Local Author of the Year Contest begins:
Attention, writers — the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library’s annual Author of the Year Contest is open! All residents of Morgan County, ages 16 and over, are eligible to enter. The contest features two categories: Poetry and Prose. Participants may enter one or both.
The Farmers State Bank and Trust Company is providing prizes of $250 for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place in each category. Entries must be turned in by March 28.
For more details, pick up an entry form at the Jacksonville Public Library or Our Town Books, or email hestabrook@jaxpl.org.
Winners will be announced at a special event at the Jacksonville Public Library on Thursday, April 24 at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend this special evening where our winning authors will read their works.
Prairieland United Way Campaign surpasses goal, raising over $470,000 to strengthen local communities:
The 2024 Prairieland United Way Campaign “Just Imagine” has successfully concluded, surpassing its ambitious goal and raising $492,655 to support vital programs and services in the community.
“As the campaign ends, I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made an investment in our community,” said Karen Walker, executive director of Prairieland United Way. “Together with supports like you, we can lead, create, and invest in programs and partnerships that address the challenges that affect too many of our neighbors in our four-county service area.”
“Surpassing our campaign goal is another great example of our caring and supportive communities,” said Trevor Huffman, Prairieland United Way board president. “I’m also proud of Jodee [Nell] and Kevin [Eckhoff] for their leadership and commitment to the campaign.”
Funds raised through the campaign will remain in the local community, directly benefiting the local human service network. In the coming weeks, volunteer community members will meet to allocate the funds, ensuring they are distributed to programs that make the greatest impact.
“We are so thankful for the individuals and businesses who make it a priority to support the outstanding work of the Prairieland United Way,” said Kevin Eckhoff and Jodee Nell, campaign co-chairs. “With these additional funds, we look forward to assisting more organizations help meet the needs of individuals in the Prairieland United Way service area. ‘Just imagine’ what a difference this will make.”
Prairieland United Way extends its deepest appreciation to all donors, volunteers and partners who played a role in making this campaign a success. Together, we are building stronger communities and a brighter future for all.
Local Boy Scout Troop 107 participates in first aid meet:
On February 15, five scouts from Boy Scout Troop 107 of Jacksonville were able to brave the icy weather to participate in the Abraham Lincoln Council annual first aid meet held at the First Methodist Church in Springfield.
They were judged on 13 different emergency first aid situations ranging from dog bites and heart attacks, to fractures and loss of limbs.
Troop 107 is sponsored by the local AmVets Post 100. The Troop 107 patrol earned third place out of 22 teams from all over the council. The scouts were tested on their first aid knowledge, teamwork and leadership.
Awards and recognition given at the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce 44th annual Agri-Industry Banquet:
The Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce held the 46th Annual Agri-Industry Banquet on March 6. This dinner is a celebration of agriculture and the businesses that support this vital industry. The Chamber recognizes the importance of a strong rural economy at this banquet each year.
Keith Bradbury emceed the event and shared thoughts on the past 200 years of agriculture. The Agri-Industry Hall of Fame award was also presented. The Hall of Fame was created in 1995 to honor those men and women who have given a lifetime of service to the agricultural industry through personal and professional efforts. This year, Paul Miller and Mark Staake were inducted into the Ag Hall of Fame. Both are noted for giving their time and talents in the ag finance field assisting multiple generations of farm families.
Paul Miller has devoted over 40 years to helping local farmers succeed in their farm operations with 38 of those years as an ag lender with Chapin State Bank (now CNB Bank & Trust). Paul has helped generations of farmers in our area — working with three generations in many cases. Prior to becoming an ag lender, Paul was a feed salesman for Moorman’s.
Both with his customers and co-workers, he exhibited contagious optimism, patience and leadership. In addition to his work as an ag lender, he has served in various organizations. Paul was a charter member and president of the Chapin Lions Club and lifetime member of the VFW, having served 5 years in the United States Air Force. He is a great fundraiser and helped organize the first Powerful Dreams, Powerful Teams banquet for the Triopia Athletic Boosters, earning him the Bruce Charlesworth Community Service Award. He served as a Village of Chapin board member. He attended various banking schools with Illinois Banker’s Association and Community Banker’s Association of Illinois. He also a member of the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Chapin American Legion, Elks Club and JWCC Ag Club.
Paul is a member of Wesley Chapel and has held many offices on the Church Board. He is married to his lovely wife, Pam, and they have two children, six grandchildren and one great-grandchild. They enjoy spending time with their family and attending the grandchildren’s many events.
Paul Miller is a community servant-leader who has proven himself to be an integral part of the local agricultural community.
Mark Staake was posthumously presented the Ag Hall of Fame award. Mark was a graduate of Triopia High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Illinois University. Mark was an Ag Lender with Farm Credit Services for 40 years. He also farmed alongside his father in the Chapin area and carried on the family operation with his nephew upon his father’s passing.
Mark was a busy guy, but he always found time to put others above himself. He was very involved through his position at Farm Credit in volunteering at many events including the county fair, serving watermelon, helping at concerts, and grilling porky burgers in the fall at local elevators. He assisted with Meals in the Field, promoting Farm Safety Week; rode along to witness, record and validate plot production for National Corn Growers contests, and Farmers Play Day benefitting farmers and FFA chapters. He attended and supported many 4-H, FFA and Young Farmers award ceremonies. He enjoyed encouraging and supporting others and liked to acknowledge their accomplishments. Mark also served on the Slo Gro COOP Board for two years.
In his limited spare time Mark enjoyed golfing, watching movies, and was an avid sports fan. Mark passed away in September 2024. Accepting the award for Mark was his wife, Kelly Staake.
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, 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 above priorities. Grants to be awarded in April or May 2025 are expected to range up to $5,000 annually, and may be renewable.
Organizations that are interested applying should submit a proposal to the Jacksonville Youth Engagement Program by April 11, 2025 at 5 p.m. Email Beth Brockschmidt at jyep24@gmail.com to receive application materials.
Priority will be given to organizations who partner financially in the project through cash and/or in-kind contributions.
Volunteers ensure success of the Beaux Arts Ball:
Many individuals have been working for months to make The Art Association of Jacksonville’s 68th annual Beaux Arts Ball a success. This year’s ball, entitled “A Stroll Through the English Countryside,” is being planned for Saturday, April 26.
Heather English and Jeni Rajaguru are serving as the general co-chairs for this year’s premiere fundraiser for The Art Association of Jacksonville.
Other committee chairs and members include:
(Acquisitions) Joyce Thompson; (Bow and Curtsy Consultants) Co-Chairmen Casey Collins and Katie Soer; (Dance Arrangements) Chairman Dr./Mrs. Peter Russatto; (Committee) Mr./Mrs. Robert Haley, Ms. Celeste Hill, Mr./Mrs. John Hill and Mr./Mrs. Jay Hornbeek; (Directors of Ceremonies) Co-Chairmen Kristin Jamison and Sarah Van Aken; (Finance) Gayla Hornbeek; (Flowers) Co-Chairmen Liz McMurphy and Linda Standley; (Freshman Participants) Kristen Davidsmeyer; (General Tickets) Co-Chairmen Ginny Fanning and Audra Nelson; (Committee Members) Marcy Burrus, Jane Hadden and Jo Ann Nelson; (Historian) Cammie Symons; (King’s Consultant) Jennifer Kafer; (Queen’s Consultant) Sarah Van Aken; (Lighting) Co-Chairmen Luke Scroggins and Cody Zellars;
(Master of Ceremonies) C.D. Davidsmeyer; (Music) Sarah Bruce; (Participants) Co-Chairmen Cynthia Benton and Allison Guidish; (Committee Members) Natalie Garver;
(Participant Parties) Co-Chairmen Carrie Cole, Sarah Cors, Kristen Davidsmeyer and Stephanie Davidsmeyer; (Past Royalty) Susan Weller; (Patrons) Co-Chairmen Elizabeth Becker, Kristan Becker Hoffman, Kay Black and Adah Mitchell; (Committee Members) Joy French Becker, Sue Brosmith, Donna Cody, Sandy Crowe, Cathy Hackett, Jan McEvers, Linda Meyer, Emily Osburn, Jan Schumm, Joni Scobbie and Leslie Ware; (Photography) ElCrow Photography – Cory Garner; (Pictures) Co-Chairman Kaila Freeman and Trista Freeman; (Committee Member) Sue Freeman; (Program) Jessica Richardson; (Publicity) Brittany Henry; (Raffle) Chairman Casey Collins and Dru Fernandes; (Reception) Co-Chairmen Janet Chipman, Tim and Stephanie Chipman;
(Reserved Seats) Sara Schumacher; (Scriptwriter) Kathy English; (Senior Maids and Gentlemen) Co-Chairmen Lauren Dwyer and Kristen Reed; (Set Design) Erica Melcher;
(Stage Construction) Co-Chairmen Mark and Barb Whalen; (Stage Dismantling) Co-Chairmen Charlie English and Ian English; and (Tickets) Chairman Sara Schumacher.
Patron and general tickets will be available online at strawnartgallery.org and at Annie Merner Chapel prior to the Beaux Arts Ball on Saturday, April 26, where the coronation will begin at 7 p.m. Immediately following the coronation at Annie Merner Chapel, there will be entertainment by Trio De Groove and hors d’oeuvres at Jacksonville Country Club. Patron tickets are $50 and include admission to the reception, coronation and dance, while general tickets are $10 and include the coronation and champagne reception. An interpreter will be available upon request at the coronation for persons who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing. Accessible seating will also be available.
Call The David Strawn Art Gallery office at 217-243-9390 or visit strawnartgallery.org for more information.
Follow “The Art Association of Jacksonville” on Facebook for more information about The David Strawn Art Gallery and Beaux Arts Ball.
Beaux Arts Ball Flower Girls and Pages announced:
The Art Association of Jacksonville’s 68th annual Beaux Arts Ball, “A Stroll Through the English Countryside,” is being planned for Saturday, April 26. Six children will participate in this year’s premier fundraiser for The Art Association as flower girls and pages.
This year’s kindergarten-aged participants include Salvatore Preston Alfano, son of Pietro and Megan Alfano, Jacksonville; Caroline Kay Bruce, daughter of Trent and Sarah Bruce, Jacksonville; Johnson Lee Garver, son of Luke and Natalie Garver, Jacksonville; Emmerson Grace Hackett, daughter of Daniel and Rachel Hackett, Jacksonville; Hugh Robert Michael Haley, son of Levi and Jill Haley, Jacksonville; and Isla Jane Melcher, daughter of Matthew and Erica Melcher, Jacksonville.
Call The David Strawn Art Gallery office at 217-243-9390 or visit strawnartgallery.org for more information.
Follow “The Art Association of Jacksonville” on Facebook for more information about The David Strawn Art Gallery and Beaux Arts Ball.
