Randolph County News

Sprinkler system and immediate FD response saves box plant from major damage

Responders were on scene for approximately 5 ½ hours By Jim Beers MCBRIDE, Mo. == At 3:37 a.m. Thursday morning October 23 the Chester Fire Department was called out to a fire at the Gilster Mary-Lee Box Plant in McBride, Missouri at 8366 North Highway 51. The request was for mutual aid to assist at […]

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SIU School of Music’s ‘Halloween Pops’ to entertain all ages

by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. — The sounds in the late October night won’t be frightening as the Southern Illinois University Carbondale School of Music presents its annual Halloween Pops concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, in Shryock Auditorium.     The free, public concert is also the perfect opportunity for the audience — children and

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Chester Grade School ‘HIVE’ awards presented

25 students are recognized for demonstrating Respect, Responsibility, Safety, and/or Empathy By Jim Beers CHESTER – On Thursday October 23, 2025, Chester Grade School presented its 4th 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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‘Ajax in Iraq’ to address trauma and cost of war at SIU’s McLeod Theater

by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. — A play with parallel narratives about people living through trauma and the toll exacted by war is set for Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s McLeod Theater, Nov. 6-9.     “Ajax in Iraq” cast members rehearse ahead of the Nov. 6-9 performances in SIU Carbondale’s McLeod Theater. (Photo by Jessica Danielle

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Working smoke alarms save lives—fire officials stress importance of having them in every home

DU QUOIN, Ill- State and local fire safety officials gathered today at the Du Quoin Fire Department to emphasize the lifesaving importance of working smoke alarms and to promote a free installation program available to Du Quoin residents. As part of the 2nd Annual Statewide Smoke Alarm Blitz, the Du Quoin Fire Department joins agencies

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Smoky fire reported at Gilster-Mary Lee Box Plant in McBride

Story and photos by Jim Beers CHESTER — Fire Calls went out at 3:37 a.m. Thursday October 23 to a fire at the Gilster Mary-Lee Box Plant in McBride, Mo.     The call requested Mutual Aid from several fire stations around the area in Missouri and Illinois Chester and Ellis Grove Illinois responded immediately

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Get tickets now for SIU’s legendary Buffalo Tro on Nov. 21

by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. — Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center’s annual Buffalo Tro, set for Nov. 21, is both a cherished tradition and an evening filled with good food, sharing stories around the campfire and fun. Lloyd B. Sharp, an outdoor education pioneer who was a longtime SIU professor, brought the history-steeped event to Touch

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‘Collective effort’ powers SIU Flying Salukis to 14th straight regional title

by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois University Carbondale Flying Salukis will return to familiar surroundings in May after capturing a 14th straight National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) Region VIII title.     Ben Campbell, a senior in aviation flight and aviation management from Richmond, Illinois, won the individual scoring title, and Liam Harrison, a

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Red Cross: Blood or platelet donation appointments needed now

ST. LOUIS, MO. — The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to help curb a drop in donor turnout this fall. Donors of all blood types and those giving platelets are asked to book a time to donate at a Red Cross blood donation center or community blood drive to

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Former SIU football standout to serve as grand marshal for 2025 homecoming parade

by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. — Outstanding Salukis past and present will ensure Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s 2025 Saluki Spooktacular homecoming celebration is one of the best.     Jeremy Chinn of the Las Vegas Raiders and former Saluki football standout will be the 2025 homecoming grand marshal. (Photo of Jeremy Chinn provided by Las Vegas Raiders)  

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