Stories where you live
Symons, Cors crowned 2025 Beaux Arts Ball royalty
The Art Association of Jacksonville crowned Amelia Ann Symons and Braden R. Cors as its 2025 Beaux Arts Ball queen and king, respectively, on April 26. This year’s ball theme was “A Stroll Through the English Countryside.” Symons is the daughter of Stephen and Cammie Symons of Jacksonville, and the granddaughter of Pam Sprout of Toulon, the late Jerry and Sharon Symons, and the late Bill Andrew. Cors is the son of Brad and Sarah Cors of Jacksonville and grandson of Bill and Sandra Cors of Jacksonville and the late John and Sandy Bordenkircher.
Winchester High School students attend Senator Jil Tracy’s Youth Advisory Council at state capitol
Four students from Winchester High School attended Senator Jil Tracy’s Youth Advisory Council at the Illinois State Capitol on April 29. The students met with Tracy and State Representatives Kyle Moore and C.D. Davidsmeyer in the Illinois General Assembly chambers. The students also participated in a mock bill group discussion and mock bill committee hearing. The students in attendance included Adrienne Kaufmann, Fiona Smith, Alexia Greiner and Audi Brown.
Massive solar farm near Waverly gets ribbon-cutting ceremony, visit from Chicago mayor
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was one of several elected dignitaries who were on hand celebrating the completion of the Double Black Diamond solar farm in Auburn on April 30. Built outside of Virden and Waverly, the solar farm straddles 4,000 acres between Morgan and Sangamon counties and is the largest solar project east of the Mississippi River, according to Swift Current Energy, the owner of the project. The two-and-a-half year project was completed on December 31, 2024. The farm generates 800 megawatts of power, with Loyola University, CVS Health and the City of Chicago sourcing its power. According to the Jacksonville Journal-Courier, Johnson attended the ribbon-cutting, thanking officials for helping Chicago achieve its goal of using 100% renewable energy for all of its municipal buildings, which it achieved on January 1. The project is expected to generate $1 million in property tax revenue in its first year of operation for several taxing bodies, with approximately $10 million in tax revenue overall for the project’s 35-year lifespan. The project is also expected to create 18 full-time jobs.
Meredosia May Days crowns first royalty
Photo: The first annual Meredosia May Days crowned royalty on May 2. Back row left to right: Queen- Bella Hull, Jr. Miss- McKinley DeWitt. Front row left to right: Little Miss- Elizabeth Dawber, Little Mister- Remi Hopper.
Concord student wins award for LLCC at Illinois SkillsUSA competition
Lincoln Land Community College student Garrett Sheehan of Concord took home a bronze medal in the heavy equipment operator competition at the 2025 Illinois SkillsUSA Championship held April 24-26 in Peoria. Sheehan was one of 44 LLCC students competing at the state level in 7 categories.
Jacksonville Public Library hosting signing, Q&A session with local YA author
The Jacksonville Public Library will host young adult fantasy author Jade Rockwood for a book signing and question and answer session on May 17 at 2 p.m. Attendance is free. Rockwood has recently published the second book in his fantastical young adult Albumtasia series, Above Albumtasia. A small-town Illinois native, Rockwood grew up exploring the surrounding counties in search of Bigfoot. He has also authored The Zoobafet and the first book in the Albumtasia series, The World of Albumtasia. For more information about the event, visit jaxpl.org or call 217-243-5345.
Three area students receive Illinois Sheriffs’ Association scholarships
Three area students will receive a portion of over $58,000 devoted to scholarships by the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association this year. The association began its scholarship program in 1979 to recognize students who “exemplify academic excellence, community involvement and strong character,” according to the association’s scholarship application. Lauren Eoff (Routt Catholic High School), Mila Capps (Beardstown Christian Academy) and Marissa Galloway (Winchester High School) were among the list of 118 awardees from around the state. The scholarship will be used to cover the cost of attending any accredited college, university or trade school in Illinois.
Jacksonville Police Department Chief places peddlers on notice
The Jacksonville Police Department has been receiving several complaints about door-to-door peddlers in the city. According to a press release from JPD Chief Doug Thompson, Vista Energy has been going door to door in the city demanding to see people’s electric bills from Ameren-Illinois. Thompson says his department has received a complaint about one solicitor being rude to a resident and advised they were in need of a peddler’s permit but would not be getting one. Thompson says residents should call the police department at 217-479-4630 or 911 if a solicitor comes to your door and advises they should not be let in your home. Officers will then make contact with the solicitor to see if they have warrants for their arrest and if they have a proper peddler’s permit. If they are not properly credentialed by the City of Jacksonville, they will be cited, according to Thompson.
Student emergency prompts soft lockdown at Winchester Elementary School on May 5
Winchester Schools Superintendent Kevin Blankenship informed residents on the evening of May 5 that a soft lockdown had occurred at the school that afternoon. According to the social media release, the soft lockdown was initiated at approximately 1:30 p.m. as a precautionary measure for an undescribed student emergency. Blankenship emphasized there were no immediate threats inside the building while law enforcement handled the situation outside of the school. The lockdown was limited at 2 p.m. after a notification from law enforcement. School operations then returned to normal. Parents were instructed to contact their student’s teacher or the school social worker if they had any further concerns.
Hamilton returns as state Crime Stoppers Coordinator
Loren Hamilton, coordinator for Crime Stoppers of Morgan, Scott & Cass Counties, was recently reelected president of the Illinois State Crime Stoppers Association. Hamilton has held that position for 10 years, the longest tenure in the group’s thirty-nine-year history. The group’s role is that of an advisor for the 53 programs throughout Illinois, and they are also tasked with developing new programs in areas not already covered. Hamilton was also awarded a “Coordinator of the Year” award, an honor he has earned eight times during his 14 years with that title. Both honors were announced at the ISCSA 39th Annual Training conference held earlier this month in Springfield. Hamilton has been employed with the Jacksonville Police Department as a Community Service Officer for 17 years. Hamilton resides in Chapin, where he is a former Village of Chapin trustee.
Hoots named JMH Colleague of the Month for April
Mike Hoots, a security officer at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, is the hospital’s Colleague of the Month for April. Hoots works from the emergency department entrance, and he is usually the first person the public sees when they arrive at the hospital. He is appreciated by patients and colleagues alike for his professional manner and his willingness to help others while doing his job. “Mike is always courteous, friendly and professional,” wrote one nominator. “He watches out for those who need assistance and frequently meets patients outside and in the parking lot to ensure they are greeted and helped. On numerous occasions, his efforts have helped ensure public safety and contributed to a positive patient experience.” Hoots has worked for JMH since 2022.
IDOA offering free recycling program for agrichemical containers
The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) encourages farmers and agrichemical facilities to take part in a free agrichemical container recycling program. Beginning in the middle of July and continuing into August, sites throughout the state will collect containers that are recycled to make shipping pallets. Metal and household pesticide containers are not eligible for the recycling program. Collection sites will accept only high-density polyethylene, #2 plastic agrichemical containers that are clean and dry. Participants are responsible for rinsing them and removing all caps, valves, metal, labels, booklets and foil seals. Participants are responsible for cutting off the top and bottom of plastic drums and cutting the side of the drum from top to bottom. Mini-Bulk and Intermediate Bulk containers can be recycled via the Department’s container recycling program by making the following container preparations: Mini Bulk (cage) containers are required to be cut into separate top, bottom and sides, fittings discarded (no metal, no wood) (6 slabs of plastic). Intermediate Bulk Containers are to be cut in to one-foot square pieces, fittings discarded (no metal, no wood). G. Phillips and Sons, LLC is offering services to pick up Mini-Bulk and Intermediate Bulk containers throughout the year. Please contact them at 678-232-6047 to learn more.
The program is a cooperative venture between IDOA; Agriculture Container Recycling Council; GROWMARK, Inc.; Illinois Fertilizer and Chemical Association; G. Phillips and Sons, LLC; Illinois Farm Bureau; and University of Illinois Extension. To obtain a free brochure about the program, call IDOA toll free at 1-800-641-3934.
A one-time collection site will be held on Thursday, July 24 from 1-3 p.m. at Sunrise FS, located at 20735 IL Highway 125 in Virginia, Illinois. For more information about this one-time event, contact Zach Witherell at 217-836-0763.
A permanent collection site is at Logan Agri-Service, located at 30571 IL Route 107 in Griggsville, Illinois. For more information about this permanent collection site, contact Josh Schaver at 217-833-2375.
Waverly Lake added to IDPH Sport Fish Consumption Advisory list
Waverly Lake was one of five sites added to the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Sport Fish Consumption Advisory list this year. The advisories are based on routine testing conducted by the Illinois Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program. IDPH maintains an interactive Fish Advisory Map that includes consumption advisories for more than 100 publicly accessible bodies of water across the state. The advisories detail how frequently certain types of fish from various waterways can be eaten without posing a health risk. While there is no known immediate health hazard from eating contaminated fish from any Illinois water body, there are concerns about effects of long-term exposure to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and methylmercury in fish. More information can be found at Fish Advisories (illinois.gov). Advisories for six bodies of water have been updated. The majority of updates were associated with mercury and continued PFAS testing, which was incorporated into statewide monitoring in 2023. The Illinois River was one of the six updated advisories. In addition to this year’s site-specific updates, a statewide methylmercury advisory remains in place for all Illinois waters. The advisory cautions women who are nursing, pregnant, or may become pregnant, and children less than 15 years of age to eat no more than one meal per week of predatory fish (e.g., bass, walleye, salmon).
Rural Roodhouse man sentenced to prison on methamphetamine charges in Morgan County
A rural Roodhouse man with multiple drug-related arrests between Greene and Morgan counties was sentenced to prison on May 6 in Morgan County Circuit Court. Nicky Steveson, 46, of rural Roodhouse pleaded guilty to possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams. The charge stems from a Jacksonville police arrest on June 4, 2024 in the 600 block of Illinois Avenue. Steveson had allegedly stolen an air rifle from Midland’s Farm & Fleet on West Morton Avenue earlier in the day. Police were able to indicate Steveson as a suspect based upon eye witness descriptions and closed circuit security footage. Steveson was additionally cited in the arrest for felony retail theft, possession of drug paraphernalia and criminal trespass to real property. Steveson had previously been issued a letter of no trespass to Midland’s after a previous retail theft arrest. Subsequent arrest by Morgan County authorities for methamphetamine possession and domestic violence were dropped per the open plea. Morgan County Circuit Judge Chris Reif sentenced Steveson to six years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, six months of mandatory supervised release and ordered payment of a $500 county fine. The retail theft charge was dismissed per the plea. Steveson was given credit for nine days served in jail. Steveson now awaits open cases in Greene County Circuit Court on two charges of methamphetamine possession for two separate arrests. Court dates have not been set for Steveson in Greene County as of press time.
Roodhouse man sentenced to prison for damaging a blanket at the Greene County Jail
A Greene County man with multiple charges across several West Central Illinois counties was sentenced to prison on May 7 in Greene County Circuit Court. Charles W. Swarringim, 41, formerly of Roodhouse was sentenced to 1 year in the Illinois Department of Corrections for criminal damage to government supported property. Swarringim pleaded guilty to the Class 4 felony this morning after representing himself during court proceedings, according to Greene County State’s Attorney Craig Grummel. The charges stem from an incident on April 15 in which Swarringim damaged a blanket at the Greene County Jail without consent. Swarringim has several pending cases in Cass County, including Class X felony methamphetamine delivery and failure to return from furlough as a felon. Swarringim was initially arrested on the charges by Cass County Sheriff’s deputies back on November 14, 2024 for incidents that had occurred in September 2024. Swarringim has failed to appear for court proceedings on multiple occasions since then, and has appeared as a Morgan, Scott, Cass Crime Stoppers Most Wanted individual. Swarringim also has an open case in Morgan County stemming from a traffic stop arrest on July 23, 2023 for possession of methamphetamine between 5-15 grams and felony driving on a revoked license. New court dates for those outstanding cases have not been announced. Swarringim was remanded to the custody of the Illinois Department of Corrections immediately following the hearing.
Rep. Moore Named to Illinois House Labor and Commerce Committee
State Representative Kyle Moore (R-99) has been named to the Illinois House Labor and Commerce committee. Moore said the new committee assignment is on track with his goal of growing and retaining good jobs here in Illinois. “This is first and foremost about improving our jobs climate so we can provide better opportunities for future generations right here in Illinois,” Moore said Wednesday, May 7. “Illinois has the location, the resources, and the workforce to be the number one destination for business start-ups and companies looking to expand or relocate. I’m pleased that our district will have a seat at the table as legislation is considered to help make that happen.” The Labor and Commerce Committee focuses on issues concerning job and workforce development, labor guidelines, occupational licenses, and domestic and international commerce.
Moore says he will use his experience as a small business, the former mayor of the City of Quincy and currently as president of the Great River Economic Development Foundation to help foster a more attractive business climate in the state. House Minority Leader Tony McCombie says she appointed Moore to the committee for his expertise at the local level. “Our state faces many challenges, and we must do what we can to help boost our workforce, grow our economy, and reduce the tax burden,” said McCombie. “I chose the Representative because he will be an asset to this committee for the work he has done to stimulate economic growth in Quincy-and it’s about time we experience that type of growth statewide.”
Cass County CEO Program hopes to begin this fall
Cass County CEO with the support of local business community partners and area schools to create experiential learning opportunities for high school students hopes to start holding courses this fall. Classes meet before the school day begins, and students receive elective credit applied toward their diploma. The Jacksonville Journal-Courier reports that Heather Booth, a sixth-grade teacher in the Triopia school district will be the facilitator. Booth is a small business owner and her own children have participated in the existing Morgan-Scott CEO program. The inaugural class has 18 students enrolled, and the program continues to seek both investors and business mentors for the students. The program coordinator Dustin Fritsche of Virginia. Fritsche is joined by Megan Costigan, a Program Manager for the Tracy Family Foundation and Rick Eckhert and Jamie Behrends on the board. Students enrolled will visit Cass County businesses, hear from guest speakers, participate in a class business, write their own business plans, and begin and run their own business. For more information, casscountyceo.com.
Illinois College honors outstanding alumni and community leaders at annual Society celebration
Illinois College recognized six distinguished individuals for their achievements and service during the 2025 Illinois College Society Celebration and Alumni Association Awards Dinner on May 2 at Hamilton’s in Jacksonville. Hosted by the Illinois College Alumni Association Board of Directors, the annual awards ceremony is a highlight of the academic year, celebrating excellence among alumni and friends of the College. The evening also celebrates the contributions of the philanthropic community. Illinois College President Barbara A. Farley shared remarks about the College and Board of Trustees Chair Steven R. Mills, who was honored with an award, was the evening’s keynote speaker. This year’s award recipients embody the College’s mission of inspiring achievement and service: Clare Zimmerman ’11, M.D. – Young Alumna Award; James Geiselman Jr. ’10, D.C. – Young Alumnus Award; Rebecca Spencer – Ambassador Award; Charles Sheaff, M.D., and Lynne Sheaff – Friend of the College Award; and Steven R. Mills ’77 – Distinguished Service Award. The Illinois College Celebration and Alumni Association Awards Dinner is an annual event recognizing members of the College’s premier philanthropic circle and outstanding alumni and friends of the College. The Illinois College Society includes all leadership donors whose giving is $1,000 or more annually or $100,000 or above in a lifetime. More than 200 guests attended the 2025 event. To learn more about the Illinois College Society, visit ic.edu/ICSociety.
Triopia seeking to fill school board vacancy
Triopia Community District #27 is seeking applications to fill one vacancy on the school board after only two people ran for three open spots during the April consolidated election. The individual selected will serve from the date of appointment until the next consolidated election in 2027. To apply, one must be a U.S. citizen, be at least 18 years of age, a resident of Illinois and have resided in the boundaries of the district for at least one year, and be a registered voter. Interested parties should submit a letter of interest to Superintendent Adam Dean via email at adean@triopiacusd27.org by no later than noon on May 31. For more information, call 217-457-2281 extension 101.
Solar farm between Alsey and Winchester given permits
A St. Louis-based solar developer received approval from the Scott County Commissioners on May 7. Birch Creek Development and Koller Solar LLC will be the lead on the $25 million project that will sit near Light Plant Lane. The Jacksonville Journal-Courier reports that the approval by the commissioners came with a list of conditions that must be met before construction on the project can begin. The project is expected to house approximately 37,000 panels and generate 20 megawatts of power. Construction is expected to begin in 2027. The electricity purchasing rights are expected to go on the wholesale market, and a purchaser has not been announced at this time. The project is not currently listed on Birch Creek’s website, birchcreekdev.com.
Suspicious fire strikes abandoned home on East Douglas Avenue
Jacksonville police and the Jacksonville Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in an abandoned home at 314 East Douglas Ave. at 6:55 p.m. on May 8. The white, single-story structure has been abandoned for well over a year and no utilities were active at the residence. The front entrance was accessible and all of the windows were also broken or open leading firefighters to believe that individuals may have started the small blaze. The location sits to the west of a group home owned by DD Homes, and to the east of a storage facility. No injuries were reported. Jacksonville fire personnel remained on the scene until approximately 9:15 p.m. Investigators from the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal were called in to investigate. Suspicious fires have plagued the city intermittently since March 2022, but this is the first on the city’s northeast side since November 2024.
Jacksonville municipal electric aggregation rate lower than Ameren
Jacksonville’s municipal aggregation program has been renewed. The goal of the program is to protect residents and small business owners from increases in electricity supply costs by providing a steady fixed rate. In partnership with their energy consultant, Good Energy, LP, Jacksonville signed a one-year fixed-rate contract with a price of $0.12048 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for their official residential and small commercial aggregation program. Ameren recently filed their summer rate with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) at $0.12547 per kWh, beginning June 1 and running through September. Ameren account holders that enroll in the Program will see considerable savings during the summer months, the highest usage months of the year. Small commercial accounts (15,000 kWh or less/year) will enjoy even larger savings with Ameren’s small commercial rate climbing to $0.14580 per kWh. The municipal aggregation program was approved by voters in 2012 and has been in effect for nearly 13 years. On average, over 70% of city account holders participate in the program, reaching as high as 90% participation at times. For additional information, please contact the city’s consultant, Good Energy, at 844-686-4244. To opt out of the program, residents may mail back the pre-paid postage opt-out card sent by the supplier, Homefield Energy, or call Homefield Energy at 833-200-9834. Eligible account holders may also opt out via Homefield Energy’s online site: homefieldenergy.com/optout.
Crime of the Week: Multiple vehicle break-ins throughout Morgan County
Crime Stoppers of Morgan, Scott & Cass Counties is asking for Information to help the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department in their investigation of recent vehicle break-ins throughout the county. Deputies responded to four separate incidents between May 1-3. Vehicles in the 2000 block of Fricke Road in Meredosia, the 100 block of Pearl Place and the 100 block of Adele Court in Jacksonville, and another in Waverly had been entered and several items removed including cash and credit cards. Deputies are asking anyone with further information or possible security camera footage to submit a tip online at the ‘Morgan, Scott & Cass Crime Stoppers’ Facebook Page. Click on the ‘Contact Us’ button at the top of the page. You may also leave a tip online at morganscottcrimestoppers.com. Click on the ‘Submit a Tip’ options at the top of the homepage or you may call the Crime Stoppers hotline at 217-243-7300. Remember, Crime Stoppers want your information and not your name. If your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward.
Winchester man charged with six counts of sex abuse to a minor
A Winchester man has been charged with six counts of abusing a minor. Jerrit W. Hazelwood, 42, of Winchester, was charged by the Scott County State’s Attorney’s office on May 7 with two Class X felony counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a person under the age of 18 and four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Two of the sexual abuse charges are Class 1 felonies due to Hazelwood being indicated as a person of trust or authority over the victim. The other remaining counts are Class 2 felonies. Hazelwood is currently in custody at the Greene County Jail awaiting a pretrial release hearing. No further details about the case have been released.
