By Ben Cox
Three men indicted in federal court for meth distribution charges
Three Jacksonville men were indicted in federal court last month for alleged methamphetamine distribution.
According to court documents in the federal Central District Court of Illinois, Shayne J. Savage, 44, formerly of the 800 block of Illinois Avenue; Jamie L. Daniels, 46, formerly of the 600 block of Hardin Avenue; and Prince A. Stevenson, 60, formerly of the 100 block of East Morton
Avenue, have all been charged with a single count of selling, dispensing or distributing a controlled substance.
“Beginning on or about December 1, 2024, and continuing to on or about September 2, 2025,” the indictment reads, “the defendants knowingly and intentionally conspired and agreed with each other to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.” Savage is facing heightened penalties in the case according to an attached finding by the court due to a previous drug conviction in federal court for distribution of cocaine in 2010 for which he served prison time.
The documents say all three men were arrested on September 23 and have denied pretrial release. All three remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshal’s Service. They are all scheduled for a pretrial conference in Springfield on October 23.
Jacksonville man facing 8-count federal indictment on drug charges
A Jacksonville man is currently being held at the Macon County Jail in Decatur on an 8-count federal warrant stemming from alleged drug possession and distribution.
According to online federal court records, Jamar M. White, 37, of the 300 block of East Lafayette Avenue, was arrested by federal agents on September 28 after being indicted by a federal grand jury on 8 separate counts related to illegal drug distribution. Also named in the indictment is Michael Mahon, age and last known address not given. Mahon’s current whereabouts are unknown.
According to the indictment, White and Mahon “knowingly and intentionally conspired and agreed with each other and [others] to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine” between November 22, 2024 through December 6, 2024.
The subsequent charges layout distribution amounts of 5 grams of methamphetamine distribution on November 22, 2024; 50 or more grams of methamphetamine on November 25, 2024; 5 grams or more on December 4, 2024; and 50 or more grams of methamphetamine on December 6, 2024.
White is showing acting alone on the final three charges allegedly distributing 50 or more grams of methamphetamine on December 11, 2024 and December 18, 2024; and 5 or more grams of methamphetamine on May 21, 2025.
All of the distributions are said to have taken place within Morgan County. Attached to the indictment was a special finding showing that White was convicted in federal court of distribution of a controlled substance in 2016 in which he served federal prison time. White is currently being held in the custody of the U.S. Marshals at the Macon County Jail in Decatur. White is due to return to federal court in Springfield on December 4.
Court orders sale of former Mac Hall building as Woods-Smith case proceeds
A chancery case aimed at dissolving a partnership that was hoping to bring more fine arts and agriculture education to the area proceeded before a visiting judge at the end of last month, resulting in the order of a sale of a building on the former MacMurray College Campus.
Tim Smith, president of the Esprit de Corps Academy, filed for dissolution of a partnership between he and Dr. Michael Woods, a current Morgan County Commissioner and president of the AGROWhood initiative through the Jacksonville Park Foundation back in May.
Both sides have accused the other of financial wrongdoing and misuse of the partnership, according to court documents in the case. The chancery case received a change of venue on August 13 after Morgan County Circuit Judge Chris Reif filed a motion of disqualification due to Woods being a county commissioner. The case was reassigned to Sangamon County Judge Christopher Perrin on August 18.
On September 22, a consent order was entered showing a signed agreement between Woods and Smith on part of the case. The agreement signed by Judge Perrin requires the property at 225 South Clay Avenue to be placed up for sale. The for sale sign would have to be shown within 30 days of the order being entered.
The order also agrees that the licensed real estate agent in charge of the sale will be August Kleinschmidt of Garrison Group-Keller Williams. The order requires both Woods and Smith to comply with executing all documentation to the real estate company to facilitate the sale in a timely fashion. The final requirement in the order is that the net proceeds of the sale will be held in escrow by Springfield law firm Gates Wise Schlosser & Goebel until the court orders distribution of the proceeds.
No future date has been set by the court, according to online court records. Esprit de Corps Academy appears to be unaffected by the dissolved partnership and has continued operations in other quarters. Woods’ AGROWhood initiative also appears to be moving along at East Park and at the former Jacksonville Salvation Army citadel on West Douglas Avenue.
Third candidate enters race for Scott County Sheriff
The former Chief of Police in Winchester has declared his candidacy for Scott County Sheriff. Caleb Handy announced his intentions for seeking the Republican nomination in 2026.
Current Scott County Sheriff Tom Eddinger announced on October 12 he would not seek reelection to the position after serving two terms.
Handy now joins the Republican ballot alongside current Winchester Chief of Police Steve Doolin and officer Leighton McClenning.
Handy began his career in law enforcement in 2008 as a part-time officer in the Village of Ashland. That same year he also began his career as a correctional officer with the Illinois Department of Corrections. He is currently a sergeant with IDOC.
“I moved to Scott County in 2016 after receiving a part time job with the Winchester Police Department,” Handy said in his candidacy announcement, “Shortly after, I became a deputy for the Scott County Sheriff’s Office. I transitioned from part time to full time in 2018 and completed the transition course to achieve my full-time law enforcement certificate for the State of Illinois.”
In 2020, Handy became the Winchester Chief of Police, but stepped down after 2 years due to still being employed with IDOC and having two young children at home. Handy says he would have time to fully devote himself to the office if elected, “If I am elected as the Scott County Sheriff, I will be able to take a leave of absence from the Department of Corrections and give the County my full attention as long as I am elected Sheriff.”
Handy and his wife Jessica and four children live in Scott County. They are also a host family for an exchange student from Finland.
Morgan, Cass programs receive Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom grants
Ag literacy coalitions serving 89 Illinois counties were awarded $668,150 in grants this past week through Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom (IAITC) programs awarded by the IAA Foundation.
The grants, including programs in Morgan and Cass counties, are to be used for materials, training, educational lessons and activities taking place during the 2025-26 school year.
“Providing these grants ensures teachers have a local connection and access to engaging resources to integrate accurate agricultural content into their classrooms,” said Kevin Daugherty, IAITC education director.
Last school year, 643,958 students and 36,335 teachers engaged in ag literacy lessons through IAITC.
Classroom presentations, farm field trips and agriculture expos add a new dimension to existing curricular standards. County coalition grants are made possible through funding partner gifts to the IAA Foundation and the generosity of individuals who support IAITC.
Operating as the charitable arm of the Illinois Farm Bureau, the IAA Foundation raises funds for the IAITC program each year and, in addition to county grants, provides funding for Ag Mags, teacher grants, Summer Ag Academies and more.
“Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom is a true partnership,” said Susan Moore, IAA Foundation director. “From committed funding groups, employment agencies for ag literacy coordinators, in-kind services, to every volunteer and each dollar donated, we are Illinois agriculture unified in a common goal to enhance ag literacy and aid in early discovery of connections to agriculture.”
Jacksonville food center gets a helping hand from Farm Credit Illinois
Each week the Jacksonville Area Community Food Center purchases food to distribute to those in the community who need food or are experiencing food insecurity.
Sometimes the food comes in by the truckload. Volunteers normally help at the food center, located at 311 East Morgan Street. On October 14, food center volunteers got a helping hand from the office team of the Farm Credit Illinois Jacksonville office to help unload the 5 truckloads of food.
The food center is also getting some help financially as well. Monday, October 20 marks the beginning of the very first “Queen Of Hearts Drawing” at The Hangout Bar & Grill, located at 901 West Superior Ave. in Jacksonville.
Get your tickets at The Hangout during regular business hours. Ticket sales stop at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays, with the drawing set for 7 p.m. Winners will receive 100% of the jackpot if they are present at the drawing or 50% if absent. Proceeds from the drawing will go to support the Jacksonville Area Community Food Center.
Davidsmeyer addresses political violence during first day of veto session
State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (100-Murrayville) addressed the Illinois House of Representatives on the first day of the Illinois General Assembly’s scheduled Fall Veto Session asking for passage of a House resolution that would condemn the national rise in political violence, threats and harassment.
H.R. 494 cites several incidents of political violence that drew national attention between June 2022 to September 10, 2025 with the killing of Charlie Kirk in Utah.
“I think this is an opportunity for my colleagues on the other side of the aisle and my side of the aisle to come together, because none of us should live in fear because of our beliefs,” Davidsmeyer said in his address to the House, “I thought this was a great way for us to say ‘It doesn’t matter who the attack is on. It is all wrong.’ There were people that said ‘Do you really want to include Nancy Pelosi?’ Yeah, I do because it was wrong. I care about each and every one of you even though we disagree and things sometimes get heated. None of us should fear for our safety or family’s safety.”
Davidsmeyer had hoped the resolution would be heard on the House floor at some point during the scheduled four days of the Veto Session. The resolution was referred to the House Rules Committee. So far, only Republicans have signed on as co-sponsors of the resolution, including neighboring 99th District Representative Kyle Moore. House Democrats introduced their own resolution on the second day of the Veto Session, which Davidsmeyer said had “more partisan” language. The Democrats’ resolution passed along party lines 74-34.
Crisis Center Foundation seeking prom court nominees
The Crisis Center Foundation is seeking 10 individuals to sit on the 5th annual Adult Prom to be held on March 21, 2026. Earlier this year, the 2025 fundraiser pulled in $34,329.11 to benefit the Crisis Center Foundation’s programs, shelter and clients’ needs.
The prom court raised money through a vote process, where the prom king and queen were chosen by votes cast by the public at the cost of $1 per vote.
Last year’s winners were King Don Olendzki and Queen Antonia Alfano. If you would like to be considered for the 2026 Adult Prom Court, contact Priscilla Lehnhausen by calling 217-243-4357 or email Lehnhausen@jvilleccf.org.
The 2026 CCF Adult Prom will be held March 21, 2026, at Hamilton’s, 110 North East Street. Live music will again be provided by Springfield cover band Sushi Roll.
Rep. Kyle Moore files resolution to ask ILGA to support law enforcement
State Representative Kyle Moore (99-Quincy) is asking his fellow Illinois General Assembly members to support the state’s law enforcement community by supporting his resolution to provide the training, funding, equipment, and resources required for them to effectively discharge their duties.
Moore says it is necessary support, “We see what law enforcement has to deal with on a day-to-day basis, and a lot of it isn’t just putting criminals away, it’s taking care of those who might have some mental health issues. It’s taking care of the folks who need it the most, and we know they need more resources.
“And so what we’re doing is we’re urging our colleagues to look at what resources are needed for every law enforcement agency across the state, whether they be in Chicago, whether it be a sheriff’s office or a local police department. We know they could use some more resources, and hopefully our colleagues across the aisle will realize that and give them the more resources that they need.”
H.R. 450 urges the State to take adequate measures to ensure the safety of law enforcement officers as they discharge their duties. The measure has been referred to the House Rules Committee.
Motorcyclist injured in crash on West Morton
A motorcyclist was sent to an area hospital after a three-vehicle chain reaction crash on West Morton Avenue on October 16.
According to a Jacksonville police report, a vehicle driven by Bethany M. Doolin, 37, of Winchester, was attempting to exit the drive of a private business in the 1600 block of West Morton Avenue and was attempting to merge into the westbound lanes of traffic at approximately 5:35 p.m.
At the same time, a motorcycle driven by Terry D. Menge, 45, of Chapin, was traveling westbound in the south lane of the westbound lanes and sideswiped the passenger side of Doolin’s vehicle. Menge’s motorcycle then struck the rear of a vehicle driven by Stephanie B. Cook, 42, of the 600 block of Coronado, which was traveling westbound in the northernmost westbound lanes.
All three vehicles received disabling damage and were towed from the scene. Menge sustained severe injuries and was airlifted to Springfield Memorial Hospital for treatment. His current condition is unknown. No other injuries were reported. Doolin was later cited for improper lane usage.
Two injured after SUV strikes horse-drawn carriage
A man and a woman were injured after a sport-utility vehicle struck a horse drawn carriage in rural Morgan County on the evening of October 16.
According to a Morgan County Sheriff’s Office report, at approximately 6:35 p.m., a gray Subaru SUV driven by Chad E. Turner, 54, of the 100 block of Regent Estates Road, was traveling westbound on Strawn Crossing Road near Rainbow Lane and struck a horse-drawn carriage being operated by Michael S. Robinson, 53, of the 2100 block of Strawn Crossing Road.
The Sheriff’s Office report indicates that the carriage was operating on the roadway without the required lights or placards and Turner told deputies that he never saw the carriage until after striking it because he was driving into the sunset.
A witness to the crash told deputies they did not believe the SUV was traveling more than 40 miles per hour at the time of the collision. Robinson and a female passenger in the carriage, Bridgett A. Hubbertt-Bass, 40, of Springfield, were both transported from the scene by Echo Ambulance for severe injuries. Turner’s SUV received major front end damage and was towed from the scene.
The carriage was removed from the roadway for a neighbor to retrieve later. No information about the horse pulling the carriage was mentioned in the report. No citations have been issued at this time.
Waverly man among 8 arrested in sex trafficking sting
Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Trafficking Enforcement Group arrested eight individuals during a two-day human trafficking demand suppression operation in the Marion area of Williamson County on October 14-15, 2025.
The operation focused on identifying individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts. As a result of the operation, Cory T. Stewart, 43, of Waverly was arrested for Class 3 felony Traveling to Meet a Minor, Class 3 felony Indecent Solicitation of a Minor and Class 4 felony Solicitation to Meet a Child. Also arrested was Harley D. Angel, 22, of Carrollton for Class 3 felony Failure to Register as a Sex Offender.
Stewart will appear in Williamson County Circuit Court on October 29 for a preliminary hearing. He has been ordered to be detained prior to trial. Angel is due to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on December 3. Angel has been released under pretrial conditions by the Williamson County court.
Data Center proposed in southwestern Sangamon
The Illinois Times reports that Dallas-based company CyrusOne is seeking zoning approval to establish a $500 million data center on 280 acres of farmland just west of Lowder.
The center would be located at the northwest corner of Thayer and Clark roads in Talkington Township near the Morgan County border. Six 250,000-square-foot, one-story buildings would be constructed as part of the project. The total indoor space would be the size of 26 football fields, and the project’s footprint would be more than three times the size of Springfield’s Scheels Sports Complex at Legacy Pointe, according to the reported plans of the project. It would reportedly be the very first data center in Central Illinois.
According to the Illinois Times report, the project would create hundreds of temporary construction jobs and approximately 100 full-time jobs for workers with technical, facility management and operational roles. Construction would be expected to start some time in 2026 with operations beginning in 2027.
The zoning request is scheduled to be considered for a nonbinding recommendation on November 20 by the Sangamon County Zoning Board of Appeals. The Sangamon County Board would have the final say and could vote as soon as its December 9 scheduled meeting.
Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance President and CEO Ryan McCrady, who has been working with CyrusOne officials, told the Illinois Times the project would significantly increase property tax revenues for school districts and other local taxing entities and help hold down property tax bills for residents. He said he is working on estimates for increases in tax revenues, but he noted that some of the taxing entities that would benefit include Sangamon County and the Waverly and North Mac school districts, Talking Township and the Virden Fire Protection District.
The proposed data center would be immediately north of Swift Current Energy’s $800 million Double Black Diamond solar farm, which began operating in April and covers 4,200 acres in Sangamon and Morgan counties.
Ptacek: New building projects paid by 1% sales tax
Jacksonville School District 117 Superintendent Steve Ptacek continues to emphasize to the public that the new building projects the district has had for the last few years have been paid for by the 1% sales tax that was passed in 2014. The tax revenue was specifically directed towards the district’s building and maintenance funds.
The revenue from the tax has paid for bonds that finance capital improvements that have occurred at Jacksonville Middle School, Lincoln Elementary, South Elementary, Washington Elementary and Eisenhower Elementary. It is now being used to finance the construction of the new Murrayville-Woodson Elementary School near Woodson.
“I want to clarify when people talk about these new buildings and property tax, every payment that has been made on every facility we have upgraded, that’s all been done with sales tax revenue,” Ptacek told WLDS.
According to the most recent data published at the Jacksonville District 117 School Board meeting on October 15, the district has seen a steady 1.1% increase in sales tax revenue since July.
Ptacek went on to tell WLDS that he’s done comparisons of school property tax rates with 81 other districts of similar size throughout the state and says District 117 has a lower rate than most, “It showed that two-thirds of those communities have a higher property tax rate, school district tax rate than Jacksonville school district.”
In the meantime, Superintendent Ptacek and District Treasurer Richard Cunningham continue to watch cuts to federal funding and the state’s Personal Property Replacement Tax revenue. Ptacek says that the district has enough fund balance to weather any financial storms in the short term that would not cause concerns for cuts.
Later on at the October 15 board meeting, the District 117 School Board unanimously approved to pay Graham & Hyde $414,103.52 for professional services and design of the new Murrayville-Woodson Elementary building.
City Council hears proposal for another solar farm
At their October 13 meeting, the Jacksonville City Council heard from another community solar developer for a proposed solar farm off of Blacks Lane on the city’s east side. Nexamp Director of Business Development Jack Curry, who is based out of the company’s Chicago office, wishes to develop some land north of the previously proposed solar project east of Blacks Lane.
The city council previously shot down a proposed solar farm by developer Summit Ridge in July 2024 due to its close proximity to the Prairie Knolls subdivision, traffic on East Morton Avenue among other issues. The project proposed by Nexamp would be north of the Town Brook and south of the railroad tracks and sit directly south of AB&C Mini Storage and Bill’s Towing.
The 15-acre site would potentially generate 3.5 megawatts of community solar power. Residents of Jacksonville would be able to subscribe to buy power from the project. Nexamp secured $520 million from the Biden Administration in April 2024 to build similar projects around the country.
Nexamp is a part of the Illinois Shines project that is given tax incentives to provide lower utility bills to low-income residents.
The proposal was not on the city’s agenda for their October 13 meeting. Jacksonville City Planner Brian Nyberg says that the location would need approval of a variance from the Jacksonville City Plans Commission to move forward. As of press time, an application for the variance has not been submitted.
The proposal comes on the heels of NewCarbon’s community solar project being installed on the City of Jacksonville-owned property located north of Country Club Road. Nyberg says the NewCarbon project is compliant with the current required setbacks and zoning requirements for the city. The 5-megawatt project is expected to be operational within the next two years.
Hours long standoff in Beardstown after shots fired incident results in one arrest
A Beardstown man was arrested after an hours-long standoff at a Beardstown home on the evening of October 17.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Department reports that the Beardstown Police and the Cass County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to 210 Adams Street in Beardstown for a report of shots fired shortly after 8 p.m. on October 17. Upon arrival more shots could be heard and a male entered the residence and refused to exit.
Two occupants left the residence, and the suspect was the only remaining occupant of the residence. Sheriff’s deputies and Beardstown police officers set up a perimeter around the home and probable cause was established to obtain a search warrant for the residence.
After several hours that led into the overnight hours of October 18, officers were able to take Elias Sanchez de la Cruz, 44, of Beardstown, into custody. Sanchez de la Cruz has been cited for reckless discharge of a firearm and disorderly conduct. He is currently being held at the Schuyler County Jail pending a detention hearing.
No injuries to police or nearby civilians were reported. The investigation into the incident remains open. Members of the public with further information are urged to contact the Beardstown Police at 217-323-3131 or the Morgan Scott Cass Crime Stoppers at 217-243-7300.
City of Jacksonville to begin leaf pick up November 3
Officials with the City of Jacksonville announced this past week that the annual leaf pick up will begin on November 3 and run through the end of the month of November.
All bagged leaves must be curbside by 8 a.m. each day to be picked up. Leaves must be in paper or plastic bags. If leaves do not appear in bags, they will not be picked up. For further questions, call the City Garage at 217-479-4653.
Jacksonville Rotary Club invites community to Squeal at the Wheel on October 31
The Rotary Club of Jacksonville invites the community to come out to Community Park on Halloween night to ride the Big Eli Ferris Wheel and celebrate a haunted Halloween with a fun and free event from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Rotarian Stefanie Ballinger said, “This slightly spooky, family-friendly event is sponsored and staffed by volunteers from the Rotary Club of Jacksonville.
Rotarians in costume will be handing out candy and providing free rides on the Big Eli Ferris Wheel.” Children must be at least 36 inches tall to ride the Ferris wheel. Children of all ages and sizes may participate in the free trick-or-treat event.
Illinois Youth Deer Hunters set new record
Illinois youth deer hunters set a new record for the season, harvesting a preliminary total of 4,714 deer October 11-13. Top harvest counties include Randolph, 259; Pike, 164; Adams, 155; Jefferson, 155; and Marion, 135.
Comparatively, youth hunters took 4,097 deer during the season in 2024. During this most recent season, youth hunters in Morgan took a harvest of 35, Cass 34, Scott 10 and Greene 82.
Youth hunters with an unfilled, valid youth deer permit may still hunt with the permit during the upcoming firearm deer seasons November 21-23 and December 4-7. This is the first year that unfilled youth permits are valid for both segments of the firearm season.
