Rep. Katie Stuart schedules time in Collinsville for constituents
by Randy Pierce • Illinois State Representative from the 112th District Katie Stuart is making herself available to meet with constituents Thursday, Feb. 19, from 4 to 6 p.m. at 2105 Vandalia Street, Unit 16, in Collinsville. Anyone with questions or concerns they wish to address to Stuart may do so at this time. To…
Read MoreSt. Jacob swears in new trustee, new police chief announces resignation
By Bruce Darnell • After its Feb. 4 meeting, St. Jacob has a new trustee, filling a position left vacant since September 2025 but lost their recently hired police chief. The board also discussed a few worries regarding SAFE-T Act training. Brandon Ponce, a deputy chief for the Maryville Police Department, was unanimously sworn in…
Read MoreMadison County ETSB deals with state mandate
by Randy Pierce • As a result of legislation passed at the state level, the Madison County 9-1-1 emergency telephone system is becoming a bit more financially autonomous, in the sense of what should be specifically documented, now that its director has received approval to apply for a federal employer identification number. However, its funding,…
Read MoreMadison County gives self passing grade on recent snow removal
by Randy Pierce • Considering the volume of snow that accumulated on local roads near the end of January, the process involved in the removal of most of it from the pavement, at least where Madison County is concerned, went very well and without equipment breakdowns, injuries, accidents or any other negative outcomes. According to…
Read MoreMaryville department heads present annual board reports to mayor, trustees
By Kathy Turner • On Feb. 4, the Maryville department heads presented their summary of 2025 and plans for 2026 the mayor and trustees. Each department head gave a brief overview of their written reports to the board. Fire Department Chief Doug Dankenbring reported that the Maryville Fire Department responded to 1,901 requests for service…
Read MoreHaine announces guilty verdict in trial of Highland man who killed his infant son
EDWARDSVILLE – Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Feb. 12 that a jury has found a 41-year-old Highland man guilty of first-degree murder in the death of the man’s 3‐month‐old son. Dustin Shires, 41, was found guilty Thursday of causing injuries that resulted in the death of Shires’ son, Jameson Shires. The verdict was…
Read MoreCommunity meeting coming for Highland sidewalk, trails master plan update on Feb. 17
By Charles Bolinger Editor • Calling all Highland speed walkers, joggers, runners and cyclists (heck, even roller bladers, too)! The city will host a community meeting to provide updates on the city’s sidewalk and trails master plan. The meeting is scheduled for Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. in city hall, 1115 Broadway. They will review…
Read MoreMadison County bridges may get some safety upgrades
by Randy Pierce • Three bridges located in unincorporated areas of Madison County were approved by the county’s board transportation committee on Feb. 4 after resolutions called for financial support and preliminary engineering services. With those recommendations expected to be presented in the form of legislation that will be considered by the full county board…
Read MorePublic packs Triad High School to oppose data processing center in Troy
Cloverleaf has until March 2 to submit a new proposal By Charles Bolinger Editor • At least 500 people crammed into the Triad High School Cafetorium on Feb. 10 most of whom were there to oppose any kind of data processing center coming to Troy. Even though the original concept for a data processing center…
Read MoreMaryville Board approves TIF redevelopment agreement
By Kathy Turner • With the Maryville Girl Scout Troop 222 in attendance to learn about government, the Maryville Board on Wednesday approved an ordinance for a TIF Redevelopment with Dental Wellness Center. Located at 2933 Maryville Road, the agreement will allow the business to expand their parking capabilities to meet the need identified with…
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