North County News

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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 have 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.”

The Chester Bridge is no more.With a planned implosion, and quite a large crowd gathered on the riverfront to watch, the...
09/28/2026

The Chester Bridge is no more.
With a planned implosion, and quite a large crowd gathered on the riverfront to watch, the bridge was dropped into the Mississippi River at 8:45 this morning.

09/27/2026

UPDATE:
📹 The full livestream is available at: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/19v2H7AxcS/?mibextid=wwXIfr
💥 A clip of the implosion from the livestream is also available at: https://youtu.be/4T5N7j9rB0w?is=gi04Ox1OjfRKzqgX
▶️ Slow-Mo Video at: https://youtu.be/yedY3cbFxww?is=2Y237Y6i6u47Yaho

The Chester Bridge implosion will be available to watch via livestream tomorrow (Monday, Sept. 28)! The blast is tentatively scheduled for 8:30 a.m. The livestream will be available on the MoDOT Southeast District page beginning at 8:15 a.m.

The blast itself will only last a moment. Strategic charges will be placed at specific locations on the structure to drop the bridge straight down, rather than allowing it to twist or fall sideways. The charges will also be placed to break the bridge into sections that can be lifted by cranes.

A designated viewing location will be available at the boat landing on the Illinois side of the river. The City of Chester will provide bus transportation from Cole Memorial Park (100 Pool Drive) and Cohen Complex (3402 Bodes Lane) to the viewing location. Spectators should arrive at the viewing area no later than 8 a.m.

https://www.facebook.com/MoDOTSoutheast

09/23/2026

UPDATED TIME FOR CHESTER BRIDGE IMPLOSION:
This afternoon the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) announced an updated time for the scheduled Chester Bridge implosion.
The implosion will be held on Monday, Sept. 28 with the blast now tentatively scheduled for 8:30 a.m.
For the safety of motorists and the demolition team, all roadways within 1,000 feet of the bridge will be closed during the controlled explosion.
Once the area is secured, the demolition team will use a controlled explosion to drop the bridge into the river. Roads within 1,000 feet of the bridge will remain closed for approximately 15 minutes while the blast takes place and until the all-clear is given.
In case of inclement weather, the blast could be delayed that morning or rescheduled to the morning of Sept. 29. Updates will be released, if needed.
A designated viewing location will be available at the boat landing on the Illinois side of the river. The City of Chester will provide bus transportation from Cole Memorial Park (100 Pool Drive) and Cohen Complex (3402 Bodes Lane) to the viewing location. Spectators should arrive at the viewing area no later than 8 a.m. Drones are prohibited.

Congratulations to Cooper DeSpain and Maria Murry who were crowned as the Red Bud High School homecoming king and queen ...
09/20/2026

Congratulations to Cooper DeSpain and Maria Murry who were crowned as the Red Bud High School homecoming king and queen tonight.

UPDATE: As of 3:45 pm, the road has reopened. South Main Street in Red Bud is currently shut down near the intersection ...
09/18/2026

UPDATE: As of 3:45 pm, the road has reopened.

South Main Street in Red Bud is currently shut down near the intersection with WS 2nd Street due to response to a fire at the laundromat.

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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