The Pioneer Newspaper - Madison County

06/11/2026

Bulk Water Sales Out of Service for Six Weeks

The City of Highland reported on Thursday,June 11 that its bulk water access system is currently out of order and will remain unavailable until further notice. Replacement parts have been ordered, and city officials estimate repairs will take approximately six weeks before the system is operational again.

The city thanked customers for their patience during the outage.

06/11/2026

Everyone is having a great time at the Knights Of Columbus bingo game this week in Highland. Games started at 7 PM.

06/10/2026

George Walter Sconyers, Jr., age 92 of Alhambra, IL, passed away Sunday, June 7, 2026, at his home in Alhambra, IL.

He was born on Saturday, December 16, 1933, in Swainsboro, GA, the son of George and Eathel (nee Rich) Sconyers.

On Wednesday, October 27, 1982, he married Carol Sconyers (nee Maus) in St. Louis, Missouri, who survives.

George began his government career in 1958 as an Electronics Instructor at the U.S. Army Engineer School at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He later served in several senior leadership positions, including Chief of the Field Services Activity, Deputy Director of Readiness, and Deputy Director of Product Assurance, overseeing worldwide support for Army aviation and troop support systems. In 1992, he was appointed Director of Quality Management and served as the Activity Career Program Manager for the Quality and Reliability Assurance Career Program before retiring from the government in 1993.

George was a farmer at heart, with a deep respect for the outdoors, all types of farming machinery and the satisfaction of a hard day's work. When he wasn’t tending to the farm and cows, you could usually find him sitting out looking over the lake. He treasured the peace and quiet of the end of day. His love for the outdoors was only matched by his mechanical curiosity. George was famously known as the family's "Mr. Fix-it". He had an analytical mind and a knack for taking things apart just to see exactly how they worked. If something was broken, George could figure out how to repair it, often tinkering in his workshop until the job was done right. His resourcefulness and brilliant problem solving were talents he happily used to help out his friends and neighbors whenever they were in a bind. Above all else, George loved being surrounded by his family. He was a dedicated patriarch who cherished every moment spent gathering and working on the farm with his loved ones, and even just getting to know his grandchildren and great-grandchildren better at family get-togethers as they grew up. He was always eager to pass down his wisdom, share stories, and create lasting memories with members of his family.

George is survived by his wife, Carol Sconyers (nee Maus); children, George W. (Jean) Sconyers, III, Steven Sconyers, Anne McLain, Mark (Angie) Sconyers and Brian Sconyers; 4 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren and a brother-in-law, Mark Maus.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George W. Sconyers, Sr. and Eathel I. Curry Sconyers (nee Rich); a son-in-law, Pat McLain; brothers, Bill Sconyers and James Sconyers; sister-in-law & brother-in-law, Ellen (Bob) Miller; and parents-in-law, Richard & Margaret (nee Heimann) Maus.

Arrangements are being handled by Dauderman Mortuary in Alhambra, IL.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Friday, June 19, 2026, at Dauderman Mortuary in Alhambra, IL.

Funeral service will be at 12:00 PM on Friday, June 19, 2026, with Pastor Scott Busacker officiating, at Dauderman Mortuary in Alhambra, IL. Military Honors will take place before the service.

Interment will be at a later date at Calvary Cemetery & Mausoleum in Saint Louis, MO.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson's Association.

06/10/2026

Karli Camp Graduates From Point Park University

PITTSBURGH, PA -- Karli Camp, of Glen Carbon, graduated from Point Park University with a degree in Bachelor of Fine Arts.

Camp was among more than 350 students to receive their bachelor's degrees on May 8, 2026.

Point Park University, immersed in the heart of Downtown Pittsburgh, focuses on student success through innovative experiential learning opportunities. Point Park enrolls nearly 3,700 students in over 100 undergraduate, master's and doctoral programs offered through its Conservatory of Performing Arts (School of Dance and School of Film, Theatre and Animation), Rowland School of Business, and schools of Arts and Sciences, Communication, and Education. The University's alumni and students represent all 50 states and 34 countries around the world. Visit PointPark.edu to learn more.

At Point Park, Pittsburgh's only Downtown university, you'll engage in a more active, more real, more professional education. You'll have professors who teach from their own real-world experience when you pursue a degree from among more than 100 undergraduate, master's and doctoral programs that we....

06/10/2026

MCT Muny Express Returns for 2026 Season
Saturday evening service connects Madison County riders to Muny performances in Forest Park

PONTOON BEACH, IL – June 10, 2026… Madison County Transit (MCT) is once again making it easy for residents to enjoy a night at The Muny in Forest Park without the hassle of driving and parking in St. Louis. The MCT Muny Express will provide evening service to all Saturday night Muny performances during the 2026 season.
The MCT Muny Express offers convenient transportation from select Madison County locations to The Muny, with buses arriving approximately 30 minutes before showtime and dropping passengers off directly in front of The Muny. Return trips depart from the same location 20 minutes after the show.

“The Muny in Forest Park is one of our region’s greatest summertime traditions, and the MCT Muny Express is the best way to get there,” said SJ Morrison, Managing Director of MCT. “Riders can leave the driving to MCT, avoid the traffic and parking, and simply enjoy the show.”
The MCT Muny Express will serve the following evening performances in 2026:
• Hairspray - Saturday, June 20
• Shrek the Musical - Saturday, June 27
• South Pacific - Saturday, July 11
• Disney’s Newsies - Saturday, July 18
• Ain’t Too Proud - Saturday, August 1
• Meet Me in St. Louis - Saturday, August 8
• Something Rotten! - Saturday, August 22

Muny Express fares are $3 one-way for adults, $1.50 for seniors age 65 and older and persons with disabilities, and free for children under age 5. MCT Day Passes are also available for $5. The MCT Muny Express features three routes serving Madison County, with service beginning in Alton, Edwardsville and Highland. A total of 13 pickup locations are available along the routes, providing convenient access for riders in communities throughout the county, including Alton, East Alton, Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Collinsville, Highland, Maryville, St. Jacob and Troy. Larger groups planning to ride the Muny Express are encouraged to contact MCT in advance at 618-797-INFO (4636) to help guarantee seating. For complete Muny Express schedules, pickup times and fare information, visit mct.org/muny-express.

06/10/2026

Blake Hauschild Named to Graceland University's Spring 2026 President's List

LAMONI, IA. The honor roll lists for Graceland University's 2026 spring term have been announced, and Blake Hauschild of Edwardsville, has been named to the President's List.

Graceland University students with a perfect 4.0 grade point average are named to the President's List. Congratulations, Blake! Graceland commends you on your academic success.

The Graceland University President's List students represent a diverse range of academic disciplines, reflecting Graceland's commitment to a well-rounded and comprehensive educational experience. Their achievements highlight the University's dedication to providing a challenging and intellectually stimulating environment that nurtures the growth and development of future transformational leaders.

For more information, visit www.graceland.edu and follow Graceland University on Facebook for additional student achievements.

Founded in 1895 and sponsored by Community of Christ, Graceland University in Lamoni, Iowa, is more than just a school. It is a community of passionate, caring and dedicated individuals who put their relationships with students first. Campuses are located in Lamoni, Iowa, and Independence, Missouri. For more information and to see additional student achievements, follow on Twitter and like Graceland University on Facebook, or visit

With over 35 areas of study, you'll be sure to find a direction that’s right for your future in one of our in-person or online programs.

06/10/2026

Paul E. Genenbacher, age 64 of Greenville, passed away Friday, June 5, 2026, at HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville.
Servies for Paul will be held on Saturday, June 20, 2026, 11:00 a.m. at the Tamalco Christian Church, 1798 Tamalco Avenue. In lieu of flowers or plants, please make donations to the church.
Paul was born February 11, 1962, in Peoria, Illinois. Son to Ralph and Bonnie Genenbacher. Paul grew up in Quincy, Illinois. Moved to Bond County several years ago, working on the Schaufelberger Farm. He started driving truck for Beelman Trucking.
Paul is survived by his son Matthew Genenbacher, granddaughter Addilyn, step-son James Hickman, step-grandsons Jakaar Jackson and Evander Hickman who passed away November 18, 2018.
He leaves behind a host of family and dear friends. Donnell – Wiegand Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Leave a condolence for the family or share a memory or picture online

Donnell Wiegand Funeral Home in Greenville & Mulberry Grove, IL provides funeral, memorial, aftercare, pre-planning, and cremation services in Greenville &... Learn More

06/10/2026

Pre‑Father’s Day Bash Is Free at Highland Hope UMC
By Bill Napper
The Pioneer

Highland Hope United Methodist Church will host a free Pre‑Father’s Day Bash on Sunday, June 14, beginning with a free fajita‑bar supper at 5:30 p.m. along with potluck side dishes. A free 6:30 p.m. concert will follow, featuring The Wanda Mountain Boys, a well‑known Southern gospel group appearing as special guests.

Pastor Chuck Kurfman encourages the community to attend and to bring friends, family, and neighbors to the evening of food, fellowship, and music.

06/10/2026

Ways to Stop Mosquitoes

By William A. Napper
The Pioneer
HIGHLAND, Ill. — June 10, 2026

Mosquitoes thrive in warm, wet weather, but residents can take simple steps to keep them under control. Crews handle fogging and larvicide, yet the most effective defense starts in the backyard.

At Home
• Dump standing water — Empty buckets, flowerpots, and toys after rain.
• Clean gutters — Clogged gutters breed mosquitoes fast.
• Treat low spots — Use mosquito dunks or briquettes in puddles that won’t drain.
• Maintain pools — Keep water circulating or chlorinated.
• Trim vegetation — Mosquitoes rest in tall grass and shrubs.
• Repair screens — Keep them out of the house.

Personal Protection
• Use repellents — DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus work best.
• Wear long sleeves — Especially at dusk and dawn.
• Avoid peak hours — Mosquitoes are most active at sunrise and sunset.

Community Reminder
City officials urge residents to report heavy mosquito activity to Public Works and to help neighbors who may need assistance clearing yards or gutters.

Everyone can do their part in fighting this battle.

06/10/2026

When we talk about the fire service being a family, those family ties extend far beyond the firefighters currently answering the call.

Highland-Pierron Fire Department is forever proud of our first fire chief and mentor, Harry Mueller, whose vision and leadership helped forge the path for our department and brought emergency services to a rural community in need. Today, his legacy continues through the generosity of his daughter, Carol, and her husband, Dave Hammer.

Thanks to their donation, HPFD was able to purchase a new Hurst eDRAULIC Combi Tool ("Jaws of Life"), which is now in service on the tender stationed south of Highland at the Helvetia Township Building. Their gift helps ensure that our firefighters have the tools they need to serve and protect our community for years to come.

Pictured with Carol and Dave are Captain Jess Zobrist, whose grandfather, O. John Plocher, was among HPFD's earliest members and whose father, Steve, served as chief for many years; Captain Jason Bange, whose father, Jack, also served on HPFD for more than 20 years; and Assistant Chief Shawn Hogg, whose grandfather, Al, was among the department's first firefighters.

Generations of service, dedication, and community support are woven into the fabric of HPFD. When we say the fire service is family, we truly mean it.