Randolph County stories we're following in 2018

As the calendar prepares to flip to 2018, here are some ongoing stories the Herald Tribune/Steeleville Ledger is keeping an eye on in the months ahead.

<h3 class="breakHead"> Landmark reopening</h3>

One of the big stories toward the tail end of 2017 was the purchase and renovation of the 185-year-old Landmark on Ferry Street in Chester, which will become St. Nicholas Landmark.

St. Nicholas Brewing Company President Tom Welge gave reporters a brief update on the progression of the renovations on Dec. 21.

Welge said things remain on track for a "summerish" opening, but did offer up a tidbit in that he expects the new brewpub to be open in time for the return of the USS LST 325 on Sept. 6.

<h3 class="breakHead"> USS LST 325 returns</h3>

Preparations will soon be under way for a return of the World War II tank-landing ship USS LST 325 to the Chester riverfront.

The historic vessel - the only remaining operating LST to be preserved in the United States - will arrive on Thursday, September 6 and will depart on Monday, September 10. That means the LST 325 will be in town during the 39th annual Popeye Picnic festivities.

Thousands of people turned out for the LST 325's previous visit to the Chester riverfront in 2011. This time, it will be in town for the 39th annual Popeye Picnic.

<h3 class="breakHead"> Illinois bicentennial</h3>

Observations of the state's bicentennial continue throughout next year, leading up to Illinois' 200th birthday on December 3, 2018.

As part of that observation, the NSDAR Liberty Bell of the West Chapter plans to install a monument between the county courthouse and museum.

The monument will honor Randolph County's patriots of the American Revolution while recognizing the county's heritage as the birthplace of the state. The monument is expected to be dedicated in August.

<h3 class="breakHead"> Chester Bridge study</h3>

The Chester Bridge was in the news a lot this year, and looks to be again in 2018 due to the Missouri Department of Transportation's ongoing environmental study that is being conducted by engineering firm CH2M.

The next round of information won't be presented until February or March, but MoDOT and CH2M are expected to announce their final "preferred alternative" on a location for a potential new bridge sometime next summer.

The study itself will conclude in the spring of 2019.

<h3 class="breakHead"> Four-lane highway proposal</h3>

The Four County Highway Coalition took a break for the holidays, but is scheduled to meet again on Jan. 23 at the Perry County Government Building in Pinckneyville.

The project proposes to ultimately build a four-lane highway through the counties of Monroe, Randolph, Perry and Jackson counties. The corridor would start south of Waterloo and extend to north of Murphysboro - a length of about 75 miles - and would require expanding State Routes 3, 13/127 and 154.

The FCHC is seeking funding for engineering and environmental study costs for both the Waterloo-to-Red Bud and Red Bud-to-Pinckneyville sections (a total of 50 miles and $21 million) of the route, and construction and land acquisition funds for the Murphysboro-to-Pinckneyville section (25.44 miles and $212 million).

<h3 class="breakHead"> Crime and courts</h3>

The Herald Tribune/Steeleville Ledger is following five court cases as 2018 begins.

Jason Stoker - who will be forever connected to the tragic death of Chester police officer and volunteer firefighter James Brockmeyer on October 28, 2016 - is scheduled to go to federal trial on Jan. 8 on one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.

The federal case has been continued twice. Stoker was originally scheduled to go to trial in September and then November.

Stoker also faces two counts of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, and one count each of reckless homicide and first-degree murder in alleged connection to Brockmeyer's accident.

He has a Jan. 11 case management conference in that case, with a Jan. 22 state trial upcoming.

Other cases the newspaper is following is Kenneth Miller Jr. (to be sentenced March 2 on fleeing or eluding a police officer and burglary), Toby Latham (falsely making a terrorist threat), Timothy Rushing (criminal sexual assault) and Beau Shawgo (fleeing or eluding a police officer and aggravated assault while operating a motor vehicle).

With the exception of Miller, who pleaded guilty to the charges on Dec. 19, all are innocent until proven guilty.