PIKE, SCOTT & CALHOUN COUNTIES — Rising water levels along the Illinois River are creating growing concerns this week across West Central Illinois, with multiple locations approaching or expected to reach flood stage following recent rainfall. ' According to river gauge data, the Illinois River at Valley City—impacting Pike County—has a designated flood stage of 14 feet , while the river at Hardin in Calhoun County reaches flood stage at 25 feet . As of early this week, water

PIKE COUNTY, MO — Voters across Pike County will head to the polls Tuesday for the April General Municipal Election, with a wide range of local offices and ballot issues to decide alongside the countywide use tax proposal. The election, scheduled for April 7, is part of Missouri’s annual municipal election cycle, which focuses primarily on local government positions and community-level issues rather than state or federal races. In addition to Proposition L, voters will be sel

PIKE COUNTY, MO — Voters in Pike County, Missouri will decide this April whether to implement a proposed use tax aimed at capturing revenue from out-of-state and online purchases. The measure, listed as Proposition L, would apply a tax at the same rate as the county’s current sales tax—3.0625 percent—to qualifying purchases made outside Missouri but used within the county. A use tax is designed to offset lost local revenue when goods such as vehicles, construction materials,

LOUISIANA, MO — A major milestone in local Scouting history is being celebrated as Julian Taylor Ham earns the rank of Eagle Scout, becoming the first female in the area to achieve Scouting’s highest honor. Only about 6 to 7 percent of Scouts ever reach the Eagle Scout rank, making the accomplishment especially significant. Julian completed the journey in just three years, showing exceptional dedication, leadership, and commitment to the values of Scouting. Because Louisiana

LOUISIANA, MO —  Concerns about drinking water quality in Louisiana, Missouri are drawing attention from residents — with some saying they won’t even let their pets drink from the tap — and new data suggests the issue may be more complex than many realize. According to the Environmental Working Group’s Tap Water Database, Louisiana’s public water system shows multiple contaminants measured far above modern health-based guidelines, even while remaining within federal legal lim

BARRY —  Western High School is preparing to launch a new program aimed at helping students build successful futures without the burden of debt, with a community event scheduled for next week. he Western CUSD 12 School District will officially unveil its Wildcats Pathway to Prosperity, or WP2P, program during a press conference set for April 8th at 10 a.m. at the Western High School Agriculture Building. School leaders say the program is designed to remove financial barriers

PITTSFIELD —  High school students interested in a future in healthcare have a new opportunity to gain hands-on experience through a local program being promoted by Illini Community Hospital and Blessing Health System. The Youth Corps program is open to students ages 14 and older and offers an 11-week experience designed to introduce participants to real-world healthcare environments while giving back to their community. Students will work one shift per week during the progra

LOUISIANA —  Vendors preparing for the upcoming Farmers Market season in Pike County, Missouri are invited to attend an informational meeting next week as the Louisiana Community Betterment Association gets ready to kick off its annual market. The LCBA Farmers Market vendor meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 8th at 5:30 p.m. and will be held at “It’s So Good” restaurant located at 123 South 3rd Street in Louisiana. Organizers say the meeting is open to all current and

MEREDOSIA —  The Meredosia-Chambersburg School District has seen its credit rating lowered, raising concerns about the district’s financial outlook as it prepares for upcoming facility improvements. S&P Global Ratings announced Monday it has downgraded the district’s rating from an “A” to an “A-,” applying the new rating to an anticipated $3.3 million general obligation bond issuance planned for 2026. In addition to the downgrade, S&P assigned a negative outlook to the distri

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