PITTSFIELD — Pittsfield High School is searching for a new head coach for its girls basketball program following the resignation of head coach Noah Mendenhall , who stepped down after two seasons leading the Lady Saukees. Mendenhall said his decision came after a meeting with high school administrators earlier this week, during which he was informed there had been complaints from parents and players regarding conditioning, preparation, and coaching. According to Mendenhall,

BOWLING GREEN — The Bowling Green Board of Aldermen has named a new chief of police, signaling the latest leadership change in local law enforcement following recent departures at the top of area departments. At its latest meeting, the board appointed Corporal Chris Beard as the new chief of police for the city’s police department. Beard said he is honored by the appointment and looks forward to serving the Bowling Green community in his new role. “I’m grateful for the conf

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. JB Pritzker is preparing to push a sweeping statewide zoning proposal that critics say would significantly strip cities, villages, and counties of their long-held authority to decide what kind of housing can be built in their own communities, replacing local decision-making with one-size-fits-all mandates from Springfield. Under the proposal, the state would override local zoning rules to allow multi-unit housing on many residential lots and legalize access

PITTSFIELD — Illinois high school football programs, including those in Pike County, could soon see significant changes after the Illinois High School Association approved an expansion of the state football playoffs. Under the new format, nearly 130 additional schools statewide will qualify for postseason play, giving more teams an opportunity to compete beyond the regular season. Supporters of the move say the change levels the playing field for smaller, rural schools that

WINCHESTER — The Winchester School Board has not yet made a final decision on the future of the Winchester Grade School gym as district leaders continue gathering information and weighing costs tied to potential replacement or demolition. Superintendent Jeff Abell says the district has received a second evaluation report from the Illinois State Board of Education, which led the regional superintendent’s office to recommend condemnation of the gym. However, Abell emphasized t

PITTSFIELD — Residents across the Twin Pikes region are being urged to use caution Wednesday as elevated fire danger conditions are expected, especially north of Interstate 70, including parts of Pike County, Illinois and Pike County, Missouri. According to the National Weather Service, the combination of gusty southwest winds and low relative humidity could create conditions favorable for rapid fire spread between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday . Dry grasses, agricultural

TWIN PIKES — Residents across the Twin Pikes region should stay weather-aware heading into Thursday , as conditions may become favorable for strong to severe thunderstorms later in the day. Forecast guidance from the National Weather Service shows a cold front moving into the region Thursday afternoon and evening , bringing increasing chances for showers and thunderstorms across Pike County, Illinois and Pike County, Missouri , along with surrounding areas. As warmer, more

JEFFERSON CITY, MISSOURI — A wide-ranging property tax overhaul bill advancing in the Missouri House could unintentionally eliminate April municipal elections by shifting many local elections to August and November, according to election officials who say the bill’s language is broader than its sponsor intended. The proposal would require taxing districts to set separate property tax rates by property type and would move property tax elections to August or November ballots.

LOUISIANA, MISSOURI — The Buffalo Township United Fund is inviting the community to a night of comedy and fundraising later this month with “Louisiana Laughs,” a special comedy night set for Friday, February 28, 2026 , in Louisiana, Missouri. The event will feature veteran stand-up comedian Willie Farrell , a Midwest-based performer with more than three decades of experience entertaining audiences across the country. Farrell is known for his fast-paced delivery, strong cro

PITTSFIELD, ILLINOIS — The Pike County Sheriff’s Department reports a major drug-related arrest during the week of February 9 through February 15 involving a Perry, Illinois man. Authorities say Ricky L. Allen, 51, of Perry, Illinois , was taken into custody on February 13 on multiple charges, including possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia . Jail records indicate Allen was arrested by the Pike County Sheriff’s Department and later released th

PIKE COUNTY, ILLINOIS — Illinois State Police have identified the man found deceased Monday afternoon near the Champ Clark Memorial Bridge as John A. Sobie, 55, of Rockport, Illinois . Sobie’s body was discovered near the bridge around 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, after Illinois State Police troopers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle parked near the bridge along U.S. Highway 54, according to the Pike County, Illinois Sheriff’s Office. Troopers located Sobie on the emb

PITTSFIELD — The Pittsfield High School Saukettes brought home a spectacular haul of honors from the 2026 Illinois Drill Team Association (IDTA) State Finals , making Pike County proud with a sweep of state-level performance championships. At the state finals competition, the Saukettes captured multiple top titles, including 2026 State Champions in Class A Lyrical and 2026 State Champions in Open Pom , along with the 2026 High Point Championship and 2026 Grand Champion te

JACKSONVILLE — One person has died following a shooting Saturday evening in Jacksonville, according to local police. Officers were dispatched at 5:42 p.m. to the 800 block of West Chambers Street after reports of shots fired. When police arrived, they found an individual suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound, authorities said. The victim was transported to Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, where they later died. The identity of the victim has not been released as pol

PITTSFIELD — The Pittsfield Police Department has welcomed a new four-legged member to the force, introducing Maverick, a 3-year-old trained narcotics K-9, who officially began active duty last week alongside his handler, Officer Mackenzie Moore. Since starting work, Maverick has already assisted Pittsfield officers in two arrests. Moore says Maverick clearly understands when it’s time to work, immediately shifting into duty mode as soon as he is deployed from the squad car,

PITTSFIELD — The family of a Pittsfield High School student killed in a May 24 automobile crash, along with a student who survived the collision, have filed a civil lawsuit seeking a combined $300,000 in damages against the two drivers involved. According to Illinois State Police, the crash occurred at the intersection of U.S. 67 and Woodson Winchester Road when a car driven by Pittsfield High School student Tristyn Ruzich collided with a truck driven by Zachary Trace of Woo

PITTSFIELD — Work is set to begin Monday, February 16, on a major downtown revitalization project that city leaders say will modernize infrastructure and improve streets and sidewalks throughout the heart of Pittsfield. Mayor Gary Mendenhall said construction crews are expected to move in with more than 60 workers downtown as the long-planned project officially gets underway. The effort has been in development for several years after the city secured multiple state grants in

NEW LONDON, Mo. — STORY UPDATE: Gavin Davis of New London, age 21 is facing charges of unlawful use of a weapon, first-degree assault causing serious physical injury and armed criminal action. Two people are recovering after a shooting early Friday morning at a New London bar, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Authorities say the incident happened just before 1 a.m. at Tubby’s Grub and Pub after reports of a man causing a disturbance inside the business. The

CALHOUN COUNTY — Ferry service in Calhoun County has fully reopened following a new update issued Friday, reversing an earlier partial-closure notice and restoring all major river crossings. On February 12 , officials reported that the Kampsville Ferry had reopened while the Brussels Ferry remained closed, limiting options for drivers traveling across the Illinois River. At that time, the Kampsville Ferry resumed operations as a free, 24-hour service operated by the Illino

SPRINGFIELD — A proposal moving through the Illinois General Assembly to raise the statewide minimum wage to $27 an hour is drawing sharp criticism from small business advocates who warn the plan reflects a growing disconnect between Chicago-area lawmakers and the economic realities of downstate Illinois. Filed by Senator Kimberly Lightford and Representative Norma Hernandez, the legislation would significantly accelerate wage increases beyond Illinois’ current schedule. Un

PITTSFIELD — Editor’s note: This is a corrected version of this story. We apologize for an earlier error after the AI-based tool we use to assist in gathering news information failed on this item. The following information has been reviewed and corrected. The Pittsfield Police Department has added a new narcotics K-9 to its force following a donation that made the program possible, strengthening the department’s ability to combat drug-related crime in the community. Polic