By Ben Cox
Waterfowl blind drawings, schedule released by IDNR
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host traditional blind drawings at various sites for this year. Participants are advised to follow any site-specific drawing procedures. Waterfowl hunters must register in person for blind site drawings and must be present at the drawing held at each location designated below immediately after the registration period to claim their blind sites. Mail-in or pre-registrations are not accepted. Blind allocations for these sites are good for one year.
To participate in a drawing, all applicants must present a 2024 or 2025 regular Illinois hunting license; a 2024 or 2025 Illinois Migratory Waterfowl Stamp at the time they register, unless exempted by law; and valid photo identification. Applicants must be at least 16 years old by the date of the drawing. No apprentice licenses and no youth licenses will be accepted unless the youth license holder also presents hunter safety certification.
Applicants needing to purchase licenses and stamps should do so prior to the drawing. Most blind drawing locations will not have license sales available. Licenses and stamps are available at any IDNR license and permit vendor or through IDNR’s website, exploremoreil.com.
Registrants are no longer required to possess a valid Illinois Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card from the Illinois State Police to participate in blind drawings. Also, to be an eligible applicant for the drawing, participants must not have their hunting privileges suspended or revoked by IDNR or any other jurisdiction at the time of the drawing.
Out of state residents must have an annual 2024 or 2025 non-resident hunting license for Illinois and a 2024 or 2025 Illinois Migratory Waterfowl Stamp. Five-day licenses will not be accepted. Individuals with a disability precluding them from hunting from a waterfowl blind may be accommodated through the issuance of a standing vehicle permit from IDNR.
The schedule for 2025 blind drawings for the local area is as follows:
Sunday, July 20 – Blinds allocated for two years
• Mississippi River Pool 21 and Pool 22, Adams County: Registration 10 a.m.-noon at Twin Oaks Sportsman’s Club, 2707 Bonansinga Drive, Quincy.
• Mississippi River Pool 24, Pike County: Registration 10 a.m.-noon at the IDNR Office, Route 106 West, Pittsfield.
Sunday, July 27 – Blinds allocated for one year
• Meredosia Lake in Morgan and Cass counties (allocated for two years): Registration noon-2 p.m. at the Jim Edgar Panther Creek hunter check-in building located adjacent to the site office, about 7 miles southeast of Chandlerville, 10149 County Highway 11, Chandlerville.
• Sanganois State Fish and Wildlife Area, Cass and Mason counties: Registration 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on the east side of the maintenance building, 2 miles north of Chandlerville on Illinois 78. Follow the signs to Sanganois.
Western Illinois Fair announces royalty candidates
The Western Illinois Fair’s 14th annual Queen & Princess Pageant has announced the candidates for their royalty. The pageant is scheduled for Wednesday, June 18 at the Griggsville fairgrounds starting at 7 p.m. This year’s pageant will also have a Junior Miss Pageant for the very first time. The pageant is open to candidates from Adams, Brown, Calhoun, Scott, Morgan and Pike counties. Western Illinois 2024 Fair Queen Kaylee Ford finished as third runner-up at the state pageant held in Springfield in January.
The 2025 princess candidates include
(L to R) Caroline Wilson, Eleanor Hinch, Rayni Risley, Josslyn Buchanan,
2024 Western Illinois Fair Princess Breckyn Manson,
Nevaeh Ransdell, Hazel Sneeden, Blakely WaliUddin and Meika Dewitt. Not pictured is Eleanor Flynn.
The 2025 junior miss candidates include
(L to R) Maggie Schnake, Aubrey Kunzeman, Aria White, Zoey Quintini, Lillyann Kline, Falyn Bolton, Rorie Dunham, Leighton Blevins, Lincoln Slight and Ahna York.
The 2025 queen candidates include
(L to R) Mariska Sheurman, Aimee Edwards, Isla Willis, Joely Dolen, 2024 Western Illinois Fair Queen and 3rd runner up at the Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Pageant Kaylee Ford, Makenna Post, Broklynn Stolte, Alaina Ford, Addison Surratt and Taylor Graves.
McKea Jones named new assistant to principal at Bluffs
The Scott-Morgan Community Unit District #2 Board of Education has named McKea Jones as the new assistant to the principal at Bluffs schools.
Jones was the director of services/dean of students at Bluffs schools prior to the promotion. Jones is working on her administration licensure at McKendree College, with completion expected in May 2026.
Jones is a native of Winchester, and prior to joining the Bluffs school district, she served as athletic director, a teacher and a coach for the North Greene School District. Jones will work alongside current principal Brandi Pennock until Pennock transitions to the Scott-Morgan District Superintendent early next year. At that time, Jones will then transition into the role of Bluffs principal.
“We are excited to have McKea as the new assistant to the principal of Scott-Morgan School District 2,” said current superintendent Kevin Blankenship in a press release on June 10. “Her experience as our director of student services/dean of students and her familiarity and knowledge [of] the inner workings within the district makes McKea the right choice to serve our school and community.”
The press release says that Pennock and Jones will work together for a smooth transition in the district’s leadership. Blankenship is slated to retire from both the Winchester and Bluffs School Districts at the end of this calendar year.
American Legion Post #279 hosting flag ceremony, free barbecue on July 4
The Jacksonville American Legion Post #279 is hosting a free barbecue after a flag raising ceremony on July 4.
The flag raising ceremony will commence outside of the legion hall, located at 903 West Superior Ave., atop the hill, at noon. The barbecue of hamburgers and hot dogs, sponsored by Jones Meat & Locker, will be served inside. The public is invited, especially all local veterans.
The event is a collaboration between all of Jacksonville’s veterans’ service organizations: American Legion Post #279, AmVets Post #100 and VFW Post #1379.
American Legion Post #279 has also announced the election of its new officers. Steve Scott was elected post commander, Jon Agner was elected senior vice commander and Richard Moss was elected junior vice commander. Others who are currently serving in executive positions include Warren Heaton, adjutant; John Samson, sergeant at arms; and Lewis Eason, chaplain.
LLCC announces spring 2025 president’s and vice president’s lists
Lincoln Land Community College has announced its full-time and part-time president’s and vice president’s lists for the spring 2025 semester.
Full-time students who earned a 4.0 grade point average (GPA) are noted with an asterisk and earned president’s list honors. Full-time students who earned between a GPA of 3.5-3.99 earned vice president’s list honors. Full-time students are enrolled in 12 or more credit hours. Part-time students must be enrolled in 6-11 credit hours to be eligible.
Full-time students include: Arenzville – Kj Beck, Seth M. Burchard, George Gallegos; Bluffs – Presley K. Sturtevant I; Chapin – Ally E. Bridgewater*, Dawson W. Dillard*; Concord – Garrett O. Sheehan; Jacksonville – Gavin T. Amdal*, Coy D. Beddingfield*, Liam M. Behl, Elleigh Buhlig*, Conrad Charpentier, Elsa M. Cole, Alex T. Dufelmeier, Thatcher W. Frye, Naomi M. Glaenzer Jr., Fynn Hellmeyer, Andrew R. Hembrough*, Ben Jackson, Zach Jacobsen, Emily V. Jones, Gavin Meek*, Caitlin C. Platt, Mitch Pratt*, William N. Ridlen*, Tessa K. Runkle*, Caleb M. Settles*, Korbyn M. Stevens, Michael C. Stewart, Jordan S. Taylor, Nolan R. Turner*, Addison J. Walker, Charles W. Walker, Evan Wyatt, Emma R. Wyman*; Murrayville – Chloe N. Birdsell*, Addy Blimling*, Contessa J. Brickey; South Jacksonville – Max Alexander, Carsyn R. Crow*, Evan W. Kennedy, Rheagan O. Lacey*; Virginia – Evan W. Bell, Joel S. Garnot*, Nolan Killion, Kayla D. Slaton; Waverly – Abby Hendricks, Josh Sutera; Winchester – Owen T. Barber*, Clara R. Ford, Olivia B. Kraushaar-Bingeman; and Woodson – Jack D. Coumbes.
Part-time students include: Arenzville – Olivia Curry, Wade T. Swan*, Jeris A. Wankel, Amber R. Zinkula; Bluffs – Jackson Surratt*; Chapin – Olivia M. Stock*; Concord – Lily McEvers*; Franklin – Mikah Ribble*; Jacksonville – Levi T. Allen*, Kaleb S. Birdsell*, Murry M. Brown*, Alaina Cagle, Ryan Connors*, Krystal L. Cozart, Judson R. Crowell*, Tayler B. Day, Faith A. Embley*, Hayle J. Force, Faith Hadlock*, Paige J. Hinds*, Alex Klein*, Emily C. Knott*, Reshika Mahat*, Ryan Oswald, Alexa M. Pattie*, Trey Pellerin*, Ella M. Rajaguru*, Brianna N. Stelling, Alexis M. Stewart, Lydia E. Tosh, Elijah Z. Turner*, Kat Weiler-Mcspadden*, Lacey M. Weissenborn*, Collin M. Welch*, Steven M. Wells*, Meredith K. Wharton, Natalie Wharton*, Jernerio D. White*, Victoria M. Wilson*, Issy Woods; Murrayville – Erica Korak*; South Jacksonville – Webster Boose Jr.*, Hayley R. Christian*, Lindsey Lacy, Jeremy E. Schofield*;
Virginia – Lauren E. Armstrong*, Isabella R. Garner, Lindy M. Parlier*; Waverly – Jamie L. Lyons*, Hannah M. Mutch; and Winchester – Vaeda Cox*, Brendan H. Garrett Jr., Chance R. Little Sr.*, Abby Thompson*.
Valley of Springfield Scottish Rite announces annual scholarship recipients
The Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry, Valley of Springfield has announced its annual list of scholarship recipients. This year the group announced 48 scholarship winners totaling over $100,000. The honorees were awarded at a reception in Springfield on June 8.
The following individuals received health care scholarships from Jacksonville: Madison Fanning, Tate Morrisey and Grace Newman. The health care scholarships did not require a masonic relationship but required a 3.0 minimum GPA and entry into a health care field.
Elizabeth Solterman, of Jacksonville, received the Robert B. Perkins Scholarship, which requires a masonic relationship. The applicant must have a father, grandfather, brother or uncle who is (or was, if deceased) a member in good standing of an Illinois Scottish Rite Valley. The applicant must be a resident of Illinois, be an undergraduate and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
For more information about the Valley of Springfield Scottish Rite scholarships, call 217-793-7728 or visit aasr-spi.org.
Braxton Stewart named new principal at Franklin schools
Franklin Community Unit School District #1 announced June 11 the hire of Braxton Stewart as its new PK-12 principal.
Stewart most recently served as a K-5 principal for Jacksonville School District #117, where he led North Elementary, Murrayville-Woodson Elementary and South Jacksonville Elementary schools.
His background also includes roles as a 9th and 10th grade severe social/emotional disorders teacher at Four Rivers Special Education District/Garrison Alternative School, homeless youth overnight monitor at Midwest Youth Services and co-director of the Western Illinois Youth Camp. Furthermore, Stewart dedicated two years to service as a Peace Corps member/Public Health Educator, stationed in Guinea.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Braxton Stewart to our administrative team,” said Jeff Waggener, superintendent of Franklin CUSD #1. “His extensive
experience in both elementary and special education, coupled with his commitment to student well-being and his ongoing pursuit of advanced education, make him an ideal fit for Franklin CUSD #1. We look forward to the positive impact he will have on our students, staff and community.”
Stewart expressed his enthusiasm for his new role, stating, “I am honored to join Franklin CUSD #1 and am eager to collaborate with the dedicated educators, families and community members to foster a supportive and enriching learning environment for all students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade.” Stewart’s tenure at Franklin will begin this fall.
CCK among 29 Illinois manufacturers to receive Made in Illinois Grant
Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) announced on June 11 the recipients of the 2025 Made in Illinois Grant Program.
This year, 29 small and mid-sized manufacturers across Illinois are receiving a combined $1.35 million in capital grant funding to drive innovation, efficiency, and growth in the state’s vital manufacturing sector.
The program is part of Illinois’ broader commitment to support the state’s manufacturers while bolstering the manufacturing ecosystem. “Illinois is a globally-recognized manufacturing hub and the Made in Illinois Program is designed to support the small and mid-size manufacturers that make up a crucial part of our economy,” said Pritzker.
“This grant program helps companies access resources to become more competitive, enhance economic development, attract capital, and bring jobs to communities across the state. I look forward to seeing how these manufacturers utilize the program to advance innovation in their field.”
The Made in Illinois Grant Program, administered by IMEC with funding from DCEO, provides matching grants of up to $50,000 to help small and mid-sized manufacturers invest in strategic projects that fuel innovation, increase productivity, and enhance competitiveness.
In 2025, the program awarded $1.35 million to 29 manufacturers employing a combined 1,120 individuals supporting projects that represent a total investment of over $38.3 million statewide.
The grant is expected to assist CCK Automations and its 95 employees. The company, founded in 1999, specializes in the design and manufacture of IPC-A-610-certified printed circuit board assemblies (PCBA’s) tailored to meet the specific requirements of a wide range of industries and applications around the world.
Former Salvation Army building being turned into innovation, education hub
The former Salvation Army building in Jacksonville has been officially purchased and is set to become The MARK Building — a multi-use community space dedicated to maker innovation, agricultural-centered living, resilience and knowledge-sharing, according to its buyers.
According to a press release from Dr. Michael Woods, the building is being converted into a maker space and event venue that will offer local creators and entrepreneurs a place to build on new ideas and gather.
The building is set to be a part of a broader vision that Woods and a group of stakeholders are putting together called “a MARK for living,” with further plans underway to introduce affordable cottage housing surrounded by agricultural lands, alternative energy solutions and smart-living systems.
“This project is about more than repurposing a building — it’s about reigniting imagination at the center of our community,” said Woods. “The MARK Building is where innovation, community, and sustainable living converge. It’s a space designed to leave a mark — not only on our neighborhood, but in the lives of our community.”
The project team anticipates opening the Maker Space and event venue components in the fall, with further developments to follow through collaborative partnerships and grant initiatives.
Morgan County HCE Annual Meeting scheduled for June 19
The Morgan County Home and Community Education Association’s Annual Meeting will be held at the Morgan County Extension Office, 104 North Westgate Ave., Jacksonville, on Thursday, June 19.
This year’s theme is “Make Time for HCE.” Registration and a time of fellowship with breakfast treats will be held from 9-9:30 a.m., followed by the business meeting and program.
Since Jacksonville is celebrating its 200th anniversary, the featured speaker will be Judy Tighe representing Jacksonville Main Street. Karen Cahill, IAHCE District 3 director, will install the new officers and give an update on the activities of IAHCE.
Members with perfect attendance, 50-year+ members and volunteers will be recognized. In addition, the group will remember those members who passed away in the past year.
HCE enhances the lives of individuals and families through educational programs and experiences, encouraging responsible leadership and providing service to the community. All HCE members are encouraged to attend. Guests and new members are welcome. Reservations are not required.
