Collinsville
Collinsville’s proposed 2026 budget offers 5% increase in property tax levy
By Ray Popkess • A budget report highlighting a balanced budget for the city next year totaling $97,622,675 included a property tax levy increase by 5%. Last week’s city council meeting began with a public hearing on the proposed budget for the fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2026. All $3,780,882 garnished by the city for…
Read MoreSpecial-use permit for former Steffi’s location approved
by Randy Pierce • Approval has been given for a special-use permit authorizing the new owner of a bar/restaurant, formerly known as Steffi’s, in unincorporated Collinsville, to operate the establishment but he still needs to get a liquor license before he can move forward as planned. The issuance of the special-use permit, approved by a…
Read MoreSt. John UCC in Collinsville hosts Christmas Bazaar Dec. 6-7
10 pets adopted at Collinsville Event
By Randy Pierce Ten homeless pets were adopted at a special event held for this purpose earlier this month as a result of a combined effort involving individuals from the animal control staff from Madison County and the City of Collinsville, along with the Metro East Humane Society and the Partners for Pets organization, who…
Read MoreCannabis dispensary may land in Collinsville on N. Bluff Road
By Ray Popkess • The space previously home to Edible Arrangements and Sun Catchers Tan was proposed to the Collinsville Planning Commission to be re-purposed as a cannabis dispensary under the Origins Leaf Co. brand. Leaf Origins will be the second of up to four cannabis dispensaries located in the city of Collinsville. Ascend is…
Read MoreNew truck stop may be coming to Horseshoe Lake Road in Collinsville
By Ray Popkess • The Collinsville Planning Commission was presented with a request to rezone property where Horseshoe Lake Road and McDonough Lake Road connect during its monthly meeting on Nov. 13. The six-acre lot is currently zoned single-family residential. The proposed development would put a 9,000 square-foot convenience store with 10 fuel stations, six…
Read MorePlans for new restaurant on former Steffi’s site on hold
by Randy Pierce For the Madison County Board Public Safety Committee, taking multiple factors into consideration have resulted in a delay in issuing a liquor license to the new owner of a restaurant formerly known as Steffi’s in unincorporated Collinsville. Currently undergoing clean-up after its owners were cited for an accumulation of junk and debris,…
Read MoreCollinsville’s Historical Museum to host Holiday House Tour Dec. 6
The Collinsville Historical Museum is hosting a Holiday House Tour on Dec. 6, 2025 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Those on the tour will be able to view six of Collinsville’s finest homes in Their Holiday Splendor. Tickets are $25 and available at collinsvillemuseum.org Digital ticketing is preferred; however, paper tickets may be purchased…
Read MoreCollinsville Schools has one exemplary, eight commendable schools on 2025 Illinois Report Card
By Ray Popkess • The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) released 2025 School Report Cards on Oct. 30. Each report card shows how school districts are progressing on a wide range of educational goals. “Today, we celebrate the accomplishments of the past year while continuing to focus on growth and improvement,” said Superintendent Dr.…
Read MoreCollinsville City Council buys new ambulance, two properties
By Ray Popkess • Collinsville City Council began the new business portion of its meeting by discussing an ordinance that authorizes a financing contract with First Collinsville Bank for debt financing of solar array construction at the wastewater treatment plant. Construction and engineering costs are estimated at $6.5 million but the estimated offset of incentives…
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