Part 1 - January - July
By Community News Brief Staff
As we near the end of another year, The Community News Brief has compiled a 'Year-in-Review Roundup' of the stories, events and happenings that took place in 2025 in and around McDonough County, beginning with the first week of the year.
The year 2025 continued to be one of change for McDonough County, with ups and downs, highs and lows, triumphs and losses. We celebrated the opening of new local and mass retailers and the renovations and expansions of existing organizations, along with the closures of longtime locally owned favorites. The region was rocked by the murder of a bright, caring young woman in Colchester and later by a gruesome and violent drug-related murder on Macomb's north side. Construction was completed on the McDonough County Courthouse. Western Illinois University's 13th president was officially installed. Local food pantries saw their need increase exponentially due to the cessation of SNAP benefits in the fall. New principals took the helm at West Prairie and Macomb high schools. Macomb High Football hosted a playoff game, losing to Geneseo High School.
We look forward to continuing to bring you the news, events, sports, happenings and more in the new year. Please enjoy the 2025 Year-in-Review.
Week of Jan. 6
McDonough District Hospital's obstetrics department announced the first baby of the year, Dallas Lee Williams, born Jan. 1, to Rylee Williams and Sami LaMaster.
Nicholas D. Pratt, 33, of Ipava, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder for the alleged murder of Levi Blair, 39, of Canton.
The McDonough County Community Foundation received a $20,000 donation from the Macomb Agriscience Association to support Macomb agriculture programs.
The McDonough County Health Department is one of just two health departments in Illinois to receive a nearly $114,000 IDPH Health Equity Zone grant to fund programs designed to reverse historic health disparities. Administered by the Eagle View Community Health System in Oquawka, the grant is led by the McDonough County Health Department, with collaboration from Western Illinois University Department of Health Science, the Western Illinois Regional Council and Eagle View.
Week of Jan. 13
Nostalgia Gifts & Decor, owned by Lara Dively, announced that the store will close its doors Feb. 28.
Leah Moorman, a 2024 WIU graduate, took over as the McDonough County Farm Bureau manager.
McDonough District Hospital's new Community Pharmacy officially opened Jan. 15. The facility, which offers drive-thru service and a coffee shop Monday-Friday owned and operated by Bold Brew House of Macomb, provides prescription services, free home delivery, immunizations, medication therapy management/counseling, compounding, veterinary prescriptions, over-thecounter medicines and longterm care services, among other offerings.
Macomb resident Ximena Barreto officially launched her 'We for Us' photo essay, funded by an Illinois Arts Council Catalyst Award. The complete photo essay, which features local residents and groups, can be found at we-for-us.com.
Week of Jan. 20
Cheyenna Decker, 23, was found shot to death in her Colchester apartment Jan. 21. The person responsible for her death later died by suicide.
Friends of the Macomb Library celebrated its 30th anniversary.
Local realtor Kali Foxall was named Century 21's 30 Under 30. This award was given to only two realtors in the state of Illinois.
Week of Jan. 27
Arnold Brothers celebrated 65 years in business.
Davin Purden, 19, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for murdering his father, Travis, in 2023.
Week of Feb. 3
Mr. Sweeper, owned by Lowell and Jan Armstrong, celebrated 40 years in business.
Ross Braun of Macomb was awarded the 2024 PATH Intl. James Brady Professional Achievement Award for his service with the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International.
Springdale Farmhouse announced that it would close its doors Feb. 14 after stating that a change in priorities led to the difficult decision.
Thanks to a Tracy Family Foundation grant, the Colchester Library is now McDonough County's hub for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
Wesley Village in Macomb celebrates its 45th anniversary. The retirement center and care facility opened in February 1980.
Week of Feb. 10
Ryan and Nicole Taylor, who moved to Macomb from Denver, purchased and renovated the St. George's Anglican Church and turned the historic building into a toymaker's workshop, artist gallery and home.
The Macomb Feminist Network selected Sandra Nelson, Bonnie Smith-Skripps, Kathy Veroni and Marla Vizdal as recipients of its 2025 Writing Women into History Award.
Corda Adkins-Covert finished as a finalist in the National Merit Scholarship Program. More than 1.7 million students entered the program and Adkins-Covert's exceptional performance placed her in the top one percent of test-takers nationwide.
Week of Feb. 17
A new business, Seven Hills Craft N' Creations, opened in Bushnell. The business, owned by Tera and John Shriver, provides unique signs, T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, cups, mugs and other items.
McDonough County Sheriff Nick Petitgout was sworn in as the 2025 President of the Illinois Sheriff's Association.
Macomb Police Department received additional resources and support from Treatment Alternatives for Safer Communities, which is funded through the Illinois Department of Human Services and taxes collected through the state's cannabis program.
An outline for a master plan for improving Chandler Park was presented to the Macomb City Council. The $3.8 million plan was the result of a year-long study.
Jesse Pickrel of Bushnell was sentenced to the maximum sentence of five years in the Illinois Department of Corrections. In a Jan. 8 jury trial, Pickrel was found guilty of attempted aggravated battery to a police officer and aggravated assault of a police officer.
Week of Feb. 24
MAEDCO announced the Midwest fast food chain, Beef-A-Roo, had purchased the former Hardee's on West Jackson to open a location in Macomb.
Deputy Dave Burnham was hired as the new School Resource Officer for West Prairie School District. Burnham has served as a part-time deputy with the McDonough County Sheriff's Office since 2021, after retiring from the Macomb Police Department after 24 years.
The McDonough County Board selected Dana Moon to fulfill the term of Angela Graves, McDonough County Treasurer, who retired after 30-plus years as treasurer.
Macomb Police Officer Korri Cameron was awarded Officer of the Year.
After a two-month temporary closure for renovations, the Macomb Arts Center announced its reopening March 1.
Week of March 3
The Macomb High School basketball team celebrated a regional championship on its home court, the first regional title at home since 2004. The win also gave the Bombers back-to-back regional titles since 2008-2009.
Bushnell-Prairie City Superintendent Bob Gound presented a two-part plan to the B-PC School Board to improve student and school efficiency, which included moving fifth grade to the middle school and eliminating a position for a savings of nearly $550,000.
Jason Duncan, former region president of First Bankers Trust Co., took over the ownership of RE/MAX Unified Brokers from Gene Curtis.
The Interfaith Alliance of Macomb, with the help of The Community News Brief, launched a new initiative to share and spread kindness throughout the county and beyond. Through "Kindness Counts," area residents are asked to share stories about acts of kindness at [email protected] to be published as part of the new series.
Week of March 10
The 27th Annual Gardener's Day took place at the Spoon River College Outreach Center.
For his many years of work serving students, Regional Superintendent of Schools #26 John Meixner received the Educators of Excellence Award from Illinois Coalition for Educators of At-Risk Youth Region 3.
Macomb High School Senior Kate Killian placed eighth in the state competition for her audio essay for the Voice of Democracy contest.
Week of March 17
To address the need for nurses, MDH hosted an eight-week summer nurse internship program for nursing students enrolled in an ADN or BSN program.
The Macomb School Board voted unanimously not to renew the district's contract with Durham, opting to move student transportation services to an in-house model.
The Wine Sellers' Final Fridays gave back $25,000 to 28 area non-profit organizations over the last five years with the help of Bill Maakestad, who donates his tips and payment for playing to the cause.
Week of March 24
MAEDCO Director Kim Pierce announced that Shoe Sensation was returning to Macomb in the former Lex Buffet/Check into Cash space between Dollar Tree and TJ Maxx.
A two-year contract and a $320,000 annual salary for WIU's 13th president Kristi Mindrup was approved at the March 20 Board of Trustees meeting.
The 2024 Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce Awards were held March 20: Chamber Ambassador of the Year - Alexa Shaw (MDH); Chairperson's Award - Eric Blakely (Macomb Dry Cleaners 2.0 & All Pets Veterinary Clinic); Citizen of the Year - Kim Pierce (MAEDCO); Nonprofit of the Year - Humane Society of McDonough County, and Business of the Year - Community News Brief.
The Macomb Police Department responded to a report of a kidnapping of a three-year-old by an ex-boyfriend of the child's mother. The child was later found in Chicago and returned to his mother.
Week of March 31
Area law enforcement agencies and communities reaffirmed the NAACP's Ten Shared Principles of Policing. In 2020, McDonough County was the first county in which every law enforcement agency committed to the principles.
The Asian American Heritage Coalition, a non-profit educational organization in McDonough County, founded in May 2022 by Maureen Marx and Andrea Jenkins, officially launched to highlight the contributions Asians have been making to America for centuries. In collaboration with the Western Illinois Museum, the AAHC has brought a collection of oral histories and podcasts from Asian Americans calling McDonough County home.
Humane Society of McDonough County raised close to $40,000 from Casino Night to support their initiatives to assist homeless animals and to build a new animal shelter.
The 2025 Power of the Purse raised over $58,000 including $5,000 for the Imagination Book Club, which provides over 3,000 books for local children.
The YMCA has a new parcel of 2.3 acres directly north of its building on North Dudley Street thanks to Scott and Christine Edwards of Macomb. The Edwards, who owned the property across from their Dudley Street business, donated the green space and parking lot to the YMCA of McDonough County.
Week of April 7
Hobby Lobby opened April 7.
The YMCA of McDonough County hosted the 12th annual (and final) YMCA Pastorelli Pastapalooza in honor of the late, longtime YMCA Director Steve Pastorelli.
Dylan Lovato was found guilty and sentenced to 60 years in prison for the murder of Ivan Almanza, whom he shot to death in a Macomb apartment in March 2023.
Birthright of Macomb, spearheaded by Marilyn and Dale Voss, who saw a need existed for pregnant women facing tough decisions, marked over 50 years of service.
Mark Clark was elected Colchester Mayor.
The City of Colchester voted unanimously to accept a 20-year mutual water purchase agreement with Macomb beginning May 1.
Week of April 14
TJ Maxx officially opened April 13. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a surprise announcement was made, with a $10,000 donation made by TJ Maxx to Big Brothers Big Sisters of McDonough County.
Giving Gardens expanded to Colchester with a new public access garden.
Macomb Planning Commission voted to recommend a permit that would allow a large-scale solar farm on city property located on Ward Street, which will supply power to the City of Macomb's sewer plant.
Week of April 21
McDonough County Health Department celebrates 50 years of serving the area.
Wayne Laramie, RN, BSN, MBA, NEA-BC was hired as the new Chief Nursing Officer at McDonough District Hospital, taking over for Wanda Foster, who retired in 2024 after several years as the hospital's CNO.
A fully endowed art scholarship was established at WIU for freshman art majors that honors the late William E. Derry, who was raised in Macomb.
Retiring Park Commissioners Russell Hamm and Emily Gamage were honored by the Macomb Park Board of Commissioners in appreciation for their years of service.
Jamil A. Purnell, who evaded capture after kidnapping his ex-girlfriend's three-year-old son, was captured by U.S. Marshals and returned to Macomb.
Pawn Plus, owned by Bob and Lori McCullough, closed after 34 years in business.
Week of April 28
Pastor Freddie Starling of Mt. Calvary Church of God in Christ, who is one of the longest-serving pastors in Macomb, celebrated 50 years of leading the Macomb church.
The Annual Market on the Square Pop-Up event was back for its fourth year, with over 90 vendors.
Cindy Branch was honored by the McDonough County Sheriff's Office and the City of Macomb for her 37 years of service, including serving as the executive assistant for five sheriffs during her time.
The 2025 McDonough County CEO Trade Show was held at the Spoon River College Outreach Center where CEO students showcased their businesses.
The Macomb School Board approved baseball and softball for grades seven and eight, which started in Fall 2025.
On May 2, the McDonough County Animal Shelter was overwhelmed with even more animals in need of care after nearly 40 animals were removed from the Hickory Grove residence of Heidi Erickson by animal welfare and law enforcement staff. Animal Control removed over 30 cats from the resident, and discovered two dead felines in the freezer/refrigerator. Additionally, an unknown number of animal skeleton parts were located behind the refrigerator. In addition to the Persian cats, two of which were pregnant, removed from the home, three young chickens and an English Setter breed canine were also remanded to the animal shelter.
Week of May 5
After serving with the Macomb Park District for 16 years, including eight years as executive director, Rachel Lenz announced her resignation for a position leading the Urbana Park District.
On May 9, the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce issued a new Chamber Gift Certificate featuring Lizzie Magie, the inventor of The Landlord's Game, the precursor to Monopoly.
Graham Hospital announced the opening of a second location in Macomb in the former Palermo's building on West Jackson Street. The clinic will offer a full-service advanced practice, registered nurse-led wound clinic, primary and specialty care clinics and a convenient care clinic.
Bushnell and Colchester swore in new mayors: Dave Norton and Mark Clark, respectively.
Long-time directors Cynthia Rauschert and Michael Steelman retired from the boards of Farmers & Merchants State Bank of Bushnell and Prairieland Bancorp, Inc., after 30 and 35 years respectively.
MHS Junior Daksh Patel received a perfect score on his ACT, making him one of the 0.2% of ACT test-takers to achieve a perfect score.
Justice Keene began his tenure on Macomb Community Unit School District No. 185 Board as the youngest member ever elected to the Macomb board.
On Thursday, May 8, the Federal Bureau of Investigation personnel, with the aid of Macomb Police Department officers, captured a man who allegedly murdered a federal witness in Kentucky. Delrico Nelson (aka BoJack), 48, of Macomb was taken into custody without incident.
Week of May 12
Macomb Fire Department announced the promotion of Adam Rhoades to assistant fire chief and Ryan Hotz as captain.
Eleven new bricks were dedicated and installed in ceremony in Macomb's Chandler Park May 17 to honor McDonough County veterans.
Week of May 19
The City of Macomb announced a new community calendar was launched on the city's website. The calendar features community events, with support from Visit Unforgettable Forgottonia, Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce, Macomb Park District and Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation.
Week of May 26
A new mural, "Peace, Hope & Love," popped up on the side of the Ice House in Macomb. The mural was designed by Bill Howard with a "little help from his friends."
The Breakfast House opens at 118 S. Lafayette St.
Chipotle opened May 28 on East Jackson Street.
Spoon River College and Western Illinois University announced a law enforcement transfer program, which allows students who complete an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice to transition to WIU to pursue a bachelor's degree.
The May 24 suicide of a Colchester man was determined to be linked to the Jan. 21 shooting death of Cheyenna Decker in her Colchester apartment. At a Sept. press conference, McDonough County Sheriff Nick Petitgout said he is "99.9% certain" that Eric M. Warren-Spears was the person who shot and killed the 23-year-old Decker.
Macomb Farmer's Market celebrated 50 years.
Bushnell United Methodist Church celebrated 100 years.
Week of June 2
Portia Garrison, who was arrested for stabbing death of her husband, 27-year-old Ricky Haymer in Sept. 2023, was found guilty of second-degree murder and sentenced to four years in prison, to be served at 50 percent. With credit for the 844 days served in the McDonough County Jail, Garrison was released on probation.
Macomb, the region and nation lost trailblazer and groundbreaker Essie Manuel Rutledge, who paved the way for Black students, faculty and staff at WIU, in her community and beyond, shattering glass ceilings over the years.
Week of June 9
Macomb High School graduate and her spouse, Gloria (Caldwell) and Edwin Vankan, announced a matching gift up to $10,000 to support the Humane Society's Animal Shelter Building Fund in memory of her parents Helen and Ernest Caldwell.
Hy-Vee honored 40 years of service local Macomb Hy-Vee employees Scott Vogler and Chris Combs by placing their pictures on the side of a Hy-Vee semi.
Led by Gymnastics and Fitness Director Tanya Schmidt, four members of the YMCA tumbling team were in Rapids City, SD from June 14-22 for United States Trampoline and Tumbling Association national event.
Week of June 16
The trial of Timothy Smith was declared a mistrial after the jury deadlocked. Smith, who beat his cellmate Darrell Hocker to death in Nov. 2023, had a new trial set for August.
Silvie's Ride Against Child Abuse, named in the memory of five-year-old Silvie Yocum, raised over $16,200 with close to 120 bikes participating in the annual event. The event has raised over $133,000 to date to help area social service organizations.
Week of June 23
Three Macomb women - Bertha Fink (who at 90 was the oldest participant), Tina Belz and Brenda Miller – took part in the first all-female Veterans Great River Honor Flight, joining 33 other women to Washington D.C.
McDonough County's new glass recycling program, spearheaded by the Macomb Woman's Club, held a ribbon-cutting event June 26 for the new glass-only recycling bin located at the southwest corner of the Farm King parking lot.
McDonough County Sheriff's Deputy Evan Schmalshof announced his bid to run against current Sheriff Nick Petitgout for the county's top law enforcement position.
Western Illinois University was informed by the Department of the Army that the university's Reserve Officers' Training Corps program would be discontinued at the end of the Spring 2026 semester.
Dr. Thomas Koch passed away at the age of 88. During the course of his career as an OB/GYN, the longtime Macomb doctor delivered over 6,000 babies.
Nine members of the YMCA gymnastics team were in Green Bay, WI from June 24-29 for the YMCA Gymnastics Nationals Championship.
Week of June 30
Sheriff Nick Petitgout announced his bid to run for a third term. Petitgout was elected in 2018 and re-elected to the position in 2022.
The Post family (Owen, Jon, Carol and Aiden), from Peoria traveled to Macomb to pay tribute to first responders who saved Owen's, Jon's and Aiden's lives following an auto accident just north of Macomb Dec. 14, 2024. The three men were traveling to Carthage where the elder Post was serving as a pastor when their minivan was struck head-on by a semi-truck at the Rt. 67 interchange.
Rep. Norine Hammond announced her bid for re-election to the Illinois House of Representatives, representing the 49th District.
Former Macomb High School English teacher and West Prairie Jr-Sr High School Principal Jimmy Heuer began his new role as Macomb High's principal, taking over for Scott Sullivan who joined the Regional Office of Education 26.
Macomb High School graduate and Adair native, Megan Pittman, who served as assistant vice principal at Galesburg Jr.-Sr. High School and junior high athletic director, began her new role as West Prairie Jr-Sr High School's principal and athletic director, taking over for Jimmy Heuer.
Twenty-two returning Survival Challenge contestants descended on Macomb July 2-6 to give it a go again.
Week of July 14
State Sen. Mike Halpin announced that he would run for re-election to represent Illinois District 36.
The McDonough County Animal Shelter was recognized by the Best Friends Animal Society and awarded a 90 percent save rate for 2024. The recognition put the local shelter in an elite group of organizations across the country who are leading the way to make the U.S. a no-kill nation.
It was announced that Aly Sturgis (Macomb Farmer's Market and Macomb Food Co-op) will take over the former Sullivan Taylor Coffeehouse, re-naming the longtime downtown coffee shop, Sullivan Taylor Uptown.
One of Macomb's first Lyft drivers, Janine Cavicchia, hit her latest milestone: her 30,000th Uber/Lyft ride – since joining the companies as a gig driver in Spring 2019.
On July 15, McDonough County Circuit Court Judge Nigel Graham sentenced Nicholas Lafary, 19, of Bushnell, who took part in the murder of his friend's father, Travis Purden, over two years ago, to 15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections following a plea agreement to amended charges.
Steph’s Spin ‘N Win Laundromat and Gaming opened in Bushnell at 1006 Cole St.
Week of July 21
West Prairie teacher Connor Sullivan published his first book, "The Body in the River," which takes place in Heapville.
Tri-States Public Radio announces it will lose $200,000 annually after cuts to federal funds for public broadcasting.
The Bushnell Locker reopened under new owner Joel Hisey.
Week of July 28
Investigators were called to a home in the 600 block of North Randolph Street where they discovered that Bryson Saddoris of Macomb had been shot to death following an alleged meth-fueled dispute. Sean Hayes and Morgan Bearce were arrested and charged with first-degree murder; however, Hayes was later released (see week of Aug. 18). Bearce remains lodged in the McDonough County Jail.
Quesal Puppet Troupe, led by David Quesal of Macomb, celebrated 20 years of bringing entertainment and smiles to area children and adults.
Wesley Village opened 45 years ago, breaking ground in 1978 and opening the doors in 1980.
SEE THE REST OF THE YEAR-IN-REVIEW IN FRIDAY'S EDITION OF THE COMMUNITY NEWS BRIEF!
