Garrison back in court
The pretrial conference has been continued for a Macomb woman accused of killing her husband.
Portia Garrison, 28, is charged with first degree murder in the early February stabbing death of Ricky Hamer, 27.
In court on Monday, Public Defender Stephanie Hilton said a defense expert has interviewed Garrison. Hilton is now waiting for a report from that interview.
The next pretrial conference is scheduled for January 3, 2024.
The case could go to trial in late January.
WIU BoT member resigns
There is an opening on the Western Illinois University Board of Trustees.
Greg Aguilar resigned from the board last week. The head of University Communications told Tri States Public Radio that she’s working to confirm the reason why he resigned.
Aguilar served on the board for about four-and-a-half years.
Burlington primary set for Tuesday
Nine candidates are pursuing three open seats on the Burlington City Council.
Two of the positions are for four-year terms. Incumbents Bill Maupin and Robert Crister are vying to retain their seats, and are being challenged by Travis A. Inghram, Kay Weiss, Timothy E. Scott, and Jennifer Klever-Kirkman.
The top four vote-getters will advance to the November election.
Three other candidates are running to fill the seat former council member Matt Rinker vacated following his election to the Iowa House. Christopher Roepke, Antonio Bailey, and Terry Schnack are each running for a two-year term.
The two with the most votes will advance to November.
The primary election will be held Tuesday, Oct. 10. Polls open at 7 a.m. and will close at 8 p.m.
Voting on the motion to remove McCarthy
The tri states' representatives in Congress voted on this week’s motion to remove U.S. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Republicans Mary Miller of Illinois, Mariannette Miller-Meeks of Iowa, and Sam Graves of Missouri all opposed the motion.
Democrat Eric Sorenson of Illinois voted in favor of it.
Far-right Republicans made the motion to remove McCarthy, who is also Republican. They were joined by all Democrats in unseating the speaker, an unprecedented action in the House.
Congressional candidate ends campaign
A Galesburg businessman who planned to run in next year’s Republican primary in the 17th congressional district has changed his mind.
Ray Estrada said he’s postponing his campaign because "the timing is wrong for my candidacy this election cycle." Estrada said he wants to focus on his family and his philanthropy.
The only other person to announce a campaign for the Republican nomination is retired circuit court judge Joe McGraw.
Democratic Congressman Eric Sorensen was elected to the seat last year.
Tour of Southeast Iowa train depots
The Southeast Iowa Depot Tour will take place this weekend.
This is the third year for the event, which spotlights historic locations in several counties.
This year’s tour features nine locations, including depots in Fort Madison, Donnellson, and Mount Pleasant.
Sites will be open on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 7 & 8.
Lincoln celebration in Macomb
Macomb will host its inaugural Unforgettable Lincoln Day on Saturday, Oct. 7.
Events will be held on the courthouse square and in Chandler Park from 4:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
They include live music, the performance of an original play, and a showing of the Academy Award winning film Lincoln.
There will also be Civil War reenactors, a working blacksmith, and horse drawn trolley rides.
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