Illini West High School Announces Homecoming 2026 Parade and Celebration Details

CARTHAGE, IL — The 2026 Illini West Homecoming is quickly approaching! The Illini West High School Student Council invites local businesses, community organizations, and area residents to celebrate Homecoming 2026 with this year’s theme, "Where the Party Never Ends."

The annual Homecoming parade will take place on Friday, September 18, 2026. Parade participants will line up at 4:00 p.m. at the Trinity Lutheran Church parking lot (located at the intersection of Washington and Walnut Streets) before proceeding west down Main Street toward the Carthage Square. The parade will officially begin at 4:30 p.m.

Directly following the parade, a community pep rally will be held on the Carthage Square. The 2026 Homecoming King and Queen will be announced on the north steps of the Hancock County Courthouse during the rally. Later that evening, the Illini West Chargers will face off against Hamilton/Warsaw in the Homecoming football game.

Parade Entry & Registration Information

Community members, clubs, and local entities wishing to enter a float, car, or walking group in the parade must submit an entry form prior to the event. Participants are asked to leave room during lineup for the Illini West Marching Band and the Homecoming Court.

To register, submit the following details via email, mail, or fax:

• Name of Group/Organization:

•  

• Contact Person:

•  

• Phone Number:

•  

• Email Address:

•  

• Type of Entry (e.g., walking group, car, float):

•  

Submissions can be directed to:

Attn: Melissa Sturlic

Illini West High School

600 Miller St., Carthage, IL 62321

Email: melissasturlic@illiniwest.org

Fax: 217-357-3569

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Illini West- Confirmed Case of MRSA  within Football Program - Principle Amanda Congdon   full transparency to community 

3rd annual Coach Rodney Blue Charitable Run on Sept. 19

The Sandburg Foundation will host the third annual Coach Rodney Blue Charitable Run at 8 a.m. Sept. 19 on the Galesburg campus to honor the late Chargers cross country coach and support his legacy for future cross country student-athletes at Sandburg.

Runners and walkers of all ages and skill levels are invited to register for this non-competitive event. Registration is $30 for ages 13 and over, $20 for ages 12 and under and free for current Sandburg students. On-site registration will also be available. 

An opening ceremony will take place at 8 a.m., and the 5K run/walk will start at 8:30 a.m. A 1K run/walk will begin at 8:35 a.m. Both routes will start in the circle drive of the Science & Technology Center, go through the bus lane in parking lot A, turn right onto Tom L. Wilson Blvd., turn left past building G and head south on Log City Trail. A return route will follow that same path.

Money raised will go toward the Coach Rodney Blue Cross Country Team Fund, which has raised more $14,500 to support the Sandburg cross country program and its student-athletes.

For those who don’t want to participate in the run/walk but would still like to support the Coach Rodney Blue Cross Country Team Fund, donations can be made through the Sandburg Foundation.

Blue passed away in July 2024 at age 66. He first joined the Chargers as an assistant in 2011 and led the men’s and women’s cross country teams from 2015 to his passing. Blue steered the program to its most successful stretch ever, winning five Region 4 championships and sending a team or individual to the NJCAA national meet in each of the eight seasons it fielded a squad during his tenure.

For more information, contact Emma Smith, student engagement specialist, at 309.345.3522 or esmith@sandburg.edu.

Due to the Extreme Heat, Dallas City Elementary will be dismissing at 12:30 p.m. Today.

Early Dismissal at 12:30 pm

Dallas Elementary School District #327

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

The new Carthage Library is Open and Amy Gee  and  Christina Geissler have all the updates

‘A great day to be a Charger’: Sandburg breaks ground on new Charger Center

While Theo Salim’s time as a student and men’s soccer player at Sandburg will be over when the Charger Center is complete, it didn’t stop the college’s student trustee from showing off his excitement at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new athletic and conference facility.

“Today,” Salim said, “is a great day to be a Charger.”

Students, staff members, alumni and community members gathered Thursday at the Galesburg campus to usher in the next chapter in Sandburg history. In front of them were bulldozers, trackhoes and acres of dirt — the beginnings of a construction site that will transform the college’s southeast corner.

The Charger Center is a 70,204-square-foot facility that will serve as the new home for Sandburg’s athletic programs and support additional academic and community use. Initial work on the $35 million project began earlier this month, and it’s scheduled to open in late 2027.

“While we are building a wonderful space on what was a wonderful agricultural space, we are indeed planting the seeds for the future for all of those students and members of our region to come,” President Dr. Seamus Reilly said.

Designed by Legat Architects and to be built by Estes Construction, the Charger Center will include:

• Two wood-floor gymnasiums for athletic competitions and large events

• An additional gymnasium with multi-purpose flooring

• Fitness and training areas

• A golf simulator room

• An esports arena

• Multi-purpose areas

• Turf fields for baseball, softball and soccer

Throughout the planning and design process, an emphasis was placed on making sure the Charger Center will function as more than simply a home for Sandburg’s teams. It will be a place that can serve as a host for youth sports tournaments, industry expos, regional workforce trainings, Sandburg’s annual commencement and more.

“This is not just for Sandburg students,” said Dr. Autumn Scott, vice president of student development. “It’s an investment in District 518 and the entire region. It creates a place where students, families, businesses, alumni and community members can gather, celebrate and learn.” 

Located adjacent to building G, the front of the Charger Center will look across Tom L. Wilson Blvd. toward the rest of the Galesburg campus. Turf playing fields will be located on the south side of the facility. The complex will be a dramatic upgrade from the current gymnasium, which has been the Chargers’ home since it opened in 1978, and the existing fitness center, which opened in the early 1990s.

“The Charger Center will be a place where students compete, learn, celebrate and build lifelong connections,” Scott said. “It creates opportunities for future Chargers who may choose Sandburg because they see a college committed to excellence. The project strengthens our ability to recruit and retain students, providing experiences that help them thrive inside and outside the classroom.”

It’s the latest step in a campus master plan that has served as a roadmap for improvements and developments on Sandburg’s grounds in recent and coming years. Completed phases of the plan include the 2024 opening of the Science & Technology Center and the 2025 unveiling of the renovated Student Center.

“Today, we are making history,” Salim said. “Future graduates will cross the stage here. Families will celebrate here. Students will compete. Students will grow, will learn, will change here. And also today in this groundbreaking, we are creating a foundation that will become part of thousands of Sandburg stories. We are creating the future here for the next generation.”

CAPTION
Sandburg held a ceremonial groundbreaking Thursday on the Galesburg campus for construction of the Charger Center, a 70,204-square-foot facility that will serve as the new home for Sandburg’s athletic programs and support additional academic and community use. L-R: Trustee Gayle Keiser, trustee Jeff Whitsitt, trustee Tom Colclasure, student trustee Theo Salim, President Dr. Seamus Reilly, board of trustees chair Joshua Gibb, trustee Gayla Pacheco, trustee Lee Johnson and trustee Angel Peterson. (BILL GAITHER/Sandburg)

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Hancock County Property Tax Bills 2ND INSTALLMENT DUE SEPTEMBER 4TH!

Hancock County Treasurer, Kris Pilkington, would like to REMIND property owners that the SSECOND installment of Hancock County property tax bills are due SEPTEMBER 4TH. Payments can be mailed to PO Box 248, paid in person at the Treasurer’s office, or paid at any Hancock County Bank. We accept POSTMARKS on mailed payments. Payments can also be made with a credit card on line at www.hancockcounty-il.gov or in the office. Please bring your payment stubs to avoid extra charges! Any questions about your bill, contact the Treasurer’s office at 217-357-3986. Any questions about your assessment or exemptions, contact the Assessor’s office at 217-357-2615. Any questions about back taxes, call the County Clerk at 217-357-3911.

Whats up Doc Healthy Starts for Kids 

CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL

REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 25th, 2026

The Regular Meeting of the Carthage City Council was held Tuesday, August 25th, 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 Roberts to approve the regular meeting minutes of August 11th.  All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.

Mayor Smith reported to the Council that the City had some questions about the WIRC recycling bill.  Clerk Roberts will reach out to WIRC to get a copy of the original agreement for the recycling program that the Council can review.

Mayor Smith reported to the Council that the City is moving forward with the Strong Community Grant Project.  10 houses have been selected for demolition and have been inspected for asbestos.   The City is asking for demolition bids to be submitted to Architechnics by September 10th.

The Council discussed moving the September Committee and Council meetings.  The first Council meeting is early in the month and the first Committee meetings are scheduled on Labor Day.  The Council would like to move all the September meetings back one week.

City Attorney Tom Hartzell sent several updates on delinquent properties for the Council members to discuss.  

With the continued trouble hiring and keeping part-time officers the Council is discussing the possibility of hiring a 5th full-time officer.  A fifth officer would help reduce the amount of overtime expenses and would allow the Police Chief to focus on Administrative responsibilities while keeping the streets patrolled.  The Chief would like to search for a new officer with potential to hire them as a fifth full-time officer.  The City would discuss payment and benefits if a good applicant is found. 

Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Long to approve allowing the Police Chief to look for a potential fifth full-time officer.  All six Aldermen voted “yes”.

Alderman Biondolino reported to the Council that LT Landscaping and Tree Service will start on the tree removal for the City in September.  He also reported that the City has received a maintenance agreement from Altorfer in the amount $1,595.00 for full-service maintenance on the City Generator at the Water plant.

Motion was made by Alderman Biondolino, seconded by Roberts to approve the generator maintenance agreement from Altorfer.  All six Aldermen voted “yes”.

Amy Graham reported to the Council that the landbank has submitted an agreement for the Council’s consideration.  The landbank would like to hire Eric Lenardt as the code enforcer for the land bank. 

Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Walker to approve the professional service agreement to hire Eric Lenardt as the landbank code enforcer.  All six Aldermen voted “yes”.

Alderman Long reported to the Council that the work on the new deep well that D&L has performed appears to be complete, a pay request will be forthcoming.  He also reported that the bar screen was replaced at the Sewer plant.

Alderman Long reported that the Street Department has started work on sidewalk replacement at the corner of Wabash and Marion.  He also reported that the large sidewalk project from the new Library, west to Scofield street and then north to Questover drive will start soon.  The City will be starting at the Library on first street and moving towards the High school on Miller street.

Alderman Long reported to the Council that the City has awarded the Motor Fuel Tax project for road improvements to WL Miller in the amount of $106,562.50.  This bid came in under the engineer’s estimate of $121,860.00.  He also reported that the City has applied for grant funds to help with the improvements to Nightingale Road.

Motion to adjourn by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith at 8:08 PM

Respectfully submitted,

Scott Roberts

City Clerk

Don OBrian with the BBB  lastest scam tracker report shows employment scam target  18-34  age bracket

Illini Truck & Trailer  Dakota Anderson talks about the Illini Truck & Trailer Tire Sale with Road Hazard up to one year!

The City of Carthage will be changing the Committee and Council meeting dates in September

The City of Carthage will be changing the Committee and Council meeting dates in September. The first Council meeting in September is currently scheduled for the 8th which is early in the month and the finance and public safety meetings are currently scheduled for the 7th which is Labor Day. 

The City will be moving all September Committee and Council meetings back one week to the following dates and times. 

Finance - September 14th at 6:00 p.m. 

Public Safety-September 14th at 7:00 p.m. 

Public Works - September 15th & 29th at 6:00 p.m. 

1st Council meeting-September 15th at 7:00 p.m. 

Public Property-September 28th at 6:00 p.m. 

Build the Barn- Hancock County 4 H grounds -Kirstin Huls and  Dave Barry

 More than 65 years, the Hancock County 4-H Buildings & Grounds Corporation has provided a place where young people learn responsibility, leadership, agriculture and life skills.

Now, the group is asking residents, businesses and alumni to help ensure those opportunities continue for generations to come through the “Build the Barn” Capital Campaign.

Campaign organizers have set an initial goal of $375,000 to renovate and modernize the Hancock County 4-H Fairgrounds and Extension facilities, creating year-round educational opportunities for youth and expanding the fairgrounds’ ability to serve the entire community.

Established in April 1960 by local volunteers who believed in investing in agriculture and youth, the Hancock County 4-H Buildings & Grounds Corporation has remained committed to that same mission for three generations.

Those original volunteers raised the funds to construct the first livestock barns, the livestock show barn, and the Extension building. Today, those facilities continue to serve hundreds of youth and community organizations each year, but many of the original structures have reached the end of their useful life.

Dolly Parton, Country Music Legend, Dies at 80

Dolly Parton, one of the most believed figures in the history of Country music, has passed away. The devastating news broke on Tuesday, August 25 through a video message shared across Parton’s social media pages by her nephew and head of security, Bryan Seaver.

The message began with Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, sharing that he is speaking on behalf of the Parton’s and Owens family to announce the passing of his Aunt Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, “sister, sis, Aunt, Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next.” He explains that recording this video is something that the country music legend asked him to do years ago before he had “fully absorbed it as a future reality.”

“As her head of security for more than two decades, a role my father Larry held before me, I have imagined the heaviness of this moment, but haven’t truly felt it until now,” he admits. “It is an honor, an honor that is mixed with absolute pride and great sadness, but sadness lies with us, not with Dolly. Dolly has lived in the light and is in the arms of Jesus, surely met by Carl, her parents, and countless others who have watched her and longed for her to meet them in the heavens.”

Seaver recalls first joining Dolly out on the road as a kid in the early 1980s and going on to see all the doors that she would open for her and the entire family throughout her career. But it wasn’t just her own family and loved ones that Dolly impacted, it was generations of singers, songwriters, musicians and dreamers across the world who looked up to her.

“By her example, we believed that anything was possible. She never saw a door she couldn’t open and the door she opened made and changed history. My family and I have shared a lifetime of beautiful memories with Dolly, but so have you. She has always been on your television, your record player, your CD, and on your phone playlist, becoming an extended part of your family, whether you liked it or not. Our family and the team she has entrusted with her legacy will work diligently to ensure her spirit will live with us forever. 

He continued, “Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy. He farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness. Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because after a life wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest. Rest in peace, Aunt Dolly, aunt Granny, Gigi. May God bless Dolly Parton and may God bless you all. She will always love you.”

Recycling and Paint Collection update for Carthage

 Recycling of electronics is from 8 a.m. To Noon, on Friday's at the Hancock County Highway Department.  Contact phone number 217-357-3155.

There will be no paint collection on Friday's until the first Friday of October 2026

CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL

AGENDA

REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 25, 2026

MAYOR:
Pledge of Allegiance Approve Regular Minutes Aug 11, 2026
Roll Call Strong Community Grant Program
Public Comments Rick Wisehart-Nightingale Road
WIRC Recycling bill TIF – School Agreement
Jack Gronewold – Water Bill Committee Meeting – Date & Time
CLERK:

TREASURER:
CITY ATTORNEY:
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 Report on Civil Defense
PUBLIC PROPERTY:
Tree City Report Landfill Report
Public Properties Update Land Bank – International Property Maintenance Code
Asbestos Abatement
FINANCE:

PUBLIC WORKS:
Building Permit report CFL Loan Program – Dearwester
New Deep Well Motor Fuel Tax
LEGISLATIVE:
Code Book Update Code Book Changes
Code Book Section 4-1-6: Fees
EXECUTIVE SESSION:

Groundbreaking ceremony for Charger Center on Aug. 27 at Sandburg

 Sandburg will host a ceremonial groundbreaking for the construction of the Charger Center at 4 p.m. Aug. 27 on the college’s Galesburg campus.

WHAT
Charger Center ceremonial groundbreaking

WHEN
4-5 p.m. Aug. 27

WHERE
Outside building G on the Galesburg campus, 2051 Tom L. Wilson Blvd. Parking will be available in the lots next to building C and building G.

WHO
Speaking at the event will be:

• President Dr. Seamus Reilly

• Board of Trustees Chair Josh Gibb

• Student trustee and men’s soccer team member Theo Salim

ABOUT THE CHARGER CENTER

The Charger Center is a 70,204-square-foot athletic and conference space that will serve as the new home for Sandburg’s athletic programs and support additional academic and community use. Initial work on the project began earlier this month.

With an anticipated opening in late 2027, the Charger Center will include:

• Two wood-floor gymnasiums for athletic competitions and large events

• An additional gymnasium with multi-purpose flooring

• Fitness and training areas

• A golf simulator room

• An esports arena

• Multi-purpose areas

• Turf fields for baseball, softball and soccer

Designed by Legat Architects, the Charger Center will be located in the southeast portion of the Galesburg campus, next to building G. The front of the building will look across Tom L. Wilson Blvd. toward the rest of the Galesburg campus. Turf playing fields will be located on the south side of the Charger Center.

The new facility will be a dramatic upgrade from the current gymnasium, which has been the Chargers’ home since its opening in 1978, and the existing fitness center, which opened in the early 1990s. It’s the latest step in a campus master plan that has served as a roadmap for improvements and developments on Sandburg’s grounds in recent and coming years. Completed phases of the plan include the 2024 opening of the Science & Technology Center and the 2025 unveiling of the renovated Student Center.

The new facility also will provide more opportunities for the college to host area youth and high school teams for practices, games and tournaments. In addition to serving as an athletic space, the Charger Center will provide a venue capable of hosting large regional events such as job fairs and agriculture expos as well as the college’s annual commencement.

Whats up Doc with Dr Tom Grant- Taking care of your health

Community invited to walk for suicide prevention  

September 19th

A community walk to bring awareness to suicide prevention. At this event, the community can learn more about the importance of suicide prevention and how we can work together to break the stigma surrounding mental health.
EVENT DETAILS
DATE: Saturday, September 19
TIME: 7:00 PM
LOCATION:  Hartzell Lake 1454 N. Co. Rd. 2050, Carthage, IL 62321
Participants will meet at the pavilion at  Hartzell Lake and will be invited to walk the Evans Fitness Path together. Information about Behavioral Health Services and mental health
 will be provided at the event. Attendees are encouraged to wear the colors of purple and/or teal to honor suicide prevention and awareness. Themed T-shirts are on sale now through Rural Bliss Designs at www.ruralbliss.net/products. Part of each sale will be donated to support local mental
health programs.
 “This event is an opportunity for the
community to come together and celebrate that courage.”  
At the event, participants can sign up for a free Mental Health First Aid class scheduled for October. The
course will teach the knowledge and skills to identify a mental health challenge/crisis and how to potentially save the life of someone in need.
 

Sandburg College- Fall means a New School your and is the time to Take Charge of YOUR Future!

Find your Hidden Talent,  Kids on Campus is now ALL YEAR and Join Dr. Jodi on a Day Trip    Cantril & Harvestville Farm or   Kerstmarkt - the Dutch Christmas Market in Pella, Iowa

MTC- Communications Rachel Kern on release the Nauvoo Northside of town applications!!!!!!   Fiber Service is Ready!

Whats up Doc?    with Dr. Tom Grant-  Lets talk about Stress and what it does

A Powerball ticket sold at a gas station in western Illinois was the sole winner of the $1 billion jackpot, ending a three-month drought without a top-prize victor.

The ticket that won the jackpot Wednesday night was purchased at a Hy-Vee station in Quincy, about 100 miles (161 kilometers) west of the state capital of Springfield along the Missouri border, Illinois Lottery officials said. The winning numbers were 4-26-66-67-69 with the Powerball number of 9.

It wasn't immediately clear if the winner has come forward yet.

The prize comes in the form of either an annuity of $1 billion paid over 29 years or a lump-sum payment of $450.5 million. Winners almost always take the lump sum.

America's Got Talent Finalist- Joseph Hall's Elvis "Rock  "N" Remember Tribute"  In Carthage for ONE Show Only

BBB Tips: Back-to-school online safety with Don O Brien