PITTSFIELD — Multiple burn bans have now been enacted across the WBBA listening area as dry conditions and strong winds continue to increase the risk of fast-moving fires. Fire officials across the region say a combination of low humidity, dry vegetation, and gusty winds has created dangerous conditions where even small outdoor fires can quickly spread out of control. In Adams County, the Camp Point and Payson Fall Creek Fire Protection Districts have issued burn bans, while

PITTSFIELD — A popular Pittsfield Easter tradition is returning with a new route and added excitement, as the Pittsfield Golf Cart Club prepares for its annual Easter Parade and Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt. The parade is set for Saturday, March 28 at 11:00 a.m., with a rain date scheduled for Sunday, March 29 at 1:00 p.m. Organizers say anyone with a golf cart, ATV, side-by-side, or Jeep is welcome to participate, including local businesses and community groups. Participants ar

WHITE HALL — Multiple lives were saved thanks to the quick actions of local residents, police officers, and firefighters during an apartment fire in White Hall last fall, and those involved were formally recognized for their bravery during a meeting held this evening. The fire broke out around 8 a.m. on October 6, 2025, at a four-unit apartment complex, sending heavy smoke from one of the units. Robert and Tonya Moffitt, who were arriving for work at the property, immediately

PITTSFIELD — A new scholarship opportunity is now available for students across Pike County Illinois, as the Pike County Community Arts Center has announced the creation of an annual arts scholarship established in honor of Synthia “Miss Syndy” Miller’s late parents. The scholarship will be awarded to a Pike County Illinois high school senior who plans to continue their education in the arts. Organizers say the program is designed to support a wide range of creative paths, in

MURRAYVILLE — Construction on the new Murrayville-Woodson Grade School is experiencing minor delays due to recent cold and wet weather, but district officials say the project remains on track overall. Assistant Superintendent Matthew Moore told the school board this week that weather conditions over the past couple of weeks have slowed progress slightly at the construction site located at Watertower Road and the Woodson Winchester Blacktop. However, Moore emphasized the delay

PITTSFIELD — Two challengers will join the Pike County, Illinois Board following the primary election, as voters selected a mix of new leadership and returning incumbents to fill five open seats. Challengers Chris Lanhum and current Pike County Sheriff David Greenwood secured positions on the board, joining incumbents Mark Mountain, Andy Borrowman, and Board Chair Rita Hoskin, who also retained their seats in the primary. Residents across Pike County, Illinois expressed optim

RUSHVILLE — Federal investigators say impairment from prescription medications and fatigue led to a deadly Schuyler-Industry school bus crash in west-central Illinois that killed five people in March 2024. According to a newly released report from the National Transportation Safety Board, the Schuyler-Industry school bus crossed the centerline on U.S. 24 near Rushville and collided head-on with a truck, triggering an immediate fire that engulfed both vehicles. The crash kille

HANNIBAL — While Illinois voters review the results of the March primary, attention is shifting across the river as Missouri voters prepare to decide a controversial highway proposal in the upcoming April election. A proposed Highway 61 Hannibal bypass project is now in the hands of voters in Marion County, Missouri and Ralls County, Missouri after years of discussion and debate. The proposal includes a half-cent sales tax that would fund construction of an expressway from Ne

BOWLING GREEN — UPDATE: THE PIKE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE REPORTS BURT IS BACK IN CUSTODY. A large-scale manhunt is underway in Pike County, Missouri as authorities search for an escaped inmate identified as Caden Keith Burt . According to Pike County Missouri Sheriff Stephen Korte, Burt is a white male believed to be in his mid-20s to early 30s with long brown hair. He was last seen wearing an orange jumpsuit at the time of his escape. Multiple law enforcement agencies are a

BOWLING GREEN — A Bowling Green Police officer is being recognized for going above and beyond the call of duty following a recent commendation from department leadership. Officer Jason Meador  was presented with a Chief’s Commendation during a Board of Aldermen meeting, honoring his exceptional service and dedication to the community. Police officials praised Meador for his commitment and professionalism, noting that officers like him play a vital role in keeping the communit

LOUISIANA — The Louisiana R-II School District is inviting residents to attend upcoming informational meetings to learn more about Proposition A ahead of the upcoming vote. District officials say the meetings are designed to give parents, taxpayers, and community members a clearer understanding of what Proposition A would mean for the school system. One of the scheduled sessions will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24. While district leaders have not outlined full d

PITTSFIELD — The Pittsfield Police Department has introduced a new therapy dog to serve the community, with a focus on supporting local students and assisting during sensitive situations. Dutchess, a German Shepherd and Labradoodle mix, will work alongside her handler, Sgt. Clint Weir. The pair will be active in all three schools in the district, offering comfort, emotional support, and a positive presence for students and staff. In addition to her role in schools, Dutchess w

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