Jacksonville Citizens Police Academy graduates 30th class
Class 30 of the Citizens Police Academy graduated May 5 following a 10-week course to learn about policing, the criminal justice system, and how law enforcement works with local agencies, businesses and schools.
The annual program is sponsored and taught by the Jacksonville Police Department, with help from South Jacksonville police and a number of local agencies.
Graduates are invited to join the CPA Alumni group, which last year provided more than 2,700 volunteer hours and support to JPD and the surrounding community.
Illinois College gives award to Luke Scroggins-Zellers
Congratulations to Luke Scroggins-Zellers ’08, Illinois College’s 2026 Young Alumnus Award recipient!
Luke was honored during the Illinois College Society Celebration for his professional success, commitment to service and lasting connection to the IC community.
As a first- generation college graduate, Luke made the most of his time on the Hilltop, serving as a Connections Leader, earning Homecoming King, participating in theatre productions and completing impactful internships. He studied accounting with minors in finance and business, building a strong foundation for his career.
Today, Luke is director of finance at Family Service Center, a Springfield nonprofit supporting foster care, adoption and counseling services. A Certified Public Accountant, he also gives back through leadership roles in local organizations.
From campus leader to community leader, Luke reflects the impact of an Illinois College education every day.
Pregnancy Resource Center to hold WALK this weekend
The Jacksonville Pregnancy Resource Center WALK is the center’s spring fundraising event and all are invited to participate!!
The WALK will then be on May 16 from 9-11 a.m. at Nichols Park McGee-Spaulding Pavilion in South Jacksonville. We will have prizes for the top three fundraising walkers, goody bags for all walkers, door prizes and refreshments and games on the big day! Rain or shine, the WALK will take place! We can walk around the pavilion’s covered porch if it rains! All are welcome!
We are walking for women who need a safe place to turn when facing an unplanned pregnancy, raising little ones, or seeking a compassionate space to talk about past decisions and find healing. Every one of us has known someone , or perhaps been that person, who needed a helping hand and a friendly face during a difficult season. Thank you for helping make it possible for us to be there for so many families.
At Living Alternatives Pregnancy Resource Center, we rely on ongoing partnerships to continue meeting real needs in our communities. This year, we have set a fundraising goal of $23,000 for our WALK.
We are inviting underwriters to help raise $10,000, with the remaining $13,000 to be raised by our dedicated walkers. Each center will be fundraising to directly support its own local community. To reach our combined goal, we need 50 individuals willing to raise at least $260 each.
Will you join us for this year’s WALK and help us make a lasting impact? Register today at japrcevents.org and be part of something meaningful.
Paper sponsorship forms also available. Together, we can ensure hope, help and healing remain available to those who need it most.
For more information, stop by the Jacksonville Pregnancy Resource Center location at 1440 W. Walnut St., Ste. A-3.
Cole Nebel awarded 2026 Illinois Sheriff’s Association Scholarship
The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office announced that Cole Nebel is a recipient of the 2026 Illinois Sheriff’s Association Scholarship — Morgan County. Nebel, a Jacksonville High School graduating senior, has maintained a 4.09 GPA while earning High Honor Roll recognition all four years and membership in the National Honor Society, National English Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society.
He has also been recognized as an Illinois State Scholar and Journal Courier Elite 5 recipient, among many other honors and awards.
In addition to his academic achievements, Nebel was recognized as Academic All-Conference and named to the CS8 All-Conference Tennis Team.
Beyond the classroom and athletics, he has been actively involved in community service and volunteer work. This fall, Nebel plans to attend the University of Iowa to pursue a degree in pharmacy.
P.A.W.S. has saved 10,000 animals!
P.A.W.S. (Protecting Animal Welfare Society) in Jacksonville recently shared this amazing information on their Facebook page: “We have hit 10,000 animals saved!!!! Actually, 5 over that.
Our 10,000th animal saved is named Gemma and will be available for adoption soon. Thank you so very much for all the support over the years. Can’t wait to double that number to 20k.
With this community and the followers we have, it’s gonna happen. From the bottom of our fur loving hearts!!! Thank you.”
Woodlawn Farm Underground Railroad museum is open for tours
The Woodlawn Farm Underground Railroad museum is now open for the season. Take educational tour of an 1840s farm home whose family was involved in the Underground Railroad efforts.
Also, hear about farm life in that era. Open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. each weekend from now until the end of September. Suggested donation is $5 for adults and $3 for students. The Woodlawn Farm Museum is located at 1463 Gierke Ln. in Jacksonville.
Dementia Friends training opportunity open to public
Jacksonville Public Library is teaming up with Illinois Extension to bring Dementia Friends training to the community on May 21 at 6 p.m. in the library meeting room.
This free training helps the public better understand dementia and its impact on affected individuals. Participants in the 90-minute session will learn thoughtful and practical skills to engage with and support those living with dementia.
This training is appropriate for family members, health care workers, educators, pastors, businesses who work with the public, and anyone who wants to take an active role in supporting those with dementia. A certificate will be awarded to those completing the training.
The goal is to gain an informed and compassionate understanding of those living with cognitive decline due to
dementia, and to learn ways to support dementia-friendly efforts within the community.
The Jacksonville Public Library, seeking to provide resources for those affected by dementia, recently added Connection Kits to their collection through a grant from the Ann Karen Siciliano Fund of the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln. The evening program will include a brief introduction to these kits and information about how they can benefit families and care partners.
Please join Illinois Extension’s Health & Family Educator Karina Moore, along with Jacksonville Public Library’s Outreach Services Librarian Heidi Estabrook, in learning ways you can take an active role in strengthening our community by supporting those living with dementia.
Become a Dementia Friend on May 21!
The Jacksonville Public Library is located at 201 W. College Ave. Registration is not required. For questions about the free event, call Morgan County Extension at 217-243-7424.
Martin’s Prairie Cemetery to hold Veterans Memorial Service
Martin’s Prairie Cemetery,, located 5 miles east of Roodhouse, honors its veterans on the Sunday before Memorial Day, a custom that began in the late 1860s. Starting at noon on Sunday, May 24, there will be two Civil War reenactor units that participate as well as other veterans. All are welcome to attend.
Local students receive Howard and Vera Million Endowed Scholarship
Illinois College is proud to announce the 2025-2026 recipients of the Howard and Vera Million Endowed Scholarship, awarded annually to students entering IC directly from high school. This year’s scholarship supports 11 students from communities across Greene, Morgan and Scott counties.
The 2025-2026 recipients are:
Isaac Anderson ‘26 of Jacksonville
Justine Gaive Agsalda ‘26 of Jacksonville
Aurora Baker ‘27 of Carrollton
Daxton Baptist ‘26 of Jacksonville
Dagan Cordes ‘29 of Carrollton
Meryn Davis ‘26 of Jacksonville
Hunter Gillis ‘27 of Jacksonville
Tiffany Hill ‘27 of Meredosia
Sara Ralston ‘26 of White Hall
Anthony Seymour ‘29 of White Hall
Lizzie Watson ‘27 of South Jacksonville
The Howard and Vera Million Endowed Scholarship was established through a generous $2.35 million gift from the estate of Howard and Vera Million. Howard Million, a lifelong resident of the region and founder of the former Roodhouse Savings and Loan Association, was dedicated to providing educational opportunities for students in rural Illinois. His legacy continues to impact the lives of students who demonstrate academic promise and a commitment to their communities.
Programs like Hilltop Direct further strengthen Illinois College’s commitment to expanding access for local students by providing automatic admission to qualifying graduates from area high schools. Paired with scholarships such as the Million Endowed Scholarship, initiatives like these help ensure that local students have clear, affordable pathways to pursue a college degree close to home.
The Million Endowed Scholarship and others like it fuel Illinois College’s Advantage Plus program, which provides a more personalized education at a state-school price. The program also includes key benefits like a commitment to graduating in four years (a full year faster than the national average for public universities!) and fewer hidden fees. These guarantees translate into real savings, faster entry into the workforce, and a stronger return on investment for students and families.
Illinois College remains committed to providing transformative educational experiences, combining rigorous academics with financial support to prepare students for success in their careers and communities.
Innovative majors such as nursing, which uses cutting-edge virtual reality technology in brand new clinical labs, and the College’s hybrid computer science program with classes created in collaboration with Google, ensure students Graduate READY for personal and professional success.
