These 7 Illinois Small-Town Diners Have Kept The Same Family Running The Grill For Generations

Some Illinois diners have fed the same towns for so long that grandparents and grandkids order the same burger at the same counter. The places on this list are more than old buildings with grills. Each one has stayed in family hands across generations, and that history shows up on...

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...

Barking dogs cause feud between animal shelter and Belleville neighbors

The opening of an animal shelter in a former furniture store on Sherman Street in Belleville over the summer has sparked a neighborhood feud that seems to be escalating. Operators of the TNR and Rescue shelter argue that they’re performing an important community service by taking in stray and abandoned dogs and cats and adopting them out to good homes. Neighbors say they can’t sleep, work or live in peace with 25 dogs barking at all hours. “When I’m in bed, I can hear those dogs barking,” said Michelle Orlando, 46, a veterans service officer who lives across the street from the shelter in a small white frame home on Page Avenue. “It’s constant. I have a hot tub and a pool in my backyard, and I can’t even enjoy them.” Orlando said her 12-year-old son is dozing off at school because he isn’t getting enough rest, her 23-year-old daughter held pillows over her ears while home sick with the flu and Orlando had to get a prescription for sleep medication from her doctor. Other neighbors voiced similar concerns to a BND reporter who visited in the early evening on a recent weekday, when a chorus of dogs could be

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

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,

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...

Another Marine Trustee speaks to set story straight on sewers

Mayor Darren Apken and Trustee Harry “Bud” Kreutzberg talked to a reporter separately. While Apken did not wish to rebut the original article, the reporter wanted to offer village officials an opportunity to tell their side and answer questions. Apken requested that the original article not run in print and the Times-Tribune agreed; it is only online.

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...

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.

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.

PREVIEW: Bearcat Football Closes 2026 Season on the Road at Truman State

Kirksville, MO - McKendree University football heads to northeast Missouri for the final time in 2026, closing out the season Saturday against Truman State. The Bearcats will look to finish the year on a high note against a Bulldog team that has found its stride down the stretch and enters the weekend on a four-game winning streak with an opportunity to clinch an outright GLVC Football Championship with a win.

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...

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.

The Sweet Spot celebrates two years in Highland with unique treats, community connections

Reporter • With Halloween over, The Sweet Spot is getting ready for one of its busiest shopping seasons. Co-owner Dylan Richter said Christmas is especially important for specialty candy shops, as customers buy treats beyond the usual candy aisle. Instead of competing with retailers on everyday brands, The Sweet...

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

OHS Lady Rockets Volleyball is State Bound

For the first time in school history, the Okawville Lady Rockets Varsity Volleyball team is headed to the state tournament. This historic postseason began on October 28 at Maryville Christian High School, when the Lady Rockets faced Metro-East Lutheran High School in the regional semifinals. Okawville won in 2 sets, advancing to the regional championship. On October 29, the Lady Rockets played the Maryville Christian Lions at Maryville Christian High School for the regional championship. The Lady Rockets won the first set 25-16, lost the second 24-26, and came back to win the third set 25-17. With this win, the Lady Rockets advanced to play in the St. Elmo Sectional.

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

Taste of SIBR Returns to Collinsville to Support Food Pantries

COLLINSVILLE — A plate of local food will come with a chance to support area food pantries at the Southwestern Illinois Board of Realtors’ Taste of SIBR on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2026. The event, open to the public, will run from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Madison...

MO-IL Weather Alert: St. Louis 28° Saturday, 60° Wednesday

ST. LOUIS, MO – A sharp November chill is settling across the Missouri-Illinois border, bringing freezing nights before temperatures rebound into the 60s next week. Residents across St. Louis, St. Louis County and Metro East Illinois should prepare for several cold mornings and a significant temperature swing.