Local News

Cloudy Skies Will Turn Mostly Sunny for Veterans Day Before Cooler Temps Enter For The Weekend
Cloudy skies this morning will give way to sunny skies in the afternoon with a high of 68 for this Veterans Day holiday. We'll see a drop in temps starting tonight with a low of 41 overnight tonight as cooler weather enters the area for the weekend with a high of 49 on Thursday and high in the mid-40s on Friday and Sat...
1h ago

Good Crowd on Hand for Candlelight Vigil Held in Honor of Kylie Toberman
A number of people were on hand at the Vandalia Statehouse on Tuesday night to remember and honor the life of Kylie Toberman and show support for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. The event was hosted by Sexual Assault and Family Emergency (SAFE) and included several speakers with the main address give...
1h ago

Fayette County Board Approves Tax Levy Ordinance and FY27 Budget
Following a Truth in Taxation hearing that saw just under 50 county residents in attendance to speak or voice thoughts and concerns on the county's proposed tax levy, the Fayette County Board on Tuesday night approved the yearly tax levy ordinance, appropriations ordinance and the Fiscal Year 2027 budget during their m...
1h ago

Vandalia Woman Pleads Guilty to Firearm and Child Endangerment Charges
A 66-year old Vandalia woman has pled guilty to charges stemming from the death of her 14-year old adopted daughter/granddaughter in November 2025. Donna Toberman appeared in Fayette County Court on Tuesday with defense attorney Alicia Granito and States Attorney Brenda Mathis for a hearing and it was announced that a ...
1h ago
Vandalia United Methodist Mens Fish Fry Set for Thursday
It is a local tradition that goes toward a great cause---it's the First United Methodist Church of Vandalia's Methodist Mens Fish Fry this Thursday. And, all the proceeds go to their coats and shoes program for Fayette County Children. Jeff Endres talks about the Fish Fry, which will be drive-thru only from 4 pm to 6:3...
1h ago

Sunny & Mild Today---Much Cooler Temps on the way later this week
We will remain sunny and mild today. We are looking at sunny skies for today with a high of 69. Then, increasing clouds for tonight with a low of 43. For Veterans Day on Wednesday will see mostly sunny skies with a high of 67. Meanwhile, much cooler temperatures will invade the area after that. We'll see a high in u...
Nov 10, 2026

New Activities and A Couple of Changes Coming for Olde Tyme Christmas This Weekend
Olde Tyme Christmas kicks off Friday in downtown Vandalia and is set for a full evening of activities on Friday night and many more during the day on Saturday. With new events peppering the schedule for the weekend, among the activities on Friday night will be LED mini golf at Beauty Mark and Tourism Director Amber Dau...
Nov 10, 2026
SAFE's Gathered in Light Candlelight Vigil Set for Tonight in Vandalia
SAFE will be hosting Gathered in Light, a community candlelight vigil from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on the Vandalia Statehouse Lawn. The vigil is in loving honor of Kylie Toberman and in support of every survivor of sexual assault. This evening is an opportunity to come together as a community and remind survivors that we see th...
Nov 10, 2026
Illinois GOP call to rebuild includes focus on tax policy
Former Republican lieutenant governor candidate Aaron Del Mar is calling for a state GOP convention in 2027. Del Mar said the party cannot wait until a convention would be regularly scheduled in 2028. Dabrowski agreed with Del Mar that Republicans need to fight for what they are for and not just what they are against. ...
Nov 10, 2026
Jury Selection Underway In Trial Of Former Carroll Co Deputy Charged In Death Of Teen
(Mt. Carroll, IL) -- Jury selection is underway in the trial of a former Carroll County Sheriff's deputy charged in the 2024 death of a teen. Matthew Herpstreith's trial is set to begin next week. He faces multiple charges, including Reckless Homicide, Reckless Conduct, and Obstructing Justice. Jackson Kradle was found...
Nov 10, 2026

Sunny & Mild Today---Much Cooler Temps coming later this week
We will be sunny and mild today. We are looking at sunny skies today with a high of 65. Then, clear skies for tonight with a low of 42. Meanwhile, we will remain pretty mild with our temperatures on Tuesday. Wednesday will also see mild temperatures but will bring showers and storms to the area. Much cooler temperat...
Nov 9, 2026

Olde Tyme Christmas Is Just Four Days Away
There are only 46 days left until Christmas and Vandalia is jump starting the holiday season with Olde Tyme Christmas this weekend. The event as always will be kicked off with the official lightning of the Christmas tree at the top of the Gallatin Street hill. This year, the Olde Tyme Christmas committee added a fun co...
Nov 9, 2026
House leader 'hoping' to pass data center bill in January
Although Gov. J.B. Pritzker said he expected a bill regulating data centers to be ready for fall veto session, the Illinois House majority leader says lame duck session in early January is more likely. State Rep. Robyn Gabel told The Center Square she had a long meeting about the POWER Act on Thursday. Gabel said at a ...
Nov 9, 2026
Gov Pritzker, IBM unveil quantum computer fueled by state taxpayers
Gov. J.B. Pritzker says a new quantum computer in Chicago will bring jobs to Illinois, after state taxpayers provided $25 million for the project. Pritzker and IBM officials unveiled the IBM Quantum System Two at Hyde Park Labs in Chicago on Friday. The governor said quantum means companies investing billions of dollar...
Nov 9, 2026
Vehicle Pursuit And Death Under Investigation In Stephenson Co
(Stephenson Co., IL) -- Authorities are investigating a vehicle pursuit and death in Stephenson County. The Stephenson County Sheriff's Office says a deputy was called out to a home on Saturday night in the 300 block of East South Street in Dakota. As the deputy arrived in the area, a 911 caller reported that her forme...
Nov 9, 2026














