Randolph County News

by Kim Rendfeld CARBONDALE, Ill. – Starting next semester, students in 26 high schools – including Chester, Coulterville, Sparta, Steeleville and Red Bud in Randolph County – can take college courses tuition-free from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, a top-tier research institution.   On Wednesday, Nov. 19, SIU Carbondale Chancellor Austin Lane and leaders at partner […]

19 students are recognized for demonstrating Respect, Responsibility, Safety, and/or Empathy By Jim Beers CHESTER – On Friday November 21, 2025, Chester Grade School presented its sixth 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 the eighth grade

CHESTER, ILL. – The approved minutes of the following meetings of the Chester CUSD 139 Board of Education meeting have been released to the public. November 17: November 17, 2025 Board Minutes October 29: October 29, 2025 Board Minutes October 27: October 27, 2025 Board Minutes October 15: October 15, 2025 Board Minutes (3)

by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Southern Illinois Fertilizer and Pesticide Board’s 57th annual Fertilizer and Pesticide Conference will take place Tuesday, Nov. 25, at the Doubletree Inn, 222 Potomac Boulevard, Mount Vernon, and Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Events and Outreach is still accepting registrations.   The conference will feature a variety of special

GLEN CARBON, IL – The Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSofSI) has wrapped up the annual Fall Product Program for 2025. Girls in Southern Illinois sold over $485,000 in tasty treats, magazines, and other fun products. Let’s give a shout out to the following girls for being Fall Product Top Sellers for their respective areas:

CHESTER – The Chester Beautification/Tourism Commission will meet in regular session Thursday, November 20, 2025.   The tentative agenda:   Pledge of Allegiance   Approval of Previous Meeting Minutes-Brenda Owen   Treasurer’s Report-Linda Rader/Brenda Owen   Public Petitions & Correspondence ​ Standing Committee Reports • Beautiful Home Award​​​JoAnn Simmons/Linda Rader • Planters ​​​Linda Schafer​​​​​​ •