The Pioneer Newspaper - Madison County

10/09/2025

Thank you for reading THE PIONEER!

10/09/2025

“We Must Show Up for Our Veterans—Every Day, Not Just on Veterans Day”

By William Napper, Marine Veteran and Community Journalist

In Highland and many other towns like ours, we honor veterans with parades, flags, and heartfelt words. But behind the ceremonies, a quieter crisis persists—one that demands more than applause.

I am determined to support our veterans and their families 100 percent because when you are a vet, your spouse and children also serve and sacrifice more than most folks will ever know.

Every day, an average of 17 veterans die by su***de in the United States. These are not strangers. They are our neighbors, our classmates, our kin. They wore the uniform, stood watch, and came home carrying burdens we often cannot see.

As a Marine veteran, I find this deeply alarming.

We call them heroes—and they are—but too many return to silence, isolation, and invisible wounds. The transition from service to civilian life can be jarring, especially for younger veterans. The first year out is often the most dangerous.

The good news? There are efforts underway. The VA has expanded its budget to more than $369 billion, with new programs like the National Center for Warrior Independence, aiming to house 6,000 veterans by 2028. Peer support networks, firearm safety initiatives, and crisis lines like 988 are helping. But they’re not enough—not yet.

We need community action. Churches, schools, and civic groups can play a role. A simple check-in, a shared meal, a listening ear—these small gestures can save lives. We must also advocate for better access to care, especially in rural areas like ours.

Let’s not wait for November 11 to honor our veterans. Let’s show up for them every day—with compassion, connection, and commitment.

10/08/2025

**A Boil Water order has been ISSUED on Wednesday, October 8, 2025 for customers at the following addresses: **Residential Customers located in the Boil Order area: Parkhill Dr.: 2161, 2218, 2234, 2302, 2308, 2316, 2309, 2315, 2321, 2325, 2329 Hill Crest Dr.: 2017, 2106, 2109, 2110, 2111, 2115, 2116, 2119, 2123, 2126, 2129, 2131, 2137, 2142, 2143, 2149, 2160 Terrace Hill Dr.: 2103, 2216 During this time any water used for drinking or cooking should be boiled for five minutes before use. The order will be lifted once samples taken to the lab have received satisfactory results typically within 48 hours. If you have any further questions, please call 618-654-6823.,

10/07/2025

Pick up your free copy of The Pioneer Newspaper today!

10/01/2025

The KRC elevator is scheduled to have new flooring installed starting at approximately 7am on Thursday, October 2nd and will not be available during the installation.
Thank you to Gould Flooring for the donation!
Sorry for the inconvenience and thanks for understanding.

10/01/2025

Check out this Estate Sale at
314 Bass Dr., Troy, IL
Fri. Oct. 3rd 9 to 4 • Sat. Oct. 4th 9 to 3
Sun. Oct. 5th 9 to 3

10/01/2025

Check out this Estate/Garage Sale at
53 Faith Drive, Highland, IL

09/29/2025

The City of Highland has informed the citizens that on alleys south of Broadway that the Street and Alley division of Public Works will be performing oil and chip operations on alleys south of Broadway in town October 6 – 9, 2025 weather permitting. If your alley is included in the maintenance operations, please be aware that parking will be restricted temporarily. Parking restrictions will be posted. It is also advisable that you do not drive on the oil & chip roadways for 30 minutes after it is completed. If you have any questions call Public Works at 618-654-6823.

09/28/2025

HIGHLAND, IL – The Pioneer newspaper is pleased to report that this Senior Fair is an opportunity for local and state agencies to inform senior citizens of the benefits that are available to them. A local health agency will also be providing the flu vaccine at the fair.

The event details are as follows:

Highland VFW
Tuesday, October 7
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
1900 VFW Road
Highland, IL 62249

Participants include:

AARP Illinois
AT&T
Bond County Health Department
City of Highland Parks and Recreation
Comforting Transitions
Devoted Health Plans
Epilepsy Foundation of Greater Southern Illinois
Farm Family Resource Initiative – Southern Illinois University School of Medicine Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development (CRHSSD)
Help at Home
Highland Meals on Wheels
Honor Flight of Southern IL
Hospice of Southern Illinois
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland
Illinois Department on Aging
Illinois Department of Insurance
Illinois Secretary of State
Madison County Community Development
Medicare Insurance Options LLC
Medicare Insurance Techs
Programs and Services for Older Persons – SWIC
Senior Services Plus Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Southwestern Illinois Visiting Nurse Association
St. John’s Community Care
The Colonnade Senior Living
The Rehabilitation Institute of Southern Illinois
Washington County Services, INC

09/27/2025

Enjoy this week’s Pioneer Newspaper!

A LOCAL PAPER WITH GREAT COMMUNITY NEWS!

09/23/2025

Tuesday, September 23rd
🌧️ Farmer’s Market Update 🌧️ Due to the pending weather, tonight’s Farmers Market has been canceled.
Don’t worry—you still have one more chance to take part in the great deals that you can find at the! 🎉 Next week is the final market of the season, and they’ll be closing it out in style with live music from 4:30–6:30pm. 🎶
Join them; they hope to see you then to celebrate a great season together! 🥕🍅🌽