Area News
Area fireworks displays planned for the Fourth of July weekend
Vandalia The annual Vandalia fireworks will be held on Saturday, July 2, at the Vandalia Lake. The display is set to begin around 9:20 p.m.Other vendors are also planned for the celebration.”The kettle corn people who were at the Grande Levee will be out there sometime late afternoon/early evening. The guy who sells light…
Read MoreTown hall meeting discusses the future of the Vandalia Correctional Center
story and photos by Leah Williams State Sen. Jason Plummer and State Rep. Blaine Wilhour, along with a panel of other local advocates and legislators, called for transparency from the state and unified efforts from the community regarding the future of the Vandalia Correctional Center. A town hall meeting held at the Kaskaskia College Vandalia…
Read MoreStevens, Morrison receive Republican nods
Republican challenger Ronnie Stevens has won the GOP nomination for Fayette County sheriff, defeating incumbent Sheriff David Russell. According to unofficial June 28 election results, with all 28 precincts reporting, Stevens secured 2,084 votes, or 49 percent, over Russell’s 1,616 (38 percent). Stevens took an early lead and kept it throughout the night. With 19…
Read MoreCity presents 2022 Small Business Awards
The Vandalia City Council recognized several local business owners during its regular meeting Monday night. The selections for the 4th Annual Small Business Awards were announced, and plaques were presented to recognize the efforts and impact that they have on the local economy and community. Anita Gottman, owner of Iya & Friends, was named the…
Read MoreVandalia swears in new city treasurer
By Deborah Simcox, Correspondent The 2022 Small Business Awards were presented by Mayor Ricky Gottman and City Administrator LaTisha Palsay at the Vandalia City Council meeting on Monday, June 20 at City Hall. In new business the following items were passed: • An Ordinance providing for interim compensation for Administrator and additional Interim responsibilities, •…
Read MoreVandalia City Council ups TIF recommendation
The Vandalia City Council agreed to up the percentage on a new TIF recommendation during its meeting Monday evening. In a 3-3 decision, with Mayor Ricky Gottman making the tie-breaking vote, the council approved the amended recommendation for a new TIF agreement. Drake Thompson, who owns the Turning Leaf, is looking to renovate and acquire …
Read MoreGrand Levee to be held this weekend
A Grand Levee celebration featuring food, activities and musical entertainment will take place June 17-18 at the Vandalia Statehouse State Historic Site, Illinois’ oldest state capitol building. The Grand Levee is a celebration of the grand receptions that took place during the 1800s to honor government dignitaries and important visitors when Vandalia was the seat…
Read MoreGallery: Swimming at the Vandalia pool
The Leader-Union was on site this past Monday during swimming hours at the Vandalia Public Pool. The divers were especially ready to show off some impressive jumps from the board. Check out our gallery and look for more photos from the summer in the upcoming months.
Read MoreCoroner investigates death in St. Elmo, asks for public’s help
Fayette County Coroner Dave Harris is seeking more information about a recent death in St. Elmo. Ryan Tillman, 41, was found dead on Tuesday afternoon. He was discovered on the upper deck of an abandoned apartment complex at 303 N. Pine Street in St. Elmo. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday morning at St. Anthony’s…
Read MoreEvans Public Library hosts summer kickoff party
The time for summer reading adventures has now begun. Evans Public Library in Vandalia held its kickoff party where local children were able to come in, sit for a story time, play games and enjoy other camping-like activities as they prepare to “Read Beyond the Beaten Path.” “It is better than I expected,” said Children’s…
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