I-255 will close for four months during $62.2M project

The Illinois Department of Transportation will host a public meeting to discuss a $62.2 million reconstruction project on Interstate 255 scheduled for 2027.

A home in Centralia, Illinois hits the market

In 1955, architect William Bernoudy designed this home for the editor and publisher of the Centralia Sentinel. Two additions, one in 1998 and the other in 2000, expanded the living space while maintaining the home’s historic character. Thoughtful Architecture. The house on Perrine Avenue is an example of Prairie...

Breese Central and Okawville in Volleyball Final Fours

Three area high school girls volleyball teams are in the IHSA state semifinals. Breese Central, Okawville and Mascoutah won supersectional matches Monday night to advance to the Final Four in their classes. Central was a 25-14, 26-24 winner over Red Bud in the Nashville Class 2A Supersectional. The Lady Cougars...

Southern Illinois Hides 6 Restaurants Worth Driving Hours For Fried Chicken

Some of the best meals in Illinois come from places you would drive right past without a second look. A gravel lot, a plain sign, maybe a farmhouse porch, and then a plate of crackling, golden chicken that ruins every drive-thru for you. Southern Illinois is full of these quiet...

Volunteers needed for Belleville's overnight center. Here's how you can help

St. Paul United Church of Christ will host an informational meeting Nov. 18 for people interested in volunteering at an overnight center for people without shelter during dangerously cold weather. The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the church, 115 W. B St. Attendees will learn about the Emergency Weather Overnight Center at the McCormick Center, 301 S. First St. in Belleville, which will provide shelter when temperatures fall to 20 degrees or below. People seeking shelter will be screened and transported from the Salvation Army in Belleville. A hired security guard will be stationed at the center, according to the church. The City Council approved the center in August. The McCormick Center is owned by the Catholic Diocese of Belleville, which is encouraging other area cities to offer similar winter services.

Lane Closures Scheduled On Westbound I-55/I-64/US 40 In St. Clair County

EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced a lane closure on westbound Interstate 55/I-64/U.S. 40 between Illinois 3 and the Poplar Street Bridge in St. Clair County for bridge repairs. Beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, Nov. 9, two westbound mainline lanes will be closed at...

Illinois Families Fill Their Pantries At These 8 Old-School Meat Markets Making Their Own Smoked Sausage

Some of the best food in Illinois hides behind plain storefronts with hand-painted signs and a smoky smell drifting out the door. You walk in expecting a quick errand and walk out with a cooler full of brats, sausage sticks, and summer sausage you did not plan to buy. These...

Progressive American Flat Track Series Debuts at Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway in 2027

BELLEVILLE, Ill. (Nov. 12, 2026) – Belle-Clair Fairground Park Speedway and AMA Pro Racing officials announced today the Progressive American Flat Track motorcycle racing championship will make its debut at the Belleville facility on May 22, 2027, for the Belleville Bull Ring Bash. The event will mark the first time Progressive American Flat Track competition has been held at the historic Belle-Clair Speedway, bringing the sport’s top riders and manufacturers to one of the Midwest’s premier short-track venues. The Belleville facility reopened in 2026 following a complete rebuild, featuring a new racing surface and modern amenities. “We're excited to welcome Progressive American Flat Track to Belle-Clair Speedway for the first time," said Curtis Francois, operator of Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway. "Belle-Clair has a long tradition of hosting outstanding short-track racing, and American Flat Track's combination of speed, talent and close competition makes it a perfect fit for our facility. We look forward to introducing our fans to this incredible form of motorsports and welcoming enthusiasts from across the region to Belleville next spring.” “Bringing Progressive American Flat Track to Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway is an exciting opportunity to build on the St. Louis region’s rich racing heritage,” said Gene Crouch,

Edwardsville, Glen Carbon area restaurant inspections Nov. 2-6

All information is from the Madison County Health Department’s website.

Collinsville City Council Unanimously Approves $21.6 Million Capital Improvement Plan

Collinsville’s City Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 10 started with roll call, having all councilpeople present, an invocation from Father Rosa of Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, and the pledge of allegiance. They began with recognition of Michaela Cercherer as Telecommunicator of the Year. Police Chief Brett Boerm spoke about Cercherer’s first two years with the police department were exemplary. She worked in multiple life-saving efforts this year, and while the department has many unsung heroes, Boerm was very proud that Michaela was the second person in their department to be acknowledged for this state-wide award. Next Mayor Jeff Stehman and council acknowledged 314 Vandalia Street as the winners for Yard of the Year. Stehman then read the Proclamation that November 2026 is National American Indian Heritage Month in Collinsville. City Manager Derek Jackson then began a presentation on the 2027 Capital Improvement Plan. The Capital Improvement Plan, or CIP, is a rather large document providing an overview of the many individual projects and total spending for 2027, the total being $21,604,589. The project types broke down to vehicles needed, infrastructure improvements, new equipment, and facility improvements across all departments. Jackson broke down the numbers by department, fund, and

Fairmount Park Casino and Racing Announces Facility Improvements, New Racing Schedule for 2027

Fairmount Park Casino and Racing Announces Facility Improvements, New Racing Schedule for 2027

Highland OKs $186,200 dump truck purchase ahead of potential price increase

Reporter • The Highland City Council approved buying a new dump truck for the city’s street and alley division on Nov. 2, citing long manufacturing timelines and an expected price increase. The council unanimously approved a resolution waiving bidding procedures to purchase a 2028 Freightliner M2106 dump truck...

This Edwardsville restaurant has some of the best barbecue in US, report finds

A family friendly barbecue restaurant in Edwardsville was recently named one of the best in the nation by National Barbecue News . Doc’s Smokehouse was named one of the 28 best “Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America” in National Barbecue News’ August guide. The establishment is known for its signature sandwiches , specialty burgers, nachos and tasty side dishes. “Doc and Susan Richardson (owners of Doc’s Smokehouse) count it an honor and a privilege to represent the St. Louis Metro area, as well as the state of Illinois,” an Aug. 13 press release said. “The National Barbecue News endorsement as the “Best of the Best” speaks volumes about their staff and their commitment to excellence.” To be eligible for the Best of the Best Barbecue Restaurants in America list, an establishment must be taste-tested without notice or announcement by an affiliate of National Barbecue News, the press release said. The recognition lasts one year before the restaurant is re-tested. Doc’s Smokehouse is the “first, and currently the only, barbecue restaurant to achieve this honor in the St. Louis metro area,” according to the press release. In addition to its popular regular menu items, Doc’s Smokehouse offers a special

The day after retirement, this Illinois couple opened their own apple orchard

The day after Steve Miller, an author and former energy industry worker, retired in 2013, he and his wife Lugene launched their next adventure: opening Liberty Apple Orchard in Edwardsville, Illinois. “We have lived all over the country,” Steve said. “We picked apples everywhere we went, and we wanted to...

Silver Creek replaces Marine on the construction update list; THS, TMS remain

After site grading and earthmoving, lime stabilization happened, followed by site drainage during the week of Oct. 16 and concrete preparation during the week of Oct. 23. At Triad High School, the mezzanine took shape as structural steel has been installed; same with the lobby. Concrete slabs and steps have been poured in both areas and steel has formed the catwalk section within the theater.

Pet of the Week- Meet Starr!

Thank you to Doit's Village Inn for sponsoring The Granite City Daily News adoptable pet from Metro East Humane Society. Meet Starr! This spunky girl is full of personality and guaranteed to keep you smiling! She's playful, fun, and has just the right amount of sass, but once the excitement settles down, Starr turns into an absolute cuddle bug who loves being close to her people. She's ready to trade shelter life for a cozy bed, a loving family, and someone she can call her very own. Starr has so much love to give and is just waiting for someone to give her a chance. Don't let this sweet girl wait any longer come meet Starr. Hi I am new to Metro East Humane Society and I am very excited to meet you!! If you are interested in adopting me, please fill out an application on our website at https://www.mehs.org/adoptables If you are interested in learning more about all of our adoptables or the adoption process at MEHS, please email info@mehs.org All of our dogs and cats will be microchipped, spayed or neutered, and up-to-date on vaccinations at the time of adoption. MEHS Adoption Fees: Dogs under 6 months: $250

High School Football Preview Show: Quarterfinal Week

In honor of Veterans Day, we’re putting the High School Football Preview Show on the free side of the website today. Enjoy the breakdown from Tim Schweizer, Steve Bridge, Mike Wennmacher and Derek Parris as they talk SHG vs Centralia and Rochester vs Highland ahead of the 4A quarterfinals on Saturday. This show can be also be heard live on WMAY 97.7 FM on Saturday at 3 pm.

Alton’s Ryan Howard commits to SIUE basketball

Alton star Ryan Howard commits to SIUE basketball, giving the Cougars a high-scoring local guard for the next step of his career.

Madison County approves zoning variances near Troy

By Randy Pierce • Two requests for variances from property owners near Troy have been approved unanimously by the Madison County Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) as the first step in a three-part process. The results of the public hearings conducted by the ZBA concerning these matters have been...

Kay Weber on Belleville’s 46th Annual Thanksgiving Art and Craft Fair