2025 Rotary Club of Jacksonville Bass Tournament results announced:
The 25th annual Rotary Club of Jacksonville Bass Tournament was held on Lake Jacksonville on Saturday, April 5. Thirty-six boats competed in the first buddy tournament of the season. Taylor Hindley, of Brighton, and Hampton Dufrain, of Highland, won the tournament with a total weight of 28.72 pounds. The Big Bass, caught by Taylor Hindley, weighed in at 7.72 pounds.
Rotary president Daniel Lepper said, “The Rotary Club of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Rotary Club Foundation wish to thank the tournament sponsors – especially this year’s major sponsor, the Hotels of South Jacksonville. Thanks to all of the people who competed, as well as the many Rotarian volunteers and the City of Jacksonville Department of Parks and Lakes staff for their assistance with the tournament. The money raised through this event will be used in support of community needs in Jacksonville and South Jacksonville.”
Tournament co-chair Pete Carteaux said, “We were really happy to again include several high school bass fishing teams in this year’s competition. We hope to continue encouraging more young people to engage in the sport of bass fishing.”
The 2025 results are as follows:
First place ($2,500) —Taylor Hindley, of Brighton, and Hampton Dufrain, of Highland, 28.72 pounds
Second place ($1,000) — Jeff Royer and Wayne Royer, of Granite City, 21.69 pounds
Third place ($700) — Dylan Curless, of Mount Zion, and Gabe Williams, of Macomb, 19.72 pounds
Fourth Place ($400) — Michael Grejtak, of Benld, and Gustav Viehweg, of Mt. Olive, 17.98 pounds
Fifth place ($200) — Kevin Mathews, of Roodhouse, and Jim Dietel, of Loami, 17.38 pounds
Big Bass ($740) — Taylor Hindley, of Brighton, 7.72 pounds
About Rotary — Rotary brings together a global network of volunteer leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary connects 1.2 million members of more than 35,000 Rotary clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas. Their work improves lives at both the local and international levels, from helping families in need in their own communities to working toward a polio-free world. Visit jacksonvillerotary.org for more about Rotary.
Baja Bridges looking to fill rescue truck with sports equipment in memory of Kerr Ballard:
Baja Bridges, a network of volunteers in the northern United States, who provide necessary fire, EMT and educational supplies to agencies and civil organizations in Baja, Mexico, has purchased a local rescue truck and they will be driving it to La Paz, Mexico to reside. The truck will have Kerr Ballard’s name on it.
In Kerr’s honor, the Ballard family has requested that the community fill up the truck with gently used sports equipment for the underprivileged youth in Baja, Mexico. The family will host a drive on Sunday, April 13, at the Manchester Baptist Church from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Residents are encouraged to drop off their equipment, grab a selfie with the truck and meet the La Paz firefighters who will be driving it back to use for their work.
For those who have donations and cannot make the event, please reach out to Lori Ballard at 217-248-3370 to arrange a pick-up or drop-off. Students at Winchester Grade School can also drop items off this week to Megan Hurrelbrink’s classroom.
To find out more about Baja Bridges, visit bajabridges.org.
Doss honored as one of 25 Illinois Women Veteran Leaders of 2025:
The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs Women’s Health Department honored one Jacksonville’s own on March 31 in Chicago.
U.S. Army Veteran and Amvets Department of Illinois Commander Laura Doss was named one of IDVA’s 25 Illinois Women Veterans Leaders of 2025.
The list of women from all over the state were nominated for the honor for their exceptional leadership, contributions and dedication to the women veteran community. The recognition aims to highlight the significant impact these women have made within the veteran community and beyond.
Doss was joined by other notables U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and 84th District State Representative Stephanie Kifowit.
Morgan County Garden Club to hold plant sale:
All gardeners are invited to the Morgan County Garden Club Perennial Plant Sale on Tuesday, April 22, from 4-6 p.m. at the Prairie Land Heritage Museum Building at the corner of West Michigan and Lincoln Avenue in South Jacksonville. The club’s perennials are well adapted to the local climate since they have been part of local gardens.
Shoppers may choose from hundreds of perennials. The selection varies each year but there may be shrubs, day lilies, cone flowers, herbs, chives, bee balm, hosta, iris, sedum, ferns, yarrow, columbine, astilbe, coreopsis, phlox, daisies, rudbeckia, lily-of-the-valley, grasses, berries, bulbs, ground covers and more.
On Saturday, May 17 from 9 a.m. to noon, there will be a second plant sale featuring warmer weather plants at the same location.
If you have perennials to share, contact Pat at 217-299-0475. If she doesn’t answer, please leave a message and your call will be returned so a time can be arranged to dig and pot your plants.
Illinois College welcomes new trustees Richard “Rick” Meidel, Jr. and Amy Wilson to Board:
Illinois College is pleased to announce the appointment of Richard “Rick” Meidel, Jr. and Amy Wilson to its Board of Trustees. Both alumni bring a wealth of experience in leadership, higher education, and strategic planning, strengthening Illinois College’s commitment to student success and institutional growth.
Meidel graduated from Illinois College in 1985 with degrees in math and physics before earning an electrical engineering degree from Washington University in St. Louis. With a distinguished 32-year career at ExxonMobil — where he served in executive leadership roles in sales, marketing, and global business management — Meidel brings extensive industry knowledge and financial expertise to the Board. Following his retirement from ExxonMobil, he continued his leadership in the fuel distribution sector in Alaska with Crowley Maritime Corporation, before retiring again and settling in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Wilson, a 1993 graduate of Illinois College and a member of the IC Athletics Hall of Fame (1997), has built a distinguished career in higher education and college athletics. After earning a master’s degree in English and a Ph.D. in health and sport studies with an emphasis in athletics administration at the University of Iowa, she has become a national leader on Title IX and equity in college sports. Wilson currently serves as the Managing Director of Inclusion at the NCAA, where she oversees national efforts to develop opportunities for student-athletes and to foster cultures of belonging in intercollegiate athletics and across campuses.
“We are honored to welcome Mr. Meidel and Dr. Wilson to the Illinois College Board of Trustees,” said Illinois College President Barbara A. Farley. “Their impressive careers, leadership skills, and dedication to student success will be invaluable as we continue to advance Illinois College’s mission.”
Meidel and Wilson officially began their service on the Board in February, contributing their expertise to further Illinois College’s strategic initiatives and long-term growth.
Letter to the Editor from Jacksonville Memorial Hospital:
To the Editor,
Workplace violence is an unfortunate and often overlooked reality in healthcare — even in small, tight-knit rural communities like ours. At Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, we’re proud to care for our neighbors, but we also recognize that healthcare workers face increasing risks on the job, from verbal threats to physical harm. Nationally, healthcare workers are five times more likely to experience workplace violence than employees from any other industry. Unfortunately, we’re seeing a similar situation play out at JMH.
That’s why April is so important. It’s Workplace Violence Prevention Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness, educate our colleagues and community, and reaffirm our commitment to creating a safe, respectful environment for everyone who walks through our doors — patients, visitors, and colleagues alike.
Violence in healthcare settings not only affects the well-being of our caregivers but also erodes morale and trust. In rural hospitals, where resources are limited and teams are small, the impact can be especially profound.
We’re taking steps to address this issue — through colleague training, stronger reporting systems, security enhancement, strong partnerships with local law enforcement and policies that support prevention and response. But we also ask for your help. Treat healthcare workers with kindness and patience. Speak up when you see something concerning. And support initiatives that prioritize the safety of those who dedicate their lives to caring for others.
At Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, we believe everyone deserves to feel safe at work — especially those caring for the health of our community. Let’s stand together for safety, respect, and compassion.
Sincerely,
Trevor Huffman
Jacksonville Memorial Hospital
President and CEO
Direct support professional at Pathway honored:
Pathway Services Unlimited, Inc. has announced that one of their direct support professionals was recognized at a national level for their work with the intellectually/developmentally disabled community in Jacksonville.
Tara Morris was recognized as an honorable mention for American Network of Community and Resources’ (ANCOR) 2025 Direct Support Professional of the Year. On an annual basis since 2007, ANCOR has bestowed Direct Support Professional of the Year Awards on professionals who exemplify excellence in the field of direct support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in all 50 states and two territories.
Past royalty to crown Beaux Arts Ball King and Queen on April 26:
Claire Madison Van Aken will crown her successor at the 2025 Beaux Arts Ball. Claire is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ryan and Sarah Van Aken of Jacksonville, and the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bill and Gayle Clark and Mrs. Linda Van Aken all of Jacksonville, and the late Paul Pollock and David Van Aken.
The 2021 graduate of Jacksonville High School will receive her Bachelor of Science in communications with a concentration in public relations from Illinois State University in Normal in May of this year. Claire completed an internship with the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus last summer and intends to return to the state capitol after graduation to continue her work with the Events and Engagement staff. During her internship, she assisted senators in organizing community-focused events such as iCash, coffee chats and Youth Advisory Councils, all aimed at enhancing constituent engagement. Additionally, Claire had the privilege of attending and supporting Senator Fowler’s Southern Illinois Made Expo, where hundreds of small businesses showcased their products and services, fostering economic growth and local entrepreneurship.
Claire and her family are lifelong members of Trinity Episcopal Church.
Claire, a member of The Art Association of Jacksonville, has participated in three previous Beaux Arts Balls: as a flower girl in 2008’s “Prairie Spring,” as a junior attendant in 2017’s “Pop Art: Revive the Movement” and as a senior maid in 2021’s “Run for the Roses.”
Claire’s parents are sustaining members of The Art Association of Jacksonville.
Claire’s family has been involved in the Beaux Arts Ball for many years. Her sisters and cousins have participated as flower girls, pages, belles, beaus, and 8th grade and senior attendants.
Her mother has co-chaired many Beaux Arts Ball committees and was the co-chair for the 2017 Beaux Arts Ball and the 2022 Lawn Party.
Austin Michael Kafer, the 2024 Beaux Arts Ball king, will crown his successor at this year’s ball, “A Stroll through the English Countryside,” on Saturday, April 26. The reigning king is the son of Mike and Jennifer Kafer of Jacksonville, and the grandson of Robert and JoAnn Chumley and Glenn and the late Kay Kafer, all of Jacksonville.
Austin is a 2021 graduate of the Routt Catholic High School. He will graduate from Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville this May with a Bachelor of Science in accountancy.
At SIUE, he is a member of Beta Alpha Psi, an accounting organization, where he has held
office as the Social Media Manager. He is also on the SIUE Esports team where he has made the Call of Duty and Valorant teams. Austin is currently employed with SIUE as a desk manager.
Austin is a member of Our Saviour Church in Jacksonville.
Austin participated in three previous Beaux Arts Balls. He was a page in the 2008’s “Prairie Spring,” a junior attendant in the 2017’s “Pop Revolution” and a senior gentleman in “Run for the Roses” in 2021.
Austin’s parents are members of The Art Association of Jacksonville and have served on several committees for the ball over the years.
Following graduation, Austin will attend Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville to get his Master’s in accountancy. His plan is to work in governmental or public auditing.
Patron and general tickets for this year’s Beaux Arts Ball 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.
