Filmore native Chase Wilhelm, who ran against former State Rep Avery Bourne for a spot in the Illinois General Assembly in the past, is drawing notice for something more lasting.    The Army Chaplain Major has been awarded the Bronze Star with Valor, a Purple Heart, an Army Commendation Medal with Combat Device and the Four Chaplains Medal for combining the roles of soldier and chaplain during a drone strike on US personnel in January in Jordan.  He approached the line of fire and rescued one injured soldier and retrieved the bodies of three fallen soldiers during that attack. 

The Litchfield Mayor’s race has its first entry.   Litchfield traditionally fields candidates who file as independents.  That filing process will take place next month.  Earlier this week, the deadline passed for candidates who aligned with a party and former Ward Two alderman Dave Hollo jumped in the race for Mayor, filing as a Republican.  No City Council candidates have filed as candidates tied to a party

The Nokomis City Council has cancelled tonight's meeting due to a lack of quorum.   

Unemployment declined in Montgomery County last month compared to September of 2023.  The jobless rate dropped slightly from 4.9% last year to 4.8% last month.   In Macoupin County, the unemployment rate fell from 4.3% to 4.1%,  in Christian County the jobless mark plunged from 5.3% to 4.7%.    Greene County's jobless rate fell from 4.6% to 4.1%.  Madison County dropped from 4.4% to 4.2% and Bond County went against the trend and expanded from 4% to 4.2%.  Jersey County held stead at 3.9%.

Interested local residents may once again gather at the County Board Room located  on the 2 nd floor of the Historic Courthouse in Hillsboro on Tuesday, November 5 th , 2024 on Election night to view Election Returns as they become available after the polls close at 7:00 PM, according to County Clerk Sandy Leitheiser. Updated results from the Montgomery County website will be shown on overhead projector, and individual precinct reports will be provided on an as-needed basis. 

“We are pleased to once again offer this service to Montgomery County residents,” 

Leitheiser stated, “and encourage voters to gather here at their Historic Courthouse to be a part of the Elections returns process as it occurs.”   In addition to local radio, if residents have computer internet access and wish to view up-to-the-minute local election results as they come in through the County Website at home, including the total number of precincts reported, the County Clerk’s office will again be posting unofficial returns immediately as precincts report on the Montgomery County website: montgomerycountyil.gov. All Vote by Mail and Early ballots cast at the County Clerk’s Office will be added to their individual precinct results. 

The American Federation of of State, County and Municipal Employees Council 31, which represents 10,000 correctional workers at Graham, Vandalia and Taylorville Correctional Centers and other state lockups is expressing concerns about safety.   Staffers demonstrated in front of Graham and Vandalia Thursday.    The union says that state prisons are short-staffed; offenders increasingly abuse narcotic, synthetic, or toxic substances (and staff are increasingly exposed to these dangerous substances); and violent assaults on staff are too common. 

 

AFSCME members are calling on the Department of Corrections to prevent illegal substances, enforce policies requiring clear consequences for offenders abusing substances or assaulting staff, and expedite hiring for safe staffing levels.  “AFSCME members should not have to face violent assaults, illegal drugs and chronic staff shortages as common occurrences when just doing their jobs,” Council 31 Executive Director Roberta Lynch said. “We demand that leadership of the Department of Corrections step up and do more to make this essential work safer.” 

 

The IDOC has released a statement.

 

"The Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) recognizes the difficult and challenging situations our facility staff face every day in their efforts to keep our state safe. We deeply value and appreciate the dedication and sacrifices of our frontline employees. Ensuring the safety of our staff, individuals in custody, and everyone entering our facilities remains our top priority. While we are actively exploring options to enhance safety, measures are in place to address potential risks associated with mail handling. IDOC has a Suspicious Substance Emergency Procedure in place, which outlines the steps to be taken if a suspicious substance is discovered. Additionally, we have intensified mail screening protocols, encouraged the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and deployed tactical units to conduct targeted facility searches. We are working closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois State Police, and medical experts to identify the cause of recent incidents and determine long-term solutions. These efforts are focused on improving safety while ensuring individuals in custody maintain essential communications and family connections. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders, including our labor partners, to ensure a safe and secure working environment for our staff. "

The City of Litchfield will offer Fall Clean-Up the week of October 21st. Pick-up will begin in Ward 1 and continue through each of the additional wards accordingly. Residents are asked to have their items at the boulevard by 7:00 am on Monday, October 21st. Appliances will be picked up once staff has completed the rotation through all four wards. NO BUILDING MATERIALS, TIRES, BRUSH, RAILROAD TIES, PAINT, HOUSEHOLD TRASH OR ELECTRONICS will be taken. Items should be placed in a central location; disposable containers should be used and must weigh less than 70 pounds. If trash cans are used, they will be disposed of. Items may be no larger than a household couch or mattress. Staff will not pick up torn down structures, fire damaged structures or out of town trash. Crews will make only one pass on each street. All items left on the boulevard that are not eligible for pick-up are a code violation and may be subject to a citation. Items may not be placed on the boulevard before October 14th as it is a code violation. Residents are encouraged to use their regular trash service to dispose of unwanted items other than larger ones. Most items put out for clean-up can be handled by your regular trash pick-up service provider. The City appreciates the cooperation of the citizens to abide by these guidelines. For questions or clarifications, please call 217-324-5253. 

On Wednesday, October 16 at 10 a.m. Hillsboro Health is hosting a free educational session for community members who have questions about choosing between original Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans during the annual enrollment period which starts October 15 and ends December 7. The public is invited to Hillsboro Health on October 16 at 10 a.m. To learn about the differences between Medicare plans. This is an informational event offered at no cost. Light refreshments will be served. Enter the main hospital entrance at Hillsboro Health, formerly called Hillsboro Area Hospital, at 1200 E. Tremont St in Hillsboro. Call 217-532-4320 for information.