Trenton Sun

08/27/2025

Dr. Julie P. Garcia, DMD Service DateSaturday, August 30, 2025 Service Time10:00 a.m. Service LocationSt. Mary Catholic Church ~ Trenton Full ObituaryDr. Julie P. Garcia, DMD, age 63, of Trenton, passed away Tuesday, August 26, 2025, at HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese. She was born August 8, ...

08/27/2025

08/25/2025

It’s a great week to purchase our retail bagged coffee! Every bag bought always gets 15% of the sale donated to The Zoe Project. This week only, we are going to also donate a $1 per bag on top of the usual donation. Feel free to request to sample any of our roasts. We always have a light, medium, and decaf brewed for the day with sample cups available. Sold as whole beans but we can grind it to your preference when purchased. Just let us know! Help us help others this week for Overdose Awareness Week!

08/20/2025

8/20/2025 UPDATE:

CORRECTED - The detour is expected to remain in place through fall 2025, not fall 2026 as previously stated.

Long-term detour on Highway 50 near Summerfield

SUMMERFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced a long-term detour on Highway 50 in St. Clair and Clinton counties for bridge repairs.

The closure affects Highway 50 in both directions from approximately 2.4 miles east of Lebanon, near Summerfield in St. Clair County, to Illinois 160 in Clinton County. The detour is needed to complete necessary bridge repairs over Summerfield Road and is expected to remain in place through fall 2025.

Detour routes:
Eastbound Highway 50 traffic will be detoured onto Old Highway 50 at the split with Highway 50. Traffic will continue east along Old Highway 50 to Illinois 160, then north on Illinois 160 to rejoin Highway 50.
Westbound Highway 50 traffic will be detoured at Illinois 160, heading south to the intersection with Old Highway 50, then west on Old Highway 50 to return to Highway 50.

Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone.

For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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08/18/2025

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08/14/2025

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We were lucky to catch up with Miranda Conley recently and have shared our conversation below. Miranda, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you foun

08/08/2025

Know Before You Go to the Illinois State Fair Grandstand

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Headed to the Grandstand? The Illinois State Fair is offering a few important reminders to know before you go. These updated safety protocols at the Grandstand will help ensure a secure and enjoyable experience for all guests.

New this year, walk-through metal detectors and bag checks will be in place at all Grandstand entrances. No bags or purses larger than 14"x8", backpacks, or duffle bags are allowed into the Grandstand. If you leave the Grandstand, you will be required to go back through metal detectors and the bag check to re-enter.

Please help us keep our venue safe by reviewing the full list of prohibited items prior to your arrival.

Parking
For general parking, Gates 4, 6, 7, 8, or 11. Gate 6 Lot 18 and Gate 7 Lot 21 are closest to the Grandstand. The cost is $5 per vehicle, per day. Handicap parking is available at Gates 4 and 11 with the tram service running until 8 p.m.

Food & Beverages
Grandstand concessions are now cashless. All drinks will be opened at the time of sale. On the track, drinks will be served in plastic cups—no bottles, cans, or sealed containers allowed. Outside containers (including reusable cups) are not permitted, but outside food, purchased on the fairgrounds, is allowed.

Party Tent
Entrance to the party tent is inside Parking Lot 18A (infield parking lot). The party tent gate opens at time indicated on the party event ticket. Both a concert ticket AND a party ticket are required to enter the party tent, as both will be scanned upon entry into party tent.

Party attendees will enter the concert venue from the party tent area. Duration of the party is generally 1½ hours from the start time. Party tent gate closes once the concert gates open (which is generally one hour prior to concert start time). All party attendees will be required to enter the concert venue once concert gates open – re-entry into the party tent is not allowed. Once concert gates are open and the party entrance gate is closed, no entrance will be allowed into the party tent. Any late arrivals of party ticketholders after party gates are closed will need to enter through the concert gates listed on their concert tickets. Refunds will not be issued for late arrivals.

Tickets
If you purchased mobile tickets, be sure to download the tickets to your Ticketmaster app, prior to arriving at the Fairgrounds. This will ensure you have a consistent and reliable Wi-Fi signal to minimize any delays getting into the concert.

For more information, visit the Grandstand Event Policies page on our website.
The 2025 Illinois State Fair runs from August 7 through August 17 in Springfield.

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08/06/2025

Spark a Love of Reading in Young Children

Illinois State Fair Partners with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois State Fair is excited to collaborate with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to promote early childhood literacy through the gift of books. This inspiring book gifting program mails free, high-quality, and age-appropriate books to children from birth to age five, regardless of the family's income.

To celebrate this partnership, families are invited to enjoy a daily story time session at 2 p.m. inside the Sensory Station (Emmerson Building) during the Illinois State Fair. It’s the perfect mid-day pause in the air-conditioning, giving an opportunity for kids to unwind, listen, and imagine, before heading back out to explore all the excitement the fair has to offer.

“The Illinois State Fair theme is Adventure Awaits, and there is no limit to the adventures available to kids through good books,” said Rebecca Clark, Illinois State Fair Manager. “By bringing this partnership to the fairgrounds, we’re opening the door for more children to discover the magic and joy that reading has to offer.”

Parents, grandparents and caregivers are encouraged to come out for story time and learn more about the organization’s amazing contributions to literacy, music and creativity.

“Come and hear wonderful stories from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library and take part in fun, engaging activities. There's nothing more important than inspiring a love of reading in our children,” said Andi Drileck, State Director of the Imagination Library of Illinois. “We know that children who participate in this program show stronger early literacy skills and are better prepared for kindergarten. We hope this presence at the Illinois State Fair will raise awareness, build community, and help extend these literacy benefits even further.”

Supported by The Dollywood Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Dolly Parton in 1988, the Imagination Library Program has grown into the world’s leading early childhood book-gifting initiative. Since its launch in 1995, the program now mails over 3 million books to participants every month, including kids right here in Illinois.

To check to see if a program is available in your area, visit the ‘find my program' page on www.imaginationlibrary.com. You can enroll your child or sign up to be notified when a program comes to your community. Visit back often as we expand across the state.

The 2025 Illinois State Fair runs from August 7 through August 17 in Springfield.

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08/01/2025

American Business Club of Springfield Announced as the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Twilight Parade

In celebration of more than 70 years of volunteering at the Illinois State Fair and philanthropic donations in excess of $6 million, the American Business Club of Springfield (ABC) has been named Grand Marshal of the annual Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade by Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Fair.

“ABC’s commitment to philanthropy and service sets a gold standard for other AMBUCS chapters across Illinois – and the nation,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I applaud their century-long commitment to the community, and it’s my pleasure to celebrate ABC's hundreds of dedicated members at this year’s fair. Their steadfast efforts to uplift local organizations reflect Illinoisans’ incredible ability to foster connected, thriving communities across the state.”

ABC is a group of 300 members from the Springfield area, the largest AMBUCS chapter in the nation, whose volunteer fundraising has generated over $6 million to benefit local organizations, with their main source of fundraising being obtained at the Illinois State Fair.

"Our volunteers have served Grandstand concessions since 1954 and staffed admissions gates since 2004," said Jerry Boster, 2025 President of ABC. “With our club enjoying its 100th anniversary in Springfield, we are thrilled to be given the opportunity to share our celebration with all attending the Twilight Parade and joining us at this year's Illinois State Fair.”

"Congratulations to the American Business Club of Springfield on their 100th anniversary and for being named this year's Grand Marshal. The Club is synonymous with the Illinois State Fair, with their volunteerism on display throughout the fairgrounds – from the parking lots to the grandstand," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "Their spirit of generosity extends beyond the fairgrounds through scholarship programs and empowering children with custom-fit tricycles. Thank you, ABC of Springfield for uplifting our communities!"

“We are grateful for the outstanding partnership between ABC and the Illinois State Fair,” said Jerry Costello II, Illinois Department of Agriculture Director. “I am delighted they accepted our invitation to serve as Grand Marshal. What better way to mark their 100th anniversary than by kicking off the fair.”

All of ABC’s profits are donated towards a wide variety of local organizations and causes. Among the most visible is the Amtryke Adaptive Tricycle program that provides therapeutic tricycles to children and veterans free of charge. Dozens of custom-fit tricycles are donated throughout the year, including a special presentation during the fair. ABC has delivered hundreds of Amtrykes worth tens of thousands of dollars since the program began more than 20 years ago.

ABC is hosting an Amtryke giveaway presentation during Sunflower Hours at the Illinois State Fair on Saturday, August 9 at 10 a.m. on Grand Central Stage at the Reisch Pavilion. The presentation offers an opportunity for the public to learn about the club and see their contributions to the community.

The 2025 Twilight Parade will step off on Thursday, August 7 from Lincoln Park at 5:30 p.m. and head east down Sangamon Avenue before turning into the Main Gate on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. The parade will follow Main Street then turn left onto Illinois Avenue, marching past the Grandstand and exiting into Lot 21.

The 2025 Illinois State Fair runs from August 7 through August 17 in Springfield.

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05/23/2025

05/09/2025

18th ANNUAL ILLINOIS PRODUCT FARMERS MARKET
KICKS OFF MAY 15
Family fun, delicious food and prize giveaways planned

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) invites everyone to celebrate the 18th season of the Illinois Product Farmers Market, beginning Thursday, May 15, from 3:30 to 7 p.m. at The Shed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

“The opening of the farmers market is the unofficial kickoff of summer,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “Mark your calendar now and make plans to join us every Thursday through September for fresh, local products, live entertainment and Illinois wine.”

What to Expect on Opening Day:
Delicious Eats: Grab backyard barbecue from Nuthatch Hill BBQ, pizza and Italian favorites from Leo’s Pizza on Wheels, and sweet treats from Johnnie O’s Mini Donuts.
Family Fun: Enjoy Touch-A-Truck, free balloon animals, face painting, yard games, and meet animals from the Henson Robinson Zoo and Springfield Park District.
Entertainment: Rock out to live music by Not Petty and take part in giveaways from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum.
Shopping Specials: Be among the first to snag limited-edition Illinois Product Market hats, cups, and shopping bags—while supplies last!
Prize Drawings: Stick around for prize drawings featuring gift cards, event passes, and more! (Must be present to win.)=
Every visitor will also receive a free reusable Illinois Product Market bag to carry their local finds.

Plus, don’t miss the Illinois Product Buy Local Prize Wheel for a chance to win prizes from SkyZone, Harvest Market, AMF Bowling, Skateland, Yellowbird Coffee House, Illinois wineries, and more – including an AARP Illinois Product Basket packed with goodies from market vendors!

Schedule of Events:
3:30 p.m. – Market Opens & Touch-A-Truck begins
4:00 p.m. – Prize Drawing / Kids' Activities Begin
4:30 p.m. – Prize Drawing / Balloon Artist & Face Painting Begin
5:00 p.m. – Prize Drawing / Live Music from Not Petty
5:30 p.m. – Prize Drawing / Official Ribbon Cutting
6:00 p.m. – Prize Drawing
6:30 p.m. – Prize Drawing
7:00 p.m. – Final Prize Drawing

IDOA will match every dollar spent in Link at the Illinois Product Farmers Market. If marketgoers spend $25 in LINK, they will receive an additional $25 in LINK Match to spend on fruits and vegetables.

Marketgoers can find The Shed on the Illinois State Fairgrounds by entering Gate 3. Parking is located across the street.

The 2025 Illinois Product Farmers Market is sponsored by the Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Association, Illinois State Fair, AARP Illinois, Lincoln Land Community College, Springfield Clinic, Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois Specialty Growers Association, LINKUp Illinois, Twin Willow Farms, Security Bank, Ayers Family Farm, U of I Master Gardeners, Office of the State Treasurer, Illinois Department of Natural Resources Mines and Minerals, and ChiroOne Wellness Centers.

Attendees can expect a welcoming and family-friendly environment packed with diverse vendors, a rotating selection of food trucks, cooking demonstrations, and complimentary live entertainment. Returning this year are weekly raffles offering $10 in “Market Cash” and an AARP Illinois Product Basket.

The Illinois Product Farmers Market will be held every Thursday starting May 15 through September 25 excluding June 19 and the two Thursdays during the Illinois State Fair. The Illinois Product Fall Market will be held on Saturday, October 11.

All products sold at the Illinois Product Farmers Market are processed, produced or packaged in the state of Illinois. Space is still available if you are interested in participating as a vendor at the 2025 market.

For applications, please contact [email protected]. Follow Illinois Product on Facebook and Instagram, and visit www.illinoisproductfarmersmarket.com for more information.

It’s the best time of the year! Time to get your first taste of fresh Illinois Products and support local at the Illinois Product Farmers Market Opening Day. You won’t want to miss the fun and festivities out at the Shed! Enjoy over 20 local Illinois