Brandon Merano

1 week ago | wcia.com | Danny Connolly |Brandon Merano

PONTIAC, Ill. (WCIA) — Christie Clinic Race Weekend is almost here and people throughout Central Illinois are getting ready to lace up their shoes. One of those athletes is Jessica Davis from Pontiac. Davis was in a UTV accident in 2018 which took her left arm. She’s also served in the Marine Corps. She said losing her arm was just the beginning of another journey.

2 months ago | wcia.com | Molly Sweeney |Brandon Merano

KINCAID, Ill. (WCIA) — A trial is underway for a former South Fork teacher accused of aggravated battery. WCIA obtained documents from the Kincaid Police Department’s investigations through a Freedom of Information Act request. According to the documents, a South Fork School District parent reported to police that Michelle Freligh, a South Fork High School teacher, “attacked” her juvenile daughter. The incident happened on Dec. 7, 2023. Kincaid Police went on to investigate the incident at the school.

2 months ago | wcia.com | Brandon Merano

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — A quick errand turned into a tragedy at a Jacksonville Walmart. Sid Welles was waiting in the car while his wife Evelyn was picking up a gallon of milk. She collapsed — but luckily Steve Gilbreth, who knew CPR, was nearby. Evelyn experienced ventricular fibrillation, a quivering of the heart muscles, leading to blood stoppage in September. Thankfully, Gilbreth gave her lifesaving CPR until paramedics got there.

2 months ago | yahoo.com | Brandon Merano

JACKSONVILLE, Ill. (WCIA) — A quick errand turned into a tragedy at a Jacksonville Walmart. Sid Welles was waiting in the car while his wife Evelyn was picking up a gallon of milk. She collapsed — but luckily Steve Gilbreth, who knew CPR, was nearby. Evelyn experienced ventricular fibrillation, a quivering of the heart muscles, leading to blood stoppage in September. Thankfully, Gilbreth gave her lifesaving CPR until paramedics got there.

Jan 8, 2025 | wcia.com | Brandon Merano

MT. ZION, Ill. (WCIA) — Mt. Zion was the place of a somber reflection on Tuesday when hundreds came together to mourn for one boy and pray for another as he fights for his life. 10-year-old Jack Brinkoetter was killed in a tragic accident on Sunday. A second boy his age was critically injured in the same accident, and he is currently hospitalized in Springfield. Both are fifth grade students at Mt. Zion Intermediate School, where a prayer vigil was held Tuesday night.