Community Foundation Announces 2026 Grant Program

for Agricultural Education

“AgForward” grants available to advance agricultural education and training in West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri

Nonprofit educational institutions and organizations in West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri are invited to apply for project funding to advance education and innovation in the field of production agriculture. Grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded through the Community Foundation program, “AgForward,” which is made possible by the Bob W. Richter Endowment for Agricultural Education and the Compeer Financial Rural Collaboration Project.

AgForward grants are designed to strengthen the future of agriculture throughout the Community Foundation’s service area by supporting hands-on learning, emerging technologies, and workforce development opportunities for learners of all ages, from youth exploring agriculture for the first time to adults building skills for today’s evolving industry.

“Agriculture remains the backbone of our region, and programs like AgForward help ensure its continued strength and sustainability,” said Catherine Bocke Meckes, Community Foundation CEO. “We are deeply grateful for the vision of the late Mr. Richter, whose generosity created a lasting endowment that allows us to invest in agricultural education and innovation for generations to come.”

Additional grant funding is supported through Compeer Financial’s Rural Collaboration Project, a regional initiative focused on strengthening rural vitality and supporting communities with a long-term vision for growth. Through the program, Compeer Financial has committed more than $1.4 million to 14 community and initiative foundations across Illinois, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, including the Community Foundation of West Central Illinois and Northeast Missouri.

“As a rural lending cooperative, Compeer Financial understands the importance of empowering rural communities to be active, strong and economically vibrant,” said Karen Schieler, manager of Compeer Giving at Compeer Financial. “These qualities are essential to creating a high quality of life for rural residents, which helps retain and attract residents.”

This investment recognizes the critical role your community foundation plays in identifying local needs and directing resources to programs that strengthen agriculture, education, and workforce development in rural communities.

“When our communities are strong, our future is bright. This program will grow both local agriculture and local industry leaders. We thank Compeer Financial for their investment in the future of our region,” said Meckes.

Through the AgForward grant program, the Community Foundation encourages grant applications that will:

• Advance the field of production agriculture in the Community Foundation’s 12-county service area;
• Encourage or inspire agricultural careers and/or develop a skilled agricultural workforce;
• Develop and train individuals in technologies and techniques that will enable agriculture to be more productive, efficient, and safe.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit educational institutions, primary through post-secondary, and 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations located in Adams, Brown, Hancock, or Pike Counties (IL) and Clark, Lewis, Knox, Marion, Monroe, Ralls, Shelby, or Pike Counties (MO).

Applications will be accepted April 1 – May 15 and grants will be awarded by June 30.

Grantseekers are encouraged to review the Request for Proposal (RFP) prior to applying. The RFP and online application are available at www.mycommunityfoundation.org/grants.

Questions? Email Kent Embree at kembree@mycommunityfoundation.org or call 217-222-1237.

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The Community Foundation Serving West Central Illinois & Northeast Missouri is an endowment builder, community connector, and grant maker. Together with its donors, the Community Foundation improves the quality of life in the communities it serves by growing permanent charitable resources and fostering collaborative philanthropy.

Since its founding in 1997, the Community Foundation has distributed more than $20 million in grants from 250 funds to advance arts and culture, community betterment, education, health, and human services.

For more information, call 217-222-1237, email info@mycommunityfoundation.org or go to mycommunityfoundation.org or www.facebook.com/mycommunityfoundation.

MTC COMMUNICATIONS AND COBANK’S SHARING SUCCESS  MATCHING GRANT PROGRAM Donates $10,000 to Memorial Hospital Foundation’s Generations in Bloom Campaign which was made possible by the generosity of MTC Communications and CoBank’s Sharing Success Matching Grant Program. Giving back to the communities they serve is of the utmost importance to MTC. Therefore, they are proud to partner with CoBank’s Sharing Success Program to make an even more meaningful impact by supporting local organizations

“We’re proud to support the Generations in Bloom Campaign and the vision behind it,” said Jay Griswold, President/CEO of MTC Communications. “Projects like this strengthen the foundation of our communities by bringing people together across generations. At MTC, we believe connection goes beyond technology; it’s about supporting initiatives that create lasting impact for families today and into the future.”

With this donation, MTC and CoBank are proud to support the Generations in Bloom Campaign, helping expand access to quality childcare and enriching programs for families in our community.

MTC serves more than 8,000 customers in parts of Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, McDonough, Warren and Schuyler counties. MTC is a recognized NTCA Smart Rural CommunitiesTM Gig-  Capable provider. We believe in giving back to the communities we serve and are proud to support local initiatives that make a positive impact. For more information visit www.mtccomm.net.

Pictured From left to right: Jay Griswold (MTC), Katelyn Foreman (Memorial Hospital
Foundation), Rachel Kerns (MTC), Olivia Clark (Memorial Hospital Foundation), and Greta
Wetzel (Memorial Hospital Foundation).

ILLINI WEST Varsity Softball @ Western 4/27- Cancelled

Hancock County Health Department Marla Jacquot and McKenzie Linker discuss  the Illinois Breast and Cervical  Cancer Program  

Nauvoo Earns 2025 Tree City USA Recognition From Arbor Day

Foundation

Nauvoo, Illinois 4/25/26 – The Arbor Day Foundation named Nauvoo a 2025 Tree City USA in honor of its commitment to plant, grow, and maintain trees to benefit its community.

In addition, Nauvoo was among 103 Illinois communities that were awarded a 2025 Tree City USA Growth Award for achieving accomplishments that go above and beyond the minimum standards to gain Tree City USA recognition. Nauvoo’s 2025 Growth Award achievements included a combination of maintaining an annual tree planting program, planting more trees than the community removed, working with a utility that is Tree Line USA recognized, regularly using recycled tree debris such as wood mulch,
and maintaining regular inner departmental communications involving community trees across city departments.

The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit with a mission to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. Its network of more than a million supporters and partners has helped the organization plant more than 500 million trees in forests and communities across more than 60 countries. The Foundation’s Tree City USA program is now celebrating its 50 th recognition season. The anniversary
underscores the program’s rich history of growing healthier, greener, and more resilient communities through urban forestry.

“For five decades, Tree City USA has rallied passionate local leaders to enhance the livability and sustainability of their communities. Tree champions like Nauvoo are leading the way in a growing movement to shape a better future with trees and action,” said Michelle Saulnier, Vice President of Programs at the Arbor Day Foundation. “Trees are critical infrastructure, building resiliency and fostering good health in our nation’s cities. We’re proud Nauvoo is among the Arbor Day Foundation’s growing network of communities dedicated to creating positive impact through trees.”

In cities and neighborhoods, trees are proven to help mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, and boost mental and physical health. When the right trees are planted in the right places, they can also reduce traffic noise, increase property values, and lower energy costs for homeowners.
“We're proud to be recognized as a Tree City USA community and to receive our first Tree City Growth Award,” said Rebecca Williamson, Tourism Director for Nauvoo. “These honors reflect our commitment to preserving the natural beauty that makes Nauvoo such a special place to explore, and they play an important role in enhancing outdoor tourism experiences for our visitors.”

To earn Tree City USA recognition, a city must uphold four core standards including maintaining a tree board or department, having a community tree ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and participating in an Arbor Day celebration.

The Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree City USA program is operated in partnership with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. To learn more about Tree City USA and other Arbor Day Foundation programs, visit arborday.org/programs.

About the Arbor Day Foundation The Arbor Day Foundation is a global nonprofit inspiring people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees. They foster a growing community of more than 1 million leaders, innovators, planters, and supporters united by their bold belief that a more hopeful future can be shaped through the power of trees. For more
than 50 years, they’ve answered critical need with action, planting more than half a billion trees alongside their partners. And this is only the beginning.
The Arbor Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit pursuing a future where all life flourishes through the power of trees. Learn more at arborday.org.

SPECIAL Friends of the Library Annual Meeting

Good day friends,

We hope that you will be able to join us for this momentous event!  We will be holding our annual meeting at the new library. The new library is pretty bare, but we are looking forward to checking it out. There is no cost to attend the meeting.

Feel free to bring a friend or family member to hear about the history of the Carthage Public Library.  Oh, and don’t forget to join or renew the Friends of the Library membership.  Our board would love to double our membership this year. But that can only be done with your help. After you join or renew, we challenge you to encourage others to join.  MORE membership applications can be picked up at the library.  As always, we appreciate the support we get from friends of the library members and others in the community.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions, 217-357-1223. 

Melita A. Finney,

Friends of the Library Board Chairperson,

CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL
BUDGET HEARING APRIL 21 st , 2026

The Budget Hearing of the Carthage City Council was held Tuesday,
April 21st, 2026, in City Hall, 538 Wabash Avenue. Mayor Smith called the
meeting to order at 7:00 PM. Answering to roll call were Aldermen Smith,
Roberts, Steinkamp, Long, Biondolino and Walker. Treasurer Edris was absent.
Mayor Smith reported to the Council that W&S Contracting has submitted a final
pay request in the amount of $24,750.00 for demolition of the 6 properties
included in this round of the Strong Community Grant Project. Rich Sealock, the
Public Works Director and Jacque from Architechnics have both signed off on the
demolitions and stated that all work has been completed.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Biondolino to approve
payment of $24,750.00 to W&S Contracting. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
Clerk Roberts proceeded to go through the proposed 2026-27 budget page by
page. As presented, revenues exceed expenses by $40,000.00 in the General
Fund. Estimated cash on hand at the end of the year is over $2,990,000.00.
The General Fund will have to upfront all the expenses for the Strong
Communities Grant that the City received, this will then be reimbursed from the
Strong Communities Grant Fund. The total remaining amount of the grant is
$342,000.00.
The Administration Department has been reviewing the code book and $21,000.00
has been included in the budget for recodification of the entire code book. Also,
$12,000.00 has been included in the budget for engineering to finalize the FEMA
flood maps.
The Police Department is in need of new starcom portable radios. This item is
budgeted at a cost of $35,000.00 for purchase of the portable radios.
The Fire Department would like to purchase an Ultra high pressure pump to be
fitted on the new Fire Truck. This item is budgeted at a cost of $20,000.00. The
Fire Department is also requesting to include the purchase of 4 sets of turn out
gear totaling $18,000.00.

The Street Department will be repairing the storage area for street salt, this item is
budgeted at $70,000.00. The City is also including $75,000.00 for the
construction of a new sidewalk on North Scofield street from South Questover
drive to Center street. This amount also includes engineering fees for the sidewalk
project.
The Street Department would also like to include $50,000.00 for the purchase of a
new F-250 pickup truck.
The City has also recently established a new ICS checking account. Through this
account funds are transferred from several other City accounts and produce a
higher interest rate than a traditional checking account. The Budget reflects total
transfers from several accounts in the amount of $775,000.00. These funds will be
transferred from the General Fund, Equipment Fund, Capital Improvement Fund,
Water O&M Fund and Sewer Fund. The “Sweep Account” will also transfer
funds back into these accounts in the total budgeted amount of $750,000.00.
The City will be using Capital Improvement Funds for road repairs in the amount
of $30,000.00. An additional $75,000.00 is included for engineering fees on the
Deep Well project and Dearwester Road. $242,000.00 of Capital Improvement
funds are budgeted to pay D&L for work on the Second Deep Well at the Water
Treatment plant. This will give the City redundance in a water source for the City
which is required by the Illinois EPA.
Motor Fuel Tax funds continue to decline but the City continues to take over more
roads. The township is paid on length of roads, while the City’s pay is based on
population, so this will be an ongoing challenge to keep up the street maintenance.
Motor Fuel Tax funds were not expended during the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget
on the repair of streets due to a reporting error by the engineering company in
charge of the City’s motor fuel. Due to this fact a large amount of funds has been
budgeted this year to try to make up for the fact that no work was done in the
previous year. The City has also put $35,000.00 in the budget for the purchase of
a new camera system at the intersection of Buchanan and Madison.
As the TIF district nears the end of its 23-year life span the City has seen an
increase in requests for TIF funds. This budget includes a larger amount of
development expense than in previous years in anticipation of more funds being
requested.

The Water O&M Fund includes $35,000.00 for the repair and placement of fire
hydrants at Questover drive and Lincoln street.
The City included $75,000.00 for engineering on a design for a new sewer facility.
The construction of a new facility would be started in the future but a facility
design would help the City get started on that process and would also help with
acquiring funds through grants or loans if needed.

The Council will hold a year end Meeting on Tuesday April 28 th at 7:00 p.m.
Clerk Roberts will post the changes.
Motion to adjourn from Alderman Walker, seconded by Biondolino at 8:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,

Scott Roberts
City Clerk

Nauvoo Disc Golf  Tournament  May 23rd  Rebecca Williamson with  Nauvoo Tourism  

Due to the potential weather this evening and into tomorrow morning, we will be adjusting tomorrow’s varsity baseball start time.

The varsity baseball game vs Brimfield/Elmwood will now start at 2:00 in Carthage

4 central Illinois community colleges generate $800 million in economic impact, support more than 10,000 jobs

GALESBURG — Sandburg, Spoon River College, Illinois Central College and Heartland Community College together generate $799.6 million in economic impact and support 10,464 jobs across the west central Illinois community college region, according to a new study.

The largest share of that impact, $645.6 million, comes from former students now working in the regional economy, earning more than they would without their credentials and spending those wages locally. The colleges’ own operations and capital spending account for another $130 million, while current students contribute $22.9 million through housing, food, transportation and other living expenses.

Regional workforce impact

The four colleges support one out of every 47 jobs in the region. Their day-to-day payroll and purchasing flow directly to local businesses, vendors and contractors, while capital projects put construction and infrastructure dollars to work across the 20-county area.

“Our colleges demonstrate the concrete value of continued investment in community colleges as a driver of workforce development, regional growth, and long-term opportunity for students and communities,” Sandburg President Dr. Seamus Reilly said. “From the broader perspective, we contribute to statewide economic growth and social benefits of added income and public and private sector savings. Our students are earning more and reinvesting by largely staying here in the communities we serve.”

Returns for students

Students who complete credentials at these colleges see an average 14.6 percent annual return on their educational investment compared to workers with only a high school diploma, after accounting for tuition and foregone wages. Those higher earnings add up over a career, and because most graduates stay in the area, that money goes right back into local businesses and communities.

“The study proves that this return from investing in education is greater than the 30-year average annual rate of return of the stock market. Those higher earnings add up over a lifetime,” Spoon River President Dr. Curt Oldfield said.  “Because most graduates stay in the area, that money goes right back into local businesses and communities.”

Statewide impact

A statewide economic impact study found that Illinois community colleges are a powerhouse of growth, contributing $27.2 billion annually to the Illinois economy (about 2.7% of the state’s gross product) and supporting 324,273 jobs (one in every 26) in the state.

“Illinois community colleges serve as economic drivers for our communities, generating value not only with our operations but furthering the investment in the students we serve,” Heartland President Keith Cornille said. “Our institutions bring jobs and growth to the community, but most importantly, our students generate higher earnings, which in turn helps our neighborhoods thrive.”

About the study

The economic impact analysis was conducted by Lightcast and commissioned by the Illinois Community College Board. It covers a 20-county region served by the four colleges, including Bureau, DeWitt, Ford, Fulton, Hancock, Henderson, Knox, Livingston, Logan, Marshall, Mason, McDonough, McLean, Mercer, Peoria, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, Warren and Woodford counties.

CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING APRIL 14th, 2026

The Regular Meeting of the Carthage City Council was held Tuesday, April 14 th , 2026, at
City Hall, 538 Wabash Avenue. Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
Answering to roll call were Aldermen Smith, Roberts, Steinkamp, Long, Biondolino and
Walker. City Treasurer Pam Edris was also present.
A moment of silence was observed for the passing of former Alderman Randy Fleming.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to approve the regular
meeting minutes of March 24 th . All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to approve the special
meeting minutes of March 26 th . All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.
After discussion a motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Roberts to
approve the March budgetary report. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
Mayor Smith reported to the Council that the Velvet Hanger is open and operating and
has fulfilled their requirements for the TIF Agreement so the City has paid them the
agreed upon amount. He also reported that the City will need to advertise for the Deputy
Clerk position that will be vacant after Alice retires.
Mayor Smith reported that there was some confusion about the reported contribution to
the Carthage Fireworks Fund. To clarify the City will be giving “up to” $10,000 as
needed to reach the desired goal for the Carthage Fireworks. The expected amount
needed should be much closer to $1,000.00.
Mayor Smith reported to the Council that W&S contracting has submitted a pay request
in the amount of $23,750.00 for work on the demolition of 6 residential properties. This
is 50% of the contract amount and he is almost done with the demolition of all six
properties.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to approve payment of
$23,750.00 to W&S contracting for the demolition of 6 residential properties. All six
Aldermen voted “yes”.
City Attorney Tom Hartzell reported on several delinquent properties.
Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the Fire Department will be holding a live
burn training on April 25 th . He also reported that the 2022 Police squad car had a brake
light switch go bad and it was replaced under warranty.

Alderman Smith reported to the Council that Chief Himan would like to send Officer
Bishop to a 40-hour Lead Homicide Investigator course. The training is free but the City
would be responsible for the travel expenses.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Walker to approve sending Officer
Bishop to Lead Homicide Investigator training. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
Alderman Smith reported to the Council that a permission form has been submitted by
the Strawberry Strut Committee for the annual strawberry strut event on June 6 th .
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Roberts to approve the strawberry
strut permission form. All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.
Alderman Biondolino reported to the Council that bids for the repairs to City Hall are due
on April 24 th .
After discussion a motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to pay the
March Bills. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
Alderman Long reported to the Council that a pump failed at the Sewer plant. This was
replaced by a spare pump that was on hand. He also reported that the Street Department
has been working on potholes.
Motion to adjourn by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith at 8:01 PM
Respectfully submitted,

Scott Roberts
City Clerk

Rep. Norine Hammond - Legislation dealing with county board members given House approval

Legislation sponsored by State Representative Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) which addresses a conflict of interest that has been suggested concerning a county board member sitting on joint insurance pool board, although such a board is not-for-profit, has been approved in the Illinois House on a vote of 111-0.

04142026Hammond_HB3003

Under the Public Officer Prohibited Activities Act, county board members are prohibited from seeking other elected or appointed offices, however, there are a number of exceptions provided that are similar to Representative Hammond's bill.  

BBB Don  O Brien     with the Morning Brew

Rep. Norine Hammond - Hammond ovarian cancer legislation given unanimous approval in Illinois House

Even if treatment with chemotherapy is successful, many ovarian cancer patients may still see their cancer come back. This is called recurrence, and it can happen even when it seems like you’re in remission. Officials say it is difficult to think about the possibility of ovarian cancer returning, but today, there are options that can help you take action to help delay it.

State Representative Norine Hammond of Macomb has sponsored legislation in the Illinois House of Representatives to expand the scope of the ovarian cancer screenings.

04142026Hammond_HB4203 

House Bill 4203 provides that "surveillance tests for ovarian cancer" means all medically viable methods for the detection and diagnosis of ovarian cancer, including, but not limited to, ultrasounds, magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs), x-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and CA-125 blood test screenings 

Rep. Hammond's bill was approved in the House on a vote of 109-0 and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

Sandburg College- Community Classes and Tours with Dr Jodi

Nauvoo Community Picnic at the Purple Park  April 18th 2026 and Arbor Day and Museum City !!!!

The 250th Patriot  Ball is June 13th- Lets Celebrate America's 250 with dances from the each era, food and friends,

Dr Tom Grant and Kimberli Grant

The Independent Republican Emily Flynn has officially entered the November 3rd race for Hancock County Treasurer. Her announcement adds another name to the field as the campaign season continues.

Voters can listen on WCAZ to learn more about Emily Flynn and each candidate throughout the election season, with updates airing as new information becomes available.

Public transportation could be coming to Hancock County, and local leaders need your voice. Rebecca Williamson, Nauvoo Tourism Director, and Amy Graham with CIDC are asking all Hancock County residents to complete the Transportation Needs Assessment Survey.

A proposed route would include a loop connecting Nauvoo, Carthage, and  the  Hospital, giving residents, workers, seniors, and visitors new options for travel, appointments, and daily needs.

Your feedback will help determine what transportation options our communities need — from seniors and students to workers, families, and visitors.

 Deadline to complete the survey: April 24th

 Residents of Hancock County — your input matters.

Help shape the future of transportation in our county by filling out the survey today.

Reach out to Rebecca or Amy for more information or email   visitnauvoo.illinois@gmail.com

Rebecca Williamson  Nauvoo Toursim Director Easter  Pancake Breakfast and Easter Egg Hunt

50 employers to be at Sandburg Career Expo on April 8

GALESBURG — About 50 businesses and organizations will be on hand to meet with job seekers at the 34th annual Sandburg Career Expo from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. April 8 in the gymnasium on the Galesburg campus, 2400 Tom L. Wilson Blvd. 

The career expo is free and open to the public. Job seekers will have the opportunity to network with businesses and organizations from the region, explore career fields and learn about Sandburg’s programs of study. For more information, including a list of participating organizations, visit sandburg.edu/careerexpo. 

The following organizations are scheduled to participate in the career expo (subject to change): 

A-1 Medical Staffing

Advance Services

Advanced Medical Transport

Allure Health Care Services

Beacon of Hope Hospice

Caring Senior Service

Carl Sandburg College

Carle Health

Castor Home Nursing

CBI Bank & Trust

City of Galesburg Parks and Recreation

DD Homes

Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity

EverTrue Lutheran Hillside Village

Fastenal

G&M Distributors

Galesburg Area Officials Association

Galesburg Broadcasting Co.

Galesburg Fire Department

Galesburg Police Department

Graham Medical Group

Heritage Tractor

Hy-Vee

Illinois Department of Children and Family Services

Illinois Department of Corrections

Illinois Department of Public Health

Knox County 911 Dispatch

Knox County Health Department

Knox County Nursing Home

Knox County Sheriff's Office

Local 25 Plumbers & Pipefitters JATC

Local 91 

Lowe’s 

Mediacom Communications Corporation

MercyOne Medical Center

OSF HealthCare

Peoria Air National Guard

Safe Harbor Family Crisis Center

StaffQuick

Stone-Hayes Center for Independent Living

Tutera Senior Living

Two Rivers Regional Council

Uftring Auto Group 

Voorhees Siding and Windows

Warren Achievement Center

Warren County Sheriff's Office

Western Illinois Managed Home Services

Western Smokehouse Partners

Additional organizations may be represented the day of the event. For more information, contact Tracy Engstrom, coordinator of career development, at 309.341.5246 or tengstrom@sandburg.edu, or visit sandburg.edu/careerexpo.  

New engineering path available at Sandburg this fall

Sandburg designed a block of courses specifically for future engineers.

The college created a sequence of transferable courses, available starting in the upcoming fall semester, for students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in engineering.

This new, four-course sequence includes foundational classes that form the core of transfer preparation for most engineering disciplines, including mechanical engineering, civil engineering, aerospace engineering and other related areas. It’s intended to prepare students for a seamless transfer to bachelor’s-level programs after they complete their associate degree at Sandburg.

When taken alongside calculus and physics courses, this engineering sequence provides students with a strong, transfer-ready foundation. The track of courses includes:

• Introduction to Engineering (EGR 101)
• Engineering Design (CAD) (EGR 121)
• Statics (EGR 251)
• Dynamics (EGR 252)

“This is all about building momentum for the future for students interested in this area of study,” Dean of Transfer Michael Patilla said. “Engineering is a critical field, and we’ve intentionally designed a clear, transfer-ready pathway so students can move confidently into engineering programs and succeed at the next level.”

Enrollment for the 2026 fall semester at Sandburg opens April 6. To get started or learn more, contact the Admissions office at admissions@sandburg.edu or 309.345.3500, or visit sandburg.edu/enroll.

CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 26th, 2026

The Special Meeting of the Carthage City Council was held Thursday, March 26 th , 2026,
at City Hall, 538 Wabash Avenue. Mayor Smith called the meeting to order at 6:00 P.M.
Answering to roll call were Aldermen Smith, Roberts, Steinkamp, Long, Biondolino and
Walker. City Treasurer Pam Edris was absent.
The Council discussed the possibility of contributing some money to the Fourth of July
fireworks display for the 250 th Anniversary.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to approve contributing up to
$10,000.00 to the Fireworks display as needed. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
The Council discussed raises for City personnel and including additional paid holidays to
the current personnel policy.
Motion to adjourn by Alderman Smith, seconded by Walker at 7:22 PM
Respectfully submitted,

Scott Roberts
City Clerk

Get ready for the most electrifying event of the year! The Tri-State Rodeo Operating Committee is thrilled to unveil the star-studded entertainment lineup for the 78th Annual Tri-State Rodeo, coming to Fort Madison, Iowa, September 9–12, 2026. This year’s celebration promises bigger thrills, world-class talent, and unforgettable nights you won’t want to miss.

Celebrated as one of the nation’s top five large outdoor rodeos since 2000, the Tri-State Rodeo made history with its induction into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2025. Get ready for electrifying action as the Tri-State Rodeo and the Jim Baier Chute Out bring the world’s most elite rodeo athletes to center stage!

Bobby Hotkamp, Chairman of the Tri-State Rodeo, shared, “Each year, we pull out all the stops to deliver an experience that’s bigger, bolder, and more thrilling than ever before. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a first-time guest, 2026 promises the kind of excitement you’ll be talking about for years to come!”

Alongside four adrenaline-charged rodeo nights, the Tri-State Rodeo is turning up the excitement with four evenings of show-stopping national entertainment on the Great River Health Stage. And the party doesn’t stop there—each night will keep the energy soaring with electrifying live bands inside the Bud Light Stockyard!

Kicking off the excitement on Wednesday, September 9, the Tri-State Rodeo proudly welcomes chart-topping American country sensation, Niko Moon! His debut single, “Good Time,” shot straight to #1 on country radio, and his infectious, feel-good tracks keep climbing the charts, spreading positive vibes and unforgettable energy wherever they’re played. But Niko’s talents don’t stop at performing—he’s penned eight #1 hits and over 40 major cuts for superstars like Morgan Wallen, Avicii, Dierks Bentley, Pitbull, Zac Brown Band, Rascal Flatts, and more.

Headlining on Thursday, September 4, 2025, is Wynonna. Wynonna’s 1992 self-titled solo debut catapulted her to stardom, building on her legacy with The Judds. A five-time Grammy winner and multi-platinum artist, she’s become a powerhouse in American music. Her iconic hits—like “No One Else On Earth” and “I Saw The Light”—and her unforgettable voice have made Wynonna a true country superstar.

Friday, September 5, 2025, features Parker McCollum. Parker McCollum is a country music superstar known for his authentic sound and powerful performances. Named an ‘Artist to Watch’ by top industry outlets like Rolling Stone, Billboard, and CMT, he’s sold out major venues nationwide. McCollum’s award-winning hits—including “Burn It Down,” “Pretty Heart,” and “To Be Loved By You”—have earned him multiple ACM and CMA honors, cementing his status as one of country’s hottest artists.

The Great River Health Stage will close out on Saturday, September 6, 2025, with Brantley Gilbert. Brantley Gilbert, a pioneer of country’s rock-and-rap style, is a multi-Platinum, award-winning artist with over 8 billion streams and seven No. 1 hits, including “Bottoms Up” and “Country Must Be Country Wide.” Known for his fierce independence and high-energy shows, Gilbert has toured with legends and continues to shape the future of country music.

Every night explodes with a thrilling lineup of rodeo events, all brought to life by our legendary announcer, Boyd Polhamus. The excitement continues with the return of Cervi Championship Rodeo as our top-tier stock contractor, and we’re amping up the fun with John Harrison joining as our rodeo clown, Barrelman, and specialty act in 2026. Don’t miss the jaw-dropping finale on Friday and Saturday nights—a spectacular, sky-filling drone show lighting up the arena!

Keep the party going inside the Bud Light Stockyard, where four nights of unforgettable after-parties await! Dance the night away to high-energy performances by The Boys, Brody Vancil & the Burners, and two show-stopping nights with The Bobby Ford Band.