By Ben Cox
Photos provided
Jacksonville man sentenced to prison for meth possession charges
A 42-year-old man has been sentenced to prison following multiple drug-related arrests in Morgan County.
Tyler J. Smedley, homeless and formerly of Beardstown, pleaded guilty in Morgan County Circuit Court to two counts of Class 3 felony possession of less than 5 grams of methamphetamine.
The charges stemmed from separate arrests by Jacksonville Police in March and April 2024. According to court records, Smedley failed to appear in court on multiple occasions after his initial arrest.
He was later arrested three additional times on methamphetamine possession charges, along with a more serious burglary charge in December 2025. His pretrial release was revoked three days before Christmas, and he has remained in custody since that time.
On February 17, Smedley was sentenced in Morgan County Circuit Court by Judge Chris Reif to two concurrent five-year terms in the Illinois Department of Corrections. He will also serve up to six months of mandatory supervised release and was ordered to pay a $500 fine. Smedley received credit for 87 days already served in the Morgan County Jail.
Arts group board suspends campaign to purchase Illinois Theater
The Jacksonville Center for the Arts has suspended its campaign to purchase the historic Illinois Theater this past week, citing a funding gap between dollars raised and the total capital required to complete the project.
In a February 20 press release, JCA announced it will not exercise its option to buy the downtown theater, ending a year-long effort to transform the venue into a civic center and performing arts hub.
“Although this decision is disappointing, it reflects our commitment to fiscal responsibility and stewardship,” JCA Board President Larry Kuster said in the release. “We are deeply grateful to the donors, partners, and organizations who supported this effort and believed in the vision for the Illinois Theater.”
JCA had set a fundraising goal of $8.8 million to repurpose, restore and revitalize the theater. According to the organization, progress included a $1 million pledge from Cathy Horn Randall as well as support from local service clubs and organizations.
However, the board determined it could not responsibly move forward without securing enough financial commitments to cover renovation costs and initial operating expenses to ensure long-term sustainability.
Kuster elaborated on the decision in a February 20 interview on WLDS, describing both disappointment and optimism about the broader community conversation sparked by the campaign.
“I think we can take a lot of positives out of this effort,” Kuster said. “We’ve started really a community discussion and highlighted that we’ve received excellent support … Unfortunately, we haven’t found the right formula yet to fill a recognized community need for a civic performing arts center.”
Kuster said he does not believe the project was overly ambitious. “It’s hard to say a project is too ambitious,” he said. “There is no question in my mind through the fundraising calls that I’ve made that the Illinois Theater Project was doable. But … we didn’t find the right formula to make it happen.”
He added that the JCA board, a not-for-profit corporation, will continue to meet and consider next steps, including how to responsibly manage the funds already raised and how best to support the arts in Jacksonville moving forward. “The JCA board will continue,” Kuster said. “It just doesn’t [go] poof and go out of the air. We will consider the options that might be available to the board in terms of how do we fiscally and responsibly take care of the funds that we’ve been entrusted, and also how do we continue to support the arts in Jacksonville.”
While JCA steps back from the purchase, the theater’s current operator says movies will continue at the location. In a February 18 post on the Illinois Theater of Jacksonville’s Facebook page, Jeff Eisentraut of Eisentraut Theatres said he had been notified earlier in the week that JCA terminated its option to purchase the building.
“For the past year we have been in limbo not knowing the immediate future of this beautiful, historic theatre,” Eisentraut wrote. “Even with uncertainty, we have spent the past six months updating technology, deep cleaning and hiring competent staff including placing one of our top managers at this location.”
Eisentraut said the theater will continue offering films “for the foreseeable future,” maintaining its $5 admission price for all showtimes. He acknowledged broader industry changes, including renovations by large theater chains that added reclining seats and expanded food options—upgrades he said have led to higher ticket prices.
“We intend to continue bucking this trend,” he wrote. “We will maintain our low admission price of $5 for all showtimes everyday. We will still try to offer a wide variety of movies so all demographics can find something interesting to watch including more independent films.”
He added that private theater rentals for birthday parties and special events will remain a key part of the business model. For now, the Illinois Theater remains open as a movie house, while community leaders continue discussions about the long-term vision for arts and cultural programming in Jacksonville’s downtown.
JCA said it “will continue to evaluate ways to support arts, cultural events, and community programming in Jacksonville” and expressed appreciation for stakeholder encouragement throughout the process.
Jacksonville Area Museum’s annual LEGO exhibit nearing close
The annual LEGO Exhibit at the Jacksonville Area Museum will be coming to a close this month. The final day for voting is Saturday, February 28.
Museum officials have invited the public to the closing Awards Ceremony taking place on Sunday, March 1 at 2 p.m. in the museum, located at 301 East State Street.
There will be a short program announcing the winners of each category as well as giving out treat bags to all of the record number of participants.
After the closing ceremony on March 1, participants are asked to retrieve their LEGO builds. If you cannot attend the closing ceremonies, builders may pick up their builds during public hours after March 1. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Saturdays as well as 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
If you have questions, please reach out through email or call the museum at 217-408-1197. Museum officials thank those who participated in the LEGO exhibit this year, “We have been truly blown away by the creativity and responsiveness of our community! We cannot thank you all enough for trusting us with your creations and we hope to see you (and your new creations!) next year!”
Franklin Jr./Sr. High agriculture teacher honored with ISBE award
Brent Nelson, agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor at Franklin Community Unit School District #1, was recently honored with the Award of Meritorious Service through the Illinois State Board of Education’s Those Who Excel Program.
The award recognizes educators who go above and beyond in service to their school communities. Winners are those who take on leadership opportunities and whose accomplishments uplift the culture of learning in their respective schools and districts, standing as exemplars in their profession.
The Franklin School District Facebook Page concurred with Nelson’s award saying, “Considering Mr. Nelson’s substantial contributions to Franklin CUSD #1’s FFA program and the district, his recognition is well deserved. Thank you for all that you do for our students, school and community!”
South Jacksonville Village board handed two resignations
South Jacksonville Village Clerk Bentley Landess and village board member J.W. Coleman both submitted letters of resignation to the South Jacksonville Village Board prior to their scheduled monthly meeting on February 19.
Village President Dick Samples said that Landess’ resignation was due to personal reasons and had nothing to do with her work on behalf of the village.
Coleman cited ongoing health concerns as his reason for stepping away from the board. The village board tabled accepting both of the resignations, according to the Jacksonville Journal-Courier as they have to ensure legal wording is correct before they vote on the measures.
Village Treasurer and Office Manager Mindy Olson is expected to once again step into the role of Village Clerk. Olson served as interim clerk while the village went through a lengthy period without a clerk due to resignations and lack of interest.
Residents of the Village of South Jacksonville interested in either the clerk or trustee position are urged to contact Samples at Village Hall during business hours.
Hatton receives ISBE award, named new volleyball coach for Triopia
Illinois State Board of Education has recognized Virginia Elementary School teacher Jade Hatton with a 2026 Those Who Excel Award of Meritorious Service in the Early Career Educator category.
Virginia CUSD 64 announced that Hatton, a fourth-grade teacher, was honored as part of the 2026 Those Who Excel & Teacher of the Year Awardees for her dedication to students, innovative classroom practices and leadership within the school community. The prestigious statewide awards program celebrates educators who have made significant contributions to Illinois schools.
District officials praised Hatton for creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences that foster critical thinking and academic growth. She is also an active supporter of the district’s Leader in Me initiative, guiding students through meaningful, student-led projects that build both character and leadership skills.
Colleagues say Hatton brings energy, creativity and joy to her classroom each day, making learning both rigorous and fun.
In addition to her classroom recognition, Triopia Community Unit School District 27 announced Feb. 19 that Hatton will serve as the new high school head volleyball coach beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. She replaces Shelly Ganz, who stepped down at the conclusion of this past season.
Triopia Athletic Director Brooke Tracy said the district is excited to welcome Hatton to the program, citing her deep knowledge of the game and vision for an aggressive, fast-paced system. Hatton played collegiate volleyball at Ottawa University in Kansas and was a member of the 2018 state championship team at Pleasant Plains High School.
Area state lawmakers sharply criticize annual State Budget address
Republican lawmakers representing West Central Illinois sharply criticized Gov. JB Pritzker’s State of the State and budget address given at the Capitol in Springfield on February 18. They argued the governor’s proposal relies too heavily on new taxes and increased spending while failing to deliver immediate relief for Illinois families.
In his address, Pritzker outlined a proposed $56 billion fiscal year 2027 budget, which he described as balanced despite what he called federal funding headwinds. He emphasized affordability initiatives, including housing reforms, energy investments—including new nuclear development—and medical debt relief.
But 100th District State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville), who serves as a Republican member on the bipartisan Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, says the governor’s approach amounts to “tax, spend and repeat.”
“This year, we’re actually expecting a revenue decrease,” Davidsmeyer said. “While he still increases the budget by nearly a billion dollars, he’s also increasing taxes once again.” He argued that even when taxes are levied on businesses, consumers ultimately bear the cost.
State Sen. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) framed the proposal as a difference in governing philosophy. In a statement and video response, Tracy said Republicans believe the state government should “live within its means” and prioritize structural reforms over what she characterized as temporary fixes. She noted the budget assumes roughly $780 million in additional taxes and fees and said residents are more concerned about high electric bills, grocery costs and gasoline prices.
Tracy also questioned the timeline for nuclear energy expansion, saying families need immediate energy relief. She expressed concern that what she described as underfunding for education and local governments could translate into higher property taxes.
State Rep. Kyle Moore (R-Quincy)echoed those criticisms, accusing the governor of blaming Washington, D.C. while proposing new taxes and diverting funds from municipalities and road programs. All three lawmakers said House and Senate Republicans will push for a budget they say lowers costs and reins in spending as budget negotiations ramp up during the Spring legislative session.
Next steps for Winchester Elementary gymnasium remains unclear
The fate of the Winchester Elementary School gymnasium remains uncertain, but district officials say demolition appears increasingly likely following a state-ordered condemnation.
In an interview with WLDS News, Winchester Superintendent Jeff Abell said the district recently completed a second-layer evaluation required by the state. An engineer representing the Illinois State Board of Education reviewed prior architectural assessments and recommended the facility be condemned. The regional office of education issued the formal order Feb. 10.
Abell said condemnation does not automatically require demolition, but it significantly narrows the district’s options. Attempting a partial renovation—removing compromised ceiling and wall sections while preserving other portions—could prove more costly than constructing a new, modestly sized facility.
“You’re spending a lot of money to not have a fully new facility,” he said. The school board recently approved an emergency resolution allowing the district to use more than $300,000 in existing fire safety funds for required safety mitigations to keep the cafeteria and kitchen operational.
Meanwhile, the district is advancing plans for a multipurpose building intended primarily for pre-K through eighth grade physical education and recess. Abell said the structure would be a permanent addition to campus but not a full-court competition gym. Officials hope to have it ready by November.
If demolition is approved, the district aims to complete it this summer to avoid delays that could push work back to 2027. Funding options under consideration
include health life safety bonds, working cash bonds, and a possible tax referendum.
Winchester Municipal Pool may have delayed opening for 2026
Opening of the Winchester Municipal Pool for the 2026 season is in question as city officials weigh the cost of replacing a failing pump and navigating state permit requirements.
According to River County News, city leaders were told during the Feb. 4 city council meeting that the pool’s existing pump—at least nine years old—is no longer meeting required turnover rates.
Greg Hillis of Benton Engineering said the impeller is worn and rebuilding the unit would cost nearly as much as installing a new pump.
Complicating matters, the original make and model is no longer available, and updated Illinois Department of Public Health regulations require a more energy-efficient replacement.
Because the new pump would differ from the original, the city must obtain a state construction permit—a process that can take up to three months for approval.
Hillis estimated the cost of a new pump and installation at $10,000 to $12,000, with an additional $2,500 engineering fee to prepare and submit permit documents.
Doyle Plumbing & Heating of Jacksonville, which previously serviced the pool and is pre-qualified by the state, would handle installation. Winchester Mayor Rex McIntire acknowledged the pool operated at roughly a $32,000 deficit last year but said it remains an important community asset. Council members noted the pool, like the public library, contributes to Winchester’s quality of life and helps attract families to the area.
Winchester Library putting Carnegie Grant to use for programs, accessibility
The Winchester Public Library is putting a $10,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York toward programs and improvements aimed at expanding access and preserving local history. The award is part of a nationwide initiative celebrating the United States’ 250th anniversary and the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
The Carnegie Corporation provided $10,000 to each remaining Carnegie library still operating as a public library. Approximately 1,280 such libraries remain in operation, with about 750—including Winchester—still housed in their original buildings.
River County News reports Winchester Public Library Board President Merrilyn Fedder told the Winchester City Council at the council’s February monthly meeting that library trustees voted not to use the grant for structural repairs to the building, saying the grant was intended for other uses.
Instead, the board plans to use a portion of the funds to partner with local schools by covering the $35 annual library card fee for teachers who live outside the city. The goal is to encourage greater student use of library resources, including interlibrary loan services.
The grant will also support digitization of historical materials, such as cemetery records and early Winchester documents, making them more accessible for researchers and residents.
Additional funds will be used to expand the library’s large-print collection for older patrons. In separate action, the board approved using a $5,000 grant from the Tracy Family Foundation to fund a six-month story hour program.
Interest from the Millikin Estate will go toward furnace repairs, while remaining technology grant funds will help address issues with the library’s automatic handicap-accessible door.
City woman arrested after shots fired during alleged home invasion
A Jacksonville woman is in custody following a reported shots-fired incident Saturday night that police say stemmed from a home invasion.
At approximately 9 p.m. on Feb. 21, officers with the Jacksonville Police Department responded to the 400 block of South Mauvaisterre Street for a report of shots fired. During their investigation, officers discovered evidence that a firearm had been discharged inside a residence during the course of a home invasion.
Authorities determined that no one was injured in the incident. Police identified a suspect during the investigation and took her into custody without incident. She is being held at the Morgan County Detention Facility pending an appearance before a judge.
The suspect was identified as Tynajah M. Lane, 22, of Jacksonville. She has been arrested on preliminary charges of Home Invasion and Aggravated Assault. Police indicated they believe the incident was isolated and that there is no ongoing threat to the public. The investigation remains active.
Jacksonville Police Department records also reflect additional incidents reported in the 400 block of South Mauvaisterre Street early Sunday morning, including a vehicle theft and a reported stolen firearm following a disturbance.
Police have not indicated whether these incidents were connected to Lane’s arrest and the initial incident. Anyone with further information is asked to contact the Jacksonville Police Department at 217-479-4630 or the Morgan, Scott, Cass Crime Stoppers at 217-243-7300.
