Area News

by Randy Pierce [email protected] Among the array of eclectic and accomplished performers appearing at the 2023 Midwest Salute to the Arts, being held at Moody Park on Longacre Drive in Fairview Heights later this month, Anita Jackson is returning to the event for the second successive year, sharing her vocal talents on Friday evening, August…

By Sean Ditch Lebanon’s Mayor Cheri Wright and Lebanon City Council held their first town council meeting of the month of August on Monday the 14th at 6:30 PM inside city hall. Mayor Wright and City Clerk Luann Holper swore in Andrew Lampe as the city’s newest police officer. Andrew’s family were in attendance as…

By Zachary Daum [email protected] A family in Mascoutah has been hit with a great blow, as their rented home on Mine Road was severely damaged by the storm that occurred on Saturday, July 29. Nick Gipson, a 28-year-old California native, along with his partner Haley Mitchell and her 5-year-old daughter currently live in Mascoutah. Before,…

By Zachary Daum [email protected] The 97th Annual Mascoutah Homecoming und AugustFest, a cornerstone of the town’s summer traditions, returned for another exciting chapter this year. Despite the hot weather and evening storms, visitors flocked to Scheve Park over the course of three days from August 4 to 6, to enjoy the festivities. One of the…

By Zachary Daum [email protected] Making it official on Thursday, July 27, The Leu Civic Center has announced that in the next few weeks, they will be receiving an entirely new art studio, courtesy of global home furnishings giant, IKEA. This momentous development comes as a result of the hard work and dedication of volunteers who…

By Jade Marceau–Mary [email protected] Boy Scout Camren Ferri, from Troop 34 in New Baden, hosted a BBQ fundraiser at the New Baden Fire Department Saturday, July 22nd from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Any funds raised will go to purchasing what could improve the volleyball court, and make it a great place for kids and…

By Zachary Daum [email protected] Earlier this month, a small group of Lebanon, Illinois residents set out on an unforgettable adventure to Pamplona, Spain, to partake in the annual running of the bulls. Comprised of Danny Pier, Cameran Keepper, and Stu Mcallister, this daring trio took on the time-honored tradition, celebrating Lebanon High School Soccer Coach…

By Jade Marceau–Mary [email protected] The Rotary Club is an international organization founded in 1905 in Chicago, IL., by Paul Harris. The Rotary’s Areas of Focus have since been to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, save mothers and children, support education, grow local economies, and protect the environment. The Lebanon Rotary…

By Zachary Daum [email protected] Carmen McBride, a member of the O’Fallon Garden Club and an employee at Scott Air Force Base, recently hosted a delightful “Evening in the Garden” party at her home on Saturday, July 22. Carmen has cultivated a deep passion for gardening, resulting in her impressive “edible landscape garden.” The garden party,…

By Jade Marceau–Mary [email protected] Ms. Vicki Mills, Mrs. Caron Proffer, and Ms. Jessica Graul are the three new teachers at Holy Childhood School in Mascoutah, IL. While Ms. Vicki Mills is the new 4th-grade teacher, Mrs. Caron Proffer is the new 5th-grade teacher, and Ms. Jessica Graul is the new preschool director/Pre-K teacher. Ms. Vicki…