By Ben Cox
Rabbi Rob Thomas joins Illinois College trustees
Rabbi Rob Thomas announced on July 1 that he has been added to the Board of Trustees for Illinois College. Thomas received an honorary degree from the college this year. In the announcement in the college’s newsletter, it cites his wealth of experience in national security, technology and community development that aligns with the college’s commitment to “workforce development and community engagement.” Thomas credits attending a student summer program at the college at the age of 12 that sparked his passion for computer programming. “IC is a great asset to our community; not many communities our size can boast both a two-year and a four-year college. Illinois College brings to our community students, staff, and faculty from all across the cultural and geographic landscape, and matriculates students ready to contribute to society,” Thomas said. [Photo provided]
Hayes announces sale of portion of former AC Humko property
Local entrepreneur and property magnate Michael Hayes announced on July 13 that he has sold the remaining acreage of the former AC Humko property on Jacksonville’s east end. Hayes acquired the 91-acre shuttered facility more than five years ago. Parts of the property have become the Country Club Hills subdivision, a concrete plant, the newly operational cannabis production facility and was a lay-down yard for the Lincoln Land Wind Project. Hayes says that as of the first week in July, “The remaining portion of the AC Humko property, which includes the original plant building and 38 acres of undeveloped land has been sold to a family-owned company with a commitment to the Jacksonville community.” In the announcement, Hayes thanked the City of Jacksonville, the Community Development Department, the City Council and all the contractors who helped with his tenure of ownership attempting to put the property back into good use. Jaren Industries announced that they were the family owned company who had purchased the property with an article in the Jacksonville Journal-Courier. The company purchased the property for $275,000 according to the report. Joseph Hughs, vice president of operations and general counsel for Jaren Industries, told the paper the company plans to use the land for equipment storage and material staging. Over time, Jaren Industries plans to renovate the building and convert it into a warehouse or, if the demand is great enough, a drive-through storage facility, he said. Hughs says the company may also lease some of the space to other companies if there is demand. Jaren Industries has recently overseen demolition of McClelland Dining Hall as well as multiple locations along West College Avenue.
Jacksonville man pleads guilty to federal charge in Michigan court for transporting minor across state lines
A Jacksonville man arrested in an FBI raid earlier this year has pleaded guilty to charges in relation to the case in Western Michigan federal court last month. Hart L. Buckley, 24, formerly of the 500 block of South Westgate Avenue in Jacksonville, pleaded guilty to Transportation of a Minor with Intent to Engage in Criminal Sexual Activity on June 10 in the Western District federal court in Michigan. According to the federal indictment, in 2022, Buckley allegedly began to knowingly persuade, induce, entice, and coerce a minor male subject in Michigan from his home in Illinois through the Internet and through a cell phone. According to the document, Buckley used a rideshare program to transport the minor from around Wyoming, Michigan to Jacksonville with the intent to engage in sexual activity with the minor in January. Buckley was arrested in an FBI swat raid at his home in Jacksonville on February 19. Buckley remains in the custody of the U.S. Marshal’s service. He is due to be sentenced on September 30. Buckley faces a sentence of 10 years to life imprisonment.
Third annual Taste of Cultures event coming to Jacksonville African American History Museum
Jacksonville residents will have an opportunity to try cuisine from around the world at the third annual Taste of Cultures event hosted by the Jacksonville African American History Museum. The annual event hosts more than a dozen vendors of cultural foods from several countries. The vendors come from different restaurants here in Jacksonville, Springfield and the surrounding area. A recommended $10 donation gets you a plate and there will be free admission into the museum located at 859 Grove St. in the Asa Talcott House. For more information, call 217-414-5059 or email jvilleaahm@gmail.com.
Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Simmons Cancer Institute partner for free cancer screening
Jacksonville Memorial Hospital and the Simmons Cancer Institute at the SIU School of Medicine are offering a free community skin cancer screening event on Saturday, July 26 from 9 a.m. to noon at JMH. Screenings will be conducted by a dermatology team from Simmons Cancer Institute. Funding for the screening is provided by SIU School of Medicine and JMH. Participants should not currently be under the care of a dermatologist. To register for a screening, call 447-784-3212. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 1 in 5 Americans will be diagnosed with a form of skin cancer.
Elks Kids Fishing Tournament approaching on August 2
Jacksonville Elks Lodge #682 wishes to remind the public the 11th annual Elks Kids Fishing Tournament will be held August 2 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Nichols Park. The tournament is open to all children 12 and under. There will be two age groups that will have prizes. Prizes will also be awarded for the longest fish for both boys and girls. Hot dogs and drinks will be served. Participants are asked to bring their own rod and reel. Bait will be provided. For further information, email jaxelks682@live.com.
Jacksonville Library hosting family board game night
The Jacksonville Public Library is inviting the public to the library for a night of family fun and games on July 30 at 6 p.m. Bring your favorite board game, join a card game or learn a new one. Admission to the event is free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, call 217-243-5435 or email Adult Services Librarian Ali Jones at ajones@jaxpl.org.
Spero Chamber Chorale in concert July 26-27 in Springfield
The Spero Chamber Chorale returns this summer for its seventh season of inspiring choral music. The choir is composed of professional musicians, music teachers, church musicians and skilled amateurs from throughout Central Illinois. This year, the choir explores our human and spiritual connections, with a program entitled “Hope For Us.” Selections range from choral classics such as Ubi Caritas by Maurice Durufle, The Last Words of David by Randall Thompson, and selections from JS Bach’s Magnificat. Newer favorites from the modern era will include Behold, How Good by John Michael Trotta and The Noble Art of Music by Michael Kaulkin. As usual, the choir will also present plenty of toe-tappers and crowd pleasers, such as a spiritual by Jester Hairston, and an arrangement of Carly Simon’s popular Let the River Run. The choir also often highlights solo voices from within their ranks, and this year will be joined by various local instrumentalists. This year’s opening concert will be at the historic “Lincoln’s Church,” First Presbyterian, on Saturday, July 26, 7 p.m. (321 S. 7th St, Springfield). For the second concert, the choir will perform at Central Baptist church on Sunday, July 28 at 2 p.m. (504 S 4th St, Springfield). Spero’s concerts are always free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.sperochoir.org. [Photos provided]
Jacksonville area organizations hosting second annual Welcoming event
Four organizations will again collaborate to offer an event to welcome new residents to the region next month in downtown Jacksonville. The Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce, Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (JACVB), Jacksonville Main Street and Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation (JREDC) will collectively host a welcome tent at the downtown concert on Friday, July 25, to connect newcomers in the community to people already established in the area. “In my conversations with human resource professionals and people who have recently moved to the area, I have learned we can do a better job introducing people to one another in our communities,” said Kristin Jamison, president of JREDC. “Those of us who are originally from this area or have lived here for a number of years should serve as a resource to new residents in an effort to connect them professionally and socially.” Last year’s event built upon JREDC’s talent attraction campaign, which brought five individuals to live in Jacksonville from across the country.
“It’s about showcasing the spirit of our community,” said Brittany Henry, executive director of JACVB. “We want new residents to experience not just our events and attractions, but also the welcoming nature of the people who make Jacksonville feel like home. This event is about creating those meaningful connections that help people feel rooted and truly part of our community.”
Anyone new or considering the Jacksonville area as a place to live, work or do business is encouraged to attend the free, outdoor concert on July 25 featuring live music by The Case Band. The welcome tent will open at 5 p.m. and include giveaways and the opportunity to meet people invested in Jacksonville area communities. [Photo/Flyer provided]
Local General Assembly members partner for school supply drive
State Senator Jil Tracy, State Representative Kyle Moore and State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer are partnering for a school supply drive. The legislators are accepting large items like backpacks and lunch boxes as well as standard small items like pencils, notebooks, crayons, markers or any other school-related items. “Together, we can make sure every child starts the school year ready to learn and succeed. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference!” says Senator Tracy. Supplies can be dropped off at the legislators’ shared office at 325 West State Street, Suite 102 in Jacksonville. If you have further questions, call Representative Moore’s office at 217-223-0833. Supplies will be accepted now through August 8. [Photo provided]
Jacksonville Main Street is urging residents to fill out survey for multi-year plan
Jacksonville Main Street wants residents to give their opinion about downtown Jacksonville. Jacksonville Main Street has to go through an accreditation process through Main Street America every five years. JMS Executive Director Judy Tighe says the survey is the starting point in the accreditation process that culminates with a visit from officials from Main Street America who will tour downtown and speak with local business leaders. Tighe says that Jacksonville Main Street’s board will look at results from the survey to see if the scope of their work and events needs to adjust. The link to the online survey can be found at jacksonvillemainstreet.org, on Jacksonville Main Street’s Facebook page or by calling 217-245-6884 for more information.
Morgan County Sheriff’s Office reporting phone scam circulating
The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office is reporting a phone scam circulating that’s attempting to dupe people out of money. The sheriff’s office says the scam artists are falsely representing themselves as Chief Deputy Jamie Jackson. The release indicates the callers are urging recipients to contact them regarding an urgent legal matter. Investigators say the number most commonly used is 217-952-6172, but there could be additional variations used. The sheriff’s department emphasizes these are a scam, and any calls should be reported to the sheriff’s department or nearest police agency immediately.
Long-time WLDS Farm News Broadcaster passes away
Mike Perrine, who served as AM1180-WLDS farm director, passed away at his home in Troy, Illinois on July 16. He was 83. Perrine began his radio career in 1959 after winning a high school DJ contest that led to a part-time job at WBBA in his hometown of Pittsfield. Perrine joined WLDS in the 1960s and was there until the early 1980s. Perrine also spent time at Jacksonville station WJIL for a short time. Over the course of his career, he worked in radio sales and management across Illinois and in Texas and Wisconsin, including time with KRIG, WGEM, WCSI, WKAN, Tribune Radio Networks, WGN Radio, and AgriTalk Radio Network. He later started his own station in Troy. In November 2023, he was inducted into the National Association of Farm Broadcasters Hall of Fame. Funeral services will take place in September.
Pickleball group lobbies Jacksonville City Council for more public courts in the city
Pickle ball packed the house at the Jacksonville City Council meeting on July 14. Members of the OMG Pickleball Club of Jacksonville filled the council chambers in support of bringing more public pickleball courts to the city. City leaders began discussions in 2023 about adding pickleball courts in a few of the city’s public parks, but those discussions had stalled out. Mayor Andy Ezard even admitted prior to public comment that he originally thought pickleball was a passing fad. Jack Handy, of Springfield, who runs the Scheels Pickleball Tournament, says when he lived in Virginia, Illinois, he spent a lot of time playing pickleball with friends in Jacksonville back in 2012. Since then, he says the game has more than doubled nationwide and it’s not just a game for seniors as the average age of those playing now are inching closer to 50 years old. Handy says he seen firsthand the effects it has on individuals physical and social health, noting that one woman had told him recently that being involved with the pickleball club kept her from committing suicide after the death of her husband. Handy says the Springfield Scheels’ pickleball tournament, which now features over 300 teams, has a positive net economic impact on the city totaling around $340,000 on an annual basis. He says he would like Jacksonville to feel similar returns with an eventual tournament of its own. Kathy Murray, who recently moved back to Jacksonville from Naples, Florida, says she’s seen the positive impact of the game in both locations and only anticipates further growth. Jacksonville High School Tennis Coach Doug Moy says that there is a massive need for both pickleball and tennis courts in the city as his team, which has more than doubled over the last four years, struggles to find places to play. Ward 2 Alderwoman Lori Large-Oldenettel who chairs the city’s Parks & Lakes Committee says a concerted effort now needs to happen to come up with a plan to find a good location for the courts as well as finding the money to pay for some courts. The cost to install new courts just two years ago was around $81,000 per court. Plans to repair the tennis courts at Veterans Park and convert those into pickleball courts were estimated around $340,000 just a few short years ago. Handy says that only one particular group, All Weather Courts Recreational Surfacing out of Dawson, Illinois, handles this type of project for the area. Handy says the city should seek out grants and funding along with assistance from Illinois College and District 117 to create a partnership to ease the financial burden. The city’s Parks & Lakes Committee is scheduled to hold a meeting in the coming weeks to begin laying the groundwork for new plans and to find financing for the project. [ Photo/Ben Cox – Cutline: Kathy Murray of the OMG Pickleball Club of Jacksonville addressed the Jacksonville City Council on July 14 about the need for more public courts in the city.]
Jacksonville native signs with Kansas City Royals organization
Routt Catholic High School graduate and pitcher for the University of Hawaii, Cory Ronan, has signed as an undrafted free agent with the Kansas City Royals organization. KHON reports that the left-handed pitcher went undrafted in this week’s Major League Baseball amateur draft, but signed the day after the draft ended on July 14 with the Royals organization. As a junior in 2025 at the University of Hawaii, Ronan finished strong, going 4-2 with a 4.81 ERA and 39 strikeouts over 33 2/3 innings despite nagging injuries. For his UH career, he made 35 appearances, posting a 5-3 record with a 4.87 ERA and 64 strikeouts in 57 1/3 innings. Ronan has been pitching in the MLB Draft League this summer with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers in Niles, Ohio. So far he’s 1-1 with a 3.38 ERA striking out 4 across 5 1/3 innings out of the bullpen.
Jacksonville nursing home fined by IDPH for violations in first quarter
The Illinois Department of Public Health released its list of long-term care facilities and nursing homes that were cited for violations of the state’s licensure policies in the first quarter of the year last week. Overall, 243 citations were issued across the state in the first quarter. Violations are rated from the most severe Type AA, in which a condition or event has a proximate connection to a death, to the least severe Type C, which includes a situation that creates a substantial probability of less than minimal physical or mental harm to a resident. Arcadia Care-Jacksonville, located at 1021 North Church Street, was cited for a Type B violation. The facility was fined $2,200, which is double the normal penalty, due to it being designated a high-risk situation. Investigators determined Arcadia failed to coordinate services for a neurology specialist for a patient with a history of abnormal movements, falls, and a gagging incident, which resulted in worsening conditions. Facilities in Alton, Springfield, Pittsfield, Rushville and Jerseyville also appeared on the list.
Jacksonville Lions Club hosting school supplies drive
The Jacksonville Lions Club is once again generously sponsoring a school supply drive to support the students of Jacksonville School District #117. School supplies provided through this drive will be purchased at Walmart, collected by members of the Jacksonville Lions Club who will be present at the events, and then delivered to the Jacksonville Public Schools Foundation for distribution throughout the district. This partnership between the Lions Club, Walmart and the JPSF has helped District #117 students get to the classroom in the best condition for learning by providing thousands of school supplies over the years. Those wishing to purchase supplies for donation can do so at Walmart in Jacksonville. The school supply drive will be held during the next two Fridays and Saturdays: July 25 and 26, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; and August 1 and 2, 2025, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
