At a special Wednesday meeting, the Marion city council approved a loan to fund work on the community's water infrastructure.

John A. Logan College placement and career development director Lisa Hudgens said Wednesday that a $32,600 cooperative work study grant disbursed through the Illinois Board of Higher Education makes it easier for area employers to hire JALC students as interns.

Registration and class schedule pick-up for Unit 2 students will be Aug. 4-13. The 2009-2010 school year begins with a full day Tuesday, Aug. 18.

Kathy Belletire's 10th Young Artists' Workshop at the Little Egypt Arts Association is called "Incredible Owls."

Kole Bossong, a John A. Logan College student, won the 2009 Illinois Talent Contest.

Fires considered suspicious burned in Marion and Johnston City last week, damaging a handful of structures and several vehicles.