BOWLING GREEN —  A longtime voice of radio in the Twin Pikes region has passed away. Donald “Joe” Lewis, a veteran broadcaster who spent many years on the air and in sales at KPCR Radio in Bowling Green, has died. Lewis was widely known across Pike County, Missouri and the surrounding region for his work at KPCR Radio , where he served both as an announcer and advertising representative. In addition to his role behind the microphone and working with local businesses, Lewis al

BOWLING GREEN —  The North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) is asking residents across its 12-county service region to help identify community needs and recommend improvements to programs that assist low-income and disadvantaged residents. The agency has launched a Community Needs Survey , which will remain open through the summer. NECAC officials say the survey is designed to gather information about gaps in services, barriers people face, and potential new programs

QUINCY —  Adams County officials are discussing whether to place a non-binding referendum on the ballot asking voters about separating parts of Illinois from the Chicago metropolitan area as part of an ongoing regional movement that has drawn both support and criticism. During the 2024 general election, several west-central Illinois counties — including Greene, Jersey, Calhoun, and Madison counties — approved referendum questions related to separating from the Chicago region

WINCHESTER —  The Winchester City Council is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. today at City Hall, where members will discuss a number of city issues ranging from infrastructure projects and utility billing changes to potential ordinances and development items. One agenda item includes a discussion with Greg Hillis of Benton & Associates regarding pending projects in the city. City officials will also hear from Public Works Superintendent John Simmons regarding several operational

PITTSFIELD —  Several county races in Pike County, Illinois will be decided in the Republican primary after no Democratic candidates filed for those offices, with a number of candidates emphasizing financial accountability, transparency, and modernization of county operations. In the race for Pike County Clerk , incumbent Natalie Roseberry  is running unopposed in the Republican primary. Roseberry, who has served as county clerk and recorder since 2018, says her priorities in

ROODHOUSE — Ongoing tension inside Roodhouse City Hall continues to delay the appointment of a replacement alderman, as disagreements between Mayor Jim Riley and members of the city council have twice blocked the mayor’s selections. During a recent council meeting, residents waiting outside a two-hour executive session reported hearing raised voices from behind closed doors. When the council reconvened, debate over the vacant seat quickly resurfaced. Mayor Riley initially app

ROODHOUSE — The Roodhouse Fire Protection District responded to a sharp increase in calls during February, handling 34 incidents compared to just 12 calls in January, according to the department’s monthly report. Of the February calls, 20 were EMS-related, making up the majority of responses. Fire crews also handled two structure fires, one motor vehicle crash, one burn injury or brush fire involving a person, six brush or field fires, one outside or ordinance-related fire, a

MOUNT STERLING — The Brown County Lady Hornets  are headed to the IHSA Class 1A State Finals after a commanding 51-39 victory over West Central in the super-sectionals, marking a historic milestone for the Lady Hornets basketball program. Brown County controlled the tempo throughout much of the contest, using disciplined defense and balanced scoring to keep West Central at bay. The Lady Hornets executed in key moments, forcing turnovers and converting in transition to maintai

PITTSFIELD — A series of rain systems moving through West Central Illinois over the next several days could bring meaningful relief to ongoing dry conditions across Pike County and surrounding areas. Forecasters are calling for multiple rounds of rain and thunderstorms through midweek, with periods of steady rainfall and locally heavier downpours possible. While severe weather potential will continue to be monitored, the bigger story for the region may be the cumulative rainf

PITTSFIELD — The Pike County Sheriff’s Department reported multiple warrant-related arrests and at least one aggravated battery charge among inmates booked into the Pike County Jail between February 23 and March 1. According to the weekly incarceration report, the majority of arrests during the reporting period involved failure to appear warrants issued by Pike County and other jurisdictions. Several individuals were also being held for neighboring counties, including Morgan,