City of Galesburg, IL Government

09/02/2026

🚰 A Galesburg Water Update

Galesburg residents can expect to receive an IEPA mailing next week. The City understands that seeing PFOS levels reported above a state standard can raise questions.

The most important thing to know: The levels referenced in the notice are from raw, untreated water at specific well sites — not the treated water delivered to your tap, which meets current state standards for PFOS.

Here’s what’s important:
• The three wells with elevated PFOS levels are not being used.
• Two of those wells are planned for full retirement in 2027, and the third is designated for emergency use only.
• Galesburg’s water is not in violation of IEPA regulations. The finished water being delivered to homes currently meets the 4 ppt PFOS standard.
• The City is designing two new wells to further improve finished water quality and expects to meet all newly adopted standards well ahead of the April 2029 compliance deadline.

📬 Watch for the IEPA notice in the coming week, and visit the City's website for more details.

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08/28/2026

Due to forecasted high heat, Waste Management will begin all collection routes in Galesburg 30 minutes early the week of August 31st through September 4th, 2026. Residents should ensure all refuse is placed at the curb by 5:30 a.m. on their collection day.

08/28/2026

Congratulations to Officer Thompson on being recognized as Officer of the Year, and Officer Pearson for receiving honorable mention! We’re proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.

Read the full story from WGIL below.

The Galesburg Area Crimestoppers has named Galesburg, IL Police Department K9 Officer Jacob Thompson its 2025 Officer of the Year, recognizing a drug investigation that led to the seizure of about 8 pounds of methamphetamine and two fi****ms. Detective Eryn Pearson received honorable mention.
Full story: ➡️ https://www.wgil.com/2026/08/28/thompson-crimestoppers-officer-year/

08/24/2026

🎉 A new neighborhood hub is ready to celebrate! Cooke Park, located at 652 W. Second Street, is officially complete, including its brand-new splash pad.

Join the City of Galesburg for a ribbon-cutting on Wednesday, August 26 at 11:30 a.m. and celebrate what’s possible when government, community partners and residents work together.

Learn more about Cooke Park and the project’s community partnerships in the full press release on the City’s website.

08/22/2026

With heavy hearts, we honor and remember former Mayor John Pritchard, who passed away recently after a lifetime of dedicated service to our community.

Serving as Mayor from 2013 to 2021, John was a steady champion for Galesburg’s growth and economic vitality. During his two terms, John created and chaired the board of the Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development, drove critical local infrastructure initiatives, and championed the Galesburg Promise scholarship to invest in our youth.

Beyond City Hall and his long career in local media as publisher of the Register-Mail and owner of Galesburg Broadcasting and Pritchard Broadcasting, his impact extended into virtually every corner of civic life. He lent his vision to the United Way, National Stearman Fly-In, Galesburg Hospital Ambulance Service, Illinois Municipal League, Western Illinois Regional Council, and the National Railroad Hall of Fame and Museum.

Yet, for all his accomplishments, those who worked alongside John will remember him just as much for his quiet humility, sharp intelligence, and dry wit. The City of Galesburg extends its deepest sympathies to Jane, his family, and all who knew and loved him. His legacy of service will continue to shape our community for years to come.

Celebrate the life of Mr. John Pritchard and join others in sharing memories, stories, and condolences.

08/08/2026

💦 Come make a splash at Cooke Park this weekend!

The splash pad at Cooke Park is officially up and running! Come check it out this weekend!

08/06/2026

🚧 Temporary Railroad Crossing Closure 🚧
Effective today, August 6, 2026, BNSF has closed the Whitesboro Street crossing between North and Grove Streets for track repairs. The closure is now expected to last until 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 12.

07/24/2026

The National Weather Service has forecasted high heat and humidity readings between 105 and 110 degrees starting Sunday, July 26th, at noon and continuing through Monday, July 27th. As a result, the Knox County Emergency Management Agency will monitor local weather conditions, and the following locations will be available as cooling centers next week.
📍Knox County YMCA - 1324 W. Carl Sandburg Dr. (Monday through Thursday 5 am to 9 pm, Friday 5 am to 8 pm)
📍Knox County Housing Authority Low Barrier Shelter - 525/527 Iowa Court (24 hours, 7 days per week)
📍The Salvation Army, The Bridge Program - 510 N. Kellogg Street (Monday - Friday, 9 am - 4 pm)
📍Galesburg Public Library - 264 W. Main Street (Mon, Tues, Thurs 9 am – 8 pm; Wed, Fri, Sat 9 am – 5 pm)
📍Williamsfield Fire Station - E. Gale St./N. Chicago St. (Sunday beginning at 12:00 pm, Monday and Tuesday, open 24 hours)
📍Oneida Fire Station - 210 N. Sage St. (Monday through Tuesday, open 24 hours)
📍Wataga Fire Station - 310 Willard St. (Monday through Tuesday, open 24 hours)

For more information, please visit:
🔗https://www.ci.galesburg.il.us/news_detail_T2_R956.php

07/24/2026

Due to forecasted high heat and humidity, Waste Management will begin all collection routes in Galesburg 30 minutes early on Monday, July 27th, 2026. Residents should ensure all refuse is placed at the curb by 5:30 a.m. on Monday.

07/23/2026

We hope to see you there!