PITTSFIELD — The Pike County Illinois Board has approved a sweeping ordinance banning the sale, possession and use of kratom, phenibut and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products throughout Pike County Illinois. Ordinance 2026-01 was passed Monday, February 23. The measure declares the substances a significant health and safety issue, stating they are known to cause serious health problems and, in some cases, death. While the products remain legal and largely unregulated at the

PITTSFIELD — A wide range of weather conditions are expected across the Twin Pikes region as a system moves through the Midwest, bringing the potential for snow, a wintry mix and rain showers across the WBBA listening area. Forecasters indicate the best chances for accumulating snow will remain north of the immediate Twin Pikes area, while portions of Pike County Illinois, Pike County Missouri and surrounding communities could see a mix of precipitation before changing over t

PITTSFIELD — The City of Pittsfield is inviting residents to take part in its upcoming City Wide Clean Up event scheduled for April 25 through May 2. Items may be dropped off Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the City of Pittsfield Public Works building located at 735 North Monroe Street. City officials say the clean up is open to City of Pittsfield residents only, and proof of residency will be required at drop-off. Certain it

Pike County, Illinois — Dry conditions across the region have prompted officials to place all of Pike County, Illinois under a county-wide burn ban as fire danger increases. County authorities confirm the burn ban is in effect through March 31 due to a combination of low humidity, dry vegetation and periodic winds that significantly increase the risk of grass and brush fires. The order prohibits open burning throughout Pike County, Illinois, including brush piles, leaves and

CARROLLTON, IL —  Local campaign coordinator Billy Springman, 21, announced that Republican gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey  will make a stop in Carrollton next month as part of his statewide tour. The event is scheduled for Tuesday, March 10, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Walnut Hall Estates  and is open to the public. Organizers say it will give residents an opportunity to meet Bailey and hear about his priorities for Illinois. Bailey, a former state senator and small bus

SCOTT COUNTY — A 25-year-old Naples man charged with grooming young children online and failing to register as a sex offender has been found unfit for trial in Scott County. Brandon Everhart was previously charged by the Illinois Attorney General’s Office with two counts of grooming, both Class 4 felonies, and one count of failure to register as a sex offender, a Class 3 felony. According to court records, a Finding of Unfitness and Order for Treatment was officially filed Mo

ROODHOUSE — A 40-year-old Roodhouse woman will serve probation after pleading guilty in an animal cruelty case stemming from the death of a puppy last fall. Rebecca Newingham was originally charged November 6 with one count of felony aggravated cruelty to animals and one count of misdemeanor cruelty to animals. The felony charge carried a potential sentence of one to three years in prison and fines up to $25,000, while the misdemeanor charge was punishable by up to one year i

LOUISIANA — The Louisiana R-II School District responded Tuesday morning to a medical situation involving a student on campus. According to a statement released by the district, school administration contacted emergency services out of an abundance of caution to ensure the student received prompt evaluation and care. After assessment by medical professionals, officials confirmed the situation did not involve an overdose. District leaders said the student’s safety and well-bei

PITTSFIELD — After a stretch of winter chill, the Twin Pikes region is getting a taste of early spring as warmer temperatures settle in through the end of the week. Afternoon highs are expected to climb well above seasonal averages, with sunshine and mild conditions dominating through Friday and into the weekend. Many communities across Pike County Illinois and Pike County Missouri could see temperatures pushing into the upper 50s and even 60s, offering a welcome break from r

CLARKSVILLE — The Raintree Arts Council and The Changelings Theatre are bringing the beloved stage production Steel Magnolias  to The Apple Shed in Clarksville later this month. Performances are scheduled for March 21 and 28 at 7 p.m., and March 22 and 29 at 2 p.m., with tickets available at the door for $15 for adults and $13 for children and seniors. Written by Robert Harling, Steel Magnolias  is a heartwarming and humorous Southern classic set in a small-town Louisiana bea

ADAMS COUNTY — Firefighters from Camp Point and Golden responded Tuesday afternoon to a brush fire that spread into Hebron Cemetery, a nearly 200-year-old burial ground established in 1834. Fire officials say the blaze reignited from embers left behind after a controlled burn conducted Monday on neighboring farmland. With dry conditions and gusty winds, those embers flared back up, igniting surrounding grass and eventually reaching the east side of the cemetery. Golden Fire P

LOUISIANA — Activity in the Louisiana mayoral race continues as candidates outline priorities focused on economic development, civic engagement and the city’s role in broader Pike County Missouri decisions. Mayoral candidate Mark Haddock said he has been making visits throughout the community, including attending a recent Pike County Missouri Commission meeting where grant opportunities and future Highway 54 improvements were discussed. Haddock described the current period as

WINCHESTER — Voters in Scott County will see contested Republican primaries this year in the races for sheriff and county treasurer, while the county clerk and commissioner positions remain uncontested. Three Republicans are seeking to replace retiring Sheriff Tom Eddinger. The field includes Winchester Police Chief Steve Doolin, Illinois Department of Corrections Sgt. Caleb Handy, and longtime Scott County Chief Deputy Robert “Bob” Smith. Each candidate highlighted law enfor

TWIN PIKES — Local motorists in both Pike County, Missouri, and Pike County, Illinois  are feeling the pinch at the pump as gas prices rise from recent seasonal lows, according to data from GasBuddy , the crowd-sourced platform that tracks fuel costs nationwide. GasBuddy’s live price listings show fluctuation around the region, with several stations in Missouri and Illinois reporting higher per-gallon rates than in previous weeks. Local averages have climbed from early winter

SPRINGFIELD — A coalition of more than 60 organizations across Illinois has unveiled new legislation aimed at reducing homelessness among people returning from prison, improving public safety and saving taxpayer dollars. The proposed “Home for Good” legislation would create a statewide strategy to improve housing access and support services for individuals reentering society after incarceration. Supporters say the plan is designed to address housing instability, which they ar

PIKE COUNTY ILLINOIS — Skywatchers across the region will have a rare opportunity to see six planets aligned in the evening sky on February 28, creating what astronomers call a “planetary parade.” The best viewing window begins about 30 minutes after sunset, around 6 to 6:30 p.m., when the sky darkens but before the planets drop below the horizon. Mercury, Venus, Neptune, Saturn, Uranus, and Jupiter will all appear in the western sky shortly after sunset. Four of the six plan

LOUISIANA — The Louisiana City Council approved a resolution raising pay rates for the city’s Streets and Grounds Department during its latest meeting, while also recognizing firefighters, emergency personnel, and various department employees for their continued service to the community. Mayor and council members formally thanked first responders for their dedication and efforts on behalf of Louisiana residents. Council members also passed Bill No. 7249, amending Section 235.

PITTSFIELD — The Pike County Board approved an ordinance Monday night banning the sale and possession of kratom and related synthetic opioid products, accepted the county’s 2022 financial audit, and engaged in extended discussion over payroll accounting and past budget issues during a nearly two-and-a-half-hour meeting. The meeting opened with an invocation by Reverend Bobby Johnston, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. One of the first major actions of the evening was appr

ROCKPORT — Twin Rivers Auction Company in Rockport is preparing for its upcoming Firearm, Ammo and Outdoor Gear Auction running March 1 through March 15 on HiBid.com , giving bidders the opportunity to participate online from anywhere with local pickup available. The auction will feature a wide selection of firearms, ammunition and outdoor gear, with organizers encouraging buyers to register early and watch for additional listings as items continue to be added. Twin Rivers Au

BOWLING GREEN — The 3rd Jackie Branstetter Memorial Basket Bingo benefiting Anne’s Anchor will be held Saturday, March 14 at the Pike County Fairgrounds in Bowling Green. The event falls on what would have been Jackie Branstetter’s 70th birthday. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. with Bingo beginning at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $25 per person for 10 games. A 50/50 drawing, raffle prizes and concessions will be available, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own daubers. Guests are