Randolph County News

Honorees include David August, Addison Gottschammer, Trevor Keeton, Erin Liefer, Rylie Myers, and Camryn Wolff By Jim Beers, Contributing Writer CHESTER – Chester High School Principal Jeremy Blechle and School Counselor, , are pleased to announce that six students from the Chester High School graduating Class of 2026 have been designated as Illinois State Scholars. 

RED BUD – In 2025, my office delivered real results—sponsoring key legislation, helping constituents with casework, and putting money back in their pockets. We connected with residents everywhere, from town halls and classrooms to local events across the district.     Thank you to everyone who reached out, showed up, and keeps our community strong.

CHESTER – The Chester Fire Department was called out at 5:58 a.m. Monday December 29 for a structure fire at 1110 George Street in Chester. First units on the scene found the roof on fire at the time.   At 8:20 a.m. Fire Departments from Chester, Steeleville, Sparta, and Perryville were still on scene tending

CHESTER – Memorial Hospital successfully conducted a fullscale emergency preparedness drill on December 18, bringing together staff from across the organization, including participants from the Chester Rural Health Clinic, for a comprehensive training scenario designed to enhance readiness for realworld emergencies.     Mock patient being triaged by ER Nurse Manager Kim Ruebke.   The

CHESTER – Memorial Hospital presented the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses for the second half of 2025 to Michelle Tripp during a recognition ceremony December 22, 2025, DAISY Award Nominees. L-R: Amy Eggemeyer, Care Coordinator Manager; Michelle Tripp, RN; Ariel Blair, RN; and Kelly Jany, Chief Nursing Officer. Not pictured, Valerie Blechle, APRN, FNP-C; and