Area News

By Mark Hoskins St. Elmo High School sent off their class of 2023 with a graduation ceremony on May 13. The 39 graduating seniors walked out in the processional while the school band performed “Pomp and Circumstance.”  A welcome address was delivered by salutatorian Sydney Stine. The speech was very well delivered despite her claims…

A Vandalia couple accused of involvement in an alleged child pornography ring entered into plea agreements in Fayette County Court.  Andrew and Amber Wehrle pleaded guilty to possessing and disseminating child pornography on Wednesday. Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced the 2021 case was a result of an investigation Raoul’s office conducted into an alleged child…

To recognize National Police Week and to honor the service and sacrifice of those law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty while protecting our communities and safeguarding our democracy. WHEREAS, there are more than 800,000 law enforcement officers serving in communities across the United States, including the dedicated members of the City of…

World Finance community-based branch in Vandalia, Ill. is hosting a book drive from May 1 through May 19. Collected books will be donated to area elementary schools including local Brownstown Elementary School, Cowden-Herrick Elementary School, Ramsey Elementary School and St. Elmo Elementary School. Each school plans to use the books in their libraries or in…

        President’s Education Award Academic Excellence (GPA 3.6-4): Christian DuPlayee, Lauren Kaiser, Owen Miller, Anna Forbes, Faith Budny-Clymer, Jenny Schilling, Megan Lupton, Emma Hamilton, Elilka Whiteman, Emma Durbin, Lame Evans, Reid Well, Delaney Kopp, Zoe Satterthwaite, Matthew Hagy, Morgan Dagen, Jillian Mouser, Johanna Shields, Anna Osborne, Gracie Philpot, Trinity Velazquez, Aubrey Hebenstreit,…

A new police officer was sworn in during the Vandalia City Council meeting Monday night. Dylan Brooks, a former officer with the St. Elmo Police Department, took the oath. The need for a full-time officer became vacant once Brian Roedl becomes the new Vandaliaa School Resource Officer in August. The position will be split with…

The Leader-Union will be having a Mother’s Day Drawing on May 12. We will be giving away gift certificates from local businesses to help you celebrate Mother’s Day. How to enter: Call the office at 618-283-3374 and give us your mom’s name and number to enter them a chance to win.

  More than 20 vendors participated in the annual Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 29, at the Fayette County YMCA to promote wellness and proper nutrition. Check out our photos from the event.

The Fayette County CEO program shined the spotlight on a year’s worth of work as students promoted their small businesses. The annual trade show, which was held at the Kaskaskia College Vandalia Education Center, provides an opportunity for the public to learn about and purchase goods and services from the budding entrepreneurs. The Leader-Union talked…

Karen Lotz found out that she will be ending her teacher career with a high distinction. The special education teacher at Brownstown Elementary School has been named the IEA Region 5 Outstanding Teacher of the Year. “I was pretty surprised,” she said. “Since this is my last year, I held it together pretty good until…