By Ben Cox
Rudy McCulloch awarded Rotary Club of Jacksonville’s vocational honor
The Rotary Club of Jacksonville recently recognized Rudy McCulloch as the recipient of the Rotary Vocational Student of the Month Award for January at its stated February 6 meeting.
Jacksonville High School (JHS) Cooperative Vocational Education coordinator Bill Gibson and JHS drafting/engineering teacher Niki Steckel spoke during the presentation. They spoke about why McCulloch was selected as an outstanding student.
A senior at JHS, McCulloch is interested in pursuing a career in architectural studies and design. He plans to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign next year. His parents are the late Brett McCulloch and January and Michael Woods. More information about upcoming vocational student awards can be obtained by contacting Reg Ankrom, chair of the Rotary Vocational Committee, at 217-779-2595.
LLCC Homecoming royals includes Murrayville resident
Lincoln Land Community College announced the 2026 royals during homecoming games on Wednesday, Feb. 11, capping off three days of activities.
This year’s LLCC Homecoming Royals, Addy Blimling and Chloe Cummins, were announced during halftime of the LLCC women’s basketball game.
Blimling is a marketing major from Murrayville. She serves as the LLCC Student Trustee and as president of the Jacksonville Activities Board.
Chloe Cummins, from Springfield, is studying psychology and plans to pursue a master’s degree. She works in the LLCC Student Support Services office.
Students were nominated for homecoming royalty by LLCC faculty, staff and students based on their involvement and contributions to the college, then selected by a vote of the student body.
Other nominees included Emma Mackey from Chatham, Michael Matesa from Staunton, Jamauri Nelson from Chicago, Rae Richards from Springfield, Micah Smith from Taylorville and Daevion Williams from Springfield.
Kiwanis Club announces schedule change for 15th annual Kiwanis .5K
The Kiwanis Club has announced a schedule change for its 15th annual Kiwanis .5K Fun Run/Walk.
The 2026 event is set for Saturday, September 12, at 10 a.m. Now in its 15th year, the Kiwanis .5K continues to be one of the club’s largest annual fundraisers. After several years of battling cold weather, committee chairs Marcy Patterson and Alison Yording hope that moving the event to the fall will encourage greater community participation.
The annual event will begin with festivities at Bahan’s Tavern, where participants will set off across the square in any way they choose—walking, skating, dancing or skipping—all while enjoying water and donut breaks along the route and competing to be the first to cross the finish line at Don’s Place.
Awards will be presented following the event, and food will be available for purchase. Proceeds from the event provide nearly $10,000 annually in donations to local organizations supporting children in the community.
Organizations interested in applying to receive funding are encouraged to contact Marcy Patterson at Marcy@mlpatterson.com for application instructions.
The Kiwanis Club invites the community to come out, have fun, and support local youth programs.
Jacksonville Lions Club fundraising for childhood cancer
After last year’s successful childhood cancer initiative, the Jacksonville Lions Club is again working to fundraise for this cause. Things kick off on February 15, International Childhood Cancer Day, as Jacksonville Lions Club campaigns to express support for children and their families who are living with a cancer diagnosis. All proceeds will benefit local families.
“We are grateful to be partnering again with Our Savior School and Routt Catholic High School, where students will be given the opportunity for a non-uniform day in exchange for a donation to the cause,” shares the Jacksonville Lions Club.
The club also welcomes Jacksonville Hy-Vee as a new partner in its fundraising efforts. The Jacksonville Hy-Vee will donate $1 to the cause for each rack of ribs sold in the month of March.
Additionally, all proceeds from the sale of Lions Club mints, located on countertops at establishments all over Jacksonville, will be dedicated to childhood cancer.
Look for Lions Club mints at Bahan’s Tavern, Barney’s Pizza, Best Buffet, Bill’s West State, Hardee’s, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Kim’s Place, Leo’s Pizza, Peddler’s Antique Mall and Rudi’s Grill.
Aware of how many families are affected in our community, the Jacksonville Lions are committed to helping locally.
Funds raised will be used to purchase “Brave Gowns” for St. John’s Hospital. These gowns, created with fun and colorful designs to help reduce anxiety and fear that children feel in a hospital setting, are welcomed by both families and hospital staff.
Proceeds will also be dedicated to “Leaps of Love,” which provides valuable programs, resources, retreats and practical supplies for area families.
Find “Jacksonville Illinois Lions Club” on Facebook for information on how to donate.
Jacksonville African American History Museum to hold brand launch party
The Jacksonville African American History Museum invites the public to the unveiling of its new brand on February 21 from 1-4 p.m. The event will be held at the museum, located at 859 Grove St. in Jacksonville.
The afternoon will feature trivia, food and prizes. There will also be a visit from Miss Black Illinois 2026, Jackia Wilder, who is visiting African American museums to learn about history and spread awareness on her platform. All are welcome for a day of history in the making.
Jacksonville Youth Engagement grants available
The Jacksonville Youth Engagement Program (JYEP) is seeking to partner with organizations to bring activities to Jacksonville youth with an emphasis on those at risk.
The program aims to build access to life and job skills as well as mental health, spiritual, emotional, social and educational development through after-school and summer sports, arts, cultural and leisure activities.
Geographic boundaries include students within the Jacksonville School District 117 service area.
Applicants are being sought from organizations that will provide programming for after-school activities during the school year and/or during the summer. Structured programs should focus on the aforementioned priorities.
Grants will be awarded in March or early April 2026 and may be renewable. Priority will be given to organizations who partner financially in the project through cash and/or in-kind contributions.
Organizations that are interested applying should submit a proposal to the Jacksonville Youth Engagement Program by 5 p.m. on March 15, 2026. Application and budget forms are available at jaxyouth.org. Additionally, those interested may email JYEP at jyep24@gmail.com to receive application materials.
LLCC-Jacksonville offering professional development courses
Lincoln Land Community College is offering several professional development classes this spring at its Jacksonville location, giving area adults a chance to build practical, career-focused skills. Courses will be held at LLCC-Jacksonville’s North Central Park Plaza campus in Jacksonville.
Microsoft 365 Excel Level One: March 26 from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., covering the basics of Excel, including data entry, formatting, formulas and charts to help users organize and present information more effectively.
Hands-on Introduction to Drones: March 28 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Participants will prepare for the FAA TRUST recreational drone license while learning safe operation, pre-flight inspection, risk management and common flight maneuvers. Practice drones will be provided.
Microsoft 365 Excel Level Two: April 2 from 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m., focusing on advanced formulas and functions, along with tools like Goal Seek, Scenario Manager and VLOOKUP for deeper spreadsheet analysis.
The short-format courses are designed to deliver practical skills adults can use right away and can also be customized for business training. Registration and details are available at llcc.edu/jacksonville, or by calling the Professional Development Institute at 217-786-4959.
Crime of the Week: Object thrown through car window on Morton Avenue
Crime Stoppers of Morgan, Scott & Cass Counties is requesting information to assist the Jacksonville Police Department in a recent investigation of criminal damage to property.
On February 5, between the hours of 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., an unknown person(s) used an object to shatter the back glass of a parked, unoccupied vehicle located outside a business in the 900 block of West Morton Avenue.
The police are asking anyone with information concerning this incident to submit a tip to Crime Stoppers by visiting their Facebook page. Click on the ‘Contact Us’ button at the top of the page and submit information anonymously.
Persons with information may also submit a tip via morganscottcrimestoppers.com or by calling 217-243-7300.
Remember, Crime Stoppers just want your information and not your name. If your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward.
Jacksonville police investigating Valentine’s Day homicide
One person was found deceased from gunshot wounds at a residence on the evening of February 14.
According to a press release from the Jacksonville Police Department, on Saturday, February 14 at approximately 5:42 p.m., the Jacksonville Police Department responded to a call of shots fired in the 800 block of West Chambers Avenue.
Upon arrival, officers located a subject with a gunshot wound who was then transported to Jacksonville Memorial Hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The subject was later pronounced deceased at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. The Morgan County Coroner’s Office later identified the victim as Marcquila Harris, 31, of Jacksonville.
Police said the incident is believed to be isolated and there is an ongoing investigation. Jacksonville police later located a person of interest on the afternoon of February 15 and arrested Marissa M. Teubner, 23, of the 800 block of West Chambers Street, for first degree murder and aggravated discharge of a firearm in connection to the shooting death.
Anyone with further information about the incident is asked to call the Jacksonville Police Department at 217-479-4630 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 217-243-7300.
Jacksonville resident named part of leadership stake of local LDS Church
The Springfield Illinois Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced new leadership during a special stake conference held Sunday, February 1.
Bryan Leonard, of Jacksonville, has been called as the new stake president. He will be assisted by two counselors: Fiore Belmonte III, of Auburn, who has been called as first counselor; and Travest Woodbury, of Decatur, who has been called as second counselor.
A stake president provides ecclesiastical leadership for a geographic group of congregations and oversees Church programs within the stake. He works closely with local leaders to help members strengthen their faith in Jesus Christ and serve their communities.
The counselors, together with other men and women, form a stake council that assists the stake president in ministering to individuals and families and in coordinating the work of the Church throughout the stake.
Stake presidencies typically serve for approximately nine years. The previous stake presidency was released from their callings during Sunday’s conference. Leadership positions within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are filled by lay members who receive no financial compensation for their service.
“It is a privilege to live and serve in Central Illinois, where faith, service, and community are deeply rooted. Our mission as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to help individuals and families come unto Jesus Christ and find joy in the fruits of His gospel as we work alongside fellow congregations and community partners to bless lives throughout the region,” Leonard said.
The Springfield Illinois Stake is composed of nine congregations located in Springfield, Decatur, Jacksonville, Pittsfield and Litchfield, and is home to approximately 2,200 members.
Judge weighing self-defense motion in 2024 Jacksonville murder case
Morgan County Circuit Judge Chris Reif is considering whether jurors can hear of a murder victim’s past conduct in a 2024 first-degree murder case, a decision that could shape a self-defense claim.
Larry W. Taylor, 19, appeared in court on February 9 as his defense attorney argued that prior incidents involving the late Trenton D. Jackson, 18, from 2023 and 2024 involving police should be admissible to show a pattern of violence known to Taylor at the time of the shooting.
Taylor is charged in Jackson’s June 6, 2024, death in the 300 block of West College Avenue in Jacksonville.
Jackson, of Springfield, was shot multiple times and later died at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. According to the Journal-Courier, defense attorney Natalia Galica cited several alleged incidents from 2023 and early 2024, including reports of threats, firearm-related behavior and vehicle confrontations, arguing they demonstrate Jackson posed a danger.
Morgan County State’s Attorney Gray Noll countered that many incidents were nonviolent or irrelevant and didn’t meet the threshold of a self-defense claim under current case law and that surveillance video of the shooting would allow jurors to assess events without such evidence.
Judge Reif advised he would rule on the motion after reviewing more materials. Taylor also faces a separate charge alleging he struck a peace officer in January while incarcerated at the Morgan County Detention Facility.
Taylor’s next hearing is scheduled for March 3, with trial set for March 10.
Single father needing help after home burns on South Main Street
A fundraising effort is underway to support a Jacksonville single father and his six children after a devastating house fire on February 8 left the family without a home or belongings.
According to the Jacksonville Fire Department, crews responded around 8:30 p.m. to a structure fire at 446 South Main St., where flames were visible from the first and second floors and the attic.
Firefighters contained the blaze within several hours. No one was home at the time, and no injuries were reported, though a family pet remains missing.
The cause is believed to have originated on the first floor and is not considered suspicious. Nearby property also sustained heat damage.
Family members say the father, Deveon Sykes, did not have renters insurance. While assistance has been provided by the American Red Cross and local agencies, relatives say additional support is needed for clothing, household necessities and temporary housing.
A campaign on GoFundMe has raised $1,145 toward a $2,000 goal. Organizers say donations and shares will help the family rebuild stability in the weeks ahead.
Mid-America Port Commission seeking input from stakeholders
The Mid-America Port Commission (MAPC) is seeking public input through a new survey designed to measure river usage, satisfaction, opportunities and potential threats across the region’s navigable waterways.
According to a recent release, survey responses will help guide MAPC’s future planning and advocacy efforts. Commissioners will use the feedback to communicate regional river priorities and infrastructure needs to state Departments of Transportation, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and members of Congress.
Responses are confidential and non-identifiable and stakeholder input is essential to sustaining and improving working river systems.
Formed in 1999, MAPC is the nation’s only tri-state port compact, created jointly by Illinois, Iowa and Missouri to promote economic development in rural and underserved communities (including Morgan, Scott and Cass counties in Illinois) through expanded river infrastructure and increased waterway use.
Each state appoints three commissioners—two approved by counties and one by the governor. Participating counties span western Illinois, southeastern Iowa and northeastern Missouri.
The survey will remain open until February 27, and additional commission details are available on the MAPC website at midamericaport.com/.
Registration open for 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s Trivia Night
A Jacksonville trivia night fundraiser will bring residents together April 18 to support the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s and the work of the Alzheimer’s Association.
The event will be held at Bogart’s, located at 2142 Old State Rd. in Jacksonville, and is designed as a fun, team-based competition for a good cause. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with trivia beginning at 6 p.m.
Entry is $10 per person, and teams may include up to 10 players. Food will be available for purchase from Brickey’s BBQ, and organizers say side games and additional activities will run throughout the evening.
Participants can reserve a team spot using the QR code or by contacting organizer Todd Lamison at 217-641-0141 or talamison@alz.org.
Proceeds will go toward the Jacksonville Walk to End Alzheimer’s, helping to fund research, local care and support services for area families affected by dementia.
Organizers encourage businesses, families and trivia fans to form teams and take part in the trivia night as it officially begins fundraising efforts leading up to the walk in the fall.
The Jacksonville Walk to End Alzheimer’s event itself is scheduled for September 27, 2026, at Community Park.
