News

SIU’s 2025 Outside the Box music festival starts March 22

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 […]

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SIU researcher gets $175K grant to make AI ecosystems more efficient

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,

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Joint operation yields eight arrests in Sparta

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.  

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CHS students assist at Mobile Market

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

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Saluki takeover tour to enhance connections in Southern Illinois

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

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Randolph County Sheriff reports arrests

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)

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Public comment sought on proposed Illinois 4/15 improvements over Kaskaskia River 

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

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Preliminary damage assessment completed for Randolph County

CHESTER – The preliminary damage assessment of Randolph County, Illinois was completed this morning. Six homes, eight out buildings and numerous campers were either damaged or destroyed.   Randolph County Emergency Management is hoping to get the National Weather Service to do a storm damage survey soon to determine the exact cause of all the

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CGS music students perform well at 2025 IGSMA Solo & Ensemble Contest

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

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