Eckert’s Grafton Farm named among USA Today’s Top 20 apple orchards
Public can vote daily in 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards through Monday, Sept. 8 Eckert’s Grafton Farm, part of a family-owned pick-your-own farm with deep Midwest roots, has been named one of the top 20 apple orchards in the country by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Just an hour from St. Louis, the Grafton…
Read MoreCareers in View: OSF Saint Anthony’s Dr. Dennis Sands
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE IBJ Managing Editor [email protected] With an interest in medicine, biology and chemistry for as long as he can remember, OSF Saint Anthony’s Dr. Dennis Sands got his first taste of it all in the chemistry lab at Cargill in Dayton, Ohio. The only job he ever had before becoming a…
Read MoreKaskaskia College commemorates 85 years of growth, community impact
KC celebrates 85th anniversary in September Kaskaskia College (KC) is celebrating its 85th anniversary this September. Over eight decades ago, visionaries across south central Illinois came together to offer higher educational opportunities not readily available for residents in the area. Since then, the institution has grown tremendously, expanding its reach to nine surrounding counties…
Read MoreBig Brothers Big Sisters annual home raffle is live now
The 2025 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Illinois home raffle has gone live. Ticket sales began on Aug. 27 and continue through Nov. 18, 2025. Ticket sales end at 8:59 p.m. on Nov. 18, 2025. Buy your tickets online here. The Big Brothers Big Sisters Home Raffle gives you the chance to win the…
Read MoreBike MS: Gateway Getaway returns to Godfrey on Sept. 6–7
On Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 6 and 7, up to 1,000 cyclists will gather for Bike MS: Gateway Getaway, hosted at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey, Ill. This cycling event, organized by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, raises critical funds and awareness to drive progress in MS research, improve treatment options, and…
Read MoreEckert’s Millstadt Farm to open Corn Maze Sept. 6, partnering with The Backstoppers
First Responders Weekend Celebration set for Sept. 13-14, with community events and free admission for first responders Eckert’s Millstadt Farm (2719 Eckert Orchard Lane) will unveil its annual corn maze to the public on Saturday, Sept. 6. Designed in partnership with The BackStoppers, a St. Louis‑based nonprofit that provides financial and emotional support to families of first…
Read MoreGovernor meets with community violence intervention partners
As Trump cuts resources to stop violence, Illinois has made historic investments in programs with demonstrated record of reducing crime and violence On Sept. 3, 2025, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker met with leaders and volunteers from Community Violence Intervention (CVI) organizations across the Chicago area to discuss the progress of their programs in reducing crime and…
Read MoreIllinois elections board refuses to give DOJ sensitive voter data
National expert says Trump administration has no authority to demand records By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois Article Summary The Trump administration has demanded Illinois turn over its complete statewide voter registration database, including sensitive information such as voters’ dates of birth, driver’s license and Social Security numbers. The Illinois State Board of Elections has…
Read MoreUnited Way of Greater St. Louis recognizes Jim Schmersahl for exemplary service
United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) recently honored Jim Schmersahl, UWGSL board member and managing partner of Schmersahl Treloar & Co. with the Freeman-Kortkamp Award. The Freeman-Kortkamp Award was created to honor the outstanding service and performance of a UWGSL board member whose commitment has supported UWGSL’s efforts to help and ensure individuals and…
Read MoreIllinois RiverWatch celebrates 30th anniversary: Public event Sept. 20
Illinois RiverWatch invites members of the public to join volunteers, partners and supporters in celebrating their 30th anniversary at Kankakee River State Park from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20. The registration fee for the event is $15 and includes a special edition 30th Anniversary Celebration t-shirt, designed by RiverWatch volunteer, Lorena Robles. Register…
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