North County News

North County News Local newspaper based in Red Bud, IL covering the northern part of Randolph County, Illinois. In April of 1961, the paper went to subscription.

The North County News was started on March 26, 1959 by Olin Kettelkamp, who served as the editor. Based out of Red Bud, the News began as a free publication to 2,400 families of the north Randolph County, Illinois area. At that time, Trudie Mohr was named the society editor and in June she purchased half interest in the paper. The News office has been in several locations over the years, but all h

ave been in Red Bud. The News was first located in the building at 204 South Main. It later moved to 131 North Main until 1976 and then was at 210 South Main. It was also in 1976 that Trudie and her husband Victor Mohr, Sr. purchased Olin Kettelkamp’s share and Trudie became the managing editor. The News moved to its present location at 124 South Main in 1977. Also that year, Jane Lucht became the editor. She served in that position until her retirement in August of 2008. Taking her place as editor was Mary Koester. Today, the News still primarily covers the northern part of Randolph County, which includes the cities/villages of Red Bud, Evansville, Prairie du Rocher and Baldwin. They also cover news happenings in other surrounding areas, as well as provide Randolph County wide coverage. Currently the News offers print subscriptions, as well as a free email news update. The News also offers a variety of printing services.

*North County News history courtesy of Jane Lucht’s book “History of Red Bud and Horse Prairie.”

Open house held for Southwest Connector study:There was a big turnout on Thursday afternoon, Aug. 20 at the World Shooti...
08/21/2026

Open house held for Southwest Connector study:

There was a big turnout on Thursday afternoon, Aug. 20 at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex for the Illinois Department of Transportation’s public meeting on the Southwest Connector Planning and Environmental Linkages study.

The study is evaluating proposed improvements for the “Southwest Connector,” which will run from just south of Waterloo to just north of Murphysboro through Monroe, Randolph, Perry and Jackson Counties. The goal is to enhance highway safety and mobility, reduce travel times, strengthen regional connectivity and improve freight movement between southwest Illinois and the St. Louis metro area.

It was an open house style event, with no formal presentation. So on display were numerous display boards that had information on the engineering and environmental processes, as well as what most people were interested in that night - maps of proposed possible routes. Handouts were also available and IDOT representatives and the study consulting team were available to answer questions and discuss the study.

The purpose of the meeting was to present alternatives and alignments, explain the alternatives screening process and obtain public input. Attendees were given surveys to fill out.

Materials presented at the open house, including maps, are also available online on the project website, https://southwestconnector.com/meeting/. Those that were unable to attend the meeting are encouraged to visit this site to review the materials and leave comments. Comments about the study can also be mailed to: Illinois Department of Transportation, District 9, Attn: Southwest Connector PEL Study, 2801 Murphysboro Road, Carbondale, IL 62901; or emailed to [email protected]. The deadline to leave comments is Sept. 21.

Pictured is just a portion of the line to view some of the display boards early in the evening at the meeting; as well as sections of the proposed possible routes around Red Bud and Baldwin. These maps, as well as other graphics provided at the meeting are available online at https://southwestconnector.com/meeting/.

Public comment sought on proposed Southwest Connector study:The Illinois Department of Transportation will hold a public...
08/19/2026

Public comment sought on proposed Southwest Connector study:

The Illinois Department of Transportation will hold a public meeting to discuss the Southwest Connector Planning and Environmental Linkages study, which is evaluating proposed improvements from just south of Waterloo to just north of Murphysboro through Monroe, Randolph, Perry and Jackson Counties.

The meeting will be held Thursday, Aug. 20 from 4-7 p.m. at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex, 1 Main Event Lane, Sparta.

The study is evaluating potential improvements along Illinois 3, Illinois 154 and Illinois 13/127 to enhance highway safety and mobility, reduce travel times, strengthen regional connectivity and improve freight movement between southwest Illinois and the St. Louis metro area. The purpose of the meeting is to present alternatives and alignments, explain the alternatives screening process and obtain public input.

Handouts and display boards will be available for public review, along with information on engineering and environmental processes. Representatives from IDOT and the study consulting team will be available to discuss the study and answer questions. The meeting will be held in an open house format. No formal presentation will be made. Meeting materials also will be available through an on-demand, self-paced virtual public meeting on the project website, https://southwestconnector.com/, for review and comment.

UPDATE: As of 11 a.m., the road has been reopened.A section of East Market Street in Red Bud remains closed as city work...
08/19/2026

UPDATE: As of 11 a.m., the road has been reopened.

A section of East Market Street in Red Bud remains closed as city workers replace a power pole that was struck early this morning.

Address

124 S Main Street
Red Bud, IL
62278

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+16182823803

Website

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