From economic wins and new beginnings to heartbreaking losses and community resilience, 2025 was a year full of stories that touched our hometown. Here’s a look back at some of the biggest local stories WGIL covered, month by month, with a brief summary and link to the full article for each. (These highlights represent just a selection of the many events and developments that made news this year.)
January
- Galesburg seeks second federal grant as initial step to replace South Street underpass. Here’s the plan
The city pursued additional funding to advance plans for replacing the South Street underpass.
Read more - Burlington Terrace senior housing project advances despite funding delay
Bywater Development Group’s proposal for 50-60 affordable villa-style apartments for seniors 55+ on Graham Health System land near North Seminary Street and Carl Sandburg Drive moved forward in early 2025; though not awarded tax credits this round, the team plans to resubmit in 2026 with strong local support.
Read more on proposal | Read more on update
- Tragic I-74 crash claims lives of beloved Galesburg couple Steven and Christine Youngquist
Longtime farmer Steven H. Youngquist, 70, and retired teacher Christine F. Youngquist, 72, were among the victims killed in a wrong-way driver crash on I-74. The community mourned deeply, with tributes continuing into February as family and friends remembered them as true pillars.
Initial report | Tributes - District 205 to appeal loss in federal court ruling involving student with disability
The school district announced plans to appeal a federal court decision in a disability-related case.
Read more - ‘A major win.’ Galesburg awarded $25M Federal Transportation Grant; project will bring rail access to Business Park
Galesburg secured a $25 million grant to extend rail service to the business park, boosting economic potential.
Read more
Galesburg's $25M win: Transforming Galesburg Business Park
February
- ‘It’s kind of a disaster.’ New owner of Sandburg Mall promises cleanup; demo imminent?
The mall’s new owner outlined plans for cleanup and potential demolition to revitalize the site.
Read more
- ‘The time is just right.’ Money secured, NRRHOF moving forward with visitor center in Galesburg
Funding was locked in to advance the National Railroad Hall of Fame visitor center project.
Read more
-
- JOANN Fabrics closing more than 500 stores, including the one in Galesburg. Here’s what we know
The Galesburg JOANN store was part of nationwide closures announced by the company.
Read more - Proposed Galesburg solar development seeks variance for sheep grazing. Here’s why the city has reservations
A solar farm proposal included sheep grazing, but faced city concerns over zoning variances.
Read more
- JOANN Fabrics closing more than 500 stores, including the one in Galesburg. Here’s what we know
March
- Downtown Galesburg Revitalization: Simmons Street construction begins in March, completes with long-awaited reopening in October
Major upgrades including resurfacing, ADA sidewalks, storm sewers, and decorative lighting started in spring; the project wrapped up on schedule with Simmons Street and Lot H reopening in October.
Read more on start | Read more on completion - Galesburg police chief fired amid sexual harassment allegations
Police Chief Russ Idle was terminated following allegations of sexual harassment—one of the year’s most significant local stories.
Read more - Signs of legacy: Galesburg’s Kimbrough Fieldhouse gains identity
New signage honored the legacy former Silver Streaks stars Albert and Elbert Kimbrough at the renamed Kimbrough Fieldhouse.
Read more - ‘Anyone want 160 sheep in their backyard?’ Residents raise stink over proposed Galesburg solar project
Neighbors near the Castlebury residential subdivision on South Lake Storey Road voiced strong opposition to the solar farm’s sheep-grazing component.
Read more
April
- A return to the Thiel days: Former Streak Taylor Thiel returns as head coach of Galesburg boys basketball
Former Silver Streak standout and grandson of legendary coach John Thiel, Taylor Thiel, was hired as the new boys basketball head coach, bringing excitement for the program’s future.
Read more
A Thiel legacy reborn: Familiar face, new coach, new era for Galesburg basketball
- District 205 Board re-elects Rodriguez as president, welcomes new members
The school board retained leadership and onboarded new members.
Read more - Six new pickleball courts coming to Galesburg by Fall 2025. Here’s the plan
Plans were approved for additional pickleball courts at Rotary Park to meet growing demand.
Read more - United Facilities files WARN notice for Galesburg layoffs; 62 jobs impacted
Layoffs affected dozens of workers at the local facility.
Read more - Schwartzman wins re-election as Galesburg mayor; Council gets 2 new members
Mayor Peter Schwartzman secured another term with a repeat victory over John Pritchard, with fresh faces Wendel Hunigan and Greg Saul joining the council.
Read more
Reflections and Future Goals: Peter Schwartzman excited for second term as Galesburg mayor
May
- District 205 Northside projects advance toward completion
Updates targeted summer/fall finishes for key improvements; by year’s end, artificial turf was installed at both baseball and softball fields, while the warehouse and Wicall Gym expansions were completed this fall.
Read more
- Galesburg’s Kimbrough Fieldhouse unveiled: Honoring a legacy of excellence
The newly named fieldhouse was officially unveiled in a community celebration honoring the Kimbrough twins’ athletic legacy.
Read more - Goodbye tacos, hello coffee: Taco John’s closes, 7 Brew drive-thru opens in its place
The longtime Taco John’s location closed in May after years of service; by October, the site reopened as a 7 Brew Coffee drive-thru stand, bringing a new caffeine-focused option to Galesburg.
Read more on Taco John’s closure | Read more on 7 Brew opening - Falcons set to soar over downtown Galesburg: Council approves proposal to control crows
Falcons were approved as a natural solution to downtown crow issues.
Read more
June
- ‘A model of innovation’: Galesburg’s Pegasus Manufacturing named 2025 SBA Illinois Manufacturer of the Year
Local company Pegasus earned statewide recognition for excellence.
Read more
Meet the Makers: Galesburg’s cutting edge 3D printing revolution unveiled at Jupiter/Pegasus
-
- Oglesby convicted in poisoning murder of former Maquon police chief
Marcy Oglesby was found guilty in the high-profile poisoning case.
Read more
- Oglesby convicted in poisoning murder of former Maquon police chief
- Pritzker urges Knox Class of 2025 to embrace bravery in Commencement address
Governor JB Pritzker delivered an inspiring message to Knox graduates.
Read more
Knox College Commencement 2025: A Timeless Tradition
- Galesburg names Kevin Legate as new police chief
Kevin Legate was appointed to lead the Galesburg Police Department.
Read more
Chief Kevin Legate: 'Honored and proud' to lead Galesburg Police
July
- ‘I thought it was never going to happen’: Remains of Korean War soldier Cpl. Paul Eugene Hoots returned home to Galesburg after 75 years
The remains of U.S. Army Cpl. Paul Eugene Hoots, a 1944 Galesburg High School graduate who went missing in action in 1950 at age 20, were finally identified and brought home for burial with full military honors, bringing long-awaited closure to his family and community.
Read more - Carl Sandburg College secures $1.8M grant for innovative downtown Galesburg ag tech incubator
The college received major funding for an ag-tech project downtown.
Read more
The 518 Collective: Sandburg College's ag-tech revolution
- Cathy St. George takes on Galesburg assistant city manager role
Cathy St. George stepped into a key administrative position.
Read more - Graham Health advances $5.1M ambulatory surgery center with state approval and groundbreaking
The project received state approval in March to enhance local healthcare, followed by a July groundbreaking on the $5.1 million outpatient surgery facility, marking a major step forward for medical services.
Read more on approval | Read more on groundbreaking
August
- Rotary Park pickleball courts plan faces resident pushback and adjustments
Proposal for courts sparked strong opposition over noise, lighting, and parking concerns; plan revised to 8 courts with no lights and approved amid debate, with construction delayed to 2026.
Read more on controversy | Council approval - Granite City man sentenced to life in prison for Knox County deputy’s death
Daylon Richardson received a life sentence for the murder of Deputy Nicholas Weist.
Read more - Parents secure $248,000 in legal fees in disability education rights lawsuit vs. District 205
A family won significant legal fees in their case against the school district.
Read more - Fisk Bier & Wine opens, bringing craft drinks and nostalgic ambiance to downtown Galesburg
The new bar and bottle shop opened in the historic Fisk Building, offering craft beer, wine, and a retro vibe to revitalize downtown nightlife.
Read more
- Galesburg City Council approves demolition of Maple Avenue fire station
The old fire house on Maple Avenue was approved for demolition as part of ongoing infrastructure modernization efforts.
Read more
Maple Avenue Fire Station: Chiefs share century-old memories
- Galesburg City Council approves YMCA grant and pursues additional funding for childcare and teen center expansion
Council greenlit a grant for YMCA expansions to support community programs and pursued a $900,000 grant for further childcare and teen center growth.
Read more | Read more on additional grant pursuit - Alderman Hix stepping down from Galesburg Council due to move outside Ward 1 boundaries
Bradley Hix resigned from council after relocating outside his ward.
Read more
September
- Orange Cup Sidecar set to brighten downtown Galesburg with facade overhaul. Here’s the new look
The popular spot underwent a vibrant exterior renovation.
Read more
- Galesburg Council unanimously approves Angelica Mangieri for Ward 1 vacancy
Angelica Mangieri filled the Ward 1 council seat left vacant.
Read more - New Cooke Park brings recreation to Galesburg’s southwest side
The city broke ground on the $1 million park behind the former Cooke Elementary, featuring a playground, splashpad, picnic shelter, walking paths, and more—funded by a state grant and city dollars to meet community needs.
Read more
Cooke Park development holds special meaning for two south-side Galesburg residents
- Dante & Dory’s premium pet destination opens downtown, fulfilling February announcement
Locally-owned Dante & Dory’s: A Pet Destination finally opened in September, bringing a unique premium pet retail experience with educational facilities, self-wash rooms, open play space, grooming, and more—filling a gap after the Pet Supplies Plus closure.
Read more on announcement | Read more on opening
Pet Love Unleashed: Dante Dory's in Downtown Galesburg
October
- Dr. Andrew Brooks on returning to Knoxville: ‘I want to be active, visible, and engaged’
The new Knoxville superintendent shared his vision in an interview.
Read more
New Knoxville Superintendent Dr. Andrew Brooks Outlines Vision for Stability, Growth
- Western Smokehouse Partners and Thrushwood Farms drive major meat snack expansions in Galesburg
Western Smokehouse Partners (with subsidiary Thrushwood Farms) announced massive growth, including a $72M investment creating 200+ jobs and 1.2M daily sticks, plus Thrushwood’s additional $22M expansion adding 50 jobs—led by a Galesburg native Doug Hankes and boosting local manufacturing.
Read more on Western boom | Read more on Thrushwood expansion
Inside Western Smokehouse’s Galesburg Boom: 1.2M Sticks Daily Still Growing
- Maquon woman sentenced to 50 years for poisoning death of ex-police chief
Marcy Oglesby received her sentence following the earlier conviction.
Read more - Galesburg auto dealer Rick Yemm named national finalist for TIME Dealer of the Year award
Rick Yemm, dealer principal of third-generation family-owned Yemm Automotive, earned recognition as one of 47 finalists nationwide for the prestigious TIME Dealer of the Year award, honoring excellence in business and community involvement.
Read more
Yemm Automotive: Rick Sara on TIME Dealer Honor, Dick’s Legendary Memory 64-Year Legacy
November
- IDOT plans $30 million full rebuild of U.S. 150 through east Galesburg
The 2.2-mile stretch from Allens Avenue to Knox Road 500 E will get new pavement, continuous sidewalks/shared paths, and intersection fixes; construction targeted for 2029 or later due to the road reaching the end of its useful life.
Read more
- Galesburg State of the City: $262 Million Invested, 550+ New Jobs — and “Pancake Capital of the World” Title
City Manager Eric Hanson touted $262 million in private investments, over 550 new jobs, and $40 million in grants; he also declared Galesburg the “Pancake Capital” due to Judy’s Cafe going viral on social media (reaching 106 million people) and attracting visitors from across the country.
Read more
Eric Hanson: 2025 State of the City – $262 Million Investment, 550+ Jobs
- Steakburgers and custard coming soon: Freddy’s Frozen Custard eyes January launch on North Henderson
The popular chain Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers announced plans for a new Galesburg location, targeting a January 2026 opening and bringing fresh dining options to the area.
Read more - Willits steps down as head football coach at Knox College; national search underway
Aaron Willits resigned after five seasons to focus on family, launching a search for his replacement.
Read more - Galesburg Chamber honors Mark Thomas with 2025 Thomas B. Herring Community Service Award
Mark Thomas was recognized for his outstanding community contributions.
Read more
Mark Thomas: Why Real Service Isn’t About the Plaque
December (through December 29)
- Grandview Restaurant closes after 73 years in Galesburg
The longtime eatery shut its doors after decades of service.
Read more - Sudzy’s Laundromat and Precision Car Wash complex opens in Galesburg
The new modern facility near North Henderson Street officially opened, completing a project first announced earlier in the year and bringing updated laundry and car wash services to the community.
Read more - Knox County Electoral Board keeps candidates Erickson and Walters on primary ballot
The board ruled to keep the candidates on the ballot after reviewing objections.
Read more - Galesburg Alderman Evan Miller resigns from Ward 3 seat
Alderman Evan Miller stepped down due to a move, marking the city’s second council resignation of the year.
Read more
- Community grieves Galesburg teacher and coach Jordan Ball
The young educator and coach was tragically killed in a crash, leaving a lasting impact on students and colleagues.
Read more - Gray’s Sandwich Shop, home of legendary tenderloins, announces farewell after 41 Galesburg years
The iconic spot closed after over four decades.
Read more - Mayor Schwartzman reflects on 2025 progress and outlines 2026 homelessness plan
In a year-end interview, Mayor Peter Schwartzman highlighted Galesburg’s economic growth, infrastructure wins, and community spirit in 2025 while announcing focused efforts on homelessness solutions for the coming year.
Read more
That’s a look back at some of the biggest stories that shaped Galesburg in 2025. Stay tuned to WGIL for all the latest in 2026.