Anna Jones, Entrepreneur Near the corner of Market and Main street in Troy, Illinois, Anna Jones has reimagined what it means to be a local entrepreneur. With her two thriving businesses, Salt Wellness Spa and BeLong Luxury Salon and Extension Co, Anna has brought innovation and opportunity to Main Street. Her vision goes beyond wellness and beauty; it’s about building a community that inspires growth, confidence, and connection. “I saw Main Street and thought, there needs to be more here,” Anna recalls. And with that thought, she has transformed the area into a hub of health, beauty, and empowerment. Salt Wellness Spa: A Sanctuary for Healing Located at 105 E Market Street, Salt Wellness Spa is a tranquil retreat designed to help clients r…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. Craft Night + Supply Swap at Lou Belle and Bing When: Friday, January 31 starting at 6-8:30pm Where: Lou Belle and Bing,   317 W. Main st, Collinsville Creating with others just for fun is just what the doctor ordered. I’m not a therapist but feel free to call it Art Therapy! While you’re at it, bring your unwanted craft supplies, declutter a little and experiment with new mediums! More Info: Facebook Page Galentine's Day When: Saturday, February 1, 6-9pm Where: Quintions Crafthouse  126 W. Main St  Collinsville Grab…

When Kathryn (Katie) Schiber and Lisa Fox decided to open Blue Chair Counseling in Maryville, Illinois, they weren’t just creating a space for mental health services—they were building a dream rooted in friendship, compassion, and their shared vision for making a difference in the community. Their official journey began on January 2, 2024, when they opened the doors of their welcoming practice to clients in need in Maryville. From Thrift Shops to Therapeutic Spaces The story behind the name "Blue Chair" is as unique as their journey. Both Katie and Lisa have a love for thrift shopping, often scouring local stores for hidden gems. One day, they stumbled upon a pair of blue chairs at a local Habitat for Humanity Restore. “We both fell in love…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. Gateway Wedding Show When: Thursday, January 23, 5pm Where: Gateway Convention Center,  1 Gateway Dr. Collinsville The Gateway Wedding Show features many different vendors that can help brides, grooms, & event planners personalize their upcoming special event! More Info: Facebook Page Agavero Dine to Donate When: Thursday, January 23 starting at 11am Where: Agavero Grill and Cantina,   604 N Bluff Rd, Collinsville Lunch, dinner, carry out, dine in... 15% of your total (excluding alcohol) will be donated to the CHS Marc…

When life presented challenges, Nikki Allen turned to creativity, founding The Happy Elephant, a unique candle-making business in Troy, IL. Finding Inspiration During Uncertainty In 2020, Nikki’s career in hospitality came to an abrupt halt due to the pandemic. During this downtime, she stumbled upon information about the harmful chemicals in big-brand candles and decided to explore making her own. With a starter kit from Amazon, she began experimenting in her kitchen, creating candles for friends and family. To her surprise, people loved them and even wanted to buy them! By October 2020, Nikki sold her first candles to strangers at a pumpkin patch event. “It was a lightbulb moment,” Nikki recalls. “Strangers exchanging money for my candles…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Winterfest Banquet When: Friday, January 17, 5pm Where: Gateway Convention Center,  1 Gateway Dr. Collinsville Social hour at 5 pm and dinner at 6 pm. Followed by speakers Craig Thompons, KC9T, and Carl Luetzelschwab. K9LA. More Info: Facebook Page Winterfest Hamfest When: Saturday, January 18, 8am Where: Gateway Convention Center,  1 Gateway Dr. Collinsville INDOOR FLEA MARKET - HAM FEST -  Scanners, Ham Radios, car and home ANTENNAS, coax cable, connectors, new and used, PCs, miscellaneous electronics More Info: Facebook Page Hope Animal Rescues  p…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. Family Paint and Pizza Night When: Friday, January 10, 6-8pm Where:Quintons Crafthouse,  126 W. Main St, Collinsville Let's have some fun with the family where we paint and eat pizza! No experience needed as the 8x10 canvas will have the design outline drawn on it More Info: Facebook Page  Craft it off! When: Saturday, January 11, 10-12pm Where:Quintons Crafthouse,  126 W. Main St, Collinsville Hey Swifties - it’s our crafty era! Craft your very own 4 oz Lavender Haze soy blend candle, adorned with special treasures!…

Stacy Jones, Director of Services at the Collinsville Food Pantry, highlights the organization’s mission with a simple yet powerful message: “Food insecurity doesn’t stop after the holidays. People are hungry every day. If you need us, we’re here. If you can give, don’t forget us." The Collinsville Food Pantry is more than a food distribution center—it’s a lifeline for individuals and families in need. Through a range of vital programs, the pantry provides food, support, and hope to the Collinsville community. Essential Programs at the Collinsville Food Pantry 1. Tote Me Home Program The Tote Me Home Program ensures that children in the Collinsville Unit 10 School District don’t go hungry over the weekend. For many students, school meals ar…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. Winter Market 2024 When: Friday, December 20, - Saturday December 21,  2pm-8pm Where: Gateway Convention Center,  1 Gateway Dr Collinsville Find the perfect last-minute gift for that special someone. Shop & Stroll 30,000 square feet of one-of-a-kind gifts from over 100+ vendors, handmade crafts, boutique items, BOOZY hot chocolate, Holiday inspired mimosas, photo booth, visit with SANTA ,more family fun for everyone! More Info: Facebook Page  Breakfast with Santa When: Saturday December 21,  8am-10am Where: G…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. DIY Doormat Party  When: Friday, December 13, 6pm-8pm Where:Quintons Crafthouse,  126 W. Main St, Collinsville Make your own hand painted doormat to add a little fun to your front porch! Bring your own drinks (alcoholic and non) More Info: Facebook Page  Toy Drive for Fire Truck O’Toys When: Collecting toys until Friday 13th Where: Rebecca Korando Allstate Insurance, 6201 W. Main St, Suite 100, Maryville,  For the kids spending their holidays in our 6 local pediatric hospitals, Fire Truck O'Toys makes sure Santa…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. Family Paint Night: Gingerbread When: Friday, December 6, 6pm Where:Quintons Crafthouse,  126 W. Main St, Collinsville Let's have some fun with the family where we paint and eat pizza! An instructor from Quintons Crafthouse will lead the class as we all enjoy a night full of fun and creativity. More Info: Facebook Page  Festival of Trees When: Friday, December 6, 3pm Where: 207 E Center St, Troy, IL,  2024 Festival of Trees is coming to Friedens UCC on December 6th - 8th ! Join us for your chance to take home your own…

Dr. Richard Boatman of Troy Family Dental is the perfect example of how life can take unexpected—and wonderful—turns. Dentistry wasn’t even on his radar growing up, but thanks to a serendipitous decision to take the Dental Admissions Test alongside a college friend, a lifelong passion for caring for people was born. Today, Dr. Boatman and his team at Troy Family Dental are known for their compassionate, high-quality care and a welcoming environment that makes every patient feel like family. Raised by a single mom who worked tirelessly to provide for her kids, Dr. Boatman initially dreamed of becoming a pediatrician. His journey into dentistry began as a last-minute decision. Though initially hesitant, Dr. Boatman found his calling during hi…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. Lou Belle and Bing Porch Sale When: Saturday, November 23 at 7:30am Where: Lou Belle Bing 317 W. Main St, Collinsville  Shop our Porch Sale on Saturday, November 23rd! It’s Deer Widows Weekend in Uptown, so while you’re out, shop discounts of up to 50% from many of our vendors. More Info: Facebook Page Frame Twister Swap Meet When: Sunday, November 24 11am Where: Tri Township Park, 408 Wickliffe St, Troy Last swap meet of the year 11-24-24.11am To 3pm is the official swap meet time. Location in the parking lot and Pavilion 7 ne…

Village of Maryville 18th Annual Turkey Trot 5k and 1 Mile When: Saturday, November 16, 7:30am Where: Drost Park  E Division St, Maryville, IL Join us for Maryville's 18th Annual Turkey Trot, hosted by the Maryville Parks & Recreation Committee! Lace up for the 5K Run or test your precision in the 1-Mile Accuracy Walk/Run on Saturday, November 16th. More Info: Facebook Page Yoga for Grief When: Sunday, November 17, 6-8pm Where: WholeBody Physical Therapy, Running and Yoga, 406 West US Highway 40, Troy, IL Join us for a gentle, healing yoga practice designed to provide comfort and support as you navigate the journey of grief. This 60-minute class will guide you through mindful movement, breathwork, and relaxation techniques to help…

The holiday season is here, and if you’re dreaming of a beautifully lit home without the hassle, you’re in luck! We caught up with Olamide "Olly" Animashaun, the owner of Elite Shine Window Cleaning and Elite Lights, to learn about his seasonal, temporary holiday lighting service that’s perfect for anyone in Troy, Edwardsville, Collinsville, Maryville, and the Metro East Illinois area who wants their home to sparkle 618-350-4399 Temporary Christmas Lights Professionally Installed & Uninstalled WhirLocal: Olly, holiday lights bring so much joy, but they can also be a lot of work. Can you tell us how Elite Lights makes it easier? Olly: Absolutely! We handle everything for our customers. With our temporary lighting service, you get all the…

Thanksgiving Cookies Mother's Day Cookies In a storefront at 533 Troy Plaza, in Troy. Nicole Tedder has continued her late mother’s Kathy Hansel dream, transforming a beloved at-home bakery into a thriving family business rooted in tradition, artistry, and a passion for custom treats. This bakery doesn’t just bake; it celebrates the legacy of a family of bakers, crafting delightful cookies, cakes, and pastries from recipes passed down through generations. Here, each treat carries the warmth of home and the joy of celebrating life’s sweetest moments. A Family Affair, Built on Generations of Baking Nicole’s journey into baking started as a family ritual. “The bakery was actually my mom's,” she shares, remembering her mother’s early days of ba…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville - Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. St. Louis Metro Princess Day When: Saturday, November 2 at 10am Where: Gateway Convention Center  1 Gateway Drive Collinsville Experience the joy, laughter, and happily ever after with your favorite fairytale friends! Our event features 10 performances & activities to delight you and your little ones! More Info: Facebook Page Paint your Partner/ BFF When: Friday, November 1 from 6-8pm Where: Quintons Crafthouse, 126 W. Main, Collinsville Bring your partner or best friend along to this entertaining class, where the less skil…

“Collinsville has been awesome to us. We have been welcomed into the community with open arms” Sarah shared. Mike and Sarah’s Produce located 116 N Bluff Rd in Collinsville, IL, is more than just a business—it’s the continuation of a rich family legacy and a deep commitment to community. Mike’s family has been in the produce business for generations, starting with his great-grandfather, who sold produce door-to-door in St. Louis. Over time, the family business grew, with Mike’s parents opening in Arnold, Missouri, in 2007, where Mike worked throughout his youth. Meet Mike Freukes and Sarah Sadtler - owners, Mike and Sarah's Produce in Collinsville IL Local Produce Stand in Collinsville After meeting Sarah, a student at Truman State Universi…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville- Triad? Email [email protected]. Here are the happenings this weekend. Fall Spectacular When: Friday October 18, 6pm- 8pm Where: The Crossings Church Collinsville, 2002 Mall St, Collinsville Come enjoy Bounce houses, Halloween candy, Costumed characters, Indoor Nerf Gun War, Pumpkin Bowling and Themed sets. More Info: Facebook Page Haunted Hayride When: Friday October 18, 7-10pm Where: 427 South Mulberry This is a cash only event.  No advance or online ticket sales. Ticket Pricing: Age 16+ $15 Age 6-15 $10 Age 5 & under FREE Large groups are no problem, we just ask that you all get in line tog…

As a local business owner and entrepreneur, I pay a little more attention to signage than the average person, and I have to tell you I'm blown away by the work of one local business. Sign Maker & Stone Engraver in Highland IL When it comes to creating custom rock signs that are not just eye-catching but also durable and truly one-of-a-kind, Boulders by Clarity does it masterfully! This wonderful local business has earned a glowing reputation for its top-notch customer service and a smooth, enjoyable process that ensures every client leaves with a smile. Starting with a Spark: Your Vision Takes Shape The adventure with Boulders by Clarity begins with a friendly chat. You'll typically start with Krissy Shirley, who is as enthusiastic abou…

Know of upcoming events in the Collinsville, Maryville, Troy, Marine and St. Jacob area that should be included in Whirlocal Collinsville- Triad? Email [email protected] Here are the happenings this weekend. Hot Air Balloon over Marine When: Friday September 27- Saturday September 28 from 1pm-11pm  Where: 301 N Duncan St, Marine  Come get linked by Golden Knot Co and visit all the other amazing vendors, and look at the beautiful Hot Air Balloons! More Info: Facebook Page Macrame Brunch When: Saturday September 28  from 9:30-12pm Where: Quinton's Crafthouse, 126 W. Main Collinsville Learn how to macramé a plant hanger while enjoying brunch themed bites, and sipping a mimosa inspired mocktail! Beginner friendly and open to t…

"We want Mokka Bon to be a place where people come and just feel welcome. Even on a busy Saturday, we want it to be a family-friendly place where people can sit, chill, and never feel like they're bothering anyone," Katie shares. Katie Duff’s journey to launching Mokka Bon Coffee Shop is a testament to faith, persistence, and a deep-rooted love for her community. Born and raised in Troy, Illinois, Katie and her husband have always had a heart for missions and a vision to integrate their passion for ministry into the everyday lives of those around them. Their dream became a reality in the form of Mokka Bon, a cozy and welcoming coffee shop that serves as more than just a place to grab a latte—it’s a space for connection, community, and faith…