Featured News

There were 90 students with perfect attendance during February and five Students of the Month for March By Jim Beers CHESTER — On Wednesday March 19, Chester High School recognized students who had achieved perfect attendance for the month of February 2025, and announced the March 2025 Students of the Month. There were 90 students […]

by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. — TEDxSIUC, an independently organized event featuring live TED-style talks, is happening at Southern Illinois University Carbondale on March 29, and tickets are available for purchase online now. The event focusing on ideas worth spreading will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. in the ballrooms of the SIU Student Center, 1255 Lincoln Drive.

by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s School of Art and Design is again presenting a statewide online art competition to celebrate the immense talent and creativity of Illinois high school juniors and seniors. One of the winning entries in the SIU School of Art and Design’s inaugural Creative Futures online high school art

Quick action on the part of staff and Chester Fire Department eliminates major damage By Jim Beers CHESTER — ​A pesky grease fire in the Chester VFW kitchen forced staff to call the Chester Fire Department Friday night. The call was received by the CFD at 10:15 p.m. to have firefighters respond to 939 State

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Acclaimed violist Daphne Gerling and pianist Tomoko Kashiwagi will collaborate in a blend of contemporary works and timeless masterpieces in a performance on Sunday, March 23. Hosted by the Southern Illinois Chamber Music Society, the program is at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship, 105 N. Parrish Lane. Tickets are

by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. — The 2025 Maple Syrup Festival, a delightful, palate-pleasing springtime tradition, returns to Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center on Saturday and Sunday, March 22-23.     This popular annual event isn’t just a tasty breakfast; it’s an extraordinary experience featuring demonstrations, outdoor activities, nature hikes and fun for

CHESTER – The February Mobile Market, sponsored by the Chester Area Christian Food Pantry, was held Wednesday February 26 at the Cohen Recreation Complex in Chester.     Bob Koenegstein, Food Pantry Manager, a member of the First United Methodist Church in Chester noted that the Mobile Market is held the fourth Wednesday of each

Celebrated “Read Across America Week” March 3-7 By Jim Beers CHESTER – March 3rd through 7th was the annual national effort to encourage reading with students from coast-to-coast. The event is designed to promote literacy and a love for reading among all people of all ages, and Chester Grade School students went above-and-beyond the call

CHESTER – Several Chester High School students volunteered at the February 2025 Mobile Market hosted by the Chester Area Christian Food Pantry. Left to right are Amy Miller, Teacher, Brookelyn McLain, Drew Wilderman, Peyton Dickson, Leslie Asbury, and Angie Werner, Teacher. Jim Beers Photo Amy Miller’s class assists quite often with the monthly Mobile Markets

By Jim Beers CHESTER – Chester Grade School music students traveled to Carterville Junior High School Saturday March 1 to compete in the 2025 Illinois Grade School Music Association (IGSMA) District 3 Solo and Ensemble Contest.  The students are under the direction of Sue Colonel who accompanied the students to the competition. Vicky Beers and