Gwendolyn L. Shaver
Gwendolyn L. Shaver, 77, of Monmouth, died January 30, 2026, at home surrounded by family.
Serena Simmons
Serena Simmons, 90, of Knoxville, died January 28, 2026, at her home.
John O. Dempsey
John O. Dempsey, 94, of Avon, died January 20, 2026, at Seminary Manor in Galesburg.
Knox County Board chair: Mary Davis Juvenile Detention Center closure brings financial relief to taxpayers
Hawkinson explains the decision’s background, ongoing state reimbursement delays, and why Knox County has shouldered disproportionate costs for a circuit-wide facility.
Talking with Jimmie: Reid, Morris, VanScyoc, Taylor top his Illinois coaching short list
Evan Massey sits down with longtime Silver Streaks standout and broadcaster Jimmie Carr to explore the careers, personalities and impact of iconic Illinois high school coaches from the 1960s to 2000s.
Knox County to close Mary Davis Juvenile Detention Center indefinitely
The facility will shut down March 21 after county officials and the Ninth Judicial Circuit determined the costs of operating the center are no longer sustainable for local taxpayers.
Tammy L. Potts
Tammy L. Potts, 62, of Abingdon, died January 26, 2026, at her home.
Yvonne Boggan
Yvonne Boggan, 72, of Galesburg, died January 24, 2026. Survived by husband Eugene, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters. Funeral February 6 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West.
Galesburg-based Western Smokehouse Partners acquires Junior’s Smokehouse
Deal adds a hand-crafted jerky and specialty meats facility in El Campo, Texas, and includes plans to build a second manufacturing site there in early 2026.
New SNAP work requirements go into effect Feb. 1, threatening recipient eligibility
The requirements change which recipients must work or volunteer and how often
Little Mexico Galesburg brings authentic Mexican food back to former El Jarochito site
Owners Maria Ceron and Antonio Flores prepare to open with homemade coastal flavors, affordable prices and community ties.
Knox College alum Todd Monken hired as Cleveland Browns head coach
Former Prairie Fire quarterback and Hall of Famer led nation in passing in 1988, holds five Knox football records.
Michael John Steines
Michael John Steines, 75, of Galesburg, Illinois, died January 25, 2026, at Knox County Nursing Home in Knoxville.
Jason B. Weber
Jason B. Weber, 37, of Oneida, Illinois, died January 24, 2026. Truck driver, father, enjoyed helping others. Visitation January 30 at Hurd-Hendricks Funeral Homes in Oneida.
Knox College to host 45th annual International Fair on Saturday
The International Fair returns to Knox College with its theme focused on global sports traditions.
Massey Quiz #31: Presidents from 1900 thru 2025
Test your knowledge of U.S. Presidents with Evan Massey’s 20-question quiz, covering 1900 to 2025—answers and score guide included on the blog.
Illinois sees its worst flu season in recent years as vaccine skepticism grows
The IDPH classified the state as having “very high” levels of flu, the most since 2009-10
Longtime Galesburg-area doctor who delivered more than 15,000 babies dies
Dr. Raoul E. Reinertsen, Galesburg OB-GYN who welcomed more than 15,000 new lives over decades of practice, dies at 89
Robert L. ‘Bobby’ St. George
Robert L. “Bobby” St. George, 83, of Galesburg, died January 26, 2026, at home. Survived by wife Rose Mary, sons, grandchildren, brother and sister. Visitation and services January 30 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home. Cremation accorded; memorials to Knox County Humane Society.
Rita Marie Crockett
Rita Marie Crockett, 68, of Galesburg, died January 22, 2026, at home with her daughter. Survived by daughter Candy Richmond, grandchildren, and sister. Cremation accorded; no services planned. Memorials to Covenant Church.