Jacksonville residents get new time, temperature phone number following bank change
Jacksonville-area residents who rely on the longtime telephone Time & Temperature service will need to dial a new number following a recent bank acquisition.
Heartland Bank’s acquisition of CNB Bank prompted the discontinuation of the original service line, which handled about 5,000 calls per month. RTI Media, the North Carolina-based company that provides the service, will continue offering it for free under a new number: 217-408-9123.
“Heartland would not allow us to continue using the number residents have called for years, so we made the decision to keep the service available with a new number,” said RTI Media President Bruce Robertson.
The “Weather Now” service provides callers with the current time, temperature, forecast and additional weather information. RTI Media and its partners operate similar services nationwide, generating more than 1.5 million calls each month.
“Time & Temperature phone services have been around since the 1930s,” Robertson said. “Even in the age of smartphones, many people still value the simplicity and reliability of calling for the weather.”
Tree planting initiative brings orchards to Jacksonville neighborhoods
A community-driven agriculture project is taking root across Jacksonville as volunteers begin planting hundreds of fruit trees through the GRO Trust’s Orchards of Grace initiative. The effort, which began as a plan to plant 200 trees in honor of Jacksonville’s bicentennial, has expanded to 250 trees. The project also coincides with the United States’ 250th anniversary.
Over the coming weeks, apple, pear, plum, peach and cherry trees will be planted at Mainstreet Farms sites throughout the city. “This is more than planting trees—it’s about planting hope,” said Michael Woods, lead cultivator of GRO Trust.
The project is funded through a grant from Faith in Place, along with contributions from local individuals and organizations. Organizers say the orchards aim to increase access to fresh food while strengthening community connections.
Gallery to feature work of folk musician Ben Bedford
The Art Association of Jacksonville will present an exhibit by folk singer-songwriter Ben Bedford from April 4 to April 26 at The David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 W. College Ave. in Jacksonville. An opening reception will be held April 4 from 6-8 p.m., including a gallery talk at 6:30 p.m.
Bedford’s work blends visual art with musical influence, featuring pen-and-ink drawings that reflect rhythmic patterns and themes found in his songwriting. Recognized by WFMT-Chicago as one of the 50 most significant folk songwriters of the past 50 years, Bedford has toured extensively across North America and Europe.
Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 4-6 p.m. and Sundays from 1-3 p.m. Admission is free. Learn more at strawnartgallery.org.
Salem Lutheran hosts kindergarten signing day
Salem Lutheran School recently celebrated a special milestone by hosting a “Kindergarten Signing Day,” officially welcoming 15 incoming students for the 2026–27 school year.
The students, all currently enrolled in Salem’s pre-K program, were joined by their parents for the event, where they proudly signed certificates of intent to attend kindergarten this fall.
Each student also received a Salem polo shirt to commemorate the occasion. Salem Lutheran School Principal Joy Reitsma shared in the excitement as families marked this important step in their educational journey.
Since 1859, Salem Lutheran School has been an integral part of the ministry of Salem Lutheran Church, providing a Christ-centered education for children ages 2 through eighth grade. The school is known for its dedicated and caring teaching team, low student-to-teacher ratio and classrooms equipped with the latest technology.
Families interested in learning more about Salem Lutheran School are encouraged to contact the school at 217-243-3419 or visit salemjaxschool.net for additional information.
Public Library announces April programs and events
The Jacksonville Public Library has announced a series of April programs it will host that are focused on history, wellness and the arts.
Starting off the series of programs is “What Can the Job Center of Jacksonville Do For You?” This presentation, in collaboration with Jeni Sprinkle of The Job Center of Jacksonville, will take place on April 9 at 11 a.m. From job boards and resume building to job applications, The Job Center has so many resources for people seeking employment!
The library will host the Illinois College Percussion Ensemble on April 12 at 4 p.m. as part of its “Music Under the Dome” series. The Illinois College Percussion Ensemble brings a wide variety of music to the Illinois College campus as well as the Jacksonville community. Members perform music in a wide variety of genres. The ensemble also performs crowd-pleasing percussion arrangements of popular songs by artists such as Coldplay, John Lennon and Alanis Morissette.
A mindfulness workshop, “Being Mindful in a Busy World,” will be held April 14 from 2-3:30 p.m. The program, geared toward adults 50 and older, will introduce stress-reduction techniques and mindfulness practices and is presented in collaboration with Katrina Moore of the Morgan County University of Illinois Extension.
A historical presentation, “Elizabeth Packard: The Woman Who Would Not Be Silenced,” will take place April 15 at 6 p.m., featuring a portrayal by Laura Keyes of Historic Voices.
On April 29 at 6 p.m., historian John Lynn will present “Lewis & Clark: The Return to St. Louis (1806),” exploring the expedition’s return journey along the Missouri River.
Admission is free for all events. The Jacksonville Public Library is located at 201 W. College Ave., Jacksonville. Call 217-243-5435 or email ajones@jaxpl.org with questions. Find out more about the JPL at jaxpl.org.
