Randolph County News

by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale is one of just 26 universities across the country to receive a First-Generation College Celebration initiative grant. “I am thrilled to receive the First-Generation College Celebration Grant, which recognizes the unique journeys and achievements of our first-generation students,” said Lanel Love, assistant dean of students.

Conley, Krieg, Lutman, Sulser, Welge, and Williamson were honored at the awards banquet By Jim Beers CHESTER – Each year the Southern Illinois Society for High School Achievement, better known as SISHSA, hosts a banquet and award ceremony to recognize the top students in the Southern Illinois area. This year (2025) marks the 53rd year

CHESTER — The Mississippi Valley Art Guild Artist of the Month for September is William Lang of Chester.     Bill has been wood carving since he was eight years old and has worked with intarsia for more than 25 years.   Also, he is a musician-songwriter who can sometimes be heard jamming at the

by Caleb Hale CARBONDALE, Ill. — The SIU Alumni Association will honor Col. Niki J. Lindhorst, a 1995 Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduate and decorated officer with the U.S. Air Force and Space Force, along with 11 other distinguished alumni — including members of the Little Rock Nine — at ceremonies next month.    

CHESTER – The Chester Area Christian Food Pantry August Mobile Market was held Wednesday August 27.     Approximately 25 volunteers prepare pallets of food from the St. Louis Area Food Bank to be distributed. (Jim Beers Photos)   The event was located at the Cohen Recreation Complex parking lot. Items distributed included watermelons, carrots,

CHESTER – On Friday, September 5, 2025, Chester Grade School presented its first set of “HIVE” awards for the 2025-2026 school year.   There are four main good character traits that are considered when teachers and staff nominate students for a “HIVE” award: Respect, Responsibility, Safety, and Empathy.     On Friday, there were 22