Closings

La Harpe CUSD#347 Tuesday December 2nd due to icy road conditions. All evening activities   will remain as scheduled

Dallas City School  2 hr delay

Kiwanis Christmas for Kids, Kiwanis Member Teresa Smith is in the studio on how to participate giving toys or how you can become active in the Kiwanis 

Celebration of Lights Parade  on   December 4th 

Rachel Kerns Market Director with MTC is Back in the WCAZ Studio!   Its ALL ABOUT THE FIBER OPTIC!

Quincy Art Center Announces Winners of the 31st Annual Mary S. Oakley & Lee Lindsay
Area Artist Showcase

Quincy, IL - Quincy Art Center is proud to announce the award recipients of the 31st Annual
Mary S. Oakley & Lee Lindsay Area Artist Showcase, one of the region’s most anticipated juried
art exhibitions. This year’s showcase drew an impressive 322 artwork submissions from artists
across the area, with 102 pieces selected for display by juror Joshua Johnson, Co-Senior
Curator at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, Iowa.
The 2025-2026 showcase features a dynamic range of mediums and styles, highlighting the
strength and creativity of the region’s visual arts community. The exhibit is on view through
January 10, 2026, at Quincy Art Center, 1515 Jersey Street, and is free and open to the public.
Award Winners
Best of Show: WINDEGO by Andrea Rosevold
Second Place: Salt II (Botswana) by Jennifer Bock-Nelson
Third Place: Prick Stool by Zachery Lechtenberg
Merit Awards
Schism Skateboard by Trevor Daggs
Dresses by Veronica Sandercock
Horsey by Jennifer Klingele
Moth to Her Own Flame by Bonnie Wiemelt
Basket by Steve Ryan
Bitch Face by Ruby Warner
Linda Buechting Watercolor Award
Visionary: Ann Miller Titus by Kelly Eddington
Honorable Mentions
Unclassified Drill by Dona Lantz
Flight of the Sparrow by Peggy L. Burchard-Ballard
Chicxulub by Adrian Rivera
Studio Stockpile by Michael Mahoney
George by Connie O’Neal
Wait a Minute by John Nelson
Quincy Art Center congratulates all exhibiting artists and invites the community to visit the
gallery to experience this exceptional collection of regional artwork. The Art Center also extends
its gratitude to all of the local and regional artists who submitted work for this exhibit, and for the
continued commitment of the local community in supporting the arts.
For more information, visit quincyartcenter.org or call 217-223-5900.

The Kibbe Hancock Heritage Museum plans to be open as part of the Carthage Christmas Open House on Thursday, Dec. 4, from 4 to 8 p.m.

Featuring the model train displays of Galen
Wollbrink and Jim Morrison.
For several years, Wollbrink has set up his model train displays at the museum for public
viewing during the holidays, beginning with the Carthage Christmas Open House. Morrison
returns this year with his North Pole style train set up.
Four additional days during December and January allow visitors into the museum when
Wollbrink and Morrison will be on hand to show the trains in action. Those days will be
announced soon.
There is no charge to enter the museum or see the displays. All the other exhibit rooms at the
museum are open for viewing.
The museum will reopen for the next season on April 1, 2026.
The museum is located at 306 Walnut, in Carthage, one block south of Rt. 136. For information, call 217-357-9552.

Let's talk puppy scams today with Don Obrien Investigations Manager for the Better Business Bureau! 

CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL

AGENDA

SPECIAL MEETING NOVEMBER 24, 2025

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

PTroop 5923    Packages  29 Thanksgiving meals  for those in need

Pictures are Front-  Audrina Jackson, Aria Rowland, Brella Rouland, Conli Wear, Ali Boley, Ellie Newberry, Lily Fornhals

Back:   Sedona Cole, Lyla Formals Kenedy McKowen, Elisa Bergman, Emery Brown, Lucy Formhals, Addison Thompson, Katie Hanks, Troop Leader Amanda Boley and Pantry Director Donna Walker 

Brady with Illini Truck and Trailer Repair  stops by the WCAZ Studio 

CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 11th, 2025

The Regular Meeting of the Carthage City Council was held Tuesday, November 11 th ,
2025, 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 absent.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Roberts to approve the regular
meeting minutes of October 28 th . All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.
After discussion a motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Roberts to
approve the October budgetary report. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
Mayor Smith reported to the Council that the mapping meetings went very well, several
good ideas for ways to improve the community were discussed. He feels that the City
could benefit and should work to help the mapping group.
City Attorney Tom Hartzell reported on several delinquent properties.
Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the Fire Department is switching reporting
software. They have also scheduled ladder testing for the first week in December. Pump
testing is scheduled for later this month and SCBA flow testing will be the week before
Christmas.
Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the Police Department’s new desktop and 2
new in-car computers are in service. They are also looking into a Hancock County Farm
Bureau Rural Development Grant to help with the cost of radios and tasers.
Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the month of October was busy for the
Police Department. They had 6 arrests recorded, many of which are in relation to the
recent vehicle break-ins and stolen vehicles. Additionally, the 2017 squad car has
received all new tires from Pomp’s.
Alderman Smith reported that Officer Ben Schweizer has submitted a letter of
resignation. He is currently a part-time officer with the City of Carthage and has been to
busy with the Sheriff’s office to cover very many shifts with the City.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Walker to accept the resignation of
Officer Ben Schweizer. All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.
Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the City has received an estimate for a
single camera system for the traffic signal at the intersection of Buchanan and Madison.

The City would like to schedule the replacement for June of 2026. The current light
seems to be functioning better than before and this would allow the City to budget for this
new system if it was replaced next year.
Alderman Biondolino reported to the Council that he has contacted LT landscaping about
the tree removal bids. Vanfleet tree service originally got the tree bid however due to a
family illness the work has not yet started. LT landscaping was the next lowest bidder so
they were contacted to start the tree removal process as soon as possible.
Alderman Biondolino reported that AEC, LLC is in town to do more sampling at the
landfill. He also reported that no bids for snow removal on the sidewalks at 5 of the City
building locations were received by the City. The Council asked Attorney Hartzell if the
City is allowed to accept the previous years low bid from Steinkamp lawn care due to the
fact that he is now an Alderman. Mr. Hartzell said that it is okay to accept a bid from
Alderman Steinkamp due to the fact that no other bids were received by the City.
Steinkamp Lawn care’s bid is for $145.00 for removal of snow at all 5 locations. This
bid also includes a provision for a charge of $5 per location for just an application of salt
at City Hall, Fire Department, Museum and Community Center and $7 for salt at the
Theater.
Motion was made by Alderman Biondolino, seconded by Roberts to approve the bid from
Steinkamp Lawn Care for removal of snow as stated above. Aldermen Smith, Roberts,
Long, Biondolino and Walker voted “yes”. Alderman Steinkamp abstained. Motion
passed by a vote of 5 to 0.
Alderman Walker reported to the Council that the October bills need to be approved with
the inclusion of two additional bills. The First additional bill is from Benton Engineering
in the amount of $4,051.40 for additional engineering on the Second Deep Well. The
Second additional bill is from Cahoy Pump Service in the amount of $280,615.66 for fees
related to the installation of the Second Deep Well.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to approve the payment of
the bills with the addition of the Cahoy bill and Benton bill. All six Aldermen voted
“yes”.
Alderman Walker reported to the Council that the Finance Committee discussed
Christmas bonuses for the City employees. The Finance Committee suggests that the
City give $200 to full-time employees and $50 to part-time employees for Christmas
bonuses, this is the same amount as last year.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to approve the Christmas
bonuses as stated above. Alderman Smith, Long, Biondolino and Walker voted “yes”.
Alderman Roberts and Steinkamp abstained. Motion passed by a vote of 4 to 0.

Alderman Long reported to the Council that several culverts have been replaced. The
City also had a water main break near the City garage that was repaired.
Motion to adjourn by Alderman Walker, seconded by Roberts at 8:17 PM
Respectfully submitted,

Scott Roberts
City Clerk

Nauvoo Tourism Director- Rebecca Williamson recaps   Halloween and what Nauvoo has to offer for November and December 

Welcome to the Real World returns to Sandburg on Nov. 21 with more than 350 local 8th graders 

 More than 350 area eighth graders will embark on an immersive occupational journey during the Welcome to the Real World and Career Exploration experience from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Nov. 21 in the gymnasium on Sandburg’s Galesburg campus.

The event, hosted by Sandburg in cooperation with the University of Illinois Extension and Regional Office of Education No. 33, inspires students’ aspirations and prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of the future while introducing them to diverse career options.

The Welcome to the Real World portion of the event simulates the implications of career choices and financial decisions, helping students better understand how their choices can impact their financial futures.

In the Career Exploration portion, students will hear from a panel of professionals in various career paths, allowing them to learn about the necessary education and training while connecting with these industry experts and learning how they achieved success in their careers. The career panel will be moderated by Kenzi Yates, director of Sandburg’s Workforce Development and Community Education Department.

Following the career panel, industry partners will have interactive demonstrations set up in the gymnasium so that students can explore career fields through hands-on activities. Participating groups include:

• CBI Bank & Trust
• Dave’s Auto Body
• Facilitating Coordination in Ag Education
• Galesburg Area Vocational Center
• Galesburg Broadcasting
• Galesburg Fire Department
• Galesburg Police Department
• Hinchliff-Pearson-West
• Knox County 911
• Knox County Clerk and Recorder’s Office
• Ninth Judicial Circuit Court
• Regional Office of Education No. 33 (child development)
• Sandburg
  • College of Nursing
  • Dental hygiene program
  • Information technology
  • Radiologic technology program
  • TRIO Upward Bound
  • TRIO Upward Bound Math/Science
  • Welcome Center
  • Welding program

This partnership between Sandburg, the U of I Extension and ROE No. 33 underscores the commitment of these organizations to provide students with exceptional opportunities for growth and learning. More than 150 volunteers will be part of helping area students throughout this career experience.

Meet the Candidates- Shannon Kissinger   who Running for   Hancock County Treasurer Primaries March 17th 2026

WCAZ Saulte to  Vets with  Veteran   Tim Tomlinson 

Meet the Candidates- Josh Smith    who Running for   Hancock County Sheriff Primaries March 17th 2026

MVP Kretschmer among 5 on All-Arrowhead Conference men’s soccer team for champion Chargers

GALESBURG — Valentin Kretschmer was voted the Arrowhead Conference’s Most Valuable Player to lead five selections for the Sandburg men’s soccer team on this year’s all-conference squad.

The Chargers, who repeated as Arrowhead champions with a 3-0 league record, made up nearly half of the 11-player all-conference team. Kretschmer was joined on the first team by Luis Garcia and Alberto Fernandez Do Carmo. Ramon Ponga and Mateo Figueroa were second-team picks for Sandburg. It’s the second year in a row Sandburg has produced the conference MVP and five All-Arrowhead picks.

In three conference matches, Kretschmer totaled a team-leading seven points (three goals and one assist). The sophomore striker had six shot attempts, with three going on net. Kretschmer scored the Chargers’ first two goals in their 3-2 win Oct. 8 against Black Hawk.

Garcia, last year’s conference MVP, earned first-team honors for the second year in a row. The sophomore striker matched Kretschmer for the team lead with three goals in conference play. Garcia tallied 11 shot attempts and put seven on goal. He scored the opening goal in the Chargers’ Oct. 14 win over Illinois Valley and had two goals in their Oct. 17 victory over Kishwaukee to clinch the conference title.

Fernandez Do Carmo had two goals and an assist in conference play. The center midfielder delivered Sandburg’s most dramatic score of the season as he converted a penalty kick in the 90th minute in the team’s win over Black Hawk.

Ponga, a freshman striker, had a goal and two assists in three conference matches. Three of his points came in the win over Kishwaukee, as he had a goal and an assist.

Figueroa, a freshman striker, played in all three Arrowhead contests. He collected two assists in the Chargers’ victory against Illinois Valley. 

2025 ALL-ARROWHEAD CONFERENCE MEN’S SOCCER TEAM
First team
Most Valuable Player — Valentin Kretschmer (sophomore striker, Sandburg)
Xander Oswin-Roe (freshman goalkeeper, Black Hawk)
Luis Garcia (sophomore striker, Sandburg)
Jabulile Mooketsi (sophomore goalkeeper, Illinois Valley)
Alberto Fernandez Do Carmo (sophomore center midfielder, Sandburg)
Second team
Ayman Farah (sophomore midfielder, Kishwaukee)
Ramon Ponga (freshman striker, Sandburg)
Mateo Figueroa (freshman striker, Sandburg)
Javier Flores (freshman striker, Black Hawk)
Luis Vazquez (sophomore defender, Kishwaukee)
Deontae Nache (sophomore center back, Black Hawk)

Sandburg  December  Seminars  the FREE Agricultural Alternatives you will  not want to miss  feature   speakers Win Phippen and Shelby Henning 

Hancock Salute to Veterans with John Huston 

Don Obrien  from the Better Business Bureau - Holiday Shopping how to protect yourself 

Veteran Rhea   Flambeau

CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL

AGENDA

REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 11, 2025

MAYOR:
Pledge of Allegiance Approve Regular Minutes October 28, 2025
Roll Call Approve October Budgetary Report
Public Comments

CLERK:
TREASURER:

CITY ATTORNEY:
530 Wabash - Reed Building Land on end of Wabash
201 S. Scofield - Hundley Property 22 Main – David Vass
160 Prairie – Charlie Mustread 724 Walnut – Xavier Hutchcroft
130 S. Marion – Sebastian Jemison 242 Buchanan – Michael Bennett
Friendship Park

PUBLIC SAFETY:
Report on Fire Dept. Report on Police Traffic Light

PUBLIC PROPERTY:
Tree City Report Landfill Report 243 Main St.
Land Bank Community Center Snow Removal Bids
Public Properties Update Asbestos Abatement

FINANCE:
Bills Christmas Bonus
PUBLIC WORKS:
Building Permit report CFL Loan Program – Dearwester
New Deep Well

LEGISLATIVE:
Code Book Update
Public Works Director Position

EXECUTIVE SESSION:

River Bend Food Bank Saturday November 15th  Distribution starts at 10 am

Veteran Tom Boyer

Josh Higgins 

Hanock County Veteran Duane  Fugate 

Lawerence Harrell

Hancock County Farm Bureau Richlyn Honer is BACK !

So many update on what is coming up!

Judge Chad Long   Republican Circuit Judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit