Aviston News

Traffic around the metro-east Monday morning: Illinois 159 has lane restrictions in both directions between Interstate 64 and U.S. 50/Lincoln Trail.

The commute around the metro-east Friday morning: In Hamel, expect road construction delays on Illinois 140 between I-55 and Illinois 4. One lane of traffic is being controlled by a temporary traffic light as ...

The bridge carrying Old U.S Route 50 over Sugar Creek will be closed to traffic beginning Monday, April 28, to remove and replace the structure, which is about one mile west of Aviston. via Belleville News

The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees on Thursday awarded more than $18.3 million in contracts for two proposed construction projects on SIU's Edwardsville campus. via St. Louis Business Journal

Three people were airlifted to St. Louis hospitals this morning after a head-on collision on Old U.S. 50 east of Schumacher Road near Aviston.

Judith A. Athmer, 55, of Albers, was listed in critical condition at St. Louis University Hospital after the vehicle her husband was driving collided with a vehicle driven by Eric B. Wright, 35, of Trenton, about 8:50 a.m., according to the Illinois State Police.

Thomas A. Athmer, 56, was taken to Barnes-Jewish Hospital, and Wright was taken to St. Joseph's Hospital in Breese before being airlifted to Barnes-Jewish later. Police said their injuries were 'not serious.' Read more

The fourth grade at Aviston Elementary, located in southern Illinois, is learning about the United States and the different environments, climates, resources, and highlights found in each region. via Charleston Gazette

A fourth grade class at Aviston Elementary located in Southern Illinois is learning about the United States and the different environments, climates, resources and highlights found in each region. via The Black Hills Pioneer

“This is just our second year, but it's been pretty popular with the kids. Parents tell me their kids make them come this way on their way out of town.”

THERE ARE a lot of beautiful, brightly colored lights lining the houses and lawns of Aviston, but the home of Rick and Barb Nelson in the 800 block east of First Street still manages to stand out.

They have the only house where the Christmas decorations -- at least the lights on the decorations -- dance to the music. They even supply the music via the FM radio in your vehicle.

When you drive by the house and tune to 93.5 FM, Christmas music plays and the lights flash on and off in time with the music. That way the neighbors aren't disturbed by loud noise, said Rick Nelson, owner of the display. Read more

Friday's deadly cross-over crash in the Metro East might have been caused by a motorist cutting in front of another vehicle without warning. via KMOV.com

Trying to decide what to do today? There's a wealth of activities going on in the metro-east, including an artists' exhibit and sale in Highland, a chruches concert in Troy, a festival in Freeburg, a historic ... via Belleville News

Three people were killed in a two-car collision near Aviston at the intersection of Lee Road and Schumacher Road at 7:35 a.m. today, according to the Clinton County Sheriff's Department.

William Brentley Beal, 19, of Hoffman was traveling eastbound on Lee Road when his vehicle was hit on the passenger side by a vehicle driven by Jay M. Schreiber, 20, of Highland. He was traveling north on Schumacher Road.

Also killed in the accident was Beal's passenger, his sister, Jenera Buettikoffer, 15, of Keyesport. Read more

“It's giving a fine showing as the morning star, which will continue for several more months.”

Q. I'm a new grandma. My 18-month-old grandson lives in Seoul, South Korea, and I'm very concerned about the lead paint danger in toys, which seems to be so prevalent lately. Are the toys dangerous if they are not flaking and the child doesn't put them in his mouth? What about if they are toys he only plays with for the short time he is visiting here? What about toys that were purchased in Seoul for use in Seoul? Is there a test kit? Help!

-- Gracia Schlafly

A. I know you don't want to play with your grandson's health, but the federal government sounds like it's still at recess when it comes to reliable answers to your questions at a reasonable cost. Read more

The McKendree University volleyball team swept an American Midwest Conference match Tuesday at Harris-Stowe State University. via Athletics.mckendree.edu