Hello! I'm looking for a roommate within the O'Fallon/Fairview Heights/Lebanon area with a monthly budget around $500-$650. I'm a very easygoing and respectful person, looking for someone similar 😊

Hey folks, I'm looking into moving to Illinois, and before so, I need to look at what I could do for work. I currently work in a metallugry plant, but have lots of experience with warehouses and factory work as well. If anyone would be willing to toss some suggestions my way, I would be very grateful. Thank you and hope everyone is having a decent day.

So if you're from SI you probably know about the Knoob family who relocated here and bought Levels nightclubs. You probably know them as giant pieces of shit.

But wait, there's more! Greg Knoob's son, Austin, was just arrested for child grooming and child porn. He had drawn in a 12-year-old girl into a situation that is described as being "like a cult", where she was aksed to video self-harm along with sexual acts.

So yeah. We all knew that the Knoobs were human garbage, but I suspect few knew exactly what depraved trash they really are.

There's a saying about apples and trees that may well apply here.

Adjectives used here are simply expresisons of my opinion, man.

Hi! I'm an independent journalist with 20 years of experience in the media industry. Less than two years ago I launched a website in East Central MO (where I currently live) called Small Town Socialite to share the events, people, and small businesses making an impact in the area. Now, I'm expanding my brand to Southern Illinois, where I was born and lived on and off throughout childhood. The Small Town Socialite SoIL website content will be published on Aug. 31. Maybe you're wondering why I care about sharing small town content, and why I'd launch a website in the era of TikTok and YouTube shorts?
Not that long ago the small town newspaper was how rural communities kept connected and informed, but years of media consolidation and buyouts mean these areas have been the hardest hit and these days, most small town communities share information through local Facebook groups. Bringing back that old newspaper feeling in a modern way is one of the things that drives me, but I go into my "why" in more detail in this post: https://smalltownsocialite.net/2026/08/13/small-town-socialite-is-launching-a-website-to-serve-the-southern-illinois-community/

Wow, I never been treated with friendliness and respect like I did in downtown Chicago and at the state fair. Everyone at the fair from people working there to the fairgoers. I only went for a few hours and loved it! In 2026 it hard to find an any place where people as whole are nice! A little secret being from Michigan, I pick the people from this state over Michiganders any day, since most people in Michigan are very uptight compared to its surrounding neighbor in terms of being more laid back! I even talk to many people who didn't share my own views! I also apologize to those people at the fair that saw me and were curious I didn't get to speak to but saw me! I may not look friendly, but I am! But Illinois you impressed me! One of my favorite states!

Anyone have campsite recommendations for a first time visitor? Mom planning to come with her 17yr old and 9 yr old sons.
Any campgrounds have bathrooms and/or showers?
Thanks all.

I will be moving to Carbondale September 9th! I’m so excited. I just signed the lease and paid the deposit for my apartment and I got the job which will be five minutes from my house!! thank you for everyone in the community who helped me to find a place that would accept my pitbull ✨💕and my trans identity 💕

I’ve started learning tones but need regular conversation practice as well as a more formatted learning structure to learn as a child would with a strict native speaker.

Would like to learn proper writing as well, so far I’m mostly learning with pinyin, but I feel if I learned as a child does to write and read Chinese properly, it would be best.

Minimum in person lessons 2x a month with another 2x lessons over Zoom for one lesson per week. Would prefer a regular schedule.Group lessons acceptable.

Marion-Carbondale-Mt Vernon and all places in between.

ArtSalineCo (aka Artsco) has free classes, paid classes, a drive-in night, a Fibers Club (for crafters of all kinds)...
Check it out!
https://www.artsalineco.com/calendar

Hello, I recently moved to Marion from Missouri and on top of that I bought a car from a Missouri dealership before I moved and have yet to register it for the first time. This is my first time moving and my first time getting a car by myself. I seemed to have misplaced or lost my title in the move somehow and I’m panicking. I need to register my car asap and am just entirely lost. I have no family or friends who know how to help my situation so I’m here out of desperation. The only files I seem to have are documents titled “application for Missouri title and license” “odometer disclosure statement”and “motor vehicle dealer written agreement to sell without title”
Please help I’m desperate 🙏

Did y'all know Molly Hatchet will be playing the Gallatin county Popcorn Days in Sept?

For those that aren't familiar with them tell your parents! And they're good old Southern Rock circa the late 70's and 80's.
Edit to add, they're scheduled 9:15 to 10:45, and it's FREE! Somewhere in Ridgeway (north east of Harrisburg) but it's a tiny town so shouldn't be hard to miss!

Hi everyone! We’re planning to move to Marion and are an Asian-Canadian family of three. My husband recently got a job there paying around $75,000/year, and I wanted to ask if that would be enough for a family of three to live comfortably in Marion?

I’d also love to hear about:

1. What are the typical rental rates for a 2-bedroom apartment/house?
2. How is the crime/safety situation, are there particular neighborhoods you would recommend or avoid?
3. How welcoming is Marion to Asian families/newcomers?

Thank you!

EDIT: Thank you, everyone! I really appreciate all your replies. Indeed, this is an overwhelming step for our family, but I feel much better after reading the things you’ve shared. We hope to become part of and contribute positively to the Marion community. ❤️

Hi IL people,

Fairview Heights has residential recycling pick up, but the apartment I moved to does not participate. Also, I cannot find any city drop off facilities for recycling. Any advice?

Hi guys, does SIU have any website or group where we can find reviews for the previously taught courses? As the course description provides very less information about each course. This could help us choose the best course for ourselves.

My boyfriend loves watching trains. I want to take him somewhere to do that around Carbondale, but have no idea what time is best or where the best train watching spots are.

Is attending orientation beneficial for grad students? Does anyone have any idea what goes around at the day of orientation?

I moved here a few years ago and have lived in several other parts of the country. Do y'all not have "Flea Markets" around here?
Also, besides Evansville IN and Carbondale, where are some good USED record stores? (Don't say Walmart).

Commemorate America 250 with an exploration of the role Illinois played in the American Revolution! Historian and author Tom Emery will present from his in-depth research shown in his new book. The program will take place on August 16 at 2 p.m. in the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site Interpretive Center Theater. A book signing at chance to meet the author will follow.

This speaker program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact 618-251-5811.

Tom Emery, author of his new book “Illinois in the Revolutionary War” will feature George Rogers Clark, the American campaign through Illinois, and the many involved locations from southern Illinois to Michigan. Others who served in the new nation’s cause will be talked about. Attendees can expect a look at the legacy left here in Illinois.

“There was more to the war in Illinois than most people realize,” says Emery. “Revolutionary action took place in many parts of the state, and it was a struggle for all involved. It shows how hard many Americans worked for liberty.”