Amy Cloud of Three Rivers Community Farm in Elsah announced extended store hours for the summer season until mid-August, possibly into fall.

Many Elsah residents know that actor Robert Duvall attended Principia College, graduating in 1953. Another notable resident was Terry Melcher, son of Doris Day, who attended Principia in the early 1960s. Melcher became a pioneering music producer in L.A., shaping the sound of 1960s surf music. He produced for The Beach Boys, The Rip Chords, Wayne Newton, and more. Melcher's innovative production techniques continue to influence music today.

Elsah and Southern Illinois are experiencing a surge of periodical cicadas, nicknamed Cicadalypse. In 2024, Broods XIII and XIX emerge, the first time since 1803. Cicadas don't harm humans but can damage new shrubs and trees. They thrive in wet areas like Grafton. Cicadas are edible, with an almond-like taste, and consumed worldwide. Their calls can reach over 90 decibels, as loud as a lawnmower. Enjoy the unique sound now and the quiet autumn to come.

Three Rivers Community Farm Stand opens for the season on Thursday, May 9. Regular hours are Thursday and Friday from 10 AM to 7 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM. Visitors can enjoy a variety of organic produce, local eggs, meats, dairy products, honey, hummus, mushrooms, fresh and frozen pasta, breads, coffee, kombucha, and of course, ice cream!

Principia College celebrated the completion of its new solar farm on April 11, enhancing its commitment to sustainability. Situated on the north side of Beltrees Road near the Cross-Country course, the solar farm spans 8 acres of the college's 2600-acre campus. Designed to blend with its surroundings, the area will be maintained as native prairie.

On April 8th, a total solar eclipse captivated millions across North America. Elsah, with its roller-coaster terrain, lush forests, and bluff-top river views, offered a prime spot for this celestial spectacle. Dubbed the eclipse crossroads by the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources, Southern Illinois was at the heart of the eclipse's path in both 2017 and 2024.

The Village of Elsah Museum opened on April 6, showcasing the annual photography exhibit. Local photographers received awards for their stunning work. Visit the museum on weekends from 1-4 pm, April through October, to see the winning entries.

Farley’s Music Hall was abuzz as it hosted the first Hosmer-Williams lecture of 2024, themed "Meeting Mike: Mammoth or Mastodon?" The lecture centered around a recently unearthed tusk at Principia campus, captivating a diverse crowd ranging from curious youngsters to seasoned scholars. The event drew a full house, underscoring the community's keen interest in prehistoric discoveries.

The village's efforts in creating a leaf mulch pile offer a sustainable solution for disposing of autumn leaves. This initiative supports the environment by providing an eco-friendly alternative to leaf burning, which can aggravate respiratory issues and disrupt the quality of life in our community. Residents can contribute to the mulch pile located at the intersection of Beltrees and Mill Street. Your participation helps maintain our air quality and supports those with health sensitivities. Thank you for choosing to recycle your leaves responsibly!

The Elsah Museum's 2024 Photo Exhibit Reception on April 6th was a hit, drawing over forty visitors to admire historical and natural photography under sunny skies. Esteemed juror Carmen Troesser and a colleague praised the high quality and difficulty in selecting winners. The exhibit, featuring themes of Native Species and Historic Abstractions, showcased diverse works, including Carolyn Schlueter's Best of Show. The exhibit runs until June, with plans for new themes and rules in 2025. Thanks to the community and museum staff for their support.