News

Jackets earn (22) 1st Place ratings, (4) 2nd Place ratings, and (1) 3rd Place rating By Jim Beers CHESTER – Chester High School music students traveled to Herrin High School in Herrin, Illinois Saturday March 8 to compete in the 2025 IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest. The group of YellowJackets competed in both Vocal and

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s 2025 Outside the Box new music festival will continue to build on its legacy for an 18th year by highlighting internationally known musicians and the talents of eight featured performers from the SIU School of Music. Sarah Belle Reid, left, and Ryan Gaston are among the featured performers at the 2025

by Tim Crosby CARBONDALE, Ill. – With advances in AI often outstripping the capacity of existing hardware, a researcher at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is looking at ways to leverage the existing computing environment to keep up with demands for training AI models. Xiaopeng Jiang, assistant professor of computer science, center, along with doctoral students,

SPARTA, Ill. — The Sparta Police Department Drug Task Force held a joint operation with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, United States Marshall’s, and the Illinois State Police Tuesday.   The Drug Investigation lead to the arrests of the following individuals:   40-year-old Joshua L. Renner of Sparta – Unlawful Delivery of controlled substance/conspiracy.  

By Jeff Wilson CARBONDALE – The Saluki Takeover Tour Southern Illinois returns for a second trip through the state’s southernmost 17 counties. After an incredible inaugural year in 2024, excitement is building for this year’s events. Chancellor Austin Lane and other campus leaders will meet with students and educational partners throughout the region, and there

CHESTER – The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office has released its latest report of arrests. Michael J. Jaimet 42, Percy, arrested March 11, 2025, by Steeleville Police for criminal damage to property. Pre-trial release. Joshua A. Aubuchon 32, Sparta, arrested Match 11, 2025, by Sparta Police for aggravated domestic battery (2 counts), aggravated battery (2 counts)

COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting to discuss plans to replace the bridge that carries Illinois 4/15 over the Kaskaskia River near Fayetteville in St. Clair County. The meeting will be held:   Wednesday, March 19 4-7 p.m. St. Liborius Parish Center 911 Sparta St., St. Libory   The project