Giannoulias Awards $20 Million in Grants to Benefit Illinois Libraries

The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is awarding nearly $20 million in grant funding to libraries across the state to ensure access to quality resources and programming for all Illinois residents, Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias announced. Area libraries receiving per-capita grants include: Ashland-Prairie Skies Public Library District-$10,432.68 Beardstown-Houston Memorial Public Library-$8,777.73 Rushville-Rushville Public Library-$4,432.38 Virginia-Virginia Public Library-$2,23315 “A library is more than just a building with books, it’s the epicenter of opportunity, discovery and community connection,” Giannoulias said.

New radios, tasers for Beardstown PD

The Beardstown City Council met for a short meeting Tuesday night to approve the bid from GTSI for Kenwood Multi-Band Radio system for the Beardstown Police Department in the amount of $157,058 after the trade-in of five radios on hand. All members present voted yes.

Beardstown Area Community choir presents "United"

Beardstown Area Community Choir will present “United,” a celebration of music and community at 3:00 p.m. this Sunday, July 13 at the Beardstown High School Auditorium, 500 East 15th Street.

Crime Stoppers announce statistics

Morgan, Scott, Cass Crime Stoppers recently announced the second quarter numbers for the organization. There was an increase of 13 in tips received as well as an increase of two in arrests made.

Free Community Skin Cancer Screening July 26

Jacksonville Memorial Hospital and Simmons Cancer Institute will offer a free community skin cancer screening event from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 26, at Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, 1600 W. Walnut St.

Funderburk, Anticipation ministries in Ashland

Ashland First Baptist Church will be hosting an evening with Danny Funderburk and Anticipation Ministries at 7 p.m. August 22. The church is located at 221 Washington Street in Ashland.

Bite back at mosquitoes in the yard

Mosquitoes are winged pests no one wants to have around, except for bats and other animals that eat them for dinner. The World Mosquito Program says mosquitoes can spread a number of nasty diseases, including malaria, dengue, West Nile virus, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika.

Community Calendar

The Alzheimer’s Support group will meet at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 13 Beardstown Health and Rehab (old hospital), 8306 St. Lukes Drive, Beardstown. Please enter through the front door.