Randolph County News

SIU’s Bull Performance and Test Sale is March 6

by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. — A months-long evaluation process will come to fruition on Friday, March 6, as 100 to 150 beef producers are expected to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s 44th annual Bull Performance Test and Sale at the SIU Beef Evaluation Center.     SimAngus, left, Simmental (top photo) and Angus bulls

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SIU offers free TV, film production assistant training starting March 20

by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. — Interested in getting involved in film production? If so, you’ll want to check out Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s SI Film and TV Workforce Training Program.     The SI Film and TV Workforce Training Program prepares participants for careers as film production assistants. Photo provided.     It’s an intensive, 80-hour weekend program that

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Rock icons Night Ranger to perform at the Du Quoin State Fair

DU QUOIN, IL – Heavy-hitting rock legends Night Ranger will bring their powerhouse sound to the Du Quoin State Fair on Friday, September 4, 2026, delivering a night of classic hits and high-energy rock that spans four decades of music history.   Fresh off the release of their acclaimed live album 40 Years and a Night with Contemporary Youth Orchestra, Night

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Plan to attend SIU’s popular Maple Syrup Festival at Touch of Nature March 21-22

by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. — The 2026 Maple Syrup Festival, a popular springtime tradition for the whole family, is happening March 21-22 at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center. The Maple Syrup Festival features demonstrations of the process to make the syrup from tap, lumberjack games, a breakfast featuring homemade maple syrup

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Chester Grade School students score well at IGSMA State Solo & Ensemble Contest

CGS Contestants bring home 2 Superior ratings, 30 Excellent ratings and 1 Good rating By Jim Beers CHESTER – Saturday February 28 was the 2026 IGSMA (Illinois Grade School Music Association) Solo and Ensemble Contest. This year’s contest was hosted at Carterville Middle School. Chester Grade School had 33 entries. Of those entries, there were

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CGS has ‘gender reveal’ assembly for Principal Blair

By Jim Beers CHESTER – Approximately three months ago Chester Grade School Principal Tim Blair and his wife Ariel Blair announced that they were expecting their first child. That created much excitement and anticipation at the school among teachers, staff and students. For the past three months, everyone at CGS wanted to know if the

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SIU will recognize March as Women’s History Month with a variety of events

by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. — “Leading with Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future” is the theme for this year’s Women’s History Month as Southern Illinois University Carbondale celebrates the achievements of women and looks to the future.   (Above) The Six Triple Eight will be shown at 6 p.m. March 27 at the Student

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