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Pikeland Student Survey Results Released
PITTSFIELD -- Pikeland CUSD 10 has released the student portion of its Strategic Planning Survey results, giving district leaders a broad look at how students view their school experience as the district works through its long-range planning process. According to the district, 473 students in grades four through twelve took part in the survey. The district says today’s focus is specifically on the Student Survey Report, with additional strategic planning details available thr
Mike Batchelor
May 191 min read


Officer Honored for 35 Years of Service
GREENFIELD, Ill. — A Greenfield police officer has been recognized for more than three decades of service in law enforcement. During the regularly scheduled Greenfield City Council meeting on May 14, Police Chief Alderfer presented an award to Officer Aaron Mehrhoff in recognition of his completion of 35 years of law-enforcement service. Mehrhoff’s career has included service with the Greenfield Police Department, as well as his tenure as Greenfield chief of police during the
Mike Batchelor
May 191 min read


Land Donation Moves Cancer Memorial Park Expansion Forward
BOWLING GREEN, Mo. — A major step forward is underway for the Cancer Memorial Park Foundation after the Bowling Green Board of Aldermen voted unanimously Monday night to donate a city lot for the park’s future use. The donated property is located at 16 South Court Street, next to the MASH store and near the downtown square. It is also close to the current Cancer Memorial Park location, sitting practically across the street from the back entrance to the existing park. The Canc
Mike Batchelor
May 192 min read


False Threat Triggers Lockdown At Calhoun High School
HARDIN — A false threat involving claims of an armed individual and explosive devices triggered a major law enforcement response and lockdown at Calhoun High School Wednesday afternoon, but authorities say students and staff were never in immediate danger. According to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to Calhoun High School at approximately 12:11 p.m. Wednesday after an unknown person contacted the school claiming he was on the way to campus armed
Mike Batchelor
May 141 min read


Winchester School Gym Demolition Approved After Structural Closure
WINCHESTER — Demolition of the long-closed Winchester Grade School gymnasium is moving forward after school board members approved contracts to remove the unsafe structure following months of closure caused by structural concerns. The Winchester school board has approved bids totaling more than $318,000 for demolition work on the aging gym, including a contract with a Jacksonville firm to handle the main demolition and separate asbestos abatement work required before demoliti
Mike Batchelor
May 141 min read


Pittsfield Invites Business Owners, Entrepreneurs To Quarterly Meeting
PITTSFIELD — Local business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and anyone considering opening a business in Pittsfield are being invited to take part in an upcoming quarterly business meeting focused on strengthening the local business community. The City of Pittsfield says the meeting is designed to provide practical resources, encourage discussion, and gather direct feedback from the business community about current needs and future opportunities. Representatives from the Pike
Mike Batchelor
May 141 min read


Winchester School Board Puts Election Change Before Voters
WINCHESTER — Voters in the Winchester school district will decide this November whether to change how members of the local school board are elected. The Winchester school board has approved placing a referendum on the ballot that would shift board elections from the current municipality-based structure to an at-large system districtwide. Under the existing setup, certain seats are effectively tied to specific communities within the district, including Winchester, Manchester,
Mike Batchelor
May 141 min read


Louisiana investor honored for restoring South Carolina Street property
LOUISIANA, Mo. — A Louisiana property investor has been recognized for helping restore a once-deteriorated home and contributing to neighborhood revitalization efforts in the city. The Louisiana Community Betterment Association presented its Beautification Award on May 11 to Ivan Malpica for renovation work completed at 708 South Carolina Street. According to the association, the property had suffered significant structural deterioration, including collapse in the rear portio
Mike Batchelor
May 131 min read


Summer concert series returns to Jellystone Park in Pittsfield
PITTSFIELD — Live music fans will have plenty of chances to enjoy outdoor entertainment this summer and into the fall as Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort in Pittsfield rolls out a packed concert lineup. The campground announced a full schedule of performances featuring several local and regional acts, with shows generally running from 8 until 11 p.m. around the campground’s entertainment area and campfire gathering space. The lone exception is the June 19 Exit 52 perfo
Mike Batchelor
May 132 min read


City budget committee to review department spending Thursday
LOUISIANA, Mo. — The City of Louisiana’s budget committee will meet Thursday afternoon as city leaders continue work on the upcoming municipal budget. According to an official meeting notice posted Wednesday morning, the committee is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14, in the second-floor council chambers at Louisiana City Hall, 202 South Third Street. Agenda items include review of the license office budget, code enforcement budget, and maintenance department budget. T
Mike Batchelor
May 131 min read


Kayak & Paddle Board Rentals Open For The Season In Pittsfield
PITTSFIELD -- Kayak and paddle board season has officially returned in Pittsfield as lake water temperatures have now reached a consistent safe level for use without wetsuits. City officials announced the seasonal kayak and paddle board lockers are now officially open for the summer season. Residents and visitors can once again enjoy kayaking and paddle boarding on the lake as warmer weather settles into the region. The reopening marks the beginning of another busy summer sea
Mike Batchelor
May 111 min read


South Jacksonville Splash Pad Repairs Temporarily Close Godfrey Park
SOUTH JACKSONVILLE — Godfrey Park in South Jacksonville is temporarily closed as crews complete maintenance and repair work on the village splash pad ahead of the busy summer season. Village officials say employees are working to prepare the splash pad and surrounding park facilities for warmer weather and increased community use in the coming weeks. The closure will remain in place until maintenance work is completed. Officials have not yet announced a reopening date but say
Mike Batchelor
May 111 min read


Quincy Man Sentenced to 10 Years Following Police Pursuit Case
QUINCY — An Adams County man has been sentenced to ten years in prison following a police pursuit case that drew attention in the Quincy area. Court records show Brandon Schorn received the prison sentence after being convicted in connection with fleeing from law enforcement during the incident. Authorities say the pursuit involved attempts to evade officers before Schorn was ultimately taken into custody. The case moved through Adams County court proceedings before sentencin
Mike Batchelor
May 111 min read


Major Charges Highlight Pike County, Illinois Arrest Report
PITTSFIELD -- Several individuals were arrested in Pike County, Illinois during the past week on felony and serious criminal charges, according to the Pike County Sheriff’s Department weekly arrest report covering May 4 through May 10. Among the arrests, 37-year-old Marissa D. Lawson of Barry was taken into custody on charges including home invasion, aggravated battery, aggravated kidnapping and residential burglary. Authorities also reported the arrest of 25-year-old Kierste
Mike Batchelor
May 111 min read


SNAP Cuts Could Hit Rural Illinois Communities Hard as Independent Grocers Warn of Ripple Effects
ILLINOIS -- Rural Illinois communities could soon feel the impact of federal SNAP benefit reductions as independent grocery stores across the state warn the cuts may threaten already fragile small-town economies. Independent grocers say many small-town stores operate on razor-thin profit margins, and any major drop in customer spending could create serious financial pressure for locally owned markets that serve as vital hubs in rural communities. The concern comes as changes
Mike Batchelor
May 111 min read


Pike County, IL Fair Returning to Pleasant Hill June 2 Through June 6
PLEASANT HILL — The Pike County Fair is set to return to Pleasant Hill next month as organizers prepare for the 79th annual event running June 2 through June 6. Fair officials announced this year’s fair will feature several returning attractions along with a new carnival offering larger amusement rides. Organizers say longtime favorites including the Talent Show and Baby Contest will also return for 2026. Additional events scheduled during the fair include side-by-side barrel
Mike Batchelor
May 111 min read


Bluffs Preparing Busy Summer Season with Farmers Market, Yard Sale and Cleanup
BLUFFS — The village of Bluffs is gearing up for a busy summer season with several community events and improvement efforts planned over the next several weeks. Village officials announced that a citywide yard sale will be held June 20. Residents interested in participating are being encouraged to contact village board member Brenda Kauffman for additional information. The Bluffs Farmers Market is also set to return beginning June 2. Organizers say this year’s market will fea
Mike Batchelor
May 111 min read


WBBA To Celebrate 60 Years on FM in August
PITTSFIELD — On August 1, WBBA will celebrate a milestone few local broadcasters can claim — 60 years on the FM dial. The FM signal signed on in 1966, nearly 12 years after WBBA’s original 1580 AM station first began serving the Twin Pikes and Two Rivers Region in 1954. Today, WBBA proudly holds the distinction of being the longest-serving local radio voice in the region, with no other station matching its continuous legacy of service to Pike County and surrounding communitie
Mike Batchelor
May 92 min read


Louisiana Cancels May 11 Work Session; Multiple Committee Meetings Scheduled
LOUISIANA — City officials in Louisiana, Missouri have announced the cancellation of the May 11 Work Study Session while also scheduling a series of committee meetings over the next two days as part of an effort to establish more consistent committee operations. According to the city announcement, the Budget Committee will meet Monday, May 11 at 10 a.m. Additional meetings scheduled for Monday evening include the Housing, Health, and Senior Service Committee at 6 p.m., the Tr
Mike Batchelor
May 71 min read


Barry Woman Charged After Kinderhook Home Invasion And Child Abduction Investigation
KINDERHOOK — A Barry woman is facing multiple felony charges after Pike County deputies say a domestic disturbance investigation in Kinderhook escalated into an alleged home invasion, assault, and child abduction that crossed state lines. According to the Pike County Sheriff's Department, deputies were dispatched at approximately 5:44 p.m. on May 4 to a residence in the 100 block of Van Buren Street in Kinderhook following reports of a domestic disturbance. Investigators say
Mike Batchelor
May 71 min read
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