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Hi Southern Illinois, we made it to Thursday! 

In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: Lunar New Year celebration, Sarah Thomas keynote, and winter cinema: The Shawshank Redemption + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

Legacy empowers future first responders: Williamson County Fire Protection District awarded its first Chief Jeremy Norris Memorial Scholarship in February, honoring the late fire chief and helping Gavin McGee pursue a career in public safety — read the full story.

Prevention through early detection: Franklin Hospital will host a colorectal cancer screening Lunch & Learn March 24. Dr. Rodney Miller leads, with free at-home test kits sponsored by American Cancer Society, open to public — get all the event details.

Inspiration from the sidelines: Benton Area Chamber of Commerce will celebrate 75 years at its banquet March 10, 2026, with keynote speaker Sarah Thomas on her trailblazing football officiating career and focused under pressure — get all the details.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Free plant starts at winter market
• Create your own needle-felted pet
• Compete in a frosty plunge fundraiser
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.

From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.

As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Burger fix, sorted: When the griddle-seared craving hits, Dale’s Burger Shack brings a gloriously messy burger that turns a Tuesday into a small victory. No frills, just a stacked patty, melty edges, and that quiet, satisfied pause after the final bite.

Swap wheels for blades: Feeling the itch to skate but the quad scene’s thin? Metro Rec Plex offers two NHL-size ice rinks, frequent public sessions, and a glide-clears-the-head vibe. Great for a midweek reset or family laps that actually wear everyone out, without overthinking the plan.

An easy culture break: Give your feed a rest and wander Sharp Museum at SIU: thoughtful exhibitions, campus energy, and local history-meets-art that sparks fresh connections. Even a quick visit can reset your day, reveal something unexpected, and make the familiar feel new.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Southern Illinois for grown ups

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

📖 Noodle Story Hour @ Marion Carnegie Library | Thursday (3/5) at 10:30 AM – If you need a kid-friendly adventure that pairs carbs with culture, Noodle Story Hour delivers. They will read a noodle book, sing, dance, and help the kids whip up a gluey pasta craft, you will sip coffee, supervise lightly, and bask in wholesome chaos.

🎬 Winter Cinema: Shawshank Redemption @ The Varsity Center | Friday (3/6) at 7:00 PM – Winter Cinema is serving up The Shawshank Redemption, Frank Darabont’s classic with Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, and more hope than a snow day forecast. Settle in for 142 R-rated minutes of friendship, quiet rebellion, and that voice you’d gladly pay to narrate your errands.

📚 Book Bazaar @ OTHS – O’Fallon Township High School District 203 | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 AM – OTHS Band Boosters are turning Smiley’s South Gym into a treasure trove of gently loved reads, from cookbooks to signed fiction, benefiting OTHS Bands. Early birds chip in a fiver, Sunday gets half off, then it’s fill-a-bag glory. Bring a tote, and self-control.

🏷 O’Fallon Garden Club’s Annual Garage Sale @ O’Fallon Station | Saturday (3/7) at 8:00 AM – Whether you’re hunting vintage Pyrex, spare tools, or a few guilt-free knickknacks, the Garden Club’s annual garage sale is your treasure map at O’Fallon Station. Shop the good stuff, chat with neighbors you actually like, and fund the community garden that feeds our food pantry.

📔 Junk Journaling @ Bits & Pieces Art and Antiques | Saturday (3/7) at 2:30 PM – Finally, a reason to keep those ticket stubs and receipts you swore were for something. Learn junk journaling, scrapbooking’s thrifty, artsy cousin, and turn clutter into a keepsake. $35 gets you a journal, supplies, a glass of wine, and a charcuterie cup from Milkweed Provisions.

🐉 Lunar New Year Celebration @ The Carbondale Public Library | Saturday (3/7) at 3:00 PM – Trade the usual weekend errands for a proper welcome to the Year of the Horse with SI CABE. Let the kids conquer craft tables, then enjoy a wushu dance performance from the International Shaolin Wushu Center, equal parts culture, cardio, and crowd-pleaser.

🔨 Althoff Gala & Auction @ The Regency Conference Center | Saturday (3/7) at 6:00 PM – Shine up your boots and bling, and lean into a Denim & Diamonds gala with hosted cocktails, a multi-course dinner, silent and live auctions, and dueling pianos by Felix and Fingers. Raise a paddle, support the school, then call your jeans ‘formal,’ and sing along.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/6 Memphis Night @ The Little Nashville Cafe – 6:00 PM
• 3/6 Arkansauce @ Hangar 9 – 7:00 PM
• 3/6 John Krane @ John Brown’s on the Square – 8:00 PM
• 3/7 Marlon Wayans @ Marion, IL – 7:00 PM
• 3/7 Marlon Wayans @ Marion Cultural and Civic Center – 7:00 PM
• 3/7 PFR and more @ PK’s – 10:00 PM
• 3/11 Comedy + Storytelling Open Mic @ Hawthorne Art – 7:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Southern Illinois report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 72°F – Low: 60°F – Precip: 94%

Showers and thunderstorms before 3pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy. High near 72, with temperatures falling to around 69 in the afternoon. Southwest wind 6 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. Later: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before midnight, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 60. South southwest wind 5 to 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

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Tomorrow – High: 78°F – Low: 58°F – Precip: 23%

A slight chance of rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 78. South wind 9 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Later: A slight chance of rain showers before 9pm, then a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 9pm and midnight, then showers and thunderstorms likely. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 58. South southwest wind around 14 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

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Set on a private 1.5-acre wooded lot, this custom two-story brings an inground pool and a firepit area. A cathedral great room pairs a gas fireplace with built-ins and a window seat, while an updated island kitchen connects to a cozy hearth room with a wood-burning fireplace. Walk-out lower level adds a wet bar, rec space, and full bath.

Take a peek inside →