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.

Some areas at Rend Lake to close during deer firearm season

BENTON, Ill. (Heartland News) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Rend Lake announced that several areas around Rend Lake will close during Illinois firearm deer hunting season. The closures are necessary to ensure public safety. From November 20-22 the following areas are closed to all vehicle and foot...

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...

Alton's new meeting rules add screening, limit bags and require attendees to sit

Alton's new meeting rules add screening, limit bags and require attendees to sit

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,

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

Coldest Air of the Season Brings Saturday Morning Wind Chills in the Teens and 20s to Illinois Including Chicago, Rockford, and Peoria

ILLINOIS — The coldest air of the season so far is set to arrive in Illinois this weekend, though it will only stick around for a short time. Temperatures on Saturday morning are expected to start in the 20s and 30s across the state. Combined with a steady breeze, wind chills will make it feel like the teens and 20s for anyone heading out early in the day.

Clark & Goewey Highlight 4a All State Honorable Mention Football List

The IHSFCA Prep Football All State Honorable Mention list includes several area players. The 4a list is highlighted by Salem senior Trey Clark. He joins Archie Goewey of Centralia on the 4a list as well as Brayden Brown of Carterville, Liam Koetting of Breese Central, Grady Farrell of Civic Memorial, Freeburg’s Cooper Kisgen, Jaxton Ohren of Highland and Kalvin Becker of Mt Zion.

Walton Takes Fourth And Lady Vandals Finish 14th as Team at 618 Scramble

Vandalia girls wrestling took 14th as a team at Wednesday’s 618 Scramble hosted by Edwardsville High School and Lady Vandals sophomore Brylee Walton took fourth individually. In the 170lb weight class, Walton got a first round BYE before getting a win by fall in 1:12 over Skylee Howell of Jerseyville in the Championship Quarterfinals to move to the Semifinals where she suffered a loss by fall in 52 seconds. Walton dropped to the Consolation Semifinals where she beat Aubrey Bethel of Waterloo by Major Decision, 8-0, to get into the Third Place bout but suffered a loss by fall in 49 seconds to finish in fourth and go 2-2 on the day.

Old Herald Brewery & Distillery: A Spicy Stop on the Mother Road

Illinois Route 66: Where the Mother Road Begins

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...

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...

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.

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...