Randolph County News

2026 CHS Dance Camp was huge success

90 young dancers take the field for final Dance Camp performance BY JIM BEERS             Each fall the Chester High School Dance Team hosts a dance camp for youth dancers interested in learning their first fundamental skills or increasing their current dancing skills. This year’s camp took place Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday September 1-3, 2026. […]

2026 CHS Dance Camp was huge success Read More »

SIU’s Morris Library hosts discussion on banned books Oct. 2

by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. — A discussion on banned books by the American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois on Friday, Oct. 2, at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Morris Library kicks off Banned Books Week. The free, public presentation is at 1 p.m. in the library, Room 752. The library will also feature a display

SIU’s Morris Library hosts discussion on banned books Oct. 2 Read More »

SIU researchers use AI to speed up, improve bacteria detection 

by Brooke Keltner CARBONDALE, Ill. — A doctor scribbles an order for antibiotics on a prescription slip and reminds the patient to take the full dosage, even if they start to feel better before the medication is gone. Sound familiar? It probably does for anyone who has been diagnosed with strep throat, an ear or

SIU researchers use AI to speed up, improve bacteria detection  Read More »

SIU Carbondale moves forward with teaching greenhouse project

by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois University Carbondale, in partnership with the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB), is moving forward with a teaching greenhouse project that will support new instructional and research spaces for SIU’s crop, forestry and horticulture programs in the College of Agricultural, Life, and Physical Sciences (CALPS). The project will include

SIU Carbondale moves forward with teaching greenhouse project Read More »

Memorial Hospital Welcomes Back Gastroenterologist Dr. Matthew Gaeta

Memorial Hospital is pleased to announce the return of Matthew Gaeta, MD, a board-certifiedgastroenterologist, to Memorial Hospital Specialty Clinic beginning this fall. Dr. Gaeta is expected tobegin seeing patients in October and will provide specialty gastroenterology services every otherThursday. The return of gastroenterology services marks an important enhancement to specialty care availablelocally and reinforces Memorial

Memorial Hospital Welcomes Back Gastroenterologist Dr. Matthew Gaeta Read More »

The Chester Bridge marked the end of an era

The day before the bridge came down….. photo by Charlie Bargman Some puffs of smoke, a loud boom and four seconds later the Chester Bridge was in the Mississippi. Shawnell Madison was on the Chester riverfront and caught some crowd audio of the historic event.    The old Chester Bridge came down Monday morning as

The Chester Bridge marked the end of an era Read More »