Warmer weather has brought about multiple fatal motorcycle accidents in West Central Illinois, and law enforcement hopes to put the trend to an end.

Here are this year's winners of the Jacksonville Public Schools Foundation's "Believe in Education" drawing:

The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office is going to the dogs…kind of.

Ready to hear thousands of squeaking ducks tomorrow?

A MacMurray professor has been appointed to serve as a referee.

It’s back-to-back first-place finishes for Routt Catholic High School in a regional blood donation contest.

A two-vehicle accident involving a motorcycle and pickup truck killed a Rushville man this morning in Virginia.

A public open house unveiling the new medical facility at Passavant Area Hospital is scheduled for tomorrow afternoon.

A couple of Greene County schools have received money to purchase more books for their libraries.

A Chandlerville woman was hurt in a two-vehicle accident in Menard County yesterday morning.

No arrests have been made in what the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office is calling an aggravated animal cruelty case.

The Jacksonville Police Department is hoping it will receive a grant to help pay for a full-time School Resource officer at Turner Junior High School.

Jacksonville’s state representative says he’s tired of the same foolish mistakes being made in Springfield.

You might immediately think of Walter Matthau and Jack Lemon when you think of “The Odd Couple”, but male characters take a backseat in the version of the play debuting in Jacksonville later this month.

Jacksonville’s school board approved a bid last night to upgrade the security camera system at Jacksonville High School.

Buffalo gnats; Just the mention of the pesky bugs causes West Central Illinois residents to scratch.

There’s plenty to celebrate at this year’s Downtown Celebration in Jacksonville, despite no major ongoing construction projects.

Congressman Aaron Schock is calling for the resignation of IRS commissioner Steven Miller.

The city’s tax increment financing district is fully funding a project to repair a building that poses a potential hazard to the public.

A Carrollton man is in custody facing federal charges of enticing a minor for sex.

Jacksonville High School could be getting a $300,000 security system upgrade.

A Roodhouse truck driver is facing DUI charges after an accident in Pike County on Monday.

Proceeds from this year's West Central Illinois All Star Basketball classic were handed out to three groups in a brief ceremony this afternoon.

The city man charged with firing a gun at a home on South Mauvaiseterre last summer has pleaded guilty to the crime.

Corn is getting planted in Illinois, but not much of it is coming from local farms yet.

It’s not too early to begin thinking about protecting yourself from West Nile virus.

It’s still years in the making, but Jacksonville residents caught their first glimpse at possible Town Brook renovations last night.

High school football teams will have to cut back on the amount of time they practice next year.

Morgan County Commissioners signed off on the next step to expanding the Jacksonville Enterprise Zone this morning.

Jacksonville City Council will be busy tonight when it meets for the only time in May.

Two people are dead after a motorcycle crash in Greene County Saturday night.

Illinois is the Number 2 state in the nation for hail damage, according to State Farm.

Two Jacksonville businesses were nominated for the 2013 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.

As summer approaches, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is reminding parents and caregivers to supervise children when they are near water.

Illinois College’s outgoing president will address one final graduating class tomorrow.

Franklin Elementary School was sold at an auction this morning.

Illinois Rural Electric Cooperative is building the facility at a site adjacent to one of its substations on Route 106.

Two separate accidents hospitalized two Jacksonville women yesterday.

City officials and Illinois College dignitaries gathered at the historic Gillett House yesterday to recognize its recent certification as a “National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom” site.

One person went to the hospital after a fire in rural Arenzville this afternoon.

A petition has been filed to contest the election results that decided the formation of a new fire protection district in the Murrayville area.

Teenagers in West Central Illinois are hitting the unemployment line more than most others across the nation.

Routt Catholic High School is looking for a new principal.

State Senator Sam McCann says John Cullerton’s pension reform bill isn’t perfect, but he was among 40 senators who voted 'yes.'

A two-vehicle accident sent three people to the hospital this morning in downtown Jacksonville.

Employers across West Central Illinois are urged to use the month of May to plan for disaster.

An annual tradition in the fight against hunger is back this weekend.

Of the many things going through 24-year-old Jacksonville native Allyson Fairfield’s mind when she was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, it leading to her being honored at a Chicago Cubs game probably wasn’t one of them.

The recent flooding along the Illinois River has accelerated the moving plans of a food pantry in Scott County.

Cass County’s state representative is sponsoring legislation that deals with hunters crossing over property fences without permission.

The Central Illinois Foodbank is in line for more than $14,000 according to Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

South Jacksonville’s new clerk wants to run a second external audit on the village’s finances.

A Jacksonville woman is hoping donations come pouring in to help the lone survivor of last month’s Manchester massacre.

Greene County Deputies say alcohol may have played a factor in a one-vehicle accident that killed a Carrollton woman last week.

Two Greene County residents are facing multiple forgery charges after allegedly writing checks under the name of a relative.

Local farmers took advantage of the limited opportunity last week to get some corn planted.

Republican Congressman Rodney Davis, just six months into his first term, is already facing a challenger: former Madison County Chief Circuit Judge Ann Callis.

Jacksonville City Council introduced several new faces tonight.

The former Chandlerville Village Clerk who resigned last month has been arrested for allegedly stealing from the A-C School District Parent Teacher Organization.

Despite heavy rains over the weekend, the Illinois River is going back down.

Crime Stoppers of Morgan and Scott Counties is looking for help with two recent thefts that occurred on East Morton last week.

Illinois State Police is increasing patrols this month looking for motorists violating traffic laws.

Governor Quinn says he wants to see utility companies upgrade their electric grids, but it won't happen on the backs of customers.

It’s National Air Quality Awareness Week and there’s something everyone is being encouraged to do.

The South Jacksonville Fire Department got to use its new grain bin rescue tube a little earlier than it expected.

Facebook sucks!

A hearing will be held later this month for the Department of Energy’s environmental impact statement on FutureGen.

The Jacksonville Public Schools Foundation has announced that Jacksonville High School senior Josh Peak is the recipient for this year’s Herman Dieckamp University of Illinois Scholarship.

Investigators say Rick Smith planned the mass murder in Manchester last week.

MacMurray College will hold its 162nd commencement ceremony this afternoon.

The Jacksonville Police Department is warning against a wide variety of scams that it says are currently plaguing city residents.

A Jacksonville man hopes to see a lot of people wearing purple today.

The Central Illinois Foodbank is looking for volunteers to help with the Hunger in America study.

Officials in Meredosia are getting ready for another possible rise in the Illinois River, and they haven’t finished cleaning up from the last flood.

South Jacksonville swore in new members of the village board of trustees last night.

Three children were taken into temporary custody of the Department of Children and Family Services today after their parents were arrested on meth-related charges last month.

Jacksonville’s Kiwanis Club needs your vote for new playground equipment at Community Park.

Residents in the Southbrooke subdivision won’t be trapped Sunday.

Turner Junior High School’s scholastic bowl team is preparing for tomorrow’s appearance in the state tournament.

More heavy rain could aggravate already swollen rivers and streams in West Central Illinois through this weekend.

South Jacksonville’s village board of trustees hopes to take the next step in electric aggregation tonight.

A 64-year-old rural Jacksonville man was rescued from a grain bin on a farm about a half-mile east of Woodson this afternoon.

One of Jacksonville’s finest was recognized for his outstanding service this afternoon.

The WLDS-WEAI Reporting Station recorded 5.6 inches of rain last month. That’s nearly two inches above normal.

The sounds of the city will be incorporated into a new musical piece performed by the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra this weekend.

Several railroad closures will be taking place in South Jacksonville and south of the village this week.

Following a swearing-in ceremony with new superintendent Steve Ptacek, the newly-composed District 117 board of education selected its new officers.

This time last year, three-quarters of corn was in the ground in West Central Illinois.

Aaron Schock is telling his reasons for running for re-election, instead of for governor.

Passavant Area Hospital and Springfield Clinic have been named in a medical malpractice lawsuit.

The city’s senior chaplaincy organization is looking for financial help to stay afloat.

Jacksonville’s District 117 Board of Education will have a new president after tonight’s meeting.

The water is going down along the Illinois River, but officials remain on high-alert.

Governor Pat Quinn is holding fast to his position that legislation calling for the carrying of concealed weapons should allow city governments to decide their own standards.

A Roodhouse man accused of having sex with a minor is in custody this afternoon.

The City of Winchester is holding a prayer vigil for the victims in last week’s deadly Manchester shooting.

The local celebration for National Day of Prayer is Thursday.

State officials say people should be sure to protect themselves against possible disease as they prepare to clean up after recent floods.

More than 200 people came together in Manchester tonight to pray for the victim’s of Wednesday’s mass murder.

Doctors who treat addiction are urging the Illinois Senate to say no to medical marijuana.

Illinois College and the Morgan County Underground Railroad Committee have announced that a building on campus has been certified as being part of the historic Underground Railroad.

Scott County officials are scurrying to secure a levee along the Illinois River in Naples.

MCS Community Services has announced it’s providing scholarships to students in its service area.

Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford wants to remind flood victims that aid is available through the treasurer’s Disaster Recovery Linked Deposit Program.

Illinois parents have until Tuesday to sign up for the College Illinois prepaid tuition program.

West Central Illinois drivers can save a trip to the DMV by renewing their vehicle registrations online.

Emergency officials are keeping a close eye on the Illinois River before its expected crest tomorrow morning.

A new report from the Department of Energy says the FutureGen project in rural Morgan County would have no significant impacts on the environment.

The village of Manchester is still grieving after Wednesday’s mass murder.

Aaron Schock will not run for governor and is seeking a fourth-term as congressman.

Unemployment numbers continue to look bloated from last year to this year in West Central Illinois.

Authorities say there was a dispute between the man suspected of killing Manchester family and at least one of the victims, but they don't know what it was about.

The mother murdered alongside her family in Manchester yesterday was pregnant.

Students at local school districts are grieving today after yesterday’s Manchester shooting incident.

Officials in Meredosia say flooding along the Illinois River is going to get worse this weekend before it gets better.

The sandbags and levees are doing their jobs along the Illinois River.

Reactions from members of the Manchester community to yesterday’s fatal shooting included a range of emotions from sadness to anger.

A tragic scene in the tiny Scott County village of Manchester saw five people murdered, including two children, and the suspect killed in a shootout with police this morning.

Flood fighting activities continue along the Illinois River this morning, but the flooding threat may continue well into the spring.

Last week’s heavy rains and severe weather are responsible for rising gas prices in Jacksonville.

Officials at Meredosia-Chambersburg School District are keeping a close eye on the Illinois River as classes continue today.

It’s not just homes sandbagging volunteers are trying to protect in Meredosia.

Local farmers can’t do much with their underwater fields in terms of planting.

Governor Pat Quinn was in Meredosia today, the same day he asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist with flood damage assessments.

Jacksonville City Council took the first step to expanding the city’s Enterprise Zone to allow a local company to take advantage of tax breaks at tonight’s meeting.

Morgan County Commissioners signed off on a disaster declaration this morning allowing for the county to be eligible for potential federal aid to help with the costs of flooding in Meredosia.

Elm City Center is helping Jacksonville-area residents recycle on this sunny Earth Day.

Governor Pat Quinn made an Earth Day announcement that Morgan County is among those selected for the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's Used Tire Program.

The Village of Meredosia is still asking for volunteers to fill sandbags ahead of this week’s potential record flood along the Illinois River.

Jacksonville alderman will discuss expanding the city’s Enterprise Zone tonight.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is encouraging West Central Illinoisans to get tested during STD Awareness Month.

Ameren Illinois is reminding customers to protect their personal information so as to guard against identification theft.

As the 2013 road construction season gets underway, the Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police are reminding motorists to slow down and pay attention in work zones.

Several West Central Illinoisans have been recognized by Governor Pat Quinn and the Serve Illinois Commission.

Area runners are gearing up for next month’s 21st Annual Passavant-Powerade 5K and 10K.

Cases of pertussis are on the rise.

Fire destroyed a home outside of Waverly on the Morgan-Sangamon County Line overnight.

The Village of Naples is looking for help sandbagging tomorrow.

The public is invited to volunteer to fill sandbags tomorrow to help battle the Illinois River flood in Meredosia.

Some residents in Meredosia near the Illinois River are packing up and moving out ahead of next week’s projected record flood.

If your basement gets flooded, an Ameren spokesman says try to avoid it.

A South Jacksonville woman was taken to the hospital after a two-vehicle accident this morning.

Gun rights advocates fell seven votes short of approving the public possession of firearms statewide last night.

Three Jacksonville children were taken into protective custody after their parents and two others were arrested on several meth-related charges yesterday.

The Illinois School for the Deaf has been granted full accreditation by the Conference of Educational Administrators of Schools and Programs for the Deaf.

A rural Jacksonville woman is facing several meth charges after a parole check from the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Record flooding is in the forecast along the Illinois River.

The Illinois Department of Transportation has tentative plans to re-open the Florence Bridge on Monday.

Jacksonville’s Police Chief calls yesterday’s passage through the state House of Representatives of a bill legalizing medical marijuana “absolutely ridiculous.”

A Central Illinois company accused of making telemarketing calls to area residents on the Do Not Call Registry is facing a lawsuit.

District 117’s new superintendent took part in his first board of education meeting last night.

A new six-year, $12.62 billion road construction program yesterday unveiled by Governor Pat Quinn includes projects in West Central Illinois.

The sweet smell of success is the vote following a years-long effort to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes in Illinois.

Morgan County’s new assistant state’s attorney brings years of experience with him.

Two local fire departments will get new equipment thanks to a grant from the State Fire Marshal’s office.

If you see ambulances, injured students, and a helicopter at Triopia High School next Monday don’t be alarmed; it’s only a drill.

The North Greene Area Food Pantry will be moved into a new building by summertime.

Severe thunderstorms and flooding rains are in the forecast across West Central Illinois today and tomorrow.

District 117 will hold a public hearing tonight to get input on its proposed increase to the Jacksonville High School driver’s education fee.

The family of a 2007 Jacksonville murder victim is upset one of his killers received a shorter sentence for the crime this afternoon.

Reimbursement to one Greene County town for the cost of cleanup from a 2008 hurricane is being held up because of concerns from county board members.

Cool, wet weather was the main story in this week’s crop report.

Despite electing a new board member last week, Virginia School District will have three vacant seats on the board of education.

The 70,700-square-foot facility that will house Memorial Health System and Springfield Clinic physicians and services on Passavant Area Hospital’s campus is scheduled to open June 3rd.

A Jacksonville man is thankful he crossed the finish line when he did in today’s Boston Marathon.

Morgan County’s former chief deputy clerk says he was wrongfully accused of doing something he didn’t do after being fired last week.

A Jacksonville day care center is celebrating 35 years of being in business this week.

Jacksonville’s rich history of theatre is about to add another chapter.

Three teenagers are recovering from an accident that happened north of Jacksonville Saturday night, and the driver is facing drug charges.

Strong winds stranded a Jacksonville father and son in their boat yesterday afternoon, and they needed some help getting ashore.

Ah, the joy of spring.

Jacksonville Police are investigating an incident involving someone firing a gun early yesterday morning.

The IRS is reminding tax filers in West Central Illinois that you can get an automatic six-month extension to file your return if you miss tomorrow's deadline.

After last summer’s weather headlines were dominated by drought, West Central Illinois residents along the Illinois River should be aware of minor to moderate flooding this spring.

Illinois College’s peer health educators are inviting everyone to once again “walk a mile in her shoes.”

MacMurray College’s director of music is taking a trip to Europe on the dime of the Jacksonville Rotary Club.

Driver’s education would be going online for some young Illinoisans, under a bill which has passed the House.

The driver of a vehicle that rolled over in a ditch in Morgan County was taken to Passavant Area Hospital last night.

Beardstown Mayor Bob Walters says the city’s firefighters used poor judgement responding to a deadly fire last year.

Jacksonville Main Street is seeking parade entries to help launch the Downtown Celebration, for Saturday, May 18th.

Big Tobacco was in Springfield for what became a debate over the safety of its products yesterday.

The organizer of a movement to change the way District 117 board of education members are elected isn’t giving up the fight.

A new report from Congress’ non-partisan research arm questions the future of the long-running FutureGen clean-coal project in Morgan County.

The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office is improving its emergency and internal communication in the southeast part of the county.

Disabled Illinoisans and their advocates celebrated the states’ decision to close three large-scaled developmental facilities in favor of a community model yesterday.

Now that Chapin has passed a referendum allowing alcohol sales in the village, the next step is drafting and passing an ordinance.

Several city and county residents met Jacksonville’s lobbyist last night at a Morgan County League of Women Voters meeting.

The residency of the winner of Jacksonville’s Ward 1 City Council race is under scrutiny.

Morgan County Commissioners will have to look elsewhere to save in the budget after voters rejected a proposal to end the tax levy for the tuberculosis clinic.

Morgan County’s voter turnout for yesterday’s Consolidated Election was higher than usual.

District 117’s new superintendent has some new members of the board of education to get to know.

It took the hard work of many Jacksonville-area companies and their employees to get the Prairieland United Way to its fundraising goal this year.

Jacksonville’s state representative passed his first bill unanimously in the House yesterday.

Two people who have never run for school board are in, and two incumbents are out in this year’s District 117 board of education race.

Some new and old faces are popping up in Jacksonville-area school districts.

District 117’s next round of candidates will continue to be elected in an at-large format.

A number of local municipal races were decided last night.

Area voters made their voices heard on several other propositions yesterday.

About 22 percent of Morgan County active voters will cast a ballot in today’s Consolidated Election.

Dozens of voters in the proposed Murrayville Fire Protection District didn’t get a chance to vote on the measure this morning.

If you were driving through West Central Illinois last night, you might have noticed the bright lights of farm equipment.

The owners of a Jacksonville restaurant that took advantage of a revolving loan fund from the city have missed this month’s loan payment, weeks after it shut down.

There are several Jacksonville-area school board races to consider today.

It’s more than just school board races voters have to decide on today.

Not all voters in the proposed Murrayville fire district are in favor of the idea.

The superintendent of Jacksonville’s Parks and Lakes Department says onerous state regulations are forcing him to raise rates.

Voters in District 117 will decide if the board of education should be elected using a ward-based system tomorrow.

More than 90 Morgan County residents are in line to get connected with the Scott-Morgan-Greene Rural Water Cooperative.

Before digging for any purpose, property owners and contractors must call JULIE at "811" at least two business days before they plan to dig.

Jacksonville City Council meets tonight for the first time this month.

Two teenagers escaped safely after their van caught fire on Route 67 near the Morgan-Cass County line last night.

There's only one more week to get your taxes filed.

Warm weather has arrived and the construction season is here.

West Central Illinoisans interested in getting involved with the American Red Cross can attend an orientation Monday evening.

The state's Department of Children and Family Services investigates more than 70,000 cases of child abuse each year.

Jacksonville area Boy Scouts, working through the Illinek Lodge of the Order of the Arrow, will collect worn and tattered American flags next Saturday.

North Greene School District Superintendent Les Stevens was pleasantly surprised when White Hall ALCO Store Manager Lori Guthrie called earlier this week.

The former Waverly police officer who allegedly sexually assaulted a 16-year-old girl last month a while on duty has been formally charged in Morgan County Court.

Jacksonville businesses that compete with online retail giants like Amazon may soon see less of a differential in their prices for the same product.

The village clerk candidates for South Jacksonville disagreed on several topics this morning on WLDS’ “What’s On Your Mind?” program.

Jacksonville’s bowling alley is being sued for allegedly not maintaining its parking lot.

Congressman Aaron Schock’s Jacksonville District office will be moving to a new location next week.

A city woman remains in a Springfield hospital after crashing her vehicle into the Town Brook overnight.

A District 117 school is getting a big security upgrade.

No injuries were reported after an anhydrous tank tipped over on Headen Road west of Jacksonville this afternoon.

Nearly 9,000 West Central Illinois resident will be eligible for tax credits next year to help pay for health insurance under the Affordable Care Act.

Now that spring has arrived, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources wants West Central Illinoisans to be prepared for increased interactions with wildlife.

The latest report from the Illinois State Board of Education shows that many local school districts sliding downhill monetarily.

South Jacksonville’s village trustees will look into putting more money into the Comfort Drive intersection project tonight.

Jacksonville voters in Ward 3 will pick a new alderwoman next Tuesday.

West Central Illinois has helped Prairieland United Way reach its fundraising goal for 2012.

While many homeowners have seen the appraised value of their property drop in recent years, farmers have seen their land values skyrocket to record highs.

The jury’s still out on how springtime in West Central Illinois this year will compare to previous years when it’s all said and done.

Cass County is part of a new national pilot program designed to provide discounted high-speed internet service and desktop computers in rural Illinois.

Part of the Meredosia power plant that will be used in the FutureGen 2.0 project has changed ownership.

Today is World Autism Awareness Day and several events are planned this month to support a local organization that's spreading the word about the disorder.

Two families affected by fires in Morgan County yesterday have received emergency assistance from the American Red Cross Central Prairie Office.

The past week was not a good one for planting in West Central Illinois.

A fire in rural Franklin destroyed a two-story Victorian-era home this morning.

An Alexander couple is in custody after being arrested for aggravated animal cruelty this afternoon.

Fire gutted the upstairs of a two-story residence on the city’s west side near Illinois College this afternoon.

Morgan County voters will decide if they want to end a tax levy for the tuberculosis clinic next Tuesday.

It’s no surprise March was colder and snowier than normal in Jacksonville.

An environmental group says additional funding to a conservation program will help farmers in West central Illinois.

The Jacksonville Police Department is hosting another prescription drug drop-off later this month.

There’s hope for Illinois college students who have not applied for MAP grants yet.

Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White’s office says entry forms are available for the ninth annual Illinois Emerging Writers Competition Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award.

Diabetes impacts more than 26 million people across the nation and now, state officials are urging everyone to get checked out.

MacMurray students will rally against violence this Thursday.

A local group of concerned citizens and former educators have scheduled a second public meeting for next week to explain opposition to a proposal to have Jacksonville’s school district divided into wards.

He’s only in sixth grade, but when it comes to the game of chess, Ethan Bornacorsi is more rook than rookie.

The Jacksonville Police Department is investigating a string of vandalism incidents that allegedly happened overnight.

Jacksonville’s Ward One City Council candidates don’t agree on much.

The Virginia man being sued by the state for scamming Springfield area businesses and residents is speaking out against the claims.

A Chandlerville man accused of driving drunk and causing a deadly accident that killed a Springfield woman in November will spend several years in prison.

The numbers are getting worse for local unemployment.

Farmers across the area will be cutting back on corn this year.

It stirs up cheeky comments every year, but Passavant Area Hospital is offering free access to a potential life-saving screening for area residents today and tomorrow.

The Florence Bridge should reopen next month.

Dozens of seventh and eighth graders from Franklin Junior High School like Ryan Wood braved cold temperatures and walked down the blacktop from Alexander to their school this morning.

District 117’s board of education will hold its next meeting under new leadership.

The Morton Street Café and Bakery has closed and still owes the city of Jacksonville thousands of dollars.

Attorney General Lisa Madigan has filed a lawsuit against a Virginia man for scamming Springfield area businesses and residents.

Five candidates appeared on “What’s On Your Mind?” this morning on WLDS to round out the full list of those running for school board in Jacksonville’s school district.

Jacksonville’s “Looking For Lincoln Community Working Group” was among 17 communities in Central Illinois to receive more than $28,000 in grants.

Two companies that employ and support the developmentally disabled in the city were recognized by the Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation last night.

Could District 117’s superintendent start sooner than expected?

Jennifer Watkins was a no-show again in Cass County Court today.

A Scott County man is behind bars after being charged with multiple counts of child pornography.

An Alexander man suffered minor injuries after falling down a 24-foot well outside his home this morning.

This weekend’s snow may have cost you a couple of nice spring days, but it apparently didn’t cost Jacksonville much.

Spring is off to a cold, wet start in West Central Illinois, and that has put off much of whatever outdoor work farmers have wanted to do.

The Jacksonville Police Department will use more drug fund money to finish its training facility.

State officials say local construction projects are a part of nearly $500 million in projects slated to begin this spring.

Two newcomers and a candidate seeking reelection appeared on WLDS’ “What’s On Your Mind” this morning in the first of two forums for the District 117 board of education race.

The Morgan County Clerk’s office is ready for early voting today.

The A-C Central School Board will meet tomorrow evening to talk to four superintendent candidates.

Morgan County Road District Commissioners and Clerks are in line for a raise.

The Jacksonville Police Department wants more money to pay for a new shooting range.

It’s slow-going on West Central Illinois roads this morning.

The city of Jacksonville has declared a snow emergency. Parking is prohibited on roads designated snow emergency routes.

A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through late tonight.

Virginia’s school district is looking into cutting seven paid positions.

An Illinois College senior has been named a 2013 Newman Civic Fellow.

It may not feel like it, but winter is over, and flu season is on the way out.

State officials say Illinois recycled nearly 39 million pounds of electronics during the first year of a ban on throwing away the materials in landfills.

Crimestoppers of Morgan and Scott county are requesting information to assist the Jacksonville Police Department in their investigation of a recent theft of guns.

The last skate will be one to remember for the owner of the Eight Wheeler Roller Rink.

Local House Republicans stressed the need for passage of a Constitutional Amendment that will require lawmakers to pass a budget that is truly balanced - or not be paid.

More than a half foot of snow is coming to West Central Illinois starting Saturday night and lasting through Sunday night.

The Morgan County Courthouse was packed again this morning for a swearing-in ceremony.

For the third consecutive election in West Central Illinois, electric aggregation is a choice many voters will be making.

Roodhouse’s public library is getting money from the Secretary of State’s office to perform some much-needed repairs.

It appears a major winter storm is headed for West Central Illinois this weekend.

A measure that will allow Ameren to ask for higher electricity prices in West Central Illinois is on its way to the governor.

Morgan County officially has its new circuit judge.

Sports fans around West Central Illinois are likely coming down with a case of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament flu today.

A proposal to ban energy drinks to anyone under 18 passed a House committee yesterday.

Congressman Aaron Schock introduced legislation today that aims to ensure the federal government doesn’t erode the power of local school districts.

The financial picture is looking a lot sunnier at 8 Points Charter School.

Morgan County is relatively healthy compared to much of the rest of the state.

A Winchester farmer is giving his Monsanto winnings to two local organizations.

Passavant Area Hospital is being recognized as a leader in energy efficiency by the Ameren Illinois ActOnEnergy program.

The Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville is hosting a trivia event to benefit charities.

The Greene County Health Department is sponsoring a health fair for people of all ages next Wednesday.

A large crowd turned out for last night’s presentation by a group opposed to a ward-based model for District 117’s board of education.

It’s a busy agenda for the Jacksonville school board tonight.

Voters in and around Murrayville will decide if they want to create a fire protection district when they hit the polls April 9th.

Passavant Area Hospital is taking a proactive approach to prepare for national healthcare reform.

Voters next month have a referendum that will decide whether existing laws that prohibit the purchase of beer, wine and liquor within the Morgan County village of Chapin remain in place.

An alleged sexual assault by a former Waverly police officer apparently happened while he was on duty at the police station.

A land auction last week set a Morgan County record.

Law enforcement officials in West Central Illinois want drivers to be aware of motorcycles as the weather eventually gets warmer.

Morgan County’s new state’s attorney is a familiar face.

Here’s a bill with a simple message – don’t waste meat.

The third running of a popular Jacksonville race is coming up in April.

A part-time officer with the Waverly Police Department has been arrested on charges of criminal sexual assault and aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

You’ve got less than a month to get your taxes filed.

The state Department of Transportation is joining the Illinois Farm Bureau and the state police in attempting to encourage drivers to slow down on rural roads.

West Central Illinois’ Congressmen are accepting artwork to display in Washington, D.C. for a few more weeks.

MacMurray College has a new vice president for academic affairs and student life.

Elvis won’t be making an appearance in Jacksonville next weekend, but an upcoming Jacksonville Theatre Guild play aims to make you feel as close to “The King” as possible.

Another report of a possible police impersonator has surfaced, and this time it happened north of Jacksonville.

A Jacksonville Pizza Hut is one of 1,200 franchises included in a class-action lawsuit.

Ground was broken today on a road construction project that will widen South Main in South Jacksonville.

An 18-year-old Jacksonville man riding a bicycle was hospitalized after apparently being hit by a car in front of Wal-Mart this afternoon.

Teenagers in West Central Illinois may soon have to find a new way to tone their skin before the big dance or before they hit the road for spring break.

A local group of concerned citizens and former educators have scheduled a public meeting for next week to explain its opposition to a proposal to have Jacksonville School district 117 divided into wards.

Jacksonville’s U. S. Representative wants to make sure there are enough doctors in America.

Jacksonville’s water restrictions have finally been lifted.

Unemployment rates rose in West Central Illinois in January.

Two area agri-business leaders were recognized in Jacksonville last night.

The meeting place has been changed for Farm Bureau members impacted by the FutureGen pipeline or the Ameren transmission line.

The general manager of operations of Jacksonville’s Protecting Animal Welfare Society is excited about moving into a new no-kill animal shelter.

Jacksonville’s state representative wants to increase the state speed limit.

Illinois State Police is telling motorists who drink and drive this weekend their luck is about to run out.

Several traffic  and parking changes have been made in anticipation of a big crowd at the funeral of Jerry Symons tomorrow.

The bishop of Springfield was at a personnel meeting in Carlinville when the white smoke half a world away ended, as Bishop Thomas John Paprocki puts it, another personnel meeting.

Accusations of Downstate schools getting a “free lunch” are false, according to State Senator Sam McCann.

Several citizens heard the pros and cons of discontinuing the tax levy for the county’s Tuberculosis Clinic this afternoon.

A bill written by State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer has cleared committee for the first time.

Electric customers in Naples, Manchester, Winchester and unincorporated areas of Scott County can learn more about electric aggregation later this month.

As federal lawmakers try to repeal parts of sequestration, West Central Illinois early childhood education programs are preparing for nothing to get done.

Donkey basketball returns to the Jacksonville High School Bowl tonight.

The Kiwanis Club’s 64th annual Pancake and Sausage Day brought in 5,374 people to MacMurray College’s McClelland Dining Hall.

The owner of Don’s Place is ready for the 25th annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade this weekend.

Jacksonville City Council took the first step toward creating a policy for public comment during its meetings last night.

The Sangamon County Sheriff's office has logged a third report of a man trying to stop female drivers by posing as a police officer.

 WLDS-WEAI lost one of its very best this morning.  Jerry Symons passed away at the age of 70. He was diagnosed with cancer in his liver and spleen last month.

A Chapin man involved in a motorcycle accident Friday night has died as a result of his injuries.

Morgan County Commissioners approved Motor Fuel Tax bids for construction and maintenance on county roads this morning.

The outlook was sunny during a groundbreaking for the new Virginia High School building on a cold and windy morning.

Jacksonville aldermen are scheduled to vote on an ordinance that would establish a procedure for public comments during City Council meetings.

Tens of thousands of flapjacks and- literally- a ton of meat will be served at an annual Jacksonville event tomorrow.

The Illinois Department of Public Health is urging women and girls to become educated about and get tested for HIV.

There’s music at church on Sundays, and there’s what’s happening at First Presbyterian Church in Jacksonville tomorrow.

Want to steer clear of an impending tornado? There’s an app for that.

Producers of spring-planted crops in West Central Illinois interested in buying crop insurance or making a change to an existing policy can do so until next Friday.

A Chapin man was taken to the hospital last night after a motorcycle accident.

As Severe Weather Preparedness Week winds down in Illinois, it’s important to remember what to do before, during and after a tornado.

Video of a Carrollton girls’ basketball player slamming her opponent to the ground after a game has been put under the spotlight.

Jacksonville’s bowling alley will be the site of a major fundraiser for the local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters this weekend.

Jacksonville Police arrested two city residents last night who were allegedly trying to make meth at their apartment.

A promotional video being produced to promote South Jacksonville is coming along, but it still needs more pictures.

Morgan County voters wanting more information on two important topics on April 9th’s ballot should attend presentations at the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce.

A Waverly man was sentenced today on charges of aggravated criminal sexual abuse.

State Senator Sam McCann says Democrats are backpedaling on promises they made to pay off old bills.

District 117 has a seven-figure deficit trimmed down to six figures- for now.

Pathway Services resale shop, The Attic, has received a $10,000 Charitable Trust Grant from Dot Foods.

The Springfield man being re-tried for first degree murder in Morgan County insists on a speedy trial and representing himself.

After months of discussion, the District 117 board of education followed through on another round of cuts last night.

Bartlett Grain Company is on-schedule with its new grain-handling facility in South Jacksonville.

A family of eight is looking for a new place to live after fire destroyed their White Hall home Monday.

The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra will be featured on local television again tomorrow.

How District 117 school board members are elected was the topic of discussion last night at Jacksonville's municipal building.

An Elwood man will serve a term of life in prison for the beating death of a White Hall toddler in 2009.

The District 117 school board could vote to make budget cuts tonight that would save the district $1.4 million.

The fourth and final person charged with armed robbery of Chapin State Bank was sentenced to more than a quarter century in prison this morning.

An accident east of Jacksonville sent a city man to the hospital this morning.

The Central Prairie Chapter of the American Red Cross is providing help to an Arenzville family displaced by a fire yesterday.

The Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office has released two sketches of a man they believe is impersonating a police officer.

Illinois College has once again been recognized for its community service efforts.

Could the city of Greenfield hook up to the Greene County Rural Water District on a full-time basis?

Fire tore apart a house in rural Arenzville this morning that a husband and wife had lived in for 40 years.

Get ready to hear a tornado siren go off in Jacksonville tomorrow morning.

Munch Madness is returning to downtown Jacksonville.

The coordinator of the Interpreter Preparation Program for sign language at MacMurray College will be recalling a famous protest he helped organized.

Jacksonville Police arrested several people in separate incidents at a residence in the 300 block of East Douglas yesterday.

The money has been budgeted for the next phase of the Nichols Park Pavilion restoration project.

A trivia event to benefit Crimestoppers of Morgan and Scott Counties is happening on Friday.

A reward is now being offered for information leading to the arrest of someone allegedly impersonating a police officer.

Several brave- or maybe slightly insane- women and children jumped into freezing Lake Jacksonville this morning for a good cause.

Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White has awarded School District Library Program grants to several West Central Illinois school districts.

The month of February was colder than the month of January in Jacksonville. Nick Kovatch has the story.

Two juveniles were taken into custody in the Morgan County Jail for two separate incidents of aggravated battery yesterday afternoon.

Several farmers in West Central Illinois are once again sharing the winnings of a contest with their communities.

An annual donation-match program across the country starts today, and three local food pantries are involved.

While negotiations on who pays for what with the FutureGen project continue, the 30-mile pipeline route has been announced.

The owner of one of Jacksonville’s biggest catering businesses was honored at his own establishment last night.

A law headed to President Obama’s desk has an amendment written by Jacksonville’s Congressman.

Commonwealth Edison and other power suppliers are challenging the state’s plan to help finance the FutureGen clean-coal project in rural Morgan County by charging Illinois electricity customers.

Homicide charges have been filed in the case of a New Berlin man’s drug-related death.

Jacksonville’s congressman will be part of a walking history lesson this weekend.

Illinois health officials are warning West Central Illinois residents of a stomach bug going around in several parts of the state.

It’s not clear how Morgan County Commissioners must go about finding a replacement for Chris Reif.

Morgan County state’s attorney Chris Reif has been appointed as a resident circuit judge in the Seventh Judicial Circuit.

The cause of a fire that tore apart a trailer south of Beardstown over the weekend is still unknown.

Tax season means a new round of scams for people in West Central Illinois to watch out for if they file electronically.

Jacksonville’s Illinois Department of Employment Security office will close Friday.

Morgan County’s state’s attorney is getting the word out about the penalties of impersonating a police officer.

The Morgan County Sheriff’s Office has released its findings into an investigation into alleged abuse on a District 117 school bus.

The North Greene school board voted to close White Hall Elementary last night, but the vote was far from unanimous.

More than 8 percent of voters turned out in yesterday Primary Election to select City Council candidates in the Jacksonville’s Fourth Ward.

One dog was allegedly starved to death and several others in similarly bad shape were taken from a Morgan County residence earlier this month.

After seeing mostly rain during the morning, precipitation changed to snow across the area this afternoon.

Turnout for today’s Ward 4 Primary Election has been light so far.

Jacksonville’s state representative joined other members of the House Republicans caucus yesterday announcing legislation aimed at improving Illinois’ job climate.

A popular Roodhouse tavern was virtually destroyed by fire overnight.

Lake Jacksonville will host boat races for the first time in about 30 years this summer.

Another round of snow appears to be heading toward West Central Illinois.

Jacksonville’s Fourth Ward is gearing up for tomorrow’s Primary Election.

The PORTA school board is expected to follow A-C Central’s vote moving the two districts closer to consolidation.

Should a passenger be allowed to conceal a weapon on a bus or train?

Jacksonville City Council will hear more about proposed boat races on Lake Jacksonville.

Local law enforcement officials are keeping their eyes peeled for a police impersonator.

Morgan County Deputies arrested two Jacksonville men on several meth-related charges last night.

The Central Illinois Foodbank is lending a hand to more needy families than ever.

Voters in West Central Illinois who want to cast their ballot in the April 9th consolidated election take note: deadlines are approaching.

The Jacksonville Salvation Army is helping residents save money next month.

The final numbers are in for West Central Illinois’ corn and soybean production in 2012.

The Prairie Central Chapter of the American Red Cross will hold a two-part disaster victim support class this week.

Authorities say a man who’s been allegedly impersonating a police officer in Sangamon County may have tried to pull someone over outside of Jacksonville.

Charges will not be filed against a District 117 bus driver accused of harming a student.