
Galesburg expands housing repair assistance program, applications now open
City increases grants to $5,000, adds renter-occupied homes and exterior repairs like siding, windows and painting.

From The Beverly Hillbillies to Bewitched: Evan Massey’s old TV shows challenge
Evan Massey shifts from basketball to classic television with his latest reader quiz on old TV shows.

Warren County property transfers for Dec. 29, 2025 – Jan. 2, 2026: See a list of home and other sales
Transfers include $6 million commercial property sale in Monmouth and farmland over $2 million.

Rebecca Ann Bowton
Rebecca Ann Bowton, 76, of Galesburg, passed away Jan. 2, 2026. Visitation 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 8 and funeral 10:30 a.m. Jan. 9 at Watson Thomas in Galesburg.

Dorothy Louise Ricketts
Dorothy L. Ricketts, 94, of Galesburg, formerly of Little York, passed away Jan. 5, 2026. Memorial service 2 p.m. Jan. 12 at McGuire & Davies in Monmouth.

Nancy Jo Stone
Nancy Jo Stone, 75, of Wataga, passed away Jan. 3, 2026. Celebration of life 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 11 at Oneida Fire Station.

Peggy Marie Kraynak
Peggy Marie Kraynak, 72, of rural Oneida, passed away Jan. 2, 2026. Visitation 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Jan. 9 and funeral 10 a.m. Jan. 10 at Hurd-Hendricks in Knoxville.

Knox County man arrested after allegedly killing dog, possessing firearms as felon
Knox County Sheriff’s Office executes search warrant after reports of dog killed, firearms possessed by felon.

From building upgrades to less laptops: Asplund on Galesburg schools’ progress and priorities
Galesburg District 205 Superintendent John Asplund discusses social media incident, facility transformations, hands-on learning shifts, full staffing, athletic eligibility and funding outlook.

Elbert Kimbrough, half of famed Galesburg twins and NFL star, dies at 87
Galesburg High School legend and Northwestern All-American Elbert Kimbrough passes away; tribute to the Kimbrough brothers’ enduring legacy.

Traffic committee recommends further study on YMCA crosswalk, other changes
Galesburg Traffic Advisory Committee reviews seven resident requests, backing enforcement, stop signs and further studies on pedestrian safety and speed limits.

Galesburg District 205 adds police presence Tuesday after social media posts
District officials say no specific threat identified but extra security planned at Junior/Senior High School; police investigating concerning posts.

Former Silver Streak Juniper Schwartzman named MWC performer after 19-rebound game
Former Galesburg Silver Streaks star and Grinnell College junior honored after dominant performance; Pioneers play at Monmouth Jan. 13 and Knox College Jan. 21.

Knox County to showcase new voting equipment in countywide tour
Knox County Clerk Scott Erickson’s office kicks off a monthlong tour to introduce updated voting equipment, aiming to boost voter confidence ahead of elections.

Albert Rossell
Albert Rossell, 86, of Galesburg, passed away Jan. 1, 2026. Celebration of Life visitation 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 10 at Bethel Baptist Church.

Abingdon apartment fire update: Most Blue Bell Towers residents return home
Knox County Housing Authority says second floor remains restricted after New Year’s Day blaze; no serious injuries reported

Want to serve on Galesburg City Council? Ward 3 applications due Jan. 15
Mayor Peter Schwartzman seeking candidates to fill seat vacated by Evan Miller; second vacancy in less than six months

Theodore ‘Ted’ Leslie Holeman
Theodore “Ted” Leslie Holeman, 80, died Dec. 31 at home. Celebration of life at a later date. Arrangements by Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory.

Resident rescued, two cats die in Galesburg house fire on Lincoln Street
Galesburg firefighters pull resident from Sunday morning blaze at 1025 Lincoln St.; cause ruled unintentional

Mary Maxine Reischling Bird
Mary Maxine Reischling Bird, 95, formerly of Monmouth, passed away Jan. 2 at Oak Lane Nursing Home, Stronghurst. Celebration of life planned for later date. Arrangements by Thomas Funeral Home.
