Eckert’s Grafton Farm opens for the season; Belleville farm’s final weekend for blackberry picking
Eckert’s Grafton Farm (20995 Eckert Orchard Rd, Grafton, IL 62037) officially opened for the season today (Friday, June 13), kicking things off with a fan-favorite: Pick-Your-Own black raspberries. This limited-time crop will be available through Sunday (June 13–15), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The farm will remain open throughout the season, closed on…
Read MoreConcerts, movies, art, theater, opera, more planned for Edwardsville’s City Park this summer
Fun activities for all ages are once again planned for City Park in downtown Edwardsville over the next several months, courtesy of the Edwardsville Parks & Recreation Department’s Arts in the Park program. This free, annual series features concerts, movie nights, children’s art, theater, opera and other family-friendly occasions. “Edwardsville is such a vibrant place…
Read MoreRotary Club of Swansea hosts successful 22nd annual 5K Run/Walk
More than 100 participants raised money for student scholarships The Rotary Club of Swansea hosted its22nd Annual “Service Above Self” 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 31, 2025, which began and ended at Wolf Branch Elementary School. More than 100 participants of all ages enjoyed the beautiful weather and helped to support the Chad Wood Memorial…
Read MoreCommentary: Sen. Harriss releases statement on FY26 budget, new $1.50 delivery fee
On June 1, 2025, Senator Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon) released a joint statement on the state’s FY26 Budget and a new $1.50 delivery fee to fund Chicago Transit: “Illinois families are already feeling the pinch, and this budget only makes things worse. It adds nearly a billion dollars in new taxes. Worst yet, another bill…
Read MoreI-55/70 full closure in Madison County between IL-157, 159 begins tonight, June 13
The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that a full closure of Interstate 55/70 northbound/eastbound between Illinois 157 and Illinois 159 in Madison County will start, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. tonight (Friday, June 13), for bridge repairs. The closure is expected to remain in place for 17 calendar days. During that time, motorists should…
Read MoreKaskaskia College professor wins best actor award at English film festival
Nathan Young encourages students in rural communities to follow dreams Kaskaskia College Assistant Professor of Theatre & Communication Nathan Young recently won the Best Actor Award at the Bedford Independent Film Festival in Bedford, England. Young received the honor for his role as the titular character in “Jonah,” a thought-provoking comedy short film shot in…
Read MoreAn employer’s guide to curbing intermittent FMLA leave abuse
By SCOTT CRUZ One of the most frustrating issues for employers is an employee’s unpredictable intermittent absences taken under the Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”), which also raises concerns about employee abuse of intermittent leave. Intermittent FMLA leave allows employees to take time off in separate blocks due to a single qualifying reason, rather than…
Read MoreGovernor awards $1.3M to 29 manufacturing companies across the state
Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and the Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) recently announced the recipients of the 2025 Made in Illinois Grant Program. This year, 29 small and mid-sized manufacturers across Illinois are receiving a combined $1.35 million in capital grant funding to drive innovation, efficiency, and…
Read MoreDespite setbacks, gun rights groups continue push to overturn Illinois assault weapons ban
7th Circuit prepares to hear another appeal By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois Gun rights advocates once again are asking a federal appeals court in Chicago to overturn Illinois’ ban on assault-style firearms and large-capacity magazines in a case that may be destined for the U.S. Supreme Court. In briefs filed Friday with the…
Read MoreHeroes’ Ascent Fundraiser celebrates updates, honors history at Grafton American Legion on D-Day
The National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) held its highly anticipated Heroes’ Ascent Fundraiser on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the Grafton American Legion, drawing hundreds of supporters to an evening of remembrance, music, and momentum for the future of the memorial. Guests enjoyed a full dinner from The Brass Door, desserts, live performances by…
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