Randolph County News

SIU’s Concert Choir, Choral Union bring ‘peace’ to Shryock on Nov. 18

by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale School of Music students, faculty and community members will gather Tuesday, Nov. 18, to share a message of peace in a free concert in Shryock Auditorium. The SIU Choral Union rehearses for the SIU School of Music’s “Peace I Leave With You: Music of Faith and Solidarity”

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Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library reaches 100,000 books delivered to children in Southern Illinois

MARION, Ill. — The power of a good story has reached a remarkable milestone in Southern Illinois. The local chapter of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library (DPIL) has officially distributed its 100,000th free book to children across an 18-county region, inspiring a lifelong love of reading and helping prepare young learners for school success.   Since launching in July 2024, the Imagination

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Chester Grade School presents ‘HIVE’ awards

20 students are recognized for demonstrating Respect, Responsibility, Safety, and/or Empathy By Jim Beers CHESTER – On Wednesday November 12, 2025, Chester Grade School presented its 5th set of “HIVE” awards for the 2025-2026 school year. These awards are presented twice each month throughout the year and students in grades Kindergarten through 8th Grade are

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Randolph County Sheriff reports arrests

CHESTER – The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office has released its latest report of arrests.   Virgil R. Johnson 52, Prairie Du Rocher, arrested November 3, 2025 by Randolph County Sheriff’s Office for aggravated battery.  Is incarcerated.   Joseph S. Loucks 23, Steeleville, arrested November 5, 2025 by Randolph County Sheriff’s Office for domestic battery.  Is incarcerated.  

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Power Up: Give blood or platelets with Red Cross x PAC-MAN 

ST. LOUIS — The American Red Cross encourages donors to Level Up their impact by giving blood or platelets this November. The last two months of the year can be a challenge for many donors trying to juggle regular donation appointments with packed schedules full of seasonal activities and holiday planning. Donors of all blood types

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Memorial Hospital Service Awards and Newmark Award 2025

CHESTER – Memorial Hospital hosted its Fall Party at the American Legion in Chester Friday, November 7th.   Many employees were celebrated for their years of service. Brett Bollmann, CEO, presented the following employees with their Service Awards:   5 Years Patricia Alvarado Hernandez James Boucher Jeanice Brandes Kimberly Fulmer Aleisha Garver Alyssa Gibbs Kathryn

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Chester Grade School honors local veterans with school-wide assembly

Approximately 40 veterans and family members enjoy a morning of recognition, music and tribute   By Jim Beers CHESTER – Monday morning, November 10, Chester Grade School faculty, students, and staff honored local veterans at their annual Veteran’s Day breakfast and school-wide assembly. The event began at 8:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast in the

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Chester Area Christian Food Pantry Mobile Market held Oct. 22

CHESTER – The Chester Area Christian Food Pantry Mobile Market was held Wednesday, October 22.     Chester High School volunteers pose for a photo at the end of the October 22, 2025, Chester Area Christian Food Pantry Mobile Market. (Left to right) Amy Miller, CHS Teacher, Leslie Asbury, Mackenzie Deimund, Peyton Dixon, Brookelynn McClain,

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