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Neighbor states ready for lottery influx
Even buying lottery tickets in Illinois is losing its charm. With Illinois delaying payouts of more than $600 because of its budget mess, neighboring states are salivating at the chance to boost their...
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Big business on the square
High atop the facade of the old Sears store on the downtown Jacksonville square is a reminder of the building’s original occupant. There, on a large gray stone are block letters that read: Andre &...
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Trapshooting tourney could leave state over closings
A group that puts on the Grand American, the national championship of American trapshooting, has begun the process of voiding its contract with the state of Illinois and possibly seeking a new home for...
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Making a mess, then complaining
The Unindicted One has spoken. Former Gov. Jim Edgar is none to happy with the current occupant of the Executive Mansion. He thinks it’s time for fellow Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner to capitulate to...
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Stats used in charter school decision online
Following an outcry among some Jacksonville residents over a decision to begin the process to end a contract for 8 Points Charter School, District 117 Superintendent Steve Ptacek is posting online the...
View ArticleUpcoming Services
MONDAY • Luttrell, Ronald Elbert. Graveside military rites 2 p.m. Monday at Waverly East Cemetery. Williamson Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge. — TUESDAY • Coats, Jane K. (Spradlin). 11 a.m....
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Police Beat
Morgan County Jacksonville Police ARRESTS, CITATIONS • A 13-year-old boy was arrested about 11:37 a.m. Monday at 936 W. Michigan Ave. on a charge of aggravated battery after a complaint that the boy...
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Almost there
Abbey Lomelino tries to put a stem on the pumpkin at the Scottville Community and Historical Center. She joined nearly 50 other area children for a Halloween party hosted by the organization Friday by...
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Meetings on charter school renewal planned
The 8 Points Charter School Parent Teacher Organization will meet at 6 p.m. today in the auditorium or the conference room of the school, depending on the number of people attending. The meeting will...
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The great myth of the free market
In 1776, in “An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations,” Adam Smith developed a new theory of economics, which we now call the theory of the free market. He wrote that a man should...
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Face-to-face budget meeting needed, but might be too little
If the wheels of state government moved any slower, things would be going in reverse. Although we’re fast-approaching four months without a budget in place — and that means no payments for most...
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Half-built gazebo declared unsafe, leveled
A half-built 28-foot round gazebo in Godfrey Park that has plagued officials in South Jacksonville for months has been leveled after volunteer contractors declared it structurally unsafe. “They said it...
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Once-decried textbook program in place at IC
Illinois College officials say a new “textbook-in-tuition” program has been smoothly implemented, although the idea drew initial concerns from many students. The college contracted with Rafter, a...
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Out with the old, in with the Yule
Shayla Allen, manager of Primrose and Lace in Jacksonville, shares a laugh with a fellow employee as she puts finishing touches on a display of Christmas tree in the shop. The store was bustling with...
View ArticleUpcoming Services (Oct. 27)
TODAY (TUESDAY) • Coats, Jane K. (Spradlin). 11 a.m. today at Daws Family Funeral Home in South Jacksonville. • Kleinschmidt, Alice Marie Harris Schnake. 2 p.m. today at Williamson Funeral Home in...
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New Berlin woman found dead after wreck
An 89-year-old New Berlin woman was found dead after her car struck a tree along the Waverly Road exit ramp from Interstate 72. Viola M. Werries was pronounced dead at the scene of the one-vehicle...
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Solitude
Jeff Ruzicka | Reader photo Morning fog shrouds a lone tree reflected in the water in Pike County. .neFileBlock { margin-bottom: 20px; } .neFileBlock p { margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } .neFileBlock .neFile...
View ArticleDistrict 117 school board agenda
The Jacksonville District 117 school board will meet in special session at 6 p.m. today at Lincoln Elementary School. Among the items on the agenda are: • A presentation by contractor CTS at 6 p.m. • A...
View ArticleIndoor walking program returns to JHS Bowl
Passavant Area Hospital’s indoor walking program will begin next week. Walking for Wellness at the Jacksonville High School Bowl returns for another season of exercise and fellowship Monday from 7 a.m....
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Democratic candidates and the environment
President Barack Obama, with his recent push to join the world in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, will be a tough act to follow on the environment. But each of the Democratic candidates has shown a...
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