Free lance writer & photographer with years of experience under my belt, which allows me to be professional, ambitious and ethical in my approach.
Articles by Robyn Kirsch
From Tim Hortons to hot chicken: A roundup of opening plans in the Triangle
The Triangle is gaining new dining and shopping options, from a spicy chicken chain expanding its local footprint to a beloved coffee shop considering its first North Carolina store. We’ve created a roundup of restaurant and business openings we reported this week. • Dave’s Hot Chicken will open two more Wake County locations this year. The new Garner restaurant on Cabela Drive will join a shopping center with Bass Pro Shops and Starbucks.
Popular soft-serve chain closed Triangle shop. Now Tim Hortons wants to move in
A beloved Canadian restaurant chain wants to make its North Carolina debut. Tim Hortons, a beloved Canadian chain that sells coffee and food, filed a permit to remodel a building in the Triangle. The renovation project would be at the site of a former Dairy Queen in Morrisville, according to Wake County records. Here’s what we know about the potential arrival of Tim Hortons and the popular treat shop it could replace.
Titans Advance To Second Round With Sweep Of Panthers
OSHKOSH, Wis.- The UW-Oshkosh women's volleyball team swept Greenville University (Ill.) at the Kolf Sports Center in the opening round of the NCAA Division III Women's Volleyball Tournament on Thursday (Nov. 16). The Titans (35-1) defeated the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular season and tournament champion Panthers (23-11) in set scores of 25-10, 25-17, 25-21.
Volleyball Wins Eighth Straight Meeting With Pioneers
PLATTEVILLE, Wis.–Carissa Sundholm had a team-leading 12 kills and two service aces as the UW-Oshkosh women's volleyball team defeated UW-Platteville, 3-1, during a Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference matchup Wednesday (Sept. 21) In Williams Fieldhouse. UW-Oshkosh (12-4, 1-1 WIAC) downed UW-Platteville (10-4, 0-2) in set scores of 25-18, 25-14, 22-25, 25-22 en route to picking up its eighth consecutive win in the series. The Titans, who have not lost to the Pioneers since Oct.
Shiloh apartments complete village-mandated repairs after months of complaints
After months of complaints from residents, Shiloh officials promised to “keep a close eye” on an apartment building after a property management group addressed code violations. Since May, residents of the apartment complex at 2 Yorkshire Lane, across the street from Yorktown Golf Course, have compiled a long list of grievances, including overflowing trash, sewage backups, mold, structural disrepair and over head light fixtures not working.
O’Fallon 70-year-old grandma earns black belt
“Hi-yah!” screamed Yvonne Bailey before sending her right hand slicing through one board, then another. “Yah!” she screeched again, dropping her elbow to splinter a couple more boards. A quick breath, then another powerful shriek, and her foot was exploding more pieces of lumber. Bailey had been practicing for this day for a long time.
O’Fallon IL historical home discovered and razed
A historic log home that had stood in O’Fallon since perhaps the mid-1800s is being razed, but some of the material could find new life somewhere else. When exactly the home at 412 S. Oak St. was built, or even if that was its original location, is unclear. The house could be as old as O’Fallon itself. “The log cabin was put on a brick foundation later in its life, which dates back to about mid-1850s,” said Paul McCleery, the current owner of the property.
Vice President Pence to attend fundraiser for Bost in O’Fallon
Vice President Mike Pence was expected to attend a Thursday afternoon fundraiser event at the Regency Conference Center to help raise money for a Republican candidate in a tight congressional race. The fundraiser for U.S. Rep. Mike Bost, a Republican from Murphysboro, is scheduled for 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. The event is closed to the public.
Central Elementary will have a new principal this fall
O’Fallon Central Elementary has a a new principal. Jayson Baker of Mascoutah was hired by the Central 104 School District Board of Education in May, and officially started his post beginning of July. “I couldn’t be more thrilled,” Baker said of his new job. Baker has had a presence at the school since before classes ended in May in order “to get to know the students and staff better before the new school year,” he said. “I’m just really excited to be apart of this,” Baker said.
Deep dig into history of local coal mines earns O’Fallon Eagle Scout high honors
When Tommy Fulford set out last year to unearth the history of coal mining in O’Fallon for his Eagle Scout project, the last thing he was expecting was awards. But regional Boy Scout leaders really dug his work. “My aim wasn’t to win an award, especially not multiple ones,” Tommy said. “I did it to help the community, and this whole experience from beginning to end has been a humbling one.” Tommy received his Eagle Scout Badge during a Court of Honor ceremony on Jan.
Here's five things you need to know about the new VA Clinic in Shiloh
It's been over a year in the making, but the new St. Clair County Veterans Affairs Clinic opens Monday to serve metro-east and Southern Illinois veterans. Here's five things you need to know: It replaces the one in Belleville The new Shiloh facility, located at 1190 Fortune Blvd., is replacing the west Belleville VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic, which is no longer serving veteran patients.
'High end' apartments in Shiloh should be ready to rent by fall
A little more than six months after the completion of a controversial approval process, construction is underway on a new multi-family housing project in Shiloh, with plans to have the first of nine apartment buildings ready for lease by November. The $26 million development dubbed “Thirteen01 at Hartman Lakes” was approved in December, despite the objections of neighbors.
Public outcry continues as new 'deplorable' emails surface from O'Fallon school board member
For the third time in five weeks, a large crowd attended the O'Fallon District 90 school board meeting with several people going to the microphone to voice concerns over emails sent by school board member Steve Springer.
O'Fallon cadets headed to JROTC Academic Bowl National Championships in D.C.
Over 800 teams started in the nationwide tournament, but only 16 teams qualified to compete in the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Academic Bowl National Championships in Washington, D.C. this month. The O’Fallon Township High School's team will be one of them. "This is just a really big opportunity for us to represent the corps, and represent our community and the school," Cadet Staff Sgt.
O'Fallon IL students is Althoff High School valedictorian
When she was 14, O'Fallon's Natalyn Gorazd set a goal to be the best and brightest of her class. After four years at Althoff Catholic High School, she's achieved that goal as one of five female valedictorians. "It's all very exciting, and I'm so honored to be representing my class. It's really cool getting that validation, because I've definitely worked so hard over the past four years," Natalyn said. Natalyn is the daughter of Rich and Mary Beth Gorazd, owners of State Construction in O'Fallon.
Lawsuit filed against Shiloh IL village has been dismissed
Though the voting process was at times confusing, the Shiloh Village Board of Trustees followed proper order when conducting a series of back-and-forth votes that first denied, then ultimately approved, a new luxury housing development, a judge has ruled. "The judge ruled in the village’s favor and sided with the village’s stance that we were within our rights and followed Robert’s Rules of Order and there was not a problem," said Shiloh Mayor Jim Vernier.
OFallon, IL Schnucks hosts fundraiser for military charity
O'Fallon Schnucks is hosting a fundraiser for a military charity from 3 to 7 p.m. on Friday. "We're helping to raise money for 'Folds of Honor,'" Schnucks store manager Bob Meehan said. "It's really a neat charity that provides college scholarships for (spouses and) family members of fallen or disabled soldiers." Friday's public event is chock-full of activities including a live ESPN radio show broadcast.
Shiloh IL village officials to demolish Red Barn building
The fate of Shiloh's village-owned Red Barn has been decided. It will be the wrecking ball. The Village Board recently rejected two bids for private purchase or development of the property, leaving razing the barn as the only choice. Bids for demolition work are due by the end of the month."It is what it is," said Shiloh Mayor Jim Vernier.
O'Fallon students who marched for school safety are now helping to pay for it
O'Fallon Township High School has more money in its coffers for safety efforts after student leaders from the local March For Our Lives chapter donated leftover funds following their march earlier this spring. O'Fallon's was one of 500 chapters from across the country to be awarded a $5,000 grant from Everytown For Gun Safety, an organization that dispersed $2.5 million total nationwide to promote the march.
‘No way in hell,’ says O’Fallon school board member facing calls to resign over comments
Two dozen people went to the podium June 4 at the O'Fallon District 90 School Board meeting to speak during a 90-minute public comment period, though many did not need the microphone to be heard.
'Memorial Corner' has honored O'Fallon's fallen heroes for a half-century
In the summer of 1968, more than a half-million U.S. service members were deployed in Vietnam. On May 30 of that year, 45 of them were killed in action, including four from Illinois. That same day — nearly 9,000 miles away — then O’Fallon Woman’s Club president Betty Osborne gathered a group of her fellow club members in downtown O’Fallon to honor such heroes from their own community.
As new developments pad Shiloh's budget, village hires real estate marketing firm lure even more builders
The village of Shiloh has passed a budget of $7.6 million for this fiscal year. Shiloh Mayor Jim Vernier said "there hasn't been much change" from last year's budget. The new budget took into effect the first week of May, and will run through April 30, 2019. "The village is in great financial shape, and we are fiscally very responsible about how we allocate the taxpayers money," Vernier said.
Saturday marks 50th anniversary of 'Memorial Corner' ceremony that honors fallen veterans of O'Fallon
In the summer of 1968, more than a half-million U.S. service members were deployed in Vietnam. On May 30 of that year, 45 of them were killed in action, including four from Illinois. That same day — nearly 9,000 miles away — then O’Fallon Woman’s Club president Betty Osborne gathered a group of her fellow club members in downtown O’Fallon to honor such heroes from their own community. The club has continued the tradition every month since.
Shiloh, IL deputy police chief retires after 30 years
Thirty years after being sworn in, Shiloh Police Deputy Chief Gary McGill is hanging up his hat at the Shiloh Police Department for retirement. "I know he is excited about what lies ahead. He is taking with him a knowledge and understanding of the police department and the village that only comes through experience. He has been a trusted confidant and will be missed by myself and the other members of the Shiloh Police Department," said Shiloh Police Chief Richard Wittenauer.
Mayor who never lost an election lost a bet with a kid — and he couldn't be happier
Andy Ord was only “Mayor for a Day” in O’Fallon. But what happened during his short tenure in office was life-altering. Andy, now a 14-year-old eighth-grader at Fulton Junior High in O’Fallon, got to serve as city’s chief executive on April 17, 2017, shadowing former Mayor Gary Graham. During their time together, Graham asked Andy if he'd like a doughnut as a snack. "Yes, I would love a doughnut,” Andy replied, “even though I'm trying to lose weight." That moment sparked a conversation.
O'Fallon school board says it doesn't support comments from member called on to resign
O'Fallon District 90 school board members voiced their disagreement Thursday with Steve Springer's remarks about a transgender student in emails about accommodating the student that were released Tuesday.
O'Fallon scholar athletes earn April student of the month recognition
O'Fallon senior scholar athletes Cassidy Lurk and Joel Lindsey have earned the O'Fallon Township High School April student of the month honor for going above and beyond across the board with academic, sports and community endeavors. "It was such an honor to be chosen as student of the month. I've just worked so hard through high school and it's starting to finally pay off — it's just super exciting," Cassidy said.
Emails fuel call for resignation of O'Fallon school board member 'branded as a racist'
Community members attending an O'Fallon School District 90 board meeting Tuesday night demanded that a board member resign for being a "racist and bigot," with one parent reading controversial emails sent by the board member to the district superintendent. But, the board member under fire, Steve Springer, told all who attended that he "will not resign." He said he is being falsely accused of being racist.
Shiloh donates police car to St. E’s for E.R. physician response program
The next time you see a police car pulling up to the scene of an accident with lights flashing and sirens blaring, it might be a doctor who climbs out of the driver's seat. "It's a completely free service to the community. There is no charge if and when I am there to assist," Dr. Jeff Shafer, St. E's Emergency Medical Services director, said.
O'Fallon, IL school district plans to increase security
A multiphase plan to improve security at all seven buildings in O'Fallon School District 90 will begin this summer. “As we learn more about any areas of vulnerability, we study issues that have happened, we have to then step back and say, 'What can we do to put more layers of protections and security for our students and staff?'" said District 90 Superintendent Carrie Hruby. Following his retirement from the force after 28 years, former O’Fallon Police Capt.
St. Elizabeth's Hospital in O'Fallon IL names new CEO
After a months-long national search, HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital in O'Fallon has found its new leader. As it turns out, she was already there. Patti Fischer, who had been serving as the interim CEO and president, was announced Wednesday as the new president and CEO of the 144-bed facility that moved from Belleville to O'Fallon last fall. "I'm very excited," Fischer said.
Over 600 O'Fallon, Shiloh eighth-graders explore career paths
More than 600 O'Fallon and Shiloh eighth-graders were let loose to explore over 70 career options during this year's eighth annual Career Exploration Fair at the Regency Conference Center last week. "Every year, I look forward to this day and am excited to see all of the role models who come. We have a huge number of different careers represented for students to explore," said Carrie Hruby, O'Fallon School District 90 superintendent.
O'Fallon school board rejects resolution on allowing teachers to carry guns
O'Fallon District 90 School Board member Steve Springer is aiming to have state law changed when it comes to teachers being able to carry firearms in school. "We are charged with protecting our children from vicious attack. I would like ability to do just that, without interference or mandates from the government of the state of Illinois," Springer said. But his shot at enlisting others board members missed recently.
O'Fallon students of the month are rising stars in music, aerospace
Two National Honors Society standouts, Caleb Shelton and Claire Wilcox, continue to lead their fellow seniors inside and outside the classrooms. The pair of seniors were named the O'Fallon Township High School students of the month for March. "Being student of the month is really great. It's a huge honor, and I feel like as student of the month you are representative of the school through all your actions, as well as, the way you portray yourself as a student," Claire said.
Gander Outdoors planning return to O'Fallon, but in a new location
The CEO of Gander Outdoors' parent company said he wants to have a store on Central Park Drive in O'Fallon, but it will not be in the building that formerly housed Gander Mountain. Camping World Holdings Inc.
Nine years ago, Shiloh bought the Red Barn. Now they're hoping someone else wants it.
The fate of Shiloh's village-owned Red Barn is still up in the air, and the clock is ticking. Developers have two weeks to come up with ideas on how to develop the eight-acre business lot at the end of Country Lane in Shiloh. Proposals are due to the village of Shiloh by 3 p.m. May 4. It's been more than a year since the Shiloh Board of Trustees was divided on what to do with the dilapidated former restaurant that abuts Sierra Park, but now they want to sell it.
Police presence at O'Fallon school Friday following threat
A school threat against Carriel Junior High School is "not credible," according to police, but O'Fallon Police have increased their presence at the school as a precaution. "The O'Fallon Police has deemed the threat is not credible," O'Fallon Police Lt. David Matevey said.
Chamber of Commerce honors businesses at event in O'Fallon IL | Belleville News-Democrat
O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce, along with the Belleville News-Democrat and O'Fallon Progress, co-hosted the 42nd annual Salute to Business Awards on April 11, honoring businesses that have made a particularly positive impact in the community.
Varsity scholar runners earn O'Fallon High School February student of the month honor
Two O’Fallon Township High School seniors, Kaileigh Perrier and Hayden Ybarra, both varsity scholar athletes, were named the OTHS Students of the Month for February. The cross country and track stars are student leaders on as captains, as well as off it it, where they are both Athletic Leadership Council and National Honors Society members.
As Shiloh's new VA clinic prepares to open its doors, Belleville's will close theirs
Soon metro-east veterans will have a new, larger outpatient medical clinic to meet their needs close to I-64 in Shiloh. Shiloh Mayor Jim Vernier said the new facility is "a great thing for the region as a whole." The new St. Clair County VA Clinic will be at 1190 Fortune Blvd., which is east of the Green Mount Crossing Shopping Center. It's in the Parkway 64 Corporate Center, across the street from Heartland Women’s Healthcare.
Roy-el Catering earns spirit award for helping communities
In 1985, a close friend told Quentin and Sherry Nungesser about a large stainless steel grill that produced the most wonderful meat. That friend, Roy Ellis, convinced Quentin to go see it. The stainless steel rotisserie grills could do very large quantities of meat that was delicious. Quentin was sold, and Roy-el BBQ was born. Roy-el began by grilling for different groups for fundraisers on weekends. What they soon found was that most groups preferred to do their own grilling.
Chamber award highlights new chapter of healthcare in O'Fallon with St. E's
The O'Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce Overall Business Award is another feather in the cap of HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital, which after 142 years at its Belleville campus, underwent a major transition opening a new $300 million campus in O'Fallon last year. "We are very proud to have received the award from the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce.
Shiloh golf course to install fence to keep out thieves, mischief-makers
In the name of safety and crime prevention, Shiloh trustees on Monday approved adding more fencing at Yorktown Golf Course. "One of the senior leagues out there has experienced individuals coming from the south, from the Belleville area, getting onto the course, rolling skating and skateboarding and chanting and hollering and folks were feeling unsafe," John Marquart, village administrator, said during a March 26 committee meeting.
Central 104's financial rating falls slightly as district remains on 'early warning' list
The financial status of all the school districts in Shiloh and O'Fallon remained unchanged from last year, according to the Illinois State Board of Education. ISBE recently approved the 2018 School District Financial Profiles, which are based on fiscal year 2017 financial data. The annual profiles provide an informational snapshot of school districts’ financial health and promote sound financial management.
Strano & Associates 'family-oriented, charity-driven' mantra earns award from chamber
Every month in all six of its offices, associates with Strano & Associates Real Estate listen to the current needs of the community and try to make any contribution they can to help those around them. And the contributions have been many. Strano staff is invited to wear jeans in the office for a donation of $5 per Friday on a monthly basis.
Chamber honors McKendree MetroRecPlex for 'positive impact to local economy'
The McKendree MetroRecPlex is a new, full-service, state-of-the-art sports complex that offers two NHL-sized ice rinks, an aquatic center fit with a 10-lane championship swimming pool, a contemporary fitness area and many other amenities. The O'Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce selected the MetroRecPlex for it's 42nd Annual Salute to Business Awards recipients, specifically the Economic Impact Award.
Chamber honors St. Clare Church for fostering 150 years of faith in O'Fallon
For 150 years, the parishioners of St. Clare of Assisi Roman Catholic Church in O'Fallon have strived to serve God, in part, by serving the community. The church's roots run deep in the O'Fallon and Shiloh community contributing to it's selection as one of the O'Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce 42nd Annual Salute to Business Awards recipients, specifically the Heritage Award. "For me, the words 'heritage' and 'legacy' go together.
Judge mulling over arguments in lawsuit over luxury apartment complex in Shiloh
Arguments over a controversial luxury apartment development in Shiloh made it to court last Thursday. Lawyers for village, as well as plaintiff Charlotte Cox, presented their case to St. Clair County Judge Julia Gomric, who postponed making a decision until further reviewing the case. "I haven't listened to the audio recordings yet from the (Sept. 5, 2017) meeting,” Gomric said.
Hundreds turn out for anti-gun 'March For Our Lives' in O'Fallon
Hundreds descended upon the streets of O'Fallon on Saturday morning to take part in an event for the "March For Our Lives" movement, which seeks stricter gun laws in response to school shootings. "As I look to the grey sky this morning, I couldn't help but think of the 17 students and teachers whose lives were stolen by gun violence at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida," said Claire Wilcox, O'Fallon Township High School senior and march organizer.
Carriel, Fulton writing clubs publish anthology of short stories, illustrations
More O'Fallon School District 90 students from the Carriel and Fulton junior high schools' writing clubs can call themselves published authors. Both clubs recently published an anthology of short stories. "It feels really amazing to be a published author, 'cause it's been a dream of mine for a long time," said Carriel eighth-grader Rachael Dziaba, 13. The club's have done it once before, but this time their work also has illustrations.
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