Randolph County News

Sparta Community Hospital highlights $111.7 Million economic impact during National Hospital Week

SPARTA – In celebration of National Hospital Week, Sparta Community Hospital is recognizing not only the care provided to patients across the region, but also the important role the organization plays in supporting the local economy, workforce, and overall strength of the communities it serves.   According to a newly released Economic Impact Report prepared […]

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Randolph Co. Sheriff reports arrest of suspect in home invasion

CHESTER – Randolph County Sheriff’s Deputies arrested Jason L. Merrell of Wright City, Missouri on narcotics and weapons-related crimes following a Home Invasion in Evansville, IL. Sheriff Jarrod Peter announced Tuesday that on the evening of May 4, 2026, Randolph County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to a residence in Evansville, Illinois regarding what was initially

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Memorial Hospital opens applications for healthcare scholarships

CHESTER – Memorial Hospital has opened applications for its healthcare scholarships, offering financial support to Randolph County residents preparing to enter the nursing and healthcare workforce.   The Mullins Nursing Scholarship and the Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Healthcare Scholarship provide financial assistance to students at various stages of their education, with the goal of encouraging compassionate,

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Brittany Casarez receives DAISY Award at Memorial Hospital

CHESTER – Memorial Hospital’s DAISY Award Honoree for the first half of 2026 is Brittany Casarez. Brittany was recognized recently for saving a patients life.   After a year of unresolved headaches and nausea and multiple doctor visits with no answers, the family came to the ER expecting the same outcomes. Brittany advocated for the

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SIU’s Paul Simon Institute awards four Simon Democracy Prizes

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute announced today (May 11) four recipients of the 2026 Paul Simon Democracy Prize. The institute is awarding four $5,000 prizes to current students at Illinois colleges and universities for designing and implementing projects aimed at revitalizing democracy in their communities. The winners are: Miguel Alvarez from

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SIU Craft shop offering creative summer adult craft workshops

by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. — Adults can get in on summer arts and crafts fun at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The Student Center Craft Shop is offering a full slate of adult craft workshops in addition to the full lineup of children and youth camps there and across campus. The shop, located in the lower level of the Student Center, will

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SIU Carbondale to offer bachelor’s degree in AI+

by Brooke Keltner CARBONDALE, Ill. — Beginning with the fall 2026 semester, Southern Illinois University Carbondale will become the first public university in Illinois to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Artificial Intelligence Plus (AI+). “Artificial intelligence technology is advancing rapidly,” said Xiaoqing “Frank” Liu, dean of the College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and

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SIU Alumni Association opens Saluki Market to new vendors

by Caleb Hale CARBONDALE, Ill. — The doors are wide open to the SIU Alumni Association’s online marketplace, Saluki Market, which is now taking applications for a wide variety of new vendors. Since it launched in December, the Saluki Market has welcomed thousands of online visitors.  The early cohort of pilot vendors has been instrumental in helping the SIU Alumni Association build a strong platform that creates opportunities

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Randolph County Sheriff’s office reports

CHESTER – The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office has released its latest reports.   Jason L. Merrell 47, Wright City MO, arrested May 4, 2026 by Randolph County Sheriff’s Office for Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Armed Violence, Home Invasion, Domestic Battery, Unlawful Possession of Weapon by Felon, and Criminal Damage to Property.  Is incarcerated.   Thomas

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Chester Beautification and Tourism Commission meets Thursday

CHESTER – The tentative agenda for Thursday’s meeting of the Chester Beautification and Tourism Commission has been released.   The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. in city hall.   It is open to the public.   The tentative agenda:   Chester Beautification/Tourism Commission Agenda May 14, 2026   Pledge of Allegiance   Approval of

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