JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri State Highway Patrol, a premier law enforcement agency, is testing for new troopers. The Patrol is encouraging qualified individuals of all backgrounds to apply and will offer testing at nine different locations in Missouri. Those who successfully complete testing will be eligible to continue in the selection process for the 123rd Recruit Class, scheduled to begin training on January 2, 2025. To be eligible, candidates must possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent and be 21 years of age upon graduating from the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy. Upon gradu ..read more

JEFFERSON CITY – Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to make the public aware that May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. It’s important for motorcyclists to take an active role in their safety. Preliminary 2023 statistics indicate there were 2,459 crashes involving motorcycles. In these crashes, 2,141 people were injured and 175 people were killed. Please keep these suggestions in mind when you’re on the road: * Be visible. Motorists often have a hard time seeing you. Keep your headlights on, day or night. Use reflective strips/decals o ..read more

ST. LOUIS — The Mississippi River continues to rise on the Chester gage.   The reading was 25.48 almost a foot and a half below the 27 foot flood stage.   That mark was expected to be reached this morning.   The river is expected to continue rising to a crest of 34.5 feet Friday afternoon.   River Stage……………Impact 25        Degognia Fountain Bluff Levee gates are closed. 27        Flood Stage. Unprotected farmland on right bank begins to flood. 28        Unleveed island ..read more

SPRINGFIELD and CHAMPAIGN – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) are reminding Illinois private well-owners to properly maintain their wells and recommend that they test their wells for potential contaminants. Most private wells which are properly constructed and maintained provide safe water for years. However, contamination can occur due to improper construction, poor maintenance, or releases of contaminants into the well’s aquifer. Many contaminants cannot be detected by sight, taste, or smell. Even if there is no indication of pro ..read more

Mothers Against Drunk Driving® (MADD) staff, volunteers, victims and survivors, and the community at large are gearing up for MADD Heartland’s inaugural Bike Like MADD Tour De Heart virtual cycling event running May 1 through May 31! Cyclists from all over are invited to pedal and virtually join us as we ride toward a future of No More Victims of impaired driving! Proceeds directly benefit the MADD Heartland Region comprised of Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.    Any bike. All ages. Any location. All fitness levels. Simply register, raise, and ride to help save lives! MADD ..read more

STE. GENEVIEVE – Join in the fun at the 2024 French Heritage Festival to celebrate the unique traditions, architecture and music of Ste. Genevieve’s French and Creole heritage in Missouri and the Mississippi River Valley. Experience the Opening Ceremony at 10:30 am on Saturday June 8 at the Church of Ste. Genevieve and activities in Lions Club Park and each of the historic tour homes, National Park sites and museums.   Explore the beauty of Ste. Genevieve’s historic homes, gardens, and art centers, sample delicious food and live music in the National Historic Landmark District. Enjoy s ..read more

EVANSVILLE – Christ Our Savior FFA participated in the Ag Mechanics CDE in Mascoutah.   Those participating and the area they participated in were Isaac L. in electricity, Charlie in carpentry, Sam with surveying and Isaac S. working with engines. Isaac L placed 3rd in electricity.     Pictured are (left to right): Isaac Luebkemann, Charlie Ralhfs, Sam Eisenmann, and Isaac Sims.    ..read more

STE. GENEVIEVE – On Tuesday May 14th, the Lt. Col. J. Felix St. James Camp 326 Sons of Union Veterans invites the public to a free presentation at the Orris beginning at 6:30 p.m.     Dr. Christopher Warren, a history professor at Mineral Area Junior College and Civil War re-enactors, will present “Sherman’s Engineers”.   The presentation will include Gen. William T. Sherman’s connections to a lesser-known set of specialized forces during the Civil War- the Engineers.   His presentation will include photographs, multimedia, and items related to Civil War Engineers.   ..read more

2nd Annual event is deemed huge success in recognizing students that make a difference at CHS   By Jim Beers CHESTER – With the huge success of last year’s “Distinguished YellowJacket” program at Chester High School, Principal, Jeremy Blechle and CHS teachers and staff brought back the very popular and meaningful program for a second year in 2024.     Chester High School Principal, Jeremy Blechle, welcomes guests to the 2nd Annual “Distinguished YellowJacket event Monday April 15 at CHS Colbert Gymnasium. Jim Beers Photo   Blechle inaugurated the program in the spring of ..read more

Baseball   STE. GENEVIEVE – Top seed Valle beat Potosi 16-1 in the MAAA Conference Tournament.   The Warriors play Park Hills Central at 4:30 Friday.   STE. GENEVIEVE – No. 3 seed Ste. Genevieve lost to Farmington 6-1.   The Dragons play at Fredericktown Thursday at 6:30 p.m. in the fifth place bracket.   PERRYVILLE – Perryville lost at Cape Central 2-1.   The Pirates play at Herculaneum at 4:30 tomorrow.   PERRYVILLE – St. Vincent hosts Meadow Heights tomorrow at 4:30.   CHESTER – Chester hosts Wesclin at 4:30 p.m. tomorrow.   Softball   STE ..read more