Ribbon cutting held at Illinois Theater
Illinois Theater held a ribbon cutting through the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce to introduce its new owner, Sam Hampton, and staff. Illinois Theater will continue to show first-run movies while expanding opportunities for private rental, special events and more. Many new and exciting promotions are coming for the summer! They will be selling Tropical Sno, as well as all other concessions during the Jacksonville Main Street Downtown Concert Series while also playing regularly scheduled shows on Friday nights. Kids ’movies with free admissions begins Wednesday, June 3. The shows will be weekly and shown Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 1 p.m. and Saturday at 10 a.m. Opportunities to sponsor the kids shows are still available. Wizarding Wednesdays, featuring Harry Potter films, start June 3. For more information, check out their website, illinoistheater.com.
Sunrise Rotary awards scholarship winner
The Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary Club announced the second winner of a club scholarship for the upcoming academic year at their club meeting June 2. Mason Johnson, of Jacksonville, who will be attending the Culver Stockton College in the fall, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship from the club. Johnson plans to pursue a career in teaching. Sunrise Rotary Scholarships are awarded annually each spring. Funds for these scholarships are raised during weekly club meetings, through ‘Rotations and Recognitions,’ where club members pay to make announcements, and also for any mention of club members or their various interests in the media.
Juneteenth panel discussion on June 19 to tie in to Underground Railroad Exhibit at Jacksonville Area Museum
The process, excitement and challenges of making stories like the Underground Railroad come alive during the Social Media Age will be the focus of a panel discussion to be held on Juneteenth, Friday, June 19 at 6 p.m. at Centenary United Methodist Church at 331 E. State Street in Jacksonville. The event, which is free and open to the public, is being held in conjunction with the “Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad” exhibit currently on display at the Jacksonville Area Museum at 301 E. State Street.
Panel discussion participants include:
- Dr. Brian Mitchell, a well-known African American historian, former Director of Research and Interpretation at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, and currently the Center for Lincoln Studies Public Humanities Fellow at the University of Illinois Springfield
- Dr. Brittany Yancy, Illinois College professor of 20th-century U.S. History with a focus on social movements, urban radicalism, critical race theory, women’s activism, and black women’s political and intellectual history
- Kathryn Harris, former director at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and a first-person interpreter of historic African American women
- Ruth Linear, local historian and director of the Jacksonville African American History Museum
The panel discussion will be moderated by Jacksonville Area Museum Manager Tori Ohl and museum board member and historian Chad Boehlke. A tour of the Underground Railroad exhibit at the Jacksonville Area Museum will be offered following the June 19 program.
“Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad” highlights the courageous stories of freedom seekers and the multi-racial conductors who assisted them on the Underground Railroad in Illinois. The exhibit is open to the public at the Jacksonville Area Museum through August 1, 2026 during the museum’s normal hours of operation: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. on Sundays.
The next special program in support of the exhibit will be on Saturday, July 11 at 6 p.m. when local historian Chad Boehlke will conduct a guided tour of Underground Railroad-related grave sites at Diamond Grove Cemetery. The July 11 program is free and open to the public.
“Journey to Freedom: Illinois’ Underground Railroad” is proudly presented by The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, also known as Looking for Lincoln.
Visit jacksonvilleareamuseum.org or connect with the Jacksonville Area Museum on Facebook for more information or to find out how to become a museum member or volunteer.
Sangamon County Fair returns June 10-14 with family fun, agriculture, entertainment and community traditions
The Sangamon County Fair is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors for another exciting year of family entertainment, agricultural excellence and community celebration at the fairgrounds in New Berlin.
The annual fair offers something for every age, combining exciting grandstand events, live entertainment, carnival rides by Swyear Amusements, competitive exhibits, livestock shows, new in 2025 — the Pink Pony Pub — serving frozen cocktails, and longstanding traditions that celebrate the rich agricultural heritage of Sangamon County.
One of the fair’s signature events, the Miss Sangamon County Fair Queen Pageant, kicks off at 7 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, as contestants compete for the opportunity to serve as the official ambassador and hostess of the fair. The pageant continues a proud tradition of recognizing outstanding young women who represent the values of leadership, service and community involvement.
Throughout the week, fairgoers can enjoy a full lineup of grandstand entertainment, featuring high-energy events and nationally recognized performers. Grandstand events require tickets in addition to general fair gate admission.
Grandstand lineup:
- 7 p.m. Thursday, June 11: Full Throttle Monster Trucks
- 7 p.m. Friday, June 12: Scotty McCreery and Josh Turner (tickets go up $10 the day of the event)
- 7 p.m. Saturday, June 13: Sangamon County Fair Rodeo by Rogue Rodeo
- 5 p.m. Sunday, June 14: Demolition Derby by Track Shot Promotions
Beyond the grandstand, the fairgrounds will come alive with grounds acts and family-friendly attractions, offering entertainment throughout the day.
Additional events of note:
- 2 p.m. Thursday, June 11: Free ice cream social with music by Capital Area Big Band
- Friday and Saturday, June 12-13: State-qualifying Lego competition
- Noon Saturday, June 13: Talent Show
- 8 a.m. to noon Sunday, June 14: Third Annual Car Show
Agriculture remains at the heart of the Sangamon County Fair. The fair’s livestock shows will showcase the hard work and dedication of local youth and agricultural exhibitors as they present beef cattle, sheep, swine, goats, rabbits and poultry. These competitions highlight the next generation of agricultural leaders while providing educational opportunities for visitors.
Visitors are also encouraged to explore the fair’s extensive exhibit buildings, featuring entries from talented community members of all ages. Displays include agricultural products, floriculture, culinary creations, fine arts, textiles, hobbies, handicrafts and other exhibits that celebrate the creativity, craftsmanship and skills found throughout Sangamon County.
“The Sangamon County Fair is more than just a fair — it’s a celebration of our community, our agricultural roots and the people who make our county special,” said Roy Pierceall, president of the Sangamon County Fair Board. “Whether you’re coming for the entertainment, livestock shows, exhibits, carnival or family traditions, there’s truly something for everyone.”
With affordable gate admission of $5 (children 4 and under are free), exciting entertainment and opportunities to support local exhibitors and agricultural youth, the Sangamon County Fair continues to be one of central Illinois’ premier summer events.
For event schedules, tickets, exhibit information and additional details, visit SangCoFair.com.
*About the Sangamon County Fair: The Sangamon County Fair is dedicated to promoting agriculture, education and family entertainment while providing opportunities for community involvement and showcasing the talents and achievements of residents throughout Sangamon County. The annual fair brings together exhibitors, volunteers, sponsors and visitors to celebrate the traditions and future of Illinois agriculture.
Jacksonville library presents ‘Our Gift of Dogs’ on June 22
The Jacksonville Public Library presents “Our Gift of Dogs with Reg Green” at 6 p.m. on June 22 at the library, located at 201 W. College Ave. in Jacksonville.
Since retiring from his teaching career in the northwest suburbs, Mr. Reggie Green has been able to pursue his lifelong interest in dogs. Not just the dogs themselves, but their unique way of lifting the human spirit in ways we often take for granted.
Using several short stories, videos as well as an elaborate photo display, Reggie will defend the premise that dogs are a gift to us all. Please join the Jacksonville Public Library in welcoming Reggie Green as he shares what he has learned through a lifetime of interest in “Man’s Best Friend”!
Admission is free – we hope to see you there!
Find out more at jaxpl.org or by calling 217-243-5435.
Rep. Moore releases statement on passing of state budget
State Representative Kyle Moore (R-IL) issued the following statement upon passage of the FY27 state budget by the Illinois House of Representatives on Sunday:
“Tonight, Illinois families were handed the largest budget in state history while being asked to pay even more to support it. At nearly $55.9 billion, this budget increases spending, relies on approximately $800 million in new revenue, and provides no meaningful tax relief for hardworking Illinoisans.
My colleagues and I were told this budget was about affordability. Instead, families are left wondering how they will afford higher costs while Springfield continues to spend more.
This budget is deeply flawed, and that’s why I couldn’t support it:
- A new $200 million social media tax that will ultimately be passed on to consumers.
- The transfer of $150 million in motor fuel sales tax revenue to help prop up the state budget rather than support transportation infrastructure.
- The Local Government Distributive Fund remains frozen at 6.47%, placing additional pressure on local governments and taxpayers.
Illinois families deserve transparency, and a government that lives within its means. Instead, this budget asks taxpayers to dig deeper into their pockets while offering little relief in return.
I will continue fighting for responsible spending, lower costs, and policies that work to better our state. The people of the 99th District deserve better, and I will continue fighting on their behalf.”
For more information about Representative Moore, visit RepMoore.com.
Jacksonville library presents I-Cash event on June 24
The Jacksonville Public Library, in collaboration with The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, presents an I-Cash event from 4-7 p.m. on June 24 at the library, located at 201 W. College Ave. in Jacksonville.
Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs’ staff will be at the Jacksonville Public Library on Wednesday, June 24, to help reunite citizens with missing money through the I-Cash program.
In Morgan County, an estimated 45,000 people and businesses have unclaimed cash or property held by the treasurer’s office. The value exceeds $6,700,000.00. Statewide, Frerichs secures more than $5 billion in unclaimed cash and property.
“For most people, it is difficult to believe that they might have overlooked an investment account or forgot to pick up a final paycheck. However, the thousands of names in our database shows that it happens too often,” Frerichs said. “This money belongs to the residents of Illinois. It should be in their bank accounts rather than the state’s safe.”
In Illinois, the state treasurer is tasked with safeguarding missing money, such as unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts and unused rebate cards. Illinois holds more than $5 billion in missing money. The state treasurer is legally required to return the property to the rightful owners no matter how long it takes. Individuals can search the state treasurer’s database for their name or the name of their business or non-profit at www.illinoistreasurer.gov/icash.
You do not need to register for this program, attendance is free!
Find out more at jaxpl.org or by calling 217-243-5435.
Rotary Club of Jacksonville invites community to participate in Fourth of July Parade
The Rotary Club of Jacksonville invites businesses, organizations, groups and individuals to participate in its Fourth of July Parade on Saturday, July 4, 2026!
This year the parade’s focus is “Celebrating Freedom, Service and Impact,” honoring those who willingly unite to build strong connections within our local and regional communities, creating a significant, positive and lasting impact.
Rabbi Rob and Lauren Thomas, Jacksonville residents and philanthropists, will be the parade marshals. Rotarian Joan McQuillan said, “Please join us in celebrating all those who willingly support and engage in local and regional community service. Their efforts to network and collaborate are creating opportunities and positively impacting our community.”
The parade route will form up and originate at the Morgan County Fairgrounds. The route will proceed on Grand Avenue (Morgan County Fairgrounds gate) headed east on West State Street, then go around the square, exit on North Main Street and disperse at Douglas Avenue.
On the morning of the parade, registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and runs until 9:45 a.m. Registration entry point is on Westgate and Horsebarn Road at the Southwest Gate of the Morgan County Fairgrounds. Parade lineup numbers will be assigned the day of the parade. The order of the parade lineup is determined by the order in which entrants check in with registration staff; the first checked in will be the first placed. Lineup will be along Grandstand Road on the fairgrounds. Floats and long vehicles must arrive by 9 a.m. One person with each entry is required to check in to receive a parade number and last minute information. For entries with multiple vehicles, all vehicles must check in together.
Anyone who hasn’t pre-registered for the parade cannot be guaranteed a place in the parade, but may be offered an opportunity to form up at the end of the parade.
All vehicles and drivers must be properly insured. Drivers must be 25 years old or older and have a valid driver’s license. Registrants must abide by any public health or safety guidelines of the Rotary Club of Jacksonville or local authorities.
The deadline for pre-registering is 5 p.m. on Friday, June 26. Parade entrants can register online or find registration forms to download at http://jacksonvillerotary.org/independence-day-parade. Questions may be directed to 217-370-2145 or july4parade@jacksonvillerotary.org.
American Legion Post 279 to hold July Fourth ceremony, BBQ
In the spirit of celebrating 250 years of independence, American Legion Post 279 of Jacksonville is hosting a flag-raising ceremony and BBQ this 4th of July, with free hamburgers and hot dogs served hot off the grill after the short ceremony. The flag raising will commence at noon in front of the American Legion building, 903 W. Superior in Jacksonville, followed by a free lunch of hot dogs and hamburgers served inside the post. The community is invited, with a special invitation to our local area veterans.
This event is a collaboration of the veteran service organizations of Jacksonville: American Legion Post 279, AmVets Post 100, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1379 and the event sponsor, Jones Meat & Locker.
11 a.m. — American Legion open
Noon — Flag raising, followed by invocation and some short comments
12:15 p.m. — Complimentary hamburgers, hot dogs and chips will be served in the bar area
We look forward to celebrating 250 years of independence with you.
Crisis Center Foundation presents ‘Teen Healthy Relationship’ series
The Crisis Center Foundation is holding a variety of classes for its “Teen Healthy Relationship”
Series. The classes are for youth aged 11-17 and will be held Wednesdays from 1-3 p.m. at 1101 W. Morton Ave., Suite A in Jacksonville.
The schedule is as follows:
July 8 – Introduction (Learn about CCF and how they provide support in building and maintaining healthy relationships in our community.)
July 15 – Healthy vs Unhealthy
July 22 – Boundaries & Self-Esteem (Learn how to set boundaries and build self-esteem within yourself.)
July 29 – Safety Planning and Technology Safety
Aug 5 – Coping Skills and Self-Regulation (Learn coping skills and how to self-regulate.)
The series will culminate on August 8 with a “Back 2 School Bash” from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Minnie Barr Park, located at 300 E. Walnut in Jacksonville.
For more information, contact Anna Sprague (call/text 217-408-6421 or email sprague@jvilleccf.org) or Naomi Trotter (call/text 217-408-6242 or email trotter@jvilleccf.org).
The series is made possible in part by a grant from the MacMurray Foundation & Alumni Association.
JPL Bookmobile is active!
The Jacksonville Public Library wants to remind everyone that their Bookmobile is coming to a location near you every Friday from June 12-August 7!
Please make sure to stop by one of its three locations on Fridays:
- Pavilion @ Centenary United Methodist Church – 321 E. Morgan St. from 1-1:30 p.m.
- Dunlap Court – 612 N. West St. from 2:15-3:15 p.m.
- Greenbriar Apartments – 12 Greenbriar Dr. from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Children ages 2 through seniors in high school are able to check out books. They are able to check out two books each week. You do not need a library card to participate in Bookmobile! Please return or renew books each week. There are no late fees or registration involved. Kids will be able to win prizes and snacks for reading.
Find out more at jaxpl.org or by calling the Jacksonville Public Library at 217-243-5435.
Lady Bandits has ribbon cutting for Jacksonville location
Lady Bandits Brew & Boutique held a ribbon-cutting event with the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce recently. Lady Bandits is a family-owned coffee shop and boutique offering handcrafted coffee drinks, Lotus energy drinks, dirty sodas, boutique apparel, gifts and more. The business is focused on creating a welcoming atmosphere where customers can gather, shop, and enjoy quality drinks and unique products. In addition to its popular beverage menu, the Jacksonville location features a selection of outdoor and sporting goods, making it a one-of-a-kind shopping destination in downtown Jacksonville. Lady Bandits Brew & Boutique is open Monday through Friday from 6 a.m.-4 p.m., and on Saturdays from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. It is located at 29 S. Central Park Plz.
