Southwestern Illinois College is advancing local education through a new Career Technology Education building coming to its Red Bud campus.

The modern 7,800-square-foot facility, valued at $5.5 million, will house programs in Allied Health, welding, plumbing, and construction management, creating flexible learning spaces to support workforce training.

Construction is set to begin in June 2025 with the building opening for classes by Fall 2026.

SWIC’s expansion involves Farnsworth Group for design and Holland Construction for preconstruction planning.

Meanwhile, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville balanced its budget for the first time in eight years, after overcoming a $10.3 million deficit.

Chancellor James T. Minor credits increased enrollment and program improvements for the turnaround, reinforcing the university’s commitment to strong academics and fiscal responsibility.

These efforts from SWIC and SIUE are set to strengthen the region’s education and workforce prospects.

Mark and Robin Lengacher have officially passed the torch of Schneider’s Quality Meats to Robert Oerter, a trusted team member with more than two decades of experience.

The Lengachers fondly remember their start in Waterloo back in 2000, recalling the support and warmth shown by the community as they built their family-run market.

Deep gratitude is expressed to loyal customers, local partners, and especially Clayton and Jeanette Schneider for entrusting them with the store’s proud tradition.

Thanks also go to their children, Jared and Emily, for unwavering support amid the challenges of small business life.

The Lengachers assure everyone that Robert and Tiffany Oerter are ready to lead, inviting the community to celebrate this smooth transition.

With full hearts, Mark and Robin cherish the memories made and offer heartfelt thanks for years of trust and togetherness.

This Week's Event

1. Wiggle Time (1–5 yrs.) — Columbia Public Library
   📅 Date: Friday, October 17, 2025
   🕒 Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
   📍 Location: Columbia Public Library, basement room
   🎟️ Admission: Free / registration required
   📄 Details: A music + movement storytime for toddlers and their caregivers, with songs, rhymes, and simple play.

Chair Yoga (Adults / Seniors) — Columbia Public Library
📅 Date: Saturday, October 18, 2025
🕒 Time: 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Location: Columbia Public Library, basement
🎟️ Admission: Free / registration required
📄 Details: Gentle yoga using chairs as support — good for mobility, flexibility, and stress relief.

Seniors’ Club — Columbia / American Legion & Library
📅 Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025
🕒 Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 Location: American Legion Hall, 375 E Locust St (with library co-sponsorship)
🎟️ Admission: ~$5.50 (for lunch)
📄 Details: A weekly gathering for seniors to socialize, enjoy lunch, and community engagement.

Recipe of the Week

Easy Taco Cups

Take Taco Tuesday up a notch with these easy Taco Cups that save room on your plate for dips, salsa and sides. Whether you like them mild or spicy, lightly topped or fully loaded, they're a perfect solution for weeknight family dinners or weekend get-togethers. Find more Cookin' Savvy creations at Culinary.net.

Taco Cups

Recipe courtesy of "Cookin' Savvy"
Servings: 4-6

1 1/2    pounds ground beef
1-2       tablespoons taco seasoning
1          package (8 count) flour tortillas
shredded cheese
lettuce
cilantro
sour cream
salsa
guacamole (optional)
black olives (optional)

• Heat oven to 350 F.
• Brown ground beef with taco seasoning.
• Cut tortillas in half then in half again, making four pieces. Place two pieces in each hole of muffin tin.
• Place browned ground beef in each hole then top with shredded cheese. Bake 15 minutes, or until tortillas reach desired crispiness.
• Using knife, shred lettuce and cilantro.
• Top each cup with sour cream, salsa, lettuce and cilantro, as desired.
• Add guacamole and olives, if desired.
  
  

Sponsored by Culinary.net