Randolph County News

SIU Carbondale art and design competition for high school students is underway

by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s School of Art and Design is again presenting a statewide online art competition to celebrate the immense talent and creativity of Illinois high school juniors and seniors. One of the winning entries in the SIU School of Art and Design’s inaugural Creative Futures online high school art […]

SIU Carbondale art and design competition for high school students is underway Read More »

Southern Illinois Chamber Music Society hosts recital on Sunday

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Acclaimed violist Daphne Gerling and pianist Tomoko Kashiwagi will collaborate in a blend of contemporary works and timeless masterpieces in a performance on Sunday, March 23. Hosted by the Southern Illinois Chamber Music Society, the program is at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Carbondale Unitarian Fellowship, 105 N. Parrish Lane. Tickets are

Southern Illinois Chamber Music Society hosts recital on Sunday Read More »

SIU’s 2025 Maple Syrup Festival is Saturday and Sunday

by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. — The 2025 Maple Syrup Festival, a delightful, palate-pleasing springtime tradition, returns to Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center on Saturday and Sunday, March 22-23.     This popular annual event isn’t just a tasty breakfast; it’s an extraordinary experience featuring demonstrations, outdoor activities, nature hikes and fun for

SIU’s 2025 Maple Syrup Festival is Saturday and Sunday Read More »

Chester High School musicians bring home 27 awards at IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest

Jackets earn (22) 1st Place ratings, (4) 2nd Place ratings, and (1) 3rd Place rating By Jim Beers CHESTER – Chester High School music students traveled to Herrin High School in Herrin, Illinois Saturday March 8 to compete in the 2025 IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest. The group of YellowJackets competed in both Vocal and

Chester High School musicians bring home 27 awards at IHSA Solo & Ensemble Contest Read More »

Chester Mobile Market serves 217 household in February

CHESTER – The February Mobile Market, sponsored by the Chester Area Christian Food Pantry, was held Wednesday February 26 at the Cohen Recreation Complex in Chester.     Bob Koenegstein, Food Pantry Manager, a member of the First United Methodist Church in Chester noted that the Mobile Market is held the fourth Wednesday of each

Chester Mobile Market serves 217 household in February Read More »

Chester Grade School students excel in reading efforts

Celebrated “Read Across America Week” March 3-7 By Jim Beers CHESTER – March 3rd through 7th was the annual national effort to encourage reading with students from coast-to-coast. The event is designed to promote literacy and a love for reading among all people of all ages, and Chester Grade School students went above-and-beyond the call

Chester Grade School students excel in reading efforts Read More »

SIU’s 2025 Outside the Box music festival starts March 22

CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s 2025 Outside the Box new music festival will continue to build on its legacy for an 18th year by highlighting internationally known musicians and the talents of eight featured performers from the SIU School of Music. Sarah Belle Reid, left, and Ryan Gaston are among the featured performers at the 2025

SIU’s 2025 Outside the Box music festival starts March 22 Read More »

SIU researcher gets $175K grant to make AI ecosystems more efficient

by Tim Crosby CARBONDALE, Ill. – With advances in AI often outstripping the capacity of existing hardware, a researcher at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is looking at ways to leverage the existing computing environment to keep up with demands for training AI models. Xiaopeng Jiang, assistant professor of computer science, center, along with doctoral students,

SIU researcher gets $175K grant to make AI ecosystems more efficient Read More »

Joint operation yields eight arrests in Sparta

SPARTA, Ill. — The Sparta Police Department Drug Task Force held a joint operation with the Federal Bureau of Investigations, United States Marshall’s, and the Illinois State Police Tuesday.   The Drug Investigation lead to the arrests of the following individuals:   40-year-old Joshua L. Renner of Sparta – Unlawful Delivery of controlled substance/conspiracy.  

Joint operation yields eight arrests in Sparta Read More »