FLAGS OF LOVE TO HONOR INDEPENDENCE DAY IN CHANDLER PARK

MACOMB, IL- Mayor Inman and the Flags of Love Committee announce that the Flags of Love
will be displayed in Chandler Park on Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
The display is in honor of Independence Day and will be set up with the volunteer help of the
Elks & Eagles Clubs and community volunteers.
In the event of inclement weather and the need to cancel, there will be a red ribbon on a pole
at the southeast corner of Chandler Park.

Emily Wilhelm with the Hancock County 4 H Federation  invites everyone to the 4H Fair

July 7th-9th

Communities across Western Illinois are gearing up for one of the biggest patriotic weekends in history as the nation marks 250 years of American Independence. Here’s your day?by?day guide to fireworks, festivals, and family fun across the region.

Friday, July 3 — Nauvoo

Nauvoo kicks off the holiday weekend with its annual riverfront celebration.

Sunset Stage – Events begin at 6 p.m.

• Games and family activities

• 8 p.m. performance by the Nauvoo Community Band

• 9:30 p.m. fireworks launched from the Nauvoo side of the Mississippi River

This show is known for its stunning reflections over the water.

Saturday, July 4 — Macomb

MACOMB, IL – The City of Macomb and Western Illinois University team up for a major 250th?anniversary celebration at Vince Grady Field.

Festivities begin at 7 p.m.

• Enhanced fireworks show

• Live music

• Special 250th?anniversary t?shirt giveaway

Visitors may park in University Q?Lot and walk to the field.

 Saturday July 4 — LaHarpe

LaHarpe is celebrating America’s 250th with a full day of hometown festivities.

• Star?spangled community breakfast

• Kids’ games

• Free swimming

• Fireworks at dusk — the biggest display LaHarpe has ever hosted

A true “party like it’s 1776” celebration.

 Saturday July 4 — Carthage

Carthage offers a traditional Independence Day lineup centered around the courthouse square.

• Breakfast on the courthouse square

• Community parade

• Fireworks at dusk

• Parking available near Carthage High School

A classic small?town Fourth of July.

Sunday , July 5 — Warsaw

Warsaw closes out the holiday weekend with a riverfront celebration.

Warsaw Riverfront – Fireworks at dusk A spectacular show honoring both Independence Day and America’s 250th anniversary.

Whats up Doc - with Dr Tom Grant from Nauvoo Health and Chiropratic in Nauvoo- Lets talk  Stability

Elvaston Community Church- Vacation Bible School July 6th-10th 

to Register:

http:// Elevastonchurch.myanswers.com

 Sandburg has announced the names of students who completed graduation requirements and graduated from the college at the end of the 2026 spring semester. 

ASSOCIATE DEGREES

ASSOCIATE IN ARTS

Abingdon — Lily Cox, Dawson Fenton, Serenity Glahn, Colin Littell, Rory Long, Abygail Pigg, Lilyana Terwilliger

Alexis — Nevaeh Bickerton, Hannah Lair

Avon — Charly Cox, Teagan Hunter, Isabelle Kemp

Basco — Lakinn Larson

Belleville — Janessa Wallace

Bloomington — Konner Bechtel

Carthage — Abigail Shaffer

Dahinda — Keagan Gerlach, Mackenzie Goff, Ella Rigg, Owen Rigg, Karleigh Whiteside

Edwards — Connor Johnson

Elmwood — Sosie Blue Binder, Tanner Wake

Galesburg — Colton Allen, Aleah Crowl, Ian Dominique, Caisha Gayles, Heath Gibbons, Dace Grubb, Madison Gummerson, Makiah Harris, Ethan Kantorowicz, Meshack Kimutai, Valentin Kretschmer, Bishop Kyser, Abbott Matthews, Nana Mbumba, Connor McLauchlan, Caio Oliveira, Bryce Orwig, Enrico Augusto Rola, Cadence Salmi, Diego Santos Branco Martinez, Zachary Shepler, Emiliano Sosa, Austin Ullrich, Ava Wallace, Skylar Wenstrom, Krayson Wooldridge

Germantown Hills — Clayton Cawley

Kirkwood — Kaleb Carlson

Knoxville — Rylie Jansen, Piper Lewis

Mason City — Lucas Power

Monmouth — Devyn Deeter, Keira Laws, Luke Mettler, Rhett Willett, Azenet Zartuche

Nashville — Nevaeh San Nicolas

Nauvoo — Autumn Hill, Lillie Sumner

Niota — Kennedy Harl

Pekin — Abigail Strode

Peoria — Lujayn Kattom

Rio — Clarissa Clark

Springfield — Jacorion Halliburton

Warsaw — Jaiden Jones, Juris Pohren

Williamsfield — Emerson Hannam, Nicholas Little, Henry Powers

Woodhull — Sarah Beck

ASSOCIATE IN GENERAL STUDIES

Alexis — Mame LeGate, Craig Steward

Belleville — Janessa Wallace

Carthage — Alexis Murphy, Abigail Shaffer

Dahinda — Keagan Gerlach

Galesburg — Aleah Crowl, Samantha Garcia, Heath Gibbons, Jacqueline Henry, Raelynn Hobby, Mallory Idle, Finley Kane, Antonia Kisler, Kadynce Lydic, Nana Mbumba, Ian Milligan, Emiliano Sosa, Ava Wallace

Groveland — Lainey Jensen

Henderson — Heather Robison

Kewanee — Cruz Paredes

Knoxville — Rylie Jansen, Lauren Rickard, Marcey Younge

Monmouth — Devyn Deeter

Rio — Clarissa Clark

Smithshire — Ellison Johnson

Wataga — Sadie Dutton, Elizabeth Johnston

ASSOCIATE IN SCIENCE

Alexis — Mame LeGate

Dahinda — Oliver Anderson

El Paso — Brady Veselack

Galesburg — Kenneth Hoosen, Antonia Kisler, Austin Ullrich

Kewanee — Paige Huffman

Knoxville — Rylie Jansen, Lauren Rickard

Metamora — Ethan Krei

Nauvoo — Lillie Sumner

Niota — Kennedy Harl

Peoria Heights — Camron Williams

ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED SCIENCE

Accounting

Galesburg — Shari Larson

Business administration

Bowen — Kristen Brown

Monmouth — Curstin Brown

Dental hygiene

Aledo — Jessica Ruh

Bettendorf, Iowa — Keri Johnson

Burlington, Iowa — Bayley Gibbs

Danville, Iowa — Carlea Beckman

Davenport, Iowa — Madison Barton, Amanda Brecht, Rachel Jorgensen, Cierra Moorman, Pearl Wheeler

DeWitt, Iowa — Nicole Schnack

Eldridge, Iowa — Cidney Hoerner

Farmington — Dena Fleming, Brooklyn Murphy

Galesburg — Haley Kubis

Hampshire — Kaitlyn Heine

Knoxville — Katelynn Leady

Milan — Kristin Campagna, Jerzee Kernan, Rylee Krebsbach

Moline — Italy Sancen

Morrison — Jerrica Bormann

Moscow Mills, Mo. — Olivia Yates

Muscatine, Iowa — Naceka Barjibo

Rushville — Melanie Norton

Warsaw — Brianna Paar

Medical assistant

Knoxville — Marcey Younge

Medical office professional

Alexis — Tiffany Hare

Mortuary science

Andover — Andrea Hardesty

Bartonville — Kirstin Stroud

Galesburg — Jolene Estes

Monmouth — Rosalea Sopiarz

Sherrard — Kileigh McDaniel

Wapello, Iowa — Quinn Veach

Nursing

Abingdon — Kelsey Corbin

Davenport, Iowa — Dorshea Woodfork

Galesburg — Katelin Allen, Faith Brill, Sonya Campbell, Chivon Carter, Nicholas Dechow, Alexander Dismang, Jennifer Felix, Conchetta Gonzalez, Amos Kipkemoi, Jennifer Rice, Maya Schwarz

Henderson — Kara West

Kewanee — Jessica Ayala, Graciela Quinonez, Hannah Reynolds

Knoxville — Jessica Vens, Bryn Wright

London Mills — Kaitlyn Pasko

Monmouth — Sarah Dillard, Delaney Stevens, Darrah Stevens

Sherrard — Ella Bickle

Williamsfield — Kailea Custer, Nicala Yoho

Radiologic technology

Alexis — Addison Murray

Canton — Devlin Dennis, Kylie Fahnestock

Galesburg — Haleigh Burnett, Dhane McCormick, Vanessa Morrison

Glasford — Maggie Grebner

Lewistown — Demi Dainty

Monmouth — Jennifer Garcia, Benjamin McVey

Sherrard — Grace Ellen Karns

Table Grove — Luke Abernathy

Vermont — Easton Mercer

Welding

Monmouth — Tanner Hinton

CERTIFICATES

Advanced welding 

Abingdon — Logan Lepper, Lucah Sahyouni

Avon — Ayden Boone

Canton — Robert Roscetti

Colchester — Zachary Romero

Galesburg — Izeah Abdallah, Jay Basden, Colton Thornburg

Kirkwood — Quentin Hayburn, Eldon Wilson

Maquon — Ryan Nelson

Monmouth — Samuel Bennett, Eliel Galvan, Isaac Garcia, Tanner Hinton, Javier Mateo

Automotive technology 

Galesburg — Anthony Byrne, Collines Chelak, Justin Mackey

Knoxville — Griffin Siever

Monmouth — Angel Jurado, Courtney Traviolia

Basic industrial maintenance 

Galesburg — Kokou Dadabo

Basic welding 

Abingdon — Logan Lepper, Lucah Sahyouni

Avon — Ayden Boone

Canton — Robert Roscetti

Colchester — Zachary Romero

Galesburg — Izeah Abdallah, Jay Basden, Colton Thornburg

Kirkwood — Quentin Hayburn, Eldon Wilson

Maquon — Ryan Nelson

Monmouth — Samuel Bennett, Isaac Garcia, Tanner Hinton, Javier Mateo

Computed tomography

Abingdon — Amy Kaufmann

Galesburg — Erica Williams

Macomb — Emily Livermore

Computer technician

Abingdon — Reas Brubaker

Augusta — Lori Hawkins

Galesburg — Rebekah Bruington, Bryson Davis

Criminal justice 

Cambridge — Skye Fontanez

Medical office assistant 

Galesburg — Meghyn Smith

Prairie City — Kenlie Sharp

Kirstin Huls-  Everything 4 H and The Hancock County Fair is July 7th 8th and 9th

Whats up Doc - with  Dr Tom Grant from Nauvoo Health and Chiropratic   in Nauvoo- Lets talk Nutrition 

CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL

AGENDA

SPECIAL MEETING JUNE 22, 2026

MAYOR:
Roll Call
Public Comments
CLERK:
TREASURER:
CITY ATTORNEY:
PUBLIC SAFETY:
PUBLIC PROPERTY:
FINANCE:
GTSI Bill
PUBLIC WORKS:
LEGISLATIVE:
Code Book Update

Free patriotic concert July 2 by Sandburg community band

 Celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence with a free outdoor patriotic concert by the Sandburg community band at 7 p.m. July 2 on the college’s Galesburg campus.

Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a music-filled summer evening along the lake outside Building E. Patrons are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks, and Carnival Delights will have food for sale on site. A free, temporary glitter tattoo station will also be available.

In case of inclement weather, the concert will take place in the theater (room F118).

Now in its second year, the Sandburg community band is an opportunity for area musicians of all ages and instruments — whether they play every day or haven’t played in years — to have fun making music together. If you’re interested in joining, complete an interest form at sandburg.edu/communityband.

For more information about the band or concert, contact Michael Patilla at 309.341.5234 or mpatilla@sandburg.edu. 

Rachel Kerns with MTC Communications is in the studio  to talk about how to connect to MTC

CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING JUNE 9th, 2026

The Regular Meeting of the Carthage City Council was held Tuesday, June 9 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.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to approve the regular
meeting minutes of May 26 th . All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.
Mayor Smith reported to the Council that the City will be advertising several of the
empty lots for sale that the City has acquired through the Strong Community Grant
Program with Brenda Young Real Estate. He also reported that an adjacent property
owner would like to purchase 924 Walnut Street. This property is divided in half by the
creek that runs through town and would be very hard to build anything on.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Walker to approve the sale of 924
Walnut for the closing costs. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
After discussion a motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Roberts to
approve the May budgetary report. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
Mayor Smith reported to the Council that he has signed an electric aggregation
agreement. Currently the Ameren rate is 11.326 per kwh and the rate that was agreed
upon is 10.490 kwh. This agreement is for 16 months and all residents of Carthage will
be automatically opted in to this agreement. Residents do have the option to opt out if
they want to. The electric bill will still come from Ameren, this will just change the
electricity provider to Ameren.
Mayor Smith reported to the Council that the City would like to establish a Business
District. An ordinance needs to be passed that will allow for Jacob & Klein to provide
professional services to establish and oversee this business district.
After discussion a motion was made by Alderman Biondolino, seconded by Smith to
approve Ordinance No. 2026-2 an ordinance approving and authorizing the execution of
a professional services agreement for the establishment and annual administration of
Carthage Business District No. 1. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
City Attorney Tom Hartzell reported on several delinquent properties.

Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the Police Department has been at several
training classes recently. He also reported that the Police Department is looking into
changing the Police Department’s land line into a mobile phone.
Alderman Smith reported to the Council that Brown Electric has started work on the
traffic signal at the intersection of Buchanan and Madison.
Alderman Biondolino reported to the Council that the Street Department has been
working on correcting issues at the landfill. He also reported that the tree board will be
selecting trees that need to be cut down.
After discussion a motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Roberts to
approve paying the Monthly bills. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
Alderman Long reported to the Council that D&L has continued work on the electrical
housing for the second deep well. He also reported that Cahoy has submitted a request
for the final payment for the installation of the second deep well.
Alderman Long reported to the Council that the sewer on North Washington was jetted,
all tree roots were removed and the sewer line was treated to help prevent issues in the
future. He also reported that the street department sprayed and removed the weeds from
the square before the strawberry strut. They are also working on potholes, tree trimming
and correcting erosion at the landfill.
Motion to adjourn by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith at 8:04 PM
Respectfully submitted,

Scott Roberts
City Clerk

MTC Communications Donates $5,000 

MTC Communications is proud to announce a $5,000 donation to The Legacy
Theater in Carthage, Illinois, in support of its upcoming Capital Campaign. This
contribution was made possible through the matching support of CoBank’s Sharing
Success Matching Grant program.
The Legacy Theater’s Capital Campaign, will expand the facility with a 4,100-square-foot addition, creating a larger lobby, new concessions area, a handicap-accessible highway entrance, and a new multi-purpose room for community events, youth programs, meals, and gatherings. The project is designed to enhance accessibility, grow community engagement, and ensure the theater continues serving the region for generations to come.
MTC Communications is committed to strengthening the communities it serves
through meaningful partnerships, local investment, and long-term impact. Through
CoBank’s Sharing Success Matching Grant program, MTC is able to amplify its
charitable giving and expand support for organizations that enrich rural life.
“We’re excited to support The Legacy Theater and its vision for the future,” said Jay
Griswold, President and CEO of MTC Communications. “This project will expand
opportunities for performances, community events, and youth programs, while
making the theater more accessible and welcoming for everyone. Investments like
this help ensure our communities continue to thrive.”
With this $5,000 combined contribution, MTC Communications is proud to help
move The Legacy Theater’s Capital Campaign forward — investing not just in a
building, but in the future of the community it serves.

Pictured is   MTC Vice President/CFO Holly Fecht

To learn more about MTC Communications and our
ongoing commitment to community support, visit www.mtccomm.net.
---
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.

Don O Brien    with the Quincy BBB on  How to use 

Peer to Peer  apps safely 

4 Chargers earn Academic All-Region 4 honors for spring semester

Sandburg had 104 student-athletes earn Academic All-Region 4 honors for the 2026 spring semester, including 27 Chargers with a perfect 4.0 grade point average.

All 11 Sandburg teams had at least one representative on the spring academic all-region list. Baseball had the most of any Chargers team, with 30. Among women’s squads, women’s basketball and softball led with nine apiece.

The Chargers also had 82 student-athletes who were repeat academic all-region recipients from the 2025 fall semester.

Student-athletes had to pass at least 12 credit hours and carry a GPA of at least 3.0 to be eligible for academic all-region recognition.

*Academic All-Region 4 recipient in both semesters of 2025-26 academic year

Baseball
Colton Allen*
Brandon Barrientos
Landon Binder*
Tucker Bond*
Braley Burford*
Carter Chapin*
Elliott Copeland*
Shane Correll*
Parker Dickinson
Jacob Evans
Dawson Fenton*
Chuck Hathaway
Nathan Hill*
Brady Johnson*
Connor Johnson*
Kellan Keane*
Kody Knecht*
Ethan Krei*
Dayton Lundstrom*
Ben Marvel*
Ayden Mendoza*
Cruz Paredes*
Drake Paul*
Brady Peterson*
Carter Ramsey*
Owen Rigg*
Damien Snell*
Dillon Steelman*
Braxton Thompson-Godoy
Tucker Vandewostine*

Esports
Gavin Kaden
Bishop Kyser*
Keri McKay
Austin Ullrich*
Karleigh Whiteside

Men’s basketball
James Blackwell*
Griffin Briles*
Rylan Carton*
Ashton Grieves*
Gavin Grothaus
Larry Olivier Jr.*
Lewis Siegfried*

Men’s cross country
Dylan Moore

Men’s golf
Braeden Brennan*
Cooper Hansen
Blake Harvey*
Brayden Schleich*

Men’s soccer
Enrico Augusto Rola*
Diego Branco*
Teigan Conboy*
Jaime Cortadi
Sergio Cruz*
Luis Egea
Mateo Figueroa*
Hugo Flores
Iker Garcia*
Kokou King*
Valentin Kretschmer*
Ryan Lenihan
Jaime Martin Caballero*
Connor McLauchlan*
Tyrese Ogbonnia*
Caio Oliveira*
Linus Richtberg*
Emiliano Sosa*

Softball
Jordyn Climer*
Jaylynn Hamilton*
Lakinn Larson*
Reese Poole*
Hannah Pyle*
Emma Racke*
Tieler Williams-Fouts*

Volleyball
Taliya Galloway*
Addison Gillen*
Harlee Hainds
Macy Nolan*
Quinn Rexroat*
Emma Schweigert
Abigail Shaffer*
Kali Wright

Women’s basketball
Abbie Ackers*
Cameron Anderson*
Lajaya Angel*
Camryn Atterberg*
Lillian Covarrubias*
Paige Huffman
Antonia Kisler*
Anna Landis*
Janessa Wallace*

Women’s cross country
Sheila Cheruiyot*
Qetsia Kamdem*
Marrion Kemboi*
Linda Koech*
Abigael Maiyo*
Grace Maiyo*
Faith Rotich

Women’s golf
Anna Carroll*
Jessica Schultz*
Olivia Seei*
Abigail Strode*
Allison Thome*

Multiple sports
Arthur Costa (men’s soccer, esports)
Jalie Eller (volleyball, softball)
Madalynn Knapp (volleyball, softball)*

What's up DOC?    with Dr. Tom Grant for Nauvoo Health and Chiropractic in Nauvoo 

American's 250 Patriot Ball is June 13th!  Dr Tom and Kimberli Grant invite you  to come join the BALL!

Sandburg  College  Dr. Jodi stops by with Kids on Campus, 12 Months of Hidden Talents and How you can CHARGE FORWARD with you degree only one night a week ! 

City of Nauvoo Recognized as Bird City USA

June 8, 2026 NAUVOO, Illinois — The City of Nauvoo is proud to announce its official designation as a Bird City Illinois community, recognizing the city’s commitment to conservation, habitat protection,  education, and the promotion of bird-friendly practices.

Located along the Mississippi Flyway, one of North America’s most important migratory bird routes, Nauvoo provides critical habitat for a wide variety of bird species throughout the year. From bald eagles soaring above the river in winter to migratory songbirds stopping in local woodlands and wetlands each
spring and fall, birdwatching has become an increasingly important part of the area’s outdoor tourism experience.

The Bird City designation highlights the community’s ongoing efforts to preserve natural spaces, plant native trees and wildflowers, expand educational opportunities, and encourage stewardship of local
wildlife habitats. These efforts complement Nauvoo’s continued work as a Tree City USA community and support the city’s broader goals of enhancing outdoor recreation and nature tourism.

“Nauvoo’s natural beauty is one of our greatest assets,” said Rebecca Williamson, Tourism Director for the City of Nauvoo. “Becoming a Bird City recognizes the work our community has done to protect and celebrate the environment while also creating meaningful outdoor experiences for residents and visitors  alike.”

Popular birding locations in and around Nauvoo include the Mississippi River Riverwalk, the wetlands  south of town, scenic overlooks along the Great River Road, and areas throughout Nauvoo State Park. The city also plans to continue expanding educational signage and promoting birding opportunities as part of its tourism initiatives.

The Bird City Illinois program encourages communities to implement conservation actions that create  healthier environments for both birds and people. Nauvoo joins a growing number of Illinois communities recognized for their leadership in protecting natural habitats and promoting sustainable environmental practices.

For more information about visiting Nauvoo and exploring local outdoor attractions, visit
https://www.beautifulnauvoo.com 

For more information about the Bird City USA program visit https://birdcity.org/illinois

Shawn Stewart  talks with Zach Burling   June 6th

CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL

AGENDA

REGULAR MEETING JUNE 9, 2026

MAYOR:
Pledge of Allegiance Approve Regular Minutes May 26, 2026
Roll Call Approve May Budgetary Report
Public Comments
CLERK:
TREASURER:
CITY ATTORNEY:
530 Wabash – Randy Reed Land on end of Wabash
201 S. Scofield - Hundley Property 160 Prairie – Charlie Mustread
724 Walnut – Xavier Hutchcroft 130 S. Marion – Sebastian Jemison
PUBLIC SAFETY:
Report on Fire Dept. Report on Police Wood Inn Permission Form
Traffic Signal Update
PUBLIC PROPERTY:
Tree City Report Landfill Report
Public Properties Update Land Bank – International Property Maintenance Code
Asbestos Abatement
FINANCE:
Bills
PUBLIC WORKS:
Building Permit report CFL Loan Program – Dearwester
New Deep Well Motor Fuel Tax
LEGISLATIVE:
Code Book Update
EXECUTIVE SESSION:

 June Carthage Library updates with Amy G Christina  Geissler

Nauvoo Tourism Director Rebecca Williamson  - Nauvoo has tons to do and a affordable vacation option 

What's up DOC?    with Dr. Tom Grant for Nauvoo Health and Chiropractic in Nauvoo