Randolph County News

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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Sparta High School expected to participate in the SIU School of Music choral festival Thursday in Carbondale

by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. — More than 200 students from Southern Illinois high schools – including  Sparta High School from the River Region, will hone their choral skills in workshops next week at Southern Illinois University Carbondale before performing as part of the School of Music’s high school choral festival.     The workshops

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Professor Sharp Cafeteria signage, entrances, and uses at Chester, Illinois High School

CHESTER – Professor Sharp Cafeteria Signage has been added at Chester, Illinois High School. The three sets of double doors are outside entrances to Professor Sharp Cafeteria. In addition to breakfast and lunch for CHS students, the Professor Sharp Cafeteria is used for many other purposes, including: CHS Sports Hall of Fame, CHS Trophy Displays,

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SIU Carbondale hosts Great Glass Pumpkin Patch sale Oct. 25

by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. – The talents of students in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s glass program will be on display with the annual Great Glass Pumpkin Patch on Saturday, Oct. 25. Southern Glass Works is hosting the 2025 Great Glass Pumpkin Patch Oct. 25 at SIU Carbondale. (Photo by Tamarah Cook)   The event will

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