Western Illinois Today

Agencies Team Up To Fight Homelessness In Mercer County

Many are surprised to learn that homelessness is a problem in Mercer County, that’s according to Kathy Jordan, Homeless Coordinator for Project Now. She, along with Kyle McEwen, of Mercer County Better Together, and Krissy Dixon, a Nurse Navigator with…

Proposed Solar Farm Project Brings More Discussion At Mercer County Board Meeting

More pushback on a proposed 380-acre solar farm near Alexis. A number of neighbors spoke out at Tuesday night’s Mercer County Board meeting. The Mercer County Zoning Board turned down the developer’s application in late December calling it incomplete. And…

Demolition For Downtown Aledo Building

A downtown Aledo building is coming down. The Aledo City Council learned Monday night that the former Headquarters & Alley Outback Spa storefront will be demolished. The structure was declared structurally unsound last year. Also Monday night, aldermen scheduled a…

Woman Convicted In 1986 Mercer County Murder Case Granted Parole

A convicted Mercer County murderer has been paroled. 69-year-old Janet Jackson was sentenced to life in prison for orchestrating the November of 1986 fatal attack on her estranged husband. The crime occurred at a rural Viola farmhouse. She was found…

New Boston Area Traffic Stop Leads To Meth Arrest & Other Charges

A New Boston woman facing multiple charges following a traffic stop in the New Boston area. According to a Mercer County Sheriff’s Department press release, 42-year-old Angela Crow was arrested early this morning for possession of methamphetamine, obstruction of justice,…

Pay Increase For Mercer County Sheriff’s Deputies

Deputies, correctional officers, and telecommunicators at the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department have a new labor deal. The agreement includes competitive wage increases says Mercer County Sheriff Dusty Terrill. The five-year agreement was approved this week and will include annual 5-percent…

New Tax Credit To Benefit First Responders

Helping to save lives and property could mean savings as you file your Illinois State Taxes. Chris Meskan of Charlie’s Tax Service in rural Reynolds says a new tax credit is being offered. Meskan also has a reminder for educators.…

Penguin Project Encourages Kids With Special Needs

The sold-out Penguin Project had it’s opening performance last weekend. It was held at the  Brunner Theater on the Campus of Rock Island’s Augustana College. The Penguin Project is an annual performance where kids with special needs and mentors work…