Western Illinois Today

Weaver Talks Funding Mechanism For School Resource Officers

How can school resource officers be funded across Illinois?  Local State Senator Chuck Weaver says he supports legislation that would allow counties the option to pass a 1-percent public safety sales tax—through referendum—with proceeds specifically used for school resource officers.…

Wounded Suspect Waives Prelim In Viola Area Drugs & Weapons Case

The Sherrard man shot by a Mercer County Sheriff’s Deputy last week has waived his preliminary hearing. 28 year old Donavan Smith of Sherrard is facing a Class X felony of armed violence along with other felony charges of possession…

Single Waste Hauler Being Evaluated For Aledo

The Aledo City Council in the preliminary stages of exploring a single waste hauler for residents. Aldermen approved seeking request for proposals last night says City Administrator Erin Knackstedt. Knackstedt says the request for proposals should be out by the…

Former Mercer County Football Coach Arrested In Domestic Battery Case

Former Mercer County High School football coach and athletic director Nat Zunkel has been arrested on domestic battery charges over the weekend in McHenry County, according to a published report in the Northwest Herald. The incident occurred Saturday night and…

Looser-Flake Announces Recreation Grant

The Looser-Flake Charitable Foundation trustees through Mercer County Better Together plan to offer a new grant to support public parks and recreational facilities.  Applicants will be required to work together to create and submit one collaborative application supporting as many…

Ground Broken For New Library In Aledo

A new library on the way in Aledo with a new name. Ground was broken Saturday morning along East Main Street. The 4,500 square foot building will replace the existing Mercer Carnegie Library and there will be a new name…