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NEW FACES ELECTED TO PIKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS BOARD
PITTSFIELD — Two challengers will join the Pike County, Illinois Board following the primary election, as voters selected a mix of new leadership and returning incumbents to fill five open seats. Challengers Chris Lanhum and current Pike County Sheriff David Greenwood secured positions on the board, joining incumbents Mark Mountain, Andy Borrowman, and Board Chair Rita Hoskin, who also retained their seats in the primary. Residents across Pike County, Illinois expressed optim
Mike Batchelor
Mar 221 min read


NTSB: MEDICATION, FATIGUE CAUSED DEADLY SCHUYLER-INDUSTRY BUS CRASH
RUSHVILLE — Federal investigators say impairment from prescription medications and fatigue led to a deadly Schuyler-Industry school bus crash in west-central Illinois that killed five people in March 2024. According to a newly released report from the National Transportation Safety Board, the Schuyler-Industry school bus crossed the centerline on U.S. 24 near Rushville and collided head-on with a truck, triggering an immediate fire that engulfed both vehicles. The crash kille
Mike Batchelor
Mar 221 min read


HANNIBAL BYPASS TAX HEADS TO VOTERS IN APRIL ELECTION
HANNIBAL — While Illinois voters review the results of the March primary, attention is shifting across the river as Missouri voters prepare to decide a controversial highway proposal in the upcoming April election. A proposed Highway 61 Hannibal bypass project is now in the hands of voters in Marion County, Missouri and Ralls County, Missouri after years of discussion and debate. The proposal includes a half-cent sales tax that would fund construction of an expressway from Ne
Mike Batchelor
Mar 221 min read


ESCAPED INMATE CADEN BURT SEARCH IN BOWLING GREEN
BOWLING GREEN — UPDATE: THE PIKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS BURT IS BACK IN CUSTODY. A large-scale manhunt is underway in Pike County, Missouri as authorities search for an escaped inmate identified as Caden Keith Burt . According to Pike County Missouri Sheriff Stephen Korte, Burt is a white male believed to be in his mid-20s to early 30s with long brown hair. He was last seen wearing an orange jumpsuit at the time of his escape. Multiple law enforcement agencies are a
Mike Batchelor
Mar 191 min read


BOWLING GREEN OFFICER HONORED WITH CHIEF’S COMMENDATION
BOWLING GREEN — A Bowling Green Police officer is being recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty following a recent commendation from department leadership. Officer Jason Meador was presented with a Chief’s Commendation during a Board of Aldermen meeting, honoring his exceptional service and dedication to the community. Police officials praised Meador for his commitment and professionalism, noting that officers like him play a vital role in keeping the communit
Mike Batchelor
Mar 181 min read


LOUISIANA R-II SCHOOLS HOST MEETINGS ON PROPOSITION A
LOUISIANA — The Louisiana R-II School District is inviting residents to attend upcoming informational meetings to learn more about Proposition A ahead of the upcoming vote. District officials say the meetings are designed to give parents, taxpayers, and community members a clearer understanding of what Proposition A would mean for the school system. One of the scheduled sessions will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24. While district leaders have not outlined full d
Mike Batchelor
Mar 181 min read


PITTSFIELD POLICE WELCOME NEW THERAPY DOG
PITTSFIELD — The Pittsfield Police Department has introduced a new therapy dog to serve the community, with a focus on supporting local students and assisting during sensitive situations. Dutchess, a German Shepherd and Labradoodle mix, will work alongside her handler, Sgt. Clint Weir. The pair will be active in all three schools in the district, offering comfort, emotional support, and a positive presence for students and staff. In addition to her role in schools, Dutchess w
Mike Batchelor
Mar 181 min read


EARTH DAY CLEAN-UP PLANNED IN GREENE COUNTY
CARROLLTON — The Greene County Health Department is calling on volunteers to take part in a countywide clean-up effort as part of Earth Day activities next month. The event is scheduled for April 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with volunteers working to clean up roadsides and public areas across Greene County. The initiative is aimed at improving local environments while encouraging community involvement. Organizers say volunteers of all ages are welcome, and all necessary supplie
Mike Batchelor
Mar 181 min read


PIKE VOTERS REJECT TAX AS KEY REGIONAL RACES TAKE SHAPE
PITTSFIELD — Pike County voters delivered one of the night’s clearest local messages by rejecting the county’s proposed public safety sales tax increase , a quarter-cent measure that county leaders had said would support and maintain the Pike County Sheriff’s Office. Unofficial local results showed the proposal failing 1,489 to 1,263 , or about 54 percent to 45 percent , making it one of the most important county-level outcomes on the ballot because it directly touched publi
Mike Batchelor
Mar 185 min read


MAYORAL CANDIDATE SPEAKS OUT AFTER CLAIMS OF MISLEADING CAMPAIGN ACTIVITY IN LOUISIANA
LOUISIANA — A candidate in the upcoming Louisiana mayoral race is speaking out after reports of misleading campaign materials circulating in the community. Woodrow Polston says he was informed that what he described as “misleading propaganda” has been distributed regarding one of the candidates in the race. In a public statement, Polston denounced those tactics, calling them a “total shame.” Polston also said he has personally experienced issues during the current election c
Mike Batchelor
Mar 171 min read


DEPUTY HONORED FOR CHRISTMAS DAY ACTIONS IN RALLS COUNTY
RALLS COUNTY, MISSOURI — A Ralls County deputy is being recognized for his bravery after putting himself in danger to help stop a fleeing semi-truck on Christmas Day. Sheriff Brian Allen announced that Deputy Jayden Sutton was presented with a commendation during a County Commission meeting this week for his actions on December 25, 2025. According to the sheriff, Sutton deployed stop sticks along Highway 19 in Center as part of an effort to stop a semi-truck that was fleeing
Mike Batchelor
Mar 171 min read


CHILI COOK-OFF RETURNS TO CLARKSVILLE AFTER TWO-YEAR BREAK
CLARKSVILLE — The Show Me Missouri State Chili Cook-Off is set to return to Clarksville on June 13 after a two-year hiatus caused by floodwall construction at Riverfront Park. The event, hosted by the Raintree Arts Council, will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature chili sampling, live music, vendors, raffles, and competitions with cooks vying for a chance to advance to a world championship. Organizer Linda Blakey said the return of the cook-off marks a big moment for
Mike Batchelor
Mar 171 min read


CARROLLTON SCHOOLS WILL NOT PURSUE FOOTBALL CO-OP FOR 2026
CARROLLTON — The Carrollton School District says it will not pursue a football co-op for the upcoming 2026 season, citing conference rules and timing constraints that make a partnership unworkable at this time. In a press release issued Tuesday, Superintendent Jason Bauer said no formal requests were submitted by either Carrollton or North Greene to begin a co-op agreement. Both schools are members of the Western Illinois Valley Conference, which requires strict adherence to
Mike Batchelor
Mar 171 min read


PIKE COUNTY, IL VOTERS HEAD TO POLLS TODAY
PITTSFIELD — Voters in Pike County, Illinois head to the polls today for the Illinois primary election, with several local issues and races drawing attention across the county. Polls are open from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. , and county election officials say turnout could be steady as residents weigh both statewide candidates and local ballot questions. One issue receiving particular focus in Pike County, Illinois is a proposed quarter-cent public safety sales tax intended to h
Mike Batchelor
Mar 172 min read


WINCHESTER CIVIC GROUP LAUNCHES BEAUTIFICATION FUNDRAISER
WINCHESTER — The Winchester Civic Group has launched a new community fundraiser aimed at improving public spaces in the city with additional picnic tables and trash receptacles. The group announced its 2026 beautification project will focus on adding picnic tables at Douglas Park and Monument Park in Winchester , along with installing additional trash cans around the town square . Each year the Winchester Civic Group selects a project designed to improve the community in a
Mike Batchelor
Mar 171 min read


BITTER ELECTION DAY COLD HITS PIKE COUNTY, IL
PITTSFIELD — Voters heading to the polls across Pike County, Illinois, today, Tuesday, March 17, are being met with bitter cold, strong northwest winds, and the chance of light snow or flurries as a late-season blast of winter air moves through the region. NOAA’s National Weather Service forecast for Pittsfield shows a high near 32 degrees with northwest winds around 6 to 8 miles per hour through the day, after a much colder and windier stretch overnight and early this mo
Mike Batchelor
Mar 172 min read


TWO ARRESTED AFTER FIREARMS STORE BREAK-IN AND STOLEN VEHICLE INCIDENT
BOWLING GREEN, MISSOURI — Two suspects are in custody following a burglary attempt at a firearms business and a related stolen vehicle investigation in Bowling Green. According to Bowling Green Police Chief Chris Beard , officers were dispatched March 15 to D&G Firearms after a burglary alarm was triggered. When officers arrived, they found a broken window at the business , indicating an attempted break-in. While officers were investigating the scene, they were notified tha
Mike Batchelor
Mar 161 min read


JERSEYVILLE LIBRARY EMPLOYEE CHARGED WITH CHILD PORNOGRAPHY POSSESSION
JERSEYVILLE — A Jerseyville man who works for the Jerseyville Public Library has been charged with multiple counts of possessing child sexual abuse material following an investigation by state and local authorities. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced charges against 42-year-old Adam Hurley of Jerseyville , who is accused of possessing child sexual abuse material. Prosecutors have filed 10 counts of possession of child sexual abuse material , each a Class 2 felo
Mike Batchelor
Mar 162 min read


GUN CHARGES AND DUI AMONG MAJOR PIKE COUNTY, IL ARRESTS
PIKE COUNTY — Several arrests involving more serious criminal charges were reported by the Pike County Sheriff’s Department during the week of March 9 through March 15. Among the most serious cases, Michael K. Guthrie, 51, of Nebo was arrested March 10 on a warrant for aggravated discharge of a firearm and reckless discharge of a firearm . Authorities also reported the arrest of Jesse S. Moore, 54, of Barry , on a warrant for failure to report as a sex offender . In another
Mike Batchelor
Mar 161 min read


SEXTORTION AND INTERNET SAFETY PROGRAM SET FOR PLEASANT HILL STUDENTS
PLEASANT HILL — The Pike County Sheriff’s Office is partnering with the nonprofit organization Evan’s Voice to present a program focused on sextortion awareness and internet safety for students at Pleasant Hill High School. The presentation is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on March 19 and will focus on educating students about the dangers of sextortion, online exploitation, and how to practice safe internet habits. According to information released by the sheriff’s office, the pro
Mike Batchelor
Mar 161 min read
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