By Ben Cox
West Central Illinois Council on World Affairs hosts lecture on tariffs
Dr. William Ridley, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Illinois-Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics, will present a program on how the American tariff system functions, Tariffs 101, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Burrus Seed Company meeting room, 200 Capitol Way, Jacksonville, IL 62650.
The program is being sponsored by the West Central Illinois Council on World Affairs. Dr. Ridley’s program will provide a basic understanding of how the American tariff system works. The use of tariffs to achieve American trade policy goals continues to be a hot topic of discussion. Dr. Ridley will provide perspective on how to evaluate the imposition of tariffs to further national policy.
Dr. Ridley is an expert on the American tariff system. He has published over two dozen peer-reviewed studies on agricultural trade and policy. He teaches graduate and undergraduate courses on agricultural trade and policy.
He earned his Ph.D. in economics from the University of Colorado Boulder, 2019. He has testified before committees of both Houses of the Illinois General Assembly about tariffs and trade policy. The program is free to attend. For further questions, contact Larry Kuster at 217-370-8637.
Scholarships open to Central Illinois students from local Foundation
The Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln is now accepting applications for the 2026 scholarship program. There are more than 45 different post-secondary scholarships available. Last year, more than $250,000 was awarded in scholarships and renewals.
The Community Foundation serves the counties of Cass, Christian, Logan, Macoupin, Menard, Montgomery, Morgan and Sangamon in central Illinois.
Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors as well as current and returning college students. This year we are launching a new scholarship software, and students will need to complete just one application to be matched with the specific scholarships for which they are eligible.
Information, scholarship criteria and a link to the application can be found on the Scholarships page of the Community Foundation’s website. You can also access the application by scanning the QR code.
Students with questions should contact the Community Foundation at scholarships@CFLL.org for assistance.
High school students also may contact their guidance counselors for details. The deadline to submit applications is March 1. The recipients will be notified by early May.
Merchant group, Senator Durbin highlight credit card fees impact
Illinois Retail Merchants Association (IRMA) President and CEO Rob Karr joined U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and local business owners Tuesday, January 20, at Cafe Moxo in Springfield to spotlight the rising burden of credit and debit card processing fees on retailers and consumers.
Nationally, these fees now exceed $187 billion, driving up costs for businesses and consumers. Durbin’s long-standing, bipartisan leadership in promoting fairness and transparency in the credit card marketplace was acknowledged at the event.
Participating IRMA members included Cindy Frisina, of Legendary Small Town Trading Company; Mark Forinash, of Cafe Moxo; and Terryl Boulanger and Becky Baumgart, of Girls in White Satin Bridal and Formal Wear in Jacksonville. Karr, also a Jacksonville resident, emphasized the importance of policies that benefit small businesses and local communities.
Illinois College faculty awarded prestigious medal for orchid research
Illinois College’s international reputation for student-centered research was celebrated on January 13 as the college received a Gold Medal of Excellence from the Royal Horticultural Society for its award-winning orchid conservation exhibit.
While the honor was awarded at the 2025 Chelsea Flower Show in London, the official medal presentation took place at Naples Botanical Garden in Florida, bringing together IC leaders and research partners. Under Hitchcock Professor of Biology Lawrence Zettler, IC students have participated in advanced orchid research, including seed germination studies and international fieldwork.
Since 2022, students have presented their findings at Chelsea, gaining global exposure and contributing directly to conservation efforts. The exhibit, “From Hong Kong to Australia: The Orchids of Asia and the Pacific,” highlights rare orchids and innovative research developed in collaboration with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Naples Botanical Garden and the University of Florida.
The award reflects Illinois College’s commitment to undergraduate research, mentorship and global impact.
Jacksonville’s Maher receives Digital Strategist Award at pageant
Lauryn Maher, of Jacksonville, has been named the winner of the Miss Quincy’s Teen Digital Strategist Award, earning a $250 scholarship sponsored by Vervocity.
The Vervocity marketing team selected Maher for her engaging and informative Instagram content promoting the Miss Quincy Scholarship Program. Judges cited her authentic personality, strong personal brand and passion for her community service initiative entitled “Ag for All: Mentoring and Empowering Youth Through Agriculture and FFA.”
Maher was also named Miss Quincy Teen Runner-up at the January 18 pageant at Quincy Community Theatre inside the Oakley-Lindsay Center.
Jacksonville man sentenced to 12 years for methamphetamine charge
A Jacksonville man was sentenced to 12 years in prison after pleading guilty to possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver.
Bogarth O. Lopez, 45, of the 1500 block of West State Street, pleaded guilty January 20 in Morgan County Circuit Court to a Class X felony charge of possession of 15 to 100 grams of methamphetamine with intent to deliver. The plea was entered before Circuit Judge Chris Reif.
Lopez was arrested January 30, 2025, by members of the Illinois State Police Central Illinois Enforcement Group following the execution of a search warrant at his apartment after a drug investigation.
Authorities said the search resulted in the seizure of 28.1 grams of methamphetamine, digital scales, drug paraphernalia, narcotics packaging materials and a video surveillance system mounted at the apartment door. According to court records, Lopez admitted during an interview with an Illinois State Police inspector that he had a drug addiction and sold methamphetamine to support his habit.
Lopez reportedly told investigators he had received between one and one-and-a-half ounces of methamphetamine the night before the search, divided into two bags, which police said was consistent with the evidence found. Lopez previously lived in Beardstown and had been residing at the West State Street apartment since his release from the Illinois Department of Corrections about one year prior to his arrest.
Court records show Lopez was sentenced to three years in prison in Cass County in 2021 for a similar offense. His criminal history dates back to 1998 and includes offenses in Cass and Schuyler counties as well as out of state.
Judge Reif ordered Lopez to serve 12 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, followed by up to 18 months of mandatory supervised release, and imposed a $500 fine. Lopez received credit for 356 days already served and must serve at least 50% of the sentence.
Crimes of the Week: Suspicious fires in Jacksonville, South Jacksonville
Crime Stoppers of Morgan, Scott & Cass Counties is requesting information to assist the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office (OSFM) in their investigation of three recent suspicious fires.
At approximately 6 a.m. on January 15, Jacksonville firefighters were called to an active structure fire in the 300 block of West State Street at the former West State Apartment complex. That fire has been ruled a total loss, and the building has been deemed dangerous and will be torn down.
Then, at 4:15 a.m. on January 17, South Jacksonville firefighters were requested to an active garage fire in the 1600 block of Hardin Avenue.
At midnight on January 18, the Jacksonville Fire Department was summoned to a garage fire in the 700 block of Hardin. No injuries were reported in any of the fires, and it is unknown if the fires are connected. The OSFM is requesting that if you have any information concerning these fires, to please contact the Morgan, Scott, Cass Crime Stoppers with an anonymous tip.
Tips may be left on their Facebook Page by clicking on the ‘Contact Us’ button at the top of the page or by visiting their website, morganscottcrimestoppers.com. Or call in an anonymous tip at 217-243-7300.
Remember, Crime Stoppers just wants your information and not your name. If your tip leads to an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward.
Community invited to Family Maternity Suites open house at JMH
Family Maternity Suites at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital will host an open house celebrating their redesignation as a Baby-Friendly Hospital. The Baby-Friendly initiative recognizes hospitals that support and encourage breastfeeding through education and resources.
This is the second consecutive Baby-Friendly designation for JMH. The public is invited to learn more at the open house, which will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, in Meeting Room 4 at JMH. Cake and punch will be served.
Pets die in house fire on West Walnut Street in Jacksonville
Three pets died in a house fire on the evening of January 20 at 318 West Walnut Street in Jacksonville. Firefighters were called around 6 p.m. and arrived to find heavy smoke coming from the rear of the one-person rental home.
The resident was not at home at the time of the fire. Reports say that firefighters contained the fire to one room, though smoke damage spread throughout the house, which was left the home uninhabitable.
Two dogs and a cat perished in the fire. News reports say that the fire was not deemed suspicious, but the cause of the fire remains under investigation with assistance from the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Earthquake rattles Central Illinois
A magnitude 3.8 earthquake shook Central Illinois just after 1:27 a.m. on January 20. The epicenter was located approximately 2.5 miles northwest of Ohlman, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Ohlman is about 36 miles southeast of Springfield.
The shallow quake was felt widely across the region despite its relatively small size. Reports vary widely, but in The Source’s coverage area, most residents are said to have felt beds or shelves vibrating for several seconds—though no injuries or structural damage has been reported.
Central Illinois lies in the Illinois Basin-Ozark Dome seismic region, near the Wabash Valley seismic zone, where occasional earthquakes are not unusual. Because the quake was shallow, its energy traveled efficiently through bedrock, allowing it to be felt across a broad area.
Tremors are said to regularly move in the area but are very rarely felt. Residents who felt the early morning shaking are encouraged to report their experiences to the USGS “Did You Feel It?” system to help scientists better understand local seismicity.
South Jacksonville votes to renew county animal control contract
After nearly a year of dispute, the Village of South Jacksonville has renewed its animal control contract with Morgan County.
The village board voted January 22 to approve the agreement with only minor changes, ending months of debate over costs, oversight and transparency. The renewal restores South Jacksonville’s participation in the countywide animal control program.
The issue surfaced in early 2025 when village officials questioned whether residents were being effectively double charged for services and asked for more detailed financial and operational reporting. While county officials disputed the characterization and refused to “micromanage” the department, the concerns persisted through multiple meetings and internal discussions. The county commissioners’ refusal to get in the middle of the disagreement largely remained unchanged until recently when Morgan County Commissioner Dr. Michael Woods issued a press release supporting formal legal review of the program’s compliance with state law and extended public outreach. Woods also proposed exploring adoption-fee reductions and increased transparency through regular reports to the County Board. With the January 22 vote, animal control services for South Jacksonville residents will continue under the county program. County officials have indicated additional reporting and program updates may be discussed in future meetings as both sides move forward from the dispute.
Dem Candidates for 15th Congressional District to appear in forum at IC
The Morgan County Democrats will host a Congressional candidates’ forum on Tuesday, February 10, giving voters a chance to hear directly from those seeking the Illinois 15th Congressional District seat ahead of the March primary election.
The forum will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Sibert Theater at Illinois College, located at 300 Lockwood Place in Jacksonville. The event will feature four candidates: Jennifer Todd, Randy Raley and Kyle Nudo will appear in person, while Paul Davis will participate remotely via Zoom.
Candidates will respond to questions submitted in advance, with additional questions from the audience permitted as time allows following prepared remarks.
Organizers say the goal is to provide a respectful, informative setting that allows each candidate adequate time to present their views. Campaign literature and signs may be displayed in the theater lobby, with tables provided for each campaign. Candidates may also meet one-on-one with attendees after the forum.
Local and regional media outlets will be invited, with designated seating for press. Democratic party leaders from the area will also be asked to help promote the event.
The winner of the March primary will move on to face two-time Republican incumbent Mary Miller in November.
WITS Workout coming to Jacksonville Public Library
The Jacksonville Public Library, in collaboration with the Morgan County University of Illinois Extension, invites community members to attend WITS Workout on February 10, from 2-3 p.m. at the Jacksonville Public Library.
Designed for adults ages 50 and over, WITS Workout is a fun, educational and interactive program that supports brain health through engaging activities.
February’s theme is Game Day, offering a playful way to keep minds active and sharp. Registration is not required. For more information, visit jaxpl.org. Questions are welcome, and everyone is encouraged to attend.
Jacksonville Rotary invites participation in February ‘Fun-raiser’
The Rotary Club of Jacksonville is inviting the community to take part in its annual Fabulous February Fun-raiser, a month-long fundraising event featuring daily online auctions.
Beginning February 1, a new auction item will be posted each day on the club’s Facebook page, “Rotary Club of Jacksonville #3227,” with bidding open until 5 p.m. daily.
Fundraiser committee chair and Rotarian Samantha Boston encourages community participation. “Please ‘Like’ our club page on Facebook so you can receive alerts about each daily auction,” Boston said.
“Anyone can bid by commenting with the dollar amount of their bid. We hope the community will be generous so we can continue supporting Jacksonville.”
Last year’s Fabulous February Fun-raiser raised more than $7,700. Proceeds support the Rotary Club of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Rotary Club Foundation, funding college scholarships, youth exchange programs, Rotaract and Interact clubs, RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Academy), Ferris wheel operations and support for South Elementary School teachers and students. Donations also benefit Prairieland United Way and other local service organizations.
Rotary brings together leaders to address local and global needs. For information about the Rotary Club of Jacksonville or to become a member, visit jacksonvillerotary.org.
Dr. Jeffrey Olejnik honored with award by SIU School of Medicine
Dr. Jeffrey Olejnik has been named a co-recipient of the 2026 AWIMS Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Advancement of Women in Medicine & Science by SIU Medicine.
The award recognizes leaders who promote gender equity, champion professional development, and support work-life integration within the medical community. “I am honored and humbled to receive the SIU School of Medicine AWIMS Award,” Olejnik said.
“I truly did not expect this recognition, as I see my work simply as doing my job—showing up every day to be the best OB/GYN I can for my patients, students, residents and colleagues.” He emphasized that the honor reflects the collaborative spirit of SIU Medicine and the teams he works alongside to improve care for women at every stage of life.
A longtime OB/GYN, Olejnik has focused much of his recent work on menopause care, recognizing a critical gap in resources for women experiencing symptoms that can begin in their mid-30s and last decades. He became a member of The North American Menopause Society and earned certification as a Certified Menopause Practitioner in 2024.
Crime Stoppers program surpasses $1 million in recoveries and seizures
Crime Stoppers of Morgan, Scott & Cass Counties proudly announces a major milestone: since its inception in 1985, the program has helped recover over $1,003,000 in property and seized illegal drugs.
This achievement averages more than $25,000 per year in recovered assets, highlighting the ongoing impact of community cooperation in fighting crime. Originally Crime Stoppers of Jacksonville, the program expanded to cover Morgan and Scott counties and, more recently, Cass County. The initiative has long focused on combating illegal drug activity and now offers an enhanced reward for tips leading to the arrest of individuals found with methamphetamine. All tips remain completely anonymous.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2025, Crime Stoppers continues to strengthen community engagement. Coordinator Loren Hamilton says the program will focus on expanded public outreach in 2026, including a new partnership with Garrison School.
Senate Republicans introduce utility bill legislation
Members of the Illinois Senate Republican Caucus are raising alarms over the recently signed Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA), warning the new law will worsen affordability for families and small businesses
across the state. Speaking during the first week of the spring session, Republicans said the legislation removes key protections, including long-standing rate caps, and shifts billions of dollars in new costs and risks onto ratepayers.
Republican lawmakers also criticized CRGA for expanding the authority of unelected regulators and prioritizing costly, short-duration energy technologies that cannot replace reliable baseload power. They argue that reducing dependable generation while increasing mandates has contributed to higher prices and grid reliability concerns.
Senate Republicans are proposing alternatives that include restoring rate caps, expanding nuclear and natural gas generation, accelerating new energy development and restoring local siting authority.
State Senator Jil Tracy of Quincy said. “The number one issue in my district is the affordability of utility bills. Families are telling me their bills have doubled, tripled, and quadrupled in some instances.” State Republicans said that cost of living affordability will be their top priority when they return to session in just a few weeks.
Jacksonville native appointed to serve on Illinois Finance Authority
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced a new appointment to his administration on January 23, naming Tiffany Mathis Posey as a member of the Illinois Finance Authority.
Mathis Posey currently serves as CEO and executive director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois, where she brings more than 20 years of experience in fiscal management, fundraising, grant compliance, capital planning and public-private partnerships. Her previous roles include director of fund development and central unit director with the Boys and Girls Clubs, as well as facilitator of youth services at the Phoenix Center in Springfield, a nonprofit supporting LGBT+ youth.
Mathis Posey is also active in civic leadership. She currently serves as vice chair of the City of Springfield Civil Service Commission, is a member of the Illinois Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs Board of Directors, and serves as vice president of Downtown Springfield Incorporated. She has previously served as vice chair of the Illinois Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service and held board positions with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and Springfield Public Schools District 186.
A native of Jacksonville, Mathis Posey is a 2001 graduate of Jacksonville High School. Earlier in her career, she worked in Jacksonville as a Summer Site Director and Site Director with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Illinois, where she supervised large youth staffs, coordinated programming and managed grant-related reporting.
She also served as a Special Education Instructional Assistant with the Area Regional Safe Schools program, assisting with classroom instruction and maintaining student records and data reporting. Her appointment to the Illinois Finance Authority is pending confirmation by the Illinois Senate.
Virginia family seeks donations after house fire
A family in Virginia, Illinois, lost their home to a fire in the middle of last week. Virginia firefighters were called to the house on Crum Road around 9:40 p.m. on January 21, arriving to find flames consuming the east end of the home and extending across the ridge line to the west side.
Arenzville firefighters assisted through mutual aid, with crews working on the scene until approximately 1:30 a.m. the next day. No injuries were reported and the home is considered a total loss.
The cause of the fire remains undetermined, but reports say it may have started in the attic. Patrick and Amber Henson, along with their children, Jersey and Piper, now face the difficult task of rebuilding their lives. The family is well-known in the community for their longstanding involvement and willingness to help others, prompting friends and neighbors to organize support efforts.
Sara Fanning, a family friend, has set up a GoFundMe to assist the Hensons with immediate needs and long-term recovery. In addition to financial contributions, the family is in need of clothing: men’s medium or 30×32 pants, size 8½-9 shoes; women’s medium or size 7 pants, size 8½-9 shoes; and children’s small or extra small sizes. Donations can be dropped off at 151 North Main St. in Virginia.
