Area News
SIBA awards record number of grants to support building trades, voc-ed, in 2025
The Southern Illinois Builders Association (SIBA) has announced that 40 high schools throughout Southern Illinois have been selected to receive $500 grants to support building trades and vocational education classes in 2025—an increase from 30 grant recipients in 2024. The grants are part of SIBA’s ongoing commitment to promote careers in the construction industry and…
Read MorePoettker Construction celebrates 45 years in business as family-owned company
Poettker Construction Company is celebrating 45 years in business as a multi-generational, family-owned construction firm supporting a diverse portfolio of projects in markets across the country. Founded in 1980 by Charles Poettker, the company has grown from its humble beginning in Breese, Ill., into a $400 million construction firm specializing in construction management, design-build services,…
Read MoreNational Primers, City of Litchfield announce $127M manufacturing facility, 160 new jobs
In a major step forward for regional economic growth, National Primers LLC and the City of Litchfield, Ill., have announced plans for a new primer ammunition manufacturing facility to be located in Litchfield’s I-55 Commerce Center. The project will bring a combined $127 million capital investment and at least 160 new full-time jobs over the…
Read MoreNASE awards national growth grant to Belleville small business
Tanya Ferguson of A Special Place Pre K Academy is recipient of $4,000 grant, sponsored by AARP, from the National Association for the Self-Employed The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE), the nation’s leading advocate and resource for the self-employed and micro-business community, has announced that Belleville, Ill.-based small business, A Special Place Pre K…
Read MoreNippon Steel Corporation, U. S. Steel finalize partnership
U. S. Steel to retain its name and headquarters in Pittsburgh, Pa., continue to be ‘Mined, Melted and Made in America.’ Partnership expected to protect, create more than 100,000 jobs. TOKYO & PITTSBURGH–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Nippon Steel Corporation (TSE: 5401) (“Nippon Steel”), together with its wholly owned subsidiary Nippon Steel North America Inc. and United States…
Read MoreGoodbye, Mr. Lincoln, again: The final phase of penny production
By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] Back in May, President Donald Trump directed the Secretary of the United States Treasury to stop producing pennies. And on May 22, 2025, the U.S. Treasury Department placed its final order for penny blanks. Those blanks will carry the production of the penny through…
Read MoreThe Edwardsville Police begins Fourth of July traffic safety campaign
Edwardsville Police have announced plans for July Fourth traffic enforcement with a focus on impaired and unbuckled drivers. The safety campaign will run from June 20 through July 7 to encompass three summer weekends leading up to and after Independence Day. “To ensure a safe Independence Day for everyone, we’re asking for your cooperation. If…
Read MoreEdwardsville to celebrate 62025 Day with City Park activities, concert
The City of Edwardsville is taking advantage of a once-a-century opportunity to celebrate 62025 Day – the date that the City’s ZIP code and the calendar align. The festivities will take place on Friday, June 20, 2025, in Edwardsville’s City Park and include a concert, food, games, a commemorative overhead group photo and a charity…
Read MoreGOP lawsuit seeks to end ‘gut-and-replace’ legislation
Lawmakers say the bill would alter state’s business and legal landscape By PETER HANCOCK Capitol News Illinois SPRINGFIELD — A group of Republican lawmakers filed a lawsuit this week that seeks to nullify legislation they say would indelibly alter both the business and legal landscape of Illinois. Senate Bill 328 would amend a key…
Read MoreMadison County teen’s legacy remembered with FFA donation
By HANNAH SPANGLER FarmWeek Nearly 50 years after playing tuba in the Illinois FFA State Band, state Rep. Charlie Meier returned to Illinois FFA State Convention for the next generation of agriculturalists. Meier visited the convention June 11 to ensure every FFA chapter received a multimeter, a safety tool used to check if an…
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