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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PIKE COUNTY — Pike County officials say road conditions remain hazardous as strong winds continue blowing snow back onto roads across the county. In an 11 a.m. update Monday , the Pike County Highway Department reported that blowing snow and cold temperatures are continuing to create slick spots on roadways. Officials say road crews have been working to keep roads clear, but high winds are pushing snow back across many routes, creating difficult travel conditions in some area

PIKE COUNTY, IL — A rural Barry man has been arrested after authorities say he was not in compliance with Illinois sex offender registration requirements. The Pike County Sheriff’s Department announced the arrest of Jesse S. Moore, 54, of rural Barry following an investigation initiated by Chief Deputy Zack Orr . According to the sheriff’s department, Orr observed that Moore was out of compliance with required sex offender registration guidelines and prepared an investigati

BOWLING GREEN — Woods Smoked Meats in Pike County Missouri brought home a large number of top honors during the recent Missouri Association of Meat Processors convention. The longtime Bowling Green meat processor announced the awards this week after competing in the statewide event that recognizes excellence in meat processing and specialty products. Among the top honors earned by Woods Smoked Meats were Grand Champion awards for bacon, specialty game products, flavored bacon

LOUISIANA — The City of Louisiana will begin routine hydrant flushing across the city starting Monday. City officials say hydrant flushing will begin March 16 and will start on the east side of town , gradually moving west until the process is completed. The maintenance work is conducted periodically to help maintain water quality and ensure fire hydrants are operating properly. During the flushing process, residents may notice temporary water discoloration or reduced water

MEREDOSIA — The Meredosia-Chambersburg school board is looking at possible policy changes as officials work to address ongoing student absenteeism concerns. Junior High School Principal Kirk Graham told the board that student absences were particularly high during the first quarter of the school year, largely due to illness. Superintendent Thad Walker has asked the board to consider setting a limit on the number of school days a student can miss before being held back a grade

PITTSFIELD — Pike County voters will head to the polls Tuesday to decide several key county offices, including five seats on the Pike County Board. The election comes after months of public discussion surrounding county finances and disagreements among board members over budget issues. Eight candidates are running for the five available seats on the Republican ballot. Incumbents Reta Hoskin, Tom Lewis, Andy Borrowman and Mark Mountain are seeking election along with challenge

PITTSFIELD — Pike County Sheriff David Greenwood is urging voters to support a proposed public safety sales tax when they head to the polls in Tuesday’s primary election. The ballot measure asks voters whether the Pike County Board should be authorized to increase the county’s public safety sales tax by an additional one-quarter of one percent. Revenue from the tax would be used to support operations and maintenance of the Pike County Sheriff’s Office. Greenwood said the dep

PITTSFIELD — Pikeland Community Unit School District 10 is asking parents, community members, and students to help shape the future direction of the district as part of its strategic planning process. District officials announced the launch of several surveys designed to gather feedback on priorities, ideas, and long-term goals for the schools. The information collected will be used to help guide planning decisions aimed at supporting students and families throughout the dist

MEREDOSIA — After spotting two children walking on thawing ice on the Illinois River, Meredosia Mayor Kenneth Scott III says the incident has prompted village officials to consider a new safety initiative aimed at local students. Scott said he stopped after seeing the children walking on the frozen—but beginning to thaw—river and convinced them to get off the ice after noticing areas where the surface was weakening. Following the incident, Scott and Police Chief Derrick Suttl

PITTSFIELD — Wright Place Auto has announced plans to relocate into the former Airsman-Hires Funeral Home building on West Washington Street following the January fire that destroyed the company’s longtime Adams Street location. Owners Peter and Anita Wright said the business will move into the building at 1232 West Washington Street and will focus on pre-owned vehicle sales and golf carts . The business does not currently plan to resume the body shop services that were pre