Hancock-Henderson Quill, INC.

06/17/2026

The Henderson County Sheriff's Department has reported multiple trees down on US 34. Use caution and he safe out there.

06/16/2026

🇺🇸 Star Spangled Celebration 2026 Tees are now Available for Pre-Order 🇺🇸

Celebrate TWO milestones with ONE shirt:
🎉 America’s 250th birthday
🏛️ Henderson County Museum’s 50th Anniversary

This limited edition tee will only be printed for the celebration — once they’re gone, they’re history!

Price: $17.76 — because we couldn’t resist 😉
Colors: Red or Blue

Pick up: At the Star Spangled Celebration in Raritan OR at the Quill Office in Stronghurst.

Every purchase supports the Henderson County Historical Society and helps preserve local heritage for the next 50 years ❤️

Pre-order yours before they’re gone! 👇
starspangled250.quillnewspaper.com

06/15/2026

It was a cool Sunday evening Sunday at Frozen Spoon’s soft opening in La Harpe.

06/14/2026

Happy Flag Day!

On this day 249 years ago, the Second Continental Congress passed the first Flag Resolution. This resolution officially adopted the “Stars and Stripes” as the national flag and states:

"Resolved That the Flag of the United States be 13 stripes alternate red and white, that the Union be 13 stars white in a blue field representing a new constellation."

06/11/2026

A new ice cream shop is coming to La Harpe this summer.

If you have been wondering what that little white shop on Main Street in La Harpe is going to be then wait no longer..... we introduce to you The Frozen Spoon. A soft serve ice cream shop with shakes, sundaes, slushies and MORE! 🍦

This dream has been a long time in the making, and seeing our community’s enthusiasm—whether you’ve been patiently waiting or not so patiently counting down the days with us—has made every step worthwhile.

As a family-owned business, our goal is to create a place where friends, families, and neighbors can gather, make memories, and enjoy a sweet treat together. We are so excited to add The Frozen Spoon to our community and to finally bring this dream to life. Thank you for all of the encouragement, support, and excitement you’ve shown along the way. We can’t wait to welcome you through our windows and serve you VERY soon!

06/10/2026

West Central has its next superintendent. In a brief special meeting Wednesday evening, the West Central School Board approved a 3-year contract with Eric Lawson. Lawson will take over for Stacey Day, who is leaving the district to take the superintendent job at Mercer County.

Lawson comes to West Central from Eagle Ridge School, a K-8 school in Carbon Cliff near the Quad Cities. He lives in Taylor Ridge with his wife, Joni. He is familiar with West Central from his time with ROE #33 and is excited to get to work in the district.

06/10/2026

Traffic Alert: Tree down, IL Rt. 522 (Carman Road) near Ellison Creek. IDOT is enroute.

06/10/2026

What reward do people get for vandalizing parks... it looks like it good be a good time in jail with some long days of work tied to it.

Two men are facing up to 10 years in prison after police say they caused over $11,000 worth of damage at Dankwardt Park nearly two years ago.

06/08/2026

Update on Big MUDDY’S project in Burlington Iowa…

Foundation Secures Tentative Agreement for Big Muddy's Redevelopment

The Partners for Conservation Foundation announced it has reached a tentative donation agreement with Winegard Realty Company that could transfer ownership of Burlington's Big Muddy's building to the foundation for redevelopment.

Foundation officials plan to present an update during an upcoming Burlington City Council work session. The proposed transfer remains contingent on City Council approval of a lease transfer should ownership ultimately change.

The foundation envisions preserving the historic riverfront structure and transforming it into a public destination focused on the Mississippi River, conservation, recreation, education, and community events.

The project also received a financial boost with a $50,000 donation from Marcia Wiedemeier in memory of her late husband, Dan Wiedemeier. Foundation officials said the contribution will help fund planning, design, engineering, fundraising, and other pre-development efforts.

The Big Muddy's project remains in the conceptual design phase. Foundation leaders said they will continue discussions with city officials, community stakeholders, donors and residents as plans move forward.

The announcement comes ahead of Burlington River Days, scheduled for June 12-14. The festival is organized by the Partners for Conservation Foundation and drew about 12,000 attendees during its inaugural year.