Western Illinois Today

DeFrieze Provides Update On New Boston Grant Project

Progress being made on a New Boston grant project. The $400,000 in funding was extended from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Mayor Chris DeFrieze says a local foundation helped with the city’s match. DeFrieze provided the update prior…

Boucher: With State Uncertainty, Having Cash Reserves Is Big Help

The Sherrard School District—like most school districts in Illinois, is making due with cash reserves entering the new school year.  Unit 200 superintendent Alan Boucher says Sherrard is lucky to have a safety net. The state has missed two state…

Viola To Serve As Final Stop For This Year’s 9/11 Remembrance Ride

Viola will serve as the last stop for this year’s Mercer County 9/11 Remembrance Ride. The event is Saturday, September 9th says Viola volunteer firefighter Scott Barber. Proceeds will help with Viola Fire Department equipment needs.  The fee for the…

Swanson Promoting Veterans Event In Mercer County This Week

A local state lawmaker is helping promote a Veterans/Senior Resources Fair this week in Aledo.  State Representative Dan Swanson of Alpha is a veteran himself. The Mercer County Veterans Assistance Commission is also helping organize the event, which is Tuesday…

Kleine To Run For Congress In 17th District

Independent businessman Mark Kleine has announced that he is running to represent the Illinois 17th Congressional District.  Kleine is the former owner of Kleine Equipment, which operated a location in Aledo.  The Galesburg businessman sold his John Deere dealerships to…

Mercer County Unemployment Rate 4.6 Percent

Mercer County’s unemployment rate is at 4.6 percent. The July number released today from the Illinois Department of Employment Security and represents a seven-point improvement from the same time a year ago. Unemployment is also down from year over year…

Aledo Antique Days and New Boston Fish & Chicken Fry This Weekend

A Big weekend in Mercer County with Aledo Antique Days and the New Boston Fish and Chicken Fry.  Antique Days features a big car show on Saturday says Aledo Main Street Executive Director Dana Murphy. Activities are planned Friday, Saturday…