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...

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.

Most Of These Old-School Steakhouses Closed Years Ago, But This Illinois One Still Serves T-Bones And A Full Buffet

A 16-ounce T-bone and an all-you-can-eat buffet still share the same menu at one Illinois interstate stop. Plenty of families thought that combo vanished along with the restaurants of their childhood. The chain behind it once dotted highways across the Midwest. Most of those locations closed years ago, so finding...

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...

Movies returning to Mt. Vernon in November; major renovations planned for 2027

MOUNT VERNON, Ill. (Heartland News) - On Tuesday, Golden Ticket Cinemas announced plans to reopen the Mount Vernon 8 this November, bringing movies back to the community just in time for the holiday season. Beginning in 2027, the company will begin to renovate the theater, with luxury recliner seating, self-serve...

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

PORTION OF ILLINOIS ROUTE 15 TO BE DEDICATED IN MEMORY OF FALLEN MARINE FROM WOODLAWN

A portion of Illinois Route 15 between Woodlawn and Mt. Vernon will be officially dedicated later this month in memory of a Southern Illinois Marine who lost his life while serving in Iraq nearly 21 years ago. Marine Lance Corporal Jonathan Kyle Price, who died in January 2006 while serving...

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

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

Centralia Chamber Executive Director steps down

Centralia Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marcus Holland is stepping down. The board of directors accepted his resignation at its Tuesday meeting. His last day will be Friday, December 4, following the Downtown Christmas Stroll. Holland has accepted a regional Public Relations position with Vantage Senior Care / High Point...

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

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...

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

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...

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.

Emerson names local educators for 2026 Excellence in Teaching Awards

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

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...

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.

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.

Edwardsville girls wrestling wins 618 Scramble with 13 top-four finishes

Edwardsville opens the season with a team championship at the 618 Girls Wrestling Scramble, led by four individual champions and 43 pins.