'This would generate electricity and save on energy costs,' he said.

Suarez said the East 1600th Street address is just inside the city's zoning buffer. City Attorney Lisa Scalf said there are no close neighbors and that the solar panels would be in a fixed position and about 15 feet high.

Commissioner Jim Miner said he believes the panel should take an overall look at the presence of solar energy facilities in McDonough County. Chair Jim Buwick said city residents have expressed concerns to him about the increasing use of solar in Macomb. Miner added, 'We need to look into handling solar in a controlled sense.'

Scalf said state and county solar controls are stricter than those of the city. 'Solar will be part of the city's comprehensive plan,' she said, 'but the work may take another two years.' Miner responded, 'If several commercial businesses want to get into solar, we're not ready for that.'

The planning commission voted to approve and forward to the city council a request for a special use permit to allow additional side yard parking at 1362 Parkview Dr. Property owner Sherrie Ramirez said an area of 12 feet along the side of her house would allow for parking pads and angle parking. Suarez said other parking options have been explored but the plan submitted is a marked improvement and the staff recommends it.

Also at last Wednesday's meeting, Scalf was asked for a progress report on a city request to merge the planning commission and the zoning board of appeals. She responded that the idea has relatively low priority. Suarez explained that Macomb needs to hire a planning coordinator and work needs to begin on the new city comprehensive plan.

City Township Supervisor Angela Markley cut the office expense and salary portion of the general assistance budget by $27,000, leaving $43,036 for those expenses. Markley's salary in the new fiscal year is set at $45,864, while City Township Assessor Glenda Bryan’s salary is set at $44,789. The basic maintenance needs portion of the General Assistance Budget, which is intended for recipients, remains unchanged at $195,100.

Alderman Dave Dorsett cast the lone vote against the budget because he believes township affairs should be handled by the city rather than by a separate administrative staff.

In other business, Markley reported that the township received 10 general assistance applications in April. Four interviews have been scheduled, with four set for May.

The township supervisor shared that 31 general assistance applications were reviewed in March. Seven were denied and decisions are pending on six others. Six men and five women were determined to be employable and eight men and eight women have filed for disability. Four men were determined to be medically exempt from employment.

General assistance funds distributed in March totaled $11,963, including $8,830 in shelter expenses.

Meixner was honored at an awards luncheon April 23 in Springfield, where 21 regional Superintendents of Distinction were recognized. The IASA Western Region comprises Henderson, Warren, Knox, Hancock, McDonough and Fulton counties. Superintendents of Distinction were selected by peers in their region based on their commitment, dedication and leadership.

'It has been the honor of my career to serve the students, educators, and families of this region,' said Meixner, who has been an educator for 32 years and regional superintendent for 20 years. 'From my earliest days as a teacher and coach to my time as Regional Superintendent, I have always believed in the power of education to change lives. I am incredibly proud of the team we have built at ROE #26 and the impact we have made together.'

While Meixner retired earlier this month, he will be working with ROE #26 in a new capacity, focusing on legislative and community initiatives.

'Exceptional leadership creates opportunities for students and strengthens communities,' said IASA Executive Director Dr. Brent Clark. 'At ROE #26, John Meixner's forward-thinking approach and dedication have transformed the region in meaningful and measurable ways.'

Meixner joined ROE26 as assistant regional superintendent in 2006, was appointed as regional superintendent in 2009, and then elected to that role in 2010. As the elected chief executive officer of ROE26 for more than 15 years, Meixner guided the organization with a mission to “Champion Our Community.” Over that time, he has been re-elected multiple times, most recently in 2022. A graduate of Macomb High School, he attended Spoon River College and earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Western Illinois University. His passion for education began early through coaching and teaching roles in local school districts, including Industry CUSD and Southeastern School District, where he served as a teacher, coach, athletic director and junior high dean of students.

During his tenure, Meixner successfully led the 2015 consolidation of two regional offices into what is now ROE26, creating the unified structure serving Fulton, Hancock, McDonough, and Schuyler counties. Under his leadership, the office expanded services in early childhood education, alternative learning, family support, and workforce development, while continuing to fulfill its regulatory and support role for local school districts.

Meixner has also been an active leader at the state level, serving as treasurer of the Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents of Schools (IARSS) and contributing to numerous state committees, task forces, and commissions focused on education policy and student success.

'Some stay with friends for a while and then are back on the street,' she said. 'A lot of people ride the train and just end up here.'

Vigezzi said that another 23 people live in Genesis Garden shelters and that 21 adults and 16 children are staying in Samaritan Well shelters. She said the shelters are funded through grants and donations.

Summarizing 2025 housing and employment complaints and dispositions, City Administrator Scott Coker said three housing complaints were determined to be unfounded and one employment complaint was referred to a state agency where it was upheld.

'The hammer our commission carries is pretty small,' he said. 'Our maximum fine is $700. I refer people to state or federal agencies.'

Coker outlined the city's complaint-filing procedure: a form must be filled out, including contact information, also available on the city web page; the complainant is then interviewed by the city administrator and city attorney; most complaints are not actionable, any that are go to a thirdparty investigator. If found valid, the complaint goes to the city Affirmative Action officer (city administrator); if not resolved, the complaint goes to the commission for a final decision.

The city administrator followed up on a commission request to explain the role of the city rental inspector. Coker explained that person resigned last month and the city building inspector is temporarily filling both jobs. He said any inspections are complaint-driven, and the majority of rentals in Macomb are registered with the city. Coker said AirB&B locations are also expected to register with the city.

In district business, Park Director Blake Severs announced that Sam Howard has been hired as superintendent of support services. He also said that the district office will receive new siding, and that the staff is looking into a water drainage issue at the Patton Park dog park.

Severs said that Ball Fore Family Entertainment Center will open May 1, and that softball season will start in two weeks. He said the monthly crocheting classes at Lakeview Nature Center have been very successful.

'The parks are greening up very nice,' said Board President Neil Armstrong, 'Our facility improvements are incredible.'

District Treasurer Phil Weiss said the consolidated project fund totaled $402,087 at the end of March, and the general fund totaled $288,832. 'March revenues were significantly lower than budgeted,' he said.

Here are a few suggested routines that I've found work well for me.

Morning

Wake up before 9 am, drink a glass of water, have some tea or coffee. Make your bed.

Quick workout, a small walk or run, yoga or pilates. YouTube has hundreds you can try. This is a great way to wake up your body and play some energizing music to wake up your mind.

Take a shower or bath, whatever wakes you up and relaxes you before a long stressful day, or a fun day if that’s what you choose to do. Take your time getting ready, do your skincare or makeup, put on your favorite feel good outfit or comfy pajamas.

Make a simple breakfast, or prep the night-before. Overnight oats or premade pancakes, frozen pre-cooked bacon are quick and easy options. Have some fun toast, make fun shaped food. Be a master chef for 30 minutes.

Have a pre-day fun time, off the screens, read your favorite book or paint your nails. Make art or music you love. I would probably work on my writing or learn something.

Do some chores, fold laundry or do dishes. Sweep and mop the floors. Tidy your space, clean the bathroom. I like to have one highly routined day a week, I like to sometimes call it the weekly reset day.

Have a nice day, go to work or just chill for the day.

Night

Have a nice supper, complete with dessert and fun drinks if you want.

Take a few hours or so to decompress, watch a movie or read your favorite book. Anything that you enjoy that is not stressful.

Get ready for bed, make it fun, spray the room with your favorite scent or turn on your diffuser. Play relaxing music while you take a long bubble bath or hot shower. Finish the day calm and relaxed, nobody sleeps well stressed and that stress can bleed into the next day, which already has its own stress. The saying ’never go to bed angry‘ applies to stress as well.

Editor's Note: Angel Day is a 16 years old who has always had a love for reading and writing. She is a self-published author, originally from California, now living in Blandinsville. Angel is joining the Community News Brief as a columnist, writing a weekly column on self-care inside and out.

To the Editor:

This letter is to the people who should never have pets.

When you want to get rid of them you take them out on a country road and dump them like they are garbage. You are guaranteeing them a horrible death either by starvation, being hit by a car, or being torn apart by coons, coyotes or dogs. These poor animals are so terrified, they don't know what happened to them or where they are, that caring people can't even get close to them to help them. Why does anyone do this when we have an animal shelter that would take them in, feed them, keep them warm and keep them safe from a certain horrible death. Even if in the end they had to be euthanized it would be done humanely. People like you should be charged with animal cruelty. Please, read this and realize what happens when you dump a cat or dog out along the side of the road. Think about the terrifying fear they feel and then about the horrible death that will happen to them. This is one of the worst kinds of animal cruelty. Please don't be responsible for this kind of cruelty to an innocent animal.

Sharon Bloomfield Macomb

76, of Industry

Beverly Ann Lawyer, 76, of Industry passed away at 7:05 p.m. Thursday, April 23, 2026 at the Elms Nursing Home in Macomb.

She was born on December 15, 1949 in Jacksonville to Ellis and Lucille Weisenburger Wilson. She married John Lawyer on September 5, 1970. He passed away on September 30, 2015. She was also preceded in death by her parents; two nephews, Jared and Nick Lawyer; two brothers, Kenny and Gene Wilson and two brothers-in-law, Joe and Chuck Lawyer.

She is survived by 2 daughters, Carol (Billy) Jackson of Macomb and Abbey (James) Roodhouse of Geneseo; 6 grandchildren, Bailey, Reese and Delaney Jackson and Elizabeth (Treighton Hoang), Rachel and Lillian Roodhouse; 1 brother, Ray (Gloria) Wilson; 2 sisters-in-law, Becky Lawyer and Jeni Wilson and several nieces and nephews.

Beverly has lived in Industry since 1970. She worked in the human resources department at Western Illinois University for many years retiring in 2016.

She was a member of the Industry United Methodist Church and American Legion Auxiliary.

She found great joy in sewing special creations for her grandchildren and was a devoted presence at their activities.

She loved to travel and treasured her weekly coffee group with longtime friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 1, 2026 at Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral Home in Macomb with Pastor Mike Ulmer officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the funeral home.

The family requests in lieu of flowers memorials be made to Industry Fire and Rescue Squad.

You may leave condolences and sign the guest book online at clugston-tibbitts.com.

Karen Lynn Downey, 76, of Sullivan, Illinois, passed away at 12:20 A.M. on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Sullivan Healthcare & Senior Living in Sullivan, Illinois.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at Bushnell Township Cemetery with Pastor Brett Fisher officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Sarah Bush Lincoln Hospice (SBL Hospice).

Martin-Hollis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Please sign the guest book and leave condolences at www. martinhollisfh.com.

89, of Macomb

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Sally Gray Egler on April 19th, 2026, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL, aged 89. Sally was the very definition of a life well-lived. She was a force for good in the world and an inspiration to those who knew her. Born November 26, 1936, in Elgin, IL to Harold and Margaret (Gray) Thurnau, Sally lost her mother at a young age. In her mother’s place, several strong and well-educated women - some family members; others, friends of her mother - stepped in to guide and support her. Those women created a template of strength, support, duty, and kindness that Sally would follow for the rest of her life. Sally was incredibly quick-witted and loved a good discussion or a friendly argument of national policies, current events, local politics, and worthy books. Sally honed her debating skills at Elgin High School (class of 1955) and at Northwestern University.

At Elgin, she was a National Speech and Debate Champion in the categories of Extemporaneous Speaking and Policy Debate. At Northwestern, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in speech (’59) and master’s degree in communication (’65), Sally was part of Northwestern’s nationally recognized debate team.

Sally was also a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and kept in touch with many of her sorority sisters throughout her life. Sally married David Egler February 20, 1965, in Elgin.

After having sons Eric and Jordan, Sally and David embarked on the adventure of a lifetime when they moved to Japan for two years. While David taught at the university, Sally gamely raised her children, fell in love with sumo wrestling, explored Tokyo on her bicycle – often with Eric and Jordan on the back, and made lifelong friends despite not being fluent in Japanese.

Returning to Japan for another teaching stint for David when Sally was 61, the couple loved to travel widely and often. In fact, they crossed the country only last month to visit friends on the West Coast. After returning to the United States in 1972, David taught Asian history at Western Illinois University and Sally taught English and speech at Macomb High School. During her 20-year tenure at MHS, Sally continued to coach debate, directed plays, and became beloved among her students for the wit and sparkle she brought to her job as well as her genuine care and unwavering support of her students.

Many of those students would become friends later in life.

Todd S. Purdham, a former student and journalist for The Atlantic, Vanity Fair, and the New York Times, remembers Sally as, “… an extraordinary teacher and a wonderful, warm person. … she was one of the handful of people who changed my life. Mrs. Egler was the kind of teacher whose own excitement made you want not only to please her, but to do your best work for its own sake. She was a gem.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Clugston-Tibbitts Funeral in Macomb is in charge of arrangements.

You may leave condolences and sign the guest book at clugston-tibbitts.com.

TUESDAY After School Program Blandinsville First Christian Church After School Program for Kindergarten through High School students from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm.

SATURDAYS Life Skills Program Blandinsville First Christian Church Life Skills Program for 5th grade through High School students from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon on the third Saturday of each month.

Story Hour and Crafts Saturdays at The Blandinsville-Hire Library at 10 AM.

Snacks will be available. Check out the many new kids and young adult books. Spend some time at the library and take a book home to read!

SUNDAY Youth Group Blandinsville First Christian Church Youth Group for 5th grade through High School students from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

Bushnell

WEDNESDAYS Story time at the Bushnell library each Wednesday from 2:30-3:30 at the Bushnell Public Library. We will have snacks, story, crafts, and playtime.

TUESDAY, APRIL 28 Friends Feeding Friends Serving a pasta -bake dinner on Tuesday, April 28 from 4:30-6:30PM at the Community Christian Center. Donations welcome, but not expected. Portion of proceeds will go to the Bushnell Public Library.

THURSDAY APRIL 30-SATURDAY, MAY 2 Bushnell May Days Bring the family and come out and enjoy a fun-filled time including the carnival and fair food.

MAY 1 & MAY 2 Bushnell Community Yard Sale

Set for 8am-5pm both days. Sign up by April 24th to ensure advertisement. Contact Bushnell Chamber of Commerce to add your information to the map by emailing info@bushnellchamber. org.

SATURDAY, MAY 2 VFW Breakfast 7:00 to 10:00 a.m at the Post 1422 Hall located at 181 E. Hail in Bushnell. We provide on-site, takeout, and curb service, For takeout and curb service please call 3093339919. We are serving biscuits and gravy, sausage, eggs, hash browns, pancakes and French Toast. We do hope to see you there.

Colchester

SATURDAY, MAY 2 Nature hikes in Argyle Lake State Park Enjoy the first blooms of spring and the peace and serenity of nature on these morning nature hikes in the woods of Argyle Lake State Park from 10-11:30am. These 1.5 mile hikes will begin at the park visitor center. For more information, please call the park visitor center at (309)776-3422.

MAY 28 - MAY 30 All Town Yard Sale To add your address, days and hours to the list contact Jeanne Biswell at 309-333-0607 or biz@mtcnow.net 4TH THURSDAY OF MONTH New Illinois meetings

at 7pm at the Colchester Lions Club

MAY 3 Helping Forests Dance Conservation Tour 2-4 PM in Colchester. Register at prairielandconservancy.org/ events Learn how to create happy woodlands!

Macomb

THURSDAY, APRIL 30 WIU will host a Health Fair at the Multicultural Center on the WIU campus from 2:30-5pm for WIU Uplifting CommUnity Health Month.

FRIDAY, MAY 1 Park N’ Cruise Downtown Macomb is happy to welcome back Park N’ Cruise in downtown Macomb and Chandler Park. We will open the season on Friday, May 1 with classic cars, food and local live music by M&S Light and Sound playing from 5-8pm.

MAY 1 & MAY 2 All Town Yard Sale Full listing published in this issue on page 19 and will be published through May 1st in all our publications. Let the bargain hunting begin!

SATURDAY, MAY 2 St. Paul School Annual Fun Run 5K race, 1-mile walk & Pancake Breakfast St. Paul School Annual Fun Run 5K race, 1-mile walk, and freewill donation pancake breakfast. Race registration and check-in begin at 7 a.m., with the race starting at 7:30 a.m. in the St.

Paul parking lot. Breakfast will be served in the gym from 8 to 10 a.m. All events are open to the public. Raising funds to purchase new ukuleles for the school’s music program. email: lcody@stpaulmacomb.com to register.

Outdoor Farmers Market Resumes from 8a.m.-Noon in Chandler Park. Shop for locally grown produce; locally raised eggs; ready-to-eat local homemade baked goods, honey, flavored popcorn, breakfast & lunch sandwiches, & more; personal care products and hand-crafted goods & gifts made by local artisans & artists; on-site expert knife & blade sharpening; and so much more! Come join us and see what all the buzz is about!

Macomb Library Knitting Club Meeting Meets the first Saturday of the month at 10:30am. Share your love of knitting or crocheting with both experienced and beginner crafters. Meet fellow knitters, brush up on skills and learn new techniques. Materials will be provided but feel free to bring your own projects. All levels of experience are welcome.

Performing Arts Society Prohibition Party shhh.... Tell ‘em Billy sent ya! Join PAS for their Annual Gala at the University Union on Saturday, May 2 at 5:30pm. Individual ticket $100, Corporate table $1000 (Corporate table includes seating for eight, two bottles of wine, premiere table location and signage at the table). Register at westernpresents.com Balloon Rally Music Trivia Night at Park Place with team registration beginning at 5:30pm, trivia will start at 7pm. We will have 10 rounds with 10 questions each. Mulligans and doubles will be for sale. 50/50 raffle tickets are available, homemade baked goods and snacks will be available for a free will donation. Food and beverages are available for purchase from Park Place.

TUESDAY, MAY 5 A One Book One Community Festival Event WIU LIFE Program: We Need to Talk Book Club-Connie LaRue will lead a discussion of Ray Bradbury’s science fiction, Fahrenheit 451. It will take place from 1-2pm on Zoom. LIFE registration is expected.

Trivia and Music Bingo Tony’s Game Nights presents Trivia and Music Bingo for Cinco de Mayo at Buffalo Wild Wings on Tuesday, May 5 at 6pm.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 WIU presents comedian Asif Ali at 7pm in the Grand Ballroom. The cost is students-free, non-students $5. Get your tickets at tinyurl.com/wiulaughs2026

Vermont/Ipava/Table Grove

SATURDAY, MAY 2 VIT High School Senior Prom

Park Place

Stop in for a perfect evening of dinner and music on Friday, May 1. We have Dan Eilers playing for us from 6-9pm.

Park N’ Cruise

Downtown Macomb is happy to welcome back Park N’ Cruise in downtown Macomb and Chandler Park. Come and enjoy live local music, classic cars, food and an evening the whole family will enjoy on Friday, May 1. We will open the season with M&S Light and Sound playing from 5-8pm.

Chick’s On The Square

Chick’s On The Square is celebrating their 20th Anniversary in style with a block party on Saturday, May 2 with live music by Jive Radio. Be there on Macomb's historic Downtown Square from 6–10 PM for a fun night featuring live music, an outdoor bar with indoor to-go drinks available, and food all night. Come dressed in your best 70s outfit for a chance to win a $25 gift card. Bring your friends, grab a drink and celebrate 20 years of Chick's On The Square in Macomb!!

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and trivia starts at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 per person, with a maximum of 10 people per table or team.

All proceeds benefit the annual Macomb Balloon Rally in September. This year’s rally will be held Friday- Saturday, Sept. 11-12.

The event is being supported by J&J Entertainment and will include a 50/50 drawing, with “mulligans” and “doublers” for sale.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase and snacks and popcorn will be available for a free-will donation.

Park Place is located at 127 E. Carroll St., across from Macomb’s Chandler Park.

Registration checks and team names can be mailed to Macomb Balloon Rally Trivia Night, 196 Chestatee Lane, in Macomb. Pre-registration is encouraged and can be completed by emailing knotballoons@ gmail.com.

Came home through the country to see the storm damage and saw two herds of deer-not one deer-but groups. Perhaps I need to rethink driving country roads in the evening.

Still have a lot of questions about my health scare. A stress test was ordered and that was done on Tuesday morning. The whole process was interesting and not that scary. The problem that I currently have is that there were several doctors involved with my trip to the ER, my stay in the hospital, and tests that have been performed. The doctors do not seem to agree on what happened or on what I should do about it. I have always been healthy and I do not have medical training and would like answers on just what I need to do. Thankfully I was a teacher and as such have health insurance. Guess I will just have to be patient and see if this is an ongoing problem or a fluke.

Got a 4 pack of early plants at Walmart and planted them so that I have some blooms just outside the door. Also trying to weed a bit but that is almost overwhelming in my huge yard with many flower beds. My lawn got its first mowing and looks better though I need to do some trimming. All in good time I guess.

What do we say about the events of Saturday night. I am sure there are two very different ideas on just what happened. I watched some of the news conference and what I heard was the call to build the huge ballroom that our president seems so bent on building. I do not know what to believe that I read on Facebook because so much of it is not true. I read a report that was supposedly written by the suspect and he seemed lucid to me. He was also an honored teacher if that report was true. I also read that the bottom of the reflecting pool had been painted blue. Perhaps someone needs to explain “reflecting” to the person responsible for that decision.

So many upsetting situations in our world. Seemingly so little that we can do about them! Why in the world would we bring back death by firing squad for example. This column is difficult to write because we are all entitled to our own opinions and I don’t need hate mail or hate directed toward me. Seems so trivial to say “have a good week”. I do hope you have a good week however and it is so very important to scatter Kindness and Love in these hate filled times.

Editor’s Note; Joyce is a resident of Plymouth and owns Plymouth Rock Roost B & Pictured From left to right:

Reading?

What Are You Reading? A project sponsored by the Friends of the Macomb Public Library District to encourage reading and book discussion in our community. Would you like to share your favorite books with other readers? Please send your name, occupation or grade level, book author and title, and a brief statement about the book and why you liked it to Kate Joswick, joswickkate@gmail.com.

Reviewer’s Name: Sandy Shearer Reviewer’s Occupation: Retired Book Title: Wild Dark Shore Book’s Author: Charlotte McConaghy This book has everything due to the author's brilliant writing and research complex, well-developed characters, rich scenery and a thrilling storyline. Dominic Salt and his family of 4 and a mysterious stranger are living on a remote island named Shearwater where the closest land is Antarctica. The island was once a lexicon of world seeds, researchers and the seed vault for the world. (There is a real seed vault on the Norwegian Island of Spitsbergen.) While learning about flora, fauna, animals on the island and the creatures of the sea, one is kept turning the pages because of all the twists and turns. If you are mildly interested in our planet and climate change, you will enjoy this novel. (On Amazon's Best Books of the Year for 2025.)

The inaugural Kicks for Kids Golf Tournament, to benefit Brown's Shoe Fit in Macomb and Macomb's Noon Rotary, local shoe fund program for Macomb elementary school students, will be held June 19 at Gold Hills Golf Course in Macomb.

The tournament begins with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Registration is $75/golfer or $300/team, and includes golf, a cart and meal. All proceeds go to Kicks for Kids. Register by calling (309) 837-2930 by DATE.

Payment can be made the day of the tournament at Gold Hills.

Last year, the Macomb Noon Rotary teamed up with Brown's owner Jimmie Koller to provide funding and support for Kicks for Kids, which Koller created almost five years ago.

The fund was established after an anonymous donor approached him and provided $2,000 to buy 50 pairs of tennis shoes for children in Macomb. Edison School Social Worker Chandler Adkisson identified students in grades K-5 who were in need of new shoes, and from there, the program was off and running.

In 2025, the Rotary agreed to contribute $500 each year for the next five years, and serve as the repository for donations toward the program. The goal is to raise $2,000 (or more) each year.

To donate, checks, payable to the Rotary Club (mention Shoe Fund in memo), can be sent to Rotary Club of Macomb, PO Box 213, Macomb, IL 61455.

Beardstown’s Ola Quigley led off the game with a single before stealing second and eventually scoring on an infield throwing error to grab a 1-0 lead.

WP/SE would threaten in the bottom of the first after Addalyn Stanberry drew a lead-off walk from Beardstown starter Khloe Kearns. Tegan Rigg reached on a one-out single and then stole second to put runners on second and third.

But Kearns struck out Adriana Starks and retired Kenadie Webster on a ground ball to first to get out of the inning.

The score remained the same until the third when Beardstown scored twice off of WP/SE starter Arianna Soule who had held the Tigers to just the one hit through the first two innings.

Soule struck out Emma Colwell to lead off the third but walked Ola Quigley who then stole second base. Ava Quigley reached on an infield single and Ola Quigley scored on another error to give Beardstown a 2-0 lead.

Kylynn Maltby was retired on an infield popup to Starks at third for the second out, but Kearns lined an RBI-double to make it 3-0.

The Cyclones would mount another scoring threat in the bottom of third after two were out.

Kearns walked Ella Tippey who stole second and took third after Rigg reached on an error by Maltby. Rigg stole second to once again put runners on second and third for WP/SE. But Kearns got Starks to ground out to third to end the threat.

Soule struck out Ava Knous to start the fourth inning before walking Hallie Lawson and giving up a base hit to Lauren Coats to put runners on the corners.

Colwell laid down a sacrifice bunt to get Coats to second where Ola Quigley drove in both runners with a triple to give the Tigers a 5-0 lead.

Beardstown would add another run in the top of the fifth to extend the lead to 6-0.

Kearns retired eight straight batters before Rigg belted a one-out triple in the bottom of the sixth. Starks was retired on a hard hit infield ground ball, but Rigg came in to score to make it 6-1.

The Tigers would add on some insurance runs in the top of the seventh on RBIs by Mia Simpson, Knous and Ola Quigley who walked with the bases loaded to force in Knous for the game’s final run.

Kearns retired the Cyclones in order in the bottom of the seventh to secure the win as WP/SE fell to 2-11 for the season.

Soule took the loss for the Cyclones after allowing nine runs (eight earned) on 12 hits and striking out seven.

Rigg went 3-for-3 and scored the only run for WP/SE. Ola Quigley led Beardstown (14-1) by going 3-for-3 with three runs batted in and two runs scored as Kearns earned the win after allowing only one run on three hits and striking out 12.

“I can’t be any happier on how the girls played,” said WP/ SE head coach Cyle Rigg.

“(Kearns) just beat Liberty and one-hit them and she beat Pittsfield 2-0. Those are two of the best teams in our area, too. I thought our girls battled tonight. We had 12 strikeouts but I still thought our at-bats were good.”

“(Kearns) is one of the best in the area. Khloe is a good pitcher,” Rigg added. “We didn’t hit the ball overly hard today as a team, but we put the bat on the ball.”

WP/SE was scheduled to host Payson-Seymour in a non-conference matchup Monday in Bowen.

Losing at home to LVC on Apr. 20, the Bombers headed to Pleasant Plains Friday for contests against the host Cardinals and Rochester.

Macomb lost to Pleasant Plains 9-4 before getting edged by Rochester 4-3.

On Saturday, the Bombers returned to Prairieland Conference play at Havana, where the team was no-hit in a 1-0 loss.

MHS is now 11-7 on the season, 1-3 in conference play.

Against Pleasant Plains, the Bombers scored twice in their at-bat.

Isaac Leinbach opened the game with a single to left. He scored when Nick Elbe homered to right, giving MHS the early lead.

Pleasant Plains used a double, stolen base and ground out to score its first run in the bottom of the inning.

Macomb made it 3-1 in the top of the fourth, scoring after two were out.

Leighton Lambert walked. Courtesy runner Tyler Schulz then stole second and moved to third on a wild pitch. Aiden Reynolds also walked before Drew Watson singled to left, scoring Shultz.

Pleasant Plains tied the contest in the bottom of the inning, using three hits, including Ian Behl’s two-run double.

The Cardinals then put together a three-run rally in the fifth.

A walk to Landon Maisenbacher, followed by a wild pitch and ground out allowed him to advance to third. He scored when Andrew Potthoff singled to right.

Owen Johnson was hit by a pitch before Max Johnson followed with a sac bunt, moving runners to second and third.

Drew Green followed with a single to center, scoring both runners to give the Cardinals a 6-3 lead.

Pleasant Plains scored its final three runs in the sixth inning, while Macomb scored its final run in the seventh.

The Cardinals out-hit the Bombers 11-6.

Elbe tripled and homered, knocking in two runs, while scoring twice.

Jake Ogle doubled, knocking in a run, while Watson had a hit and a run batted in. Leinbach had a hit and a run scored, while Kaden Knupp also had a hit for the Bombers.

Blaine Eddington pitched 4.1 innings, allowing five earned runs on seven hits. He struck out five and walked two.

Schulz pitched 1.2 innings, allowing four runs, two earned, on four hits. He hit two batters.

Potthoff had two hits, including a double, with three runs batted in for Pleasant Plains (15-7).

Behl and Drew Green added two RBIs each. Maisenbacher had three hits, including a double, with three runs scored.

The Cardinals used four pitchers.

Kreston Shultz recorded just one out, allowing two runs on two hits with one walk.

Grayson Dodd pitched four innings, allowing one earned run on one hit. He struck out four, walked two and hit a batter.

Fisk Brady pitched 2.1 innings, allowing one earned run on three hits with one walk and one strikeout.

Behl recorded the final out of the contest.

In Macomb’s contest with Rochester, the Rockets grabbed a 2-0 in the top of the first.

Sean Plessa walked before scoring on a Sam Ferris double to left. Ferris stole third and scored on a sacrifice fly to left by Ajay Runkel.

Macomb scored its first run in the bottom of the second on an RBI groundout to short by Lambert that scored Reynolds.

Rochester doubled its lead to 3-1 in the top of the fourth as Runkel singled with one out before Frank Stefano III doubled to center, scoring Runkel.

The Bombers answered in the bottom of the inning.

Knupp and Reynolds opened the frame with back-to-back singles before advancing on a wild pitch. Jaxon Barclay then lifted a sacrifice fly to right that scored Knupp.

Both teams added their final runs in the seventh inning.

In the top half, Rochester’s Adam Anderson singled to left with one out. He advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored when Finn Bruce singled to left.

In the bottom half, Jake Ogle’s single brought home Leinbach, who had singled with one out and moved to second when Watson singled.

With the tying run at third and two outs, Knupp flew out to left to end the game.

Macomb out-hit Rochester 8-5 with both teams committing one error.

Ogle finished with two hits and a run batted in. Lambert and Barclay also had a run batted in.

Knupp, Reynolds and Leinbach all scored runs for the Bombers.

Elbe pitched five innings, allowing three earned runs on three hits. He struck out three, walked one and hit two batters.

Hayden Katz pitched two innings, allowing one earned run on two hits with one strikeout.

Ferris and Stefano III both doubled, knocking in one run for Rochester (8-7). Runkel and Bruce added one hit and one RBI each.

Stefano III pitched five innings, allowing two earned runs on five hits. He struck out two and walked three.

Plessa pitched the final two innings, allowing one earned run on three hits with one strikeout.

Saturday’s contest at Havana proved to be a pitcher’s duel between Havana’s Carter Brooks and Macomb’s Jaxon Barclay.

The lone run of the contest came in the bottom of the second inning.

Oscar Jones struck out swinging, but reached base on a wild pitch. Caleb McDaniel singled to left, advancing Jones to second.

Lukas Miller reached on a fielder’s choice that loaded the bases.

After Jayden Weaver struck out, Owen Smith grounded out to first, scoring Jones.

Barclay allowed one earned run on four hits in six innings. He struck out six and walked one.

Barclay threw 77 pitches, 57 for strikes.

Brooks struck out eight, walked one and hit two batters. He threw 92 pitches, 57 for strikes.

McDaniel had two hits, while Brooks and Jack Turner also had one hit apiece for Havana (12-3-1, 5-0 Prairieland).

Macomb was scheduled to return to action Monday, heading to Astoria to face South Fulton (1-14, 0-6 Prairieland).

On Tuesday, the Bombers return to Phil Bradley Field to play Monmouth-Roseville (6-10).

HSBTr - High School Boys Track

HSSB - High School Softball

HSBB - High School Baseball HSJVBB - JV and Freshman Baseball HSJVSB - JV Softball

BTEN - High School Boys Tennis

GSOC - High School Girls Soccer

JHTr - Junior High Track Tue., Apr. 28 MACOMB

HSGTr in Mick Louck Invite at George Pratt Memorial Field in Aledo, 4 p.m.

HSBTr in Mick Louck Invite at George Pratt Memorial Field in Aledo, 4 p.m.

HSBB hosting Monmouth-Roseville at Phil Bradley Field (JV after), 4:30 p.m.

HSSB hosting Monmouth-Roseville at MHS Softball Field (JV after), 4:30 p.m.

GSOC at Burlington Notre Dame, 4:30 p.m.

BUSHNELL-PRAIRIE CITY HSBB at Galva, 4:30 p.m.

HSSB JV hosting Ridgewood at Bushnell (VFW Park), 4:30 p.m.

JHTr hosting Sand Valley Conference sixth grade meet at Bushnell, 4 p.m.

WEST PRAIRIE/SOUTHEASTERN

HSSB at Monmouth United, 4:30 p.m.

WEST PRAIRIE

JHTr in Sand Valley Conference sixth grade meet at Bushnell, 4 p.m.

Wed., Apr. 29 MACOMB

HSBB at Farmington, 4:30 p.m.

HSJVBB vs. Abingdon-Avon at Abingdon, 4 p.m.

WEST PRAIRIE/SOUTHEASTERN

HSBB vs. Rushville-Industry at Rushville, 4:30 p.m.

HSSB at Barry Western, 4:30 p.m.

Thur., Apr. 30 MACOMB

HSGTr in United Invitational at Monmouth, TBA.

HSBTr in United Invitational at Monmouth, TBA.

HSBB vs. Illini West at Carthage, 4:30 p.m.

HSSB hosting Illini West at MHS Softball Field (JV after), 4:30 p.m.

BTEN hosting Pekin Community

at MHS Tennis Courts, 4 p.m.

JHTr vs. Monmouth-Roseville and Canton Ingersoll at Monmouth, 4 p.m.

BUSHNELL-PRAIRIE CITY HSGTr in West Hancock Titan Relays at Warsaw, 4 p.m.

HSBTr in West Hancock Titan Relays at Warsaw, 4 p.m.

HSSB at Liberty, 4:30 p.m.

JHTr in Little Prairieland Conference Meet at Lewistown, 4 p.m.

WEST PRAIRIE/SOUTHEASTERN

HSJVBB hosting Quincy Notre Dame at Augusta, 4:30 p.m.

WEST PRAIRIE

HSGTr in Titan Relays at Warsaw, 4 p.m.

HSBTr in Titan Relays at Warsaw, 4 p.m.

JHTr in Little Prairieland Conference Meet at Lewistown, 4 p.m.

The graphoscope, a device to enhance viewings of photographs and other still images, consists of a round magnifying glass attached to an adjustable stand.

Later models, like the one pictured here, included a stereoscope to view stereocards that create a 3-D illusion. Collectors call these models stereo-graphoscopes. This one, which sold for $366 at Austin Auction Gallery, was made by the London firm Negretti and Zambra.

Established in 1850, the company started as a partnership between Joseph Zambra, a barometer maker and optician, and Henry Negretti, a thermometer maker and glassblower. Their earliest products, meteorological instruments, were of such high quality that they were appointed opticians to Queen Victoria in 1851. They soon opened a photography studio and, in 1854, became official photographers for the Crystal Palace Company. They were making stereographs by then, and they commissioned overseas expeditions for material for stereoviews. This graphoscope model, available in walnut and mahogany, was made in the 1880s.

Q: My grandmother had a lamp that sat on her TV set in 1959, possibly earlier. It is clear Lucite with two swans facing each other and flowers around them. The base is wood. It is lit with two Christmas tree bulbs. There is an obvious error -- the swans are pink like flamingos instead of white or black. Overall, it is 11 1/2 inches tall, 12 1/2 inches wide, and 3 1/2 inches deep. Can you give me any information about it?

A: TV lamps were popular in the 1950s. There was a belief that having a dim, indirect light on while watching television prevented eye strain. Because they did not need to cast a lot of light, TV lamps were usually made in decorative styles. The most popular were ceramic figures; many midcentury pottery and lamp companies made them. Many companies made Lucite lamps like your grandmother’s. Bases were made of various materials, including wood, iron, and plastic.

Lucite was first made in the 1930s and was used for furniture and decorative arts after World War II. Some Lucite pieces had figures carved, painted, or embedded into the clear plastic, like your grandmother’s lamp. Birds, fish, and scattered flowers were favorite subjects; they appeared to float. We have seen ceramic TV lamps with swans in fanciful colors like pink, green, or blue. Lamps like yours sell for about $75.

TIP: Nineteenth-century photographs are more easily damaged than pictures from later years. Color photos of any date often fade. Keep all photographs away from intense light.

CURRENT PRICES

Celadon, bowl, turned-in rim, horizontal bands of motifs, tapered base, Korea, 6 x 8 inches, $110.

Toy, train, ride-on, Special Western Flyer, red, pressed steel, Steelcraft, 1930s, 24 inches, $190.

Bottle, Zanesville, bulbous base, 24 swirl ribs, applied lip, golden amber, c. 1820, 9 inches, $1,750.

For more collecting news, tips and resources, visit www.Kovels.com.

(c) 2026 King Features Synd., Inc.

Brimfield/Elmwood took an early 1-0 lead on a first inning unearned run against WP/SE starter Case Marlow.

The Indians then took advantage of some wildness by Marlow in the top of the third to add to their lead.

After retiring Evan Patterson on a fly ball to Braden Coplan in center to lead off the inning, Marlow gave up a single to Griffin Hougham before issuing back-toback walks to Dane Fagerburg and Layne Johnson to load the bases.

Kyler Schatsiek followed with an RBI single to make it 2-0 and Crowe hit a sacrifice fly to Kash Lantz in right to drive home Fagerburg for a 3-0 lead.

Marlow then walked Connor Doe and Noah Malone, the latter which forced in another run to extend the Indians’ lead to 4-0.

Holden Coplan came in to relieve Marlow and struck out Brody Kenney to retire the side.

The Cyclones finally broke through in the bottom of the fourth to get on the scoreboard.

After Crowe struck out Braden Coplan to start the inning, Matt Whitman drilled a double to right and Marlow followed with a ground ball to short that Hougham misplayed for an error allowing Whitman to score to make it 4-1.

Ivan Beck walked and both runners advanced on a passed ball before Crowe uncorked a wild pitch to bring in Marlow as WP/SE cut the lead to 4-2.

Crowe would retire Austin Nelson and Eli DeCounter on fly ball outs to center to avoid further damage.

The Indians would get one of those runs back in the top of the fifth when Crowe launched a oneout homer over the left field fence to make it a 5-2 game.

Brimfield/Elmwood scored a pair of runs in the sixth on RBI hits from Hougham and Johnson to extend the lead to 7-2.

Hudson Riebling came on in relief of Holden Coplan in the seventh and struck out the side, but Crowe struck out the side after allowing a lead-off single to Nelson in the bottom of the seventh to preserve the victory.

Schatsiek and Hougham led the Indians by each going 2-for-3 with a run batted in as Brimfield/Elmwood (15-3, 6-1) finished with just six hits, but capitalized on eight walks.

Marlow was tagged with the loss, but did have two hits and a run scored for WP/SE (5-7-1, 1-4).

“That’s a team that’s got nine seniors out there and we’re very young,” said WP/SE head coach Grant Bland. “We hung with them, but again, it was a bad inning with too many walks. Case is a good kid and he’s going to figure it out. He knows how to work and he’ll put it together and he’ll be back out there leading us on the mound.”

“Too many swings and misses for me, but at the same time, we still put the ball in play and at least put a little pressure on them,” Bland added.

Bland was happy with his two freshmen relievers as Holden Coplan gave up three runs on three hits while striking out six in 3.1 innings and Riebling struck out three in one inning of shutout work.

“It was nice to have two freshmen come in and take care of business on the mound against a good team,” said Bland. “It’s really cool to see, especially when they’re 15 year-olds. It gives you a lot of hope for the future.”

WP/SE was next scheduled to face Bushnell-Prairie City on Monday in Augusta before taking on Rushville/Industry in Rushville on Wednesday .

On Thursday, the Spartans returned to the home field, dropping a 23-2 decision in four innings to Mendon Unity.

The Mustangs scored eight runs in the first, 10 in the second and five more in the fourth, finishing with 15 hits.

B-PC tallied single runs in the first and fourth innings, finishing with four hits. The Spartans also committed eight errors.

Connor Palm doubled, scoring one run and knocking in one run. Thomas Anderson had two hits, while Miles Strode added a hit and a run batted in.

Ethan Hyde also scored a run for B-PC. The Spartans used four pitchers. Dylan King pitched one inning, allowing eight runs, seven earned, on four hits. He struck out one and walked five.

Strode also pitched one inning, allowing 10 runs, six earned, on seven hits. He struck out two, walked two and hit a batter.

Braxton Kempf pitched 1.2 innings, allowing five runs, four earned, on four hits. He walked one, struck out one and hit two batters.

Ryan Adler recorded the final out in the fourth for B-PC with a strikeout.

Blake Arnsman doubled twice, scoring twice and knocking in four runs for Unity (7-6).

Ayden Wittler and Kendall Knox homered for the Mustangs, scoring twice while knocking in two runs apiece.

Jayce Huntley also recorded two hits with two RBIS and two runs scored, while Sawyer Allen added two hits, scoring three runs.

Carter Rolando knocked in two runs, while Elijah Parson added two hits and two runs scored.

Avery Frese pitched two innings, allowing one earned run on one hit. He struck out three and walked three.

Huntley pitched two innings, allowing one earned run on three hits. He struck out four and walked two.

B-PC closed out its week Friday, heading to Stronghurst to face West Central.

The Spartans scored twice in the opening inning, but the Heat scored nine of the game’s final 10 runs in recording a 9-3 victory.

West Central improved to 4-10 on the season, while B-PC dropped to 0-18.

B-PC chalked up two runs in its first at-bat.

Palm and King opened the contest with back-to-back singles. Both runners moved up one base when Anderson flew out to right.

Strode brought home Palm and King with a single to center, giving the Spartans the early lead.

But West Central answered in the bottom of the inning, using an error, stolen base, fly ball and wild pitch to score its first run.

A walk, wild pitch, single and error led to the second run before the third error of the inning led to the third run.

Three more errors in the second allowed the Heat to up its lead to 6-2.

A hit batsman, error and sacrifice fly in the third gave West Central its seventh run.

The Spartans got that run back in the top of the fourth.

Landon Ferguson walked before Alex Kohler hit into a fielder’s choice that forced Ferguson out at second.

Ethan Hyde doubled to center before Palm singled to left, scoring Kohler.

King followed with a base hit to load the bases, but a strikeout and ground out ended the threat.

The Heat added its final two runs in the bottom of the fifth.

West Central out-hit B-PC 7-6, but eight Spartan errors led to seven unearned runs.

Palm and King each had two hits and scored a run with Palm also knocking in a run.

Strode had a hit with two RBIs, while Hyde added one hit for the Spartans.

Palm pitched six innings, allowing nine runs, just two earned, on seven hits. He struck out six, walked three and hit a batter.

Colton Spence and Aiden Todd each had two hits with a run batted in for West Central. Spence also scored twice, while Sam Deverall scored three runs with one RBI for the Heat.

Jeremy Ford had a hit and a run batted in with a run scored for the hosts. Easton Parker knocked in a run, while Michael Weber scored once.

Kamryn Gridley had a hit and a run scored. Deverall pitched 3.1 innings, allowing three earned runs on five hits. He struck out three, walked two and hit two batters.

Spencer itched the final 3.2 innings, allowing just one hit, striking out six and hitting one batter.

The Spartans (0-4 Prairieland Conference) are scheduled to return to league play Monday, heading to Augusta to face host West Prairie/Southeastern (5-7-1, 1-4 Prairieland).