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About Us

Your Community, Your News.

Welcome to Windmill Media! Our name was inspired by the windmills that once stood as centers of town life, harnessing a natural force to power and sustain the community. In that same spirit, we aim to harness the power of communication to inform, connect, and empower our local towns and villages.

We know it’s getting harder to find out what’s happening in our own backyards. With traditional newsrooms shrinking, many of us feel disconnected from the local decisions that affect our families, our taxes, and our quality of life.

We’re here to change that.

As an all-digital news source based in Frankfort, Illinois, we focus 100% of our energy on bringing you the news that matters most, right where you are—on your phone, tablet, or computer.

Here’s what you’ll find at Windmill Media:

  • The Full Story on Local Government: From the school board’s budget to the park district’s new project and what’s happening at the county board committees. We cover it all so you don’t have to.

  • Go Team! Complete high school sports coverage, including updated calendars so you never miss a game.

  • What’s Happening? The most complete local and regional events calendar around.

  • You’re Part of the Story: Submit your own news tips and events, post in our classifieds, and help us keep everyone in the loop!

  • Plus: Essential state and national headlines, and local weather alerts to keep you safe.

We built Windmill Media because we believe in the power of local connection. We hope you’ll make us your daily stop for everything happening in our wonderful community.

Latest News Stories

Illinois quick hits: Governor bans school fines; Target fires hundreds over fraud

Illinois quick hits: Governor bans school fines; Target fires hundreds over fraud

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Governor bans school fines Gov. J.B. Pritzker has signed legislation that bans schools from issuing fines or citations to students for...
Industry advocates: More state regulation will drive insurance rates higher

Industry advocates: More state regulation will drive insurance rates higher

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Insurance industry leaders are advising Illinois lawmakers that state regulation of rates will lead to higher costs...
Lawmakers, policy groups react to social media warning suit

Lawmakers, policy groups react to social media warning suit

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Bill sponsors and public interest groups have been quick to respond to a lawsuit filed last week against Colorado, challenging a new law that would...
From Mexico to Knoxville, five cartel leaders wanted in drugs, weapons conspiracy

From Mexico to Knoxville, five cartel leaders wanted in drugs, weapons conspiracy

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Despite many arguing the border crisis is over because illegal entries at the southwest border have dropped to their lowest level in recorded history, border-related...
Trump administration pushes to remove noncitizen Medicaid enrollees

Trump administration pushes to remove noncitizen Medicaid enrollees

By Andrew RiceThe Center Square The Trump administration is cracking down on noncitizens receiving Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program benefits, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services....
Casey Meeting Aug 18.2

“Candy Canes on Main” Gets Green Light for Parade, Donation, and New Beer Garden

Article Summary: Casey's popular "Candy Canes on Main" holiday event received full support from the City Council, which approved the parade route, a $6,000 donation, and plans for a new...
Public education budgets balloon while enrollment, proficiency, standards drop

Public education budgets balloon while enrollment, proficiency, standards drop

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In return for soaring state spending on education, Illinois taxpayers are getting chronic absenteeism, poor academic proficiency...
Illinois news in brief: Cook County evaluates storm, flood damage; Giannoulias pushes for state regulation of auto insurance; State seeks seasonal snow plow drivers

Illinois news in brief: Cook County evaluates storm, flood damage; Giannoulias pushes for state regulation of auto insurance; State seeks seasonal snow plow drivers

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Cook County evaluates storm, flood damage The Cook County Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security is reviewing damage from the...
Governor defends mental health mandate, rejects parental consent plan

Governor defends mental health mandate, rejects parental consent plan

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, who represents the 15th Congressional district in southeastern Illinois, is reintroducing legislation...
Illinois quick hits: Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax

Illinois quick hits: Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax Arlington Heights village trustees have approved a one-percent tax on groceries. Since Gov. J.B. Pritzker...
Casey Meeting Aug 18.1

Casey Joins Land Bank, Secures EPA Grant for Sewer Planning

Article Summary: The City of Casey has taken two major steps to address housing and infrastructure challenges, officially joining the Central Illinois Land Bank Authority and securing a state grant...
Plan launched to place redistricting amendment before voters in 2026

Plan launched to place redistricting amendment before voters in 2026

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Two former U.S. Cabinet members have launched a new effort to stop Illinois politicians from drawing their...
Rose-Penrod-1755598599

Rose G. (Crandall) Penrod

Rose G. (Crandall) Penrod, 105, of Casey, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 7:53 p.m. at Heartland Manor & Rehabilitation in Casey. She was born on October...
Casey Meeting Aug 18.3

Casey Targets Two Dilapidated Properties for Remediation

Article Summary: The Casey City Council has authorized legal action against two properties deemed "dangerous and unsafe," signaling a continued focus on addressing blight. The council approved separate resolutions for...
Illinois GOP U.S. Senate candidates point to economy, Trump gains

Illinois GOP U.S. Senate candidates point to economy, Trump gains

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Economic issues are front and center for Republican U.S. Senate candidates in Illinois. Former Illinois GOP Chairman...