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.

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.

Temporary closure of Illinois 159 in Belleville

BELLEVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that rehabilitation of a crossing by Norfolk Southern railroad on Illinois 159 between West J Street and North Douglas Avenue in Belleville will require a full closure beginning Monday, Nov. 16, weather permitting. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure, which is expected to conclude Friday, Nov. 20. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to detour signs in work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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...

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

District football championships decided tonight

Eureka, Festus and St. Pius X host district championships tonight, while Crystal City, Jefferson and Seckman have tough road tests if they’re to play another week. Bundle up because playoff football weather arrived just in time for high school football’s stretch run that ends up with the Show Me Bowls in St. Joseph in December. Hillsboro, Festus and St. Pius were state finalists the last three years. That’s new territory for county teams. All that remains is closing the deal with Jefferson County’s first state title.

Festus council considers altering decorum rules

The Festus City Council briefly discussed changing some of its rules of decorum during Monday’s work session, including shortening the amount of time people from outside city limits could speak. Following mounting tensions over a CRG data center development project, the council in August changed some rules of decorum,...

Festus City Council OKs street master plan

The Festus City Council on Monday approved the 2026 Street Master Plan, which will guide the Public Works Department where improvements are most needed in the city when seeking state and federal grant funding. Public Works Director Michael Christopher told the council that safety was the top priority when drafting...

Section of Hwy. 61-67 in Crystal City to close overnight Nov. 16-17

Beginning at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 16, the Missouri Department of Transportation will fully close Hwy. 61-67 just north of Sixth Street in Crystal City for drainage installation. Construction will take place from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. nightly on Nov. 16 and Tuesday, Nov. 17. Traffic may use Hwy....

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...

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,

New U.S. 67 and Route CC Interchange Opens in Jefferson County

Jefferson Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A new interchange at U.S. Route 67 and Route CC in Jefferson County is officially open following a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday. The Missouri Department of Transportation, along with KCI Construction and Bartlett & West, held the ceremony to celebrate the completion of the project, which transforms the former signalized intersection into a grade-separated interchange.

Missouri high school forfeits playoff football game for interesting reason

This season has been one to forget for The Principia School's high school football team (St. Louis, Missouri). Now, the Panthers' 2026 season is over despite still having a playoff game on the schedule. According to a report from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the team forfeited its second-round postseason game against Crystal City (MO). The reason for the forfeit? To address culture issues. “While we’re disappointed with how the season ended, we believe this was a necessary step in moving our program forward,” The Principia School athletic director Shawn Brown told the Post-Dispatch. With the loss, the Panthers finish the season with a 2-7 record. The team gave up 54 or more points five times and 60 or more points four times. In their six on-field losses, the Panthers lost by an average of 29 points. In their two wins, the Panthers did put up a ton of points, scoring 70 against Veritas Christian Academy (MO) and 66 against Confluence Prep Academy (MO). This year is just the latest what's been a trying near-two-decade stretch for the Panthers. Principia School last won more than five games back in 2009. Since that season, the Panthers have compiled an overall record of

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...

County Council adds road improvements to subdivision plan

The Jefferson County Council has added another stipulation that developers of a 200-home subdivision in Imperial must follow before their petition is given the go-ahead. The council voted 6-0 on Oct. 26 to amend the petition submitted by JSS Land Development LLC of St. Louis to include work on Lions Den Road before more traffic is added to the road once the subdivision is built. The work includes widening the road at the intersection of Lions Den and Old Hwy. 21 to allow for a dedicated right-turn lane and a shoulder.

Festus Hosts Sikeston for Class 4 District 1 Football Championship

(Festus) The Festus Tigers football team battles Sikeston for the Class 4 District 1 Championship Friday night. Festus is 8-2 on the season after a 34-6 win over De Soto last week. Sikeston is 7-3 after beating Hillsboro 15-10 in their last game. Festus head coach AJ Ofodile said his...

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