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Area News

Bradford National Bank, State Bank of St. Jacob, announce merger

Bradford National Bank has announced the completion of a merger with State Bank of St. Jacob, bringing together two long‑standing community banks with deep roots in Bond and Madison counties and the surrounding region. The merger was completed on Feb. 28, 2026. The combined institutions will operate under the name Bradford National Bank. Michael Ennen,…

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Lewis and Clark establishes presidential Student Advisory Council

Lewis and Clark Community College has established a new Student Advisory Council (SAC) to help give students a platform on campus, and to provide the college’s president and executive team with student input on various matters affecting them. Student Trustee Jim Eck said the idea was born out of several informal sessions with President Ken…

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Becker’s names HSHS among ‘Top Places to Work in Healthcare’

Becker’s Healthcare recently released its list of 165 top places to work in healthcare, honoring hospitals, health systems and healthcare companies that are setting the standard for what it means to be an exceptional workplace in 2026. This year, Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS), headquartered in Springfield, Ill., with care locations in Wisconsin and Illinois,…

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IDOT: Illinois 159 lane closures in St. Clair County begin March 9

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that repairs on northbound and southbound Illinois 159 between Washington Street and the junction of Illinois 13/Illinois 158 in St. Clair County will require intermittent lane closures beginning Monday, March 9, weather permitting. All lanes will remain open in both directions on weekdays from 6 to 9 a.m.…

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Illinois WIC expands: Adds ethnic foods, updates nutrition standards, increases flexibility

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Illinois has expanded its food package offerings, allowing families to choose from a broader range of culturally-responsive foods aligned with the latest nutrition science. The changes took effect Feb. 25, 2026, and provide greater flexibility at the grocery store. Expanded options include: Additional…

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Illinois farmers consider expanding cut flower operations

  By HANNAH SPANGLER FarmWeek  When warmer weather returns, people will start heading back to outdoor farmers markets. In addition to fresh meat and produce, bright, colorful cut flowers bundled in unique bouquets or available for custom arrangements are becoming an eye‑catching addition to the market experience. As interest in cut flowers grows, farmers and…

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St. Louis area drivers: Make your move to Metro

Free monthly transit pass allows commuters to test-drive MetroLink and MetroBus Area commuters looking to save money, reduce stress and rethink their daily drive are encouraged to give transit a try as part of “Make Your Move to Metro.” This Citizens for Modern Transit campaign, held in partnership with St. Clair County Transit District and…

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Developer proposes expansive $2B mixed-use project for Metro East

    By MELISSA CROCKETT MESKE Managing Editor, Illinois Business Journal [email protected] An O’Fallon-based developer has advanced plans for a nearly $2 billion mixed-use development in Glen Carbon, positioning the project as a regional destination designed to capture Illinois consumer spending that might otherwise flow to Missouri. The firm recently presented a $1.97 billion proposal…

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