Vandalia Explores Potential Data Center
By Frances Trujillo “Vandalia is exploring the possibility of a data center,” Mayor Doug Knebel said, emphasizing that much is still unknown and no decisions have been made. City officials are gathering information on potential benefits, such as high-tech jobs and private investment, as well as concerns about energy use and infrastructure needs. Knebel discussed…
Read MoreCommunity “Holds Special Place” for New Chamber President
By Frances Trujillo Chelsey Jolliff, a longtime insurance professional, said her path to leadership with the Greater Fayette County Chamber of Commerce grew out of a desire to be more connected to the community. Jolliff, who grew up in Vandalia, began her insurance career in 2017 and said she quickly realized she gained energy from…
Read MoreSports Roundup
HS BOYS WRESTLING Vandalia 52 Murphysboro 19 106 pounds – Kaden Daugherty, won by forfeit 113 – Lost by forfeit 120 – Riley Hinton, lost by decision, 10-3 126 – Preston Waughtel, won by tech fall, 15-0 132 – Max Philpot, won by fall, 1:53 138 – Brody Matthews, won by decision, 7-2 144 –…
Read MoreMichael Gene Boley, 58, Vandalia
Michael Gene Boley, age 58, of Vandalia, passed away Saturday, Jan. 17, at Vandalia Healthcare and Senior Living. Michael was born Sept. 27, 1967 the son of Denzel “Denny” Boley and Jane (Runge) Boley in Vandalia. He was a member of the Vandalia Moose Lodge #1447, Old National Trail Shrine Club, Shriners Tin Lizzy Patrol,…
Read MoreJanet Marie (Summers) Womack-Alsbury
Janet Marie (Summers) Womack-Alsbury passed away Saturday, Jan. 17, at St. John’s Hospital, Springfield. Per Janet’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, at Crown Point Church, rural Vandalia with Rev. Pete LeDuc officiating. Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m., prior to the…
Read MoreDallas A. Sidwell, 75, Altamont
Dallas A. Sidwell, 75, of Altamont, died at 8:38 a.m., on Friday, Jan. 16, at his home. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Gieseking Funeral Home, Altamont. Private family burial will follow officiated by Rev. Dr. Lowell Donnelley with military rites by Gieseking-Schwerdtfeger V.F.W. Post #7676 and…
Read MoreEvelyn Elaine Livingston, 96, Fillmore
Evelyn Elaine Livingston, age 96, of Fillmore, IL, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 14, at her home in Fillmore, Illinois. Evelyn was born May 19, 1929, the daughter of Raymond Joseph and Hazel Vesta (Usher) Alexander in Fillmore, IL. She married Francis S. Toberman on July 22, 1951. He passed away due to an accident on…
Read MoreVandalia Native Traces Family Roots Through Poetry
Paul Stroble, a Vandalia native, has published his ninth poetry collection and his 25th book overall, continuing a body of work closely tied to local history and family memory. The collection, Holy Week, 1847, centers on Stroble’s third great grandmother, Comfort Williams, an Ohio widow who settled with her six children in the Four Mile…
Read MoreVandalia Honors Colin Ledbetter, First Responders in Blood Drive
Colin Ledbetter survived a life-threatening shooting thanks to the lifesaving power of donated blood, and on Tuesday, Jan. 6, the Vandalia community came together at the Moose Lodge to honor him and first responders. At the heart of the blood drive, Lisha Ledbetter, Colin’s mother, shared her admiration for her son, recounting the bravery that…
Read MoreKenneth “Gail” Barth, 83, Bethalto
Kenneth “Gail” Barth, 83, of Bethalto, IL, passed away on Monday, Jan. 12, at OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton. Per Gail’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. A Graveside Service and Interment will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 23, at McInturff Cemetery, rural Vandalia with Military Rites performed by Crawford-Hale American…
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