By Ben Cox
Crime Stoppers statistics for 3rd quarter see decrease in tips and payouts
The Morgan, Scott and Cass Crime Stoppers saw a drop across the board in its major categories over the last three months. The organization took in 49 tips during that period, down 24 compared to the previous three months. Cases solved went up by one over the last three months to just two. Arrests as the result of tips went down four to just six over the last three months. Property recovered over the last three months was $1,500 down from the previous high last quarter of $26,900. The group paid out $1,000 in rewards, down from last quarter’s total of $1,850.
Florence Bridge replacement missing from IDOT’s updated 5-year plan
The Illinois Department of Transportation released their proposed list of projects for the next five years on October 1. The only major project that Morgan County will see is a $480,000 rehabilitation project at Jacksonville Municipal Airport. The money will be used to rehabilitate the terminal building, with the project slated to start some time in 2027. I-72 improvements were also included, with the primary location being in Pike County over the next three years.
The Florence Bridge in Scott County did not appear in the updated 5-year plan. Studies of the bridge began in 2013, and the bridge’s replacement has been stuck in the design and acquisition phase since 2024. The nearly-century old lift bridge is considered beyond its useful life. The replacement of the Florence Bridge was included in IDOT’s previous 5-year plan that covered FY23-FY28.
“The replacement of the Florence bridge remains a high priority for the department. This project is fully funded at more than $160 million,” says Paul Wappel of IDOT’s Public Information Office, “It’s anticipated that work to prepare the area for the construction of the new bridge will begin in 2026.” IDOT’s complete FY 2026-2031 proposed highway and multimodal improvement program can be found online at idot.illinois.gov.
LLCC-Beardstown to offer in-person courses for Spring 2026 semester
Lincoln Land Community College in Beardstown welcomes current and incoming LLCC students, College Now high school students and adult learners to register for spring classes beginning Oct. 15.
Weekday classes begin Jan. 12, 2026. In-person courses available at LLCC-Beardstown include Public Speaking Fundamentals for dual credit students, Introduction to Literature, Introduction to American Politics and Introduction to Psychology.
These offerings complement the adult education classes also held at the Beardstown location. “We are excited to continue expanding access to higher education in Beardstown,” said Keri Mason, director, LLCC Western Region.
“These in-person classes provide valuable opportunities for students of all ages to learn, grow and achieve their academic and career goals close to home.” To view in-person and online courses and for information on scheduling a registration appointment, visit llcc.edu/beardstown.
Winchester considering 2-year work requirement for new police officers
Leadership with the City of Winchester has grown frustrated with the lack of retention for city police officers. River County News reports that Winchester Mayor Rex McIntire and City Attorney John Paul Coonrod are drawing up an ordinance to create a 2-year work requirement for all newly hired officers for the city.
McIntire mentioned the frustration at the Winchester City Council meeting on October 1 after it was noted that a recent hire to the police department tendered their resignation after receiving a better offer to be an officer for the Village of South Jacksonville. McIntire says his frustration lies in the fact that the City of Winchester paid for the officer to attend the state police academy and paid their salary while they were being trained, only to lose the officer less than six months later.
The ordinance also will require any new hire that leaves before the two-year period to reimburse the city for in accrued expenses or else face civil action to recoup the costs. The ordinance is expected to be voted on at the November city council meeting.
Walking For Wellness returns this week to The JHS Bowl
Walking for Wellness, the indoor walking program sponsored by Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, has returned for another season of exercise and camaraderie on Tuesday, October 14.
The Walking for Wellness program at The JHS Bowl, 215 South Church Street, provides a safe place to walk when weather conditions make walking outside unpleasant or dangerous. The walking program will run through March 27, 2026.
Lyn Dietz, 77, started walking at The JHS Bowl about 13 years ago. The retired paraprofessional tries to log three miles each day, usually with her daughter. Her husband walks too slowly, she said. She appreciates how the “regulars” keep an eye out for one another.
“You notice who’s there and who’s not,” she said. “It’s really good for those people who live alone – they have someone to check on them just through seeing them regularly on walk days.”
Lois Wicks, 98, has been logging laps through the program for 25 years. She enjoys getting out and meeting people. More than 50 people signed a birthday card for her recently.
Walkers of all ages can head to The JHS Bowl from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. each day Jacksonville School District 117 is in session. The program is closed during school holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas vacation, and any day school is not in session.
An average of 75 people walk at The JHS Bowl each day the program is open. Participating in Walking for Wellness is free. Registration is not required. Walkers will be asked to check in and out. For more information, call 447-784-3212.
IDNR delaying trout stocking program due to warm temperatures
The State of Illinois has experienced an unseasonably warm early fall. As a result, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced on October 8 that it would be delaying its annual trout stocking program until cooler temperatures set in.
Trout stocked in waters warmer than 68 degrees could experience high mortality. IDNR will stock the early catch-and-release sites as soon as water temperatures cool. Sites are expected to be stocked by October 31.
The public will be provided stocking updates on IDNR’s ifishillinois.org website and social media channels for IDNR. While the official opening date for the fall trout season remains Saturday, October 18, anglers should be aware that trout will not be present at many sites on opening day.
The stocking delay also will affect the early-season catch-and-release opportunities at sites statewide. IDNR biologists are monitoring water temperatures statewide, and stocking will proceed as soon as conditions allow. Once temperatures decline, IDNR hatchery staff will begin deliveries, incorporating the early-season fish into the regular fall stocking schedule.
Gridley Lake at Jim Edgar-Panther Creek State Fish & Wildlife Area in Cass County and Morgan Lake at Nichols Park in Jacksonville have regularly participated in the program since IDNR reinstated the Catchable Trout Program in 1994.
Jacksonville Area Museum seeking entries for annual LEGO contest
The Jacksonville Area Museum is seeking entries for its “Building with Brick – The Art of LEGO” exhibit that will run from December 2025 through February 2026.
This fourth-annual exhibit features original and LEGO kit creations from all ages. Prizes based on public voting will be awarded in five categories: Kit Build for all ages, Jacksonville 200th (to commemorate the city’s bicentennial) for all ages, Original Build ages 13 and up, Original Build ages 8-12, and Original Build ages 0-7.
This exhibit is one of the most popular events each year at the museum. The public will be encouraged to vote on their favorite builds, with $100 LEGO gift cards awarded to the top vote-getters.
To submit a build, participants can drop off their creations by November 23 during normal visiting hours at the museum: Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.
Only builds submitted by November 23 are eligible for voting. Participants will be asked to fill out a temporary loan agreement. Call 217-408-1197 with any questions.
Man involved in high-speed chase last December arrested for another chase
The Winchester Police Department provided some details of why Winchester schools went on a brief lockdown on October 7.
According to the police department’s Facebook page, Winchester schools were placed on the lockdown after the Pike County Sheriff’s Office notified Scott County law enforcement of a high-speed chase involving a stolen vehicle heading east into the county on Illinois Route 106.
The vehicle is said to have refused to stop once it crossed into Scott County, with speeds reaching over 100 miles per hour. The post says that the driver of the stolen vehicle was passing vehicles without regard to oncoming traffic.
Winchester Police said that since the suspect vehicle was headed towards Winchester, the schools were placed on brief lockdown out of precaution. The suspect, later identified as Erick O. Johnson, Jr., 25, of Champaign, was later apprehended by members of Brown County and Schuyler County law enforcement in Brown County.
Johnson was held at the Schuyler County Jail on citations of driving with a suspended/revoked license, possession of a stolen vehicle, reckless driving and aggravated fleeing of police. Johnson had been arrested by Scott County law enforcement for a similar incident on Illinois 106 near the Hillview Blacktop on September 27. As of press time, Johnson remains held at the Schuyler County Jail on the additional charges.
Concord man sentenced to prison for Jacksonville residential burglary
A Concord man arrested in early August for allegedly breaking into a home in the 600 block of South West Street was sentenced to prison on October 7 in Morgan County Circuit Court.
Andrew T. Armstrong, 26, of Concord, pleaded guilty to a single count of residential burglary after he was arrested by the Jacksonville Police Department on August 5.
A homeowner in the 600 block of South West Street told police they returned home after several weeks and found several items missing from the house and the front door to the residence kicked in. Armstrong was later located by police with some of the missing items on his person and taken into custody.
Armstrong was out on pretrial release for arrests of retail theft with a prior conviction on March 25 and possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams, unlawful possession of cannabis in a motor vehicle and operating an uninsured motor vehicle on April 17. Both of those charges along with several traffic tickets over the last 6 months were dismissed per the plea in court on Tuesday.
Judge Chris Reif sentenced Armstrong to 4 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, 1 month of mandatory supervised release, ordered payment of a $500 county fine and requested Armstrong be placed in a facility with substance abuse treatment. Armstrong was given credit for 3 days served in the Morgan County Jail.
Burglary suspect sentenced for meth charges in Morgan County Court
James E. Lacy, 38, of the first block of Harmony Drive, pleaded guilty to a single count of possession of methamphetamine less than 5 grams prior to a bench trial setting in Morgan County Circuit Court on July 23.
Lacy then failed to appear for a sentencing hearing scheduled on September 16. Lacy was arrested by Morgan County law enforcement on October 4 and held at the Morgan County Jail. Lacy appeared before Circuit Judge Chris Reif on October 7 and was sentenced to 4 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, 6 months of mandatory supervised release and fined $500 plus court assessment fees.
Lacy was arrested on the charge on October 9, 2024, in a traffic stop by Jacksonville police in the 900 block of West Walnut Street near Casey’s. Lacy was wanted by police at the time for failing to appear in court on a burglary charge. The burglary charge from June 17, 2024, remains pending and Lacy could face additional time in prison for it. His next scheduled hearing on the burglary charge is November 25.
LLCC-Jacksonville to offer industrial tech certificate
Starting in January 2026, Lincoln Land Community College in Jacksonville is offering hands-on training for a career as an industrial tech. Funding support is available — including free tuition, tools and books for the first semester.
Classes are provided over three semesters and will be offered Monday-Friday, 1:30-3:30 p.m., at LLCC-Jacksonville located at 32 North Central Park Plaza.
“We’re excited to bring this opportunity to Jacksonville,” says Keri Mason, director of LLCC-Jacksonville. “This program is designed to meet the needs of our local workforce and provide students with the skills and support they need to launch a successful career in industrial maintenance.”
LLCC offers training in electrical and mechanical skills. Students work on similar equipment used in real-world settings and learn how to troubleshoot and repair high-tech equipment including precision measurements, calibration, vibration analysis, PLC programming, blueprint reading, process controls and more.
“Manufacturing is far more than just the process of making things. It’s the engine that powers innovation, drives economies and shapes the modern world. It blends science, technology and human ingenuity — a field in which problem-solving meets production,” explains Dr. Nancy Sweet, dean, LLCC Workforce Institute.
“And industrial maintenance techs are the people who keep these entire systems running. Most entry-level techs start between $22-$29 per hour locally and, with experience, can eventually see $70,000-$85,000 a year, and you’ll start networking with local employers from day one by utilizing our strong employer connections.”
Registration for spring 2026 classes opens Oct. 15. Spring weekday classes begin Jan. 12, 2026. For more information, visit llcc.edu/industrial. To get started, contact Lori Large Oldenettel at lori.oldenettel@llcc.edu or 217-786-2457.
Crime of the Week: Theft of a speaker from a local business
Crime Stoppers of Morgan, Scott & Cass Counties is requesting information to assist the Jacksonville Police Department in their investigation of a recent theft.
Sometime between 11 p.m. on September 28 and 7:45 a.m. on September 29, unknown individuals removed a Block Rocker Icon speaker from a business located in the 200 block of West College Avenue.
If you have any information concerning this incident, submit an anonymous tip online by visiting the Morgan, Scott & Cass County Crime Stoppers Facebook page. Select the ‘Contact Us’ button at the top of the page and fill out the form. You may also leave a cybertip at their website morganscottcrimestoppers.com.
Select the ‘Submit A Tip’ button at the top of the home page. Remember, Crime Stoppers want your information and not your name. If your tip leads to an arrest or recovery of stolen property, you may be eligible for a cash reward.
Jacksonville Area Pigeon Club show to honor Steve Bishop
The Jacksonville Area Pigeon Club’s annual all-breed show will honor a longtime member this year. The show will be held at the 4-H Building on the Morgan County Fairgrounds on Saturday, November 8.
The show will feature a workshop on Modena pigeons provided by Wendell Conger, youth education and activities provided by Noah Shields, squab market classes with $25 cash awards and an online auction plus more.
The Champion of the Show will receive a $100 cash prize in memory of the late Steve Bishop. Bishop was a longtime, dedicated member of the Jacksonville Area Pigeon Club. Bishop, 75, passed away in Springfield on August 26.
Entry forms can be gotten from any member of the pigeon club. Entries must be postmarked by October 25 or emailed by midnight on November 1. Mail entries to Sarah Brown at 1567 Portuguese Hill Road in Jacksonville. For more information, email JAPCpigeons2017@gmail.com.
The Drink Shop adds second location on West Walnut
A Mt. Sterling-based drink shop franchise has added a second location in Jacksonville. The Drink Shop opened a second retail location at 1515 West Walnut St., directly across the street from Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, on October 6.
The drive-thru beverage shop is open Monday-Thursday from 5:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Friday from 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Owner Kimberly Kestner says the new location will feature the same menu and food as their 408 West Morton Ave. location, which was the franchise’s third store that opened in the former home of Perk Coffee in May 2024.
There are no plans to close the West Morton location, and the new West Walnut location will expand the shop’s customer base, mainly for customers who live on the northwest side of the city near the hospital.
Kestner says that they have received all their menu items to prepare ahead of schedule. Customers are to use the diagram provided for traffic flow. There is also a walk-up window for ordering ease.
Greene health department employee receives state award
The Greene County Health Department is proud to announce that Amanda McKinley, of White Hall, has been honored with the Community Health Worker of the Year Award by the Illinois Public Health Association (IPHA).
This prestigious award recognizes Amanda’s outstanding achievements, dedication and compassion in her role as a Community Health Worker (CHW).
“Her commitment to supporting individuals and families, addressing barriers to care and improving community well-being has made a lasting difference across Greene County,” said a press release from Greene County Public Health Administrator Molly Peters.
McKinley has been a full-time CHW in Greene County since 2022. IPHA was established in 1940 and is the oldest and largest public health association in the state. IPHA works to strengthen public health infrastructure, promote policies that improve health outcomes, and advance the professional development of Illinois’ public health workforce.
Community Health Workers are frontline professionals who bridge the gap between healthcare systems and the communities they serve. They connect residents with services, help people navigate health systems, and provide education, advocacy and support to improve access to care — particularly in rural and underserved areas.
“Amanda’s work reflects the heart of public health,” said Peters, “Her dedication to helping others, her compassion, and her ability to connect with people make her an invaluable asset to our team and to our entire community. We couldn’t be prouder to see her efforts recognized at the state level.”
Home explodes on East Morton Avenue, investigation underway
Law enforcement are still searching for the reasons why a home exploded on East Morton Avenue on October 10.
According to a press release from Morgan County Emergency Management, at approximately 4:50 p.m. on October 10, emergency crews responded to reports of a house explosion at 2130 East Morton Ave. in Jacksonville.
Upon arrival, two individuals were found trapped inside the residence and were safely extricated by first responders. Both patients were transported via Lifestar Ambulance with Jacksonville Fire Department medical personnel to Jacksonville Memorial Hospital and transferred to Springfield Trauma Center.
Multiple agencies responded, including the Morgan County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency (ESDA), South Jacksonville Fire Department, Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, Jacksonville Police Department, Air Evac, Saints Flight, Illinois State Police, Ameren Gas and Ameren Electric.
The Jacksonville Fire Department, Ameren Gas, members of the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, members of the Illinois Commerce Commission and the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the cause of the explosion. No further updates have been released as of press time.
Jacksonville resident announces candidacy for U.S. representative
Anthony L. Barnes, of Jacksonville, announced on October 5 that he would add his name to the list of growing Democratic candidates running for the 15th District House of Representatives seat.
Barnes is the fourth person to declare candidacy on the Democratic side in hopes of unseating Republican incumbent Mary Miller.
Barnes is a 2006 graduate of Jacksonville High School and currently works as an IT specialist, according to a LinkedIn page attached to his candidacy’s website. Barnes is joined on the Democratic ticket by Jennifer Todd, Dr. Paul Davis and Randy Raley. Miller also faces a primary challenge from Republican candidates Judy Bowlby and Ryan Tebrugge.
According to the latest FEC filings, Todd is the only one showing any cash on hand in their campaign funds at just shy of $5,700. Miller, on the other hand, has well over $700,000 in her re-election campaign coffers. Primary elections will be held March 17.
Jacksonville police continue to battle with trespassers, looters at JDC
Jacksonville police officers made multiple arrests on the grounds of the former Jacksonville Developmental Center this past week.
Police arrested David L. Wilson, 42, unhoused, in one of the northwesternmost buildings on the campus for criminal trespass to state supported property on October 6 at 11:20 a.m. He was later released. Wilson was arrested on the grounds again on October 11 at 4:34 p.m. for the same offense as well as failure to appear in court, warrants for criminal trespass to land, criminal trespass to state supported property and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Wilson’s warrants stem from an arrest on the evening of January 25, 2024, after he was found on the second floor of one of the abandoned buildings that had caught fire.
Jacksonville police arrested two men at 11:35 a.m. on October 9 after a neighbor reported they had found two bicycles outside of one of the buildings and believed that people were inside one of the buildings. Upon arrival and after a search, officers located and arrested Zailen C. Trumbo, 22, unhoused, and Paul L. Duncan, 42, of the Beecher Hi-Rise apartments, inside one of the buildings allegedly stripping metal wiring and fixtures.
Both men were cited for burglary and possession of burglary tools. Officers also stopped two individuals at 3:46 a.m. on October 11 for traversing on the grounds after the closure of Community Park. Police reports indicate no arrests were made in that incident.
According to statistics compiled by the Jacksonville Journal-Courier, local law enforcement and first responder agencies have responded to an estimated 400 calls to the JDC grounds since its closure in November 2012. Officials say that estimate is likely low due to the grounds having multiple addresses affixed to the 18 buildings across the 134-acre campus.
Local board reaches agreement with state to care for former JDC cemeteries
The Jacksonville City Council passed a resolution the evening of Tuesday, Oct. 14 that creates an intergovernmental agreement with the city’s cemetery board and the State of Illinois’ Central Management Services to provide maintenance to Immanuel East, Immanuel West and Immanuel South cemeteries.
Immanuel South is the potter’s field in Section D of Diamond Grove Cemetery. The Illinois State Hospital (the now-closed Jacksonville Developmental Center) began burials in the plot around 1867.
None of the plots are marked and there is scant evidence of the patients who were buried there. A triangular granite marker on the location tells the only known part of the story.
Similarly, Immanuel West is in the northwest corner of Diamond Grove Cemetery and is only marked with a small square concrete block with a number on it. When Section H in Diamond Grove Cemetery was filled, the State Hospital in Jacksonville began making patient burials across the road in what is now known as Immanuel East Cemetery.
The burials there began in 1954 on grounds that were at one time, the State Hospital Farm. This plot is across the street from both Diamond Grove Cemetery and Calvary Cemetery, south of Williamson Funeral Home.
The intergovernmental agreement does not include Immanuel North Cemetery, which sits on Michigan Avenue, just west of the Educational Daycare Center. According to research by Florence Hutchison, there is scant information on the patient burials in this particular plot, as well.
Many of the burials there are a part of “The Red Barn Burials” who were patients that were buried in the pasture on a hill south of the old milk barn. Most of those former state hospital farmlands are now leased to the Prairieland Heritage Museum Institute.
Scott County Sheriff announces retirement at end of term
Scott County Sheriff Tom Eddinger announced he will retire at the end of his term in December 2026. Eddinger has been in law enforcement for the last 32 years.
He’s served as the Scott County Sheriff for the previous two terms (8 years). Eddinger replaced David King who did not seek another term in 2018. Eddinger then went on to defeat Robert W. Smith in the Republican primary in March 2018. He ran unopposed in the November 2018 General Election and again in the November 2022 General Election.
Prior to being elected sheriff, Eddinger served as the Scott County chief deputy for two decades. “This was not an easy choice, as it has truly been an honor and a privilege to serve our community alongside the outstanding men and women of this department,” Eddinger said in a post on the Scott County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.
He continues, “Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the most committed and selfless professionals in law enforcement. Together, we’ve faced challenges, celebrated achievements, and built lasting bonds that go far beyond the badge. I am deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished as a team and the trust we’ve worked hard to build with the people we serve.
“I want to thank the community for its support over the years, as well as my fellow officers and staff for their dedication, integrity, and friendship. While I look forward to this next chapter with my family, I will always carry with me the pride of having served this department and this community. Thank you for the honor of allowing me to lead and serve.”
White Hall Police officer and Scott County Sheriff’s Deputy Leighton McClenning and Winchester Chief of Police Steve Doolin have announced their candidacy for the position.
