Today's News

The Vandalia football season got off to a running start on Friday, as the Vandals defeated East Alton-Wood River, 40-0.

It was a combination of Vandalia’s defense and running game that led them past the Oilers.

“I thought the kids came ready to play,” head coach John Stout said. “I though the offensive line did a great job blocking…It’s a good way to get started.”

The Lady Vandals didn’t let pre-game jitters or lack of varsity experience deter them in their first match Tuesday night as they beat EA-Wood River 25-9, 25-11.

It was senior Katie Vieregge who led the Vandals and played what coach Allison Smth considered to be her best game.

“I think that’s the best game I’ve ever seen her play,” Smith said. “Being a senior leading us out on the first night, I thought she did a fantastic job.”

Vieregge was 10-for-11 serving with an ace. Hitting, she was 5-6 with two kills and four digs.

Though his behavior since taking office in January doesn’t raise our expectations much, Gov. Pat Quinn has promised to talk with Vandalia officials this Saturday at the DuQuoin State Fair.

We hope it doesn’t trouble the governor unduly to have a conversation with Vandalia Mayor Rick Gottman and other locals who would like an audience with him.

Since Quinn early this month announced his plan to slash about 125 positions at the Vandalia Correctional Center, lot of us in this area would like to bend his ear. But no go. He’s been unavailable.

A former Vandalia man who pleaded guilty earlier this year to possessing child pornography has been sentenced to eight years in prison.

The eight-year sentence handed down for Dustin K. Haupt, 31, of Carlyle, will run concurrently with a three-year sentence for aggravated battery.

The two sentences issued earlier this month by Fayette County Resident Circuit Judge S. Gene Schwarm a little more than three months after Haupt pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.