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...

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...

These 7 Illinois Small-Town Diners Have Kept The Same Family Running The Grill For Generations

Some Illinois diners have fed the same towns for so long that grandparents and grandkids order the same burger at the same counter. The places on this list are more than old buildings with grills. Each one has stayed in family hands across generations, and that history shows up on...

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...

Barking dogs cause feud between animal shelter and Belleville neighbors

The opening of an animal shelter in a former furniture store on Sherman Street in Belleville over the summer has sparked a neighborhood feud that seems to be escalating. Operators of the TNR and Rescue shelter argue that they’re performing an important community service by taking in stray and abandoned dogs and cats and adopting them out to good homes. Neighbors say they can’t sleep, work or live in peace with 25 dogs barking at all hours. “When I’m in bed, I can hear those dogs barking,” said Michelle Orlando, 46, a veterans service officer who lives across the street from the shelter in a small white frame home on Page Avenue. “It’s constant. I have a hot tub and a pool in my backyard, and I can’t even enjoy them.” Orlando said her 12-year-old son is dozing off at school because he isn’t getting enough rest, her 23-year-old daughter held pillows over her ears while home sick with the flu and Orlando had to get a prescription for sleep medication from her doctor. Other neighbors voiced similar concerns to a BND reporter who visited in the early evening on a recent weekday, when a chorus of dogs could be

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...

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

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...

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,

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.

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...

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

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...

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

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...

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...