
Robert Lee Helton
Robert Lee Helton, 52, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at home Sunday, March 22, 2026.

Michael John Steines
Michael John Steines, 75, of Galesburg, Illinois, died at 6:10 a.m. Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Knox County Nursing Home in Knoxville.

Norma Jean McKie
Norma Jean McKie, 94, of Oneida, Illinois, died peacefully at Hawthorne Inn in Galesburg on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Miltina ‘Mitzi’ Campbell
Miltina “Mitzi” Campbell, 88, died peacefully on March 24, 2026, surrounded by her family and the legacy of love she built throughout her life.

Lois M. Hendricks
Lois M. Hendricks, 96, of Galesburg, Illinois, died peacefully at the Hawthorne Inn on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Jerry Wayne Gerstel
Jerry Wayne Gerstel, 80, of Oquawka, Illinois, died peacefully at home on Monday, March 23, 2026.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers opens Monday in Galesburg
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers opens Monday, March 30, at 1597 N. Henderson St. — a location WGIL first reported on last year.

Easter eggs, pickleball, swim lessons, and more — your guide to Galesburg’s spring recreation season
The 38th Annual Easter Egg Hunt is this Sunday — and that’s just the start of a packed spring schedule from the City of Galesburg Parks and Recreation Department.

Healthy, deep, and hungry for state — GHS girls track previews the 2026 season
Coach Jody Chapman previews the 2026 Galesburg High School girls track season, including six returning state qualifiers and a team that finished a half point from a sectional title last year.

Alis Ann Chy
Alis Ann Chy, 82, of Monmouth, Illinois, died March 25, 2026, at Allure of Lake Storey in Galesburg.

Lester C. Johnson Sr.
Lester C. Johnson Sr., 94, of Galesburg, Illinois, died March 24, 2026, at the Knox County Nursing Home in Knoxville.

Myron M. Simpson
Myron M. Simpson, 79, of Galesburg, Illinois, died March 24, 2026, at his home surrounded by family.

Dahinda man charged with predatory criminal sexual assault of a child
Knox County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested Blaine A. McKinney, 34, of Dahinda on an active warrant related to an ongoing criminal investigation.

Insurance bill combining homeowners and auto regulation passes House, awaits Senate action
Bill gives state authority to regulate homeowners and auto insurance premiums

OSF names Zach Yoder president of three western Illinois hospitals, including Galesburg’s St. Mary
Yoder had been serving in an interim role at two of the three hospitals since December, when longtime president Lisa DeKezel resigned.

Massey Quiz #38 — Which one doesn’t fit? Test your geography, sports, and history knowledge
Evan Massey’s latest quiz tests your knowledge of geography, sports, and U.S. history — can you spot which one doesn’t belong in each group?

A piece of Galesburg is now in Peoria — Innkeeper’s Coffee opens at OSF St. Francis
Innkeeper’s Fresh Roasted Coffee has opened a new location inside OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, bringing its Galesburg roots to a new community.

Thomas James Carruthers
Thomas James Carruthers, 71, of Galesburg, Illinois, died March 19, 2026, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.

Work begins this week on the Lake Storey walking path — here’s what’s ahead
Crews began tree removal along South Lake Storey Road this week, kicking off the next phase of the multi-use path that will eventually circle the entire lake.

Home sectional, state returners, and a 75-year legacy — GHS boys track previews 2026
Galesburg High School boys track coach Craig Hillier previews the 2026 season, including key returners, indoor highlights, and a home sectional on May 21.
