Admire attorney files motion to reconsider sentence
The attorney for a former mixed martial arts coach convicted on sex charges has filed a motion to reconsider his prison sentence.
Beau W. Admire, 44, was found guilty in Warren County of two counts of sexual assault and one count of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a minor by a person in a position of trust, authority, or supervision over the victim.
In August, Judge James Standard sentenced Admire to 28 years in prison. Under truth in sentencing laws, he would have to serve 21 years of that sentence.
Attorney Andrew Stuckart’s motion was filed Sept. 20.
A hearing on the motion is set for Nov. 6.
NAACP Freedom Fund banquet in McDonough County
The McDonough County branch of the NAACP will hold its annual Freedom Fund banquet this weekend.
The social hour begins at 5 p.m. Sunday in the grand ballroom of the Western Illinois University Student Union. The dinner and program follow at 6 p.m.
Pastor James Pernell of the United Methodist Church in Elmwood will open the event, and State Senator Doris Turner (D-Decatur) will give the keynote speech. Turner chairs the Senate Agriculture committee and also sits on the Higher Education Appropriations committee.
Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for students. They can be bought through Eventbrite or at the door.
Committee to assess WIU presidential appointment
The Western Illinois University Board of Trustees has formed a committee to assess whether Kristi Mindrup should be appointed the institution’s president.
She has served as WIU’s interim president since April 1, 2024.
Trustee Derek Wise will serve as the committee’s chair.
The committee will include a representative from the Deans Council, the University Professionals of Illinois, and the Vice Presidents.
Representatives will also be selected from the Faculty Senate, the University Chairs Council, Civil Service Employees Council, the Student Government Associations in both Macomb and the Quad Cities, the Alumni Association, and Human Resources.
The mayors of Macomb and Moline will also serve on the committee.
‘If I Were Mayor’ contest opens in Burlington
The city of Burlington is kicking off its annual “If I Were Mayor” essay contest.
All local 7th-grade students are invited to share their ideas and visions for the city up to 250 words. The contest offers students a platform to express their thoughts and perspectives on what they would accomplish as mayor.
Essays will be judged on creativity, clarity, sincerity of thought, and proper use of grammar.
The essay contest is now open, with submissions due by Monday, Dec. 2. Students are encouraged to submit their essays on the city’s website.
The winning essay will be submitted to the Iowa League of Cities’ statewide essay contest.
Quincy women held on child pornography charges
Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office said it charged a Quincy woman as part of an ongoing effort to apprehend people who download and trade child sexual abuse material online.
Blake Wakefield, 22, is charged with one count each of three Class X felonies:
· Predatory criminal sexual assault, punishable by up to 60 years in prison
· Manufacturing child pornography, punishable by up to 30 years in prison
· Disseminating child pornography, punishable by up to 30 years in prison
The attorney general’s office said its investigators and Quincy police officers conducted a search of Wakefield’s home on Oct. 9.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 21.
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