Madison, Illinois

Historically, the Granite City courtroom had also heard cases from nearby communities like Madison, Pontoon Beach and Venice.

Proponents said consolidating the two small districts would reduce overhead costs, increase financial stability and improve the schools’ academic and athletic opportunities for students.

A former school administrator and a regional superintendent pitched the benefits of a merger to members of both boards this week.

Venice, Madison and Granite City have ties to World War II-era production of radioactive materials used by the U.S. Atomic Weapons Commission — just like St. Louis and St. Charles counties in Missouri.

The goal is to bring much-needed services to the historically Black community.

The Illinois Department of Transportation has been talking about constructing a connector between Illinois 3 in Fairmont City and Illinois 203 and Madison, Illinois, for the last 20 years. Recently, the state agency unveiled its preferred route.

If not repaired, the aging bridge, the only connection to Choteau Island for vehicles, could be further shuttered to the dismay of farmers, utility providers and government agencies.

Last year’s event drew around 102,000 people to the venue over the course of the weekend, and nearly 60,000 for Sunday's main event. That’s comparable to a major playoff game in any other major sport.

The first NASCAR Cup Series race in the St. Louis area packed hotels and restaurants. A study from Maryville University estimated that the regional economic impact of the three-day event could be as much as $60 million.

“This one race, if done well, can lead to many more years of economic change for the Metro East,” said the owner of World Wide Technology Raceway.