Jim Taylor

Community Thanksgiving Meal Serves Working Local First Responders Too

They don’t forget about the first responders working on Thanksgiving.  We’re talking about the First Baptist Church of Aledo and their community Thanksgiving meal. The effort is intended to feed those that are alone and/or homebound during the holidays says…

Two Additional COVID Deaths Reported By Mercer County Health Dept.

The Mercer County Health Department (MCHD) on Friday announced two additional COVID-19 related deaths, bringing the county’s total to nine. The deaths included a woman in her 70s and a man in his 90s. “Today we are saddened to report…

Hawthorn Ridge Rezoning Tabled Until December

The rezoning of the former Hawthorn Ridge Golf Course gets attention from the Mercer County Zoning Board. Mark Bieri now owns the property and his plans include a campground for the site. He is seeking a zoning change from ag…

Mercer County Now Over 600 COVID-19 Cases

The Mercer County Health Department (MCHD) is reporting another 41 confirmed cases of COVID-19.  This brings the county’s total to 607 cases since reporting began.   The latest cases include:   1 male in his 80s 4 males in their…

Firearm Deer Season Arrives In Illinois Friday Morning

Mercer County hunters head out for the first weekend of firearm deer hunting in Illinois Friday morning. A few reminders from Illinois Conservation Police Captain Laura Petreikis…   Last year during the first weekend Mercer County hunters harvested 521 deer.

IDPH Director: Quit Calling COVID-19 “Just A Cold”

State officials say too many people still believe COVID-19 is a hoax. Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike addressed that issue at Governor Pritzker’s daily COVID briefing on Wednesday.   Dr. Ezike says while it’s estimated that…

When Should Winter Sports Resume; A Discussion Point For Mercer County Board Of Education

Even though the IHSA put all winter sports on pause this week with stricter Tier 3 COVID-19 mitigations taking effect, the issue received some lively discussion from the Mercer County School Board. Unit 404 Board president Julie Wagner made a…

Local Holiday Gift Effort For Nursing Home Residents

An effort underway to collect gifts for residents at Mercer County nursing homes. Diane Unsworth is involved with the cause, which also includes door decorations.   Unsworth says there are 93 residents between Mercer Manor and Aledo Health & Rehab.…