Central Illinois author B.T. Kirgan to release supernatural horror novel on Halloween
“The Demon’s Record Box” arrives October 31, with a Halloween-night book signing at Jacksonville’s Illinois Theater.
Just in time for Halloween, Central Illinois author B.T. Kirgan is releasing “The Demon’s Record Box,” a supernatural horror novel blending demonic mythology, psychological unease and a small-town record store into an oddly satisfying concoction.
The novel will be released Oct. 31, giving horror readers a new title to add to their Halloween reading lists. The release will be celebrated with a book signing at the Illinois Theater, 204 N. Mauvaisterre St. in Jacksonville, from 9 to 10 p.m. The free event will take place in conjunction with a Halloween double feature. A limited number of copies will be available for $15.
Kirgan, a longtime writer and creative, brings his interest in the macabre, music, and supernatural horror to a story built around demonic forces and the mysteries surrounding a seemingly ordinary music collection. The novel explores the unsettling territory where a Midwest music scene, record collecting, love interests and otherworldly forces collide.
For Kirgan, the Halloween debut release offers a fitting occasion to introduce the book to readers who enjoy horror, the occult, supernatural fiction alongside the classic John Carpenter films.
The Demon’s Record Box will be available through Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.
BOOK SIGNING DETAILS
What: “The Demon’s Record Box” book signing with author B.T. Kirgan
When: Saturday, October 31, 2026, 9–10 p.m.
Where: Illinois Theater, 204 N. Mauvaisterre St., Jacksonville, Illinois
Admission: Free
Books: Limited copies available for $15
JREDC announces annual award recipients at investor event
Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation (JREDC) honored the recipients of its two annual awards during the organization’s investor appreciation event held at the Twisted Tree Music Hall in Jacksonville on Thursday evening.
Since 1990, JREDC’s Existing Industry Committee has presented the Industry of the Year Award to a company exhibiting outstanding business development and activity that enhances regional economic viability. This year, the economic development organization is pleased to recognize an organization that is firmly rooted in our region’s history as well as committed to our future: The Jacksonville Airport Authority.
Located approximately three miles north of Jacksonville in Morgan County, the Jacksonville Municipal Airport (IJX) is a publicly owned general aviation airport operated by the Jacksonville Airport Authority. While the airport is widely used for recreational flying and flight training, its impact extends well beyond general aviation. The airport supports a variety of activities that benefit businesses, residents, and organizations throughout the region, including corporate and charter flights, aerial inspection and photography, police and law enforcement operations, military training, medical transport and seasonal agricultural activities. These services make the airport an important component of the area’s transportation infrastructure and a valuable resource for the local economy.
The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) initiated the development of the Illinois Aviation Economic Impact Analysis (EIA) to quantify each airport’s annual monetary contribution to their local, regional and statewide economies. From 2019, the data showed the following economic impact of our local airport:
- 43 Jobs.
- $1.9M Labor Income. This is payroll paid to all employees, including salaries, wages and other benefits.
- $3.0M Value Added. “Value Added” is the economic productivity of each aviation-related business establishment calculated as business revenue earned minus the cost of purchasing goods and services from other businesses. It includes all labor compensation, profits and taxes paid by businesses and is a reflection of the aviation system’s total contribution to Illinois’ Gross Domestic Product.
- $1.6M Visitor Spending. Out-of-state visitors traveling for personal or business reasons spend money on accommodations, food and beverage, local ground transportation, retail and entertainment which generates a significant influx of revenue.
- $6.5M On-Airport Activity. This is the impact generated by IJX including airport management and administration, airport tenants and on-airport construction.
- $8.1M Total Economic Impact. Total economic impact is business revenues. It takes into account expenditures needed to administer airports, sales of goods and services by airport tenants, budget expenditures by public sector agencies located on airports, the cost of capital expenditures and visitor spending in Illinois’ hospitality-related sectors.
In recent years, the Jacksonville Airport Authority has made significant investments to enhance the airport’s facilities, safety and long-term capabilities. Recent projects include the construction of a new 10-unit T-hangar, which increased available hangar space by approximately 35 percent; rehabilitation of Runway 13/31 and remarking of the airfield; and upgrades to LED lighting throughout the airfield. Together, these projects represent approximately $5 million in infrastructure improvements. The investment will continue with the upcoming projects which include an update to the Airport Layout Plan, construction of a partial parallel taxiway to Runway End 22, and rehabilitation of Taxiways A and C. These projects represent an additional $4.8 million in planned updates and infrastructure improvements. Combined, the recent and upcoming projects represent nearly $10 million in investment in Jacksonville’s Municipal Airport, strengthening an important community asset and positioning the facility to serve local businesses, pilots, visitors and residents well into the future.
The airport’s commitment extends beyond its runways and facilities. The Jacksonville Municipal Airport regularly supports community events and aviation safety seminars and partners with the local Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 137 to host Young Eagles flights and fly-ins. These activities help introduce young people to aviation while promoting education, safety, and enthusiasm for the aviation industry.
The Jacksonville Airport Authority credits the dedication and teamwork of its Board of Commissioners and staff by allowing the airport to provide a safe, high-quality facility for the entire community. Shastin Saxer, manager of IJX, says the goal is to offer the best facility possible for the businesses and patrons who utilize Jacksonville’s Municipal Airport. That commitment has also earned recognition at the state level. In 2024, IDOT recognized Jacksonville Municipal Airport as the Large General Aviation Airport of the Year. The airport was selected for its many accomplishments, including its strong partnership with IDOT and its commitment to customer safety and satisfaction. Award considerations included cooperation and coordination with the state, safety record, facility maintenance, and the promotion of aviation and educational events. Through continued infrastructure investment, community partnerships, and a strong focus on safety and service, the Jacksonville Municipal Airport continues to demonstrate its value as both a transportation resource and an economic development asset.
Also during the event, JREDC proudly presented the 2025 Bob Chipman Champion Award to Dan Beard. Created in 2019 to recognize exemplary support for economic development in Morgan and Scott counties, it was renamed in 2024 in memory of the late Robert “Bob” Chipman, whose unwavering commitment and exceptional dedication set the gold standard for community support.
For more than four decades, Dan Beard has played an important role in the growth and economic development of Jacksonville and the surrounding region. Through his professional service, volunteer leadership, and commitment to the community, he has helped shape many of the efforts that have strengthened Jacksonville’s economy and created opportunities for generations to come.
His involvement in economic development began in the mid-1980s while serving on the Chamber of Commerce Board. During that time, he co-chaired an economic development task force with Ron Gray. One of the group’s recommendations was the formation of an Economic Development Corporation, helping lay the groundwork for a more coordinated approach to business growth and development in the community.
In 1986, he joined the Board of the Jacksonville Industrial Corporation, where he served until 1999, including his final three years as president. In 1999, the Industrial Corporation and the Jacksonville Economic Development Council merged, bringing together organizations with a shared commitment to advancing the Jacksonville area. He went on to serve on the Board of the Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation, where he has continued his involvement through the present day and has also served as Assistant Secretary.
His dedication to Jacksonville extended well beyond his board service. From 1993 through 2026, he served as City Attorney, working alongside Mayors Ron Tendick and Andy Ezard, as well as Development Directors Kelly Hall and Brian Nyberg, on numerous economic development projects throughout the city.
Over the years, he has had a front-row seat to remarkable growth and transformation in Jacksonville. Among the many highlights have been the completion and development of the Illinois Power Industrial Park and Eastgate Industrial Parks, significant commercial development along West Morton Avenue, and the revitalization of Jacksonville’s downtown, culminating in the transformational “Downtown Turnaround.”
Throughout his years of service, he has also had the privilege of working with some of the original founders of the Jacksonville Industrial Corporation, including John Bellatti, Ted Rammelkamp Sr., Jim Coultas, and Elmer Lukeman. Their leadership was instrumental in the economic boom Jacksonville experienced during the 1960s, and their commitment to the community helped establish a legacy that future economic development leaders would continue.
Just as meaningful as the projects and accomplishments have been the relationships formed along the way. Through his many years with JREDC, he has developed lasting friendships with dedicated board members, community volunteers, and staff members who have shared his commitment to the region. He especially recognizes the tremendous work of JREDC staff through the years, including Terry Denison, Kristin Jamison, Bonni Waters and Jacquie Bartlett.
In recognition of his extraordinary commitment, decades of leadership, and lasting contributions to economic development, JREDC is proud to honor Dan Beard with the 2025 Bob Chipman Champion Award. We are thankful for his exemplary service to this organization, and we appreciate his many years of dedication in an effort to move the Jacksonville region forward.
JREDC Chairman Rob Lyman expressed his gratitude to the many JREDC investors in attendance, and thanked them for their time, talent and treasure. He also acknowledged Jacquie Bartlett for her dedication, hard work, and leadership over the past 18 months. Her commitment to moving the organization forward has been instrumental during this transitional period. Jacquie continues to be a tremendous asset to JREDC, and we are grateful for her passion, perseverance, and commitment to the future success of our organization.
The mission of JREDC is to create, expand, recruit and retain job opportunities for Morgan and Scott counties. The investor-based group traces its beginnings to 1964 when the Jacksonville Area Industrial Corporation was formed with the objective of creating jobs by acquiring new industries and assisting the growth of existing industries.
