Randolph County News

Memorial Hospital hosts Hands-On Nursing Skills Day

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 […]

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CHS Student Council hosts ‘Christmas Extravaganza’

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

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Chester’s Christmas on the River is big success!

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

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SIU Carbondale to honor about 1,550 grads at fall 2025 commencement

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

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Chester’s 37th Annual Christmas on the River contest winners

CHESTER – The winners in Chester’s 37th Annual Christmas on the River Contest have been announced.   Holiday Home Lighting (EACH Winning $100) Michael Horn-328 Van Zant Street Nick & Marci Bert-903 Park Avenue Josh & Cassie Chambers-901 Park Avenue Joe & Daysha Allison1511 Swanwick Street Stacey Search-1844 Swanwick Street Bob & Christy Rhoades-1718 Swanwick

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U.S. Navy Band Great Lakes wind ensemble performs at SIU tonight

by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. — The U.S. Navy Band Great Lakes wind ensemble will give a free, public performance on Monday, Dec. 8, in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Shryock Auditorium.     The U.S. Navy Band Great Lakes wind ensemble, under the direction of Lt. David Harbuziuk, will perform Monday, Dec. 8, in Shryock Auditorium. (Photo provided)

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Sparta woman charged with $1 million theft from MedStar Ambulance

CHESTER, IL – The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrest of 43 year old, Carrie J. Kelley of Sparta, Illinois.     Kelley was arrested on warrants for two counts of theft of property over $1,000,000 (Class X Felony), one count of wire fraud (class 3 felony), and four counts of fraudulent filing

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SIU students earn 3rd berth at national tax competition with regional victory

by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale students have taken top honors once again in the recent 2025-26 regional Deloitte FanTAXtic tax case competition, punching its third ticket in the last four years to the nationals in January. SIU’s Deloitte FanTAXtic winning team includes (back, from left) Evan Noelle, Lawson Ridgeway, Ryan

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SIU senior 2025 student art exhibition begins Tuesday

by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. — An exhibition this week will highlight the creative work of eight graduating seniors in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s School of Art and Design.     “Movement in Fragmentation,” an oil painting by Autumn Meyer, a graduating senior in studio art, is among the works of eight seniors who are part

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