Area Breaking News
As America Approaches 250: train service in Maryville started at turn of 20th Century
By Kathy Turner • Trains started serving the residents of Maryville in August 1901. The train ran along what is now Illinois Route 159. It connected St. Louis with the communities to the west, including Maryville. Called the East St. Louis and Interurban Railway, it was in reality a streetcar; the line would later become…
Read MoreGet to know Ameren Illinois’ new president; reflection on his journey from lineman to leadership
By Patrick E. Smith, Sr. • Growing up in East St. Louis and graduating from Assumption Catholic High School, I never imagined that one day I’d be named president of Ameren Illinois. But as I prepared to step into this role on Jan. 1, 2026, I found myself reflecting on the journey that brought me…
Read MoreTroy officials vote to commit funds to extend Troy-O’Fallon shared-use path
By Charles Bolinger Editor • Troy council members voted 7-0 on Jan. 20 to commit $410,000 to use with a surface transportation program-suburban (STP-S) grant to extend the shared-use path down Troy-O’Fallon Road. Councilwoman Debbie Knoll was absent. The estimated total project cost is $1.4 million with the final amount to be determined during grant…
Read MoreSouthern District of Illinois recognizes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois observes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and joins the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security in reaffirming the administration’s commitment to combatting all forms of human trafficking to protect victims and survivors. Human Trafficking Prevention Month presents an opportunity for DHS…
Read MoreSevere blood shortage: Red Cross blood supply drops 35%
By Tribune Staff • ST. LOUIS, MO — The American Red Cross is facing a severe blood shortage as requests from hospitals exceed the available supply of blood, leading to about a 35% drawdown of blood products in the past month. Individuals are urged to give now so patients don’t face delays in lifesaving care. The shortage is especially serious for…
Read MoreBreak the ice, not your service: be sure to clear natural gas meters after snow falls
Clearing snow and ice from meters and vents helps ensure safe service COLLINSVILLE – With significant snowfall across the region, Ameren is reminding customers to take a few simple steps to help protect their homes and families by keeping outdoor natural gas meters and vents clear of snow and ice. Snow and ice buildup can…
Read MoreCloverleaf claims mine subsidence, possible high demand on aquifer as non-factors in Troy data center decision
By Charles Bolinger Editor • Two other factors could change Cloverleaf Infrastructure’s search for another data center in the Metro-East. In the wake of the uproar that has happened since a Troy planning commission meeting on Jan. 8, many residents in town and elsewhere have come out against the project. During the week of Jan.…
Read MoreTroy residents, others unload opinions about data center project on mayor, council
By Charles Bolinger Editor • A standing-room only crowd filled the Troy City Hall Chamber on Jan. 20 as more than 100 people turned out to listen to 15 others speak against the proposed data center concepts that were revealed earlier this month, even though data centers were not on the night’s agenda. Each speaker…
Read MoreData center issue surfaces at Madison County committee meeting
Same committee will discuss the topic more in-depth in February • by Randy Pierce • Touched upon at this month’s meeting of the Madison County Board Grants Committee, the subject of data centers is slated to be discussed in a bit more depth when its members meet again on Feb. 10, tentatively, at 4 p.m.…
Read MoreMadison County Transit plans new ‘microtransit’ service between Maryville, Troy
by Randy Pierce • Madison County Transit Managing Director SJ Morrison was one of six members of a panel who participated in a discussion hosted by the Citizens for Modern Transit organization in St. Louis earlier this month where he shared information regarding pending local projects planned for an area that includes Collinsville, Maryville and…
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