October 2025

Smoky fire reported at Gilster-Mary Lee Box Plant in McBride

Story and photos by Jim Beers CHESTER — Fire Calls went out at 3:37 a.m. Thursday October 23 to a fire at the Gilster Mary-Lee Box Plant in McBride, Mo.     The call requested Mutual Aid from several fire stations around the area in Missouri and Illinois Chester and Ellis Grove Illinois responded immediately […]

Smoky fire reported at Gilster-Mary Lee Box Plant in McBride Read More »

Ste. Genevieve County School District R-II celebrates HOCO 2025

STE. GENEVIEVE – Ste. Genevieve County School District R-II celebrated its 2025 Homecoming last week. The schools held dress-up days, cheered on our sports teams and celebrated with our community in the Homecoming parade. After Spirit Night on Wednesday, students cheered on our junior and senior girls during the annual Powderpuff game, which ended with

Ste. Genevieve County School District R-II celebrates HOCO 2025 Read More »

Working smoke alarms save lives—fire officials stress importance of having them in every home

DU QUOIN, Ill- State and local fire safety officials gathered today at the Du Quoin Fire Department to emphasize the lifesaving importance of working smoke alarms and to promote a free installation program available to Du Quoin residents. As part of the 2nd Annual Statewide Smoke Alarm Blitz, the Du Quoin Fire Department joins agencies

Working smoke alarms save lives—fire officials stress importance of having them in every home Read More »

Traffic hits record high as commuters rewrite the rush hour

BRYAN, Tex. – Americans lost an average of 63 hours sitting in traffic in 2024 — the highest level ever measured — according to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s (TTI’s) latest Urban Mobility Report (UMR). That’s the equivalent of nearly eight full workdays lost to traffic and marks a 16 percent increase in national congestion costs over

Traffic hits record high as commuters rewrite the rush hour Read More »

SIU’s Paul Simon Institute to host Metro East Youth Leadership Weekend

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute will host the 20th Metro East Youth Leadership Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 25-26. The institute’s retreat will welcome young Black males from the Metro East to participate in events that foster personal development, civility, leadership, and civic engagement. The theme for this year’s event is “Civility,

SIU’s Paul Simon Institute to host Metro East Youth Leadership Weekend Read More »

Red Cross: Blood or platelet donation appointments needed now

ST. LOUIS, MO. — The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to help curb a drop in donor turnout this fall. Donors of all blood types and those giving platelets are asked to book a time to donate at a Red Cross blood donation center or community blood drive to

Red Cross: Blood or platelet donation appointments needed now Read More »

Perryville third grader wins school bus safety poster contest

PERRYVILLE – Perryville Elementary School third grader Nicholas Hernandez Pastor who was the overall winner in the 2024-25 Missouri Association for Pupil Transportation School Bus Safety Poster Contest.   Nicholas earned a $500 prize that PES will put towards outfitting the cafeteria with TV screens for interactive activities.     Nicholas is pictured along with

Perryville third grader wins school bus safety poster contest Read More »

Oak Ridge FFA teaches Ag Education on the Move™ at Oak Ridge Elementary this fall

OAK RIDGE, Mo. – Students across Missouri are discovering how their lives are intertwined with agriculture through Missouri Farmers Care’s Agriculture Education on the Move™ (Ag Moves). Oak Ridge FFA member educators are leading Oak Ridge elementary students through the Ag Moves curriculum as they make connections to their food, fuel, fibers and farmers today.

Oak Ridge FFA teaches Ag Education on the Move™ at Oak Ridge Elementary this fall Read More »