By Marty Yeakel A native of Peoria, Jack Harrer moved to Arthur and in 1947, partnered with Clarence Hoke in the Hoke & Harrer Market at 228 S. Vine St., where Amish Country Heirlooms is today.  In 1949, the business became an independent grocer under the IGA trademark. Jack took full ownership of the business in 1951…

On March 12, Kirby Foods signed an agreement with Save A Lot to open a Save A Lot store in the current Kirby Foods location. Save A Lot Food Stores Ltd. is an American discount supermarket chain store headquartered in St. Ann, Mo., in Greater St. Louis. It has about 900 independently owned and operated…

Incumbent Douglas County Sheriff Nathan Chaplin fell to challenger Heath Thurston in Tuesday’s Republican primary, the most competitive local contest on a ballot that saw Douglas County voters weigh in on races stretching from the courthouse to the statehouse. Thurston defeated Chaplin by a margin of roughly 63% to 37%, collecting 1,749 votes to the…

The Villa Grove School Board approved key facility upgrades, annual memberships, and recognized a wide range of student accomplishments across the district at their March meeting. Following a brief opening and approval of the consent agenda including minutes, bills, and financial reports, the Board unanimously accepted several donations supporting student programs. Contributions included $50 donations…

The Tuscola City Council on Monday approved partnering with a regional group that city officials say will offer a more cost-effective way to deal with blighted properties — while also getting welcome news on a long-delayed street resurfacing project. The Council voted to join the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority and appointed City Administrator Drew…

By Ariana Cherry At its latest meeting on March 18, the Arthur School Board moved forward with key facilities decisions, heard community feedback on building accessibility, and received a student-led preview of the district’s future high school. The meeting opened with public comment from Jeremy Hale, who urged the Board to consider additional accessibility options…

The Tuscola Community Unit School District 301 Board of Education met in regular session Monday evening at Tuscola High School, approving several personnel moves, a new administrative contract, and the district’s calendar for the upcoming school year. The Board approved a four-year contract for North Ward Elementary School Principal Jorden Lauwers, beginning at $91,350 annually.…

The Arthur Village Board approved the FY 2026-2027 Capital Improvement Plan on March 16, outlining more than $6 million in ongoing and future investments in the village’s water and wastewater infrastructure. The plan, which serves as a long-term guide for infrastructure spending, includes projects such as rehabilitation of Well No. 7, water system improvements in…