Randolph County News

by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. — Imagine a colleague comes to you, struggling with tough life problems, perhaps life-or-death questions. Thanks to an innovative new mental health training program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, cadets from Air Force ROTC Detachment 205 will be prepared to help if faced with such situations. (Above) Cadet Anna Roberts trains to […]

CHESTER – Memorial Hospital hosted Nursing Skills Days December 2–4, 2025, bringing together RNs, LPNs, and CNAs from across the ER, ICU, MSU, Infusion, and OR for three days of immersive, hands-on training. Held in the hospital’s conference room and key clinical departments, the event reinforced Memorial’s commitment to clinical excellence, emergency readiness, and the

Photos and Story By Jim Beers CHESTER – Saturday December 6, local children enjoyed lots of FREE Christmas activities thanks to the Chester High School Student Council. From 1:00 p.m. till 4:00 p.m., Student Council members hosted their first “Christmas Extravaganza” at Chester High School’s Dr. James F. Sharp Cafeteria and Colbert Memorial Gymnasium. The

Three days of Christmas activities help set the tone for a bright Chester Christmas By Jim Beers CHESTER – The annual Christmas on the River Celebration in Chester was held Friday, Saturday and Sunday December 5, 6, and 7 throughout the city. The celebration began decades ago in Chester to kick-off the Christmas season and

by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. – The academic achievements of about 1,550 Southern Illinois University Carbondale students will be celebrated at fall 2025 commencement exercises on Saturday, Dec. 13, at Banterra Center. Commencement begins at 9:30 a.m. There is no limit to guests, and all seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis with no