August 2025

New solar panels to power IDOT facility in St. Clair County

LEBANON – Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi joined the Illinois Capital Development Board and state and local officials recently to celebrate the start of construction on a new solar energy site that will supply power to an adjacent Illinois Department of Transportation storage facility along Interstate 64. The $617,700 project is part of a pilot effort

New solar panels to power IDOT facility in St. Clair County Read More »

New law exempts child and adult diapers, feminine hygiene, incontinence products from local and state sales taxes

JEFFERSON CITY, MO — The Missouri Department of Revenue is informing taxpayers, businesses, and consumers that effective August 28, 2025, sales of the following products will be exempt from both state and local sales and use taxes: Child and Adult Diapers Qualifying Feminine Hygiene Products Incontinence Products Businesses that sell any of the qualifying items

New law exempts child and adult diapers, feminine hygiene, incontinence products from local and state sales taxes Read More »

MoDOT names new Southeast District leader

SIKESTON – Donnie Brown has been named the district engineer for the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Southeast District. Brown will take over leadership of the 25-county region from Mark Croarkin, who took on the assistant chief engineer role with the department earlier this year.   A registered professional engineer and lifelong resident of southeast Missouri,

MoDOT names new Southeast District leader Read More »

Help wanted: Snowplow drivers for the IDOT team 

SPRINGFIELD – Looking for extra income and a possible leg up on full-time employment? The Illinois Department of Transportation is taking applications for seasonal positions to help with snow-and-ice removal and other maintenance duties throughout the state as part of the annual Snowbird program.     “Snowbirds play a critical role in keeping Illinois moving and

Help wanted: Snowplow drivers for the IDOT team  Read More »

Chester Retired Teachers continue First Day of School Tradition

Teachers greet students and current teachers with ‘Annual Wave Day Event’ By Jim Beers CHESTER – Chester retired teachers continued an annual tradition this year on the first day of school by having their “Annual Retired Teacher Wave Day!” Chester retired teachers pose for a photo with their “Retired Teacher Sign” Thursday August 14 on

Chester Retired Teachers continue First Day of School Tradition Read More »

Chester Football will begin a new reward program this season

Weekly “Special Teams” player of the week sponsored by Korando Heating and Cooling, and “Practice Player of the Week” sponsored by Knight Hawk Coal.   By Jim Beers CHESTER – Chester High School Head Football Coach, Billy Belton, has announced that starting this 2025 CHS Football season his program will start a new award program.

Chester Football will begin a new reward program this season Read More »

The New Chester Bridge – Bridging the Past and Future

The next speaker presentation at The Sainte Genevieve Museum Learning Center this Wednesday evening will focus on the new Chester Bridge.  The program, sponsored by Gilster Mary Lee, will be held at the Orris Theater at 7 p.m.  For 80 years, the Chester Bridge has connected travelers across the Mississippi River, serving as a vital

The New Chester Bridge – Bridging the Past and Future Read More »

Chester School District No. 139 has six teachers who will retire at the end of the 2025-26 school year

Two from Chester High School and four from Chester Grade School. By Jim Beers CHESTER – At the end of the 2025-26 school year, Chester School District # 139 will be six teachers shorter. Together these six teachers, two from Chester High School and four from Chester Grade School, have 176 years teaching of experience.

Chester School District No. 139 has six teachers who will retire at the end of the 2025-26 school year Read More »