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.

This Secret Illinois Nature Preserve Is A Peaceful Escape Worthy Of Your Bucket List

There’s a place in southern Illinois that most people have never heard of, and it sits above the Mississippi River like it’s been keeping a very pleasant secret for a very long time. That place is Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve, and it’s located near the small town...

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

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

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...

Bring A Cooler To This Missouri Butcher Shop If You Plan To Shop The Weekly Meat Specials

More than 20 flavors of homemade brats sit in one meat case, and some of them include blueberry and Philly cheese steak. That alone made me stop and stare at my screen. The same counter also carries farm-raised elk, bison, ostrich, and wild boar. Then there are the weekly specials, which change regularly and reward shoppers who plan ahead.

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...

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.

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,

CCC introducing new program in 5 southeast Mo. counties

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (Heartland News) - The Community Counseling Center (CCC) is introducing a new program that will serve Bollinger, Cape Girardeau, Madison, Perry and Ste. Genevieve Counties. The Early Diversion program will help people facing mental health challenges get treatment and support before an arrest or being booked into...

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...

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

Find a Sinkhole at Stemler Cave Woods Nature Preserve

Take a hike through the old-growth forest and explore the sinkholes at Stemler Cave Woods Nature Preserve near Columbia, Illinois. This 194-acre nature preserve sits between Millstadt and Columbia, Illinois, on Stemler Road. The preserve is known for its karst topography, which includes caves and sinkholes that drain into Stemler Cave.

Bryant Wolfin wins race for district seat

Bryant Wolfin, the incumbent republican candidate for the 145th district of the Missouri house of representatives, won over democrat Carl Kinsky in last week’s midterm election. Wolfin received 65% of the vote in Ste. Genevieve county and 75% of the vote in Perry County. “I have to thank the...