Month: July 2025

A New Boston man facing a felony sexual abuse charge has pleaded not guilty in the case. Gage Welch, 23, appeared in Mercer County Circuit Court on Monday, where he entered a not guilty plea [FULL STORY]

Local U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Illinois) is warning of rural hospital closures, including in Aledo, if President Donald Trump’s tax and spending plan is signed. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” cleared the Senate after [FULL STORY]

The Aledo Opera House will host a concert on Wednesday with Wasted Major performing at 7 p.m. The band describes itself as a blend of ’60s and ’70s rock with ’90s country influence. Wasted Major [FULL STORY]

Aledo Central Park’s annual Independence Day tradition is back in 2025. The day starts on Friday with the Dr. Ford Memorial Frog Races from 9 to 10 a.m., with registration an hour before. Then the [FULL STORY]

As contract negotiations continue for teachers in the Mercer County School District, their current contract has expired. The previous contract ran out on June 30. With the deal expired, teachers will be paid the previous [FULL STORY]

A Matherville man is facing charges of methamphetamine possession and criminal trespass stemming from a disturbance at an apartment complex in the village over the weekend. According to a Mercer County Sheriff’s Department press release, [FULL STORY]

A local Illinois State Senator says he’s committed to bringing a driver’s services facility back to Aledo. The Aledo DMV location closed on June 11 after the Secretary of State’s Office said it was unable [FULL STORY]

The Mercer County Unemployment Rate is 4.0%. The number is for May and compares to a 4.9% figure that was recorded the same time a year ago, according to data from the Illinois Department of [FULL STORY]