By Ben Cox
Photos provided
Jacksonville residents head to the Capitol
A pair of notable Jacksonville residents were at the State Capitol in Springfield this week to discuss policy for their respective fields with 50th District State Senator Jil Tracy this week. Brittany Henry, executive director of the Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and chair of the Illinois Destinations Association, was joined with Cory Jobe, president & CEO at Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. Jobe also serves as chair of Illinois’ Route 66 Centennial Celebration Commission that is working on celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Mother Road this year. Each spoke with Tracy about ongoing successes and challenges in the tourism industry for the state. Laura Doss, Commander of the Illinois Department of AmVets, visited with Tracy later in the week to discuss issues currently affecting Illinois veterans. Lawmakers returned to the Capitol last week ahead of the Governor’s annual budget address to begin committee hearings for the upcoming Spring legislative session.
WGU and Autism Center of Illinois partner to expand rural autism care
Western Governors University (WGU) and Autism Center of Illinois have announced a new partnership aimed at expanding access to autism care in rural communities across the state by strengthening the local workforce. Through the collaboration, Autism Center of Illinois employees will gain access to WGU’s flexible, online degree programs, along with scholarship support through the WGU Healthcare Partners Fund. The initiative is designed to help professionals advance their education without leaving their communities, addressing a critical shortage of providers in Applied Behavior Analysis and related autism services. Rural Illinois families often face long waitlists for diagnosis and treatment, and in some cases must relocate to larger cities to access care. Leaders from both organizations say the partnership will help build a sustainable local talent pipeline, reduce service gaps and improve outcomes for children and families. A ceremonial signing event is planned for April and will include remarks from organizational leaders, a family testimonial and tours of the Autism Center’s facility in Jacksonville.
Jacksonville approves new e-bike city ordinance
The Jacksonville City Council has approved a new ordinance clarifying where and how low-speed electric bicycles, commonly known as e-bikes, may be operated within city limits. Under the ordinance, e-bikes are defined in accordance with Illinois law (625 ILCS 5/1-140.10) as bicycles equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. The law recognizes three classes: Class 1 and 2 models that assist up to 20 miles per hour, and Class 3 models that assist up to 28 miles per hour and must be equipped with a speedometer.
Jacksonville Police Chief Doug Thompson emphasized that e-bikes are considered bicycles, not motorcycles. They do not require turn signals or rearview mirrors but must have a headlamp and red rear reflector. Riders must follow standard bicycle traffic laws, ride as close to the curb as practical, and obey all traffic signals. E-bikes are prohibited on Morton Avenue, Main Street and Walnut Street, and may not be operated on sidewalks unless specifically authorized. Violations will be handled as city ordinance offenses under the general penalty schedule.
LLCC-Jacksonville to begin offering industrial tech certificate
Lincoln Land Community College will launch a new hands-on industrial technology certificate program at its Jacksonville campus beginning in August 2026, aimed at preparing students for high-demand careers in industrial maintenance. The three-semester program will meet Monday through Friday from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at LLCC-Jacksonville, 32 North Central Park Plz.
Open to the public, the program is also being offered as a College Now dual-credit opportunity in partnership with Jacksonville Public Schools, allowing Jacksonville High School students to earn both high school and college credit. Funding support includes free tuition, tools and books for the first semester, with additional financial assistance available for qualifying students in the second semester. Tuition for eligible Jacksonville High School students will be covered by the Jacksonville Public Schools Foundation.
The program provides training in electrical and mechanical systems, including PLC programming, vibration analysis, process controls and blueprint reading, using industry-standard equipment. Registration for fall 2026 opens April 15, with classes beginning Aug. 24. More information is available at llcc.edu/industrial.
The Art Association of Jacksonville announces annual Beaux Arts Ball theme, introduces event co-chairs
In a statement, Zang said this year’s ball carries added meaning as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. ““We would like to honor the resilience, grit and hope of our Founding Fathers,” she said, noting that the theme blends the determination of Paul Revere with the elegance and cultural influence of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.
The Art Association of Jacksonville has announced the theme for the 69th annual Beaux Arts Ball: “Liberty in Bloom.” The annual fundraiser, set for Saturday, April 25, supports art appreciation and education for all ages at The David Strawn Art Gallery. The theme was unveiled Feb. 7 during the gallery’s monthly opening by general co-chairs Robyn Maher, Erica Melcher and Casey Zang.
Kyla Hurt will design this year’s set that will portray American colors depicted through elegant and bold flowers. Additionally, the co-chairs designed the logo with this year’s “Liberty in Bloom” theme in mind.
Festivities for this year’s Beaux Arts Ball will begin on April 25 with a champagne reception from 5-6:30 p.m. at The David Strawn Art Gallery, followed by coronation at Illinois College’s Rammelkamp Chapel at 7 p.m. Entertainment by Spectrum Band and hors d’oeuvres at Hamilton’s will follow. Patron tickets are $50 and include admission to the reception, coronation and dance. General admission tickets are $10 and include the coronation and reception. Tickets are available at strawnartgallery.org and at the door. An interpreter for the Deaf and accessible seating will be available upon request.
As the association’s primary fundraiser, proceeds from the ball help to fund gallery exhibits, art classes for children and adults, and ongoing maintenance of the historic gallery building. The association offers free monthly exhibits to the public and a variety of educational programming throughout the year.
Follow “The Art Association of Jacksonville” on Facebook for more information about The David Strawn Art Gallery and Beaux Arts Ball.
Crime of the Week: Vandalism in Northwood Mobile Home Park
Crime Stoppers of Morgan, Scott and Cass Counties is requesting information to assist the Jacksonville Police Department in a recent criminal damage to property incident. At approximately 9:45 p.m. on February 23, unknown individuals threw a piece of asphalt at a residence in the 300 block of Berkshire Lane, shattering a window in the process. Police are asking if anyone has any information concerning this incident to please leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 217-243-7300, visiting morganscottcrimestoppers.com or by clicking the ‘Contact Us’ on their Facebook page. Remember, Crime Stoppers just want your information and not your name. If your information leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward.
Routt’s York named February Rotary Vocational Student of the Month
The Rotary Club of Jacksonville has named Dominick York as its February Rotary Vocational Student of the Month. The award was presented during the club’s Feb. 20 meeting by past president Jenna Tucker. Reg Ankrom, chair of the Rotary Vocational Committee, said the initiative highlights students who both deserve and benefit from encouragement. “When we recognize students pursuing vocational paths, we are telling them ‘you are an important part of the future and we need you,’” Ankrom said.
York, a senior at Routt Catholic High School, was recognized for his commitment to pursuing a career in truck driving. RCHS Principal Danielle Evans spoke about his accomplishments and future plans during the presentation. After graduation, York plans to attend Lincoln Land Community College to obtain his commercial driver’s license and prepare for a career in the transportation industry. He is the son of Scott and Michelle York.
Jacksonville High School students perform well at Regional Academic Challenge
Students from Jacksonville High School turned in a strong performance at the regional Academic Challenge held Feb. 25 at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield. Competing in the Division 1500 bracket against Glenwood and Rochester, Jacksonville earned a second-place team finish. Several students also captured top individual honors across subject areas. In chemistry, Connor Walker tied for first place, while Cole Nebel added a third-place finish. Brant McCulloch led the field in engineering graphics and also placed second in computer science. Charlie English earned third in computer science. Jamila Lanorio placed third in English, and Greta Bryson-Adams took third in mathematics. In biology, Cole Nebel secured a third-place finish, while Westyn Leonard earned third in physics. Leonard was also selected as one of two recipients of a $500 LLCC Foundation scholarship, chosen at random from all Academic Challenge participants. All teams advance to sectional competition, which will be held virtually March 2-17, with scores compared statewide to determine overall winners.
Ag and music highlight early March programs at Jacksonville Public Library
The Jacksonville Public Library has announced two upcoming March programs, both free and open to the community. As part of its popular Music Under the Dome series, the library will welcome local pianist Tim Chipman for a performance on Sunday, March 8 at 4 p.m. Chipman, who has pursued piano as a lifelong passion, studied under celebrated Triopia High School instructor and playwright Ken Bradbury, as well as Jodi Mawson, Janet Chipman and Wilma Williams.
In collaboration with the University of Illinois Extension, the library will also host a WITS Workout session on Tuesday, March 10, from 2-3:30 p.m. Designed for adults ages 50 and older, WITS Workout is a fun, educational and interactive program focused on supporting brain health. March’s theme is “Forget Me, Not!” Registration is not required. More information can be found by visiting www.jaxpl.org.
A pair of female artists highlight Strawn Art Gallery exhibits for March
The Art Association of Jacksonville will present an exhibit featuring artists Debra Nickelson Smith and Rosalinda Post-Lucas from March 7-29 at The David Strawn Art Gallery, 331 West College Ave. An opening reception will be held Saturday, March 7, from 6-8 p.m., with a gallery talk by the artists at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
Smith, a former college-level English and speech instructor, discovered her passion for clay after turning to pottery as a stress-relieving outlet. Over the past 30 years, her work has evolved to include organic and geometric abstracts, goddess figures and “eroded” and “stacked” forms inspired by natural forces and reflections on human civilization. Even her dystopian landscapes convey a sense of balance and peace.
Post-Lucas approaches art as a mindful visual dialogue, guided by curiosity and a variety of materials and techniques. Influenced by the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, she embraces imperfection, change and simplicity in her work.
Hours at The David Strawn Art Gallery are Sundays from 1-3 p.m. and Tuesday through Saturday from 4-6 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, call 217-243-9390.
Naples man found unfit for trial in 2025 Scott County grooming case
A man accused of grooming young children online and failing to register as a sex offender has now been found unfit for trial in Scott County. Brandon Everhart, 25, of Naples, was previously charged by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office with two counts of grooming, both Class 4 felonies, and one count of failure to register as a sex offender, a Class 3 felony. Court records from Scott County indicated a Finding of Unfitness and Order for Treatment was officially filed in Scott County Circuit Court on February 23. A jury trial in the case had been scheduled to begin April 27. That trial date is now expected to be vacated, and will be formally announced at Everhart’s next upcoming hearing in Scott County Circuit Court on March 30. The charges stem from a September 2025 search of Everhart’s residence in the 400 block of Clinton Street in Naples. Investigators with the Attorney General’s High Tech Crimes Bureau, working alongside the Scott County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant and took Everhart into custody. They allegedly discovered evidence that he had been grooming young children in online chatrooms for sexual conversations or sexual conduct. Everhart has been lodged at the Greene County Jail in Carrollton since his arrest. Everhart was facing a potential minimum of 3-5 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections on the charges if he had been found guilty.
Busy week for Cass County Sheriff’s Office
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office reported a busy week of arrests tied to a months-long copper theft investigation and several unrelated cases. On Feb. 23, following months of surveillance, data analysis and interagency coordination, deputies arrested Clayton A. Seward, 32, Mario A. Fiz-Flores, 32, Alejandro Montoya-Picazo, 45, and Melissa J. Jones, 47, all of Beardstown, in connection with multiple copper thefts across five cases from Beardstown to the Oakford area. Charges among the defendants include Theft (Over $500,000), Residential Burglary, Burglary, Criminal Damage to Property, Conspiracy and Possession of Stolen Property. Montoya-Picazo also faces Domestic Battery and Possession of Burglary Tools charges. According to a Feb. 26 press release from Cass County State’s Attorney’s Office, Eighth Circuit Judge Michael L. Atterberry granted petitions to deny pretrial release for Seward, Fiz-Flores, Montoya-Picazo and Jones. The State argued the defendants posed a real and present threat to the community; the court ordered them detained pending trial. In a separate Feb. 25 incident, a deputy conducted a traffic stop that led to a K-9 alert by Echo and a probable cause search. Aaron W. Morath, 57, of Chambersburg, Kristan B. Vidak, 38, of Meredosia, and Nellie K. Knous, 53, of Meredosia, were arrested on charges of Residential Burglary, Criminal Trespass to Residence, Theft and Conspiracy after property was allegedly linked to a local residence without the homeowner’s consent. Additional unrelated arrests included Manuela Fiz, 31, of Beardstown, for Possession of Another Person’s Debit Card and Theft (Over), and Cecil W. Eddington, 53, of Beardstown, for theft of a motor vehicle.
Proposed data center near Waverly clears government hurdles after strong public debate
A proposed $500 million CyrusOne data center on about 280 acres in Talkington Township, Sangamon County—roughly 7.5 miles southeast of Waverly—has advanced through key local government steps despite strong public debate. On February 19, the Sangamon County Board’s zoning and land use committee voted down a six-month moratorium on data center development, a move opponents hoped would delay consideration of the project. Shortly afterward, the County Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously recommended a conditional permitted use for CyrusOne’s application, finding it met land-use criteria, according to multiple reports. If approved by the full Sangamon County board—expected in March—the center would include multiple large buildings to house digital infrastructure, draw significant power, and represent one of central Illinois’ largest developments, according to reports by the Illinois Times. Supporters say it could bring hundreds of construction jobs, more than 100 permanent roles, and substantial property tax revenue increases for local taxing bodies including nearby school districts. According to Jacksonville Journal-Courier reports, residents from Waverly and the surrounding areas have voiced concerns at public meetings about potential impacts on farmland, electricity rates, noise, water resources and rural character. Critics also argue the pace of the process has limited meaningful community engagement and transparency.
