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MATTOON — Blackhawk Bank (“Blackhawk”) will convert to First Mid Bank & Trust (“First Mid”) this coming weekend. Blackhawk banking centers will close Friday evening, December 1, 2023, and reopen on Monday, December 4, 2023, as First Mid banking centers. Since the completed acquisition of Blackhawk Bancorp, Inc., parent company of Blackhawk Bank, earlier this year in August, First Mid and Blackhawk have been working closely together to make a smooth transition for both customers and employees. Welcome Packets containing important account information were mailed in advance of the conversion date to prepare Blackhawk customers for upcoming changes. “We are thrilled to welcome our new Blackhawk Bank customers and want to make the conversion as easy as possible for them,” said Joe Dively, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First Mid. “There will be some one-time actions customers will need to take, such as logging in to Online Banking

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BELLEVILLE - When Belleville West High School senior Remington Noel learned about the district’s vocational programs, he jumped at the opportunity to study carpentry. For his hard work and devotion to the trade, Remington Noel is a Student of the Month for the Home Builders & Remodelers Metro East Association . Noel has always known he wanted to get involved in the trades. Through Belleville Township High School District #201 and the Center for Academic and Vocational Excellence (CAVE), he can strengthen his skills before he even begins an apprenticeship. “I’m actually thinking of becoming an electrician,” Noel explained. “That’s kind of why I’m taking the construction course, so I know how to build houses and how to work around it.” Noel is studying carpentry through the CAVE. While he said it’s “just a class,” his love for carpentry is obvious as he talks about what they’re up to. The class is currently

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See Cortex . . . aglow! This FREE winter-themed photo op features lighted snowflakes and illuminated trees. Drive by or stop for a selfie with the snowflakes to remember the […]

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Miles of LED Christmas lights synchronized to rocking Christmas music – that’s what you’ll find at WonderLight’s Christmas at World Wide Technology Raceway. Open nightly from Nov. 17 to December […]

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The National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows in Belleville, Illinois, sparkles in winter as its annual Christmas light display illuminates the grounds. All are invited to witness the […]

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Whether you’re starting a new holiday tradition or continuing a favorite one, the annual Winter Wonderland in Tilles Park is worth a stop. More than a million gleaming bulbs bring […]

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Garden Glow at the Missouri Botanical Garden dazzles visitors with its exquisite light displays year after year. Come to celebrate the season with more than one million twinkling lights, beautiful […]

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Elton John ended his touring career in 2023 and did so with one of the top-grossing tours of the year. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road…

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ALTON - The second annual “Christmas By The River” interactive walkthrough event is returning to the Alton Amphitheater soon on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The free interactive walkthrough experience features special guests and scenery such as Buddy the Elf, Whoville, Santa’s Workshop, A Christmas Story, Frosty the Snowman, and more. “Every scene, we have actors there to do an interactive scene from famous Christmas movies,” Jaynanne Calaway-Habeck with Masterpiece Arts Sanctuary said. “We come up with new ideas all the time,” she added. “Two of the scenes are the same as last year - Santa’s Workshop and Whoville … but then we have three brand new scenes: we have the Island of Misfit Toys from the movie ‘Rudolph,’ and we have Buddy the Elf From the movie ‘Elf,’ and then we have a Christmas caroling scene where people will be able to sing with us.” Laura Wind, the creative

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Fontbonne University will lose 21 academic programs and 19 faculty positions as officials prepare for nearly $2 million in budget cuts.

Restaurateur Mike Johnson says that having a healthy downtown is critically important to the St. Louis region, which is partly why he and partners are opening a new restaurant concept on Washington Avenue early next year.

GRANITE CITY - Emily Sykes, a senior forward for the Granite City girls' basketball team, is known as a hard worker who keeps giving her best effort, even in difficult times. Such was the case in a recent game against Collinsville at GCHS Memorial Gym. Sykes led the team with eight points and kept on working hard, despite the team's difficulties against the Kahoks. It has been a very difficult time for the Warriors program, having gone 5-23 last season and having an overall record of 21-72 the last four seasons. Despite the adversity, Sykes and her teammates continue to work hard and keep pushing along. "Well, we're hoping to get over the score of 24, "Sykes said, "and not lose as bad, and just be more of a team than individuals." The team is also picking up invaluable experience throughout, which will help the Warriors down the road as the season goes on. "Yeah, it's going in my last year," Sykes said, "just learning, still learning every day." The team is one that's a typical

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Diamond Sports, the parent company of St. Louis regional sports network Bally Sports Midwest, could drop local broadcasts as soon as next year, according to recent court proceedings.

As Christmas approaches, residents of Murdock Avenue, Prague Ave, and Neosho St., in the St. Louis Hills neighborhood are gearing up for their annual light displays, drawing in cars bumper to bumper.

The jobs will include positions for pharmacists, nurses, and benefits agents, among others, by mid-2024.

If you want to see the difference between Democrats and Republicans in action, just consider the issue of congressional subpoenas. In the House, Republicans have subpoenaed Hunter Biden to provide testimony in a case where there's no evidence whatsoever of any wrongdoing. Nonetheless, Biden has agreed to testify and has asked only for the hearing ...continue reading "Republicans apparently think Republicans can never be subpoenaed"