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ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis area weather in July was a roller-coaster with extremely hot temperatures at one period to torrential rain in another. The first three weeks of the month were by far the warmest with temps in the mid-to-upper 90s on many days and consecutive 100-degree temp days July 20-24. National Weather Service in St. Louis meteorologist Chris Kimble said the temps in St. Louis for the month of July were the 17th warmest on record for that month. He also added that St. Louis Lambert Airport records go back to 1874. In July 2022, it was the third-hottest on record, the NOAA's National Centers for Environmental Information said. The average temperature was 76.4 degrees. Only July 1936 (first) and July 2012 (second) were warmer. Late in the month, torrential rains came to the region. The heavy rains started on July 26 and 8.5 inches of rain fell at St. Louis Lambert Airport that day. St. Peters, Mo., was hit the hardest with more than 12 inches of rain. The Metro East Illinois

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GODFREY - Students at Lewis and Clark Community College enjoyed lunch in The Grove, outside of The Commons, Wednesday, August 24, courtesy of L&C Student Activities. Students returned to campus to begin the fall semester on Monday. This is the college's 52nd school year and it was an exciting week for the students.

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COLLINSVILLE - The Illinois Department of Transportation announces lane restrictions that will be encountered Monday, August 29, 2022, through Thursday, September 1, 2022, on northbound Interstate 255 over Interstate 55/70 in Collinsville. Weather permitting, beginning at 6:30 a.m. on Monday, August 29, 2022, the right two lanes on northbound Interstate 255 over the eastbound and westbound ramps from Interstate 55/70 will be closed with only one lane on northbound Interstate 255 remaining open. These restrictions are needed to do emergency bridge deck patching on the bridge carrying Interstate 255 over the eastbound and westbound ramps of Interstate 55/70. IDOT District 8 Operations forces will make the needed improvements. Full access will be restored as soon as possible. The middle lane will open by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, August 30, 2022, leaving the far-right lane closed. All lanes are expected to be open by 4 p.m. Thursday, September 1, 2022. All exit ramps from Interstate 255 wil

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ALTON - At about 8:24 p.m. Thursday, the Alton Police Department responded to a residence in the 200 block of Wonderland Drive, in reference to several reports of a disturbance. Alton Police Chief Marcos Pulido said information the department received was that someone involved in the disturbance may be armed with a firearm. Chief Pulido said a preliminary investigation revealed that there was a disturbance between several people at this residence, in which one person did display a firearm. The subjects involved were generally familiar with each other. The suspect was taken into custody and is being held at the Alton Police Department. The information learned during this investigation will be presented to the Madison County States Attorney's Office for the possibility of felony charges.

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DES PLAINES – On August 25, 2022, at approximately 7:55 a.m., Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated a two-vehicle traffic crash involving an ISP District Chicago Trooper on Mannheim Road over Interstate 290 eastbound in Cook County. On the above date and time, an ISP District Chicago Trooper was stationary on the right shoulder assisting a stopped motorist with emergency lights activated, when the Trooper’s squad car was sideswiped. A black Dodge van, traveling northbound on Mannheim Road, failed to yield to the stationary emergency vehicle and struck the left driver’s side door of the ISP squad car. There were no injuries reported as a result of the crash, 29-year-old Tomas Rybovic of Justice, IL was issued a citation for a violation of Scott’s Law – Improper Passing of an Emergency Vehicle. So far this year, there have been 17 ISP squad cars struck in relation to the Move Over Law and seven Troopers have sustained injuries from Move

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County State's Attorney Tom Haine announced Friday afternoon that a jury found Mantia Johnson, 35, of Granite City, guilty of first-degree murder for the killing of Ahmaad Nunley on August 2, 2021. The jury also found Johnson guilty of attempted murder for the simultaneous shooting of Shamyia Seay and the aggravated discharge of a firearm. Haine said: “This highway shooting and murder were truly terrible. We are happy the jury agreed and convicted Mantia Johnson. Now, the victims' families can begin to gain closure after their pain and loss." On August 2, 2021, police and emergency personnel responded to a shooting on Illinois Route 3, where one car had shot numerous rounds into another while driving. Nunley, who was in the victim’s car and had been shot multiple times, was airlifted to a St. Louis hospital, succumbing to his injuries. Seay was also in the victim’s car and shot multiple times but recovered from her wounds and was one of many

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EDWARDSVILLE - This is another in a series of articles with photos and descriptions of entries in the Edwardsville Art Fair at City Park on September 23-25. Today, both an Edwardsville and Alton artist is featured with another from Minneapolis. Artist Name: Angela Burns Location: Edwardsville Artist Statement: "I'm an impressionist artist whose work captures the beauty of people and places with a dreamlike quality, quiet energy, and expressive technique." Artist Name: Jenna Muscarella Location: Alton Artist Statement: "I collect cigar boxes and keep physical memory keepsakes inside of them. I admire the detail and craftsmanship of each box. I observe each line in the design every twist and curve. I visually represent the box details with my quick, calligraphic one-shot mark." Artist Name: Layl McDill Location: Minneapolis, MN Artist Statement: " My polymer clay sculptures are filled with the sensation of a story. Much of my work makes the viewer

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EDWARDSVILLE – Classes are in full swing at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and so are the Cougar Welcome activities for new and returning students. This week, students have taken part in a back-to-school barbeque, resource fair, kick-off event, and trivia night, among many other activities. “My experience has been amazing so far,” said first-year theater major Colin Hoef, of Collinsville. “I moved in last Thursday and have gotten to meet my neighbors. All of my classes have been great. My acting class is especially amazing.” Students took a break between classes on Wednesday, Aug. 24 to attend the annual Merchant Fair featuring representatives from a variety of community businesses and organizations. They also enjoyed an ice cream social, which included free Dairy Queen Blizzards being handed out by SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, and Associate Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs/Dean of Students Rony Die. “We came to the Goshen

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BETHALTO - When Civic Memorial High School football fans walk into the stadium with new turf and refinements in the facility Friday evening, they are sure to see it as “breathtaking,” said Bethalto School District 8 Superintendent Dr. Jill Griffin. Civic Memorial Athletic Director Todd Hanaford said there will be a ribbon cutting of the new field at 6:30 p.m. prior to the Marquette Catholic at CM football game. “We have had a significant upgrade of the stadium and there will be a lot of enthusiasm and excitement about the field and stadium,” Dr. Griffin said. “There are still some finishing touches that need to be done on the stadium but it is close to done. The turf is a significant upgrade. It has great colors and it is very attractive. It is something the community should be really proud of. We can’t wait to show it to everybody.” CM High School has also had gymnasium updates as well as elementary school changes over the summer and work

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ST. LOUIS, Mo. - The St. Louis Regional Clean Air Partnership today released data from the first half of the 2022 air quality forecasting season. While the findings reveal no poor or “red” air quality days to-date, the need to continue taking steps to help clear the air remains important as we head into the final stretch of summer. To that end, the Clean Air Partnership continues to work collaboratively with Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) and other partnering organizations to inform people the way they choose to travel impacts the quality of air area residents breathe, while motivating them to modify commuting behaviors as often as they are able through the summerlong “Don’t Pollute. Switch Up Your Commute,” campaign. Over the past few months, the St. Louis region has seen its share of scorching temperatures and a related increase in the number of days when the air quality has reached moderate to unhealthy ranges. At the mid-point of the air quality forecastin

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan F. Kelly, today announced the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) change in command. Colonel Sean M. Cormier is retiring from ISP after more than 26 years of service. On September 1, 2022, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Trame will be promoted to Colonel and will be the newly appointed DCI Deputy Director. “Congratulations to Colonel Cormier on his many years of distinguished service to the people of Illinois and thank him for his dedication,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Colonel Cormier has been a true leader at ISP and his impact will live on through the officers he led under his command. As we celebrate our Centennial year at ISP, we welcome Lieutenant Colonel Trame into his new role as the Division of Criminal Investigation Deputy Director and look forward to his leadership as we enter our second century.” Colonel Cormier began his career with ISP in 1995, as a member of Cadet Class

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ST. LOUIS - September is Better Breakfast Month and there has never been a better time to celebrate. Breakfast has long been called the most important meal of the day and for good reason. The documented benefits of eating breakfast include boosted brainpower, improved nutrient intake, and revved metabolism. Yet, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, while 93% of Americans believe that fueling an empty tank every morning is important, less than half jump-start the day this way. “Breakfast is the first nutrition opportunity of the day and a chance to get more of several foods that may be lacking in our diets, like dairy, fruits, and whole grains. These foods pack a powerful punch of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. Research shows that breakfast-skippers may not make up these nutrients later in the day,” notes St. Louis District Dairy Council Registered Dietitian Maggie Cimarolli. While Americans may be “in the know” about the

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ALTON - The Alton High School boys' soccer team did not have a season to remember last year. Senior forward Ashton Scheppers will be the first one to tell you that. He's ready to put all that behind him though and is looking forward to his senior season. The Redbirds' season kicked off Thursday night (August 25) against Springfield Southeast with a huge 6-0 win. The scoresheet credits Scheppers with a couple of goals in that win. One of them was off a nice breakaway from the half-field line. He timed his run perfectly to accept a well-delivered through ball and put it past the keeper. That was the sixth and final goal of the game. Ashton is an Auto Butler Male Athlete of the Month for Alton High School. Ashton played club soccer growing up but then switched to baseball. He said he was happy to get back into the sport in high school. "My parents usually like baseball," he said, but according to him, he plays soccer because it's a fun way to stay in shape. After last year, it's easy

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ALTON - A Food Giveaway open to the community is scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday and supplies last with Alton Fourth Ward Alderwoman Rosie Brown. The giveaway will be at the Millennium Temple Cogic at 801 Blair Ave., Alton. Those in need of food are recommended to drive up and get a bag, Brown said. Alderwoman Brown said there are always food needs around the area and now, especially because school is back in session. “We will have items that will be easily accessible for children to prepare themselves,” Brown added. “We just see a need to help the parents and make sure food is available for them for their children. Sometimes the parents may not be home, so we are providing some food that can be prepared in their absence.” Brown pointed out that some Alton residents may have lost their jobs and be in need of some accessible food. “I am always wanting to give back and look at what is needed in the community,” Brown said. “We are partnering

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic senior Hanna Marshall is a two-sport athlete for the Explorers who just wants to have as much fun as possible in her final year of high school. This fall she's playing volleyball and come spring she plays soccer. She has played both sports at Marquette for all four years now. She mentioned that fall is her favorite season, but soccer will always be her preferred sport. Last season, her volleyball team recorded a 24-9-2 record. Unfortunately, they bowed out in the first round of the postseason, something Hannah does not want to do again. "I want to go further than just regionals. I want to have a good season with the team," she said. The Explorers went out in the Regional Semifinals against No. 8-seeded Litchfield. It was quite the upset to end their season. Hanna and the team are using that as motivation to capture just their second Regional Championship in program history. The photo of Hanna above was taken at Marquette's 1st Annual 'Blue and White Volleybal

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives and the Accident Reconstruction Unit are investigating a fatal motor crash near the intersection of Mackenzie Road and Langley Avenue which later resulted in the death of an adult female. On August 21, 2022, at 4:53 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the Affton Southwest Precinct responded to a call for service for a motor vehicle accident near the intersection of Mackenzie Road and Langley Avenue. Arriving officers located five motor vehicles involved in a motor vehicle crash. Preliminary investigation has revealed a Ford Focus was stopped southbound on Mackenzie Road, waiting to turn onto Langley Avenue, when it was rear-ended by a Volkswagen Jetta, resulting in a muti-vehicle accident. The driver of the Focus, a 67-year-old female, was conveyed to an area hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries. An 8-year-old rear passenger of the Focus was conveyed to an area hospital for minor injuries.

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ALTON - Senior Services Plus (SSP) is hosting a Pickleball Tournament fundraiser for the United Way of Greater St. Louis on Saturday, September 10 th , 2022 at their wellness center located at 2603 N Rodgers Drive in Alton. SSP is excited to partner with EmpowerMe Wellness to host a Pickleball Tournament on Saturday, September 10 th , 2022. All proceeds will be donated to the United Way of Greater St. Louis. Players must be 55 or older and will register in teams of two. There will be two divisions, open doubles and mixed doubles, and registration is $50 per team. Register by 8/30 to get a free t-shirt. The tournament will be double elimination with each team guaranteed at least two games. Prizes will be awarded to the winning team in each division. Games will be played on one outdoor court and one indoor court. This event is open to the community. Please register by calling the Senior Services Plus Wellness Center at 618-465-3298 x 109. For event inquiries, please contact the SSP

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STAUNTON - The surrounding communities are invited to rediscover The Macoupin Art Collective in Staunton, IL. The MAC is a non-profit art school created with the goal of bringing Art To All, serving over 20,000 children and adults since 2017. Three years ago, they moved into their current building and began renovations, including a vibrant new facade and a 60-foot mural by world-renowned artist Cbabi Bayoc. Inside, The MAC is equipped to hold classes in a large variety of mediums: glass, clay, fabric, metal, and more. The MAC would love everyone to stop by to see all that’s new. On the night of Fri, Sept 2, from 6 pm to 8 pm, The MAC is holding a community open house and Gallery Opening reception for their newest display: Capture: Heat To Toe, a photography exhibit by Christopher Smejkal of Edwardsville, IL. This show will be held in two parts, the second being located in The Blackbird Bakery next door and is called: 3, 2, 1 Contact. Both exhibits will feature candid moments of

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White tested positive for the COVID-19 virus yesterday. Secretary White has mild symptoms and is conducting work from home while in quarantine. White is double vaccinated and twice boosted. He is following appropriate CDC and IDPH quarantine guidelines.

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DU QUOIN, IL. - Illinois State Police (ISP) is looking forward to welcoming fairgoers back to the Du Quoin State Fair in 2022. The fair opens Friday, August 26th, and continues through Monday, September 5th. “As the ISP celebrates 100 years of serving the citizens of Illinois, we stand ready to serve all who come out to the fair this year to enjoy all it has to offer,” said ISP District 13 Commander Captain Joshua Anderton. “The ISP will have plenty of Troopers on site to ensure a safe and enjoyable Du Quoin State Fair,” he added. Troopers will be assigned to the State Fair to provide public safety with walking patrols, gate security, monitored surveillance cameras, and undercover officers. The Du Quoin Fire Department and area ambulance services are also prepared for emergencies during the event and the First Aid Station is located on the north end of the Grandstand. Fairgoers are reminded to stay hydrated as the Du Quoin area is expected to have moderate

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