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HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION SET FOR PIKE COUNTY
GRIGGSVILLE — Pike County residents will have an opportunity to safely dispose of hazardous household materials during an upcoming collection event in Griggsville. The event is scheduled for April 11 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Western Illinois Fairgrounds, located at 516 South Oak Street. Organizers say the collection is open to residential households and is designed to safely handle materials that could be harmful if improperly disposed. Accepted items include latex- and o
Mike Batchelor
Mar 251 min read


BOWLING GREEN R-1 SUPERINTENDENT ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION
BOWLING GREEN — The Bowling Green R-1 School District will be searching for new leadership following the resignation of its superintendent. During a special Board of Education meeting, the board approved the resignation of Superintendent Nick Larson, which will take effect June 30, 2026. In a message to district families, Larson said the decision was not easy but was made in the best interest of his family as he prepares to transition out of public education. He also expresse
Mike Batchelor
Mar 251 min read


GREENE COUNTY MAN SENTENCED IN SEXUAL ABUSE CASE
CARROLLTON — A Greene County man has been sentenced to prison following a conviction for a sexual abuse offense, according to the Greene County State’s Attorney’s Office. Lloyd L. Speaker was sentenced to six years in the Illinois Department of Corrections after being convicted of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, a Class 2 felony. The charge carried a possible sentence ranging from probation up to seven years in prison. Officials say the court considered the nature of the of
Mike Batchelor
Mar 241 min read


100-ACRE BRUSH FIRE CONTAINED NEAR ROODHOUSE
ROODHOUSE — A large brush fire covering approximately 100 acres was brought under control Tuesday afternoon following a multi-agency response in the Roodhouse area. Firefighters were dispatched around 1:15 p.m. and quickly called in additional support as crews worked to contain the rapidly spreading fire. Tankers and brush units from multiple departments responded, along with assistance from local farmers who used equipment to help control the flames. Responding agencies incl
Mike Batchelor
Mar 241 min read


QUINCY MAN SENTENCED TO 55 YEARS ON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES
QUINCY — A Quincy man has been sentenced to more than five decades in prison following convictions on multiple child pornography-related charges. Christopher R. Romo, 33, was sentenced to a total of 55 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections, with 38 of those years ordered to be served consecutively. According to court records, the sentence includes 12 years each for two counts of child pornography, 8½ years each for two additional counts, and 14 years for child photo
Mike Batchelor
Mar 241 min read


BOWLING GREEN POLICE WELCOME NEW OFFICER, PROMOTE CAPTAIN
BOWLING GREEN — The Bowling Green Police Department has announced the addition of a new full-time officer and the promotion of a current officer to a leadership role. Officer Danielle Pliler was officially sworn in and joins the department with seven years of law enforcement experience. Officials say her background includes service as a jailer, assistant jail administrator, patrol deputy, and school resource officer, most recently with the Pike County Sheriff’s Office. At the
Mike Batchelor
Mar 231 min read


UTILITY RATE INCREASES, EQUIPMENT PURCHASES APPROVED BY LOUISIANA CITY COUNCIL
LOUISIANA — The Louisiana City Council approved a series of measures during its March 23 meeting, including utility rate increases, equipment purchases, and updates to city operations. Among the most notable actions, the council passed a water rate increase that will take effect June 1. The new base rate will rise from $21.55 to $21.90, along with a usage rate of $0.0618412 per cubic foot. A separate wastewater rate increase was also approved, raising the base rate from $37.1
Mike Batchelor
Mar 231 min read


LOUISIANA MAYORAL RACE HEATS UP WITH POSTCARD CONTROVERSY
LOUISIANA — Tensions appear to be rising in the Louisiana mayoral race ahead of the April 7 election, as a candidate reports a misleading campaign postcard was distributed across the community. Mark Haddock says he became aware of the situation after a friend showed him a postcard that had arrived in the mail. Haddock says the piece was not created or authorized by his campaign and does not reflect his views or positions. “I’m not sure how many were actually sent out,” Haddoc
Mike Batchelor
Mar 231 min read


BURN BANS EXPAND ACROSS WEST CENTRAL ILLINOIS
PITTSFIELD — Multiple burn bans have now been enacted across the WBBA listening area as dry conditions and strong winds continue to increase the risk of fast-moving fires. Fire officials across the region say a combination of low humidity, dry vegetation, and gusty winds has created dangerous conditions where even small outdoor fires can quickly spread out of control. In Adams County, the Camp Point and Payson Fall Creek Fire Protection Districts have issued burn bans, while
Mike Batchelor
Mar 231 min read


PITTSFIELD EASTER PARADE, SCAVENGER HUNT RETURN WITH UPDATED ROUTE
PITTSFIELD — A popular Pittsfield Easter tradition is returning with a new route and added excitement, as the Pittsfield Golf Cart Club prepares for its annual Easter Parade and Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt. The parade is set for Saturday, March 28 at 11:00 a.m., with a rain date scheduled for Sunday, March 29 at 1:00 p.m. Organizers say anyone with a golf cart, ATV, side-by-side, or Jeep is welcome to participate, including local businesses and community groups. Participants ar
Mike Batchelor
Mar 231 min read


HEROIC ACTIONS RECOGNIZED IN WHITE HALL
WHITE HALL — Multiple lives were saved thanks to the quick actions of local residents, police officers, and firefighters during an apartment fire in White Hall last fall, and those involved were formally recognized for their bravery during a meeting held this evening. The fire broke out around 8 a.m. on October 6, 2025, at a four-unit apartment complex, sending heavy smoke from one of the units. Robert and Tonya Moffitt, who were arriving for work at the property, immediately
Mike Batchelor
Mar 221 min read


NEW ARTS SCHOLARSHIP LAUNCHED FOR PIKE COUNTY, IL STUDENTS
PITTSFIELD — A new scholarship opportunity is now available for students across Pike County Illinois, as the Pike County Community Arts Center has announced the creation of an annual arts scholarship established in honor of Synthia “Miss Syndy” Miller’s late parents. The scholarship will be awarded to a Pike County Illinois high school senior who plans to continue their education in the arts. Organizers say the program is designed to support a wide range of creative paths, in
Mike Batchelor
Mar 221 min read


NEW GRADE SCHOOL PROJECT DELAYED BY WEATHER
MURRAYVILLE — Construction on the new Murrayville-Woodson Grade School is experiencing minor delays due to recent cold and wet weather, but district officials say the project remains on track overall. Assistant Superintendent Matthew Moore told the school board this week that weather conditions over the past couple of weeks have slowed progress slightly at the construction site located at Watertower Road and the Woodson Winchester Blacktop. However, Moore emphasized the delay
Mike Batchelor
Mar 221 min read


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
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