May 7 ceremony in Springfield to honor Illinois police officers killed in line of duty
The annual Illinois Peace Officers Memorial Service to honor law enforcement officers killed in Illinois in the line of duty, including two who died during 2025, will be held Thursday, May 7 at 11 a.m. at the Illinois Peace Officer Memorial sculpture on the Illinois State Capitol grounds in Springfield.
“The men and women of law enforcement who have made the ultimate sacrifice serving their communities should always be remembered,” said Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) State Lodge President Kevin Farrell. “Everyone who wears the badge knows the risks they face each and every day, and they still continue to protect and serve their fellow citizens.”
The law enforcement officers killed during 2025 who will be recognized during the May 7 ceremony are Chicago Police Department Officer Krystal Rivera, who died June 5, 2025, and Park Forest Detective Tim Jones, who died on December 3, 2025.
In addition, the names of six officers who were killed in the line of duty many years ago will also be recognized and have their names added to the memorial. They include: Probationary Patrolman Benjamin Devlin, Chicago Police Department, November 15, 1922; Constable Isom Gillham, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, December 11, 1852; Deputy Lindley Larrison, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, January 22, 1925; Special Agent Edward Fay, Belt Railway Company of the Chicago Police Department, November 22, 1921; Special Agent Alexander Lang, Belt Railway Company of the Chicago Police Department, September 17, 1922; and Detective Frank McCaskey, Belt Railway Company of Chicago Police Department, April 2, 1918.
The day’s observance on May 7 will begin with the line up of squad cars from around the state at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The procession will depart the fairgrounds and arrive at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for a 9:30 a.m. memorial church service. The procession then travels to the State Capitol for the 11 a.m. ceremony.
Western Illinois Youth Camp invites community to celebrate fitness, nature and fun
Western Illinois Youth Camp is excited to announce its Trail Fun Run, a community event designed to encourage fitness, outdoor adventure and family fun. The Fun Run will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 9, at the Western Illinois Youth Camp at 2244 4-H Club Lane, Jacksonville. Participants are invited to lace up their sneakers and hit the scenic trails, enjoying sweeping views and the thrill of running through nature. The Trail Fun Run welcomes runners of all ages and abilities, making it an ideal event for families, friends and fitness enthusiasts alike.
The motto for the day: “Hit the dirt. Enjoy the views. Have fun.”
Preregistration is not required, and all in the community are encouraged to join. Whether you are looking to challenge yourself, spend quality time outdoors or simply soak in the beauty of the camp’s natural surroundings, this event promises something for everyone. The event is free to attend, though free-will donations are appreciated. For more information and event details, please visit wiyc.net or email contactourcamp@gmail.com.
Underground Railroad conductor’s tale to be reenacted May 9 at Centenary
Reenactor Kathryn Harris will be portraying Underground Railroad conductor Priscilla Baltimore at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at Centenary United Methodist Church. The event is presented by the Jacksonville Area Museum.
This engaging performance by Kathryn Harris will bring Baltimore’s efforts to life, and highlight her life and struggles during this challenging time in our history.
Priscilla Baltimore was the daughter of a Methodist minister and a woman he enslaved. Her father sold her when she was 10. She was later bought by a different Methodist minister in St. Louis. He allowed her to earn money as a seamstress and midwife. After seven years, she bought her own freedom, and later, she bought her mother’s.
In 1829, Baltimore led 11 Black families across the Mississippi River. They settled in Illinois and founded “Freedom Village” in the woods, which became an important stop on the Underground Railroad. From this base, “Mother” Baltimore set up an Underground Railroad route connecting St. Louis to Brooklyn, Alton, Rocky Fork, Jerseyville and beyond. It’s said she helped over 300 people escape from Missouri.
Centenary UMC is located next door to the museum at 331 E. State St. in Jacksonville. The event is free and open to the public.
The event is presented in conjunction with a new exhibit on the Underground Railroad at the Jacksonville Area Museum. The courageous stories of freedom seekers and the multi-racial conductors who assisted them on the Underground Railroad in Illinois are featured in “Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad,” which will be open to the public through August 1. The exhibit is also presented in conjunction with The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, also known as Looking for Lincoln. The exhibit will be open during regular museum hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays and 1 to 4 p.m. Sundays. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Donations are encouraged. Learn more about the Jacksonville Area Museum at jacksonvilleareamuseum.org.
Strawn to hold student exhibit
The Art Association of Jacksonville is pleased to welcome the “Students of The Strawn” art exhibition to The David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave. in Jacksonville, May 2-24. An opening reception will be held on Saturday, May 2 from 6-8 p.m. An introduction of all instructions and students in attendance will be held at 6:30 p.m. during the opening reception.
The David Strawn Art Gallery is free and open to the public. Gallery hours May 3-24 are: Sundays 1-3 p.m. and Tuesday-Saturday 4-6 p.m. Visit strawnartgallery.org.
Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary sale is May 15 and May 16 at fairgrounds
The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary will host its yearly FLEA-ESTA sale from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday, May 15 and from 8 a.m.-noon on Saturday, May 16 at the Morgan County Fairgrounds in the 4-H building.
Donation of items may be dropped off prior to the sale from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday, May 11 through Wednesday, May 13 at the 4-H building. No clothing or electronics, please!
Call 217-245-7124 with any questions. Proceeds are used to fund The Salvation Army Youth Programming of Jacksonville.
Jacksonville man arrested, charged with domestic battery after 10-hour standoff
The Jacksonville Police Department arrested 37-year-old Thomas M. Loughary on charges of domestic battery and aggravated discharge of a firearm after a 10-hour standoff. On Friday, April 24, at 1:23 a.m., Jacksonville police received a report of a domestic battery that occurred in the 700 block of Park Street. Officers arrived and located the victim. Loughary is alleged to have struck the victim, who was someone he knew, and a gun was reportedly discharged. The victim was treated at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital and later released. Loughary had barricaded himself in a residence in the 700 block of Park Street. Officers were able to safely secure a perimeter around the residence and evacuate surrounding homes. A search warrant was obtained and Jacksonville and State Police began negotiations with Loughary, who later surrendered without further incident. He was taken into custody and is scheduled to appear on the charges, which include having a revoked FOID card.
Morgan County Garden Clubto hold plant sale
The Morgan County Garden Club semi-annual Perennial Plant Sale will be from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 16, at the Prairie Land Heritage Museum Building at the corner of West Michigan and Lincoln Avenues in South Jacksonville. Garden club members will be selling perennials from local gardens. The selection includes shrubs, daylilies, coneflowers, hostas, bee balm, irises, ferns, columbines, yarrows, coreopsis, phlox, rudbeckia, grasses, bulbs, ground covers and more. Warmer weather plants will also be for sale.
Contact the Morgan County Garden Club Plant Sale chairman at 217-248-5455 for more information.
American flag retirement drop box installed at American Legion Post in Waverly
An American flag retirement drop box for secure and respectful replacement of worn, torn or tattered American flags has been installed in eastern Morgan County. The drop box keeps contents secure until they are collected for ceremonial disposal. The receptacle is at the American Legion Post 262 on the south side of Salter Park, and folded flags are easily accepted.
With Memorial Day, Flag Day and Independence Day all approaching, the Legion encourages people who fly flags to examine them for signs of wear and tear and, if necessary, replace them with new flags and retire the worn ones.
Flags also may be brought to the Legion in conjunction with the Walk and Remember Service this Saturday, May 2.
Jacksonville Memorial Hospital Honors Jesse Hubbard as February Colleague of the Month
Surgical tech Jesse Hubbard has been named February Colleague of the Month at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital. Hubbard recently achieved a professional milestone by completing continuing education to become a surgical first assistant, demonstrating persistence and a goal-oriented work ethic that has inspired colleagues. “Jesse is deserving of Colleague of the Month recognition for his exceptional performance in the role of surgical first assistant,” wrote one nominator. “He consistently goes above and beyond his job requirements and makes a significant positive impact on the surgical team.” Colleagues describe Hubbard as highly knowledgeable about many different aspects of surgery, from sterility to procedural steps. He also serves as a mentor and go-to resource for the entire team. “This colleague is the person everyone wants in their room,” another nominator wrote. “If you have a question, he is always willing to offer help and guidance.” Hubbard’s commitment to patient safety is unwavering, and he is vigilant about maintaining sterile techniques. The surgical team values Hubbard during high-pressure situations. “His positive attitude always makes a rough day better,” one nominator wrote. The Colleague of the Month recognition celebrates Memorial team members who exemplify excellence in their roles and embody the organization’s mission and values.
