
Pritzker calls for year-round E15 gasoline in letter to Congress
Governor says war in Iran has elevated urgency for cheaper, higher-ethanol fuel

Kathryn Ida ‘Katie’ Tracy
Kathryn Ida “Katie” Tracy, 100, of Galesburg, formerly of Aledo, died Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg.

Daniel L. Kirchgessner
Daniel L. Kirchgessner, 80, of Galesburg, died Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at home following a lengthy illness.

Christopher Lyn Taylor
Christopher Lyn Taylor, 45, of Galesburg, died Saturday, March 28, 2026, at OSF St. Mary Medical Center in Galesburg.

Parkinson’s Awareness Month — Marcia Parrish on caregiving, research, and finding real answers
Marcia Parrish, who lost her husband Tom to Parkinson’s, facilitates support groups in the area and says the disease affects the entire family — not just the patient.

FlixBus coming to Galesburg — daily service to connect city to Chicago, Denver, New York and beyond
If the Galesburg City Council approves a license agreement Monday, FlixBus could launch service from the Seminary Street depot almost immediately.

Knox County property transfers for March 19-31, 2026 — see a list of home and other sales
The Knox County Assessment Office reports the following real estate transfer declaration transactions recorded the week of March 19-31, 2026.

John Lee Stegall
John Lee Stegall, 57, of Galesburg, died Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at home.

From Knoxville to Hollywood — Justin Hartley named Knox College commencement speaker.
Hartley, who stars in CBS’s Tracker and previously appeared in This Is Us, will speak and receive an honorary degree at Knox College’s June 7 commencement.

Carl Sandburg — Captain of the 1900 Lombard Basketball Team
Before he was a celebrated poet and biographer, Carl Sandburg was a starting guard and captain of the Lombard College basketball team in 1900.

GHS assistant principal Michael Washabaugh named principal of United Jr. Sr. High School
Washabaugh, currently assistant principal at Galesburg High School, will lead United Junior Senior High School beginning July 1.

Evelyn J. Barton
Evelyn J. Barton, 102, formerly of Alpha, died Monday, March 30, 2026, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf, Iowa.

Kevin L. Engen
Kevin L. Engen, 57, of Oquawka, died Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Willie Weldon Jr.
Willie Weldon Jr., 61, of Monmouth, died Monday, March 30, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

State Police vehicle fleet will take 18 years to replace as costs rise, ISP director says
Agency has more than 1,000 vehicles that need to be replaced for age and mileage

Knox County faces defining decision on aging courthouse — board chairman personally favors new facility
Knox County Board Chairman Jared Hawkinson says repairing the existing courthouse for $15 million and still being left with a deteriorating building is not the right path.

District 205 board will conduct superintendent search without outside firm — community feedback begins April 6
Applications are due Aug. 3, with the board targeting a fall 2026 selection and a July 1, 2027 start date.

Massey Quiz #39: 15 People of Galesburg & More
Evan Massey’s latest Massey Quiz features 15 photos of Galesburg residents from past and present. See how many you can name and share your score.

Knox County juveniles charged in string of rock-throwing damage incidents across multiple communities
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office says several juveniles have been charged following a months-long investigation into criminal damage incidents in Knoxville, Galesburg, and Warren County.

Knox College to renovate T. Fleming Fieldhouse surface — upgrades set for summer 2026
The indoor surface at Knox College’s T. Fleming Fieldhouse will be replaced this summer for the first time since 1991, with work set to begin June 8.
