Local News
2020 FCI Agriculture Scholars Named
Mon, 13 Apr 2020 05:01:22 CDT
This is the 17th year of the Farm Credit agriculture scholarship program which has awarded a total of $516,000 to 387 students since 2004 - $60,000 was awarded this year to 30 students. Read more...
USDA NRCS to Provide Over $1.5 Million to Improve Water Quality
Mon, 13 Apr 2020 04:52:22 CDT
DEKALB, Ill. – Today, American Farmland Trust, the organization behind the national movement No Farms No Food®, will partner with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to provide over $1.5 million to improve water quality in two Illinois watersheds. Read more...
Davis Introduces Bipartisan Pandemic Rapid Response Act
Mon, 06 Apr 2020 06:48:23 CDT
Washington, DC -- U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) introduced the bipartisan Pandemic Rapid Response Act, which establishes a true bipartisan commission to analyze our nation's response and make recommendations to better prepare our country for any future pandemic. Read more...
Montgomery Co SWCD Postpones Fish Sale
Tue, 24 Mar 2020 05:32:03 CDT
Due to the circumstances involving the COVID 19 outbreak and the order to shelter in place, the SWCD is sorry to announce that they have had to postpone the Spring Fish Sale which was scheduled for April 7. Read more...
Montgomery Co Farm Bureau Scholarship Winners
Tue, 24 Mar 2020 05:19:01 CDT
Kris Reynolds, President of the Montgomery County Farm Bureau Foundation, is pleased to announce the 2020 -2021 scholarship recipients. On March 10, Foundation judges reviewed the applications for the scholarship program and were pleased with the quality of applications they received. Read more...
USDA Ensures Food Safety During COVID-19 Outbreak
Tue, 17 Mar 2020 15:21:47 CDT
(Washington, D.C., March 17, 2020) – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is ensuring the safety and timely delivery of the U.S. food supply while protecting the health of USDA employees during this COVID-19 National Emergency. Read more...
$2M Grant to IDNR from USDA
Thu, 12 Mar 2020 12:13:05 CDT
Washington, DC -- U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) announced today that the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) has received a $2,008,800 grant through the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service's Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program (VPA-HIP). Read more...
Hillsboro FFA Member Wins Districts
Fri, 06 Mar 2020 14:07:02 CST
Garrett Schaake & Erin Kistner Erin Kistner of Witt, was selected as the District FFA Proficiency Winner in Ag Communications, on Wednesday, March 4 in Sullivan. Garrett Schaake also competed in District judging in Fire Safety. Read more...
Montgomery Co SWCD Planning Fish Sale
Fri, 06 Mar 2020 13:42:57 CST
The Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District is now accepting orders for the 2020 Spring Fish Sale. The sale is planned for Tuesday, April 7th and 8 AM, and pre-orders are due by April 1st. Read more...
Davis Votes for Coronavirus Funding
Thu, 05 Mar 2020 15:48:53 CST
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today voted for $8.3 billion in funding to help to fight the Coronavirus. Additionally, Davis announced that he will hold a roundtable with health care professionals from across the district in Decatur on Friday. Details for media on Friday's roundtable to come. Read more...
Prairie Farmer names 2020 Master Farmers
Tue, 03 Mar 2020 11:10:50 CST
The 2020 Master Farmers from left to right: Dale Hadden, Jacksonville; Joe Pickrell, Buffalo; John and Susan Adams, Atlanta; Ted Mottaz, Elmwood. Photo by Holly Spangler Five Illinois producers will be honored as 2020 Master Farmers at Prairie Farmer magazine’s annual event in Springfield, Ill., on Thursday, March 19. Read more...
Jerry Costello II to lead the IL Dept of Ag
Mon, 02 Mar 2020 10:23:39 CST
Gov. J.B. Pritzker Friday appointed Jerry Costello II to lead the Illinois Department of Agriculture, pending Senate approval. The law enforcement director with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) since May 2019, Costello of Smithton, served in the Illinois House of Representatives from 2011 to 2019. Read more...
Rep. Davis Announces USDA Grant for a Snow Plow for Schram City
Fri, 28 Feb 2020 11:45:32 CST
Washington, DC -- U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) announced today that the Village of Schram City has received a $25,000 federal grant for the purchase of a new dump truck with a snow plow. The funding comes from the Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants program through U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development. Read more...
Guebert Testifies in D.C. on Behalf of Illinois Farmers
Thu, 27 Feb 2020 11:49:30 CST
Illinois Farm Bureau President Richard Guebert Jr. testified during Wednesday’s U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means committee hearing. The hearing was held to discuss U.S.-China trade and competition, and featured a variety of witnesses. Read more...
Illinois February Crop Progress and Condition Report
Tue, 25 Feb 2020 13:55:17 CST
Statewide, the average temperature for the month of February was 30.8 degrees, 1.7 degrees above normal. Precipitation for the month averaged 1.52 inches, 0.06 inches below normal. As of February 23, topsoil moisture supply was rated at 63 precent adequate and 63 percent surplus. Read more...
iDREAM Program Impacting Children’s Lives
Fri, 21 Feb 2020 10:39:19 CST
Litchfield, Ill. – On Thursday, January 29, over ninety second graders at J.D. Colt Elementary School in Litchfield received their first lesson from the iDREAM program. This is a U of I Extension program that encourages students to navigate the world of dreaming, goal setting, and creativity. Read more...
Illinois Counties Receive $7.3 million for Rural Broadband
Wed, 19 Feb 2020 10:01:09 CST
Eight counties in Rep. Rodney Davis’ 13th District have received $7.3 million in Federal Communications Commission grants to expand rural broadband. Davis, R-Taylorville, noted the funding will go toward connecting unserved homes and businesses. Read more...
Matli: Animal Care Award Winner from IL Pork
Fri, 14 Feb 2020 10:03:41 CST
SPRINGFIELD, ILL. – On behalf of the Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA), Josh Matli of Raymond has been presented with the inaugural “Animal Caregiver” award at the 2020 Illinois Pork Expo and Annual Meeting. Read more...
Weitekamp Named IL Pork President for 2020
Thu, 13 Feb 2020 08:30:16 CST
Springfield, IL - February 4, 2020 - During the 2020 Illinois Pork Producers Association (IPPA) annual meeting, Dale Weitekamp of Raymond, was elected to serve as president for the coming year. Read more...
Montgomery County Ag in the Classroom Receives Local Donation
Mon, 10 Feb 2020 14:08:10 CST
Members of the Montgomery County Board of Directors presents a check to Rebecca Livingston, Montgomery County Ag in the Classroom Program Coordinator. (L to R) Brad Young, Rebecca Livingston and Joe Pope. HILLSBORO, Ill. Read more...
Davis Honors Earl and Doris Sorrells of Raymond
Fri, 31 Jan 2020 15:45:30 CST
Washington, DC -- U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) honors Earl and Doris Sorrells of Raymond, IL on the House floor. Earl Sorrells was a long-time radio voice on WSMI who passed away earlier this month. Click on the Link below to watch the video of Davis' Speech on the House Floor. Read more...
Illinois Crop Progress and Conditions for January
Wed, 29 Jan 2020 15:49:17 CST
Statewide, the average temperature for the month of January 2020 was 31.5 degrees, 6.8 degrees above normal. Precipitation for the month averaged 4.28 inches, 2.67 inches above normal. As of January 26, 2020, topsoil moisture supply was rated at 3 percent short, 57 percent adequate, and 40 percent surplus. Read more...
Woman Banned from Panhandle School Grounds for One Year
Wed, 29 Jan 2020 12:53:47 CST
During their meeting on Monday, Jan. 27, the Panhandle School Board voted to ban a woman from school grounds and activities for a period of one year. The board approved the ban against Kamurion Walraven after she allegedly displayed inappropriate conduct while on school grounds. Read more...
Hillsboro Officials Encourage Precautions After Break-ins
Wed, 29 Jan 2020 08:20:41 CST
Members of the Hillsboro City Council spoke about the recent string of vehicle break-ins that have occurred in town during their meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 28. Hillsboro Police Chief Randy Leetham said there was nothing new to report other than what has already been published. Read more...
O'Fallon Man Killed in I-64 Accident
Tue, 28 Jan 2020 10:10:24 CST
An O'Fallon man was killed on Friday, Jan. 24, in a two-vehicle accident on Interstate 64 in St. Clair County. Dustin T. Graves was pronounced dead at the scene by the St. Clair County Coroner. He was 26. Read more...
Coal Country Chamber Of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet
Sun, 26 Jan 2020 13:59:49 CST
Coal Country Chamber of Commerce held their annual awards banquet on Saturday night at JoDanni's Amore'. Mike Brill recognized Maya Marcacci the 2019 Macoupin County Fair Queen and 1st runner up at the Illinois County Fair Queen Pagent. Read more...
Coal Country Chamber Of Commerce Annual Awards Banquet
Sun, 26 Jan 2020 13:54:57 CST
Coal Country Chamber of Commerce held their annual awards banquet on Saturday night at JoDanni's Amore'. Mike Brill recognized Maya Marcacci the 2019 Macoupin County Fair Queen and 1st runner up at the Illinois County Fair Queen Pagent. Read more...
Hillsboro Man Arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine
Sat, 25 Jan 2020 06:28:37 CST
A Hillsboro man inadvertently turned himself into police on Monday, Jan. 20, in an incident Police Chief Randy Leetham said the department has never encountered before. William Blechle, 32, was arrested in the parking lot of the Hillsboro Police Department and charged with Possession of Methamphetamine. Read more...
Three Juveniles Arrested After School in Rosamond Vandalized
Wed, 22 Jan 2020 11:42:35 CST
Three male juveniles have been arrested in connection with a break-in and vandalism of Faith Bible Christian Academy in Rosamond. Christian County Sheriff's Deputies responded at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19, to a reported break-in at the school on Mary Street. Read more...
Greenville First, Hillsboro Second in Parlimentary Procedure
Tue, 21 Jan 2020 08:39:10 CST
Members participating for Hillsboro were (left to right): Joseph Keiser, Preston Lyerla, Riley Hemken, Harley Page, Haley Garcia, and Wesley Stockstill. Read more...
Three Injured in Accident on Friday Near Brownstown
Mon, 20 Jan 2020 08:39:52 CST
Three people were injured in a two-vehicle accident on Friday, Jan. 17, on Interstate 70 west of Brownstown. According to the Illinois State Police, a juvenile was westbound while fleeing from a Police Officer who was attempting to conduct a traffic stop. Read more...
One Killed, Two Injured in Fayette County Accident
Mon, 13 Jan 2020 08:33:40 CST
One person was killed and two others were injured on Saturday, Jan. 11, in a single-vehicle accident on Route 40 east of Vandalia. Read more...
LLCC WIns National Ag Award
Fri, 10 Jan 2020 13:37:25 CST
Springfield-based Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) Agriculture is one of just six programs nationwide to receive the 2019 National Association of Agricultural Educators Outstanding Postsecondary Agriculture Program Award. LLCC officials broke ground on a new home for the ag program in 2019. Read more...
Illinois Congressional Delegation Calls on State AG to Appoint Prosecutor to Investigate Alleged Rape and Cover Up
Fri, 10 Jan 2020 11:04:29 CST
Washington, DC – U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), John Shimkus (R-Ill.), Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.), Mike Bost (R-Ill.), and Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) today released this joint statement calling on the Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the alleged rape and cover up in Champaign, IL. Read more...
Davis Calls on Speaker Pelosi to Send Articles of Impeachment to Senate
Thu, 09 Jan 2020 06:57:48 CST
Davis' written remarks: Thank you Mr. Speaker. I rise today to ask the Democrat leadership to answer the question from my constituents as to why the Articles of Impeachment were not yet transmitted to the Senate. Read more...
Litchfield Council Approves Pay for Subdivision Work
Tue, 07 Jan 2020 13:20:41 CST
The Litchfield City Council voted to accept a pay request from Brewster Construction on Thursday, Jan. 2, for work on a subdivision south of 16th Avenue and west of Solar Circle. Read more...
Man Arrested for Delivery of Methamphetamine
Thu, 02 Jan 2020 12:36:28 CST
A Glen Carbon man has been charged with two counts of Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine in relation to an incident that occurred on Thursday, Dec. 19. The Madison County State's Attorney's Office announced the charges this week against 48-year-old Damon K. Lomax. Read more...
Man Arrested for Delivery of Methamphetamine
Thu, 02 Jan 2020 12:30:08 CST
A Glen Carbon man has been charged with two counts of Unlawful Delivery of Methamphetamine in relation to an incident that occurred on Thursday, Dec. 19. The Madison County State's Attorney's Office announced the charges this week against 48-year-old Damon K. Lomax. Read more...
IDOA Approves Cannabis Cultivation Centers
Thu, 26 Dec 2019 14:43:21 CST
The Illinois Department of Agriculture has announced that all 21 cultivation centers to grow cannabis for adult use have now been approved. Currently, only cultivation centers licensed to grow medical marijuana can apply for early approval adult-use growth. Read more...
Knisley Sworn in as Litchfield Police Officer
Fri, 20 Dec 2019 13:51:00 CST
A new police officer was sworn in during the Litchfield City Council's final regular meeting of 2019. Tylor Knisley took his oath of office on Thursday, Dec. 19, in front of a crowded council chamber. According to Police Chief Kenny Ryker, Knisley is originally from Bingham and graduated from Ramsey High School. Read more...
Glen Carbon Man Collapses, Dies After Shoveling Snow
Fri, 20 Dec 2019 13:45:45 CST
A Glen Carbon man collapsed and died on Tuesday, Dec. 17 after shoveling snow, causing the Madison County Coroner's office to issue a reminder about the dangers of snow shoveling and removal. According to Coroner Steve Nonn, Otis Douglas, 65, had been outside shoveling snow on Tuesday morning. Read more...
Police Arrest Person of Interest in St. Louis Man's Death
Mon, 16 Dec 2019 09:58:19 CST
A person of interest in the death of a St. Louis man was taken into custody on Friday, Dec. 13, on charges that police say are unrelated to the case. On Tuesday, Dec. 10, Edwardsville Police discovered the body of Scott David Brown, 43, by Poag Road near Illinois Route 111. Read more...
Police Arrest Person of Interest in St. Louis Man's Death
Mon, 16 Dec 2019 09:34:20 CST
A person of interest in the death of a St. Louis man was taken into custody on Friday, Dec. 13, on charges that police say are unrelated to the case. On Tuesday, Dec. 10, Edwardsville Police discovered the body of Scott David Brown, 43, by Poag Road near Illinois Route 111. Read more...
Nokomis Cancels Friday's Activities Following Student's Death
Sat, 14 Dec 2019 06:50:21 CST
Nokomis School officials canceled all extracurricular activities on Friday, Dec. 13, after a tragedy struck the community late Thursday night. A student at Nokomis High School died suddenly on Thursday, Dec. 12, according to School Superintendent Dr. Scott Doerr. Read more...
Elementary Teacher Receives VFW Award
Fri, 13 Dec 2019 12:59:33 CST
Litchfield Elementary School Teacher Nancy Flack was recently named the Kindergarten through Fifth Grade Citizenship Educator Teacher of the year by the Litchfield VFW. VFW Post Commander Ray Kellenberger, Post Auxiliary President Barb Angle and Program Director Dave Darte Presented Flack with the Award. Read more...
Police Investigating Two Montgomery County Burglaries
Fri, 13 Dec 2019 12:54:16 CST
Authorities are investigating a pair of burglaries that occurred in Montgomery County earlier in the week. The two incidents are believed to have occurred some time between the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 10, and the early morning of Wednesday, Dec. 11. Read more...
Crimestopper Seeking Info on Greentree Burglary
Tue, 10 Dec 2019 10:25:54 CST
Macoupin-Montgomery County Crimestoppers is seeking information on a burglary that occurred at the Greentree Lounge in Raymond on Friday, Dec. 6. Read more...
Farm Economy Continues to Concern Illinois Farmers
Mon, 09 Dec 2019 09:11:23 CST
The annual Illinois Farm Bureau Annual Meeting member survey reflected three overwhelming themes: Farmers have less optimism for 2020; there is a profound need to regain lost export demand; and building new global markets is vital for the future. Read more...
Litchfield Fire Dept. Extinguishes House Fire on Sallee St.
Thu, 05 Dec 2019 13:09:04 CST
Litchfield Firefighters were dispatched to a residential fire at 9:33 a.m. on East Sallee Street on Monday, Dec. 2. The first responding unit arrived to find light white smoke coming out of the eaves on the west side of the home, with black smoke pushing out the doorway on the southeast side. Read more...
USDA Grant for a Snow Plow for Schram City
Fri, 28 Feb 2020 11:57:44 CST
Washington, DC -- U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) announced today that the Village of Schram City has received a $25,000 federal grant for the purchase of a new dump truck with a snow plow. The funding comes from the Community Facilities Direct Loans and Grants program through U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development. Read more...
