Category Archives: Local News
REND LAKE BRIDGE REPLACEMENT PROJECT: BOATING RESTRICTIONS AND IMPROVEMENTS ANNOUNCED
As part of the ongoing Illinois 154 Rend Lake Bridge Replacement Project, portions of the lake beneath the Illinois 154 bridge will be closed to all boat traffic starting Monday, according to the Rend...
Jan 16, 2026
OLNEY SQUIRREL COUNT SHOWS DECLINE IN WHITE AND GREY POPULATIONS
The results of the 47th annual squirrel count in Olney indicate a decline in both the city's white and grey squirrel populations. A total of 105 volunteers participated in the count over three Saturda...
Jan 16, 2026
ILLINOIS STATE FIRE MARSHAL URGES RESIDENTS TO CHECK CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTORS AS COLD WEATHER SETS IN
As temperatures across Illinois drop and are expected to remain dangerously cold for several days, the Illinois State Fire Marshal is urging residents to make sure their carbon monoxide detectors are ...
Jan 16, 2026
WAGE INEQUITIES CONTINUE IN ILLINOIS DESPITE MODEST PROGRESS, REPORT FINDS
A new University of Illinois report finds that wage inequities persist in Illinois, though the state fares better than many others. From 2021 to 2023, the gender wage gap slightly narrowed, but racial...
Jan 16, 2026
ILLINOIS UNVEILS 10-YEAR PLAN TO SUPPORT AGING POPULATION
The Illinois Department on Aging has released "EngAging Illinois," a 10-year plan to help the state's growing older population live with dignity and engagement. Developed with input from 15 agencies, ...
Jan 16, 2026
GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SEASON BEGINS ACROSS SOUTHERN ILLINOIS
It's officially Girl Scout Cookie season throughout Southern Illinois as local and area Girl Scouts are now taking orders through door-to-door visits, at cookie booths, and online. While learning impo...
Jan 16, 2026
NEW POSTAL RULES MAY IMPACT MAIL-IN VOTING IN ILLINOIS, CLERKS WARN
Illinois county clerks caution that recent postal changes could disrupt mail-in voting for the 2026 election. Due to new postmarking and transportation rules, voters are advised to mail ballots at lea...
Jan 16, 2026
STATE NEWS BRIEFS FOR FRIDAY, JANUARY 16TH
U of I System Raising Tuition (Champaign, IL) -- Tuition is going up for incoming freshmen at University of Illinois System universities. The Board of Trustees approved a two-percent tuition increase ...
Jan 16, 2026
NEW HOPE SCHOOL BOARD TO ADDRESS GRADUATION DATE,OTHER ITEMS AT JANUARY 20TH MEETING
The New Hope Community Consolidated School District (CCSD) Board of Education is set to hold its regular meeting on Tuesday, January 20th at 6:00 p.m. The agenda includes several important topics for ...
Jan 16, 2026
4-H PROGRAM, SPARK AFTER SCHOOL COMING TO FAIRFIELD AND WAYNE CITY
Wayne County 4-H is introducing a new program, Spark After School, to help youth discover new interests. Students in second through eighth grade are welcome to attend and do not need to be 4-H members...
Jan 16, 2026