Augusta is a small village (<1,000 people) in the south-east corner of Hancock County, Illinois – about 250 miles from Chicago.
History
The village was founded in the 1832 when it was surrounded by rolling prairie land. Fast-forward to today and it is surrounded by rolling corn fields and pastures.
Augusta takes it name from Augusta, Georgia. Local news was formerly distributed through the Augusta Eagle-Scribe.
Augusta Features
Augusta has a classic Main Street, complete with a grocery store, deli, post office, hair salon, fire station, and bars.
To find out more about what it’s like to visit or live in Augusta, see Illinois in Focus.
Eagle-Scribe: A Legacy of Local News
The Origins and Evolution
The Eagle-Scribe, a weekly newspaper in Augusta, Illinois, was established in 2000. It resulted from the merger of two long-standing papers: the Augusta Eagle and the Tri-County Scribe.
- The Augusta Eagle, first published in the late 19th century, served the community for over a century.
- The Tri-County Scribe had a similarly rich history, providing news to Hancock County since the late 1800s.
Combining their strengths, the Eagle-Scribe aimed to deliver comprehensive coverage of local news and events.
Community Engagement and Coverage
Thomas and Eunice Hutson led the Eagle-Scribe, quickly making it a source of information for Augusta residents. It covered a wide range of topics. These included local government meetings, school sports events, community activities, and public announcements. Its dedication to local journalism fostered a strong sense of community.
Residents relied on it to stay informed and connected. High school sports achievements, such as the Central-Southeastern Panthers’ performances, were highlighted. Community events like the Kelly-Miller Circus in Carthage were also covered.
Decline and Digital Disappearance
Despite its initial success, the Eagle-Scribe faced challenges. The digital age brought many changes. By early 2010, its online presence had vanished. The rise of digital news sources contributed to this decline. Print media was struggling.
Physical copies of the Eagle-Scribe are still remembered fondly by many in Augusta. However, it ceased to exist as an active publication. The Eagle-Scribe leaves behind a legacy of dedicated local journalism, documenting the community’s stories and events for a decade.