News

Life Saving Awards presented to Cass, other county law enforcement and emergency services personnel

The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) State Lodge presented several awards on April 6 during a meeting of the FOP Spoon River Valley Lodge # 427 in Canton.

Awards were presented to five Cass County law enforcement and emergency services personnel for their response to recent shootings in Ashland; a Fulton County Sheriff’s Deputy for his actions at the scene of a serious accident; three Knox County Sheriff’s Deputies whose police work resulted in huge illegal drug seizures; and a Farmington pastor whose congregation has demonstrated outstanding support for local law enforcement.

Solor Eclispe on Monday, April 8, in Ashland. Photo by Mike Kloppenburg

Solor Eclispe

Solor Eclispe on Monday, April 8, in Ashland. Photo by Mike Kloppenburg

Photo Beardstown Police Department

Car crashes throw apartment wall

A vehicle attempting to park near an apartment building crashed through the wall leaving damage at 4:32 p.m. on April 4.

Jean E. Masse, 35, 601 W. 7th Street, Beardstown, told Beardstown Police that while trying to park his 2010 Toyota, his foot left the brake petal and hit the gas petal causing his vehicle to jump the raised curb and crash through the front of apartment four.

There were three other passengers in his car but no injuries.

Car in Ditch Chandlerville Rd. Beardstown

Accident on C’ville Rd

Beardstown Fire and Ambulance were called for a single vehicle accident Sunday night at approximately 10:00 p.m., with a car being upside down in a ditch, in the vicinity of Chandlerville Road and Kuhlman Road. Personnel arrived on scene along with Cass County Sherriff Deputies and Beardstown Police to find a car upside down in water approximately 50 feet below the road surface. The driver of the vehicle was sitting on top of the car. The driver was medically assessed and packaged for transport. Using ropes and manpower, they were carried up the embankment to the awaiting ambulance and tranported to the hospital with minor injuries.

Virginia faces budget increase – Over half million dollars

The City of Virginia saw over a half million dollar increase in its city budget for the Fiscal Year 2024-25.

The council approved the second reading at its regular meeting Monday night. The new budget is for $3,752,860.94, an increase of $599,000. The increase is due to several planned infrastructure projects for water, sewer and street using the $196,090 in ARPA funds (government funds to bring relief to communities).

Bridge construction may begin in 2025

While it seems like Beardstown keeps getting put on the back burner in regards to starting construction on a new bridge, Paul Wappel said there are a variety of reasons for delays.

“A large, complex effort, such as the Beardstown Bridge replacement project, can encounter delays for a variety of reasons. The land acquisition and intergovernmental coordination processes are on-going, and IDOT (Illinois Department of Transportation) is hopeful the project will be advertised for bid later in 2024 or early 2025, allowing for construction to begin in 2025,” Wappel said.

ErEric, Kirsta and Emery Anderson

Benefit for Kirsta Anderson

A benefit for Kirsta Anderson will be held from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 18 at the Round House Event Center in Beardstown. Kirsta is currently battling Stage 4 colon and liver cancer. 

There will be a small cover charge that will include a meal and kids’ activities. The meal will include pulled pork or chicken nachos or loaded baked potato.

Cass County Courthouse News

Cass County Courthouse News

Information as recorded at the Cass County Courthouse, Virginia. Marriages: Skyler Dylan Umphryes, Beardstown, and Jayna Victoria Herzog, Beardstown. Jose Antonio Rivera Marquez, Virginia, and Yaritjza M. Landrau Martinez, Virginia. Elvis Omar Calderon Castro, Beardstown and Jenniver Alexandra Muller Portes, Beardstown. Divorces: Nothing was filed. Property Transfers: Matthew Vaughn, Warranty Deed to Gary W. Gillmore for Lands in Sections 31 & 32, T19R9. Audrey Cox, WD to Curtis Mefford for Lot C in Original Town of Virginia.

Veterans No Barriers Warriors Expedition opportunity

Menard Electric Cooperative is seeking to notify its members who are veterans of an opportunity to apply for a No Barriers Warriors Expedition this summer. The program is fully paid by CoBank and is for disabled veterans from any branch of the US armed forces.

SOS unveils new ‘One-Stop-Shop’ experience

Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias revealed a more customer-focused, professional and efficient DMV experience today that will soon be rolled out at facilities statewide.

The new “One-Stop-Shop” DMV design was officially launched today at the Secretary of State’s office in west suburban Plano.