Third Judicial Court announces associate judge vacancy
By Tribune Staff • Chief Judge Christopher P. Threlkeld is pleased to announce that the Illinois Supreme Court has authorized the Third Judicial Circuit Court to post a notice of vacancy for an associate judge. This vacancy is based on the impending resignation of Hon. Janet R. Heflin, effective Jan. 31, 2026. Applications shall be…
Read MoreIllinois State Police K9 Zeus gets donated body armor
COLLINSVILLE – Illinois State Police K9 Zeus will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Remco’s vest was sponsored by Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. and will be embroidered with the sentiment “This gift of protection provided by Vested Interest in…
Read MoreIHSA announces several changes for 2026
By Mark Jurgena • Football games for high schools in Illinois will begin one week earlier, beginning in the fall of 2026. The members of the IHSA approved several proposals through voting in early December. Among those proposals to pass were three major ones for football. In addition to moving up games one week earlier…
Read MoreCollinsville ready to host annual PFHC tourney
By Mark Jurgena It’s time for PFHC 41. The annual Collinsville tradition returns for another run of exciting action on the Fletcher Gym floor from Dec. 27-29. Collinsville begins its tourney on Saturday at 6 p.m. against Belleville (Althoff). CHS is one of 16 teams trying to return to the top of the heap along…
Read MoreBudzinski, Bost introduce bill to modernize USDA Loan Programs
By Tribune Staff • WASHINGTON, D.C. – Yesterday, U.S. Reps. Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Mike Bost (IL-12) introduced legislation to remove outdated eligibility barriers that prevent modern family farms from accessing U.S. Department of Agriculture loan programs. The USDA Loan Modernization Act updates eligibility standards to better reflect the structure of today’s multi-generational, family-run farms.…
Read MoreMaryville Police Officers recognized at board meeting
By Kathy Turner • Two members of the Maryville Police Department were presented with awards by their chief, Tony Manley, at the Dec. 17 Maryville board meeting. The first honor was the Award for Excellence, recognizing Cody Sinclair for his energy and enthusiasm exhibited each and every day on the job. The second award–Officer of…
Read MoreApplications now open for IDNR volunteer fire assistance grants
By Tribune Staff • SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Volunteer Fire Assistance (VFA) grants now through Feb. 16, 2026. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service VFA federal grant program provides matching funds to aid fire departments in the purchase of new equipment and helps fund training.…
Read MoreFive expert tips for live Christmas tree disposal
LISLE—Fresh Christmas trees don’t last forever and the tree care experts at The Morton Arboretum recommend planning ahead for proper disposal once it’s time to take them down. “To prevent a fire hazard, it is crucial to safely and appropriately dispose of your evergreen tree as soon as it shows signs of drying out, which…
Read MorePublic libraries across Illinois to stock, administer opioid overdose reversal agents in 2026
By Tribune Staff • SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has issued an updated standing order which adds Illinois public libraries to the list of locations that are permitted to keep a supply of opioid overdose reversal agents on hand, and to allow trained staff to administer them in the event of…
Read MoreSt. Jacob swears in new police chief, approves new four-way stop signs
By Bruce Darnell • During its Dec. 17 meeting, the St. Jacob Board of Trustees swore in their new police chief, Damian Feeny and decided to move forward with changing some intersections to become four-way stops. St. Jacob’s prior police chief Gary Kukla resigned on Nov. 1, and a week later Feeny was being eyed…
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