Area Breaking News
Illinois researchers map farming trends from space
By HANNAH SPANGLER FarmWeek • Conservation tillage practices such as no-till and strip tillage play a key role in soil health and resilience. But understanding where, when and how often those practices are used across the Corn Belt has been a challenge. Researchers at the University of Illinois are taking a unique approach with satellite…
Read MoreSpeaker Dan Martin talks Weatherbird, other cartoonists from region at June 7 program
By Tribune Staff • Join the Madison County Historical Society at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 7 when cartoonist Dan Martin regales his audience with the intriguing history of Weatherbird and other St. Louis cartoons. Weatherbird is the longest-running cartoon character in the country. It first appeared in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 1901 and…
Read MoreTriad school principals give reports for May
By Charles Bolinger Editor • Triad School District principals gave their reports during the May 18 Triad Board of Education meeting. Marine Elementary At a fundraiser at Bobby’s Frozen Custard in Maryville, 592 boxes were sold, raising $2,962 for the Marine Elementary School PTO. The school’s Hornet Heroes fundraiser celebrations were a huge success. The…
Read MoreLane closures on I-255 in Madison County begin June 3
COLLINSVILLE/PONTOON BEACH – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced on May 27 that intermittent nightly lane closures on Interstate 255 between I-270 and the St. Clair County line in Madison County beginning Wednesday, June 3, weather permitting. The closures are necessary for a $6.6 million pavement preservation project on I-255. Motorists can expect one lane…
Read MoreSouthern Illinois knows the value of stewardship; Springfield must act before it’s too late
By DALE SHUMAKER President, Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts • In Southern Illinois, conservation is not an abstract policy debate. It is the creek that floods after heavy rain. It is the field losing topsoil after severe weather. It is the family farm trying to remain productive for another generation. It is…
Read MoreCollinsville High School honors Barb Kusmierczak as 2026 Alumni Achievement recipient
By Tribune Staff – Collinsville High School is proud to announce Barbara Kusmierczak, a 1977 graduate of Collinsville High School, as the recipient of this year’s Alumni Achievement Award. Kusmierczak is being recognized for her decades of dedicated volunteerism and her profound impact on the Kahok community. She was honored and served as one of…
Read MoreMaryville artist honored with award of merit at Gateway East Artists Guild
Brenda Hopkins of Maryville received an award of merit for her painting titled, “Mirror6,” which she had displayed at the Gateway East Artists Guild’s reception held at the Green Root Gallery in Belleville earlier this month as part of an exhibit which will be displayed through Saturday, May 30. Hopkins, who specializes in paintings depicting…
Read MoreCaseyville man charged with murder of woman in Granite City in 1993
By Charles Bolinger Editor • Lightning may not strike twice but new DNA technology has struck twice in May when it comes to solving area “cold cases.” On May 22, Madison County State’s Attorney, Thomas Haine, charged Albert Lee Zigler, 70, with two counts of first-degree murder. The counts stem from an incident on Nov.…
Read MoreAmeren Illinois Lineworkers advance to International Lineman’s Rodeo following play-In competition
Local journeyman teams, apprentices earn spots representing Illinois on global stage By Tribune Staff • Ameren Illinois lineworkers will once again showcase their skill, teamwork and commitment to safety on an international stage after earning top spots at a recent play-in competition at the company’s Decatur Training Center to qualify for the 2026 International Lineman’s…
Read MorePlanning Route 66 Road Trips in Illinois are easy
By Kathy Turner Freelance reporter • Just like previous information shared about a one to two-day road trip to celebrate the 250th early, traveling Route 66 on its 100th birthday through Illinois will offer many ways to explore the history of the state. And, there are many resources to make that planning easier. First, the…
Read More