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JCJ News

Jacksonville Center for the Arts signs option to purchase Illinois Theater

In furtherance of its quest to create a multipurpose civic center with performing arts capabilities, the Jacksonville Center for the Arts Board has recently signed an exclusive option to purchase the historic Illinois Theater from owners Mark and Emily Hughes. “The Illinois Theater is iconic. It is historic. It is a jewel in the crown…

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Recent aerial applicator crashes draw attention to safety

By PHYLLIS COULTER FarmWeek Summer skies fill with planes and helicopters in rural Illinois every summer as corn and soybean fields need crop protection. However, the risk to aerial applicators was magnified last month with four crashes within eight days in Illinois. An applicator plane crashed near the Ogle County Airport in Mount Morris along…

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Proposed rail merger raises competition concerns

By LYNDSAY JONES FarmWeek Some transportation groups are skeptical and some ag groups are seeking more information about the implications of a planned merger between rail rivals Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. DTN reported both companies’ boards of directors unanimously agreed to a deal July 29 in which Union Pacific will acquire Norfolk Southern for…

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The Edwardsville Arts Center prepares for the 11th Annual Edwardsville Art Fair

Get Ready to Celebrate Creativity at the 11th Annual Edwardsville Art Fair. Join us for an unforgettable weekend as the Edwardsville Art Fair, proudly produced by the Edwardsville Arts Center, returns for its 11th year! From September 26th to 28th, Edwardsville’s beautiful City Park will transform into a vibrant hub of artistic expression, community spirit,…

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Let’s Cook! – August 14, 2025

With school starting soon, there are many parents struggling to come up with interesting sack lunches. Kids can get tired of the same old lunch every day, or parents may want healthier lunches that will actually get eaten. So, I am asking for any suggestions for school lunches to share with my readers. Please send…

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JERSEY: Grafton’s destination totem pole gets update

By Steven Spencer Grafton’s destination totem pole received an update with new and refurbished signs featuring different locations and their distance from Grafton in nautical miles. The project was a community effort with Grafton resident Tom Lenkman making the signs and Emily Gilmore, Cheryl Pfeiffer, Jennifer Beuhuer and Lou Lenkman designing and painting them. The…

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Kevin Zachary new Chief Executive Officer of JCH HealthCare

By Steven Spencer Kevin Zachary has been named as JCH HealthCare’s new Chief Executive Officer, following Beth King’s departure. JCH HealthCare began the search to replace King after she stepped down from the role in February of this year. Zachary has worked at the executive level for LifePoint Health, Health Management Associates, Tenet Healthcare, and…

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River County News consolidating papers into one publication

By Steven Spencer Better Newspapers, Inc. and River County News is announcing that we will be undergoing a rebrand as we consolidate our five weekly papers into one weekly publication. The Calhoun News-Herald, Jersey County Journal, Greene Prairie Press, Pike Press and Scott County Times will be combined into one larger weekly newspaper titled River…

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Tent Revival set for next month in Otterville

By Steven Spencer Otterville Baptist Church will be hosting a tent revival on Friday, Sept. 5, at 6:30 p.m. at the historical Hamilton Primary School. The tent revival will feature Otterville native Sonny Renken, and retired Sandy Creek Associational Missionary Richard Nations as featured speakers as the revival sets out to make a difference in…

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