Latest News from SE Illinois News

Carmi Chamber hosts ribbon-cutting ceremony for new florist

By Caitlin Nordahl | Nov 13, 2017

The Carmi Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the opening of new area business Gracie Mae’s Flowers & Gifts, a full-service florist with other products for sale.

Severin seeks re-election, wants to keep 'southern Illinois values' in Capitol

By Caitlin Nordahl | Sep 21, 2017

Freshman lawmaker Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) recently announced that after nine months in office he is ready to take on another two years and will seek re-election in the 2018 race, according to a press release.

Eight new Legence Bank branches open in southern Illinois

By Caitlin Nordahl | Aug 25, 2017

Legence Bank recently opened eight new branches throughout Southern Illinois with combined deposits of $146 million, bringing the bank’s assets to $450 million, according to a press release.

Election petitions now available for Franklin County

By Caitlin Nordahl | Aug 24, 2017

Franklin County political hopefuls may pick up 2018 general primary petition packets at the Franklin County Election Office in the Campbell Building in Benton, according to a press release.

Severin helps Benton celebrate return of 'Farm City Days'

By Caitlin Nordahl | Aug 13, 2017

June 10 became "Farm City Days" this year throughout Illinois thanks to Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton), who got the Illinois House to pass a resolution celebrating Benton's first Farm City Days in 21 years, according to a press release.

Illinois waterfowl hunting season is within range

By Caitlin Nordahl | Aug 10, 2017

Waterfowl hunting season is within sight in Illinois, with an opening day of Sept. 1 for a 15-day statewide Canada goose season, according to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), which recently posted the latest information on duck, Canada geese, snow geese, white-fronted geese and teal seasons.

Righter hails Rauner veto of school funding bill as making things fair

By Caitlin Nordahl | Aug 7, 2017

Sen. Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) wants to see schools in his district treated the same as every other school in the state, he said in a recent press release.

Fowler sees clock ticking on schools' hopes for funding

By Caitlin Nordahl | Aug 7, 2017

A politically created crisis over state K-12 funding continues despite Gov. Bruce Rauner doing what had to be done to end it, Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) said on his website recently.

Severin says lawmakers need help if they're to fix Illinois

By Caitlin Nordahl | Aug 7, 2017

It's going to take a higher power to fix the disaster that is Illinois, Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) said recently on Tri-State Christian Television’s "TCT Today" program.

Cavaletto calls on Cullerton to send school funding bill to Rauner

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jul 31, 2017

Rep. John Cavaletto (R-Salem) wants to know what motivation other than political gamesmanship is keeping Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) from sending the state's public school funding measure to Gov. Bruce Rauner.

IDOT offers I-57 drivers a 'Smart' way to keep moving

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jul 27, 2017

Using its Smart Work Zones system, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is offering Southern Illinois commuters up-to-the-minute traffic updates for areas affected by the Interstate 57 work near Marion, according to a press release.

Medium oldham boy outdoor advertising eldorado ribbon cutting(1000)

Oldham Boy up to new tricks with digital billboard in Saline

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jul 24, 2017

Digital advertising is a sign of the times -- literally in Saline County, it appears.

Severin staff continues making rounds of libraries in satellite office effort

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jul 17, 2017

Rep. Dave Severin (R- Benton) recently took to Facebook about a series of satellite office hours his staff has been holding at public libraries in his district, including the most recent one held at the Benton Public Library.

Effects of budget starting to hit home, Fowler says in update to constituents

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jul 17, 2017

Sen. Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) recently updated constituents on the effects of the recently passed budget and the General Assembly’s upcoming work on school funding with a post on his website.

Being 'mad at the math' won't end Illinois' ongoing financial woes, attorney says

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jul 14, 2017

Illinois’ economy will take decades to recover from the state’s current pension and workers’ compensation obligations, to say nothing of the debts continually being added because of a significant lack of reform, according to a blistering analysis from Chicago attorney Eugene Keefe.

Illinois held down by economic, moral decay, analyst says

By Caitlin Nordahl | Jul 2, 2017

While every state around it continues to grow in population and prosperity, Illinois keeps shrinking under the strain of higher taxes and more regulations, Michael Lucci, vice president of policy for the Illinois Policy Institute, said in an article on the institute's website.