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NOTE: Charges are merely an accusation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.Police reports • GALESBURG – A Williamsfield man was among four people arrested in connection with the theft of firearms from a Victoria-area residence. Cory B. Tucker, 42, was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and possession of methamphetamine regarding the incident that happened Sept. 29. He also was wanted in a separate theft case in Knox County. The arrests announced Nov. 20 came after investigators searched an East Galesburg residence Nov. 3 and found 17 stolen firearms hidden in attic insulation, along with ammunition and other…

• • • While firearm deer season was not super-exciting for our crew, we did get a charge out of the Cat Rescue of 2025. On Nov. 11, our dog chased a black cat up a maple tree in the back yard. On Nov. 14, the cat was still in the tree, meowing pitifully. While this did not cause me to lose sleep, other worried members of the family demanded action. One rescue attempt involved a blanket over the cat and an ill-fated grab that made the silly thing shimmy up a higher, less steady branch. There she sat for…

NOTE: Charges are merely an accusation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Incidents & AccidentsStark County11-14 – Rennel F. McChristian, 34, of Peoria hit a deer on Illinois Route 17 near the 500E intersection. No injuries were reported but the 2016 BMW sustained estimated damage over $1,500.11-18 – Nasir A. Silas, 18, Bloomington, was cited for speeding 80 mph in a 55 zone and for driving while his license was suspended. His vehicle was towed and impounded.11-20 – Michael S. Purdy Jr., 28, Castleton, was ticketed for stopping, standing, or parking in a prohibited area and driving on…

NOTE: Charges are merely an accusation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.Police reports • ELMWOOD – An Elmwood driver struck another vehicle, then drove away and later threatened to run over someone, according to authorities. Scott A. Doubet, 76, was behind the wheel of an eastbound 2018 Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck that hit a parked 2009 Ford Mustang at 6:15 a.m. Nov. 12 in the 400 block of E. Main St., an Elmwood Police Department report stated. Doubet did not stop following the accident. A 23-year-old Elmwood woman owned the Mustang. A neighbor, a 30-year-old man, heard the…

By JEFF LAMPEFor The Weekly PostELMWOOD – The Elmwood School Board on Monday celebrated good report cards – for its schools.The latest Illinois State Report Cards recognized Elmwood High School as exemplary, an award given to the state’s top 10% of schools. The junior high and elementary school were rated as commendable, the second-highest distinction. “We would like to recognize and celebrate the outstanding dedication of our high school staff,” Board President Jessica Reyling said. “This recognition reflects the countless hours your spend supporting students, collaborating with colleagues and fostering a learning environment where every student can thrive.” Monday’s meeting included…

By NICK VLAHOSFor The Weekly Post ALEDO – The official-misconduct case against the former Williamsfield school superintendent will continue, but not for another couple of months. Mercer County Circuit Court Judge Matthew Durbin rejected arguments from defense attorneys and ruled probable cause exists to proceed with the prosecution of Tim Farquer. The Mercer County School District superintendent is accused of accessing student health records inappropriately. “I would remind that this is a preliminary hearing, and the burden (of proof) is as low as it can go,” Durbin said Nov. 14 in court. “I will find for probable cause, and that Mr….

James Record to take reins Dec. 17 By MOLLY RICHESONFor The Weekly Post YATES CITY – Yates City will have a new chief of police effective Dec. 17. James Record will be sworn in at the Village Board meeting next month. Record was present at the Nov. 12 meeting and gave a brief introduction. Record is married with three children and a newborn grandchild. He grew up around Farmington and is currently a lead business process specialist for Caterpillar Inc. His experience includes being a full-time police officer in Farmington, a DARE officer, a service officer, chief of police in London…

District 224 EAV to increase 11.2% By CAROL TOWNSENDFor The Prairie News GALVA – The closure of one of Galva’s tax increment finance districts will result in an influx of money for the school district. The board on Monday approved a tentative Fiscal Year 2025 tax levy that shows an 11.2% increase and will trigger a Truth in Taxation hearing on Dec. 15 at 6:55 p.m. Superintendent Joe Becker said all of that increase is due to an increase in equalized assessed value of property in the school district. Most notable is an influx of $8 million in EAV due to…

By JEFF LAMPEFor The Prairie News The face of law enforcement in Stark County changed dramatically on Nov. 10. Wyoming Police Chief James Tiller announced his immediate retirement on Nov. 10 and Stark County Sheriff Steve Sloan announced his planned retirement at the Nov. 10 meeting of the Stark County Board.Tiller is moving to West Virginia and his retirement was effective last week. Wyoming is advertising for a replacement, according to Mayor Jim Mercer. “I talked to the county and we’ve got it covered three days a week and the county will cover the rest of the week until I get…

NOTE: Charges are merely an accusation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Incidents & AccidentsStark County10-19 – A 16-year-old Wyoming teen was involved in a single-vehicle rollover accident at the intersection of 600N and 200E.10-20 – Eric P. Rose, 43, Dahinda, ticketed for speeding 73 mph in a 55 zone.10-20 – A possible blackmail was reported by a Wyoming resident in the 700 block of N. Galena Ave.10-21 – Robert C. Boatman Jr., 41, Toulon, was arrested for aggravated battery to a peace officer.10-22 – Larry G. Anderson, 73, Bradford, was cited for driving without a valid registration…