Experience Burger Perfection At This Timeless Old-School Drive-In Hidden Away In Beautiful Illinois

Somewhere in Wood River, Illinois, tucked along a quiet street and covered by a canopy that’s seen more happy customers than most restaurants ever dream of, King Louie’s Drive-In is waiting for you. It’s not hiding exactly, but it’s not shouting either, and that quiet confidence is part...

The Unassuming Bar In Illinois That People Will Happily Drive Hours To Reach

There’s a yellow brick building on a corner in Alton, Illinois that doesn’t care about your expectations, and that’s precisely why Fast Eddie’s Bon Air is worth every mile of the drive. The outside tells you everything you need to know before you even touch the...

Local Food Inspections November 9 - 13

The following establishments were inspected by the Madison County Health Department between November 9 and 13. November 9 Penn Station- Collinsville 2 (C) The food establishment is not under the operational supervision of a Certified Food Protection Manager that is present at appropriate times. Provide an adequate number of staff with approved training. Reference 2-102.12. PROVIDE CERTIFIED FOOD PROTECTION MANAGER. FOLLOW UP 11/30 Panera Bread 1156- Collinsville No violations Entree LLC- Maryville No violations November 10 Colton's Steak House & Grill 16 (Pf) Food contact surfaces and utensils shall be clean to sight and touch. Wash, rinse, sanitize routinely. Reference 4-601.11. MULTIPLE METAL PANS FOU D STORED STILL DIRTY. PULL DOWN VEGGIE SLICER AND SLIDING SLICER FOUND STORED STILL DIRTY. BOTTOM PORTION OF ICE CHUTE FOUND TO HAVE SOME BLACK BUILD UP. ICE MCHINE WAS SERVICED ON 10/18/26. FOLLOW UP ON 11/20 44 (C) Equipment/Utensils are not properly Air-Dried after cleaning and sanitizing. After cleaning and sanitizing all equipment and utensils shall be air dried before use. Reference 4-901.11. MULTIPLE DISHES FOUND STACKED WET. CORRECTED BY RE-STACKING 47 (Pf) Food-Contact surface at is no longer smooth and easily cleanable. A food-contact surface that is not smooth and easily cleanable can

Former Alton church goes to auction with $75,000 starting bid

Stained glass, 40-foot ceilings, seven bathrooms: Alton church hits the auction block

Alton City Council hires new human resources, planning directors

After Greg Caffey’s resignation, Alton names successor to planning and code enforcement

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

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

Labor-friendly Democrats make a good showing in Illinois

Collinsville, IL – Blue shirts prevailed and energy was high at Madsion County Democratic Party’s election night watch party at the Downstate Illinois Laborers’ District Council hall as early results flashed across the screens on election night and a chorus of cheers erupted each time another race was called for the Democrats.

The Telegraph's Alton area headlines for Nov. 14 over past 100 years of history

Nov. 14 headlines include 13-year-old Raevin Hutson mourned by family, friends in 2006

Community Hospital of Staunton Welcomes New President Teresa Cornelius

Experienced healthcare executive brings more than 20 years of leadership and a passion for community healthcare. Community Hospital of Staunton (CHS) is pleased to announce Teresa Cornelius, DNP, MSN, RN, CENP, as its new President, effective November 9, 2026. Cornelius brings more than 20 years of healthcare experience, including an impressive career with HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital in Highland, Illinois, where she advanced from bedside nursing to executive leadership. Beginning her career as a registered nurse in 2006, Cornelius progressively assumed leadership responsibilities, serving as Charge Nurse, Inpatient Nurse Manager, Director of Clinical Services, Chief Nursing Officer, Chief Operating Officer, and ultimately President and Chief Administrative Officer of both HSHS St. Joseph's Hospital and HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville in June 2024. Throughout her career, Cornelius has demonstrated a commitment to strengthening healthcare services, developing clinical teams, improving patient experiences, and building meaningful relationships with physicians and the communities they serve. Her leadership experience includes overseeing hospital operations, strategic planning, quality initiatives, service-line growth, and more than $27 million in major facility investments. Cornelius holds a Doctorate of Nursing Practice in Ethical Leadership and a Master of Science in Nursing Administration. She is also a Certified Executive in Nursing

East Alton-Wood River district considers wearable panic badges for staff

East Alton-Wood River studies panic badges as another layer in campus security

Jersey Middle School closes after water leak forces emergency day

Water leak closes Jersey Community Middle School as district weighs Friday classes

Yelp's Merry on the Mississippi spotlights Alton small businesses for the holidays

A Yelp passport sent visitors through 16 Alton businesses for a night of holiday shopping

Madison County reduces data center incentives

By Randy Pierce • Enterprise zones, as allowed by Illinois law, provide a mechanism for developers to be encouraged to improve properties in applicable areas by offering them financial incentives designed to attract or expand economic development but the Madison County Board has taken action to reduce this perk where data centers are concerned.

Madison County Drug Court Reports Year Two Gains, Marks 30 Years

EDWARDSVILLE – Madison County Drug Court is marking strong progress after Year Two of Project Reclaiming Hope, a five-year Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration grant awarded September 30th, 2024. The grant expands treatment, recovery resources, and support for people and families affected by substance use and mental health disorders.

Jerseyville's 7th Christmas Festival Set for Nov. 28

Jerseyville’s seventh annual Downtown Country Christmas Festival is scheduled for Nov. 28. The event will include activities for families. Festival activities are scheduled from 1 to 7 p.m. at City Center Park, according to RiverBender.com. Games for children are planned. Festival Activities and Tree Lighting. Children can play games.

Grace + Grit Boutique brings size-inclusive fashion and family roots to downtown Alton

Troy City Council keeps ‘technical correction’ to enterprise zone tabled

County officials have requested a fee from each of the municipalities covered by the four zones the county administers. The one that covers parts of Troy is the Discovery Enterprise Zone. Last month, City Administrator Jay Keeven outlined the background for the request. “This is at the request of Madison...

Chef Aaron Hickersom of Blue City Smoke shares his food truck, barbecue and private-chef plans

Chef Aaron Hickersom, an Alton native and Navy veteran with nearly 30 years in the culinary industry, joins Brian Trust on Our Daily Show to talk about Blue City Smoke. He describes the inspiration behind the name and his plans for chef-inspired smash burgers, gourmet sandwiches, barbecue and rotating specials.

ACT Renews Community Action Grants Program for Sixth Consecutive Year

Pontoon Beach, IL, November 13, 2026 … The Board of Directors for Agency for Community Transit (ACT) voted to renew the ACT Community Action Grants Program for a sixth consecutive year, with funds available beginning in January 2027. Launched in 2022, the program supports projects that enhance mobility, improve transportation-related accessibility, and promote alternative transportation options for Madison County, Illinois residents. Since its inception, the program has awarded nearly $6.5 million to 234 projects led by 87 partners serving Madison County residents. Funded projects include bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, transportation events and education, public transit fares, planning activities, ADA accessible vehicles, and operating expenses for organizations providing transportation services. Eligible applicants include Madison County cities, villages, and townships, as well as 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, park districts, library districts, transit districts, and airport districts based in or providing services within Madison County. Each entity may receive up to $100,000 per calendar year, with a maximum award of $100,000 per project. For requests exceeding $10,000, the first application deadline is January 11, 2027, at 11 p.m. Central. Additional deadlines are April 12, July 12, and October 11. Each quarter’s funds are awarded until fully pledged, so applicants are encouraged to apply early.