St. Clair County to unveil new drone program for first responders

St. Clair County officials will host a news conference Tuesday in East St. Louis to announce the launch of a new drone program for first responders and demonstrate its capabilities.

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

Emma Jackson Leads By Example at Highland High School

HIGHLAND – Emma Jackson knows the value of hard work. For her achievements, Emma Jackson is a Platinum Transportation Student of the Month for Highland High School. Jackson, a senior, is an avid member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) organization at her school. She works hard to support her peers as well as farmers throughout the region. She understands the importance of agriculture and always tries to educate others about this, too.

I-270 Mississippi River Bridge completed

New westbound span opens Nov. 16, a Rebuild Illinois achievement advancing improvements to a critical freight corridor in the Metro East MADISON COUNTY — The Illinois and Missouri departments of transportation were joined by local leaders and industry partners today to cut the ribbon on the new Interstate 270 Chain of Rocks twin bridges crossing the Mississippi River, the centerpiece of a combined $531.6 million investment to improve safety and mobility while creating jobs and economic opportunity along a critical freight and travel corridor. The bridges are the latest achievement made possible by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic Rebuild Illinois capital program, which is delivering billions of dollars in major projects across the state this fall. ​ “Illinois is the gateway to the world — representing one of the most important commerce hubs in the country. Whether it’s workers making their commute or delivery drivers moving freight, Illinoisians deserve a safe and reliable system to get where they need to go,” said Gov. Pritzker. “With the completion of the I-270 Mississippi River Bridge, we are creating better paying jobs, expanding access to regional travel and spurring economic growth for communities across the state.” Construction of the bridges has been overseen by

Fairmont City Approves New Zoning Change

The Fairmont City village board meeting started promptly at 7:00 p.m. with an opening prayer and the pledge of allegiance. Roll was taken, and Mayor Michael Suarez noted that old business wouldn’t be addressed as the owner was still needed for information. Village Clerk Killian Weir then handled new business. First up was a zoning ordinance for 4426 Cookson Road, to change the zoning to commercial from residential, which was unanimously passed by the council. The next item up for consideration was a business license application for Jose Ramirez for a dual business at the Cookson Road address being rezoned. Together with his wife, they will run a tax service and a photography studio in the back. Ramirez talked about how his wife’s studio had been open before COVID. The Fire Chief Robert Allen asked Ramirez to get in contact with him to schedule their inspection. The council voted unanimously to approve the application. The final item was a building permit application for an LED sign from the owner of Holy Rosary Church, which was also approved unanimously. The board then approved the minutes of the previous meetings. James Sehr, Village Inspector, didn’t have a report this meeting. Police Chief

Rex Ryan surrenders on 6 warrants in Nashville pedestrian case

Police allege the former Jets coach struck two pedestrians with his pickup and drove away; both suffered minor injuries.

Collinsville Schools gear up for 100-year anniversary celebration of Kahoks athletics on Nov. 16th

In a little than a week, the Collinsville school district will celebrate a major milestone in its rich history as November 16 th marks the 100 th anniversary of the athletic programs team nickname, the Kahoks. Collinsville High School athletic director Clay Smith said there has been a palpable buzz around the school the last few weeks about next week’s 100-year celebration. “We’re excited about it and it’s not every day you get to celebrate a 100-year birthday, especially for the name of our mascot which is extremely cool for us in the athletic department,” Smith said. It’s hard to think that 100 years later since 1926 that we still have the name that represents Collinsville and all the generations of families and coaches and gyms, so yeah, it’s an exciting time.” The Kahoks nickname was born out of a search that started in late October of 1926. On October 26, 1926, the Collinsville High School newspaper, The Chanticleer, asked students to submit ideas for a nickname for the school's athletic teams. Ultimately, the goal was to find a name that represented Collinsville and, as the newspaper put it, would “instill fear in the hearts of the opponent.” Only three

Reagan Dortch is Impressive Student Athlete at Highland High School

HIGHLAND – Reagan Dortch is dedicated to everything she does. For her hard work, Reagan Dortch is a Platinum Transportation Student of the Month for Highland High School. Dortch, a senior, has played ice hockey for nine years. She loves the sport and has worked hard to receive some well-deserved recognition. She is also a member of the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes program, through which she has received a leadership award.

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...

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

Illinois Route 66: Where the Mother Road Begins

Caseyville Moving Forward on Lawsuit Over Police Cars

The Caseyville Village Board meeting opened on November 4, at 7pm. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved. Deb Dougherty spoke first in public comment, she asked for an update on the lawsuit the village has filed over the unfinished police cars. She wants to know how much the lawsuit is costing and how much they've already paid the company. She also asked about the promised radar speed signs that are not out in the neighborhoods yet and the status of the solar farm project. There was no new business or correspondence. The bill list was approved. Police Chief Woody Hall had no report. Superintendent of Public Works Brian Rader reported the department has been busy with upmp and sanitary sewer maintenance, a water line replacement on 89th Street and Bunkum Road, and repairing curbs, street sweeping and adding storm sewer inlets in Tanglewood. Village Attorney Bill Wagner then gave an update on the lawsuit regarding the police cars, there is a court date on Nov. 9th. The next meeting of the Village Board is on November 18, at 7pm.

Potters throw everything at Knights in second round

Only eight teams remain in each of the IHSA State Final football brackets and the Triad Knights are no longer one of them. Their matchup with the Morton Potters on Saturday, Nov. 7 proved to be too tall a task, as they were thrown into the kiln of a lopsided game.

Sauget’s historic Statue of Liberty replica stands tall once again

After major repairs, a century-old Statue of Liberty replica is standing tall once again in Sauget, Illinois.

Transit Commuters Vote on Favorite MetroLink Stations

Election Day results are in. SCCTD & CMT polled transit riders on their favorite MetroLink stations along the alignment and the results are in! The region’s favorite stops are…. Favorite Illinois station: Belleville MetroLink Station. Favorite Missouri station: Cortex MetroLink Station. Thanks to everyone who voted for their favorite...

Hoyleton Youth and Family Services Awarded Grant to Support Children and Families Affected by Trauma

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. — Hoyleton Youth and Family Services has been awarded a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) through the National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative – Community Treatment and Service Centers (NCTSI-III) program. The funding, $556,000 per year for five years, will support Hoyleton’s continued commitment to children and families who are struggling by increasing access to trauma treatment and family-centered support. SAMHSA funding reinforces Hoyleton’s commitment to compassionate care and access to childhood trauma treatment. Through this program, Hoyleton expects to enroll up to 150 clients annually who need trauma-focused therapy. Planned services include Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), with support for children, youth, and families affected by traumatic experiences. Included in the funding is the opportunity to have clients utilize wearable devices so bio feedback can be collected throughout treatment monitoring sleep, brainwave patterns and heart and respiratory rate to monitor progress with the treatment plan. Hoyleton will also offer new in-person training for foster parents, developed by the Residential Child Care Project, to help them better understand childhood trauma and respond to children in distress. Through group learning and hands-on practice, foster parents will

High Schoolers Discover Career Opportunities at 2026 Girls in Aviation Day

Annual event at St. Louis Downtown Airport encourages female students to be curious, courageous and confident as they explore futures in aerospace and aviation. [ST. LOUIS, MO/Nov. 10, 2026] Area high school girls got an up-close look at careers in aviation on Friday, Oct. 23, as the Saint Louis University (SLU) Oliver L. Parks Department of Aviation Science and SLU’s Women in Aviation International (WAI) chapter hosted the 2026 Girls in Aviation Day at St. Louis Downtown Airport in Cahokia Heights, Ill.

Missouri-Illinois Weather Alert: St. Louis Freeze Friday, Nov 11-15

St. Louis faces a dramatic temperature plunge as 69-degree warmth gives way to freezing nights

SIHF Healthcare to Give Away Nearly 800 Turkeys in Cahokia Heights

As families across the Metro East prepare for the holiday season, SIHF Healthcare is working to ensure more residents have access to both nutritious food, as well as essential healthcare services. SIHF Healthcare, one of Illinois’ largest Federally Qualified Health Center networks, is partnering with Blue Cross Blue Shield, Ameren...

Glen Carbon trustees split over higher tax levy

Higher levy proposal would add about $5.30 a year to some tax bills, according to Trustee Bill Maliszewski.