Western Illinois Today

A Viola man facing two felony sexual abuse counts will now have a bench trial next month. 33-year-old Gregory Wilson was originally scheduled to have a jury trial begin Monday, but during a court appearance [FULL STORY]

The 2026 Relay for Life of Mercer County is this weekend. This year’s Relay for Life event takes place on Saturday at Aledo’s Central Park. Luminaria sales run from 3 to 7 p.m., and the [FULL STORY]

A public hearing is scheduled for this week regarding a county-wide solid waste and recycling plan update. Every five years, every county in the state is expected to update its solid waste and recycling plan. [FULL STORY]

Local State Senator Neil Anderson (R-Andalusia) is announcing that fire departments and fire protection districts throughout the 47th Senate District have been awarded nearly $270,000 through the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal’s (OSFM) [FULL STORY]

The 2026 Relay for Life of Mercer County is two weeks away. This year’s Relay for Life event takes place on June 27 at Aledo’s Central Park. Luminaria sales run from 3 to 7 p.m., [FULL STORY]

Sherrard High School graduate Eric Lawson has been named the superintendent of the West Central School District. The West Central School District Board of Education approved a three-year contract with Lawson at a special school [FULL STORY]

A public hearing is scheduled for next week regarding a solid waste and recycling plan update. The tri-county plan includes Mercer, Warren, and McDonough Counties. The hearing will provide the public with an opportunity to [FULL STORY]

A Viola man facing a felony sexual assault charge has been released from custody and will return to Mercer County Circuit Court for a preliminary hearing next month. 22-year-old Marcellus Trice appeared in court on [FULL STORY]

Haven Hills Campground and Resort’s pool is open for the summer. Haven Hills, located south of Aledo at the former Hawthorn Ridge Golf Course, also features a 4,300-square-foot splash pad and a large spa and [FULL STORY]