FOOD & DRINK

In this article, we delve into the world of traditional American cuisine, exploring four iconic dishes in Jacksonville. Have you had the pleasure of tasting any of these culinary delights yet? If you have, we'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below!

Interested in adding a furry friend to your family? Even if you're just keen on viewing some of the cute critters available for adoption nearby, there are ample pets waiting for their forever homes in animal shelters throughout and around jacksonville.

Nestled in the heart of Divernon, the Divernon Heritage Museum serves as a beacon of history, illuminating the rich past of this once-thriving coal mining community. The museum offers a journey through time, showcasing Divernon's transformation from a modest railway depot to a bustling mining town. Artifacts and photographs narrate the tales of prosperity, adversity, and resilience, including the world-renowned Madison Coal Mine No. 6 and the agricultural era that shaped the town.

A tourism improvement district that would finance a $100 million expansion of Springfield's downtown convention center cleared a major hurdle recently, with the proposed district – and a future surcharge on room rates – receiving majority support from the city's hotels. "It's a big step," said state Rep....

The WJHS Literary Team competed in the Sangamon County Schoolmasters Literary Contest Nov. 11 at Rochester. Contestants are judged on their ability to develop engaging, entertaining characters and bring their stories to life. The judges awarded 20 of the 27 events first place ratings, while seven were given second place ratings. We also had a record number of Special Recognition […]

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. (WICS) — KJB's Bar & Eatery, located at 222 E State Street Jacksonville, has announced a seasonal transformation into a Holiday Pop-Up Bar. This limited transformation will be from November 20th-January 1st, 2024. The decor includes twinkling lights, ornamented trees, and a tapestry of decorations that capture...

COULTERVILLE, Ill. – Of all the things you expect to see around the Illinois State Capitol, elk might not be one of them. Authorities believe an elk is making its way through that part of the state after becoming lost. That’s according to a number of media reports.

Considering pet adoption? Or perhaps you just enjoy all things cute and cuddly? Numerous charming pets are ready for a loving home at animal shelters situated in and near jacksonville.

Retired educator Les Stevens takes up fiction writing. Reading for pleasure came late to Les Stevens, but the retired school administrator and teacher always loved to write. In grade school, his teacher would provide a weekly list of spelling words and assign her students to write a story using all those words.

A well-known local historical author is releasing a collection of articles in a book all about Morgan County in December. Writer Tom Emery of Carlinville is releasing “The Morgan County History Reader,” which will celebrate the county’s bicentennial in a 320-page book of illustrations, pictures, and articles on the county’s vast array of historical moments and figures.

A Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony, hosted by AMVETS Post 100 and WJIL, was held on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. The ceremony took place at the Korean Memorial in Jacksonville’s Community Park, with Illinois Army National Guardsman Michael Chavez as the speaker. Photos by Marcy Patterson.

• The Sangamon County Animal Control & Adoption Center is now posting quarterly reports about the number of animals it takes in, returns to owners, and euthanizes. • The reports are a response to allegations of abuse at the Sangamon County Animal Shelter and aim to increase transparency and accountability.

Shoppers in the Jacksonville area are reminded to shop local as the holiday shopping season heats up. Black Friday savings start a week early today and tomorrow as downtown businesses host the second annual Pinkmas to help shoppers kick off the season by shopping small businesses first. The event, presented by the downtown business group, runs from 10 am to 5 pm today and tomorrow with great deals to be found in your favorite local businesses.

The Illinois College Fine Arts Series welcomes a special modern classical quartet to the Fine Arts Series this weekend. ~Nois, a well-traveled saxophone quartet based in Chicago, Illinois will perform starting at 3PM on Sunday at Rammelkamp Chapel. Tim Kramer, musical professor emeritus...