Around The Town

Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau honors first baby born at JMH during National Agriculture Week:
The Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau celebrated National Agriculture Week, March 19-25, by honoring the first baby born during the week at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital.

Registered nurse Maleah Richard presents a basket of farm-themed baby gifts to Nicholas and Allison Howell and their new son Rory. (Photo: Memorial Health)

Rory Evander Dale Howell was born Monday, March 20.

“Agriculture is America’s number-one industry, so we thought baby number one of our special week should be showered with some gifts,” said Lindsay Ryan, Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau manager.

Rory and his parents, Nicholas and Allison Howell of New Berlin, received an overflowing bushel basket containing clothing, farm books, toys and supplies, courtesy of the Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau.


Maleah Richard, a registered nurse in Family Maternity Suites at JMH, presented the basket to the Howell family.


Future Swings operation to move locations:
A local small business is planning to move to a new location, after Jacksonville School District #117 voted to purchase its current property to house the district’s buildings and grounds department.

Jamison’s Future Swings, located at 2253 W. Morton Ave. in Jacksonville, will move its operations to Future Champions Sports Complex late this spring as the Jacksonville School District prepares to take ownership of the property on June 1, 2023.

The Jacksonville School District approached Adam and Kristin Jamison, owners of Jamison’s Future Swings, after learning the couple were considering streamlining their operations. The Jamisons are also managing owners of Future Champions Sports Complex, located on the northwest side of Jacksonville.

Opened in June 2018, Jamison’s Future Swings is home to nearly 20 baseball and softball travel teams. Approximately 200 individual baseball and softball athletes receive individual lessons at the indoor facility each week.

“The Morton Avenue location has been great for us during the last five years,” said Adam Jamison. “But as we continue to develop Future Champions Sports Complex, it makes sense to connect Future Swings with the increased amenities we are offering at the ballpark.”

Future Swings will lease space formerly known as “The Hitting Zone.” The building at 5 Kelly St. includes six batting cages and access to turf fields, allowing for more outdoor training opportunities.

“We feel this is a win-win for the Jacksonville community,” explained Kristin Jamison. “The Jacksonville School District will soon have more space to grow their pre-kindergarten program and house their grounds department, while our two businesses will build on a synergistic relationship and continue to grow.”


Ken Bradbury play, ‘The Bystanders,’ to be performed April 16:
All are welcome to attend Ken Bradbury’s one act play, “The Bystanders,” being performed Sunday, April 16 at various locations:

  • 10 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 870 West College Ave. in Jacksonville
  • 1 p.m. at Faith Lutheran Church, 1385 West Walnut St. in Jacksonville
  • 5 p.m. at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, 1447 Merritt Rd. in Jacksonville

This one-hour play is a collection of monologues — eight stories shared by those who were around Christ before, during or after the Crucifixion. This powerful drama features Tim Chipman, Christine Smith, Audra Nelson, Buford Stowers, Cooper Stowers, Emma Guidish, Doris Robinson and Keith Bradbury.

Admission is free. For information, call 217-473-4735.


New team member at Worrell Land Services:
Ronny Curless of Jacksonville recently joined the Worrell Land Services’ team as Realtor®. Her focus will be residential real estate, helping buyers and sellers in the greater Jacksonville area to pursue the American dream of home ownership.

In her own words:

“I am so excited to join Worrell Land Services as a Residential Real Estate Broker! For a long time, I have enjoyed watching the local, regional and National real estate market and its many patterns. I am thrilled to finally be a part of our local realty community, where I can bring together potential buyers and sellers. 

I have no doubt that my passion, coupled with a solid company like WLS, will yield excellent results for everyone involved. I chose WLS because of their commitment to quality, expertise and ethics that has been apparent since Day One. 

Onto the obligatory brief bio…I am a lifelong Jacksonville native where I live with my husband and three children. I enjoy reading history and fantasy, watching comedies and being creative in my own ways! I earned a BA in Psychology from the University of Illinois at Springfield. I currently work as a permanent substitute teacher with our local public schools, which I enjoy very much. I have previously worked in science, education, social work, administrative roles and even as a server at the best pub in Jacksonville, Mulligan’s. 

I look forward to bringing my skills and the knowledge I have gained about real estate and our community to WLS to help our clients achieve their real estate goals. Lastly, a very sincere thank you to Luke, Allison and the whole crew for welcoming me aboard!”

Ronny Curless can be reached at RonnyC@Worrell-LandServices.com or 217-473-7890.

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