Randolph County News

The Chester Bridge marked the end of an era

The day before the bridge came down….. photo by Charlie Bargman Some puffs of smoke, a loud boom and four seconds later the Chester Bridge was in the Mississippi. Shawnell Madison was on the Chester riverfront and caught some crowd audio of the historic event.    The old Chester Bridge came down Monday morning as […]

The Chester Bridge marked the end of an era Read More »

American Discovery 250 Relay: St. Louis to Chester

On July 1st, the American Discovery 250 Relay— a 6,800-mile (11,000 km) journey along the entire American Discovery Trail from California to Delaware – kicked off from Point Reyes National Seashore. To date, over 1,600 participants have signed up to carry specialized batons carrying a replica of the Declaration of Independence.  The relay runs 81 miles from the

American Discovery 250 Relay: St. Louis to Chester Read More »

SIU Carbondale to host noted musician, educator and alumnus Eric Frazier Sept. 30

By Pete Rosenbery  CARBONDALE, Ill. — Noted jazz musician, educator and Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumnus Eric Frazier — the first graduate from the school’s then-Black American Studies program — returns to his alma mater to inspire current Salukis by sharing his own career journey.  Frazier will discuss his SIU experience and its impact on

SIU Carbondale to host noted musician, educator and alumnus Eric Frazier Sept. 30 Read More »

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois to hold annual Fall Product Program

Glen Carbon, Illinois – Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois’ Fall Product Program runs through October 25! Girl Scouts will be selling tasty treats, magazine subscriptions, BarkBoxes, Tervis tumblers, candles, and personalized products to fuel their adventures this year.   “The Fall Product Program is a great way for troops to raise start-up funds as they

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois to hold annual Fall Product Program Read More »

AI to detect soybean diseases before symptoms appear

by Brooke Keltner CARBONDALE, Ill. — Harvest season is underway for soybean farmers across Illinois. Each plant among their crops is valuable, contributing to their yield and overall profit. A big issue that can eat into that small profit margin is plant diseases — so researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are working toward a

AI to detect soybean diseases before symptoms appear Read More »

SIU professor: Diesel fuel, heating oil prices could continue climb without geopolitical changes

by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. — While gasoline prices might experience the seasonal fall drop, the prices paid at the pump for diesel fuel and home heating oil could continue to climb if there are no geopolitical changes, said Gregory D. DeYong, an associate professor of operations management in SIU Carbondale’s College of Business and

SIU professor: Diesel fuel, heating oil prices could continue climb without geopolitical changes Read More »

SIU Carbondale enters FY27 with a balanced budget, employee raises and deficit elimination

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale Chancellor Austin A. Lane’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget — which reflects a balanced state budget, the complete repayment of its historic $80 million cash deficit, and faculty and staff raises — was unanimously approved by the SIU Board of Trustees on Sept. 17. Through disciplined financial management

SIU Carbondale enters FY27 with a balanced budget, employee raises and deficit elimination Read More »

Andrew Wilber, Ph.D., honored as SIU’s 2026 Inventor of the Year

CARBONDALE, Ill. — About 100,000 Americans live with sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder that can cause sudden episodes of severe pain when misshapen blood cells obstruct the flow of blood and oxygen through the body. For some patients, these painful crises recur throughout their lives and require hospital care. Andrew Wilber, Ph.D., is

Andrew Wilber, Ph.D., honored as SIU’s 2026 Inventor of the Year Read More »