Area Breaking News
Troy woman charged with littering after harassing ex-boyfriend
By Charles Bolinger Editor • A former couple blames each other after an incident on May 10 in the 400 block of Redbird Street in Troy. According to the official incident field report from Ofc. Dylan Bruns, he responded to the above address for a report of harassment. On arriving, Bruns met with Steve Margason,…
Read MoreTroy man charged after stealing $90 vaporizer from area store
By Charles Bolinger Editor • Seth Blasdel, 23, of Troy was charged with retail theft after he allegedly stole a vaporizer from a store on April 30. Troy Police responded to a theft report at Top Pay Gaming on South Main Street. Per the official incident field report written by Ofc. Erik Mix, he arrived…
Read MoreIDOT to reopen lanes where possible for Memorial Day holiday travel
Non-emergency closures suspended, work zones still plentiful across the state SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that lanes that have been closed for construction will reopen, where possible, for the Memorial Day weekend to minimize travel disruption. Non-emergency closures will be suspended from 3 p.m. Friday, May 22, to 11:59 p.m. Monday,…
Read MoreSt. Jacob United Church of Christ hosts 42nd Annual Strawberry Festival
By Bruce Darnell Freelance reporter • Visitors and vendors from all over the area got together to celebrate on a windy weekend in St. Jacob. The festival began at 11 a.m. on May 17 in St. Jacob Township Park. Paul Guse, a member of the United Church of Christ, said around 60 vendors had shown…
Read MoreHighland L.U.N.C.H. Bunch to provide free lunches starting May 27
Troy City Council seeks to set up outdoor seating downtown, raise construction fees
By Charles Bolinger Editor • If you enjoy eating or drinking at Palenque Mexican Grill, Mokka Bar or the upcoming Market and Main, you may soon have the opportunity to dine al fresco (outside). At the May 14 planning commission meeting, city officials brought up the topic. The proposal would establish regulations, permitting and enforcement…
Read MoreTroy officials choose sewer upgrade option after workshop on May 14
By Charles Bolinger Editor • While they have not voted on an option, several Troy City Council members attended a public works workshop on May 14 to take the first step toward upgrading Troy’s sewer treatment plant. Cameron Jones, a principal and project engineer with Benton and Associates out of Jacksonville, led an overview discussion…
Read MoreMarten Portable Buildings returns with new plan for site near US 40 in Troy
By Charles Bolinger Editor • Not deterred by Troy City Council’s unanimous denial of his original proposal in February, Joseph Marten came back before the city’s planning commission on May 14 with a new plan. Marten Portable Buildings wants to put a new, outdoor portable building sales office in Troy at 7709 Plummer Business Drive,…
Read MoreHighland Nutrition’s roots remain strong through organic mission
By Brittany Blackwell Reporter • Vickie Bacon, owner and manager of Highland Nutrition, quickly moved from organic gardening to owning a health food store. But her interest in healthy living developed before she entered retail. Bacon was in her 30s, growing organic produce and wholesaling from a small truck, when a routine delivery changed the…
Read MoreBridgework steel-setting coming in June to Lebanon Road overpass
By Randy Pierce • As an indication of significant progress being made on the improvement and upgrade of Lebanon Road in Collinsville Township, structural steel components of a bridge carrying it over the CSX Railroad and a small creek will be set into place beginning in June. This information was brought forward by Brent Lyons,…
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