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.

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.

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,

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.

Nine veterans honored at Centralia VFW Veterans Day Service

Centralia VFW Post 2055 hosted a service for Veterans Day on Wednesday to honor veterans and add nine names to the Court of Honor. The service is held annually, sponsored by Sutherland Garnier, Sutherland Rankin and Hillcrest Memorial Park, and co-hosted by local veterans’ organizations. The nine veterans inducted...

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.

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

WEST FRANKFORT AND FLORA FIREFIGHTERS TURN FOOTBALL RIVALRY INTO CHARITABLE CHALLENGE

A friendly rivalry between the West Frankfort and Flora fire departments is turning Saturday’s high school football matchup between the Redbirds and Wolves at Flora into an opportunity to support two charitable causes. West Frankfort Firefighters IAFF Local 2402 and the Flora Volunteer Fire Department have agreed to make...

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...

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

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.

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.

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...

Boil water order announced for parts of West Frankfort following water line damage

WEST FRANKFORT, Ill. (KBSI) — A boil water order will be issued for portions of West Frankfort after a water line was struck, potentially disrupting service for some residents. According to the West Frankfort Mayor’s Office, customers in the affected areas may experience a temporary loss of water service...

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...

Salem Community High School Inducts National Honor Society

On Tuesday, November 10, 2026, Salem Community High School inducted 26 new members into their chapter of the National Honor Society. During the ceremony in front of family and friends, inductees received their National Honor Society pin and certificate and recited the National Honor Society pledge. Students were invited to be inducted into the membership based on outstanding demonstration of the four pillars of the National Honor Society – scholarship, leadership, service, and character.

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...