Top Stories

Robinson becomes setting for movie trailer
Some wore ripped pants and shirts. Others had dirt, grease and fake blood on them. They all came out dressed in old clothing looking dark and a little dead. Around 50 people turned out to film a movie trailer Saturday for a zombie movie shot in Lawrence and Crawford Counties.

Lady Maroons pick up pair of close wins
While they definitely didn’t make it easy on themselves, Robinson High School’s volleyball team still managed to win a pair of matches to start a busy final week of the season. On Monday, the Lady Maroons rallied to beat Lawrenceville, 21-25, 25-14, 25-22.

Local man saw singer sign contract
In April 1934 — 87 years ago today — popular country singer Gene Autry was ready to take the next step in his career. And when he took that step, a young Robinson man was there to see it.

Hutsonville students plant trees for Earth Day
An idea that was in motion last spring, was put on hold due to COVID, took off this year and is helping the environment. Hutsonville High School students in David Abendroth’s science classes, planted trees Wednesday, in honor of Earth Day.
CMH Rural Health Clinic to expand
Crawford Memorial Hospital’s rural health clinic will be enlarged and renovated later this year. Pla...

Pethtel official victor in mayor's race
Results of the April 6 consolidated election have certified and finalized, but one matter of busines...

DAR Good Citizens announced
April 21, 2021The James Halstead Sr. Chapter NSDAR has announced the DAR Good Citizen winners for 2020-21 school y...

Only one new case Tuesday
A woman in her 20s was the sole new coronavirus case reported by the Crawford County Health Departme...

Drug Take Back Day set for Saturday
If you have unused or unwanted prescription or over-the-counter medication that you’re ready to get rid of Saturday will be a good time to do it. Crawford Memorial Hospital will take part in National Drug Take Back Day this Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the East Entrance of the hospital.

Unit 2 hires life safety contractor
An Effingham firm will serve as general contractor on Robinson Unit 2’s remaining health and life sa...

Visit here may have helped launch cowboy crooner’s film career
A long-standing local legend may be more than just an old wives’ tale. Legend has it that singer/songwriter/actor Gene Autry signed his first film contract while in Robinson.
Sports

Florkowski, Strauch win Crosby Scholarship
Two Robinson High School student-athletes were awarded the annual Merle E. Crosby Scholarship award recently.

Palestine-Hutsonville’s Draper receives all-state honors
One local high school basketball player was recognized as being among the best in the state recently, as several organizations handed out their annual All-State awards.
RHS boys’ tennis drops pair to start season
It has been a bit of a rough start for Robinson High School’s boys’ tennis team, as they failed to win a match in each of their first two outings this season.
Lady Panthers fall to Casey-Westfield in two
Carrying over momentum from a win in their last match was not in the cards for Oblong High School’s volleyball team Monday, as the Lady Panthers fell to Casey-Westfield in two sets, 13-25, 13-25.
SNAPSHOTS
LIFE
CMH Rural Health Clinic to expand
Crawford Memorial Hospital’s rural health clinic will be enlarged and renovated later this year. Pla...
FIsh pickup moved
April 20, 2021The Crawford County Soil and Water Conservation District fish sale pickup location has been moved.Pi...

Small-space containers big with new gardeners
April 14, 2021When victory gardens returned last spring, long gone were acre plots with rows and rows of vegetables. Instead, a new generation of gardeners who were interested in home cooking and food access grew herbs and small-scale varieties in backyard strips, patios, or balconies.

Group promotes southern Illinois tourism
April 8, 2021In an effort to drive more travel and tourism to its 22-county coverage area in southern Illinois, I...
Two blood drives planned here
April 8, 2021Crawford County residents will have two opportunities to donate blood this month.The American Red Cr...
Local news
Robinson becomes setting for movie trailer
Some wore ripped pants and shirts. Others had dirt, grease and fake blood on them. They all came out dressed in old clothing looking dark and a little dead. Around 50 people turned out to film a movie trailer Saturday for a zombie movie shot in Lawrence and Crawford Counties.
Lady Maroons pick up pair of close wins
While they definitely didn’t make it easy on themselves, Robinson High School’s volleyball team still managed to win a pair of matches to start a busy final week of the season. On Monday, the Lady Maroons rallied to beat Lawrenceville, 21-25, 25-14, 25-22.
Local man saw singer sign contract
In April 1934 — 87 years ago today — popular country singer Gene Autry was ready to take the next step in his career. And when he took that step, a young Robinson man was there to see it.
Hutsonville students plant trees for Earth Day
An idea that was in motion last spring, was put on hold due to COVID, took off this year and is helping the environment. Hutsonville High School students in David Abendroth’s science classes, planted trees Wednesday, in honor of Earth Day.
Announcements
Fish pickup moved
April 22, 2021The Crawford County Soil and Water Conservation District fish sale pickup location has been moved.
Fuller to celebrate 90 years
April 22, 2021Eileen Fuller will be celebrating her 90th birthday. To help celebrate, her family is throwing her a card shower.
FIsh pickup moved
April 20, 2021The Crawford County Soil and Water Conservation District fish sale pickup location has been moved.Pi...

USDA food assistance program re-opens
April 16, 2021The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency has reopened signup for the Coronavirus Food ...
Schools
Commission announces state scholars
The Illinois Student Assistance Commission recently announced the 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars, which include several Crawford County students. These top performing students are selected annually based on their ACT or SAT exams and sixth semester class rank and are recognized for their exceptional academic achievement.
DAR Good Citizens announced
The James Halstead Sr. Chapter NSDAR has announced the DAR Good Citizen winners for 2020-21 school y...
Unit 2 hires life safety contractor
An Effingham firm will serve as general contractor on Robinson Unit 2’s remaining health and life sa...
Lineman 'rodeo' April 17
The return of the Pioneer City Rodeo is still months away, but in the meantime, one of the Illinois ...
Opinion
AGRICULTURE
USDA seeks wheat data
In March, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service surveyed producers and published an estimate of 700,000 acres of wheat planted in Illinois.

Keep an eye out for jumping worms
April 20, 2021After a long winter, Illinois gardeners are eager for the new growing season. While doing the usual preparations and tasks, home gardeners should be aware of an invasive species wriggling across the Midwest – the jumping worm.

USDA food assistance program re-opens
April 16, 2021The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency has reopened signup for the Coronavirus Food ...

Despite rain, county drying out
Crawford County is one of the state’s drier areas, but not dry enough to merit listing by the U.S. D...

Drivers reminded to be careful during hectic spring planting
April 12, 2021Illinois is home to 27 million acres of prime farmland, and as the spring temperatures warm, farmers will be taking their implements and heading to the fields across the state. Drivers and farmers alike are urged to be extra cautious during the hectic planting season.
Statehouse News
Lawmakers spar over using estimates in redistricting
Municipal leaders decry proposed cuts to local budgets
Bills call for modernizing FOID, CCL systems
New report shows Illinois job, economic growth in electric transportation sector
Bill placing term limits on General Assembly leadership passes committee
Illinois Emergency Management Agency shares lessons learned from pandemic
Faith
That’s why doctors call us patients
For the past month, I have been engaging with my eye doctor. I’ve had two cataracts removed which is...
Church news 4-24-21
April 22, 2021Palestine First Christian Palestine First Christian Pastor Dennis Steckley will give the announcem...
Crime
State won't take county inmates
The Illinois Department of Corrections apparently does not want new inmates from Crawford County. Or...
Raoul pushes back against fake vaccine cards
April 2, 2021Attorney General Kwame Raoul has called on Twitter, eBay and Shopify to act immediately to prevent p...