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.

111 Chargers earn Academic All-Region 4 for fall semester

GALESBURG — Sandburg had 111 student-athletes earn Academic All-Region 4 awards from the 2025 fall semester.

To be eligible, student-athletes must have completed at least 12 credit hours and recorded a grade point average of at least 3.0.

All 11 Chargers teams had at least one representative. Baseball had the most of any team, with 31. Among women’s squads, cross country, basketball and softball each had 10.

Baseball
Colton Allen, Drey Anderson, Landon Binder, Tucker Bond, Braley Burford, Clayton Cawley, Carter Chapin, Elliott Copeland, Shane Correll, Jameson Dickerson, Dawson Fenton, Nathan Hill, Brady Johnson, Connor Johnson, Kellan Keane, Justin Keener, Kody Knecht, Ethan Krei, Griffen Landsverk, Dayton Lundstrom, Benjamin Marvel, Ayden Mendoza, Cruz Paredes, Drake Paul, Brady Peterson, Carter Ramsey, Owen Rigg, Damien Snell, Dillon Steelman, Tucker Vandewostine, Karter Wheeler

Men’s basketball
James Blackwell, Griffin Briles, Rylan Carton, Ashton Grieves, Larry Olivier, Lewis Siegfried

Women’s basketball
Abbie Ackers, Cameron Anderson, Lajaya Angel, Camryn Atterberg, Lillian Covarrubias, Tiera Hall, Antonia Kisler, Anna Landis, Tyriunna Steele, Janessa Wallace

Men’s cross country
Amos Kipkemoi, Jeff Kipkorir, Jeff Kipkorir, Mathew Kiplagat, Mathias Kiprotich, Finnegan Martin

Women’s cross country
Sheila Cheruiyot, Ascar Jepchirchir, Qetsia Kamdem Houeguo, Marrion Kemboi, Damaris Kimaiyo, Faith Kiprop, Linda Koech, Abigael Maiyo, Grace Maiyo, Sharon Yego

Esports
Bishop Kyser, Austin Ullrich

Men’s golf
Braeden Brennan, Blake Harvey, Kenneth Hoosen, Tyler Partee, Brayden Schleich

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

Men’s soccer
Pablo Albiach Perez, Sergio Cruz Segui, Kokou Dadabo, Alberto Fernandez Do Carmo, Mateo Figueroa Garibay, Iker Garcia, Valentin Kretschmer, Teigan Lai-Conboy, Jaime Martin Caballero, Connor McLauchlan, Lucas Mota, Tyrese Ogbonnia, Caio Oliveira, Linus Richtberg, Enrico Augusto Rola, Diego Santos Branco Martinez, Craig Sewell, Emiliano Sosa

Softball
Jordyn Climer, Jaylynn Hamilton, Madalynn Knapp, Rylee Krebsbach, Lakinn Larson, Reese Poole, Hannah Pyle, Emma Racke, Payton Ruggles, Tieler Williams-Fouts

Volleyball
Taliya Galloway, Addison Gillen, Madalynn Knapp, Macy Nolan, Quinn Rexroat, Payton Ruggles, Abigail Shaffer, Taylor Wagner

Burn Ban in Effect 03/22/2026

Burn Ban in Effect 03/22/2026

MACOMB, IL
McDonough County ESDA has issued an immediate county-wide Open Burn Ban due to the
extremely dry conditions impacting Central Illinois. This ban encompasses all areas within
McDonough County, including the Macomb City limits, and is intended to protect residents,
property, and the community from the heightened risk of accidental fires. The burn ban will
remain in effect until further notice and prohibits all open burning within city limits. This includes,
but is not limited to, yard waste, bonfires, and recreational fires.
Exceptions:
• The use of charcoal or gas grills for cooking is permitted.
• Grills must be attended at all times while in use.
Persons who violate the burn ban will be subject to a fine.
The City of Macomb urges all residents to take this situation seriously and exercise extreme
caution with any potential fire hazards during this period of unusually dry weather. Public safety is
our top priority, and your cooperation is essential in reducing the risk of accidental fires.
For questions or additional information, please contact:
Macomb Fire Department
309-836-7800

CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL

AGENDA

REGULAR MEETING MARCH 24, 2026

MAYOR:
Pledge of Allegiance Approve Regular Minutes March 17, 2026
Roll Call TIF – Velvet Hanger Update
Public Comments Resolution – 250 Commemoration
1248 Asbestos Pay Request
Ordinance Approving TIF Agreement – Wood Inn
Ordinance Approving TIF Agreement – Housewright Construction
CLERK:
TREASURER:
CITY ATTORNEY:
530 Wabash - Reed Building 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
PUBLIC PROPERTY:
Tree City Report Landfill Report Land Bank
Public Properties Update LT Pay Request – 511 Walnut & Tree Trimming
FINANCE:
Salaries Amended Budget
PUBLIC WORKS:
Building Permit report CFL Loan Program – Dearwester
New Deep Well Concrete Bids
LEGISLATIVE:
Code Book Update
EXECUTIVE SESSION:

CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL

AGENDA

SPECIAL MEETING MARCH 26, 2026

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

Dr Jodi Pospeschl with Sandburg College  on  The Morning Brew   - Now is the Time to Sign up for Nursing Programs and the Community Education Classes!  Learn a New Skill- Cookie Decorating, Stained Glass, Calligraphy and Don't Slurp your Spaghetti Manners! 

Join a Day Adventure Trip  to Pella or to Sweet Briar

Southeastern Lady Suns 8th Grade Volleyball Super Sectional Game vs Rantoul  

March 20th 2026

Hancock County Board Members    Lee Ann Lambert and Michelle Merritt  chat with the Morning Brew on Monday nights board meeting 

Republican Candidates- Josh Higgins  on his  win  for the Republican  Primary

Republican Candidates- Shannon Kissinger on her  win for Treasurer  primary   

Kirstin Huls with the Illinois Extension Office talks with The Morning Brew

  Deadlines, 4 H Fair, everything you need to know 

Republican Candidates-    Jordan Hawes   stops by the Morning Brew  after winning the Republican Primary Race

Nauvoo, Illinois Selected as 2026 Strong Communities Initiative Awardee

Great River Bend Food Bank  Sathurday March 21st  Registration begins at 9 am 

GALESBURG — More than 340 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. March 27 on Sandburg’s Galesburg campus.

The event, hosted by Sandburg and 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 Abby Thomas, director of communications and development at Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development.

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
• Illinois Student Assistance Commission
• 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
• Yemm Auto Group

CARTHAGE CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING MARCH 17th, 2026

The Regular Meeting of the Carthage City Council was held Tuesday, March 17 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 Roberts to approve the regular
meeting minutes of February 24 th . All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Roberts to approve the special
meeting minutes of February 23 rd . All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.
After discussion a motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Smith to approve
the February budgetary report. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
Brian Christiansen spoke with the Council about the upcoming Nauvoo Marathon. They
would like to start the marathon in front of the Hancock County Courthouse in Carthage
and it will finish at the Willards Richard Inn in Nauvoo. This marathon will be held on
April 25 th . They would like to place a few portable toilets on the corner of Madison street
and Main street. These toilets would be removed the following day.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Walker to approve the Nauvoo
Marathon permission form. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
Mayor Smith reported to the Council that the City received a letter from GFL stating that
they will be applying a 15% fuel surcharge to residential invoices. This surcharge will
remain in effect until the price of diesel fuel drops below $4.50 per gallon. The contract
with GFL states that they are entitled to add this surcharge when the price of fuel exceeds
$4.50 per gallon.
Clerk Roberts reported to the Council that an escrow account needs to be established for
the TIF agreement with Jonathan and Elizabeth Pearson.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Roberts to approve the establishment
of a TIF escrow account for the benefit of Jonathan & Elizabeth Pearson with Donna
Walker, Gary Smith, Pam Edris and Scott Roberts as approved signers of that account.
All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
Clerk Roberts notified the Council that the City recently received a letter stating that the
Illinois Gaming Board overpaid the City of Carthage local video gaming tax revenue in

the amount of $1,176.14. They will be reducing the amount they pay to the City in the
future to recoup that amount in the next few months.
Clerk Roberts reported to the Council that the current copier lease for the Admin
department ends in May. A new copier lease from Access Systems has been presented to
the Council for consideration. The new copier would be the exact same model as the
current copier. The current lease price is $110.13 per month and the new lease price
would be $139.00 per month for a term of 60 months.
Motion was made by Alderman Walker, seconded by Long to approve the Access
Systems Copier lease as stated above. All six Aldermen voted “yes”.
City Attorney Tom Hartzell reported on several delinquent properties. He also presented
the Mayor with a deed for “Friendship Park” that is located directly west of City Hall.
The City recently purchased this property from the Carthage Library District.
Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the Safety Committee reviewed the budget
requests for the Fire Department and Police Department. He also reported that the Fire
Department has been working on the tanker and brush truck.
Alderman Smith reported to the Council that the 22 squad car received a new battery and
had an oil change recently and the 17 squad car received a new Gateway Module. He
also reported that the department participated in a mandated Non-escalation and De-
escalation Scenario Based training.
Alderman Smith reported to the Council that WIRC Victim Services has submitted a
permission form to the City. They are asking permission to place ribbons on light poles
on the square for the month of April. April is Child abuse prevention and sexual assault
awareness month.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Roberts to approve the permission
form from WIRC Victim Services. All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.
Alderman Smith reported to the Council that Illini West High School has submitted a
permission form for a 5K color run/family run to be held on April 15 th from 5:30 p.m. to
7:00 p.m. They have already spoken with the Police Department and have reviewed the
route that will be taken.
Motion was made by Alderman Smith, seconded by Walker to approve the permission
form from IWHS for the color run. All six Aldermen answered “aye” in approval.

Nauvoo, Illinois — The Nauvoo Business Development Group is proud to announce the winners of its recent Business Plan Competition, the culmination of a series of business development classes designed to support and grow local entrepreneurship.

The classes, hosted by Grow Nauvoo and the Nauvoo Tourism Office with assistance from the Small Business Development Center, guided participants through the process of building a strong, actionable business plan. Topics included market research, financial planning, marketing strategy, and operational development. Participants then submitted completed business plans and delivered presentations showcasing their ideas and vision.

This year’s competition resulted in a tie, recognizing two outstanding local entrepreneurs for their innovation, preparation, and commitment to growing business in Nauvoo.

McKenzie Bryant, owner of Bryant Homestead, and Lyuba Hall, founder of Bake Royale LLC, were each awarded a $300 prize.

Bryant Homestead is already a familiar name in the community, hosting Nauvoo’s Farmers Market and operating a farm stand featuring allergen-friendly baked goods. Bryant Homestead can be contacted through their Facebook page or by calling McKenzie at 217-577-7022. McKenzie Bryant’s business plan focused on expanding access to fresh, inclusive food options, gluten-free and allergen friendly baking, while continuing to create a welcoming gathering space for residents and visitors alike.

Lyuba Hall’s Bake Royale LLC offers European-style baked goods, deserts, pastry and breads currently available through custom orders with delivery or pick up serving local markets through Hancock and Adams County. The company can be contacted through their Facebook page or website at BakeRoyale.com. Her business plan outlined the next steps in her journey: opening a tea room in Nauvoo where guests can enjoy her pastries in an inviting, old-world atmosphere as well as receiving approval to serve SNAP program clients.

“The Business Plan Competition is about more than just an award—it’s about building confidence, skills, and momentum for our local entrepreneurs,” said Rebecca Williamson Nauvoo Tourism Director. “We are excited to see both of these businesses continue to grow and contribute to Nauvoo’s vibrant small business community.”

The Nauvoo Business Development Group, along with its partners, remains committed to fostering economic growth by supporting new and existing businesses through education, mentorship, and opportunity.

For more information about future classes or business development opportunities in Nauvoo, please contact the Nauvoo Tourism Office. www.beautifulnauvoo.com or Grow Nauvoo www.grownauvoo.org ###

Election Results

Hancock Co. Treasurer - GOPHancock

Reporting 100%

Hancock Co. Sheriff - GOPHancock

Reporting 100%

Precinct Committee Person Carthage 3 - GOPHancock

Reporting 90%

Precinct Committee Person Macomb #2 - DemMcDonough

Reporting 90%

Precinct Committee Person Macomb City #6 - DemMcDonough

Reporting 90%

McDonough Co. Private K-12 Funds PropMcDonough

Illinois opt into federal K-12 Private and home school funding.

Reporting 90%

McDonough Co. Sheriff - GOPMcDonough

Reporting 90%

Pike Co. Public Safety Sales TaxPike

Increase public safety sales tax.

Reporting 97%

Pike Co. Treasurer - GOPPike

Reporting 97%

Pike Co. Board at-Large - GOPPike

Open Seats: 5

Reporting 97%

Scott Co. Treasurer - GOPScott

Reporting 100%

Scott Co. Sheriff - GOPScott

Reporting 100%

Governor - GOP

Votes in: Estimated 86.1%

Secretary of State - GOP

Votes in: Estimated 84.1%

Comptroller - Dem

Votes in: Estimated 85.4%

U.S. House - District 15 - Dem

Votes in: Estimated 76.6%

U.S. House - District 15 - GOP

Votes in: Estimated 86.3%

U.S. House - District 17 - GOP

Votes in: Estimated 82.1%

U.S. Senate - Class II - Dem

Votes in: Estimated 88.1%

U.S. Senate - Class II - GOP

Votes in: Estimated 84.2%

State Senate - District 36 - GOP

Votes in: Estimated 81.4%

State House - District 94 - GOP

Votes in: Estimated 91.2%

Carthage Library Amy Gee  with March updates 

Dustin Day- Carthage Elementary Superintendent    Talks with the Morning  Brew  Shawn Stewart 

7th Grade Carthage Bluegirls Volleyball Team plays Friday night at 8 pm- will be aired on WCAZ 99.1 and streamed on Listen Live-   Select Stream 1 ( Real Country)    

This live game is happening because of the following Sponsors- THANK YOU!

Lou Lou’s Bargain Den

J B and D Siding and Windows

WCAZ/Hancock County Broadcasting   / Shawn Stewart at the mic 

Rural Bliss Designs

Los Charros in Carthage  

Fortress Bank-Carthage

Bergman Farm Supply                    

Mealiff Insurance     

Kwik Shine Car and Pet Wash   - 

MK Electrical  

Rachel Kerns Marketing Director with MTC Communications - Warmer weather means MTC is making drops to bring fiber to you!

Joy Swearingen Invites you to the 47th Annual Strawberry Strut June 6th 2026

Rebecca Williamson Tourism  Director  for Nauvoo