Parks, paths and playgrounds: Powered by Madison County’s $3.3M investment
From new playgrounds to trail expansions and major park upgrades, communities across Madison County are set to see visible improvements following the approval of $3.3 million in Parks Enhancement Program (PEP) grants on April 16. The Madison County Board approved funding for the program during its meeting Wednesday night. The grants will support projects in municipalities, townships…
Read MoreHear national contracting, cybersecurity, innovation funding experts at SouthernTECH2026
Businesses and university researchers can gain practical insights into government contracting, cybersecurity compliance and innovation funding at SouthernTECH 2026: Harnessing Technology for Government Contract Success. The hybrid event, hosted by the Illinois APEX Accelerator at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, is set from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on April 29 at SIU’s Gower Translational Research Center,…
Read MoreCM student wins ‘You Have a Voice!’ speech competition at LC
Dual credit student Kimberly Price, of Civic Memorial High School in Bethalto, brought home the first-place prize, and $100 cash, in the 2026 “You Have A Voice!” humanities speech contest. The contest is held annually at Lewis and Clark Community College by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society and hosted by Elizabeth Grant, PTK sponsor…
Read MoreAdvancing a strategic vision for Southwest Illinois Tourism
Where the Mother Road meets the River Road By CORY JOBE, President/CEO Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau As the United States approaches a rare convergence of milestone events—America 250, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the Centennial of Route 66—Southwest Illinois is uniquely positioned to benefit from renewed national and global travel interest. Insights…
Read MoreHamel’s new healing arts epicenter: Grounded, and still growing
Hometown doctor leads the way By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] While already open for business and accepting new clients, Prairie Star Acupuncture & Healing Arts in Hamel will host its official grand opening celebration with an open house format from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 3. Much like…
Read MoreTourism Grant Program awards announced by governor
$4.85 million in grant funding awarded through Tourism Attractions, Tourism Marketing Partnership, and Tourism Private Sector Grant Programs Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) recently announced more than $4.85 million in grant funding has been awarded to 66 grantees through three grant programs – the Tourism Attractions Grant…
Read MoreCommunity invited to groundbreaking for Goshen Commons in downtown Edwardsville
The City of Edwardsville is inviting the community to attend as the Goshen Commons downtown park project takes a big step forward. Mayor Art Risavy and city officials will be joined by State Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) and other guests at 9 a.m. Monday, April 20, for a groundbreaking at the site of the…
Read MoreSchnucks Springboard emerging business accelerator welcomes second cohort to stores
Springboard also continues to accept applications for the upcoming third cohort Products that were a part of the second class of Schnucks Springboard emerging business accelerator are now available at 15 Schnucks stores in the St. Louis area. Participating companies include: Cheryl’s Herbs Group FretFree Kitchen FUFU n’ Sauce GOPO LLC Louise’s Granola Company…
Read MoreFirst Bankers Trust Company welcomes Chris Williams as chief credit officer
First Bankers Trust Company N.A., a wholly-owned subsidiary of First Bankers Trustshares Inc., recently announced that Chris Williams has joined the organization as chief credit officer, effective April 8, 2026. In this role, Williams will be responsible for overseeing the overall credit risk of the bank’s loan portfolio. He will work closely with the bank’s…
Read MoreGulfstream $10K grant supports LC’s growing Avionics program
The Avionics program at Lewis and Clark Community College has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation. Tom Steinmann, dean of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math at LC, said this funding will help provide new resources for students enrolled in the program. “This money has already been used to purchase additional hands-on…
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