There were no injuries following a one vehicle crash at Browning. The crash occurred at 12:55 p.m. Tuesday, June 11. According to Illinois State Police, a White Freightliner Truck-Tractor Semi-Trailer combination, was traveling south on Illinois 100 just north of Old US 67. The driver, Don Large, 62, Rushville, left the roll-off container boom in the upright position and the boom struck the underside of a BNSF railway bridge. The vehicle rolled over onto the driver’s side. Although Large was not injured, there was property damage. Large was cited for exceeding the maximum height for a vehicle The roadway was closed for approximately two hours during vehicle removal.

Semi-trailer roll over in Browning

There were no injuries following a one vehicle crash at Browning. The crash occurred at 12:55 p.m. Tuesday, June 11.

According to Illinois State Police, a White Freightliner Truck-Tractor Semi-Trailer combination, was traveling south on Illinois 100 just north of Old US 67. The driver, Don Large, 62, Rushville, left the roll-off container boom in the upright position and the boom struck the underside of a BNSF railway bridge. The vehicle rolled over onto the driver’s side. Although Large was not injured, there was property damage.

Virginia, IL Logo

Virginia police chief reappointed

At the June 10th meeting of the Virginia City Council, Mayor Randy McClure brought before the council the discussion and appointment of Eric Shumate for Chief of Police. 

Council Member Tommy Knous asked Chief Shumate a question regarding whether or not his availability in hours would be changing. Mayor McClure interrupted Knous telling him this was not the time for that discussion. However, Council member Christa Stanbridge stated that the agenda did state this subject was up for both discussion and approval.

A short pop up falls just out of the reach of the second baseman.

Beardstown Little League Baseball roundup

After a long weekend off to celebrate Memorial Day, Beardstown Little League Baseball was back in action on Tuesday May 28th.  

In 12U play, the Brown County Gunslingers snuck by the Tri County Plumbing Twins 4 to 2. Fischer Alloway struck out four Gunslingers, Luke Pherigo struck out five and Scooter Cruz struck out one on the mound. Case Turner doubled and Jennrick Martinez singled for the Twins who fell to 1-5-1 on the year.

Bill Schnake and wife Christine

Schnake honored as Virginia BBQ Parade Grand Marshal

Bill Schnake, the longtime sound engineer at the Virginia BBQ, is serving his final year behind the mixing board at this year’s beginning of summer celebration.  The Virginia BBQ Committee has chosen Schnake to serve as the Grand Marshal of this year’s parade to recognize his years of service to the annual event.

Jean C. Santiago-Nieves

Beardstown man charged with murder

Jean C. Santiago-Nieves, 37, was arrested by Illinois State Police for first-degree murder.

Beardstown Police responded to a 911 call  on Friday, May 21, to a residence in the 1400 block of Clay Street. When officers arrived, they found a deceased male in a vehicle near the residence. 

The victim was later identified as Steve Dominguez, 27, also of Beardstown. The police requested the Illinois State Police conduct the investigation.

Bible and lily

Focus on Faith – ‘You’re Not Done Yet’

Greetings Beardstown! Allow me to start by introducing myself. My name is CJ Monroe and I am the new Lead Pastor at First Christian Church here in Beardstown. I have served in full-time ministry for almost 15 years now, almost exclusively in youth ministry. Our family has been here for a little over a month now and are so excited for our new community we get to minister to. My hope and prayer with these articles, much like the others I have seen written in this column, is to inspire faith and remind you of the hope that can be found in Jesus. I believe that this hope is always so necessary, but especially when the world seems to get darker, hope can feel out of reach.

McCombs, Werner speak at meeting

The Cass County Retired Teachers met Tuesday, May 21 at noon at The Elks Club in Beardstown.  

Nineteen teachers, one guest, and speakers, Cass County Deputies Brian McCombs and Megan Werner enjoyed lunch.

McCombs and Werner each spoke about their education in Cass County schools and what their current job as deputies for the county entails.

Ameren Mobile Command Trailer

New equipment to improve restoration times for Ameren customers after major storms

Ameren has added two specially designed Mobile Command Center trailers to its fleet to coordinate crews and materials in the aftermath of a storm. The command centers may be moved to an area with major damage.

The 24-foot-by-8-foot trailers can be pulled behind an Ameren utility truck and are climate controlled and equipped with high-speed internet access, computer workstations, a generator, technology for viewing real-time drone footage of storm damage and an awning to provide outside cover.

2024 Virginia BBQ Pageant Contestants

Virginia BBQ Miss Contestants - Maggie Parlier, Tierra Shade, Adelea Anderson. | Virginia BBQ JR Miss Contestants - Prestley Angelo , Payton Riley, Charlotte Miller, Jessika Daniels, Gabby Harris. |

Road work contiunes on the corner of 9th and Jackson Streets in Beardstown.

Beardstown  streets may be opened soon

While it seems like Beardstown citizens may need a GPS to get around town with all the streets closed due to construction of new pipes, there is an end in sight.

Public Works Director Gary Hamilton told Beardstown City Council Tuesday night that he is hopeful the construction will be completed the week of June 20, depending on weather and other unforeseen surprises. The city is appreciative of the community’s patience during this time.