Macomb CPA back in court
A Macomb CPA is pleading not guilty to two counts of felony theft.
Allen P. Reusch, 67, entered the plea Monday in McDonough County circuit court.
He asked for a jury trial.
His next court appearance is a pre-trial conference scheduled for June 21.
Reusch is accused of taking control of property worth more than $100,000 from BBB, Inc., between 2017 and 2019.
Teacher charged with sexual assault waives preliminary hearing
A former Monmouth and Galesburg teacher charged with criminal sexual assault of a teen waived her right to a preliminary hearing.
Deborah Greenlief, 60, of Monmouth, appeared in Warren County court this week. She was arrested by Illinois State Police in January following an investigation of alleged assaults that occurred in 2011 and 2012, according to court records.
Greenlief worked in Monmouth-Roseville schools at that time, but was employed by Galesburg High School at the time of her arrest. She has since been put on leave.
She faces four counts of criminal sexual assault of a victim between 13 and 17.
Arraignment is now scheduled for April 26.
Hands Around the Courthouse expands
The Western Illinois Regional Council’s Hands Around the Courthouse is designed to raise awareness about child abuse.
The WIRC has held the event only in McDonough County in the past. This year the agency is adding two more counties:
· April 12 at the Fulton County Courthouse beginning at noon
· April 14 at the McDonough County Courthouse beginning at 11:00 a.m.
· April 21 at the Knox County Courthouse beginning at 2:00 p.m.
The events will begin with statements from counselors and other advocates for victims. Participants will then hold a blue child abuse awareness ribbon and form a circle around the courthouse.
Fort Madison road closures on Avenue H
Phase One of Fort Madison’s Avenue H construction project is underway.
Starting Friday, April 1, Avenue H from 10th to 12th streets and from 15th to 18th streets will be closed. For access south of Avenue H, the 10th, 13th, 14th, and 18th street intersections will remain open.
Businesses will also be open but access may be restricted to alleys.
Candlelight vigil for Ukraine
The Macomb Interfaith Alliance is planning a “Pray for Peace” vigil. It will be held on Wednesday, April 6, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Chandler Park.
In the event of inclement weather, the vigil will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 400 E. Carroll St. in Macomb.
The program will include prayers, music, a speaker, reflections, and a candle lighting.
Galesburg meth dealer to serve 20 years
An ice methamphetamine dealer from Galesburg will serve 20 years in federal prison on drug and weapons charges.
Benjamin Norville, 29, was found passed out in a running vehicle with two loaded and stolen firearms and several types of narcotics.
He pleaded guilty to drug, firearm, and trafficking charges in 2021. This was his seventh felony and sixth meth-related conviction.
Judge Sara Darrow of the Central District of Illinois says Norville posed a high risk of recidivism and the sentence needed to reflect the seriousness of the crimes.
The Galesburg Police Department assisted the FBI with the investigation.
Hazardous materials collection event this spring
The Illinois EPA will hold a household Hazardous Waste collection in Macomb on Saturday, June 4, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
It will take place at Western Illinois University.
Registration is required and can be done here.
A list of items that will and will not be accepted can be found here.
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