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...

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...

Part of I-255 to shut down in St. Clair County. Here's what we know

The Illinois Department of Transportation plans a $62.2 million construction project on Interstate 255 between Illinois 3 and Illinois 157. The project includes resurfacing, bridge repairs, safety improvements, new lighting, upgraded signs and drainage improvements, according to IDOT. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring or summer 2027. I-255 will be closed in both directions between Illinois 3 and Illinois 157 for about four months, with the highway expected to reopen in fall 2027. IDOT said the full closure will allow crews to finish the work in one construction season, rather than about two years with staged construction. The project is a continuation of work on I-255. IDOT shut down a 3.5-mile stretch from Illinois 15 to 157 for nearly six months in February 2025. In 2020, the agency a seven-mile stretch of the highway from Collinsville Road in southern Madison County to Illinois 15. The highway was opened in 1984. Five phases are planned to upgrade its road deck and bridges. For years, state officials designated I-255 as one of the worst stretches of highway in Illinois. St. Clair County Chairman Mark Kern, at the time the restoration project began, compared driving on the road before its restoration to

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...

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

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

Cougars Snatch Victory in Highest Scoring Game in Program History

GREENVILLE, Ill. – In one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the season, the Concordia University Chicago (CUC) men's basketball team took a road trip to face the Greenville University Panthers. It proved to be a game for the ages, marking the highest scoring game in program history, as the Cougars claimed victory in impressive fashion, 136-133. This is also the first time the Cougars have defeated the Panthers since 2023.

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.

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

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...

Glen Carbon committee approves prairie restoration

The village approved a three-year, $37,450 agreement with Native Plant STL to restore about 1.5 acres of prairie at Green Space East.

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

Emerson names local educators for 2026 Excellence in Teaching Awards

A crystal apple awaits seven local teachers at Emerson's awards ceremony

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.

Edwardsville announces 14 college athletic commitments

Congratulations to the 14 student-athletes from Edwardsville High School.

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

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.

City Hires Firm For City Manager Search

The Greenville City Council has hired a Charleston, Illinois firm to oversee the search for a new city manager. Jo Hollenkamp, the current city manager, has announced she will retire, effective February 5, 2027. The council voted to secure the services of Arndt Municipal Support, the same firm that was...