Jason Koch
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News Editor at the Belleville News-Democrat.
Articles by Jason Koch
Marsie Geldert-Murphey outlines priorities in 56th District State Senate race Original
56th State Senate District candidate Marsie Geldert-Murphey participates in a candidate forum Oct. 5 at The Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville. Jason Koch/The Intelligencer Marsie Geldert-Murphey argues the Metro East could become a national freight hub if Illinois invests more road-fund dollars, rebuilds IDOT staffing, and expands apprenticeship programs.
Judge candidates Patrick King, Marc Parker outline qualifications at forum
Judicial candidates Patrick King and Marc Parker outline their priorities during an Oct. 5 candidate forum. Jason Koch, The Intelligencer Republican Patrick G. King and Democrat Marc Parker took to the Wildey Theatre stage Oct. 5 to introduce themselves to the public ahead of the November election. King, the incumbent, and Parker, the challenger, are running to be a judge of the Third Circuit Court, Sub-Circuit 2.
Judge candidates Patrick King, Marc Parker outline qualifications at forum
Judicial candidates Patrick King and Marc Parker outline their priorities during an Oct. 5 candidate forum. Jason Koch, The Intelligencer Republican Patrick G. King and Democrat Marc Parker took to the Wildey Theatre stage Oct. 5 to introduce themselves to the public ahead of the November election. King, the incumbent, and Parker, the challenger, are running to be a judge of the Third Circuit Court, Sub-Circuit 2.
Madison County clerk candidates discuss elections, taxes at forum
Madison County Clerk-Recorder candidates Linda Andreas and Rachel Bauerle participated in an Oct. 5 candidate forum at The Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville. Here is the full, unedited forum. Jason Koch, The Intelligencer Republican Linda Andreas and her Democratic challenger, Rachel Bauerle, took the stage at the Wildey Theatre on Oct. 5 to discuss issues as they campaign for Madison County clerk and recorder ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Andreas is the incumbent county clerk and recorder.
Madison County clerk candidates discuss elections, taxes at forum
Madison County Clerk-Recorder candidates Linda Andreas and Rachel Bauerle participated in an Oct. 5 candidate forum at The Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville. Here is the full, unedited forum. Jason Koch, The Intelligencer Republican Linda Andreas and her Democratic challenger, Rachel Bauerle, took the stage at the Wildey Theatre on Oct. 5 to discuss issues as they campaign for Madison County clerk and recorder ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Andreas is the incumbent county clerk and recorder.
Illinois 13 candidates debate SAVE Act, Iran war at Edwardsville forum Original
Democrat U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski and Republican challenger Jeff Wilson participated in a candidate forum Oct. 5 at The Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville. Jason Koch Republican Jeff Wilson and Democrat Nikki Budzinski took the stage at the Wildey Theatre on Oct. 5 to discuss their positions on several issues during a League of Women Voters of the Edwardsville Area candidate forum. The two are running to represent Illinois’ 13th Congressional District in the Nov. 3 election.
No Edwardsville newspaper published on Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day
The Intelligencer office is at 116 N. Main St. in Edwardsville. Jason Koch/The Intelligencer There will be no printed or electronic edition of The Intelligencer published Monday, Oct. 12, because of the Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples Day holiday. The Edwardsville Intelligencer does not print on federal holidays. Article continues below this ad The website, theintelligencer.com, will be updated that day. The Intelligencer office will be open.
Officials say $17M expansion will allow SIUE research center to take on more projects
The National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at SIUE is receiving $17 million for an expansion project. State officials announced the expansion at a 2 p.m. Oct. 9 news conference outside the center on SIUE's campus. “NCERC is a very unique business,” Executive Director Praveen Vadlani said.
Any conversation about election reform in Illinois must include ballot access Original
Jason Koch is the editor of The Edwardsville Intelligencer. He can be reached at Jason.Koch@hearst.com. Rick Brewer/For The Intelligencer Over the last several months, I have argued that Illinois election laws too often prevent otherwise-qualified candidates from appearing on the ballot.
SIUE National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center receives $17 million
These are five-liter fermenters in the fermentation lab at the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at SIUE. The center is set to receive $17 million for expansion. Scott Marion/The Intelligencer Illinois officials announced Oct. 9 that SIUE's National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center will receive $17 million for an expansion.
Arts Center project changes aim to speed Edwardsville renovation
Edwardsville aldermen unanimously approved two related agreements Oct. 6 to coordinate renovations at the future home of the Edwardsville Arts Center The first agreement brings S.M. Wilson on as construction manager for work at 246 N. Main St. City Administrator Eric Williams said the arrangement would bring the city, the Arts Center and the project team together to coordinate the work.
Watch live: Candidates forums for Madison County Clerk, 13th, 15th Districts Original
The Edwardsville Intelligencer spoke with candidates from both parties about their priorities, policies, and how they would give southern Illinois a stronger voice in Washington.
Living History Days finale brings historic figures, music to Edwardsville
Elijah Lovejoy, Hooper Warren and Dolley Madison took the bandstand stage Oct. 4 at City Park in Edwardsville as the Madison County Historical Society celebrated the conclusion of its annual Living History Days A good-sized crowd turned out for the event. Lovejoy, portrayed by John Meehan, and Warren, portrayed by Mark Von Nida, portrayed newspaper publishers from Alton and Edwardsville who spoke about the importance of freedom of the press.
Republican Jeff Wilson discusses energy, Congress, economy, and Iran Original
Jeff Wilson is the Republican candidate for Congress in Illinois' 13th District. Courtesy Jeff Wilson campaign Facebook page Editor's note: This is the third in a series of interviews The Intelligencer has planned with candidates running in the November 2026 election. An interview with Democrat Nikki Budzinski is available online at theintelligencer.com. Jeff Wilson, a Mahomet Republican, is seeking election to Congress in the 13th congressional district this November.
Third-party Senate candidate outlines ‘move to the middle’ platform
Whitfield Harrington is the American Center Party candidate for U.S. Senate. Courtesy Whitfield Harrington campaign Editor's note: This is a question-and-answer story that is part of The Intelligencer's election coverage. Interviews with Republican Senate Candidate Don Tracy and Democratic Senate Candidate Juliana Stratton are available online at theintelligencer.com. Whitfield Harrington was born and raised in Belzoni, Mississippi, in the Mississippi Delta, the 20th of 21 children.
League of Women Voters forum to feature candidates in contested local races
A League of Women Voters candidate forum is planned for 7 a.m. Oct. 5 at The Wildey Theatre. The Intelligencer Multiple candidates running in the Nov. 3 midterm elections will participate in a League of Women Voters Edwardsville Area forum beginning at 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at The Wildey Theatre in Edwardsville. The event is free. Article continues below this ad As of Sept.
Illinois Farm Bureau endorses Rep. Nikki Budzinski ahead of November election
Dennis Heepke, of Heepke Farms, presents the Illinois Farm Bureau ACTIVATOR endorsement to U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski on Sept. 28 in Granite City. Jason Koch/The Intelligencer U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski exits a combine at Heepke Farms in Granite City on Sept. 28 before receiving the endorsement of the Illinois Farm Bureau ACTIVATOR. Jason Koch/The Intelligencer U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski received an endorsement from the Illinois Farm Bureau ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.
Community journalism matters because of who depends on it Original
Jason Koch is the editor of The Edwardsville Intelligencer. He can be reached at Jason.Koch@hearst.com. Rick Brewer/For The Intelligencer Just recently, I was privileged to attend the topping off ceremony for the new Glen-Ed Pantry. The event itself was simple. But we all understood the magnitude of why we were there to mark such a significant moment. This new pantry building will make it easier for those in our community to receive the assistance they need to survive.
Edwardsville crews pave North Main Street as construction nears completion
Crews worked Sept. 29 to pave North Main Street in downtown Edwardsville as the water main and streetscape improvement project nears completion. Crews were laying new asphalt on the street from Vandalia Street to near Hillsboro Avenue in one of the final phases of the project, which has been underway since January. Paving work was expected to be completed before the Edwardsville High School Homecoming Parade steps off at 6 p.m. Sept. 30.
Edwardsville District 7 prepares to seek architect for Hamel school project Original
Edwardsville District 7 school board members will consider taking the next steps on the Hamel Elementary School renovation project and approve the budget for the 2026-27 school year. Jason Koch/The Intelligencer The Edwardsville District 7 school board will take the next steps for improving Hamel Elementary School during its meeting at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 28. The board meets at Liberty Middle School, 1 District Drive.
Two killed, three injured in crash on Interstate 55 in Madison County Original
Two people were killed in a crash on southbound Interstate 55 in Madison County late Sept. 26. The Intelligencer Two people were killed in a crash on southbound Interstate 55 late Sept. 26. According to information from Illinois State Police, the crash occurred about 11:55 p.m. near mile marker 33 south of Livingston in Madison County. Article continues below this ad One adult was pronounced dead at the scene. A child was transported to an area hospital, where the child later died.
Two killed, three injured in crash on Interstate 55 in Madison County
Two people were killed in a crash on southbound Interstate 55 in Madison County late Sept. 26. The Intelligencer Two people were killed in a crash on southbound Interstate 55 late Sept. 26. According to information from Illinois State Police, the crash occurred about 11:55 p.m. near mile marker 33 south of Livingston in Madison County. Article continues below this ad One adult was pronounced dead at the scene. A child was transported to an area hospital, where the child later died.
Glen-Ed Food Pantry marks topping off of its new facility in Edwardsville
Glen-Ed Pantry celebrates topping off ceremony Jason Koch, The Intelligencer The Glen-Ed Food Pantry celebrated a topping off ceremony Sept. 23 as construction on its new facility continues. The ceremony brought together community members who played a role in building the new pantry. Article continues below this ad Attendees sign a magnet that will be placed at the highest point of the new Glen-Ed Pantry in Edwardsville during the Sept. 23 topping off ceremony.
Unity Fest returns to Leclaire Park in Edwardsville on Sept. 26
Unity Fest is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 26 in Leclaire Park. Unity Fest Unity Fest 2026 kicks off at 11 a.m. Sept. 26 at Leclaire Park in Edwardsville. The event features speakers, culturally diverse performers, and interfaith prayers shared from a variety of religious traditions. Article continues below this ad The festival also includes family-friendly activities, collaborative art projects and age-appropriate educational experiences focused on diversity and inclusion.
House explosion near Moro kills one person, one animal, sheriff's office says
A house explosion has been reported near Moro, according to the Madison County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's office said one person and one animal were killed in the Sept. 12 explosion. No additional information was immediately available. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
House explosion near Moro kills one person, one animal, sheriff's office says Original
Madison County Sheriff's office reports that one person and one animal are dead in a house explosion near Moro. The Intelligencer A house explosion has been reported near Moro, according to the Madison County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's office said one person and one animal were killed in the Sept. 12 explosion. Article continues below this ad No additional information was immediately available. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
House explosion near Moro kills one person, one animal, sheriff's office says
Madison County Sheriff's office reports that one person and one animal are dead in a house explosion near Moro. The Intelligencer A house explosion has been reported near Moro, according to the Madison County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's office said one person and one animal were killed in the Sept. 12 explosion at the home in the 100 block of Vine Street.
What we forgot when we said ‘never forget’ Original
Jason Koch is the editor of The Edwardsville Intelligencer. He can be reached at Jason.Koch@hearst.com. Rick Brewer/For The Intelligencer Twenty-five years. A quarter of a century. For those of us old enough to remember Sept. 11, 2001, it doesn’t feel like it was that long ago. Article continues below this ad The images remain too clear. Smoke pouring from the World Trade Center. The fireball after the second plane hit.
Edwardsville ceremony will mark 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks
American Legion Post 199 will mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with a ceremony beginning at 5 p.m. Sept. 11 at 58 Illinois 157 in Edwardsville. Courtesy American Legion Post 199 American Legion Post 199 will mark the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks with a ceremony beginning at 5 p.m. Sept. 11 at 58 Illinois 157 in Edwardsville.
No Edwardsville newspaper, e-edition published on Labor Day
The Intelligencer office is at 116 N. Main St. in Edwardsville. Jason Koch/The Intelligencer There will be no printed or electronic edition of The Intelligencer published Sept. 7 because of the Labor Day holiday. The Edwardsville Intelligencer does not print on federal holidays. Article continues below this ad The website, theintelligencer.com, will be updated that day. The Intelligencer office will also be closed Sept. 7. The Intelligencer will resume publishing the printed and e-editions on Sept. 8.
'Mother Road Memories' is the theme for 2026 Edwardsville Halloween Parade
"Mother Road Memories" is the theme for this year's Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce Halloween Parade. Parade participants are invited to create entries featuring classic Route 66 icons, including classic cars, giant statues, wacky landmarks, roadside diners, neon lights, souvenir stands, painted art installations and more. The Halloween Parade is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 31 in downtown Edwardsville.
‘Mother Road Memories’ is the theme for 2026 Edwardsville Halloween Parade
The 2026 Halloween Parade steps off at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 31. Courtesy Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce "Mother Road Memories" is the theme for this year's Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce Halloween Parade. Parade participants are invited to create entries featuring classic Route 66 icons, including classic cars, giant statues, wacky landmarks, roadside diners, neon lights, souvenir stands, painted art installations and more.
Edwardsville approves ninth short-term rental despite alderman's concerns
Edwardsville aldermen approved the city's ninth short-term rental property despite concerns raised during the Sept. 1 City Council meeting. The new rental property is at 229 Commercial St. near Columbus Elementary School. "That worries me," Alderman SJ Morrison said during the meeting.
Person charged after threats reported at Edwardsville transit station
Edwardsville police responded at about 6:25 p.m. Sept. 1, to the Madison County Transit station in downtown Edwardsville after a person who had exited a bus was reported to be yelling and threatening to kill someone. Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images Edwardsville police responded at about 6:25 p.m. Sept. 1, to the Madison County Transit station in downtown Edwardsville after a person who had exited a bus was reported to be yelling and threatening to kill someone.
Edwardsville deserves more than a quiet campaign stop from JB Pritzker
Jason Koch is the editor of The Edwardsville Intelligencer. He can be reached at Jason.Koch@hearst.com. Rick Brewer/For The Intelligencer That might be news to you. It was certainly news to us. The governor's campaign didn't appear to let many people know he was coming. Article continues below this ad The businesses he visited were given short notice that the governor was coming, with confirmation coming only the day before.
Three women charged in Glen Carbon animal-cruelty case
Three women have been arrested and charged in connection with the Glen Carbon animal-cruelty investigation that led authorities to rescue multiple dogs from a home last month. Hannah Perry, 25, Donna Perry, 77, and Melanie Norem, 31, each face eight counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and eight counts of cruelty to animals, according to a Sept. 1 news release from the Glen Carbon Police Department.
Three different events fill Edwardsville with music on Aug. 30
A young child meets Bluey during the Aug. 30 St. Jude fundraising event at Global Brew in Edwardsville. Jason Koch/The Intelligencer Musicians perform during the St. Jude fundraising event at Global Brew in Edwardsville. Jason Koch/The Intelligencer Singers perform Aug. 30 at Global Brew in Edwardsville. Jason Koch/The Intelligencer These guitars would be signed by every musician who performed during the Aug.
Extreme heat watch in effect through Sept. 4 for Madison County
An extreme heat watch is in effect for Madison County from the afternoon of Aug. 31 to the evening of Sept. 4. The watch affects Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Alton and other communities and counties in the St. Louis metro area. The National Weather Service says the region could see heat index values of up to 108 degrees and morning lows as high as 80 degrees this week. The weather service says the hottest mornings are expected Sept. 2-4. Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.
Extreme heat watch in effect through Sept. 4 for Madison County Original
An extreme heat watch is in effect for Madison County from the afternoon of Aug. 31 to the evening of Sept. 4. The watch affects Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Alton and other communities and counties in the St. Louis metro area. The National Weather Service says the region could see heat index values of up to 108 degrees and morning lows as high as 80 degrees this week. The weather service says the hottest mornings are expected Sept. 2-4.
Go outside and look up — the moon is covered in shadow
A partial lunar eclipse graced the skies over the Metro East the night of Aug. 27. At totality, more than 95% of the Moon moved passed through the Earth's Umbra, creating a dark shadow on part of the lunar surface. Stargazers who missed the event won't see another partial eclipse in Illinois until January 12, 2028, and the next total lunar eclipse visible from the state won't occur until June 26, 2029.
U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski talks costs, Iran war, Congress and reform Original
U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski says lowering costs and ending the war in Iran are two big issues she'll focus on ahead of the 2026 election. Courtesy Nikki Budzinski's office Nikki Budzinski Courtesy Nikki Budzinski's office Glen-Ed Pantry Executive Director Jane Ahasay gives U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski a tour of the pantry in 2025.
One of 19 dogs rescued from Glen Carbon home dies after a massive seizure
One of the 19 dogs rescued from a Glen Carbon home on Aug. 21 died overnight, according to Found A Hound Rescue. Apollo, a dog owned by the unlicensed Trendy Tails and Training business in the 200 block of Glen Carbon Road, suffered a massive seizure overnight. He was rushed to Hawthorne Animal Hospital but did not recover. "We stayed with him, comforting and loving him until the very end," according to a post on the Found A Hound Rescue Facebook page.
One of 19 dogs rescued from Glen Carbon home dies after a massive seizure
On Aug. 21, 2026, at approximately 9 a.m., the Glen Carbon Police Department served a search warrant in the 200 block of Glen Carbon Road following a report of animal cruelty and an investigation. Riley Hansen/The Intelligencer One of the 19 dogs rescued from a Glen Carbon home on Aug. 21 died overnight, according to Found A Hound Rescue. Apollo, a dog owned by the unlicensed Trendy Tails and Training business in the 200 block of Glen Carbon Road, suffered a massive seizure overnight.
Glen Carbon police remove 19 living dogs from home, find three dead dogs
Glen Carbon police removed 19 living dogs from a home in the 200 block of Glen Carbon Road the morning of Aug. 21. Police also found three dead dogs in the home, according to Coleen Greenlee, director of administration and technology for the Glen Carbon Police Department. The home was the location of Trendy Tails and Training , which Greenlee said was operating without a business license. The home has been boarded up and condemned, she said.
Glen Carbon police remove 19 living dogs from home, find three dead dogs
Glen Carbon police removed 19 living dogs from a home in the 200 block of Glen Carbon Road the morning of Aug. 21. Police also found three dead dogs in the home, according to Coleen Greenlee, director of administration and technology for the Glen Carbon Police Department. The home was the location of Trendy Tails and Training, which Greenlee said was operating without a business license. The home has been boarded up and condemned, she said.
Chris Slusser's disregard for his constituents shows he is unfit to represent Madison County Original
Jason Koch is the editor of The Edwardsville Intelligencer. He can be reached at Jason.Koch@hearst.com. Rick Brewer/For The Intelligencer Apparently I was wrong. I thought Madison County Board Chairman Chris Slusser couldn't ignore his constituents, but he proved otherwise during the Aug. 19 meeting.
The public has a voice. Tonight, Chris Slusser should hear it. Original
Jason Koch is the editor of The Edwardsville Intelligencer. He can be reached at Jason.Koch@hearst.com. Rick Brewer/For The Intelligencer The Madison County Board meets at 5 p.m. tonight, Aug. 19. It's the first regular meeting of the board since Chairman Chris Slusser said that Dr. Anthony Fauci should receive "a public hanging" — a comment that drew widespread criticism.
Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Madison County
A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Madison County and much of the St. Louis metro area. The warning is in place until 10 p.m. Aug. 16. According to the National Weather Service, a severe thunderstorm was over Olivette and moving east at 30 mph. The storm has wind gusts of up to 60 mph and small hail and could damage roofs, siding and trees.
EXPIRED: Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Madison County
10:01 p.m. update: The warning has expired. A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Madison County and much of the St. Louis metro area. The warning is in place until 10 p.m. Aug. 16. According to the National Weather Service, a severe thunderstorm was over Olivette and moving east at 30 mph. The storm has wind gusts of up to 60 mph and small hail and could damage roofs, siding and trees. Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.
Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Madison County Original
The warning is in place until 10 p.m. Aug. 16. According to the National Weather Service, a severe thunderstorm was over Olivette and moving east at 30 mph. The storm has wind gusts of up to 60 mph and small hail and could damage roofs, siding and trees.
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