(Litchfield)--Litchfield Police Chief B.J. Wilkinson will be taking a similar role in Nebraska. Sidney, Nebraska City Manager Gary Parson says Wilkinson accepted the position on Tuesday, and plans to start work in Sidney by the end of July.

Wilkinson will be operating a police department with a million dollar budget, as well as 14 police officers and two civilian employees. He has been Police Chief in Litchfield for 10 years, and a 20 year veteran of law enforcement. Wilkinson says he was eager to move west, where he will be closer to family in the region.

(Hillsboro)--Montgomery County Clerk and Recorder Sandy Leitheiser announced that Montgomery County residents should be receiving their new voting registration cards in the mail soon. Leitheiser says if a voter does not receive their updated card by July 15th, they should contact the Clerk and Recorder's Office.

The new ID cards will include new federal and state districts implemented following the 2010 census. Voters seeking more information are asked to contact the Clerk and Recorders office.

(Taylorville)--A Nebraska company had decided not to proceed with plans to build an electricity generation plant. Tenaska announced on Friday that the development of the Taylorville Energy Center in Christian County is being halted because of changing economics and the lack of support by Illinois officials.

In the original plan, Tenaska sought to build a gasification island that converted coal into synthetic gas. The plant would have injected greenhouse gas emissions underground while using the gasified coal as its fuel source for electricity generation.

Last year, Tenaska dropped the coal portion, meaning the plant wouldn't store emissions. Officials said coal gasification would have been added later.

The plant was controversial because Tenaska wanted Illinois lawmakers to approve a plan requiring customers to buy electricity from the plant for three decades.

A Macoupin County man has been charged with alleged heroin possession following a traffic stop on Monday near Mt. Olive.

According to District 18 State Pokice, 50 year old David L. Simpson of Lake Ka-Ho was traveling on US Route 66 in a Chevrolet van when he was stopped on Monday for a speeding violation at Old Route 66.

During the traffic stop the driver and passengers exhibited signs of suspicious behavior.

Upon futher investigation, 37 capsules of alleged heroin were found concealed in the vehicle and Simpson was arrested.

David Simpson has been charge with possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver.

(Pana)--A Christian County man was struck and killed while walking on Route 51, just north of Pana over the weekend. According to Illinois State Police, the individual was struck by a car driven by a woman from Assumption. Rain was falling down during the time of the accident. No one involved with the accident has been identified, and no charges have been filed. The accident remains under investigation.

Macoupin County State's Attorney Jennifer Watson has announced that Judge Patrick Londrigan has accepted the plea sentencing 31 year old Jaime Salgado to 8 years for his role in the unlawful delivery of 72 buttons of heroin. Salgado entered a plea of guilty to unlawful possession of a controlled substance with the intent to deliver.

The allegation stems from a February 19, 2013, incident in Mt. Olive. A tip led Chief Ryan Dugger to a home that Salgado was visiting. Upon a search of the defendant, the buttons of heroin were found on his person.

Salgado has been in custody of the Macoupin County Sheriff's Office since his arrest on this charge.

(Litchfield)--The City of Litchfield will be accepting applications for a new City Administrator. Following a closed session for personell, the city council approved to accept applications for the position. The measure passed in a six to two vote, with Alderman Woody Street, and Dave Hollo voting no. No time frame was mentioned on when a new administrator would be hired.

Zoning Changes

Also during the city council meeting Tuesday night, the council approved zoning changes for Latter Rain Ministries new facility.

Electric Bids

The city council also approved a bid from D and M Electric for electrical work at Library Park. The amount of the bid was over nineteen thousand dollars.

Water Main

The city council also had a long discussion regarding a water main replacement connection from Lake Lou Yaeger to the water treatment facility, crossing Ernst Farms. According to Ted LaBelle from Crawford, Murphy and Tilley, Haier Plumbing and Heating is seeking an extension to July 1st to finish the project. The delays are inpart of the weather, and a misplacement of a waterline. The city council approved the extension.

Meeting Time Changes

The city council also changed meeting times for the City Council meetings and the Finance Committee meetings. The new meeting times will be at 6:30, starting in July.

(Litchfield)--One person was injured in a single vehicle accident Thursday morning on Interstate 55 near Staunton. According to Illinois State Police, a vehicle driven by 46 year old Eric Northcutt of Litchfield was northbound on the interstate when he left the road, entering into a ditch.

Northcutt was taken by ambulance to Community Memorial Hospital in Staunton for treatment of serious injuries. He was cited with D.U.I., illegal transportation of alcohol, and improper lane usage.