‘Walk With Heroes’ Underground Railroad cemetery tour scheduled for Saturday, July 11 at Jacksonville’s Diamond Grove Cemetery
“Walk With Heroes,” a guided cemetery tour of Underground Railroad conductor grave sites, will be held Saturday, July 11 at 6 p.m. at Diamond Grove Cemetery, 1601 Lincoln Road 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.
Historian Chad Boehlke will guide and narrate the tour that will visit the final resting places of many Underground Railroad conductors from Jacksonville, people who helped numerous Freedom Seekers on the road to freedom. Participants should dress for the weather and bring water. In case of inclement weather, the cemetery tour will be rescheduled for the following Saturday, July 18.
The Underground Railroad conductor grave sites to be visited on July 11 in Diamond Grove Cemetery include David Spencer, Elihu Wolcott, Ebenezer Carter, William “Chauncey” Carter, William Kirby, Marc McLean Reed, William Verry, Henry Irving, John Laurie, Thomas Melendy, Joseph O. King, Jonathan B. Turner, George Chambers, David Prince and Michael Huffaker.
There are also Underground Railroad conductors buried in Jacksonville East Cemetery, which is not part of the July 11 tour. Those individuals include Benjamin Henderson and George Washington Price.
“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.-4 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. on Sundays.
“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.
Winchester Fangs team dominates the court
The Winchester Fangs 3-on-3 team was firing on all cylinders Thursday. Going 5 and 0, the team ultimately won the championship in their division at the White Hall Lions Club 86th annual Homecoming Celebration’s 3-on-3 tournament. “These young ladies played fundamental team basketball by always looking for the open person, blocking out and talking to each other. I could not have asked for a better day of basketball,” shared their coach, Ray King.
Illinois Destinations Association announces 2026-2027 Board of Directors
Tourism continues to be a powerful economic driver across Illinois, generating billions in visitor spending, supporting thousands of jobs, and enhancing the quality of life in communities throughout the state. As destinations work to capitalize on growing travel demand and evolving visitor expectations, strong industry leadership remains essential to advancing Illinois’ tourism economy.
The Illinois Destinations Association (IDA) is pleased to announce the election of its 2026-2027 Board of Directors. Representing destination organizations from every region of Illinois, the newly elected board brings extensive expertise in destination marketing, economic development, advocacy, and visitor engagement. Together, they will help guide the association’s efforts to strengthen the state’s tourism industry and support the success of local destination organizations.
The IDA Board of Directors provides strategic oversight for the association, including financial stewardship, legislative and advocacy initiatives, professional development programming, and the enhancement of member services. The newly elected board will assume leadership responsibilities on July 1, 2026, with terms continuing through June 30, 2027.
“Tourism is one of Illinois’ most impactful economic development industries, creating jobs, generating tax revenue, and supporting businesses in communities of every size,” said Cory M Jobe, incoming Chair of the Illinois Destinations Association and President/CEO of Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. “I am honored to serve as Chair of IDA and work alongside such an accomplished group of industry leaders. Together, we will continue to advocate for the importance of tourism, invest in professional development opportunities for our members, and strengthen Illinois’ position as a premier travel destination.”
2026-2027 IDA Board of Directors
Directors Chair
Cory M Jobe, President/CEO, Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau
1st Vice Chair
JD Dalfonso, President/CEO, Peoria Area CVB
2nd Vice Chair
Krisilee Murphy, Executive Director, Elgin Area CVB
Secretary
Ashlee Spiller, Executive Director, VisitSI
Treasurer
Heather Larson, President/CEO, Meet Chicago Northwest
Past Chair
Brittany Henry, Executive Director, Jacksonville Area CVB
Directors-at-Large
Scott Dahl, Director, Springfield CVB
John Groh, President/CEO, Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau Dave Herrell, President/CEO, Visit Quad Cities
Bob Navarro, President, Heritage Corridor CVB Kristen Reynolds, President/CEO, Choose Chicago
Ex-Officio Directors
Cort Carlson, Executive Director, Aurora Area CVB
Darlene Chapman, President/CEO, Downstate Illinois Tourism Bureau Terry Mattson, CEO, Galena Country Tourism
Mary Patchin, President & CEO, Chicago Southland CVB Cortney Strohacker, Executive Director, DeKalb County CVB
For more information about the Illinois Destinations Association, visit ildestinations.org.
Dr. Curt Oldfield begins service as LLCC president
Lincoln Land Community College officially welcomed Dr. Curt Oldfield as its seventh president July 1. A respected community college leader, Dr. Oldfield previously served as president of Spoon River College for 14 years where he championed student success, community engagement and economic development.
He brings a distinguished record of leadership at state and national levels. 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.
As president of LLCC, Oldfield will lead the college’s efforts to expand educational opportunities, strengthen community partnerships and support the college’s mission of transforming lives and strengthening communities through learning.
“Dr. Oldfield brings Illinois community college experience, thoughtful leadership and a clear commitment to student success,” said Rep. 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.
“I’m honored to join LLCC and serve the students, employees and communities that make this institution such a vital part of central Illinois,” said Oldfield. “I look forward to building on the college’s strong foundation and working together to expand opportunities for student success, community partnerships and economic growth throughout the district.”
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.
LLCC is a comprehensive community college serving all or parts of 15 counties in central Illinois with accessible, affordable and high-quality education. Established in 1967, the college offers transfer degrees, health care career education, workforce training, professional development for skill building and career advancement, adult education and literacy, and community education. Additional learning and service locations include outreach centers in Beardstown, Jacksonville, Litchfield and Taylorville. To learn more about LLCC, visit llcc.edu.
Jacksonville Kiwanis Club announces 15th annual .5K — ‘Red, White and Brave’
The Jacksonville Kiwanis Club will host its 15th annual .5K, “Red, White and Brave,” on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. This year’s patriotic-themed event honors the spirit of the 9/11 weekend while raising funds to help replace the Jacksonville Fire Department’s Fire Safety House.
The Fire Safety House has long been a fixture at community events throughout the area, providing hands-on fire prevention and safety education for children. Proceeds from this year’s event will help offset the cost of replacing this valuable community resource.
The festivities begin at Bahan’s Tavern, where participants are encouraged to complete the half-kilometer course in whatever style they choose — whether running, walking, skipping, dancing or even skating. Along the route, participants can enjoy water and donut stops before making their way to the finish line at Don’s Place.
In keeping with this year’s theme, participants are encouraged to wear patriotic red, white and blue attire or represent their local fire department with department apparel.
Awards will be presented following the event, and food will be available for purchase.
Now celebrating its 15th year, the Kiwanis .5K has become one of the club’s signature fundraising events. After several years of hosting the event during colder weather, committee co-chairs Marcy Patterson and Alison Yording are excited to bring the event to the fall, hoping the warmer temperatures and the great theme and recipient will encourage even greater community participation.
“The Kiwanis .5K has always been about bringing people together for a great cause,” Patterson said. “This year, we’re especially excited to support an important community asset that helps keep our children safe while celebrating our firefighters and the patriotic spirit of the weekend.”
The Jacksonville Kiwanis Club invites individuals, families, businesses, and community organizations to join the fun, support the Jacksonville Fire Safety House, and help continue Kiwanis’ mission of serving the children of the community.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. at Bahan’s Tavern (214 N. East St. in Jacksonville), with the .5K kicking off at 10 a.m. Registration is $30 per person and includes an event T-shirt.
