial support to make it possible for Ferris Wheel rides to be free for the public. We deeply appreciate their generosity and support for our club’s continued community service.”
Beginning on June 8, the wheel will operate each Sunday (weather permitting) through September, from 4-6 p.m. The wheel will also be open on Halloween for our Squeal at the Wheel event from 5:15-8:30 p.m. on Halloween night. All Ferris wheel riders must be no less than 36 inches tall. All children who are 48 inches tall or less must ride with an adult.
The wheel will also be running during the Summerfest and Health Fair on Wednesday, June 11. The Ferris wheel may be rented for private parties and corporate events. The rental fee for nonprofit organizations is $100 for a two-hour rental.
For profit entities, schools, churches and individuals will be charged $200 for a two-hour rental. To rent the wheel or inquire about your business being a sponsor, please contact Jenna Tucker at 309-657-4354. For more information contacted Stefanie Ballinger at 217-248-9712.
Former Viles Buick buildings purchased by Sherman Pershing LLC
Rabbi Rob and Lauren Thomas announced on May 31 that their development group Sherman Pershing LLC had closed on the purchase of 331 North Main Street. in Jacksonville. The location formerly housed the Cox and Viles Buick car dealerships and was a part of the estate of the late Jack Lukeman.
The building will be Sherman Pershing’s world headquarters after a renovation of the inside and outside. Rabbi Rob Thomas says the location will give the group the ability to expand as the Thomases’ philanthropic and property development activities continue to grow.
Pete the Cat making stops at several Central Illinois libraries
Beloved character Pete the Cat will be visiting several West Central Illinois libraries throughout the month of June. Pete has been featured in several songs, books and a television show since he was first created in 2008.
Pete is making stops at the following libraries on the following days: June 16 at Prairie Skies Library at 10 a.m. and the Greenfield Library at 3:30 p.m.; June 18 at Houston Memorial Library in Beardstown at 1 p.m.; June 26 at the Virginia Library at 10 a.m.; and June 27 at the Winchester Public Library at 5 p.m.
Chapin church celebrating anniversary, retiring pastor on June 22
St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chapin will celebrate its 175th anniversary from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. on June 22. The church is also celebrating the retirement of longtime pastor Gene Strattman. Strattman is retiring after 30 years of service to the congregation.
The church was fully established in September 1850 and has been in continuous operation. The current building was built in 1889 after two previous buildings were used.
According to a Jacksonville Journal-Courier report, the church is also in the process of becoming a dual parish with Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Arenzville, with whom it will share a pastor. Pastor Andrew Dierks will serve both churches. Church service times will officially change at St. Paul’s, beginning on July 6, with church services at 8 a.m. and Sunday School starting at 9 a.m.
First Presbyterian Church Missions Committee presented a check to Orchard of Grace. (Front, left to right) Ed Anderson, Lynn Sheaff and Michael Woods. (Back row) Jaime Filio, left, and Juan Cabrillo.
First Presbyterian Church makes donation to Mainstreet Farms Orchard
The Jacksonville First Presbyterian Church Missions Committee presented a $2,500 check to the GRO Trust’s Mainstreet Farms Orchard of Grace initiative. The money will be used to backfill a loss of federal funds to implement urban orchards in the City of Jacksonville.
In partnership with Faith in Place and other vital donations from across the nation and community, this contribution will help establish 200 fruit trees in Jacksonville’s East Park.
Slated to break ground in October during Jacksonville’s 200th Bicentennial celebration, the Orchard of Grace will be a part of GRO Trust Mainstreet Farms commitment to honoring Jacksonville’s history while establishing their urban farms and orchard to feed the local community. Picture: Lynn Sheaff of the First Presbyterian Church Mission Committee presents the Mainstreet Farm Board members and staff with the $2,500 investment for the GRO Trust Orchard of Grace initiative.
Two area seniors recognized with scholarships from Farm Credit Illinois
The class of 2025 Farm Credit agriculture scholars was recognized during a scholarship luncheon at Carriage House Event Center in Altamont on May 22. A total of $75,000 of scholarships were awarded to 30 high school seniors. Each scholar receives $2,500 from Farm Credit Illinois to pursue a degree within the field of agriculture. 24 of the students attended the recognition program.
This marks the 21st year of the Farm Credit agriculture scholarship program, which has awarded over $860,000 to 536 students in central and southern Illinois since 2004. Scholarship selections are based on participation and leadership contributions within school and community organizations, a genuine passion for farming and/or agriculture, and a commitment to pursuing an agriculture-related career.
“Farm Credit Illinois is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements and aspirations of these students who represent the future of the agriculture industry,” says Kelly Hunt, FCI’s chief executive officer.
“We are excited to see their passions and talents drive innovation and growth in the agriculture industry and Rural America as they pursue continued education.” The two 2025 FCI Agriculture Scholars in the area are Carson Brown and Adam Huffman. Brown, of Winchester (Scott County), will graduate from Winchester High School and attend Murray State University to study seed and soil management; Brown’s parents are Chuck and Angie Brown. Huffman, of Jacksonville (Morgan County), will graduate from Routt Catholic High School and attend Murray State University to study agriculture business; Huffman’s parents are Trevor and Monica Huffman.
Meredosia Bridge route recommended during Beardstown Bridge construction
The Illinois Department of Transportation has issued an alternate route of travel recommendation during the next phase of rehabilitation for the Beardstown Bridge.
The ongoing repair project has shifted construction to a longer section of the bridge, which means longer delays when crossing the Illinois River at Beardstown. Stage one of the repairs of the Beardstown Bridge are complete. Land acquisition activities required for a new bridge to be built in Beardstown remain ongoing, according to IDOT officials.
Motorists can expect delays and should consider an alternate route. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. The repairs on the current bridge were estimated to cost $3 million and are estimated to be complete sometime this fall.
Stove fire at Center Street residence kills pets, displaces family
The Jacksonville Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire at 1231 Center St. at 9:51 a.m. on June 1. Fire department reports indicate that firefighters saw smoke billowing from inside near the rear of the single-story home upon arrival. The report says one of the homeowners told firefighters that they had a pan of oil on the stove in the kitchen and then went outside and forgot the pan.
The report indicated once the female homeowner saw the smoke, they broke a window to rescue another female occupant of the home before calling the fire department. No injuries to people were reported, however, two cats perished in the fire. Most of the fire damage was contained to the kitchen of the home, but smoke damage was throughout the house. Firefighters were on scene for approximately two hours. WLDS reports that damage to the home was estimated at $20,000 with contents lost to be $10,000.
City man pleads guilty as an accomplice to robbery in Jacksonville
A Jacksonville man now experiencing homelessness pleaded guilty as an accomplice to an alleged armed robbery and home invasion that occurred at a home on Passavant Drive in Jacksonville in December 2024.
Malekye A. Haynes, 21, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of Class 2 felony Robbery on May 20 in Morgan County Circuit Court. Counts of Class X felony home invasion with a deadly weapon and armed robbery without a firearm were dismissed per the plea to the amended charge.
According to charging documents, Haynes and Koby Handy, 22, also listed as homeless, broke into a residence in the 1600 block of Passavant Drive with weapons on December 30, 2024. No further information about the incident is available.
Handy also appeared before the court on May 20 in connection to the case as well as outstanding warrants for aggravated domestic battery, interference with a report on domestic violence and theft. Handy is due to return to court on June 17. Meanwhile, Haynes was sentenced to 7 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, 1 year of mandatory supervised release and ordered to pay a $500 county fine plus court assessments. Haynes was given credit for 141 days served in the Morgan County Jail.
Jacksonville man with multiple meth charges sentenced to prison
A homeless Jacksonville man who has had multiple run-ins with Jacksonville police officers since October 2023 was sentenced to prison on June 3 for multiple counts of methamphetamine possession.
Kyle L. Eddy, 38, pleaded guilty to two counts of Class 3 felony possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams. Eddy was arrested first by Jacksonville Police officers on the evening of October 4, 2023 after he and another man were reported to be underneath a bridge near Gladstone Street and Hoagland Boulevard possibly with a lighter. Eddy is said to have provided officers with a fictitious name.
He was also found to be wanted on several failure to appear warrants from both Morgan and Pike counties. He was sentenced to one year of probation for the incident, but the probation was terminated as unsatisfied on February 26, 2025.
Subsequent arrests for methamphetamine possession followed on June 10, 2024; July 22, 2024; July 23, 2024; August 21, 2024; September 13, 2024; and December 1, 2024. Eddy was also cited for retail theft during the December 1, 2024 arrest and has failed to appear in court on multiple occasions before being arrested and detained on May 9, 2025. Morgan County Circuit Judge Chris Reif sentenced Eddy on June 3 to 5 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, 6 months of mandatory supervised release and ordered payment of a $500 county fine. Eddy was given credit for 10 days served in the Morgan County Jail.
Murrayville Sewer Rehabilitation enters third phase
The Murrayville Village Board announced on June 3 that the third phase of the sewer rehabilitation is set to begin. The goal of the project has been to refurbish piping, manholes and to reduce the infiltration of groundwater into the system so it can last for another 50 years. The notice sent to Murrayville residents also included a reminder about the local ordinance and State of Illinois rule governing prohibited connections to the sewer system. “We are asking all customers that might have sump pumps, roof downspouts, basement floor drains or any other drains that connect to the sanitary sewer to please correct the issue,” according to the announcement. The village board says there could be a small stipend from the village to assist with the cost of these repairs. If residents have further questions, they are invited to village board meetings which are scheduled for the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Murrayville Village Hall, located at 201 South Main St.
Waverly residents upset over property tax bills being wrong third year in a row
Taxpayers took to social media with outrage when their property tax bills came in the mail this past week. The Waverly Journal reports that taxes levied for the school district exceeded the legal limit and the second issue is that the incorrect tax base was applied to calculate individual bills. According to the report, the vendor that the Morgan County Clerk’s Office uses incorrectly calculated bills for the extension based off of last year’s school property tax error caused the base to once again be incorrect. Other Waverly residents have also been visiting the Morgan County Tax Assessor’s Office to dispute rising assessments. Morgan County Clerk Sherry Sills told the Waverly Journal that the clerk’s office is working to correct the school district extension issue but has advised Waverly residents to pay their first tax installment on time. She told the Journal that the second installment will reflect the corrections that are being made. First installment payments are due by June 27. This is the third year in a row that Waverly’s property tax bills have had issues of some kind.
Morgan Fair to celebrate Jacksonville’s bicentennial with day of activities
The Morgan County Fair Board has announced that July 10 will be a special day filled with music, food and activities in celebration of the City of Jacksonville’s bicentennial. The Bicentennial Bash will kick off at the Morgan County Fairgrounds with the pavilion doors opening at 5 p.m.
Gather your smartest friends for a one-of-a-kind round of team trivia at 6:30 p.m., featuring fascinating facts and fun surprises from the rich history of Jacksonville and Morgan County. Trivia will be free of charge and no sign up is required, however, if you would like to make a donation, all proceeds will go to the Morgan County Fair Scholarship fund. Then, stick around as Silver Lake — a high-energy ’80s rock band — takes the stage from 8-11 p.m., delivering all your favorite retro hits. For more information, contact the Morgan County Fair office at 217-245-6800.
Jacksonville Developmental Center remediation included in FY26 state budget
The State of Illinois announced on June 4 that $500 million has been set aside in the fiscal year 2026 state budget for site readiness and remediation plans for state-owned surplus properties. This investment — which represents the largest site readiness investment in state history — is expected to prepare sites across the state to attract new industries, create jobs, and bring new life to communities that have long been impacted by shuttered or unused facilities.
The plan includes $300 million for the “Surplus to Success” program led by the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS), which will prepare idle state-owned properties for private development and $200 million for the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) to expand its existing Site Readiness programs and fund large-scale business attraction efforts.
“These investments are about more than just repurposing land —they’re about revitalizing entire communities, creating jobs, and building a future where every region of Illinois is ready to compete for economic development opportunities,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “There’s no reason the State should continue to own deteriorating properties when they can be cleaned up, developed, and put back into productive use. Surplus to Success is going to turn liabilities into launchpads for economic growth, jobs and community.”
Subject to available funds, the “Surplus to Success” program will target five high-priority properties including the 100-acre Jacksonville Developmental Center. Under the new initiative, these sites will be remediated and marketed for development, supporting job creation, local revenue generation, and economic resilience. “Surplus to Success is yet another commitment from Governor Pritzker to invest in Illinois’ future,” said Raven A. DeVaughn, Director of CMS.
“These properties have long sat vacant, draining public resources, and blighting the communities where they sit. With this funding, CMS can begin the hard but necessary work of transforming the sites into assets, returning these properties to the State’s tax rolls to drive growth, attract businesses, and strengthen communities across the State. We are excited to be part of the team that writes the next chapter for these properties.” The state’s $500 million investment is projected to yield returns for the state government, improve property values, and reduce the burden on taxpayers by eliminating ongoing security and maintenance costs at abandoned facilities. The Pritzker Administration will work with the local municipalities to finalize the future of the sites most responsive to the communities needs which may focus on workforce housing or new job creation
Two communities recognized for internet connectivity
CassComm announced on May 28 that Concord and Arenzville were recently recognized by the NTCA – Rural Broadband Association as Smart Rural Communities for their Internet connectivity. According to the NTCA – Rural Broadband Association’s website, CassComm had to affirm that it offers one-gigabit broadband or more to at least 50% of its service area, that it has broadband subscription rates of at least 50%, and that it is committed to program principles of collaboration and innovation. NTCA- Rural Broadband Association CEO Shirley Bloomfield said in the press release that she’s pleased to see more rural communities and Internet service providers partnering for connectivity, “I applaud CassComm, Arenzville and Concord for their commitment to enabling cutting-edge technologies that drive innovation, improve quality of life and promote economic development in their region and nationwide.”
Village of South Jacksonville gains one trustee, losing another
The Village of South Jacksonville Board of Trustees is expected to gain a new member at its upcoming June 17 meeting. Village President Dick Samples informed the board at their June 5 meeting that Mike Preston had stepped forward to take on the vacant trustee role. The vacancy has been present on the board for almost two years. Preston is no stranger to local politics as he worked in the Morgan County Clerk’s office for more than two decades and ran unsuccessfully as a democrat for the Clerk’s position in 2010.
Trustee Tom Luber announced late last month that he would be resigning from the board in June. Luber, who has lived in the village since the 1970s with his wife, told the board last month they were downsizing to a single-story home in the City of Jacksonville. Luber says his final meeting will be at the scheduled June 17 special meeting and committee of the whole session.
