Randolph County briefs
The Randolph County Health Department, 2515 State St. in Chester, is offering flu shots by appointment only. Shots will be available from 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29. Call (618) 826-5007 to schedule an appointment.
'Ghosts by Riverside' with Chester Library
Chester Public Library presents Shane Wagner, author of "Ghosts by the Riverside: The Haunted History of Chester and Old Kaskaskia," via Zoom at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29. Wagner will share local folklore, images and information from his research.
To participate, register at www.chesterpubliclibrary.com/events. Library staff will email you the Zoom link to join the presentation the afternoon of the event. All proceeds from the sale of "Ghosts by the Riverside: The Haunted History of Chester and Old Kaskaskia," written by Shane Wagner with original sketches by local artist Melanie Barker, benefit the Chester Public Library. For additional information, call (618) 826-3711.
Trail society adds Bulge Hole hike
The River-to-River Trail Society has added a second fall hike Saturday, Oct. 24. Bob Mulcahy will lead a hike in the Bulge Hole area. Hikers will meet at 10 a.m. at the Goreville Subway on Route 37. Registration is required. All hikers must bring masks and maintain social distance throughout the hike. Hikers should wear sturdy shoes, and bring water and a snack/lunch. To register, call Mulcahy at (708) 471-7500. Fall hikes are held every Saturday except hunting season through the end of November.
Chester's Halloween Howl-a-baloo Oct. 30
Looking for a safe way to trick-or-treat? The Chester Recreation Department is holding its Halloween Howl-a-baloo, a COVID-style trunk-or-treat, from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at Cole Memorial Park. Come in costume, wear a mask and be prepared to follow social distancing guidelines. For details, call Patti at (618) 826-1430.
Trick-or-treat hours in Chester
Trick-or-treat hours in Chester will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. Anyone wishing to receive trick-or-treaters should turn on their porch light and wear a face covering when answering the door. No homemade treats, please. Trick-or-treaters should only go to doors with porch lights on. Some people will not be participating due to COVID-19 concerns. Please respect their choice.
Sign up for Rotary cornhole tournament
Sparta and Chester Rotary will hold a cornhole tournament at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Chester Eagles, 402 Hacker St. There will be cash prizes, a silent auction and meat wheel. Registration is $30 per team in advance, $40 at the door. To register or for more information, call or text Tanya Cowan at (618) 615-1475 or Justin Jeffers at (618) 317-8790.
Meeting canceled
The Randolph County Soil Water Conservation District's Nov. 5 board meeting has been canceled. Their next scheduled meeting will be at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 19.
Get your high school equivalency at SWIC
If you left high school without earning a diploma, Southwestern Illinois College can help you earn one from the comfort of your home. The SWIC Adult Education and Literacy department is now offering online and in-person High School Equivalency preparation classes. All services are free and online; support services are available.
To learn more about upcoming SWIC classes in Randolph County, contact Karen Schaller at (618) 210-8189 or email karen.schaller@swic.edu.