Nimmo hired to lead WIRC
The Western Illinois Regional Council-Community Action Agency has a new leader.
Stacy Nimmo has been hired as the organization’s chief executive officer following a national search. Nimmo most recently served as executive director of IgniteMN and has a wealth of experience in rural revitalization and community development.
“Stacy’s proven track record of innovative leadership and dedication to rural communities aligns perfectly with our mission to empower individuals and strengthen the region we serve,” said Nancy Mowen, Board Chair of WIRC-CAA. “We are excited about the fresh perspective and expertise she brings to this role.”
Nimmo has earned accolades including the Twin Cities Business Magazine Blazer Award for community building and a nomination for the U.S. White House Rural Innovator Award.
Nimmo will begin in March.
WIRC-CAA provides a variety of programs and services in the region, including housing assistance, weatherization, community development, and support for economic self-sufficiency.
Illinois hunters increase deer harvest
Preliminary figures from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources show hunters harvested more than 170,000 deer during the 2024-25 firearm and archery seasons.
That compares to more than 160,000 a year ago.
The hunting seasons ended on Jan. 19.
The state will publish final harvest totals by season and county in the spring.
Abingdon polling places consolidated
The Knox County board has approved consolidating some polling locations in Abingdon for the April 1 consolidated election.
Polling locations at city hall, the police station, and the Cedar Township Highway Building will all move to the Abingdon Community Center, 801 W. Martin St.
“This move will help the voters in Abingdon avoid any confusion about where they vote on Election Day,” said Knox County Clerk Scott Erickson. “Voters can now go to a single location and be able to find their precinct quickly and efficiently."
The clerk’s office will be mailing postcards to voters to notify them of the location change. Signs will also be placed at the old locations to direct voters to the new location. The polling location at the Lake Bracken Country Club building will not be moving to the new location.
SRC receives mental health grant
Spoon River College was awarded a grant to support student mental health efforts.
The $105,600 in funding comes through the Illinois Community College Board.
The board awarded a total of $3.6 million in such funding to 32 community colleges across the state.
The colleges are to use the funding in at least one of these ways:
- Develop and expand peer support programs
- Expand the number of students served through local partnerships
- Develop and expand mental health services targeting service gaps, emphasizing underserved students.
- Develop Medicaid and other reimbursement procedures for mental health services.
Burlington concert to feature U.S. premiere
The Burlington Lunchtime Chamber Music Series this month will feature the U.S. premiere of a work by a Western Illinois University composer.
James Romig’s “Fortna” for electric guitar, bass clarinet, violin, and string bass will be performed at First United Methodist Church, 421 Washington St., at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19.
The concert is free and open to the public.
Romig will be there to speak about the composition.
The musicians will be Ed Mansheim (guitar), Sandy Mosteller (bass clarinet), Jeffrey Phillips (violin), and Derek Barnes (string bass).
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