By Ben Cox
Photos provided
Citizens Police Academy Alumni starts scholarship program this year
Students interested in a career in law enforcement/criminal justice are invited to apply for two new awards offered by the Jacksonville Citizens Police Academy Alumni (CPAA) group.
Recipients of the $1,750 awards will be announced by August 1, with formal recognition at the Central Illinois Policeman’s Ball on November 14. The application deadline is May 1. Applications are available at the guidance offices of Routt and Jacksonville high schools and at Facebook.com/Jacksonville Citizens Police Academy Alumni.
This is the first year for the awards, which are largely funded by proceeds of the CPAA’s annual Bass Tournament. One award will go to a local student attending any accredited 2- or 4-year college; the second award will go to a student attending a local 2- or 4-year college. The students must have a career goal of some aspect of law enforcement/criminal justice.
“While we always work to help with the betterment of local law enforcement and our community, we wanted to find a way to provide long-term support to our law enforcement partners,” said CPAA President Everett Beddingfield. “What better way to do that than to help a student who wants to make a career in law enforcement.”
The CPAA is composed of graduates of Jacksonville Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy, a 10-week program that introduces the community to the ins and outs of police work.
CPAA members help with various community events, like parades and large fundraisers, and also raise money through the Policeman’s Ball to help with equipment for Jacksonville and South Jacksonville Police Departments, such as drones, first aid kits and a K-9 officer. Applications for the Spring CPA class, which begins March 3, and the April 25, bass tournament are also available on the group’s Facebook page.
Rocks Baseball Club partners with Future Champions Sports Complex
The Rocks Baseball Club is partnering with Future Champions Sports Complex in Jacksonville to launch new weeknight youth baseball leagues this spring, offering expanded development opportunities for area players ages 4-10.
Beginning the week of April 21, the program will feature Rec Plus and A Competitive level leagues, with 8U machine-pitch games scheduled for Tuesday nights and combined 9U/10U player-pitch leagues on Wednesday nights. A co-ed T-Ball league for ages 4-6 will run Thursday nights from May 28 through July 9. All games will be played on the turf fields at Future Champions Sports Complex.
Rocks Baseball Club Manager Joe Kindred said the partnership strengthens the club’s focus on skill development and competitive fundamentals while supporting a growing local sports facility.
“The Rocks Baseball Club was founded on the concept of individual skill development along with teaching kids a competitive approach to baseball,” Kindred said. “This collaborative effort with Future Champions Sports Complex gives us a great opportunity to maximize that mission and support an outstanding local business dedicated to improving baseball in this area. As far as playing fields for our new leagues, there is really no comparison in town.”
League play will follow a one-game-per-week format, designed to give players more time for practice and instruction while promoting healthier arm care for young pitchers.
The schedule also allows travel team players to continue weekend tournament play while using the weeknight league for additional development. Both team and individual registrations are being accepted.
Players who register individually will be placed on teams and may also participate at no additional cost in up to four Rocks Baseball Club skills development camp sessions in May and June, with dates to be announced. Camps will include instruction from area high school and college athletes and coaches.
Registration information is available at futurechampionssportscomplex.com. For details, contact Joe Kindred at 217-720-6835 or email rocksbaseballclub@gmail.com.
LEGO exhibit awards ceremony set for March 1 at Jacksonville Area Museum
The “Building with Brick – The Art of Lego” exhibit at the Jacksonville Area Museum will conclude its three-month run on Saturday, February 28 and the awards ceremony for exhibitors will take place at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 1 at the museum.
The exhibit may still be seen until that time on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sundays from 1-4 p.m., and visitors are still encouraged to vote for their favorite entries.
“The Art of Lego” opened in December and features original and LEGO kit creations submitted by people of all ages and skill levels. Visitors’ votes determine the winners in each category, and those top vote-getters will receive LEGO-related merchandise on March 1.
“There’s still time to see the most popular wintertime exhibit in Jacksonville, so come by and marvel at the LEGO talent we have in our area,” said Jacksonville Area Museum Manager Tori Kolanowski.
“We also invite people to attend the March 1 awards ceremony so they can meet these creative geniuses in person.”
The Jacksonville Area Museum is located in the old Post Office building at 301 East State Street. There is no admission fee but a donation of $5 is suggested to keep the museum operating. 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.
Chamber of commerce’s Eat, Drink & Win contest returns
Eat, Drink & Win is back for another year this February, giving residents a chance to support local businesses and win Chamber Checks.
Hosted by the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce, the month-long promotion encourages diners to visit local restaurants and bars between Feb. 1-28. Customers who spend $10 or more can submit receipts—whether dining in, using drive-thru, delivery or pickup—for entry into prize drawings.
Receipts can be turned in at the Chamber office, 155 West Morton Avenue, or submitted by email with a photo to chamber2@jacksonvilleareachamber.org. Entries must include the participant’s name and phone number. Receipts remain eligible for drawings throughout the month, and purchases made at Chamber member establishments earn double entries.
One $100 Chamber Check winner will be drawn February 17 during a Facebook Live event, with three additional winners selected March 2. Sponsors include Heartland Bank and Trust, Spradlin Auction Center, Zink Auto Clinic and the First National Bank of Arenzville.
JREDC launches search for next president
The Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation (JREDC) is searching for the next person to lead the organization in achieving its mission to create, expand, recruit and retain job opportunities in Morgan and Scott counties.
The local nonprofit organization is accepting applications from individuals motivated to provide continuous support for Morgan and Scott counties’ established industries, inform city and county government officials of requirements for economic projects; seek opportunities for new, expanding and relocating businesses to Morgan and Scott counties; and develop relationships with statewide, regional and local economic development partners.
The community leader will lead all outward facing activities of the organization including program development, investor relations, community relations, small business assistance and workforce development.
“The Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation continues to build on our long-term, positive relationships with local and regional partners to promote development in the Jacksonville area,” said JREDC Board Chairman Kai Schnitker. “We look forward to selecting our next leader to build future success in Morgan and Scott counties.”
Qualified candidates will possess the following skills: Five to 10 years of experience in planning, economic or community development; experience managing projects and personnel at a nonprofit, public agency or private company; experience in planning and execution of fundraising campaigns; and experience in developing and executing marketing campaigns.
In addition, the search committee is intent on identifying a visionary who can oversee a regional needs study to help determine the top needs of employers in the region, serve as a community liaison, partner with stakeholders to encourage entrepreneurship and assist in developing place-making strategies.
“Jacksonville actively works with JREDC to attract new business and maintain current businesses in the region,” explained City of Jacksonville Mayor Andy Ezard. “We are searching for a person who is able to collaborate well with my team, as well as community partners at the regional and state levels.”
The president position was previously held by Kristin Jamison, who accepted a role directing the foundation at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital last fall. Jamison is working with JREDC Vice President Jacquie Bartlett and the search committee to help identify her successor.
“Working for the last seven years to strengthen Morgan and Scott counties has been professionally and personally rewarding,” stated Jamison. “I understand how important it is to identify a candidate who is flexible, committed to building long-term relationships and fully invested in this area. I am honored to serve on this search committee critical to the future of our community.”
The full-time position reports to the JREDC Executive Committee and Board of Directors, and includes Morgan County and Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund benefits. A full job description is posted at jredc.org.
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.
Conscious Discipline Workshop to be held in Jacksonville on March 7
Jacksonville Area Friends of Family Learning (JAFFL) will host the area’s 22nd annual Conscious Discipline Workshop on Saturday, March 7 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Illinois College. The workshop will be offered in person and virtually and is open to parents, educators, caregivers and community members.
The workshop will be led by Angela Fraley, Conscious Discipline Master Instructor, and will focus on practical, research-based strategies that support children’s social-emotional development, self-regulation and connection in homes, classrooms and community settings. Professional development credit will be available for early childhood/education professionals.
“Conscious Discipline emphasizes the importance of an ‘Adult First’ approach. The adult must be regulated first before handling any challenging behavior with a child. A regulated adult can then use strategies and concrete tools to respond effectively to children in crisis, with empathy and intention,” said Sarah Wilson, executive director of JAFFL.
“By offering this training locally, we are supporting families and education professionals with tools that strengthen relationships and help young children thrive. We hope to bring families and educational settings together with common language and strategies to make a greater impact on our community as a whole.”
New this year, with support from the Jacksonville Children’s Foundation, JAFFL is offering an optional Lunch Roundtable Discussion for an additional fee, which includes a catered lunch and facilitated discussion time for participants to share experiences, challenges and successes.
Jacksonville Area Friends of Family Learning is a non-profit organization serving Morgan County, Illinois, with a mission to develop the whole child and support families through academic and social-emotional learning. JAFFL works with schools and community partners to serve children from birth through age 8 and the adults who care for them.
Registration is required and group discounts are available. To register or learn more, community members may contact at jaffl2022@gmail.com or use the group’s Facebook page for registration links, pricing information and more.
Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau hosting “Soil to Success” program
The Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau (CMFB) is hosting a program titled “Soil to Success: A Day of Agronomic Insight,” starting at 10 a.m. on February 24 at Hamilton’s, 110 North East Street in Jacksonville, with lunch. Ken Ferrie with Crop-Tech Consulting is the main speaker for the day discussing lessons learned from 2025 trials, soil health, corn hybrids, other hot topics and much more. CMFB will also give an update midday on what is going on in the organization and Logan Miller with University of Illinois will cap off the day with his program on early planted soybean crop injury and weed management.
Four continuing education credits are offered, and all attendees will be entered into a drawing for a seat at the 2026 Farm Journal Corn & Soybean College, a $625 value. The program is free for farm bureau members and $25 for non-members. Register by calling 217-245-6833. The deadline to register is February 16.
Jacksonville Symphony Chorale inviting new members to join
The Jacksonville Symphony Chorale is inviting interested singers in the area to join them for their upcoming performance of the iconic “Requiem,” by the living British composer John Rutter. A favorite of audiences and performers worldwide, “Requiem” is an inspiring combination of beautiful melodies and harmonies with exciting rhythms. Its 40-minute duration includes some parts of the traditional Latin Requiem text, as well as Psalms and other Biblical verses in English.
The March 28 performance will combine the Symphony Chorale with the Illinois College Concert Choir and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of the Symphony’s Music Director & Conductor, Garrett Allman.
The Chorale rehearsals will be conducted by the Chorale’s director, Sauge Molina, graduate assistant and Master’s Degree candidate at Western Illinois University. Molina brings a wealth of experience in directing choirs and singing in vocal ensembles in California, Arizona and Illinois.
Rehearsals are scheduled for Wednesday evenings at 7 p.m., which began the week before last, in Room 124 of the McGaw Fine Arts Center at Illinois College.
Alternate rehearsal times are available on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons at 2:40 p.m., in the same location. Contact Garrett Allman for more information (via email at gnallman@ic.edu, or by text or call at 217-370-9808).
Morgan County Sheriff’s Office releases 2025 Crime Status report
The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office reported a decline in overall calls for service in 2025, while total reported offenses and several key crime categories saw modest increases, according to the department’s year-end crime status report.
The sheriff’s office handled 6,640 requests for service in 2025, down from 7,467 in 2024, a decrease of 827 calls.
Total reported offenses rose slightly to 216 in 2025, compared to 206 the previous year, an increase of 10 cases (+4.85%). The overall offense clearance rate for 2025 was 56.94%.
Crimes against persons remained relatively low. No homicides or robberies were reported in either 2024 or 2025. Criminal sexual assault cases dropped from two in 2024 to zero in 2025. Criminal sexual abuse reports declined from six to two; one case was cleared exceptionally and one was unfounded.
Battery cases increased from nine to 12, with 11 cleared by arrest. Domestic battery cases fell sharply from 22 to 11, all cleared by arrest. Four assault cases were reported in 2025 after none were recorded in 2024.
Property crimes showed mixed trends. Burglaries rose from 17 to 24 cases (+41%), while motor vehicle thefts increased from three to five. Theft reports dipped from 37 to 34. Criminal damage and trespass cases dropped from 33 to 24.
One arson case was reported in both years, with the 2025 case cleared by arrest. Other remaining offense categories declined significantly, falling from 103 to 77 reports.
Traffic enforcement activity increased in several areas. DUI arrests rose from 16 to 24, other alcohol-related offenses from one to seven, and suspended or revoked license cases from 19 to 32.
Traffic fatalities decreased from two to one. Drug-related cases were generally low, with small increases noted in controlled substance and cannabis-related offenses.
Informational reports, including death investigations, missing persons and recovered property, totaled 35 in 2025, down from 40 in 2024.
Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary ‘Troopon’ initiative passes $1 million mark
The Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary Club has officially crossed the finish line on its “Troopon” campaign, announcing that more than $1 million in manufacturer’s coupons have been collected and shipped to Support Our Troops to benefit military families.
According to the club, a total of $1,003,140.44 in coupons has been gathered since the project began around Veterans Day 2020. The totals include $58,037.30 in food coupons, $844,672.74 in non-food coupons and $100,430.40 in baby product coupons.
The campaign began during the COVID-19 pandemic under then-club president Jane Becker, who sought a service project that could be conducted safely without in-person gatherings. Her idea was simple and low-cost: invite community members to donate unused manufacturer’s coupons through drop-off boxes placed at local and area businesses.
“It was the perfect service project for a small Rotary Club during the pandemic lockdown,” Becker said. She coordinated the campaign from its inception. “The response from our community was extraordinary.”
Participating businesses and organizations hosted the collection boxes at no cost, while residents contributed by clipping and donating coupons they did not plan to use. The coupons were then shipped to Support Our Troops, which distributes them to military families on bases in the United States and overseas.
Club member Jay Jamison also praised the community’s involvement, noting the strong and sustained participation throughout the project. With the campaign goal—announced last August—now achieved, the club said it will discontinue coupon collection at its various drop-off locations.
Leaders cited two main reasons: the successful completion of the target and the declining availability of manufacturer’s coupons compared to when the effort began.
Members of the Jacksonville Sunrise Rotary Club expressed appreciation to the businesses and organizations that hosted drop-off sites, and offered special thanks to community members whose coupon clipping made the project possible.
Community urged to submit time capsule letters by March 2 deadline
The City of Jacksonville is calling on community members, businesses, organizations and educational institutions to take part in a once-in-a-generation opportunity by contributing a letter to the community time capsule. The deadline to return completed capsule envelopes is Monday, March 2.
“This is our chance to speak directly to the future, sharing who we are, what we value, and what this moment in Jacksonville’s history means to us.” said City of Jacksonville Mayor Andy Ezard.
“I hope folks, families, classrooms, educational institutions, businesses and organizations will take part. These letters will become a legacy for generations to come.”
Time capsule envelopes are available for purchase for $20 and can be picked up at the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 155 West Morton Ave. in Jacksonville. This deadline also pertains to those who have already purchased an envelope but have not yet returned it. With a limited supply of envelopes remaining, organizers are encouraging community participation.
Letters can reflect personal stories, hopes for the future, reflections of life in Jacksonville today or certain milestones happening within organizations, schools or businesses. “This project belongs to our entire community,” organizers shared. “We would love to see more letters come in before the deadline.”
Lincoln Land Community College selects next president
Curt Oldfield, Ed.D., was recently selected as the next Lincoln Land Community College president in a vote by the LLCC Board of Trustees. Confirmation of his employment is planned for the February LLCC Board meeting, and upon confirmation, Dr. Oldfield will begin his duties on July 1.
Oldfield has served as president of Spoon River College for nearly 14 years, increasing retention, expanding workforce development programs and developing strategic partnerships.
Throughout his career, Oldfield has been deeply committed to community engagement and economic development. He is currently a fellow in the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and a member of the Commission on Student Success for the American Associate of Community Colleges. He has also been awarded the Illinois Community College Trustees Association Advocacy Award, was named a Top 10 Finalist in the Aspen Institute’s Community College Excellence Program and served as a former chair of the Illinois Council of Community College Presidents.
“Dr. Oldfield brings Illinois community college experience, thoughtful leadership and a clear commitment to student success,” said State Representative Wayne Rosenthal, chair of the LLCC Board of Trustees.
Oldfield’s career in education began at Roseville High School, where he taught agriculture, advised the FFA chapter, and coached football and basketball. He later joined Spoon River College as a full-time agriculture faculty member and then advanced to dean of instruction.
He served as vice president of instruction at Northeast Iowa Community College before returning to Spoon River College as president. Oldfield earned a doctorate degree from Ferris State University, a master’s degree from University of Illinois and a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University. His academic journey began at Spoon River College, where he earned an associate degree.
In August 2025, after two decades of distinguished leadership and service, LLCC President Charlotte Warren, Ph.D., announced she would be retiring from her role as LLCC’s sixth president at the end of June 2026. Dr. Warren has served as president of LLCC since 2006.
Bluffs church to offer “Ashes to Go” this Ash Wednesday
St. John’s Lutheran Church in Bluffs will offer “Ashes To Go” on Ash Wednesday, February 18, for those who wish to receive the imposition of ashes but are unable to attend a worship service.
Community members are invited to stop by St. John’s Lutheran Church, located at 112 West Walker Street in Bluffs, anytime between 4-7 p.m. on Ash Wednesday.
A brief liturgy and the imposition of ashes will be offered in a simple, meaningful format allowing those who are unable to attend a worship service to receive this very faith filled ritual.
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the season of Lent in the Christian church, a time of reflection and preparation for Easter. The imposition of ashes is a traditional sign of repentance and remembrance of God’s grace.
St. John’s Lutheran Church is a congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). All are welcome, regardless of church affiliation.
For more information, please contact Vicar Kari Gosteli at St. John’s Lutheran Church at 309-657-5175 or by email at kgosteli001@luthersem.edu.
Beard stepping down as City Attorney for Jacksonville
After more than three decades of service, Jacksonville City Attorney Dan Beard is retiring, marking the end of a long tenure in the city’s legal leadership.
Beard has served as city attorney since 1993 and has been a fixture in Jacksonville’s municipal administration for over 30 years.
Beard began his academic career at Eastern Illinois University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in history with high honors in 1976. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1979. During law school, he clerked with the Urbana firm of Webber, Balbach & Thies, later known as Webber & Thies.
After graduating, Beard moved to Jacksonville and began practicing law in 1979 with Bellatti, Fay, Bellatti & Bone. He became a partner in the reorganized firm, Bellatti, Fay, Bellatti & Beard, in 1982.
Beard is licensed to practice in Illinois and is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois, including its Bankruptcy Court.
Beard will be succeeded as city attorney by fellow Bellatti, Fay, Bellatti & Beard partner Jeffrey L. Soltermann. Soltermann is a summa cum laude graduate of Millikin University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in history in 1991.
He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law in 1994, graduating magna cum laude and earning Order of the Coif honors. While in law school, he was a founding member and notes editor of the Elder Law Journal and authored a published article on Medicaid estate planning. He also interned for U.S. District Judge Richard Mills, and clerked with the Springfield law firm Sorling, Northrup, Hanna, Cullen and Cochran.
Soltermann joined Bellatti, Fay, Bellatti & Beard as an associate after law school and became a partner in 1996. His practice focuses on real estate, business and tax planning, estate planning and probate, bankruptcy matters, and family law. He is active in professional and civic organizations throughout Jacksonville and Morgan County.
