MORNING EDITION: February 11, 2026

February 11, 2026 60

Here are some stories you may have missed overnight in this inaugural edition of Morning Edition for February 11, 2026:

Greenfield Elementary gym roof to be repaired

GREENFIELD — Greenfield School District plans to repair the Greenfield Elementary gym roof after leaks revealed a decades-old construction shortcut where only seams, not the full metal roof, were tarred in the 1990s. Superintendent Andy Stumpf said Omni and a roofing company will remove old tar and properly reseal the roof. He expects the resealing will last “our lifetime” once finished.

The district is also launching a Teen REACH after-school program for grades 5–8. The program will have funding through a grant from the Scott County Health Department. This program will focus on tutoring, homework help, and healthy snacks for at-risk youth.

Four new Promethean boards would receive approval for purchase through the final year of a Teacher Vacancy Grant. The grant brings interactive boards to every classroom and replaces failing units, with older boards kept as backups.

In personnel actions, the board approved several coaching hires and contract changes and accepted the resignation of a part-time custodian who will remain a full-time bus driver.

Blessing Hospital recognized for quality spine surgery

QUINCY — Blessing Hospital has earned the Blue Distinction Center designation for spine surgery from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, recognizing high-quality, safer spinal care.

The designation highlights lower complication and readmission rates within 90 days of surgery. This has support through evidence from the American Spine Registry and specialty neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons practicing at Blessing.

The spine team includes board-certified neurosurgeons Drs. Ryan Brennan, Gayatri Sonti, and Brian Anderson, and orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Philip Meinhardt. All four surgeons completed advanced spine fellowships and bring expertise in areas such as neuromodular implantation and neuroscience.

To qualify, Blessing had to maintain national accreditation, show low mortality and readmission rates after elective spine surgery, use enhanced recovery protocols, and participate in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois’ PPO network. The Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has guided patients to high-quality, often lower-cost specialty care since 2005.

More information on the designation and provider list: http://BCBS.com/bluedistinction

Pittsfield Park District adds flag football

PITTSFIELD — The Pittsfield Park District is launching an NFL-sponsored flag football program for boys and girls in kindergarten through eighth grade. The league will run from late March through early May on Sunday afternoons at the Pittsfield Lake soccer fields.

A registration fee includes a reversible jersey and flags. The NFL will provide smaller footballs based on the number of jerseys ordered, with scholarships available to ensure access. The league will feature five-on-five games on a 50-yard field with two end zones. This setup will allow running or passing until inside the 10-yard line, where passing is required.

Saukee football coach Dalton Barnes and soccer organizer Justin Poor will lead the program. High school players will be serving as referees and coaches, and proceeds from concessions will benefit Saukee football.

Mayor Gary Mendenhall said the effort, dubbed “Faith, Family and Friends,” has already drawn around 60 signups and comes as the city also reports a smooth city hall transition, an on-track budget, and quick repairs to recent water main breaks.

Mahomet man arrested on predatory criminal sexual assault charge

MAHOMET — A 64-year-old Mahomet man is in custody on preliminary charges of predatory criminal sexual assault of several children under 10 following a multi-agency investigation.

Police say the case began January 14 when the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services notified Mahomet officers that children living with and cared for by Willie Luckett had reported sexual abuse, prompting a joint investigation with DCFS, the Champaign County Children’s Advocacy Center, the Champaign County State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Champaign Police Department.

Investigators would later determine that there was probable cause that offenses occurred. Luckett was arrested on February 7, stressing that the allegations involved children who had been left in his care multiple times.

Mahomet Police Chief Dave Smysor said the criminal case remains in its early stages and will move through the courts. Smysor adds that such allegations are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly with a victim-centered approach in coordination with partner agencies.