News

Sweeney named to QU Dean’s List

Quincy University named Raven Sweeney, Beardstown, to its Dean’s List for the Fall 2023 semester. Honorees must earn a semester grade point average of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) to be included in the biannual Dean’s List. In total, 407 students received the honor during the Fall 2023 semester. 

Calendar-Winter

Community Calendar

Beardstown Emblem Club will hold its annual Chicken & Noodle Dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, February 18 at the Beardstown Elks Lodge, 205 East 2nd Street. The menu includes chicken and homemade noodles, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, roll and butter, dessert and a drink (tea or coffee). Prices will be for adults and children 4 to 12. Children 3 and under are free. Carry-outs will be available by calling 217-323-1000. The dinner is opened to the public.

WIU students on Dean’s List

A total of 1,183 undergraduate students enrolled at Western Illinois University were named to the Fall 2023 Dean’s List. The total includes 107  students at the WIU-Quad Cities Campus.

To receive this award, an undergraduate student must earn at least a 3.6 grade point average on a scale of 4.0, which equals an A in a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded courses; pass-fail hours are not counted (e.g., student teaching, internships).

MCS offers scholarships

MCS Community Services is offering scholarships of $2,000 to income eligible students of Morgan, Cass and Scott counties, who are already attending or are planning to attend an accredited Illinois university, college, technical or vocational school. The scholarships are provided by Community Services Block Grant, a program funded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

Charles Kirchner (left) & Sara Brannan

The long journey of Alzheimer’s – Support group to help others

Losing a loved one is always tough, but losing them to dementia or Alzheimer’s Disease is worse because you lose them a little at a time before death.Sara (Kirchner) Brannan, Beardstown, lost her dad, Charles “Shorty” Kirchner January 2, 2024 to dementia. His actual diagnosis was dementia of the Alzheimer type. He was diagnosed over 10 years ago.

Jamie Hobrock

Hobrock is Principal of the Year

Triopia Grade School Principal Jamie Hobrock was selected as the Two Rivers IPA Principal of the Year. 

She has been the grade school principal since 2010. Hobrock gradated from Triopia High School in 2000, then returned as a teacher in 2007. This is her 20th year in education.

Women Who Lead Ad 2024

Honoring Cass County women

Women have been making a statement for a long time in many areas and Cass County women are no different. In fact, we think we have some of the best in Cass County.

Cass County has some amazing women in the areas of business, education, entrepreneurs, volunteers, first responders, health care and much more.

Beardstown City Hall

Beardstown Council approves Cass County All Hazard Mitigation Plan

Roger Lauder, Cass County Emergency Director, spoke to the city council Tuesday, February 6th regarding the Cass County All Hazard Mitigation Plan. 

First, he wanted to explain to the council the meeting of mitigation. For the purpose of disaster management, mitigation is the process of taking action before a disaster occurs to reduce its impact and risk whether it be structural or non-structural. Having this plan in place opens the county and/or city up to mitigation dollars offered through the federal government. If the county/city does not have such a plan

Kai Schnitker (left), president of the First National Bank of Arenzville, presents Donald Pigg (right) with the Blue Diamond Community Service Award on February 6.

Donald Pigg receives award

The First National Bank of Arenzville, Jacksonville, and South Jacksonville is pleased to announce that Donald Pigg is the recipient of the 2023 Blue Diamond Community Service Award. 

According to his daughter, Cindy Boehlke, Mr. Pigg has led a life of purpose and giving. In the 15+ years that he has lived in the Jacksonville area, he has worked with a variety of local organizations to help our community continue to improve, and be the best that it can be.

Debra Walters

Walters named WCMT Executive Director

The Board of Trustees of West Central Mass Transit District announces the appointment of Debra Walters as the Executive Director of West Central Mass Transit District effective February 1, 2024.Brooklyn Knapp, Chairman of the Board of Trustees is excited about this transition.