Jim Taylor

Identities Released Of Two Fatal Fire Victims

The identities have been released of the two people killed in a weekend fire in rural Preemption. The deceased are 31 year old Matthew Phelps and his 4 year old son Kash Phelps.  The blaze broke out Sunday night says…

Staley: Decision Coming Soon On Rooth Reward Money

Over $23,000 in reward money was collected to help find the person responsible for the May attack on 83 year old Fred Rooth of rural Joy. Since police work solved the case, Mercer County Sheriff Dave Staley says they now…

Preemption Fire Victims Identified

The Mercer County Sheriff’s Department confirms there was a fatal residential fire near Preemption Sunday night. The Sherrard Fire Department was paged to 1531 U.S. Highway 67 after 9 p.m.  They were assisted by fire departments from Matherville, Viola, Blackhawk,…

Illini Coach Underwood With High Praise For ‘Illinois Kid’ Happ

University of Illinois head basketball coach Brad Underwood took time to praise former Rockridge Rocket Ethan Happ as he previewed tonight’s match-up with Wisconsin at the Kohl Center. Happ is averaging 16.7 points,  8.4 rebounds and 3.6 rebounds per game…

Two Local Schools Receive Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grants

The Mercer County and Sherrard School Districts awarded Illinois Schoolyard Habitat Action Grants. They are among 21 recipients statewide. The funding is from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Illinois Conservation Foundation. $1,000 is going to Apollo Elementary…