Johnson named July Colleague of the Month at JMH
Maleah Johnson, RN, in obstetrics at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, is the nonprofit hospital’s Colleague of the Month for July. Johnson has extensive experience in obstetrics, excels in neonatal resuscitation and pursues continuing education. She and two other colleagues recently attended a Spinning Babies® Foundational Workshop, which teaches health care professionals how to pay closer attention to a baby’s spiraling motion during childbirth. “Maleah demonstrates a high standard of care for both mothers and their newborns, showing great integrity in her ability to balance the needs of both patient and family,” wrote her nominator. “She not only applies her expertise but also shares her knowledge by teaching others. She is emerging as a key figure in the nursery and a role model for colleagues.” Johnson has worked for Jacksonville Memorial Hospital since 2021.
City receives more funding for blighted properties
The director of the City of Jacksonville’s Development Department announced on July 28 the city had received more money from the Illinois Housing Development Authority to address blighted and dilapidated housing stock. The city initially received $562,000 through the Strong Communities Program through IDHA in 2023. “There was an amendment to the award,” City Development Director Brian Nyberg said on July 28, “and the amendment was to give us more money. The reason we got more money is because we’re spending it, but it’s official as of July 18th. We received an additional $192,500 bringing the total up to $754,500.” Nyberg says he is also partnering with MCS Community Services and the Morgan County Commissioners to receive additional funding to help low-income homeowners for housing rehabilitation and accessibility. Nyberg told the Jacksonville City Council that they are working on the grant agreement to set up an application process for the low-income owner-occupied home rehabilitation.
Police lieutenant recognized for two decades of service
Jacksonville Police Chief Doug Thompson recognized JPD Lieutenant Doug Klendworth for 20 years of service to the Jacksonville Police Department on July 28 at the Jacksonville City Council meeting. Chief Thompson noted that it is always a hallmark when someone gives half of their adult life in community service to one organization. This is the second presentation for Klendworth in the last year, as he received a rank promotion from sergeant to lieutenant in December 2024.
City seeks grant for public pickleball courts
The Jacksonville City Council approved a resolution to apply for an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources in order to build new pickleball courts in the city. The grant has a 50% match requirement. Maximum OSLAD grant awards to any one project in a given year is currently limited to $1,125,000 for approved land acquisition projects and $600,000 for approved development (construction) projects. At a previous city council meeting, the projected cost to build one pickleball court is expected to be approximately $81,000. Local groups are asking for at least four courts in order to host tournaments, in what they say would be a big draw from outside the city and also keep local players from going to surrounding communities to play. Mayor Andy Ezard expressed optimism that the city has had a good track record with OSLAD in the past. He says that even if the city doesn’t secure the grant, he believes in a public-private partnership with the local OMG Pickleball Club could occur to make the new courts a reality. The current OSLAD application cycle for the current FY26 fiscal year ends in September.
Concord Fish Fry returns August 9
The Concord Fish Fry returns on Saturday, August 9, bringing a full day of delicious food, family fun and community pride to Concord Park in Concord. The event begins with a parade at 9:30 a.m. Food service runs 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and features your choice of catfish or buffalo served with homemade potato chips, coleslaw, drink and dessert. In addition to the food, guests will enjoy live music, kids’ activities, local craft and food vendors, and the return of the popular “I-Dood-It” tent, a longtime Concord tradition. Entertainment this year will be local musician Shannon Wood from 11 a.m.-1 p.m, recent Triopia graduate Jaxon Dion from 3-5 p.m., and the Springfield-based Stefan Huffman Band from 6-8 p.m. New this year will be a beverage garden from 5-8 p.m. For updates, follow the Concord Fish Fry on social media or contact Katie McDannald at concordfishfry@gmail.com.
Jacksonville Area Conference of Churches hosting Family Day at the Ferris Wheel
The community is invited to Family Day at the Big Eli Ferris wheel in Community Park on Sunday, August 10 from 4-6 p.m. This is a time for area families to come together for an afternoon of fun and fellowship. The gathering is free, and includes a bounce house, music from the Jacksonville Drumline Institute, hot dogs, and rides on the Big Eli Ferris wheel. Other music and entertainers will be performing during the afternoon. Family Day is sponsored by the Jacksonville Area Conference of Churches, with additional funding by Jacksonville Youth Engagement Program.
Jacksonville Elks make donation to Camp Courage
The Jacksonville Elks Lodge #682, through the Elks National Foundation’s Community Investment Program, successfully obtained a grant and presented a $2,500 check to the leaders of Camp Courage. Camp Courage recently wrapped up its five-day summer camp that ran from July 21-25 at the Western Illinois Youth Camp. The camp provides a full summer camp experience annually for children with physical disabilities. The check presentation was coordinated by grant coordinator and Jacksonville Elks’ secretary Susie Pennell and Elks Esteemed Leading Knight Sheryl Hansen. Camp Courage co-directors John Hunter, Kristen Darr and Ella White were on hand to receive the check. The Elks also presented a $1,000 check to Tim Smith and the Esprit de Corps Academy. The academy provides music instruction for children, and the money is for sponsoring children whose families can’t afford to send them or purchase an instrument.
U.S. Dept. of Energy cancels loan for transmission line
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) canceled a conditional $4.9 billion loan for phase one of Grain Belt Express’ transmission line designed to transport electricity generated by wind and solar farms across four states, including several counties in West Central Illinois.
Farm Week Now reports that DOE found that the conditions necessary to issue the loan are unlikely to be met and it was not critical for the federal government to have a role in supporting the project. The loan commitment was issued by the Biden administration in November 2024.
The loss of the phase one funding will affect the transmission line being built from Kansas to Missouri. However, with the loss of funding, it may jeopardize phase two which will take the line from Missouri through Illinois.
The proposed transmission line, including 207 miles across Illinois, dates back a decade. The project, which is being developed by the Chicago-based company, Invenergy, would run from southwest Kansas carrying renewable energy through Missouri and Illinois before ending at the Indiana border.
Illinois Farm Bureau President Brian Duncan applauded the DOE’s decision to rescind the loan commitment and said the organization is appreciative of efforts made by Congressman Mike Bost (12-R) and Congresswoman Mary Miller (15-R) whose districts are impacted by the proposal, in asking the DOE for the loan commitment to be withdrawn.
Miller said: “President Trump and the Department of Energy have stood up for rural America by canceling $4.9 billion in loans for the Grain Belt Express. This project threatened the livelihoods and property rights of hundreds of Illinois farmers, and I’m glad that taxpayers are no longer being asked to foot the bill.”
Illinois Farm Bureau and landowner groups first challenged the Illinois Commerce Commission’s (ICC) approval of the project in 2015. In 2018, a state appellate court ruled the ICC lacked authority to grant a nonpublic utility company a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) under the expedited review process of the Illinois Public Utilities Act. The court also ruled Grain Belt Express didn’t meet the standard to be designated a public utility.
The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation in 2021 allowing the project to be approved by the ICC, which again took up consideration of the project in August 2022. The ICC in March 2023 voted unanimously to approve the project, citing the special provisions under the law.
In August 2024, the Fifth District Appellate Court reversed the ICC’s granting of the CPCN following an appeal of the ICC order filed by the Illinois Farm Bureau and various landowner groups. The case is now pending before the Illinois Supreme Court.
Cass County Sheriff announces bid for third term
Cass County Sheriff Devron Ohrn announced his bid to run for a third term as sheriff on July 30. In the announcement on his Facebook page, Ohrn touted several key priorities that have been accomplished over his previous two terms.
Ohrn says the sheriff’s office has taken great strides in curbing drug trafficking, “the progress made by the deputies in the fight against the sale and manufacture of illegal drugs in our communities has been nothing short of amazing. The men and women of the Sheriff’s Office have made a record number of arrests of criminals selling drugs in our communities. These in-depth investigations have taken place in every community in Cass County. We have also made strides in attempting to defer those addicted to drugs into treatment and helped to get them on the right track for a better future.”
He also noted the reduction of fatal crashes in the county, the leap forward in technology and the hiring of female deputies as critical in making Cass County a safe place to live. Ohrn says he’s made all of these strides without increasing burdens on local taxpayers, “We added a K-9 unit to the Sheriff’s Office, which has been an amazing addition for the Sheriff’s Office in both the fight against the drug epidemic and locating people, both criminal and non-criminal. This has all been accomplished without raising taxes on any of our citizens. I have kept my promise to be available and transparent to all citizens. I have accomplished that by making my cell phone number available to everyone and maintaining a Facebook page to keep citizens informed.”
Ohrn, a Democrat, ran unopposed for his previous term.
Resurfacing of U.S. 67 starts in Morgan County
The Illinois Department of Transportation announced on July 29 that it had begun a resurfacing project on U.S. 67 from the Cass County/Morgan County line to approximately 2 miles east of the Illinois 100/Spunky Ridge Road intersection, east of Meredosia. The work is expected to be completed next year. In addition to resurfacing, other work includes bridge repairs and maintenance, replacing guardrails, upgrading drainage, and improving shoulders by adding shoulder rumble strips. Lane closures are expected, and temporary traffic signals, flaggers and cones will be used to direct traffic through the work zones. When work is occurring on the bridge, there will be an 11-foot lane width restriction. Benefits of this $9 million project include extending the life of the road, providing a smooth driving surface to increase ride comfort and increasing safety by improving drainage at spot locations to help disperse water during times of rainfall. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. 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.
Autism Center of Illinois hosts ribbon cutting at new Jacksonville facility
The Autism Center of Illinois held a ribbon cutting at their new facility, 1351 Lincoln Ave. in Jacksonville on July 28.
The Autism Center of Sauk Valley began in a small, tight-knit community, where big dreams took root in northern Illinois. Recently, those dreams have taken them to new heights in Jacksonville where they’ve opened a second location as the Autism Center of Illinois.
They are so thrilled to bring a much-needed service to another community with values that closely resemble those of the original location. To learn more, contact Sarah Lewis, Founder/CEO at slewis@autism-center.com. Pictured in the ribbon cutting is Autism Center of Illinois Founder/CEO Sarah Lewis, center, with members of her team, community organization leaders, family, friends, Mayor Andy Ezard, and Chamber representatives President Lisa Musch and board chair Joe Lockman.
Massive tire fire erupts at Sheppard’s Salvage Yard east of Alexander
Fire departments from Jacksonville, Waverly, Springfield, Ashland, Alexander and New Berlin-Island Grove responded to a large fire at Sheppard’s Salvage Yard on Old Route 36 between Alexander and New Berlin on the afternoon of August 1. Plumes of smoke from the fire could be seen from at least 20 miles away. According to multiple reports, a tire shredding machine caught fire, igniting a blaze that spread to approximately one acre of tires.
No injuries were reported in the incident. Despite the damage, the business is expected to continue operations. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency also responded to the scene to oversee the response and clean up. A drone from the Springfield Fire Department was used to effectively communicate to firefighters on the ground where hotspots were occurring. In all, 14 departments from Sangamon, Morgan and Cass counties, along with Jacksonville/Morgan County Emergency Management Agency and New Berlin EMS responded.
The fire covered nearly one acre, consuming large quantities of used tires, metal wire and granulated rubber. Firefighters worked for more than eight hours under challenging conditions before bringing the situation under control. Plumes of smoke were expected to continue for the next several days due to the extent of the fire and the materials that burned.
Waverly, Franklin fire departments attend grain bin safety training
A number of members from the Waverly and Franklin fire departments, along with nine other fire departments, attended a 40-hour class over two weekends on grain bin rescue operations. This class was instructed by the Illinois Fire Service Institute and funded by Springfield Regional Response Coalition. The class allows firefighters to function as a member of a rescue team conducting rescue and entry operations on the farm or at a commercial grain facility. For some departments, it allows them to identify equipment needs in order to respond to such a call should it occur in the future. Gary Mortimer Farms provided the needed grain and equipment to assist with the class.
LLCC-Jacksonville offering Essential Workplace Skills series
Lincoln Land Community College is offering its popular Essential Workplace Skills (EWS) training series at LLCC-Jacksonville, 32 North Central Park Plaza, this fall.
The series is designed for individuals seeking to upskill or boost their marketability — including job seekers, current employees and anyone wanting to sharpen critical soft skills. For a limited time, participants can receive a 50% discount by using UPSKILL at checkout. This special pricing is made possible through support from a Noncredit Strategies at Work Grant through the Illinois Community College Board.
“We’re excited to deliver this impactful training to the Jacksonville community,” said Keri Mason, director of LLCC-Jacksonville. “These workshops provide individuals with practical, career-focused skills that employers value — helping strengthen our local workforce and support long-term economic growth.”
The following three-hour EWS workshops will each be held 1-4 p.m. at LLCC-Jacksonville, Room 1122: Communicating Effectively, August 12 – This session focuses on communication styles, active listening, handling conflict and cross-generational/cultural interactions, all designed to boost engagement and productivity; Practicing Professionalism at Work, August 26 – This session addresses common professionalism pitfalls, how to accept feedback and what it means to contribute positively to your workplace culture; Navigating Challenges & Stressors, September 9 – This course helps participants manage stress proactively, build wellness habits, set boundaries and respond thoughtfully in tough situations; Thinking Critically at Work, September 23 – This training emphasizes data-informed thinking, avoiding cognitive traps and effectively communicating recommendations; Understanding Customer Service Essentials, October 7 – This course strengthens customer-centricity, communication skills and service recovery strategies, with practical tools to build trust and loyalty; Building Stronger Teams Through Inclusive Practices, October 21 – Participants will explore ways to recognize unconscious bias, improve interpersonal understanding and work effectively across a range of backgrounds and perspectives.
“These trainings are built to be engaging and immediately applicable back on the job. LLCC’s facilitators bring real-world expertise and practical strategies designed to improve performance and morale,” said Diana Heeb Bivona, director of continuing education and business solutions at LLCC. “We’re proud to support both employers looking to invest in their teams and individuals who want to stay competitive in today’s evolving job market.”
For more information and to register, visit llcc.edu/news. Businesses can also partner with LLCC to bring a trainer onsite to their location for one or more sessions.
For more information about scheduling customized sessions, visit www.llcc.edu/business-solutions or contact LLCC Continuing, Corporate and Professional Education at 217-786-4959.
