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The Source, Jacksonville, IL (2025)

07/21/2025

Hiraeth

By Patsy Kelly
The Source Newspaper

Waking from a dream, I was overwhelmed with a longing — and at the same time, a comfort. I had felt the hand, large and paw-like, of my dad’s on my cheek. When I was a child, he would place his large hand on my cheek, wanting my full attention. His eyes would gaze into mine, penetrating for the recognition that he had me in his grip. Then he would lay it on me. It might be a lesson he didn’t want me to miss, or a message he thought I had taken too lightly. More often than not it was a correction to my abhorrent behavior that needed, in his mind, redirection In his last years, the paw on my cheek was more of a tender reminder of his love that required no words.

I have discovered a new word recently that describes that very experience. Having previously gone unnamed, that elusive sensation deserved deeper knowing for me — and maybe a confirmation that I am not crazy. Grieving people often need confirmation that we are not crazy. ‘Hiraeth’ is a Welsh word. According to Wikipedia, "hiraeth encompasses a profound sense of longing, nostalgia, and homesickness, particularly for a place or time that may not exist or be accessible. It's more than just missing something; it's a yearning for a home or a state of being that may never have been. Hiraeth can be associated with grief and sadness over a lost or departed aspect of Wales or its culture.”

It was ‘hiraeth’ that took hold of me that morning, as I was refreshed with the sense of Dad’s touch. Of course, accompanying that wondrous reminder was the simultaneous grief that my dad has been dead now 12 years. Our grief brains do not have expiration dates on them. Our grief extends beyond our mental recognition, at times. Suddenly, as one author said, or surgically, the reminder comes and we are struck with the love and the loss all over again. The love combined with the loss is painful and yet beautiful.

The Welsh have the perfect word for it: ‘hiraeth.’ It is a longing for what we no longer have. Nevertheless, it is within our reach, via the mystery of grief. It comes unbidden. It often refuses to come when I wish it would. This is not déjà vu — the “I’ve been here before, yet I’ve never seen this place in my life” experience that some people describe having. It is a homesickness for what we once had. Yet, it is also more than a longing for what is past; it is outside the realm of possibility yet in mysterious and deeply spiritual ways is somehow altogether possible. Yes, it may have been “just a dream,” a concoction if you will, made up of my longing and sadness. Yet, as I awoke, I still had the sensation of his touch. It was real, in so far, as I know anything to be real. I don’t get it. I don’t need to get it. I’m grateful nonetheless.

For information on the Grief Group, send your email to [email protected].

07/20/2025

SJPD partners with fair for LEGO contest

By Ben Cox
The Source Newspaper
Photos/Ben Cox & Kyla Hurt

South Jacksonville Police Chief Eric Hansell presented an idea for LEGO cars to the Village Board of Trustees earlier this year as a way to not only promote the police department and the Village but also to bring joy to children.

Hansell told the board the idea sprung from one of the many promotional kits they receive in the police department for different products and services.

One of the companies had its own mini LEGO kit with their promotional package and Hansell wondered if it was something new the department could use as promotional material, particularly for things like fairs and National Night Out where officers have a lot of interaction with children, particularly older children.

Hansell then set SJPD Office Manager Sheryl Dossett on a mission to find a way to make the kits as well as what it would cost to put it all together. Dossett says that her idea centered around a replica of a South Jacksonville police squad car, “I started the process and researched different companies and found one that’s based out of Utah.”

Dossett says once the Village board approved the usage of the village tourism funds and the size of the kit, she began the process of proofing the squad car LEGO set with the company, Brick Loot. The Lindon, Utah based company was founded in 2013 by 9-year-old Parker Krex, a LEGO enthusiast who started a monthly LEGO subscription service with his parents.

Brick Loot specializes in customized builds for enthusiasts. The Village board also received $217 in financial support for the kits from Centenary United Methodist Church of Jacksonville.

Dossett says it was a lengthy process, “It took a good four or five months to get the LEGOS figured out as far as the design. We took pictures of the current squad car, sent it in and they did all the designs. We approved all the stickers and everything and designed the box ourselves. It was a long process but it was fun.” The 189-piece set has a unique box that is complete with instructions on how to build the car but also a short history of the South Jacksonville Police Department on the side.

Dossett says the company did a quick shipment of 60 kits to make it in time for the Morgan County Fair. On Saturday, July 12, LEGO enthusiasts in the area tried their hand at the kit. The contest was sponsored by Scouting for America, Abraham Lincoln Council. Prizes were awarded in three age groups at the Merchant Building on the fairgrounds for the free contest. The top two finishers in each of the categories earned an automatic bid to compete in the Illinois State Fair LEGO Contest in August.

Dossett says not to worry if you weren’t able to get in on the LEGO contest at the Morgan County Fair, “I think we’re going to do a LEGO contest at the Prairieland Heritage Museum’s Steam Show, as well. I’m [also] going to see about hopefully raffling one or two of the kits off at National Night Out in August.”

07/19/2025

Health with the Hamels
What is photobiomodulation?

By Justin and Clara Hamel
The Source Newspaper

A growing number of people are pursuing health through holistic and alternative health care practices. This movement has resulted in multiple innovative therapies and healing modalities that aid in healing, recovery and general wellness. One therapy that has been gaining traction due to increased use and research is photobiomodulation (PBM). PBM therapy is a powerful, well researched, non-invasive therapy that involves red and near-infrared light to pe*****te tissues and stimulate mitochondria in the cells. This can lead to a cascade of health benefits that can have a positive effect on nearly every system in the body.

One such benefit is the increase of ATP (adensine triphosphate) production. ATP is the primary energy currency of the cell. It powers nearly all cellular processes, and photobiomodulation increases it by introducing light energy that is absorbed into the mitochondria. This process fuels cellular repair, detoxification and regeneration. In addition, PBM reduces oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is an imbalance between the production of free radicals (oxidants) and the body's ability to neutralize them with antioxidants. Essentially, PBM can help lower the amount of damage that free radicals cause to cells and tissues.

This dense scientific explanation is easy to glaze over reading, so let’s break it down a little more and talk about what noticeable benefits individuals can expect from PBM. Reduced pain and inflammation, tissue repair, wound healing and a stimulation of collagen are all benefits of photobiomodulation. These benefits mean that not only can people with joint pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and post surgical wounds get help from PBM, but it can also give your skin a boost through improved skin tone, clarity and a reduction in wrinkles.

Full body PBM, administered through red light therapy beds, can have a wide variety of effects on the body. Many professional and collegiate athletes use red light therapy for increased energy and muscle repair and recovery after intense workouts or post competitions. In essence, it is a safe, effective, non-invasive performance enhancer.

Not all of PBM’s benefits are physical. Photobiomodulation has been shown to have many positive effects on mental health as well. Studies have explored PBM’s effects on mood disorders, anxiety, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder with promising results. In addition to these cognitive benefits, PBM has been shown to reduce and improve cognitive decline through its ability to enhance cerebral blood flow and neuronal health. This means PBM may benefit neurological conditions such as peripheral neuropathies, Parkinson's and Alzheimer’s disease can also be improved with PBM.

As evidenced by the information provided, photobiomodulation is a powerful, well-researched and versatile therapy that utilizes the natural healing power of light. Whether you're an athlete recovering from injury, someone dealing with chronic inflammation, or simply looking to optimize wellness and vitality, PBM can offer a safe and effective path forward.

(1 Degree offers PBM through two modalities: class IV therapeutic laser, and an Advanced Rejuvenation and Recover Chamber. If you have questions on how these can benefit you, please contact us via the information in the following paragraph.)

Dr. Justin Hamel and Clara Hamel have a combined over 30 years of experience in health fields. Reach them at 1° Performance & Longevity, located at 46 N. Central Park Plz., Suite 101, in Jacksonville, on Facebook or by phone at 217-243-6358.

07/18/2025

Something for everyone
Agriculture, rides, concerts and tanks, the Morgan County Fair had it all

By Ben Cox
The Source Newspaper

Editor’s Note: The fair photos in this issue are attributed to ElCrow Photography, Ryan Mason, Kyla Hurt and the Morgan County Fair. Photos can be found throughout this entire edition.

The Morgan County Fair was a success. The weather was somewhat finicky, but fairgoers were mostly able to dodge the rains for a great time. The fair kicked off on Tuesday, July 8 with a visit from WW2 Armor for a tank exhibition. Kicking off the night in the grandstand on Tuesday was some of Morgan County’s most talented young people with the annual Talent Competition. The finale on Tuesday night was the 67th annual Morgan County Fair Pageant.

The 4-H family got things started on Wednesday, July 9 with sheep and rabbit judging early in the morning. WW2 Armor opened up their tank line in the afternoon for a meet and greet. Former Morgan County and Illinois County Fair Queen Natalie Evans reflected on her magical year representing both the county and the state.

The Witty Farmer, Jenny Sauer-Schmidgall, presented her self-serve shopping experience in a brief lecture about the Grab ’N’ Grow Greenhouse shortly after in the 4-H building. WW2 Armor brought the boom for the evening’s grandstand entertainment Wednesday to both educate the public on World War II tanks and weapons and to support area veterans with freewill donations going to the Land of Lincoln Honor Flight.

Thursday, July 10 was Kids’ Day at the fair. The fun carnival day was capped with a Power Wheels Derby at 6:30 p.m. and then the clash of steel with the Demolition Derby that night in the grandstand.

The anticipation was in the air on Friday, as many were worried that rain would stop the Dustin Lynch concert. County fair officials moved the concert up by an hour, which proved wise as the rains came just a little after 10 p.m. The wise move allowed the capacity crowd to pack the fairgrounds.

There were no fears of weather on Saturday, as the day started hot. Beef judging started the day, followed by the annual 6-on-6 volleyball tournament and the Western Horse Show. Aerial photos taken from above of the fairgrounds on Saturday night may have recorded some record-setting attendance for the show of country superstar Warren Zeiders. Many stuck around for local favorites The Longmeyer Band in the pavilion.

Unfortunately, the rains got the better of the fair on Sunday as three-quarters of an inch soaked the infield of the track, canceling the tractor pulls. The fair concluded officially the afternoon of Monday, July 14 with a good showing for the 4-H and 4-H Alumni livestock auction.

07/17/2025

🚨BREAKING NEWS!
Some new friends have hopped on our newspaper stand “Eli.” You can always swing by our office and grab a copy from Eli — and now you will be greeted, too!

07/15/2025

U of I Extension
Silent, slimy pests of the shade: Slugs

By Emily Swihart
The Source Newspaper
Photos/Emily Swihart

If you have noticed ragged, irregular holes in your hostas or other broad-leaf garden plants, you may be dealing with garden slugs. These soft-bodied pests can be found in shady, moist gardens, and although small, they can cause significant damage.

Identifying Slugs

Slugs are members of the mollusk family, closely related to snails, oysters, and clams but lacking the protective shell. Adults grow to approximately two inches in length. They are typically gray to brown in color and lack legs. Slugs move by gliding on a muscular foot aided by a mucus secretion that reduces friction and prevents desiccation. Their heads feature two feelers. The larger set of feelers contains eyes for vision and helps with smell. The smaller set of feelers is used for touch and taste.

Slugs feed mostly at night, or during days with cloud cover and moisture. Using specialized mouthparts called radula, slugs chew large, irregular holes in leaves, often avoiding tough veins and the midrib. Feeding may also occur on flowers and fruit. Damage can be extensive, sometimes consuming entire seedlings. Plants located in the shade or near the ground are particularly susceptible. In addition to seeing damage from feeding, slime trails may be visible on leaves, mulch or nearby walkways as evidence of slug populations.

Control Methods

To control slugs in the garden, a combination approach is recommended. Utilizing cultural, physical and, when necessary, chemical methods can help reduce slug populations and damage.

Slugs thrive in damp environments and require protection from dehydration. During drying days, slugs will seek cover in cool, shaded areas such as under leaf piles, mulch, ground cover plants, stepping stones, decks and more. Minimize hiding areas or create similar conditions to attract slugs to a designated area as a trap, and check the trap daily. Dispose of slugs found in traps or on plants in soapy water or crush them.

A beer or yeast water trap can be used in the garden to drown slugs. A container is buried in the ground, so the top is level with the soil surface. Fill the container with five to six inches of beer or a water-yeast mixture, leaving at least one inch of space below the top of the container. Slugs are attracted to the odor and drown when trying to obtain a drink. Check the traps multiple times each week, clean and refill as needed.

Copper, when encountered by the mucus covering of slugs, creates a mild electrical shock. This is assumed to be unpleasant and deters slugs from crossing. Surrounding plants with real copper tape or flashing protects plants from damage, it does not kill the slug. For best results, copper flashing needs to be wide enough to fit the entire slug and kept clean and dry. Used alone, copper is unlikely to provide effective control, but can be incorporated into a system.

Diatomaceous earth can also be used as a barrier around plants. Diatomaceous earth is made from fossilized aquatic creatures called diatoms. When used as a powder around plants and encountered by slugs, it causes the slug to dry out and die. Additionally, the diatomaceous earth particles have sharp edges that create many small abrasions on the foot of the slug that aid in desiccation.

Chemical options include iron phosphate and ferric sodium EDTA. These pesticides are poisonous to slugs when consumed. Literature suggests that these chemical treatments do not pose a significant risk to children or pets, although some risks persist. Use with caution, and whenever utilizing a chemical in the home landscape, it is essential to read and follow pesticide labels thoroughly.

Conclusion

Slugs are persistent and often frustrating home landscape pests, especially in shady, moist areas. Although damage can be unsightly and sometimes severe, consistent monitoring and an integrated pest management system can help successfully manage slug populations and minimize impact.

Good Growing Fact of the Week: Slugs need to maintain body moisture; therefore, cultivating a sun garden can help minimize impact. Choose plant species that tolerate full sun and drier soil conditions to maximize this strategy.

07/15/2025

Health with the Hamels
The importance of hydration

By Justin and Clara Hamel
The Source Newspaper

Water is essential for life. It is a fundamental component in all living things, and humans are in fact made of mostly water. What does this mean for you? It means water is a core component of your health. In order to keep one’s body and mind healthy and functioning correctly, one must stay hydrated. However, it is important to remember water is not the only component in staying hydrated. Electrolytes, like sodium and potassium, are also essential for maintaining proper fluid balance and preventing dehydration. This is especially true during these hot summer months when people experience more fluid loss through sweating and physical activity.

The importance of hydration on health is hard to emphasize enough, but the following list provides some insight on its impact. Check out these fundamental functions of hydration.
• Temperature Regulation - Water absorbs and transfers heat as well as helps the body cool down through perspiration when the body becomes too warm.
• Waste Removal - Water helps eliminate waste and toxins through urination, perspiration and bowel movements.
• Nutrient and Oxygen Transport - Water is a transporter of nutrients and oxygen to your cells.
• Lubrication and Cushioning - Water lubricates joints and cushions tissues like the brain and spinal cord.
• Digestion - Water aids digestion by assisting in breaking food down and absorbing nutrients.
• Maintains Blood Volume and Circulation - Blood is composed of 90% water, and depends on adequate hydration for proper circulation.

In addition to the preceding list, hydration aids in improved cognitive function. Even mild dehydration can affect short term and long term memory. In addition, staying hydrated increases focus and concentration by reducing fatigue and improving mood. This may be due to hydration's support of proper circulation and oxygen flow to the brain.

If this isn’t enough to motivate you to grab that water bottle, consider that hydration is the key to healthier, younger looking skin. This is not just due to water keeping the skin plump and radiant, but also because water decreases cellular aging. This means the skin and body can stay healthier for longer when hydrated.

To reap all the aforementioned benefits, strive for fluid intake of around three liters for males and just over two liters per day for females. It is important to remember some of this intake (around 20%) will come from food. If you are exercising or in the heat, you may need to add some electrolytes to water for proper hydration. Avoid electrolyte drinks, and drinks in general that are high in sugar and other additives, as these create a myriad of problems in themselves. Instead, opt for adding a pinch of Celtic sea salt, a little black strap molasses and a squeeze of lemon to your water. (Find a complete recipe and demo at Katie Watts Nutrition on her Facebook post from June 17, 2025.)

Dr. Justin Hamel and Clara Hamel have a combined over 30 years of experience in health fields. Reach them at 1° Performance & Longevity, located at 46 N. Central Park Plz., Suite 101, in Jacksonville, on Facebook or by phone at 217-243-6358.

07/14/2025

Kiwanis holds inaugural pickleball tourney
Bob Freesen YMCA was the location where 20 teams went paddle-to-paddle

Special to The Source Newspaper
Photos/Submitted to The Source

On Saturday, June 28, the Jacksonville Kiwanis Club hosted its inaugural pickleball tournament. The event was held at the Bob Freesen YMCA and 20 teams participated.

07/14/2025

Harmony Lodge holds annual spaghetti dinner

By Ben Cox
The Source Newspaper
Photos/Ben Cox

Jacksonville’s Harmony Masonic Lodge No. 3 is one of the oldest Freemason lodges in Illinois, which played a pivotal role when the current Grand Lodge of Illinois was chartered in downtown Jacksonville in 1860.

The fraternity’s core values of brotherly love, relief and truth are a part of all of their charitable efforts. Each year, minus the years of the pandemic, the local lodge has held a spaghetti dinner to not only feed the community but also to raise money for its charitable efforts in the area.

Harmony Masonic Lodge No. 3 Worshipful Master Jeremy Coumbes says that the turnout from the community was great, “We served approximately 250 meals both dine-in and carryout.” The suggested donation per meal was $10. Attendees received spaghetti, garlic bread, desserts, and water or tea. While the lodge has been growing in number in recent months, members’ wives were also volunteers for the meal. The sit down portion of the meal was held in the basement of the Masonic Center at 345 West College Ave. in Jacksonville.

A portion of the proceeds will go toward a part of the lodge’s larger fundraising efforts in support of local charities, such as the Children’s Dyslexia Center in Springfield, the Jacksonville Area Community Food Center, Midwest Youth Services, Jacksonville Public Schools Foundation and more.

A portion of the proceeds will also go toward their own scholarships. Harmony Masonic Lodge No. 3 offers the Newton Bateman Scholarship. This scholarship provides a one-time $500 scholarship to graduating seniors from Jacksonville High School, Routt Catholic High School or Westfair Christian Academy who plan to pursue a degree in science, math or technology at any four-year accredited college or university.

“After some lower turnouts since the pandemic, it was great to see a large crowd come through the line in support this year” said Coumbes. “It was great to see all the new faces both in new members and new attendees at this year’s event.”

07/14/2025

CNB hosts 5K at Nichols Park

By Ben Cox
The Source Newspaper
Photos/Submitted to The Source

Runners from all walks of life and abilities lined up for a hot Fourth of July 5K in Nichols Park hosted by CNB Bank & Trust. It was a humid 75 degrees at the starting line, with the temperature jumping nearly 15 degrees by the finish line for the 209 registered runners. The runners not only came from the local area but there were others registered from Florida, California, Iowa, Colorado and Missouri.

The overall women’s winner on the full course was local cross country and track athlete Millie Schumacher, 15, of Jacksonville, with a time of 20:32. Second place finisher Amber Kleckler, 36, of Rochester, finished with a time of 22:03. In the men’s overall division, Daniel Giacomini, 20, of Springfield, took home the gold with a time of 16:07 followed by Chaz Oberkfell, 17, of Gillespie, with a time of 16:10. Winners were chosen in 28 categories overall for the hot race to kick off the Fourth of July festivities in Jacksonville.

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