By Ben Cox
Photos provided some by Ben Cox
Local Crime Stoppers wrap up 2025 with a strong finish
Crime Stoppers of Morgan, Scott & Cass Counties closed out 2025 with a strong finish, fueled by a traditionally busy fourth quarter that significantly boosted the program’s year-end numbers.
According to Crime Stoppers Coordinator Loren Hamilton, the organization once again saw a surge in tips from October through December, a trend he says has held true for years.
“We always seem to have a strong fourth quarter, and 2025 was no different,” Hamilton said. “That really pulled the numbers up year to date.”
He added that while arrests tied to warrants continue to outpace case clearances, Crime Stoppers welcomes all tips — from drug activity to animal abuse — regardless of the outcome.
Fourth-quarter statistics show a sharp increase in activity compared to the third quarter of 2025. Crime Stoppers issued 93 anonymous tip codes, up 44 tips or 90%. Arrests rose to nine, an increase of three arrests or 50%, while cases solved climbed to three, up one from the previous quarter.
Rewards paid totaled $1,825, an $825 increase, though property recovered dipped slightly to $1,000. Hamilton noted that the holiday season often motivates tipsters, sometimes due to the prospect of reward money before Christmas. However, he emphasized that motivations appear to be shifting.
“People are still calling or submitting tips not just for cash, but because they want to do the right thing,” he said, adding that fear of retaliation keeps many from wanting further involvement.
Year-to-date numbers for 2025 also showed gains over 2024. Total tips increased to 275, up 15%. Arrests reached 33, a 22% rise, while cases solved grew by 33% to six. Property recovered jumped dramatically to $29,500, and rewards paid totaled $5,825.
As the organization celebrated its 40th anniversary, Crime Stoppers reports since-inception totals of 6,463 tips, 2,156 arrests, and nearly $1 million in recovered property. Hamilton, who plans to retire in 2027, says outreach efforts and community partnerships will remain key going into 2026.
Commissioner, school district differ on scope of tax overpayment issue
A disagreement has emerged between Morgan County Commissioner Michael Woods and Jacksonville School District 117 Superintendent Steve Ptacek regarding the scope, resolution, and public communication of a multi-year property tax overpayment involving the district.
Commissioner Woods issued a public call for greater transparency and full restitution to taxpayers, citing a total overpayment exceeding $2.4 million and asserting that more than $1.5 million remains outstanding, including potential interest.
Woods has requested a formal written report from the Morgan County Clerk outlining the refund mechanism, repayment timeline, and independent verification process. He emphasized that while the current clerk did not create the issue, the public deserves a complete accounting of how the error occurred and how similar issues will be prevented in the future.
District 117 Superintendent Steve Ptacek disputed Woods’ figures, stating that the commissioner’s numbers do not reflect the district’s agreed-upon Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the county.
According to Ptacek, tax overpayments occurred in levy years 2022 ($754,817) and 2023 ($796,320). A levy error identified in 2024 totaled $832,663, but Ptacek noted that amount was never collected from taxpayers and therefore does not require repayment.
Ptacek explained that corrective actions have already been taken, including an $833,193 reduction in the district’s 2024 aggregate extension, the abatement of $823,663, and a planned abatement of $717,944 in levy year 2025, pending final confirmation by attorneys for both parties.
He stated the district collected approximately $500,000 less in 2025 than in the prior year and estimated the early discovery of the error will save taxpayers at least $10 million over the next decade.
Ptacek said the district identified and reported the issue promptly and worked cooperatively with county officials on a repayment plan.
He acknowledged that a comprehensive public presentation has not yet occurred, stating he intended to wait until the final repayment figure is confirmed. The issue continues to draw public attention as officials finalize the remaining corrective steps.
Morgan County deaths decline in 2025, mirroring broader state trends
Morgan County recorded 371 deaths in 2025, according to figures released by Morgan County Coroner Marcy Patterson, marking a decline from 399 deaths reported in 2024. While year-to-year fluctuations remain, local data shows Morgan County continues to align closely with broader mortality trends seen across Illinois.
The county reported zero homicides in 2025, a notable change from the prior year and consistent with a statewide decline in violent deaths. Accidental deaths in Morgan County totaled 15 in 2025, down from 18 the previous year. The category included six overdoses, five motor vehicle accidents, one fall, two house fires, and one hypothermia-related death involving an unhoused individual.
While overall accidental deaths declined locally, overdoses increased, reflecting a mixed picture that echoes statewide trends. Morgan County’s rise in overdose deaths contrasts with the broader downward trend, underscoring how local patterns can diverge even amid statewide improvements.
Suicides in Morgan County rose from four in 2024 to six in 2025, a 50% increase. While the numbers remain small, the increase parallels concerns across Illinois, where suicide rates appear to be leveling off after years of gradual increases.
The vast majority of deaths in Morgan County—350 in total—were attributed to natural causes. The leading contributors were cardiac disease, respiratory disease, and cancer, which remain the top causes of death both locally and statewide.
Looking at longer-term data, Morgan County’s death totals remain relatively stable over the past decade, fluctuating within a predictable range.
Coroner Patterson noted that there are no unusual trends or emerging concerns associated with Morgan County’s 2025 death data. When viewed alongside statewide figures, the county’s experience reflects Illinois as a whole: fewer violent deaths, persistent challenges related to overdoses and mental health, and natural causes continuing to drive overall mortality.
Jacksonville’s Maher named runner-up in Miss Quincy teen pageant
Shelby Rose was crowned Miss Quincy 2026 on January 17 at the Quincy Community Theatre, adding to her history with the community and further highlighting Jacksonville area ties in local pageantry.
Rose, 22, previously captured the Miss Quincy title in 2023, launching a multi-year involvement in the organization that included community appearances and scholarship awards.
In her 2026 platform and plans, she says she looks forward to public outreach and will soon be working in the office of 99th District State Representative Kyle Moore, whose district covers Quincy and Jacksonville, among other communities.
The 2026 Miss Quincy’s Teen crown went to Olivia Martinez, 17, of Mt. Sterling, while Lauryn Maher, an 18-year-old student at Jacksonville High School and Lincoln Land Community College, was named runner-up in the teen competition.
The evening also featured special performances by Miss Illinois’ Teen 2025, Lillie Brown, of Jacksonville.
Crime of the Week: Vehicle break-ins at Clay Court
Crime Stoppers of Morgan, Scott & Cass Counties is requesting information to assist the Jacksonville Police Department in their investigation of attempted vehicle break-ins.
At 2 a.m. on January 12, officers responded to the 300 block of Clay Court. Several vehicles had been broken into and damaged in the process.
Jacksonville police are asking if anyone has further information on these incidents to leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by visiting the “Morgan, Scott & Cass Crime Stoppers” Facebook page and leaving a tip by selecting the ‘Contact Us’ button at the top of the page, visiting morganscottcrimestoppers.com and selecting the ‘Leave A Tip’ button at the top of the home page, or by calling the anonymous tip line at 217-243-7300.
Remember Crime Stoppers just want your information and not your name. If your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward.
State Rep. Moore invites constituents to participate in 2026 legislative survey
State Representative Kyle Moore (R-Quincy) is inviting residents of Illinois’ 99th District to share their views on key issues facing the state by participating in his 2026 Legislative Survey.
Moore said the online survey is designed to gather feedback directly from constituents on a wide range of topics, including energy policy, affordability, public safety and the overall direction of Illinois state government. He emphasized that constituent input plays a critical role in shaping his legislative priorities.
“I strongly believe that finding out where my constituents stand on the issues is imperative and greatly improves my ability to effectively represent the citizens of the 99th District,” Moore said. “This survey allows residents to have their voices heard on the issues that matter most to them and their families.”
Residents can access the survey online at RepMoore.com/2026-legislative-survey.
Some constituents may have also received text messages notifying them about the opportunity to participate.
Moore encouraged all interested residents to take part, saying he values hearing directly from those he represents. “It is an honor to serve the citizens of the 99th District,” he said. “I want to know what you think.”
Chapter 99 of Council for Exceptional Children to host AI workshop
Chapter 99 of the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) will host a free Zoom workshop, “Using AI to Assist Educators and Support Learners,” on Tuesday, Jan. 27, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.
The workshop will be presented by Shannon Smith, lead technology specialist with the Illinois SLD Support Project, and will focus on practical ways artificial intelligence can support teaching and learning.
The workshop is free for CEC members, paraprofessionals, parents, retired teachers and students. To register, participants should email cecchapter99@gmail.com with their name, address, phone number and participant category (CEC member, paraprofessional, parent, college student, or educator).
Educators and other education professionals who are not CEC members may attend for a $15 fee, payable by following the instructions on Chapter 99’s website, cec99.org. Professional Development (PD) credit will be available for registered teachers who provide their IEIN number. For questions or special accommodation needs, contact cecchapter99@gmail.com.
Jacksonville police, fire departments swear in, pin new officers
The Jacksonville police and fire departments welcomed a group of new public servants during a swearing-in ceremony held this past week at the Jacksonville City Council meeting.
The event celebrated both firefighters and police officers joining the city’s public safety teams. JFD Chief Matt Summers introduced two young men who come from long-standing local public safety families.
Alex Coop and Caden Moore, both 21, are each sons of retired Jacksonville police officers. Coop is a grandson of a retired Jacksonville firefighter as well. Coop recently completed his basic firefighter training and is currently undergoing paramedic training, while Moore has finished his paramedic program and will begin fire academy training in February.
The Jacksonville Police Department also introduced several new officers to the community. JPD Chief Doug Thompson noted that over the past year, the department had conducted extensive training and hiring, which resulted in a delay in officially presenting the newest officers. Eight officers were introduced to the city council.
Sam Stanberry, Oscar Espinoza, Blake Bratt, Ross Hudson and Lucas Hill were on hand to introduce themselves to city leaders. Hunter Parks, Carter Hayes and Jared Lake were unable to attend. Thompson said he is glad to have a now-full roster as he looks at filling positions coming in 2026 that will be lost due to retirements.
Jacksonville Fire Dispatch System to serve as backup for county upgrade
Jacksonville will repurpose its existing fire department radio system as a backup for the new countywide 9-1-1 dispatch network under a formal agreement approved at the January 12 Jacksonville City Council meeting.
Phil McCarty, Morgan County emergency management coordinator and director of the West Central Joint Dispatch, explained that the move ensures a reliable secondary system while the new network is being completed.
“The system build-out has taken a little longer than we anticipated,” McCarty said. “It made more sense to upgrade the city system for use as a backup rather than try to patch old parts into the failing system.”
Under the intergovernmental agreement, the West Central Joint Emergency Telephone System Board (ETSB) will assume responsibility for maintaining all new equipment, while the city retains ownership of the system license.
McCarty emphasized that the arrangement formalizes a long-term plan to ensure redundancy for emergency communications across Jacksonville and surrounding areas. The upgrade comes as both Jacksonville’s fire dispatch system and the countywide network approach the end of their operational lifespan.
The countywide system, which serves Morgan, Greene and Calhoun counties, is a $4.5 million project designed to improve interoperability, coverage, and redundancy for law enforcement, firefighters and EMS responders.
Additional funding of $1.5 million is earmarked for maintenance over the next 12 to 15 years, with full implementation targeted for late 2025 or fall 2026.
“This system is going to last a lot longer than any of us are going to be here,” McCarty said, noting the importance of having a clearly documented plan for future decision makers. The backup arrangement ensures that first responders have a dependable communication network even during system outages, enhancing safety and coordination across the region.
Samantha Bobor becomes partner of Springfield-based firm
Giffin, Winning, Cohen & Bodewes, P.C. is pleased to welcome Samantha “Sam” Bobor as a partner effective January 2026.
Bobor joined the firm in March 2020 as an associate attorney. She serves clients across Central Illinois out of the firm’s Springfield and Jacksonville offices. Sam concentrates her practice on labor and employment law, school law, civil litigation and landlord-tenant law. She counsels private employers and public sector bodies on labor-management relations, including providing representation throughout collective bargaining and arbitration hearings.
She also represents clients on wage and hour complaints, state and federal claims for discrimination, unemployment hearings, contract claims, as well as advising on leave laws, employee discipline and termination, and other employment matters. Additionally, Bobor advises public bodies regarding FOIA requests and the Open Meetings Act.
Bobor represents landlords in the eviction process and supportive living facilities and nursing homes in involuntary discharges throughout the State.
A native of Monee, Illinois, she moved to Central Illinois in 2016 to begin her legal career in private practice in Jacksonville, where she represented clients throughout the Central Illinois area. Bobor received her Bachelor of Arts in politics from Oberlin College, along with a Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law. While at Chicago-Kent, she earned a Certificate in the Program of Labor and Employment Law. She received a CALI Award in her Employment Relationships course and was awarded the Sandra P. Zemm Labor Law Award in 2015.
Sam Bobor enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, watching the Chicago Cubs and volunteering throughout her community. She currently serves on the Board for Better Child Care, Inc. and is the vice president of the Central Illinois Women’s Bar Association. She is a past president of the Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville.
She has been active with the Illinois State Bar Association and is a member of the Sangamon County Bar Association, the Morgan County Bar Association and the Illinois Council of School Attorneys. She is recognized as an Emerging Lawyer by Leading Lawyers.
City Council approves monetary plan to access state RISE Grant
The Jacksonville City Council has cleared a key step toward expanding workforce housing with approval of the city’s plan to utilize a $2 million RISE Grant from the State of Illinois.
The grant, announced last year in the city by Governor JB Pritzker is part of the Illinois RISE (Research in Illinois to Spur Economic Recovery) program, managed by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO). RISE grants are designed to accelerate economic recovery by funding projects that strengthen local economies, including downtown revitalization, infrastructure improvements, affordable housing and business support.
The program often follows a multi-phase approach, beginning with planning grants to develop strategic recovery plans and followed by implementation grants that fund specific projects identified in those plans.
Competitive, state-funded awards like Jacksonville’s support capital investments, job creation and improved community amenities while promoting geographic balance and aiding underserved areas.
City Development Director Brian Nyberg told the City Council on January 12 that the grant process began over two years ago. “After initial approval, we submitted the application and were awarded $2 million for workforce housing. The contract is ready to be signed, so it’s time to move to the next step,” he said.
The city has already budgeted $500,000 toward the required $2.5 million project match, with an additional $382,000 needed to complete it. With the council’s approval, Jacksonville can execute the state agreement and begin implementing planned housing projects, including a workforce housing development on Massey Lane.
Officials emphasized that the grant will provide critical funding to address housing shortages, stimulate local development and strengthen the city’s long-term economic resilience by providing homes for employees of the city’s major employers.
Historic building on West State Street destroyed by early morning blaze
Early Thursday morning, January 15, a massive fire ripped through a long-vacant apartment building at 342 West State St. in downtown Jacksonville, destroying a local historic landmark and prompting plans for swift demolition.
Shortly before 6 a.m., the Jacksonville Fire Department was dispatched to reports of a structure fire at the three-story former apartment complex. Fire crews arriving at the scene found the abandoned building fully involved, with heavy fire concentrated on the third floor and attic area, according to JFD Lieutenant Brian Gillespie speaking to WLDS.
Firefighters from Jacksonville were assisted by the South Jacksonville Fire Department, Echo Ambulance Service, the Morgan County ESDA, the Jacksonville Police Department and Municipal Water Services in battling the blaze and securing the scene.
A thorough search of the structure confirmed that no one was inside, and no injuries were reported. Temperatures were in the teens with wind chills in the single digits as firefighters worked to contain the blaze, creating hazardous conditions for equipment and personnel.
Despite challenges due to icy conditions, crews brought the fire mostly under control by around 8 a.m., though some hot spots required continued attention into the afternoon. Portions of the roof and interior ultimately collapsed during the fight, leaving the building structurally compromised.
Upon inspection, authorities determined the walls had little to no interior support and posed a significant collapse risk, particularly to nearby properties, including the new Morgan County Annex building just east of the site.
The structure, known historically as Cherry Flats, was originally built in 1909 by local contractor John Cherry, a prominent Jacksonville entrepreneur whose family operated multiple local businesses. Designed by architect Clarence W. Buckingham, the building once housed nine spacious flats and served as both residences and offices for local professionals and doctors.
Over the decades the property changed hands and names—becoming the Self Apartments in the 1920s and later West State Apartments by the 1960s. The building withstood minor fires in its history, including one in 1920 involving a hot water heater and another in 1976 caused by a cooking accident, but remained a landmark in the community.
In recent years, however, the property sat vacant and boarded up, drawing squatters and illegal activity. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office and local authorities. Due to the extensive damage and risk to the public, the building has been declared unsafe and is slated for demolition immediately. Residents are urged to avoid the area while cleanup and engineering assessments continue. The area remains barricaded off and a Jacksonville police camera trailer is on-site.
Murrayville man sentenced on child pornography charges
A Murrayville man arrested last year following a standoff with law enforcement has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to child pornography charges.
According to online Morgan County court records, Corey Lucas, 42, was sentenced following a negotiated plea agreement during a pretrial conference on January 7. Lucas pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of child pornography, both Class X felonies. Under the agreement, Lucas was sentenced to 7½ years in the Illinois Department of Corrections by Judge Chris Reif. The sentences are to be served consecutively at 50%, with credit for 361 days already served in the Morgan County Jail.
The court also recommended Lucas be placed at Taylorville Correctional Center. The remaining four charges were dismissed as part of the plea deal. Lucas was originally arrested in January 2025 following an investigation by the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation and the Office of the Illinois Attorney General Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
According to Illinois State Police, investigators began looking into Lucas in March 2024 after receiving information that he possessed child sexual abuse material. Digital evidence gathered during the investigation indicated Lucas both possessed and produced child pornography at his Morgan County residence.
ISP said Lucas became aware of the pending charges on January 10, 2025, and made suicidal statements. Deputies from the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to conduct a well-being check and reported finding Lucas armed with a handgun.
Authorities said Lucas barricaded himself inside his home on Clausse Road, prompting the sheriff’s office to request assistance from ISP. Illinois State Police SWAT officers and Crisis Negotiation Team members responded, and Lucas was taken into custody without injury at approximately 7:25 p.m. on January 11, 2025, according to ISP.
He was transported to the Morgan County Jail and formally booked the following morning where he remained after he was detained under provisions of the SAFE-T Act, labeling him an imminent danger to the community, according to court records.
Morgan County man sentenced to prison for Cass County abuse case
A Jacksonville man convicted last month of reckless conduct causing great bodily harm to a child in Cass County was sentenced to prison on January 12.
Joseph Wardell, 36, was sentenced in Cass County Circuit Court before Judge Timothy Wessel. Wardell is said to have offered a statement to the court prior to being taken into custody. The sentence follows Wardell’s conviction on December 1, 2025, after a two-day bench trial in Cass County Circuit Court.
Judge Wessel found Wardell guilty of a Class 4 felony count of reckless conduct causing great bodily harm. Wardell was acquitted of more serious charges, including aggravated battery to a child under the age of 13 causing permanent disability, aggravated domestic battery, and aggravated battery to a child.
According to a press release from Cass County State’s Attorney Craig Miller’s office following the verdict, the court determined Wardell acted recklessly when he kicked his minor daughter in the left thigh, causing a transverse fracture of her left femur. The incident was alleged to have occurred on August 6, 2024.
During the December trial, prosecutors presented testimony from the child’s physician, law enforcement officers, and other witnesses. Medical testimony indicated the injury was caused by a bending mechanism inconsistent with an accidental injury, according to the State’s Attorney’s Office.
After the verdict, Miller publicly expressed disappointment that Wardell was not convicted on the more serious aggravated battery charges, stating that the evidence supported a finding that Wardell acted knowingly and intentionally. Miller emphasized, however, that he respected the court’s role as the trier of fact in a bench trial and reaffirmed his office’s commitment to protecting children.
The Cass County case was not Wardell’s first encounter with the criminal justice system involving allegations of child abuse. In October 2020, Wardell was arrested in Morgan County following an investigation by the Illinois State Police after a referral from the Children’s Advocacy Center of Morgan County.
In that earlier case, Wardell was accused of causing a femur fracture to a child under the age of 13 and providing false information about how the injury occurred. Court records indicate the child was approximately two months old at the time.
Wardell ultimately pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice for providing false information to authorities and was sentenced in 2021 to 30 months of probation.
More serious child abuse charges were dismissed as part of that plea agreement. His probation was terminated as satisfied in July 2024. According to sources familiar with the Cass County case, the victim in the 2024 incident is the same child involved in the Morgan County case. Wardell was sentenced to 3 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, 6 months of mandatory supervised release, and fined $2,500. A final protective order was entered under Illinois law, prohibiting Wardell from having contact with the victim for two years following his release from mandatory supervised release.
