By Ben Cox
Cass first responders recognized for rescuing puppies from house fire
Cass County first responders are being recognized following a house fire in Beardstown last week. According to the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, on Feb. 26, the Beardstown Fire Department, Beardstown Police Department and Cass County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a residential fire in the city.
When deputies arrived on scene, they were informed that puppies were trapped inside the burning home. Deputies, along with Beardstown police officers and firefighters, worked quickly to rescue the animals from the structure.
Photos released by the sheriff’s office show Cass County Sheriff’s Deputy Sam Reller alongside Beardstown police and fire personnel carrying the puppies to safety. The sheriff’s office called the incident tragic, but said it highlights the dedication first responders show every day—not just in Cass County. Officials added that acts like this are not rare, but part of the daily commitment made by emergency personnel.
Four puppies survived the fire and were taken in by P.A.W.S. in Jacksonville. The nonprofit animal rescue organization says the dogs appear to be Labrador mixes and are now in their care.
PAWS is asking for community support to help with the puppies’ needs. Donations can be made through PayPal at PawsJacksonville@yahoo.com, through Venmo at @PawsJackson or by mail to 400 West Walnut St., Jacksonville, IL 62650. Anyone wishing to help can also find more information on the “Paws Jackson” Facebook page.
Winchester Elementary School gymnasium to be demolished
The gymnasium at Winchester Elementary School will be demolished after structural problems forced officials to condemn the 66-year-old building. According to reports from WLDS and WGEM, the Winchester Community Unit School District 1 Board of Education made the decision during a special meeting on Feb. 28.
Superintendent Jeff Abell said inspectors discovered significant structural issues after a small bow appeared in the gym’s roofline prior to the Winchester Invitational Tournament in early January.
When beam covers were removed during the inspection, crews found rotting wood, bowed support beams and shifting walls. Stabilization work began March 2, with crews installing steel shoring towers inside the gym to prevent a potential roof collapse.
Abell told reporters each tower weighs about 6,000 pounds and will help support the roof until the building can be safely demolished this summer.
The gym, built in 1958, will be torn down while the district plans for a new facility. Building is expected to begin in 2027.
In the meantime, the district plans to build a multi-purpose building south of the current gym to provide space for physical education and recess during the construction period. Students’ athletic teams will temporarily share a gymnasium with Bluffs schools.
The Green Wall Bar & Grill in Franklin announces temporary closure
The Green Wall Bar & Grill in Franklin is temporarily closing its doors. In a Facebook post, owners George, Gina and Kyle Hamilton announced the business would be closed as of Friday, Feb. 27, “due to significant staffing changes.”
They thanked customers for their patronage and said they were appreciative of their employees’ hard work and dedication. The Green Wall, located at 204 to 206 Wyatt Street on Franklin’s square, has been open since 2019. Ownership says the location may reopen on occasion.
Groups needing event services at the Franklin site are encouraged to contact Hamilton’s Catering at 217-675-2720 to discuss availability. For now, the closure is temporary as the family-owned business evaluates its next steps.
Oregon man sentenced in federal court for 2017 pot bust
An Oregon man first busted in Morgan County in 2017 has now been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a massive cross-country marijuana conspiracy.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of New York, Robert Fiels, 38, of City Falls, Oregon, was sentenced to 70 months behind bars by U.S. District Judge Lawrence Vilardo after being convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distributing, 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana.
Federal prosecutors say Fiels acted as a primary source of supply in a drug trafficking operation that moved marijuana and marijuana-based products across the country, including into Western New York.
The case has strong ties to Morgan County. On Dec. 31, 2017, local law enforcement and federal agents recovered approximately 1,000 pounds of marijuana from an RV stopped at Love’s Truck Stop in South Jacksonville.
Authorities say the load belonged to Fiels and was being transported for distribution across the United States. Investigators say the broader conspiracy stretched from late 2016 through mid-2019.
During that time, Fiels allegedly trafficked roughly 1,800 pounds of marijuana to a single individual. Authorities also seized large amounts of suspected drug proceeds during multiple traffic stops and searches in Illinois, Indiana, and Oregon.
The Morgan County seizure was part of a multi-agency investigation that included Homeland Security Investigations, the Illinois State Police, the Oregon State Police, and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, among others.
The lengthy investigation and prosecution involved several local officers traveling across the country to testify and help investigate the case. Several co-defendants in the case were previously convicted and sentenced.
Fiels will now serve just under six years in federal prison as a result of the investigation that first surfaced locally in Morgan County nearly nine years ago.
Jacksonville library hosting virtual event with author Percival Everett
The Jacksonville Public Library is inviting residents to attend a special virtual author event later this month featuring award-winning novelist Percival Everett.
“Beyond the Page with Percival Everett” will take place Thursday, March 19 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. The program is part of the statewide Illinois Libraries Present series and will be moderated by journalist Brandis Friedman of WTTW.
Everett is the author of more than 30 books and recently won both the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction and the National Book Award for his novel “James.” His 2001 novel, “Erasure,” was adapted into the 2023 film American Fiction, which won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay in 2024.
His other works include “Dr. No,” “The Trees,” “Telephone,” “So Much Blue” and “I Am Not Sidney Poitier.”
During the event, Everett will discuss his writing process, research and career, offering readers a look at the ideas and discipline behind his work.
The program is intended for adults and will only be available to view via Zoom. There will not be an in-person viewing at the Jacksonville Public Library. Registration is required. Interested participants can call the Jacksonville Public Library at 217-243-5435 to sign up.
Local skilled nursing facility launches employee assistance program
Jacksonville Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation has launched a new initiative aimed at helping employees and their families facing financial hardship.
The program, called Jacksonville Essentials, expands the facility’s employee assistance efforts by offering access to groceries, household items and financial support services for staff members.
The initiative was developed in part after concerns surfaced during the government shutdown last year, when potential changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) created uncertainty.
Through the program, employees can use an on-site pantry stocked with food and basic household supplies. Staff members may also access earned wages before their scheduled payday if unexpected expenses arise.
Additional assistance includes gas cards to help employees cover transportation costs and financial grants for those experiencing hardship. Grants from the employee assistance fund may range from $500 to $2,500 for situations such as emergencies or unforeseen personal difficulties.
Administrator and CEO Sawyer Zaerr said the goal is to support workers who spend their careers caring for others.
Jacksonville man federally indicted for meth distribution
A Jacksonville man is facing federal drug charges following a grand jury indictment in the Central District Court of Illinois.
Marquise Jackson, 34, is charged with two counts of distributing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in Morgan County in July and August of 2025.
According to federal records, Jackson was served an arrest warrant on February 19 and was ordered detained by the federal court on Feb. 25 pending trial. Online Morgan County records show Jackson has prior felony convictions dating back to 2009, including prison sentences for narcotics offenses and reckless discharge of a firearm.
He also has additional felony cases currently pending in Morgan County Circuit Court. Jackson is scheduled to return to federal court March 30 for a pretrial hearing.
Prairieland United Way surpasses $475,000 fundraising goal
Prairieland United Way has announced the successful conclusion of its annual fundraising campaign, exceeding its goal and highlighting strong community support across the Jacksonville area.
The organization set a goal of $475,000 but ultimately raised $517,539. The achievement reflects the generosity of local donors, businesses and volunteers who contributed throughout the campaign.
“This success belongs to our entire community,” said Prairieland United Way Executive Director Karen Walker. “Every gift—large or small—represents hope and opportunity for our neighbors. Surpassing our goal means more families will have access to critical services and support in the year ahead.”
Funds raised through the campaign will support local programs and partner agencies focused on improving education, financial stability and health. United Way officials say those investments help ensure children are prepared for success, families have access to essential resources and individuals facing hardship receive support.
Campaign leaders also thanked workplace partners, corporate sponsors and volunteers for their role in pushing the campaign past its goal in the final weeks. “We’re incredibly grateful for the support and energy our community showed during this year’s campaign,” said campaign co-chair Daniel Hackett.
Fellow campaign co-chair Ryne Turke added that community events and creative fundraising efforts helped drive momentum. Turke and Hackett came up with several new ideas for this year’s campaign, including a polar plunge, a hot chip challenge and getting the local restaurants involved during the stretch run of the campaign.
Volunteer allocation meetings to determine how the funds will be distributed to local agencies are scheduled to begin this coming week.
Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary Clubo pens scholarship application
The Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary Club is now accepting applications for its annual scholarship program for college-bound students planning to attend a college or vocational school.
Scholarships of up to $1,000 will be awarded, with preference given to first-time applicants. Students must submit a letter describing their background, financial need, future plans and school preferences.
Applications should be mailed to the Sunrise Rotary Scholarship Committee, 9 Newland Lane, Jacksonville, IL 62650. The deadline to apply is April 22, 2026, and applicants will be notified by May 1. Scholarship recipients are expected to accept their award in person at a Rotary meeting. For information, call 217-243-6895.
Crime Stoppers seeking tips on Nortonville-area shed burglary
Crime Stoppers of Morgan, Scott & Cass Counties is requesting information to assist the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office in their investigation of a recent burglary.
Sometime between Feb. 20 and Feb. 27, unknown individuals entered a shed located in the 2300 block of Nortonville Road in rural Murrayville. A Husqvarna 390XP chainsaw with a 24-inch blade was removed from the shed.
Deputies are asking that anyone who has any information concerning this incident submit an anonymous tip by visiting Crime Stoppers’ Facebook page and clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ button or by visiting morganscottcrimestoppers.com and clicking on the ‘Submit A Tip’ option at the top of the home page. Persons may also leave an anonymous tip by calling 217-243-7300.
Remember, Crime Stoppers just want your information and not your name. If your tip leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property, you may be eligible for a cash reward.
Opening of north Jacksonville local foods grocery store announced
A new local foods grocery store is coming to Jacksonville as part of a growing effort to connect Central Illinois residents more directly with area farmers.
The Farms of Illinois, a farmer-led collective founded by Bland Family Farm, announced plans to open a retail grocery store at 1203 West Walnut St. in Jacksonville. The new location aims to expand access to fresh, locally produced food while supporting regional farms and producers.
Founded in 2024, The Farms of Illinois brings together farmers with more than 100 years of combined farming experience. What began as a home delivery service providing locally raised meats and farm products has expanded into wholesale and retail distribution.
The new store will feature a variety of locally sourced items, including 100% grass-fed beef; pasture-raised chicken, turkey, pork and eggs; seasonal produce grown by Central Illinois farmers; small-batch dairy products; fresh pasta and artisan foods; and other locally produced pantry items.
Clint Bland, owner of Bland Family Farm and a leader in the collective, said the goal is to keep more food dollars circulating in the local economy while making high-quality local food easier to access.
Renovations are currently underway at the Walnut Street location, with plans to open the store by March 17. Details about store hours and a grand opening celebration are expected to be announced soon.
Man arrested after weapons, assault, hit-and-run charges in Jacksonville
A 22-year-old Springfield man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly brandishing a weapon, fleeing from police, and crashing into another vehicle late morning on Tuesday, March 3, in Jacksonville.
According to the Jacksonville Police Department, officers were first dispatched at 11:53 a.m. to the area of West Independence Avenue and North Main Street for a report of aggravated assault.
Police say Jacorrunta K. Robinson allegedly brandished a weapon at a victim before leaving the scene in a burgundy vehicle. Just minutes later, at 11:59 a.m., officers responded to a crash at North Church and West Walnut streets.
Authorities say Robinson, driving northbound on North Church Street, improperly changed lanes, sideswiped another vehicle that was stopped in traffic, and then continued eastbound on West Walnut Street without stopping. No injuries were reported. The other driver, identified as Alban Haxhinasto, 44, of rural Jacksonville, was not hurt. Robinson was later cited for leaving the scene of an accident.
Police say the incident escalated shortly afterward. At approximately 12:19 p.m., officers located Robinson in the 800 block of North Main Street. Authorities allege he fled from police in his vehicle and then attempted to run from officers on foot before being apprehended during a foot pursuit.
During the arrest, officers say Robinson was found in possession of a firearm. Police report that Robinson is a convicted felon and that the firearm’s serial number had been scratched off. Robinson was arrested and is facing charges including aggravated assault, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, defacing identification marks on a firearm, aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude police, aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and resisting a peace officer.
At an initial hearing in Morgan County Circuit Court on March 5, Robinson was ordered to be detained prior to trial. Robinson is scheduled to return to Morgan County Court on March 24 for a pretrial hearing with counsel. Robinson also has a number of pending criminal proceedings in Sangamon County Circuit Court.
