JCJ News
Easter lilies through history: war, global production, and the Midwest landscape
By Emily Swihart, Horticulture Educator University of Illinois Extension In addition to the spring flowers blooming outside, many enjoy the fragrant flowers of a Lilium longiflorum (Easter lily) as a symbol of spring and the Christian holiday Easter. For us to enjoy these blooming beauties during a midwestern spring, growers manipulate the growth cycle and…
Read MoreBy RHIANNON BRANCH
Southern Illinois farmers can contribute to the growing renewable biofuels market all while diversifying their revenue stream and improving soil health by adding winter canola to their crop rotation. Pioneer and Bunge Chevron Ag Renewables created a certified winter canola program to recruit new canola growers and aid in both agronomics and marketing of the…
Read MoreSupreme Court rules House Republicans waited too long to challenge maps
By Ben Szalinski Capitol News Illinois House Republicans waited too long to file a lawsuit challenging legislative maps drawn in 2021, the Illinois Supreme Court ruled Wednesday. As a result, the Democrat-majority court will not hear the case. House Republican Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, along with a group of individual voters, asked the court to…
Read MoreJERSEY: Rebecca Strang sworn in as Jersey County Treasurer
By Steven Spencer Rebecca Strang was appointed as the new Jersey County Treasurer during the County Board’s regular meeting on Wednesday, April 9. First approved a declaration of vacancy in the Jersey County Treasurer’s Office, following Katie Abbey’s resignation which went into effect on March 7. Following the declaration of vacancy, the board approved a…
Read MoreKane man charged with drug trafficking following police pursuit
By Steven Spencer A joint investigation between the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office and the Alton Police Department led to last week’s arrest of 48-year-old Tony K. Price of Kane. According to a press release from the Sheriff’s Office, Price refused to stop after a traffic stop and led a pursuit from Alton into Jersey County.…
Read MoreResidents asked to remain respectful following disgruntlement with tax assessments
By Steven Spencer Jersey County Board Chairman Gary Krueger took the opportunity during the public comment portion of last week’s board meeting to remind residents that county employees are just doing their jobs. Chairman Krueger said that after tax assessments went out, a number of residents have been unhappy and the disgruntlement has required an…
Read MoreIVEDC holds annual Families of Distinction Banquet
By Steven Spencer Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation hosted their annual Families of Distinction Banquet and Training last week at the Civic Center in Gillespie. Executive Director Stephanie Stahlhut said the annual banquet allows the IVEDC to recognize local families and individuals they work with. “This year we honored 15 families that showed resilience and…
Read More15th Annual Grafton Winery Blues Festival on Tap May 17 – 18
Kick back for a weekend of soul stirring blues music during the 15th Annual Grafton Winery Blues Festival Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18 at Grafton Winery The Vineyards, 21028 Eckert Orchard Rd., Grafton. This free event features the music of regional blues bands at the scenic winery nestled in the hills of Grafton.…
Read MoreJersey County CEO Trade Show April 24
The Jersey County CEO program will be holding their annual Trade Show next Thursday, April 24, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Farm and Home Supply. Maggie Mexeiner – I’d Rather Lather – Lye & Goats Milk Soap Kate Hudson – Leap Of Faith – Faith-based embroidered apparel Ian Lohr – Awe-Sum Sauce –…
Read MoreSpring into Reducing Food Waste
By Lisa Peterson University of Illinois Extension: Nutrition & Wellness Spring cleaning isn’t just for your closet, it’s a great time to clean out your kitchen, too! While you’re going through the fridge, freezer, and cupboards, take a minute to learn what food dates really mean. National Food Waste Prevention Week was April 7–13, 2025.…
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