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PITTSFIELD —  Drivers in Pittsfield should expect traffic changes beginning Friday as a lane closure is set for construction work on Madison Street. City officials say the right-turn lane in front of Gianni’s  will be closed starting April 3. The closure is expected to impact traffic flow in the area, particularly during busier travel times. Motorists are being asked to use caution when traveling through the construction zone and to plan for possible delays. No timeline for r

BOWLING GREEN —  Enrollment at the Pike-Lincoln Technical Center is rapidly growing, reflecting a major shift in how students are preparing for careers after high school. Administrator Bobby Spoonster says the program has more than doubled in size in just a few years. When he first arrived, the center served around 228 students. For the upcoming school year, that number is expected to reach approximately 501 students, not including adult education participants. Spoonster told

CENTRAL ILLINOIS —  Severe storms are expected to develop across Illinois on Thursday, with forecasters warning of an increased risk for tornadoes, damaging winds, and large hail. The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of central and northern Illinois under an enhanced risk , including areas as far south as Springfield and Jacksonville. Forecasters say conditions may allow the atmosphere to become unstable after morning storms move through, setting the stage for dangerou

GREENE COUNTY, IL —  Officials with the Greene County State’s Attorney’s Office are highlighting April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month, urging the public to listen, learn, and take action in supporting survivors and preventing abuse. Sexual violence impacts individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and communities. Prosecutors say the month serves as a reminder to break the silence surrounding these crimes by promoting consent, challenging harmful behaviors, and standing with s

HARDIN — A Grafton man has been arrested following an investigation into an alleged attempt to solicit a child in Calhoun County. Authorities say 37-year-old Orlin Ulloa was taken into custody on March 30 in Hardin after information was received about a potential predator traveling into the area. According to Calhoun County Sheriff Zach Hardin, a tip was received late the night prior, prompting immediate coordination with future Pike County Sheriff, Chief Deputy Zack Orr. Off

GRIGGSVILLE — A longtime symbol of the Griggsville Apple Festival is shining once again after a successful restoration effort. Festival organizers announced that the iconic apple light, a centerpiece of the event since 1942, has been fully restored after being damaged just before last year’s festival. The repair was made possible through a fundraising campaign led by Jim Eatock during last year’s festivities, with community members stepping up to cover the cost of restoration

PIKE COUNTY ILLINOIS — Authorities are asking for the public’s help after a disturbing case of animal cruelty involving abandoned dogs in the Chambersburg area. Officials with the Pike County Animal Shelter say two Huskies and a Dalmatian were abandoned roughly six to eight weeks ago and had been living outdoors. Over the past month, staff and the animal control warden had been visiting the area nearly every day, feeding the dogs and working to gain their trust. As of Saturda

LOUISIANA — Voters in Louisiana and Silex will head to the polls April 7 to decide on separate school-related proposals focused on safety, infrastructure, and funding needs. In the Louisiana R-II School District, voters will consider Proposition A, a no tax increase bond issue that would allow the district to borrow $1.5 million for upgrades. Planned improvements include electrical panel upgrades at multiple buildings, enhanced security features such as updated entrances and

PITTSFIELD — The City of Pittsfield is inviting residents to enjoy a new fishing opportunity after King Park Lagoon was recently stocked with approximately 200 trout. City officials thanked the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for assisting with the stocking, which is expected to provide a fun outdoor activity for families and anglers of all ages. Fishing at the lagoon will officially open on April 4. Residents are encouraged to bring their fishing gear and take advan

PIKE COUNTY, MISSOURI — Applications are now available for the 2026 Senior Tax Freeze program, giving eligible residents an opportunity to stabilize their property tax bills. New applicants can pick up forms at the Pike County Collector’s Office or access them online. Residents who are already enrolled in the program should have received renewal forms by mail and are reminded that renewal is required each year to remain in the program. Officials are encouraging participants t

PITTSFIELD — West Central Illinois is mourning the loss of longtime agricultural leader and community advocate Blake Roderick, who passed away Friday at the age of 69 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. Roderick spent more than 40 years serving the agricultural community, beginning his career in 1981 with the Sangamon County Farm Bureau before taking leadership of the Pike County Farm Bureau. In 1987, he expanded his role to include Scott County, later helping lead the

PITTSFIELD — Drivers in both Pike County, Illinois and Scott County, Illinois should prepare for delays beginning Wednesday as bridge painting projects get underway across the region. The Illinois Department of Transportation announced that work will begin on multiple bridges, including the 150th Street overpass in Pike County, Illinois, as well as the U.S. 54/Illinois 107 overpass and Interstate 72 bridges over Illinois 100 in Scott County, Illinois. The 150th Street overpas

WINCHESTER — A Scott County, Illinois man is facing arson charges following a series of fires reported late last week near Lynnville. Authorities say deputies with the Morgan County Sheriff’s Department were first called around 7:59 Thursday morning to the 1200 block of Mason Lane, where a shed had been destroyed by fire. The following day, deputies responded again around 5:20 a.m. after two more structure fires were reported at the same location, involving another shed and a

BAYLIS — A Pike County, Illinois woman has pleaded guilty but mentally ill to multiple felony charges tied to two separate incidents late last year. Twenty-eight-year-old Madelyn Syrcle entered the plea Tuesday in Pike County Circuit Court before Judge J. Frank McCartney. Court records show the charges stem from incidents on December 20 and December 30. In the first case, Syrcle pleaded guilty to residential burglary and criminal damage to property. In the second incident, sh

PITTSFIELD — Several individuals were taken into custody in Pike County, Illinois between March 23 and March 29, with multiple serious charges reported by local law enforcement agencies. Among the most significant arrests, Timothy D. Shanks of Pittsfield was charged with delivery of methamphetamine involving 15 to 100 grams, along with additional offenses including resisting a peace officer. Heather L. Crowder of Nebo was arrested on a charge of aggravated battery to a police

LOUISIANA, MISSOURI —  The City of Louisiana has once again been recognized by the State of Missouri for its commitment to public safety, earning the Missouri Blue Shield designation for a second consecutive year. City officials say the designation highlights efforts to strengthen law enforcement, improve transparency, and build stronger relationships between police and the community. The program also allows participating communities to apply for state grant funding to suppor

MOUNT STERLING —  Brown County student athletes were recognized this week at the Illinois State Capitol following a standout year across multiple sports programs. State Senator Jil Tracy of Quincy honored the athletes during a presentation in Springfield on Wednesday, highlighting what she called an exceptional year for Brown County schools. Brown County High School’s football team was among those recognized after finishing the season with an 11-3 record and earning a second-

PITTSFIELD —  A sharp temperature swing is bringing a freeze warning to the Twin Pikes region just one day after near-record warmth. Forecasters say temperatures across Pike County, Illinois and Pike County, Missouri are expected to drop into the mid-20s overnight, with a freeze warning in effect from 1 a.m. to 9 a.m. Saturday. Conditions are expected to be calm with clear skies, allowing temperatures to fall quickly and increasing the likelihood of a widespread freeze. Meteo

PIKE COUNTY, MISSOURI —  A Bowling Green man is dead following a motorcycle crash Thursday night in Pike County, Missouri. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Troop C, the crash occurred at approximately 8:45 p.m. on U.S. 54 near Pike County Road 291. Authorities say a 61-year-old man was operating a Kawasaki Ninja ZX-14R when the motorcycle traveled off the roadway, struck a ditch, overturned, and ejected the rider. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.

PITTSFIELD — Winners have been announced for the annual Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt, with participants from multiple age groups taking home top honors following a strong turnout for the community event. In the 0–5 age division, Tyson Kelley, age 4, claimed the top spot. In the 6–10 division, Karson Stinebaker, age 6, was named the winner. The 11–adult division was won by Beckham Howland, age 12. Organizers say the event drew a large number of families and participants, continui