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Chester keeps winning streak alive with win over Carlyle (3 of 3)
42-21 victory improves YellowJackets to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division
BY JIM BEERS
Coach Charles Colvis did a great job with special teams. Karim Landeros is kicking the ball well! He is 12-for-12 kicking extra points the last two weeks. Not only extra points, Karim kicked a 63-yard punt to pin Carlyle to the 5-yard line.”
“Overall it was a great team win! We played extremely well in all three phases of the game. I am so proud of all of the boys. We are now 5-and-1 overall and 3-0 in the conference. Dupo is next. This will be a big game. The Tigers are undefeated and coming off a big win vs Red Bud. We will have to continue to play good on all three phases again this week!”
The Jackets host the Dupo Tigers this Friday October 10 for Homecoming 2025 at W.O. Smith Field at Chester High School.
Photo 3 Jakob Stueve 75
YellowJacket Football offensive & defensive lineman Jakob Stueve (75) a 6'0", 235 Lb. senior, has been praised by Head Coach Billy Belton for his consistent efforts on the defensive line during the 2025 season. Belton acknowledges his blocking abilities as being most helpful in assuring the success of the running backs so far in the first six games of 2025. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 4 Brayden Juenger 53
CHS senior Brayden Juenger (53) a 6'0", 235 Lb. Offensive and Defensive Lineman for the YellowJackets, has been recognized by CHS Head Coach Billy Belton for being a consistent, hardworking lineman for the Jackets. Belton notes that his senior linemen have been exceptional .in helping the offense execute their plays successfully. The blocking of these seniors is dually noted and highly appreciated. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 5 Morgan Miers
Morgan Miers (70), a Chester High School senior football player, has been honored by CHS Head Football Coach Billy Belton, for his excellent work on the CHS Offensive and Defensive lines. Miers, a senior, 6'0", 235 Lb. Offensive and Defensive Lineman for the YellowJackets is recognized for his good work on the line for both offense and defense. Belton notes that the excellent blocking on offense has help to open the doors for YellowJacket running backs all season and much of the running back's success can be attributed to the senior leadership and blocking. Jim Beers Photo
42-21 victory improves YellowJackets to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division
BY JIM BEERS
Coach Charles Colvis did a great job with special teams. Karim Landeros is kicking the ball well! He is 12-for-12 kicking extra points the last two weeks. Not only extra points, Karim kicked a 63-yard punt to pin Carlyle to the 5-yard line.”
“Overall it was a great team win! We played extremely well in all three phases of the game. I am so proud of all of the boys. We are now 5-and-1 overall and 3-0 in the conference. Dupo is next. This will be a big game. The Tigers are undefeated and coming off a big win vs Red Bud. We will have to continue to play good on all three phases again this week!”
The Jackets host the Dupo Tigers this Friday October 10 for Homecoming 2025 at W.O. Smith Field at Chester High School.
Photo 3 Jakob Stueve 75
YellowJacket Football offensive & defensive lineman Jakob Stueve (75) a 6'0", 235 Lb. senior, has been praised by Head Coach Billy Belton for his consistent efforts on the defensive line during the 2025 season. Belton acknowledges his blocking abilities as being most helpful in assuring the success of the running backs so far in the first six games of 2025. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 4 Brayden Juenger 53
CHS senior Brayden Juenger (53) a 6'0", 235 Lb. Offensive and Defensive Lineman for the YellowJackets, has been recognized by CHS Head Coach Billy Belton for being a consistent, hardworking lineman for the Jackets. Belton notes that his senior linemen have been exceptional .in helping the offense execute their plays successfully. The blocking of these seniors is dually noted and highly appreciated. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 5 Morgan Miers
Morgan Miers (70), a Chester High School senior football player, has been honored by CHS Head Football Coach Billy Belton, for his excellent work on the CHS Offensive and Defensive lines. Miers, a senior, 6'0", 235 Lb. Offensive and Defensive Lineman for the YellowJackets is recognized for his good work on the line for both offense and defense. Belton notes that the excellent blocking on offense has help to open the doors for YellowJacket running backs all season and much of the running back's success can be attributed to the senior leadership and blocking. Jim Beers Photo
Chester keeps winning streak alive with win over Carlyle (2 of 3)
42-21 victory improves YellowJackets to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division
BY JIM BEERS
The Jacket’s had eight receptions. TaShawn Palacio caught two passes for a total of 74 yards. Both of those receptions resulted in touchdowns. Trey McCartney caught three passes for a total of 37 yards. One of those three was for a touchdown. Alex Blechle had three receptions for a total of 46 yards.
Carlyle connected for nine passes for a total of 56 yards. One of those receptions resulted I a touchdown.
The YellowJackets scored a total of six touchdowns in their win, three were from passes and three were from rushing. All six of Chester’s extra points were from Karim Landeros’ perfect kicking outing.
Carlyle scored a total of three touchdowns, one was on a pass and two were rushing. Their extra points came from on extra-point kick and the other two came from a 2-point conversion. Chester defended Carlyle’s first 2-point conversion attempts on their opening touchdown.
The YellowJackets rushed 31 times for a total of 154 yards. Three of those runs resulted in touchdowns for the Jackets. Ethan Colvis had all three of Chester’s rushing touchdowns. He ran three times for a total of 130 of Chester’s 154 yards.
Zane Eggemeyer ran five times for 22 yards, Alex Blechle ran twice for 13 yards, Gage Lynn ran once for 4 yards, and Donnie Worley ran once for 3 yards. Anthony Keeton ran once and fumbled the ball for Chester’s only fumble.
Carlyle ran 52 times for 210 yards. Two of the Indian’s runs resulted in touchdowns. Two of their other runs resulted in fumbles which turned the ball over to Chester.
Once again the YellowJacket defense played well and recorded 35 solo tackles (solos), 62 tackle assists (assists), 1 quarterback sack, and 8 tackles for a loss (TFL).
Ethan Colvis led the attack on Carlyle’s offense with 8 solos, 9 assists, and 3 TFL’s. Morgan Miers had 5 solos, and 4 huge TFL’s. Alex Blechle recorded 4 solos and 3 assists. TaShawn Palacio added 3 solos and 10 assists. Donnie Worley had 3 solos and Derrius Shoemate added 2 solos and 3 assists. Karim Landeros had numbers in all four categories including 1 solo, 5 assists, 1 quarterback sack and 1 TFL.
Numerous other YellowJackets contributed to the win with excellent defensive efforts including Kanon Jany (1 solo & 8 assists), Tray Peters (1 solo & 5 assists), Zane Eggemeyer (1 solo & 4 assists), Trey McCartney (1 solo & 2 assists), and Brayden Juenger (1 solo & 5 assists).
Bently Valleroy, Rhett Creason, Reagan Sims, and Caleb Coffey added one solo apiece while Landen Conder (2), Avery Wittenborn (3), Paxton Beam (2), and Reed Creason (1) each added assists. Gage Lynn intercepted one Carlyle pass while TaShawn Palacio and Trey McCartney each recovered Carlyle fumbles.
Coach Billy Belton said, “The boy played great tonight! The offensive line did a great job. Brayden Juenger, Morgan Miers, and Jakob Stueve have done a great job up front. Those three seniors have really set the tone for all the success we have had offense we have had this year!”
“It was good to see Ethan Colvis get going again tonight. He had a rough time last week. He is such a hard runner. Without the great job the offensive line and the other skilled guys have done blocking for him, it would be hard for him to have such great success.”
Tray Peters and Trey McCartney had another big night too. TaShawn Palacio had a huge night getting the scoring started again. He had the two first touchdowns for us again tonight. TaShawn has had 10 receiving touchdowns on the year. That ties the school record for the most receiving touchdowns in a single season. That record is shared by Jim Howie, Keith Kiner and TaShawn Palacio. Hopefully with three games left, Palacio will break that record and set a new one this season!”
“Coach Belton continued, “Defensively Ethan Colvis, Morgan Miers, Zane Eggemeyer, and Alex Blechle all had big nights. Colvis had eight solo tackles, nine assists and 3 tackles for a loss. Morgan Miers had five solo tackles and four tackles for a loss.”
“Zane Eggemeyer has played great all season at linebacker. He is an unsung hero on both sides of the ball! Zane blocks as hard as any player I have ever had and he plays so sound and smart on defense. Alex Blechle was really flying around and hitting people all over the place and he did a great job on returns.”
42-21 victory improves YellowJackets to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division
BY JIM BEERS
The Jacket’s had eight receptions. TaShawn Palacio caught two passes for a total of 74 yards. Both of those receptions resulted in touchdowns. Trey McCartney caught three passes for a total of 37 yards. One of those three was for a touchdown. Alex Blechle had three receptions for a total of 46 yards.
Carlyle connected for nine passes for a total of 56 yards. One of those receptions resulted I a touchdown.
The YellowJackets scored a total of six touchdowns in their win, three were from passes and three were from rushing. All six of Chester’s extra points were from Karim Landeros’ perfect kicking outing.
Carlyle scored a total of three touchdowns, one was on a pass and two were rushing. Their extra points came from on extra-point kick and the other two came from a 2-point conversion. Chester defended Carlyle’s first 2-point conversion attempts on their opening touchdown.
The YellowJackets rushed 31 times for a total of 154 yards. Three of those runs resulted in touchdowns for the Jackets. Ethan Colvis had all three of Chester’s rushing touchdowns. He ran three times for a total of 130 of Chester’s 154 yards.
Zane Eggemeyer ran five times for 22 yards, Alex Blechle ran twice for 13 yards, Gage Lynn ran once for 4 yards, and Donnie Worley ran once for 3 yards. Anthony Keeton ran once and fumbled the ball for Chester’s only fumble.
Carlyle ran 52 times for 210 yards. Two of the Indian’s runs resulted in touchdowns. Two of their other runs resulted in fumbles which turned the ball over to Chester.
Once again the YellowJacket defense played well and recorded 35 solo tackles (solos), 62 tackle assists (assists), 1 quarterback sack, and 8 tackles for a loss (TFL).
Ethan Colvis led the attack on Carlyle’s offense with 8 solos, 9 assists, and 3 TFL’s. Morgan Miers had 5 solos, and 4 huge TFL’s. Alex Blechle recorded 4 solos and 3 assists. TaShawn Palacio added 3 solos and 10 assists. Donnie Worley had 3 solos and Derrius Shoemate added 2 solos and 3 assists. Karim Landeros had numbers in all four categories including 1 solo, 5 assists, 1 quarterback sack and 1 TFL.
Numerous other YellowJackets contributed to the win with excellent defensive efforts including Kanon Jany (1 solo & 8 assists), Tray Peters (1 solo & 5 assists), Zane Eggemeyer (1 solo & 4 assists), Trey McCartney (1 solo & 2 assists), and Brayden Juenger (1 solo & 5 assists).
Bently Valleroy, Rhett Creason, Reagan Sims, and Caleb Coffey added one solo apiece while Landen Conder (2), Avery Wittenborn (3), Paxton Beam (2), and Reed Creason (1) each added assists. Gage Lynn intercepted one Carlyle pass while TaShawn Palacio and Trey McCartney each recovered Carlyle fumbles.
Coach Billy Belton said, “The boy played great tonight! The offensive line did a great job. Brayden Juenger, Morgan Miers, and Jakob Stueve have done a great job up front. Those three seniors have really set the tone for all the success we have had offense we have had this year!”
“It was good to see Ethan Colvis get going again tonight. He had a rough time last week. He is such a hard runner. Without the great job the offensive line and the other skilled guys have done blocking for him, it would be hard for him to have such great success.”
Tray Peters and Trey McCartney had another big night too. TaShawn Palacio had a huge night getting the scoring started again. He had the two first touchdowns for us again tonight. TaShawn has had 10 receiving touchdowns on the year. That ties the school record for the most receiving touchdowns in a single season. That record is shared by Jim Howie, Keith Kiner and TaShawn Palacio. Hopefully with three games left, Palacio will break that record and set a new one this season!”
“Coach Belton continued, “Defensively Ethan Colvis, Morgan Miers, Zane Eggemeyer, and Alex Blechle all had big nights. Colvis had eight solo tackles, nine assists and 3 tackles for a loss. Morgan Miers had five solo tackles and four tackles for a loss.”
“Zane Eggemeyer has played great all season at linebacker. He is an unsung hero on both sides of the ball! Zane blocks as hard as any player I have ever had and he plays so sound and smart on defense. Alex Blechle was really flying around and hitting people all over the place and he did a great job on returns.”
Chester keeps winning streak alive with win over Carlyle (1 of 3)
42-21 victory improves YellowJackets to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division
BY JIM BEERS
Chester traveled to Carlyle Friday October 3 to battle with the Indians of the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division. It was the third conference game of the season with earlier wins over Sparta, 27-0 and Wesclin, 42-20. The Jackets were successful at Carlyle with a convincing 42-21 win over the Indians.
The Jackets stung first when TaShawn Palacio scored for Chester on a 10-yard pass from CHS quarterback, Tray Peters. Karim Landeros kicked the extra point and Chester led early, 7-0.
Carlyle returned the favor later in the first quarter on a 15-yard touchdown pass. The Jacket defense stopped the 2-point conversion attempt and the Jackets had a slim one-point lead, 7-6.
Chester wasn’t finished yet, however, as TaShawn Palacio scored another YellowJacket touchdown on a huge 64-yard pass from Tray Peters. Karim Landeros kicked his second extra point and the YellowJackets ended the first quarter ahead by eight points, 14-6.
The Jackets shut out the Indians in the 2nd quarter, outscoring them, 21-0. Ethan Colvis scored Chester’s first touchdown on a 9-yard run to get things started. Karim Landeros kicked his third extra point and CHS led, 21-6.
Trey McCartney got into the action next with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Tray Peters. Karim Landeros remained perfect for the night with his fourth extra points kick. Chester extended its lead to 28-6.
To close out the second quarter, as well as the first half, Ethan Colvis scored his second touchdown of the night on a 6-yard run. Karim Landeros kicked the extra point, his fifth, to both remain perfect for the game, extend Chester’s lead to, 35-6 to end the first half.
The third quarter as a draw with both teams scoring touchdowns. Carlyle struck first on a 4-yard touchdown run. The extra point kick was good and the Indians added seven points to their seven point total. The YellowJackets still led by 23 points, 35-13.
Chester struck again when Ethan Colvis had a nice 34-yard touchdown run to add seven more points to the YellowJacket’s total. Karim Landeros kicked the extra point, his sixth of the night, to give Chester a 29-point lead, 42-13, to end the third quarter.
Coach Belton began substituting players in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter. Down the stretch, the only team to score was Carlyle when they scored on a 2-yard run into the end zone for the final touchdown of the game. The Indians added two more points on a 2-point conversion to end the game, down by 21 points, 42-21.
In the win, the YellowJackets ran a total of 48 plays. The Indians ran 74 plays. Chester accumulated a total of 311 yards, 157 passing and 154 rushing. Carlyle recorded 266 yards, 56 passing and 210 rushing.
Chester had a 3rd down efficiency of 44 % (4-for-9) while Carlyle had 50% (7-for-14). The YellowJackets committed two turnovers, 1 fumble and 1 interception. The Indians committed three turnovers, 2 fumbles and 1 interception. Finally, Chester was called for 8 penalties resulting in a loss of 36 yards. Carlyle was called for 6 penalties for a total of 71 yards.
In the win, Chester quarterback, Tray Peters, completed 8-of-12 passes (67%) for a total of 157 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Carlyle threw for 9-of-15 passes (60%) for a total of 56 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
Photo 1 Ehan Colvis
CHS senior running back and linebacker Ethan Colvis (25) scored al three of Chester's running touchdowns Friday October 3 at Carlyle. He scored on a 9-yard run, 6-yard run and 34-yard run in the 42-21 YellowJacket win over the Carlyle Indians. Colvis also led the defensive unit with 8 solo tackles, 9 tackle assists, and 3 tackles for a loss. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 2 TaShawn Palacio
Chester High School wide receiver and defensive back TaShawn Palacio (11) scored Chester's first two touchdowns in the Cahokia Conference game against Carlyle Friday October 3. Palacio scored on a 10-yard pass from Tray Peters and then again in the same quarter on a 64-yard pass from Peters. So far this season Palacio has scored 10 passing touchdowns which ties the current record set by Jim Howie, and Keith Kiner. With three games remaining in the 2025 regular season, Palacio has an opportunity to set a new CHS receiving touchdown record for the school. In addition to being a great offensive player, Palacio also makes a name for himself on defense. In the win over the Carlyle Indians, Palacio 3 solo tackles and 10 tackle assists. Jim Beers Photo
42-21 victory improves YellowJackets to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division
BY JIM BEERS
Chester traveled to Carlyle Friday October 3 to battle with the Indians of the Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division. It was the third conference game of the season with earlier wins over Sparta, 27-0 and Wesclin, 42-20. The Jackets were successful at Carlyle with a convincing 42-21 win over the Indians.
The Jackets stung first when TaShawn Palacio scored for Chester on a 10-yard pass from CHS quarterback, Tray Peters. Karim Landeros kicked the extra point and Chester led early, 7-0.
Carlyle returned the favor later in the first quarter on a 15-yard touchdown pass. The Jacket defense stopped the 2-point conversion attempt and the Jackets had a slim one-point lead, 7-6.
Chester wasn’t finished yet, however, as TaShawn Palacio scored another YellowJacket touchdown on a huge 64-yard pass from Tray Peters. Karim Landeros kicked his second extra point and the YellowJackets ended the first quarter ahead by eight points, 14-6.
The Jackets shut out the Indians in the 2nd quarter, outscoring them, 21-0. Ethan Colvis scored Chester’s first touchdown on a 9-yard run to get things started. Karim Landeros kicked his third extra point and CHS led, 21-6.
Trey McCartney got into the action next with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Tray Peters. Karim Landeros remained perfect for the night with his fourth extra points kick. Chester extended its lead to 28-6.
To close out the second quarter, as well as the first half, Ethan Colvis scored his second touchdown of the night on a 6-yard run. Karim Landeros kicked the extra point, his fifth, to both remain perfect for the game, extend Chester’s lead to, 35-6 to end the first half.
The third quarter as a draw with both teams scoring touchdowns. Carlyle struck first on a 4-yard touchdown run. The extra point kick was good and the Indians added seven points to their seven point total. The YellowJackets still led by 23 points, 35-13.
Chester struck again when Ethan Colvis had a nice 34-yard touchdown run to add seven more points to the YellowJacket’s total. Karim Landeros kicked the extra point, his sixth of the night, to give Chester a 29-point lead, 42-13, to end the third quarter.
Coach Belton began substituting players in the second half, especially in the fourth quarter. Down the stretch, the only team to score was Carlyle when they scored on a 2-yard run into the end zone for the final touchdown of the game. The Indians added two more points on a 2-point conversion to end the game, down by 21 points, 42-21.
In the win, the YellowJackets ran a total of 48 plays. The Indians ran 74 plays. Chester accumulated a total of 311 yards, 157 passing and 154 rushing. Carlyle recorded 266 yards, 56 passing and 210 rushing.
Chester had a 3rd down efficiency of 44 % (4-for-9) while Carlyle had 50% (7-for-14). The YellowJackets committed two turnovers, 1 fumble and 1 interception. The Indians committed three turnovers, 2 fumbles and 1 interception. Finally, Chester was called for 8 penalties resulting in a loss of 36 yards. Carlyle was called for 6 penalties for a total of 71 yards.
In the win, Chester quarterback, Tray Peters, completed 8-of-12 passes (67%) for a total of 157 passing yards, 3 touchdowns, and 1 interception. Carlyle threw for 9-of-15 passes (60%) for a total of 56 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception.
Photo 1 Ehan Colvis
CHS senior running back and linebacker Ethan Colvis (25) scored al three of Chester's running touchdowns Friday October 3 at Carlyle. He scored on a 9-yard run, 6-yard run and 34-yard run in the 42-21 YellowJacket win over the Carlyle Indians. Colvis also led the defensive unit with 8 solo tackles, 9 tackle assists, and 3 tackles for a loss. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 2 TaShawn Palacio
Chester High School wide receiver and defensive back TaShawn Palacio (11) scored Chester's first two touchdowns in the Cahokia Conference game against Carlyle Friday October 3. Palacio scored on a 10-yard pass from Tray Peters and then again in the same quarter on a 64-yard pass from Peters. So far this season Palacio has scored 10 passing touchdowns which ties the current record set by Jim Howie, and Keith Kiner. With three games remaining in the 2025 regular season, Palacio has an opportunity to set a new CHS receiving touchdown record for the school. In addition to being a great offensive player, Palacio also makes a name for himself on defense. In the win over the Carlyle Indians, Palacio 3 solo tackles and 10 tackle assists. Jim Beers Photo
CHS 1st PBIS CELEBRATION DAY 10/10/25
Opt-Out, Work-Force and CCSI Students are required to attend CHS starting at 7:55am on Friday, October 10th for the PBIS Celebration and will be dismissed at 11:30am. Thank you, and Go Jackets!
Opt-Out, Work-Force and CCSI Students are required to attend CHS starting at 7:55am on Friday, October 10th for the PBIS Celebration and will be dismissed at 11:30am. Thank you, and Go Jackets!
CGS 6th - 8th Grade Girls....check it out! 🏀
CHS Cross Country Invitational is huge success (2 of 2)
15 schools converge on Randolph County State Conservation Area course to compete; Chester’s Katelyn Vallet places 8th in Girls’ Division
BY JIM BEERS
BOYS’ DIVISION RESULTS
There were 13 schools represented in the Boys’ Division. Those schools included Pinckneyville, New Athens, Columbia, Okawville, Marissa, Sparta, Gibault Catholic, Blueford0Webber, Nashville, Freeburg, Steeleville, Trico, and Chester.
A total of 78 boys competed. There were five schools that qualified for team scores including Pinckneyville, Sparta, Okawville, Bluford-Webber, and Freeburg.
Chester Results
40th Ivan Hobbs Senior 20:35.50
57th Jaden Ramirez Sophomore 21:31.20
Team Scores
1st Pinckneyville 19 Average Times: 17:22.36
2nd Sparta 78 Average Times: 19:11.13
3rd Okawville 104 Average Times: 19:42.87
4th Bluford-Webber 124 Average Times: 19:57.23
5th Freeburg 129 Average Times: 20:06.57
Top-20 Medal Winners
1st Landen Boman Sr. Pinckneyville 15:59.86
2nd Pacer Szopinski Fr. Pinckneyville 17:03.91
3rd Jesse Winter Jr. Pinckneyville 17:08.76
4th Cole Dachsteiner Sr. New Athens 17:54.84
5th Hubert Weary So. Columbia 18:02.02
6th Ryker Obermeier Sr. Okawville 18:12.46
7th Cale Schneider Sr. Pinckneyville 18:14.06
8th Marley Hall So. New Athens 18:16.42
9th Ky Portz So. Marissa 18:17.86
10th Zach Teel Jr. Pinckneyville 18:25.20
11th DJ Hayes So. Sparta 18:31.35
12th Josh Gale So. Pinckneyville 18:35.99
13th Nick Holdener So. Gibault Catholic 18:41.71
14th Brennan Tate Sr. Bluford-Webber 18:44.24
15th Ayden Fox Jr. Nashville 18:45.08
16th Chris Moreno Fr. Sparta 18:47.72
17th William Cook So. Freeburg 18:57.44
18th Bryden Dalby So. Bluford-Webber 19:01.86
19th Gabriel Charles Jr. Okawville 19:03.70
20th Connor Withrow Jr. Bluford-Webber 19:09.62
Chester Head Coach, Chris Kern said, “I was pleased with our YellowJacket and Lady Jacket runners today. The Chester 3-Mile course is very challenging and it was a bit humid and very warm today. I thought the overall meet went very smoothly and all 147 runners appeared to enjoy the event. I am pleased with the overall results and reactions to our 2025 invitational. October 25 we will be hosting the IHSA Regional Meet right here at our same course.”
PHOTO 7 Girls Start
IHSA Race Official, Paul Stallman, fires the gun to start the Girls' race at the 35th Annual Chester Cross Country Invitational Thursday October 2. There were 69 young ladies that competed in this event. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 8 Boys Start
IHSA Race Official, Paul Stallman, fires the gun to start the 2025 Chester Invitational Cross Country Invitational. The event was hosted by Chester High School and included a total of 78 young men in the 3-Mle event.
PHOTO 9 Jaden Ramirez
Jaden Ramirez establishes himself in the opening 50-yards of the 2025 Chester Invitational Cross Country Invitatiional Meet. Ramirez finished 57th in the field of 78 runners with a time of 21:31.20. He is a CHS sophomore on the YellowJacket squad. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 10 Vallet
Chester Lady Jacket Cross Country runner, Katelyn Vallet, races to finish the 35th Annual Chester Cross Country Invitational. The 3-Mile event took place Thursday October 2. Vallet finished 8th overall out of 69 girls and had a time of 21:52.47. She earned a medal for her Top-20 finish. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 11 Ramirez finish
Jaden Ramirez sprints to the finish line of the 2025 Chester Invitational Cross Country Meet. The event was a 3-Mile race and Ramirez finished with a time of 21:31.20 and a place of 57th out of the field of 8 runners. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 12 Hargis finish
Caitlyn Hargis, a CHS sophomore runner, approaches the finish line at the 35th Annual Chester Cross Country Invite. Hargis ran the 3-Mile race in a time of 26:43.80. She placed 45th out of 69 runners in the Female Division. Jim Beers Photo
15 schools converge on Randolph County State Conservation Area course to compete; Chester’s Katelyn Vallet places 8th in Girls’ Division
BY JIM BEERS
BOYS’ DIVISION RESULTS
There were 13 schools represented in the Boys’ Division. Those schools included Pinckneyville, New Athens, Columbia, Okawville, Marissa, Sparta, Gibault Catholic, Blueford0Webber, Nashville, Freeburg, Steeleville, Trico, and Chester.
A total of 78 boys competed. There were five schools that qualified for team scores including Pinckneyville, Sparta, Okawville, Bluford-Webber, and Freeburg.
Chester Results
40th Ivan Hobbs Senior 20:35.50
57th Jaden Ramirez Sophomore 21:31.20
Team Scores
1st Pinckneyville 19 Average Times: 17:22.36
2nd Sparta 78 Average Times: 19:11.13
3rd Okawville 104 Average Times: 19:42.87
4th Bluford-Webber 124 Average Times: 19:57.23
5th Freeburg 129 Average Times: 20:06.57
Top-20 Medal Winners
1st Landen Boman Sr. Pinckneyville 15:59.86
2nd Pacer Szopinski Fr. Pinckneyville 17:03.91
3rd Jesse Winter Jr. Pinckneyville 17:08.76
4th Cole Dachsteiner Sr. New Athens 17:54.84
5th Hubert Weary So. Columbia 18:02.02
6th Ryker Obermeier Sr. Okawville 18:12.46
7th Cale Schneider Sr. Pinckneyville 18:14.06
8th Marley Hall So. New Athens 18:16.42
9th Ky Portz So. Marissa 18:17.86
10th Zach Teel Jr. Pinckneyville 18:25.20
11th DJ Hayes So. Sparta 18:31.35
12th Josh Gale So. Pinckneyville 18:35.99
13th Nick Holdener So. Gibault Catholic 18:41.71
14th Brennan Tate Sr. Bluford-Webber 18:44.24
15th Ayden Fox Jr. Nashville 18:45.08
16th Chris Moreno Fr. Sparta 18:47.72
17th William Cook So. Freeburg 18:57.44
18th Bryden Dalby So. Bluford-Webber 19:01.86
19th Gabriel Charles Jr. Okawville 19:03.70
20th Connor Withrow Jr. Bluford-Webber 19:09.62
Chester Head Coach, Chris Kern said, “I was pleased with our YellowJacket and Lady Jacket runners today. The Chester 3-Mile course is very challenging and it was a bit humid and very warm today. I thought the overall meet went very smoothly and all 147 runners appeared to enjoy the event. I am pleased with the overall results and reactions to our 2025 invitational. October 25 we will be hosting the IHSA Regional Meet right here at our same course.”
PHOTO 7 Girls Start
IHSA Race Official, Paul Stallman, fires the gun to start the Girls' race at the 35th Annual Chester Cross Country Invitational Thursday October 2. There were 69 young ladies that competed in this event. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 8 Boys Start
IHSA Race Official, Paul Stallman, fires the gun to start the 2025 Chester Invitational Cross Country Invitational. The event was hosted by Chester High School and included a total of 78 young men in the 3-Mle event.
PHOTO 9 Jaden Ramirez
Jaden Ramirez establishes himself in the opening 50-yards of the 2025 Chester Invitational Cross Country Invitatiional Meet. Ramirez finished 57th in the field of 78 runners with a time of 21:31.20. He is a CHS sophomore on the YellowJacket squad. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 10 Vallet
Chester Lady Jacket Cross Country runner, Katelyn Vallet, races to finish the 35th Annual Chester Cross Country Invitational. The 3-Mile event took place Thursday October 2. Vallet finished 8th overall out of 69 girls and had a time of 21:52.47. She earned a medal for her Top-20 finish. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 11 Ramirez finish
Jaden Ramirez sprints to the finish line of the 2025 Chester Invitational Cross Country Meet. The event was a 3-Mile race and Ramirez finished with a time of 21:31.20 and a place of 57th out of the field of 8 runners. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 12 Hargis finish
Caitlyn Hargis, a CHS sophomore runner, approaches the finish line at the 35th Annual Chester Cross Country Invite. Hargis ran the 3-Mile race in a time of 26:43.80. She placed 45th out of 69 runners in the Female Division. Jim Beers Photo
CHS Cross Country Invitational is huge success (1 of 2)
15 schools converge on Randolph County State Conservation Area course to compete; Chester’s Katelyn Vallet places 8th in Girls’ Division
BY JIM BEERS
Thursday October 2 Chester High School hosted the 35th Annual Chester Cross Country Invitational. The event was held at the Randolph County State Conservation Area on a warm, humid afternoon with temperatures in the 80’s to start the race. By the time the competition was in full swing, a nice cloud had covered the sun to provide welcomed shade and coolness for the competitors.
The race was a 3-mile event for both the Girls’ and Boys’ Divisions. There were 15 schools that entered the Girls’ race and 13 schools entered the Boys’ race. A total of 69 lady athletes competed in the Girls’ race while78 boys ran in the Boys’ race.
It takes at least five runners from a school to qualify for a team score. Schools without the required five runners can have their runners compete as individuals. The Girls’ Division had just five schools that qualified for team scores. The Boys’ Division also had a total of five team scores.
Medals were presented to the top-20 finishers in both the Girls’ Division and the Boys’ Division. Plaques were awarded to the teams that finished 1st and 2nd Place.
GIRLS’ DIVISION RESULTS
There were 15 schools represented in the Girls’ Division. Those schools included Okawville, New Athens, Red Bud, Columbia, Marissa, Pinckneyville, Chester, Steeleville, Woodlawn, Freeburg, Nashville, Sparta, Trico, Gibault Catholic, and Bluford-Webber.
A total of 69 girls competed. There were five schools that qualified for team scores including Columbia, Pinckneyville, Okawville, Freeburg, and Red Bud.
Chester Results
8th Katelyn Vallet Freshman 21:52.47
45th Caitlyn Hargis Sophomore 26:43.80
Team Scores
1st Columbia 53 Average times: 22:58.39
2nd Pinckneyville 62 Average Times: 23:25.21
3rd Okawville 71 Average Times: 23:26.64
4th Freeburg 82 Average Times: 24:19.72
5th Red Bud 86 Average Times: 24:29.61
Top-20 Medal Winners
1 Caroline Tepe Sr. Okawville 19:25.65
2 Brooke Deterding so. New Athens 20:58.44
3 Ava Wagner Sr. Red Bud 21:28.93
4 Addyson Piel Sr. Red Bud 21:30.78
5 Kaylee Grandt Fr. Columbia 21:42.32
6 Lillyonna Delrio Fr. Marissa 21:44.74
7 Jessi Baggett So. Pinckneyville 21:49.24
8 Katelyn Vallet Fr. Chester 21:52.47
9 Kaylee Wolf So. Okawville 21:55.06
10 Kadence Bruno So. Pinckneyville 21:59.57
11 Hillari Cowan Fr. Steeleville 22:01.75
12 Carly Chambers Sr. Columbia 22:24.04
13 Katelyn Gogolek So. Okawville 22:34.37
14 Zelena Koch Jr. Woodlawn 23:38.76
15 Ruby Leemon So. Marissa 22:47.22
16 Claira Folden Jr. Pinckneyville 22:49.50
17 AnnMarie Trentman Sr. Freeburg 22:50.24
18 Cecilia Muehl So. Columbia 22:58.97
19 Gabrielle Martin Jr. Columbia 23:30.72
20 Abby Sherman Jr. Freeburg 24:06.58
PHOTO 1 Katelyn Vallet medal
Chester's Katelyn Vallet proudly poses for a picture of her with her medal she won at the 2025 Chester Invitational Cross Country Meet. The event was held Thursday October 2 at the Randolph County State Conservation Area. Vallet finished 8th out of the field of 69 girls in the 3-mile race with her time of 21:52.47. The Top-20 finishers received medals for their efforts. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 2 Tepe
Okawville's Caroline Tepe, a senior, was the overall winner of the 2025 CHS Invitational Girls' Division race. Tepe turned in a time of 19:25.65 for her winning effort. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 3 Boman
Pinckneyville's Landen Boman, a senior, was the overall winner of the 2025 CHS Invitational Cross Country Meet Boys' Division 3-Mile race. Boman's time was 15:59.86. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 4 Hargis
Lady Jacket Cross Country runner Caitlyn Hargis, a sophomore, finished 45th out of 69 girls at the 2025 Chester Invite. Her time was 26:43.80. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 5 Cowan
Hillari Cowan, a freshman Steeleville Lady Warrior, finished 11th overall at the 2025 Chester Invitational Cross Country Meet. Cown is the daughter of Clint and Lindsey Cowan, former Chester High School students and graduates. Her time was 22:01.75. She earned a medal for her performance. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 6 Hobbs
Ivan Hobbs, a senior YellowJacket Cross Country runner, was Chester's top finisher in the 35th Annal Chester Invitational Cross Country Meet Thursday October 2. Hobbs had a time of 20:35.50 and an overall finish of 40th place in the 3-Mile Boys' race. The boys had a field of 78 runners. Jim Beers Photo
15 schools converge on Randolph County State Conservation Area course to compete; Chester’s Katelyn Vallet places 8th in Girls’ Division
BY JIM BEERS
Thursday October 2 Chester High School hosted the 35th Annual Chester Cross Country Invitational. The event was held at the Randolph County State Conservation Area on a warm, humid afternoon with temperatures in the 80’s to start the race. By the time the competition was in full swing, a nice cloud had covered the sun to provide welcomed shade and coolness for the competitors.
The race was a 3-mile event for both the Girls’ and Boys’ Divisions. There were 15 schools that entered the Girls’ race and 13 schools entered the Boys’ race. A total of 69 lady athletes competed in the Girls’ race while78 boys ran in the Boys’ race.
It takes at least five runners from a school to qualify for a team score. Schools without the required five runners can have their runners compete as individuals. The Girls’ Division had just five schools that qualified for team scores. The Boys’ Division also had a total of five team scores.
Medals were presented to the top-20 finishers in both the Girls’ Division and the Boys’ Division. Plaques were awarded to the teams that finished 1st and 2nd Place.
GIRLS’ DIVISION RESULTS
There were 15 schools represented in the Girls’ Division. Those schools included Okawville, New Athens, Red Bud, Columbia, Marissa, Pinckneyville, Chester, Steeleville, Woodlawn, Freeburg, Nashville, Sparta, Trico, Gibault Catholic, and Bluford-Webber.
A total of 69 girls competed. There were five schools that qualified for team scores including Columbia, Pinckneyville, Okawville, Freeburg, and Red Bud.
Chester Results
8th Katelyn Vallet Freshman 21:52.47
45th Caitlyn Hargis Sophomore 26:43.80
Team Scores
1st Columbia 53 Average times: 22:58.39
2nd Pinckneyville 62 Average Times: 23:25.21
3rd Okawville 71 Average Times: 23:26.64
4th Freeburg 82 Average Times: 24:19.72
5th Red Bud 86 Average Times: 24:29.61
Top-20 Medal Winners
1 Caroline Tepe Sr. Okawville 19:25.65
2 Brooke Deterding so. New Athens 20:58.44
3 Ava Wagner Sr. Red Bud 21:28.93
4 Addyson Piel Sr. Red Bud 21:30.78
5 Kaylee Grandt Fr. Columbia 21:42.32
6 Lillyonna Delrio Fr. Marissa 21:44.74
7 Jessi Baggett So. Pinckneyville 21:49.24
8 Katelyn Vallet Fr. Chester 21:52.47
9 Kaylee Wolf So. Okawville 21:55.06
10 Kadence Bruno So. Pinckneyville 21:59.57
11 Hillari Cowan Fr. Steeleville 22:01.75
12 Carly Chambers Sr. Columbia 22:24.04
13 Katelyn Gogolek So. Okawville 22:34.37
14 Zelena Koch Jr. Woodlawn 23:38.76
15 Ruby Leemon So. Marissa 22:47.22
16 Claira Folden Jr. Pinckneyville 22:49.50
17 AnnMarie Trentman Sr. Freeburg 22:50.24
18 Cecilia Muehl So. Columbia 22:58.97
19 Gabrielle Martin Jr. Columbia 23:30.72
20 Abby Sherman Jr. Freeburg 24:06.58
PHOTO 1 Katelyn Vallet medal
Chester's Katelyn Vallet proudly poses for a picture of her with her medal she won at the 2025 Chester Invitational Cross Country Meet. The event was held Thursday October 2 at the Randolph County State Conservation Area. Vallet finished 8th out of the field of 69 girls in the 3-mile race with her time of 21:52.47. The Top-20 finishers received medals for their efforts. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 2 Tepe
Okawville's Caroline Tepe, a senior, was the overall winner of the 2025 CHS Invitational Girls' Division race. Tepe turned in a time of 19:25.65 for her winning effort. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 3 Boman
Pinckneyville's Landen Boman, a senior, was the overall winner of the 2025 CHS Invitational Cross Country Meet Boys' Division 3-Mile race. Boman's time was 15:59.86. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 4 Hargis
Lady Jacket Cross Country runner Caitlyn Hargis, a sophomore, finished 45th out of 69 girls at the 2025 Chester Invite. Her time was 26:43.80. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 5 Cowan
Hillari Cowan, a freshman Steeleville Lady Warrior, finished 11th overall at the 2025 Chester Invitational Cross Country Meet. Cown is the daughter of Clint and Lindsey Cowan, former Chester High School students and graduates. Her time was 22:01.75. She earned a medal for her performance. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 6 Hobbs
Ivan Hobbs, a senior YellowJacket Cross Country runner, was Chester's top finisher in the 35th Annal Chester Invitational Cross Country Meet Thursday October 2. Hobbs had a time of 20:35.50 and an overall finish of 40th place in the 3-Mile Boys' race. The boys had a field of 78 runners. Jim Beers Photo
CHS HOMECOMING INFORMATION
This coming week, Monday, October 6th through
Saturday, October 11th is CHS Homecoming Week 2025
MONDAY: Pink Out
Show your Support & Wear Pink
TUESDAY: Decades Day
Choose Your Era: From the Roaring 20s to the Neon 80s
WEDNESDAY: Class Color Day
Wear Your Class Colors
Powderpuff Game 5:15pm
THURSDAY: Candy Land Day
Dress Up Your Favorite Candy or Wear Your Homecoming Shirts
FRIDAY: Orange & Black Out
Show Your School Pride and Wear Orange & Black
Homecoming Parade 4:00pm
Homecoming Football Game 7:00pm GO JACKETS!
SATURDAY: Class Reunion Tours 9:00am (Professor Sharp Cafeteria)
Homecoming Dance 7:00pm
CHS: HOMECOMING REUNION TOURS
Chester High School Homecoming Sign-Up and Class Reunion Tours
Attention all class reunion organizers: If your class plans to participate in the Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 10th, please contact Erin Conley at erinconley@chester139.com as soon as possible.
Additionally, Chester High School is pleased to offer a guided Class Reunion Tour of our facilities, scheduled to begin promptly at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 11th. If your class intends to attend, kindly email Principal Blechle at jeremyblechle@chester139.com at your earliest convenience.
We look forward to showcasing the exciting updates to our facilities, including those currently underway.
Go Jackets!
Chester High School Homecoming Sign-Up and Class Reunion Tours
Attention all class reunion organizers: If your class plans to participate in the Homecoming Parade on Friday, October 10th, please contact Erin Conley at erinconley@chester139.com as soon as possible.
Additionally, Chester High School is pleased to offer a guided Class Reunion Tour of our facilities, scheduled to begin promptly at 10:00 AM on Saturday, October 11th. If your class intends to attend, kindly email Principal Blechle at jeremyblechle@chester139.com at your earliest convenience.
We look forward to showcasing the exciting updates to our facilities, including those currently underway.
Go Jackets!
CECC, CGS, CHS & CUSD139 CUSTODIAN APPRECIATION DAY
Thursday, October 2nd is National Custodian Appreciation Day
We would like to recognize our hard working custodial and maintenance staff:
CECC: Debbie Jany
CGS: Kenneth Handsbury, Marilyn Schicker, Michael Stefani, and Shirl Surman
CHS: Scott Bollinger, Bob Dickson, Josh Grott, Tim Paulus, and Kay Rubach
Thank you for all you do for our students, staff, and community!
Thursday, October 2nd is National Custodian Appreciation Day
We would like to recognize our hard working custodial and maintenance staff:
CECC: Debbie Jany
CGS: Kenneth Handsbury, Marilyn Schicker, Michael Stefani, and Shirl Surman
CHS: Scott Bollinger, Bob Dickson, Josh Grott, Tim Paulus, and Kay Rubach
Thank you for all you do for our students, staff, and community!
Nominations for CGS Faculty Member of the Month for the month of October are now OPEN! Please use the link below or visit the Chester139.com website to submit your vote for who you feel deserves this honor. Nominations will close on October 20, 2025 at 3:00 pm.
https://forms.gle/MpXnSvFrEnPuLJfg6
CECC, CGS & CHS 2025-2026 STAFF INTRODUCTIONS
CUSD 139 would like to introduce our employees to the community. There are many new faces as well as returning veteran staff. We are looking forward to the start of a great 2025-2026 school year and step forward with students first and the community we serve.
CUSD 139 would like to introduce our employees to the community. There are many new faces as well as returning veteran staff. We are looking forward to the start of a great 2025-2026 school year and step forward with students first and the community we serve.
Photo 1
GEO Sport Lighting Company employees work high above the Chester High School football field Thursday September 25 installing the new LED lights which will debut Friday night September 26 when Chester hosts Trenton-Wesclin. Cost for the new system was approved for $137,700.00. The new light will increase safety and cost much less to operate than the former halogen lights. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 2
Pictured are the old and outdated Halogen lights that have been removed from W.O. Smith Field at Chester High School. All four banks of lights at the field have been replaced with much brighter and more economical LED lighting. The new lights will premiere Friday night September 26 when the YellowJackets hoist the Wesclin Warriors at 7:00 p.m. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 3
This is the look from the top of the entrance to W.O. Smith Football Field at Chester High School. Workers from the GEO Sport Lighting Company have been busy since Tuesday September 23 replacing the lighting at the field. The decades old halogen lights had become outdated and not as bright as their former functioning, not to mention the much higher cost to operate. All four bans of lights at the field have been replaced with modern LED lights which will be much more economical and provide much better visibility at W.O. Smith Field. YellowJacket fans will be able to see the new lights Friday September 26 when the Jackets host Wesclin in a Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division matchup. Jim Beers Photo
GEO Sport Lighting Company employees work high above the Chester High School football field Thursday September 25 installing the new LED lights which will debut Friday night September 26 when Chester hosts Trenton-Wesclin. Cost for the new system was approved for $137,700.00. The new light will increase safety and cost much less to operate than the former halogen lights. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 2
Pictured are the old and outdated Halogen lights that have been removed from W.O. Smith Field at Chester High School. All four banks of lights at the field have been replaced with much brighter and more economical LED lighting. The new lights will premiere Friday night September 26 when the YellowJackets hoist the Wesclin Warriors at 7:00 p.m. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 3
This is the look from the top of the entrance to W.O. Smith Football Field at Chester High School. Workers from the GEO Sport Lighting Company have been busy since Tuesday September 23 replacing the lighting at the field. The decades old halogen lights had become outdated and not as bright as their former functioning, not to mention the much higher cost to operate. All four bans of lights at the field have been replaced with modern LED lights which will be much more economical and provide much better visibility at W.O. Smith Field. YellowJacket fans will be able to see the new lights Friday September 26 when the Jackets host Wesclin in a Cahokia Conference, Illinois Division matchup. Jim Beers Photo
CHS FREE FOOTBALL BROADCAST
Tonight, Chester High School will host our inaugural multiplatform football game broadcast, streaming simultaneously on Hudl, YouTube, and Facebook. For your convenience, QR codes are included in the attached graphics, and the links are provided below. We invite you to join us for this exciting event!
Go Jackets!
Hudl: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/chester/organization/14289/chester-high-school
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChesterHighSchoolIL
Facebook: Chester Community Unit School Dist No 139
In the event of any issues with the Facebook Live feed, we encourage you to utilize one of the alternative platforms available. Thank you for your understanding.
Tonight, Chester High School will host our inaugural multiplatform football game broadcast, streaming simultaneously on Hudl, YouTube, and Facebook. For your convenience, QR codes are included in the attached graphics, and the links are provided below. We invite you to join us for this exciting event!
Go Jackets!
Hudl: https://fan.hudl.com/usa/il/chester/organization/14289/chester-high-school
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChesterHighSchoolIL
Facebook: Chester Community Unit School Dist No 139
In the event of any issues with the Facebook Live feed, we encourage you to utilize one of the alternative platforms available. Thank you for your understanding.
CGS 6th - 8th Grade Boys....check it out! 🏀
As we conclude our first full month of school, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude to several groups in our community that have significantly supported our school district this year and in previous years. Love Abby has generously supplied our schools with various school supplies for our students, both this year and in the past, and their kindness does not go unnoticed! This year, we were able to provide numerous students with essential supplies during our in-person registration. Families were welcomed to collect bags filled with what they needed. Additionally, Buena Vista Bank contributed school supplies that will help equip our teacher's classrooms throughout the year! Furthermore, Wee Care of Jacob made a generous financial donation to assist any student in the district requiring school supplies throughout the year. We have already purchased backpacks for some students, along with many pairs of shoes for physical education for those in need. A BIG THANK YOU TO LOVE ABBY, WEE CARE OF JACOB, AND BUENA VISTA! Your ongoing generosity continues to make a difference for our district and the students who need a bit of extra support. We are truly thankful.
Chester High School Homecoming is just around the corner, and the school is busy making arrangements for a week of fun and spirit. On Thursday September 25 the Homecoming King and Queen Candidates were announced. Their Pictures are below. (Back Row, left to right) are junior King Candidate Karim Landeros, senior King Candidates Ethan Colvis, Brayden Juenger, and Tray Peters, and junior King Candidate Zane Eggemeyer. (Front Row, left to right) are Queen Candidate junior Aleah Eggemeyer, senior Queen Candidates, Maggie Caby, Callie Davis, and Camryn Wolff, and junior Queen Candidate Aubrey Colvis. Homecoming 2025 is Monday October 6 through Saturday October 11. Wednesday October 8 is the Powder Puff game at 5:15 p.m. That same night the Bonfire and Pep Rally will start immediately following the Powder Puff Game. Friday October 10th is the Homecoming Parade at 4:00 p.m. The Homecoming Game vs Dupo is Friday at 7:00 p.m. with the Queen Coronation at halftime of the game. Saturday October 11 is the 2025 Homecoming Dance. The Dance stats at 7:00 p.m. with the King Coronation at 9:00 p.m. Jim Beers Photo
Chester Early Childhood Center proudly opens its doors (2 of 2)
State of the Art Facility is fully staffed and programming is up-and-running!
BY Rachel Marshall, Principal and Dr. Jim Beers, Reporter
Kimberly Briggs, Chester Community Unit School District # 139 Superintendent, said, “We are currently finishing some punch list items, but everything is open and functioning well at this time. This Early Childhood Center and its programming is really critical for the children and will have a huge impact on the community of Chester. The all-day program will help families. This was a huge top item on my list! Five years from now we will really see the impact on the children wop attended the Center.”
Principal Marshall said, “We have increased our availability to families from about 55 places to 80 full-time opportunities. This will have a huge impact to help families that are enrolled here. To date, everything is going really well and all seems to be running smoothly. When a problem does arise, we all work together to solve the issue and keep everything functioning. We have a great team!
The Chester Early Childhood Center stands as a testament to the vision and commitment of the Chester School Board and Superintendent Mrs. Briggs, whose leadership made this initiative a reality. Their investment in early childhood education is a gift to the entire community, laying the groundwork for a brighter future for all children in Randolph Co
For more information about programs or enrollment, please contact the Chester Early Childhood Center directly. 618-822-0829
Chester Early Childhood Center Teachers and Staff
Rachel Marshall, Principal
Melissa Davitz, Pre-K Coordinator
Becky Gielow- preschool teacher
Ellyce Blaizer- Mrs. Gielow’s SIU Student Teacher
Brandie Stefani- cook
Michelle McConnell- cook
Brandy Gendron- paraprofessional
Caitlin Schwarz- preschool teacher
Cassie Venus- paraprofessional
Debbie Jany-Head custodian
Denise McClain- EC Special Education teacher
Gina Hafertepe- paraprofessional
Jada Berry- PI/ Birth to Three, Chester/Ellis Grove area
Jenny Krantz- preschool teacher
Kim Gross-paraprofessional
Kyra Heck- paraprofessional
Lindsey Hargis- Preschool teacher
Mallory Leathers- paraprofessional
Melissa Davitz- Pre-K Coordinator
Melissa Duncan-PI/ Birth to Three, Red Bud/Prairie Du Rocher area
Rachel Vasquez- paraprofessional
Rebecca Hanna- Administrative Assistant
Shane Martinez-Head Cook not pictured
Vicki Thompson- PI/ Birth to Three, Sparta/Steeleville area
Principal Marshall said, “We had a very successful Open House Saturday September 13. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the tours and the opportunity to see the facility up close and personal.”
“On Thursday night October 16 we will be hosting a Family Fun Night on the Memorial Hospital in Chester parking lot. It will take place in front of the new Clinic from 5:30-7:00 p.m. There will be a “Touch-a-Truck” opportunity for the kids and a variety of other attractions to entertain and hold their interest. The community is welcome and encouraged to attend. More information will be announced as the plan unfolds!”
PHOTO 6 First Day of School
Students arrive at the Chester Early Childhood Center on the first day of school August 14. Faculty and staff anxiously await the arrival of their students throughout the early morning. All went well and Day No. 1 took off without a hitch! Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 7 KITCHEN
Students at the Chester Early Childhood Center receive breakfast, lunch, and a snack each day. This is the kitchen located on the lower level of the facility and does a great job of serving the students. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 8 Meeting Room
This large meeting room at the Chester Early Childhood Center will double as the new official meeting room of the District Board of Education. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 9 Classroom
The classrooms at the Chester Early Childhood Center are state-of-the-are and are fully and beautifully furnished. The center features four full-day pre-school classrooms and an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classroom. Jim Beers Photo
State of the Art Facility is fully staffed and programming is up-and-running!
BY Rachel Marshall, Principal and Dr. Jim Beers, Reporter
Kimberly Briggs, Chester Community Unit School District # 139 Superintendent, said, “We are currently finishing some punch list items, but everything is open and functioning well at this time. This Early Childhood Center and its programming is really critical for the children and will have a huge impact on the community of Chester. The all-day program will help families. This was a huge top item on my list! Five years from now we will really see the impact on the children wop attended the Center.”
Principal Marshall said, “We have increased our availability to families from about 55 places to 80 full-time opportunities. This will have a huge impact to help families that are enrolled here. To date, everything is going really well and all seems to be running smoothly. When a problem does arise, we all work together to solve the issue and keep everything functioning. We have a great team!
The Chester Early Childhood Center stands as a testament to the vision and commitment of the Chester School Board and Superintendent Mrs. Briggs, whose leadership made this initiative a reality. Their investment in early childhood education is a gift to the entire community, laying the groundwork for a brighter future for all children in Randolph Co
For more information about programs or enrollment, please contact the Chester Early Childhood Center directly. 618-822-0829
Chester Early Childhood Center Teachers and Staff
Rachel Marshall, Principal
Melissa Davitz, Pre-K Coordinator
Becky Gielow- preschool teacher
Ellyce Blaizer- Mrs. Gielow’s SIU Student Teacher
Brandie Stefani- cook
Michelle McConnell- cook
Brandy Gendron- paraprofessional
Caitlin Schwarz- preschool teacher
Cassie Venus- paraprofessional
Debbie Jany-Head custodian
Denise McClain- EC Special Education teacher
Gina Hafertepe- paraprofessional
Jada Berry- PI/ Birth to Three, Chester/Ellis Grove area
Jenny Krantz- preschool teacher
Kim Gross-paraprofessional
Kyra Heck- paraprofessional
Lindsey Hargis- Preschool teacher
Mallory Leathers- paraprofessional
Melissa Davitz- Pre-K Coordinator
Melissa Duncan-PI/ Birth to Three, Red Bud/Prairie Du Rocher area
Rachel Vasquez- paraprofessional
Rebecca Hanna- Administrative Assistant
Shane Martinez-Head Cook not pictured
Vicki Thompson- PI/ Birth to Three, Sparta/Steeleville area
Principal Marshall said, “We had a very successful Open House Saturday September 13. Everyone seemed to really enjoy the tours and the opportunity to see the facility up close and personal.”
“On Thursday night October 16 we will be hosting a Family Fun Night on the Memorial Hospital in Chester parking lot. It will take place in front of the new Clinic from 5:30-7:00 p.m. There will be a “Touch-a-Truck” opportunity for the kids and a variety of other attractions to entertain and hold their interest. The community is welcome and encouraged to attend. More information will be announced as the plan unfolds!”
PHOTO 6 First Day of School
Students arrive at the Chester Early Childhood Center on the first day of school August 14. Faculty and staff anxiously await the arrival of their students throughout the early morning. All went well and Day No. 1 took off without a hitch! Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 7 KITCHEN
Students at the Chester Early Childhood Center receive breakfast, lunch, and a snack each day. This is the kitchen located on the lower level of the facility and does a great job of serving the students. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 8 Meeting Room
This large meeting room at the Chester Early Childhood Center will double as the new official meeting room of the District Board of Education. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 9 Classroom
The classrooms at the Chester Early Childhood Center are state-of-the-are and are fully and beautifully furnished. The center features four full-day pre-school classrooms and an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classroom. Jim Beers Photo
Chester Early Childhood Center proudly opens its doors (1 of 2)
State of the Art Facility is fully staffed and programming is up-and-running!
BY Rachel Marshall, Principal and Dr. Jim Beers, Reporter
Chester, IL — The Chester Early Childhood Center proudly opened its doors to students for the first time on August 26, 2025, marking a significant milestone for early education in Randolph County. After months of preparation, long hours, and the dedicated efforts of staff and administration, the center welcomed its first group of eager learners into a warm and engaging environment.
Melissa Davitz, Pre K Coordinator said, “The center features four full-day preschool classrooms designed to provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning. In addition, the facility includes an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classroom, offering half-day morning and afternoon.”
“The Pre-K program in Chester has been operating for over 30 plus years. Pre-K is largely funded through ISBE utilizing state grant funding. The new CECC gives the families of Chester a jump start on their child’s education. The addition of the third campus has allowed Pre-K to increase their enrollment from 55 students to 80 students.”
“Any families that wish to enroll their children, must simply call 618-822-0829 to schedule a screening appointment. Pre-K is Monday through Thursday from 7:45-2:45 and on Friday from 7:45-1:30. While at school, children are provided breakfast, lunch and a snack.”
“There is no cost to the families to have a child in Pre-K, Pre-K is always free. All of us at the CECC are ecstatic to be given the opportunity to work in this new location. This is such a wonderful blessing for the community of Chester. We are all excited to watch this program grow and watch the children of Chester succeed,” said Davitz.
Principal Rachell Marshall said, “Serving families beyond the classroom, Chester Early Childhood Center is also home to the Prevention Initiative and ISBE grant funded program—a vital birth-to-three service that supports families throughout Randolph County.”
“Through home visits, this program partners with parents and caregivers to promote healthy development and school readiness. The center also organizes many group events in various communities in Randolph County, providing opportunities for parents to connect, engage in activities with their children, and build lasting support networks.”
To celebrate this exciting new chapter, the public was invited to an Open House on September 13 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Visitors had the chance to tour the building.
"I am truly blessed to have the best staff working in this building," said Mrs. Marshall. "Everyone worked incredibly hard to get everything ready for our students—from moving furniture to setting up classrooms and resources. It’s been a fantastic start to the school year, and we are beyond excited for what’s ahead."
PHOTO 1 Briggs
Kimberly Briggs, Chester Community Unit School District # 139 Superintendent, proudly stands on the front porch of the new Chester Early Childhood Center at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Briggs was instrumental in making the new facility a reality. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 2 Rachell Marshall Principal
Rachel Marshall, Principal of the new Chester Early Childhood Center, takes time out from her busy schedule at the ribbon cutting event, to take a photo in front of the dedication Plaque at the new center. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 3
Teachers, administration, Board of Education members, and Superintendent
PHOTO 4 Rebecca Hannah
This is the friendly face that greets students, parents, and guests as they enter the lobby of the Chester Early Childhood Center. Rebecca Hannah, Administrative Assistant, is excited to welcome all visitors to the new center on a daily basis. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 5 Playground
Children get a chance to experience the state-of-the-art playground at the Chester Early Childhood Center. On all good weather days students enjoy their time on the playground. Jim Beers Photo
State of the Art Facility is fully staffed and programming is up-and-running!
BY Rachel Marshall, Principal and Dr. Jim Beers, Reporter
Chester, IL — The Chester Early Childhood Center proudly opened its doors to students for the first time on August 26, 2025, marking a significant milestone for early education in Randolph County. After months of preparation, long hours, and the dedicated efforts of staff and administration, the center welcomed its first group of eager learners into a warm and engaging environment.
Melissa Davitz, Pre K Coordinator said, “The center features four full-day preschool classrooms designed to provide a strong foundation for lifelong learning. In addition, the facility includes an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classroom, offering half-day morning and afternoon.”
“The Pre-K program in Chester has been operating for over 30 plus years. Pre-K is largely funded through ISBE utilizing state grant funding. The new CECC gives the families of Chester a jump start on their child’s education. The addition of the third campus has allowed Pre-K to increase their enrollment from 55 students to 80 students.”
“Any families that wish to enroll their children, must simply call 618-822-0829 to schedule a screening appointment. Pre-K is Monday through Thursday from 7:45-2:45 and on Friday from 7:45-1:30. While at school, children are provided breakfast, lunch and a snack.”
“There is no cost to the families to have a child in Pre-K, Pre-K is always free. All of us at the CECC are ecstatic to be given the opportunity to work in this new location. This is such a wonderful blessing for the community of Chester. We are all excited to watch this program grow and watch the children of Chester succeed,” said Davitz.
Principal Rachell Marshall said, “Serving families beyond the classroom, Chester Early Childhood Center is also home to the Prevention Initiative and ISBE grant funded program—a vital birth-to-three service that supports families throughout Randolph County.”
“Through home visits, this program partners with parents and caregivers to promote healthy development and school readiness. The center also organizes many group events in various communities in Randolph County, providing opportunities for parents to connect, engage in activities with their children, and build lasting support networks.”
To celebrate this exciting new chapter, the public was invited to an Open House on September 13 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Visitors had the chance to tour the building.
"I am truly blessed to have the best staff working in this building," said Mrs. Marshall. "Everyone worked incredibly hard to get everything ready for our students—from moving furniture to setting up classrooms and resources. It’s been a fantastic start to the school year, and we are beyond excited for what’s ahead."
PHOTO 1 Briggs
Kimberly Briggs, Chester Community Unit School District # 139 Superintendent, proudly stands on the front porch of the new Chester Early Childhood Center at the ribbon cutting ceremony. Briggs was instrumental in making the new facility a reality. Jim Beers Photo
Photo 2 Rachell Marshall Principal
Rachel Marshall, Principal of the new Chester Early Childhood Center, takes time out from her busy schedule at the ribbon cutting event, to take a photo in front of the dedication Plaque at the new center. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 3
Teachers, administration, Board of Education members, and Superintendent
PHOTO 4 Rebecca Hannah
This is the friendly face that greets students, parents, and guests as they enter the lobby of the Chester Early Childhood Center. Rebecca Hannah, Administrative Assistant, is excited to welcome all visitors to the new center on a daily basis. Jim Beers Photo
PHOTO 5 Playground
Children get a chance to experience the state-of-the-art playground at the Chester Early Childhood Center. On all good weather days students enjoy their time on the playground. Jim Beers Photo
