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Letter To The Editor: As a resident of Madison County, I disagreed with the recent decision by the Madison County Board to declare a "Day of Remembrance" for Charlie Kirk. I understand that the party in power has the votes to pass any resolution they chose. I also know that the current administration has been open to dialogue about diversity, and I commend them for that. The problems is that Charlie routinely framed diversity initiatives as threats to his way of life and dismissed systemic racism myths. His statement about black pilots being qualified are insulting to say the least. I strongly encourage everyone to research the Tuskegee Airmen if they are at least a bit curious about the history of black pilots in America. I admit I must make a concerted effort to become better informed because I didn't know Charlie existed until he was assassinated. Because of the publicity surrounding his death, I decided to learn more about him. Since then, I've watched several of his interviews.

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ALTON - A local author looks forward to selling his books at the upcoming Holiday Fears Market. From 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, community members can stop by Old Bakery Beer Co. to visit with a variety of vendors, including author Daniel Margeson. As the author of two books, Margeson looks forward to selling copies of his books and giving writing advice to those who stop by his booth. His wife’s company, Paper and Pine, will also be present with a t-shirt press. “This is our first one together,” Margeson shared. “We’ve done separately before, but this will be our first one together.” Margeson is the author of “The Life of Death,” which tells the story of the Grim Reaper, and “The Monsters We Make,” a cautionary tale about artificial intelligence. Based in the Riverbend region, Margeson loves attending vendor fairs like the Holiday Fears Market and engaging with readers one-on-one.

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MARION - The Southern Illinois Miners baseball team, based in Marion, Illinois, was the stuff of legends. Now, owner John Simmons and manager Mike Pinto have come together to immortalize the Miners legacy in a new book. “Always A Miner: The Journey of Creating Joy, Entertainment, and Legacy Through Professional Baseball” tells the story of the independent professional baseball team from 2007 through 2021. Pinto and Simmons are proud of the team they created and eager to share more about the behind-the-scenes of professional baseball and the history of Southern Illinois. “It's just a good story about baseball and Southern Illinois and the Miners,” Simmons said. The decision to develop a professional baseball team in Southern Illinois was not linear. Simmons previously owned the Savannah Sand Gnats, based in Georgia. He wanted to continue working with affiliated baseball, but he was looking for something “more convenient” that would benefit

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ALTON — A 23-year-old man suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, according to the Alton Police Department, after a thorough investigation. Officers responded to the 900 block of Bradley Street at approximately 9:33 a.m. after receiving a report of a shooting. Upon arrival, officers found the male victim with an apparent gunshot injury. He was transported to a hospital in the St. Louis area and is currently listed in stable condition. The investigation revealed that the injury was self-inflicted, and the victim is receiving proper care, police said in an update. Several individuals known to the victim were contacted at the scene during the initial investigation, which determined the incident to be isolated with no ongoing threat to the public. The Alton Police Department continues to investigate but has not released further information. Authorities have asked anyone with information about the incident to contact the Criminal Investigation

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SOUTH ROXANA - South Roxana police arrested James M. Toombs, 22, of South Roxana, on five counts of child pornography, the department announced Thursday, April 2, 2025. The arrest warrant was issued and executed under Illinois law 720 ILCS 5/11-20.1(a)(2). Toombs was taken into custody without incident at his South Roxana residence and is currently held at the Madison County Jail awaiting his initial court appearance. Chief of Police Bob Coles attributed the arrest to effective collaboration among law enforcement agencies. “This type of crime does not stop at our borders. It requires strong partnerships, and we are grateful for the assistance of Detective Hoyland of the Edwardsville Police Department,” Coles said. The South Roxana Police Department also acknowledged the support of the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. “State’s Attorney Tom Haine and his team have consistently demonstrated their commitment to protecting children in Madison

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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department is seeking the public’s help in locating Airryana Johnson, who has an active felony warrant for her arrest related to sharing private sexual images on social media. Information about Johnson was released Friday in social media on the Collinsville Police Department Facebook page. The warrant stems from charges connected to what is commonly referred to as “revenge porn,” an offense that is illegal under Illinois law. The department emphasized the seriousness with which it treats such cases. “If you have any information about her whereabouts, please contact the Collinsville Police Department at 618-344-2131 extension 5217,” officials said. They also noted that callers can remain anonymous. Authorities encourage Johnson to turn herself in to any police department. “These charges and statements made herein are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty,”

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ALTON — The Clark Bridge in Alton was temporarily closed Thursday night, Oct. 2, 2025, after police responded to a report of a suicidal individual sitting on the outside of the bridge railing. At approximately 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 2, 2025, Alton Police officers arrived at the scene and engaged the person in conversation. After several minutes, the individual voluntarily climbed back over the railing to safety, according to Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford. “Officers then assisted the subject to a mental health facility for mental health assistance,” Ford said. He also commended the officers for their successful efforts in de-escalating the situation and saving a life during the crisis. The bridge closure lasted less than 30 minutes while officers worked to ensure the person’s safety, Chief Ford said. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org .

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WOOD RIVER - LoveJoy United Presbyterian Church will host a special film showing and panel to discuss homelessness in the Riverbend community. At 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, 2025, community members can stop by the Wood River church for a free showing of “Evicting the American Dream,” a documentary on homelessness. The 52-minute film will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with local leaders in the fight against homelessness. “This film is helping people to understand our unhoused neighbors,” said Karen Wilson with the church’s Adult Christian Education Committee. “It just makes no sense that we’re not working to resolve this situation. You cannot ban people from a community because they’re homeless. There’s no place for them to go. You can’t legislate a certain segment of your population out of existence. That doesn’t work. I’m just really passionate about this.” “Evicting the American

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COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville High School will honor its senior band members during a recognition event before the football game against Belleville Althoff Catholic on Friday, Oct. 3, 2025. The senior band recognition event begins at 6:30 p.m. on the home side of the Collinsville High School track. Parents are asked to meet their seniors at 6:15 p.m. on Friday. The band will perform at halftime of the 7 p.m. game set at the CHS football field. The band director described the group as "our 24 amazing senior band members," inviting the public to join in the celebration. This recognition event highlights the contributions of the senior band members as the team prepares for an important matchup against the Althoff Catholic Crusaders.

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MARYVILLE - “Come on out and join the fun at the Maryville Fall Festival,” said Julie Clark, President of the Maryville Kiwanis Club. According to Clark, the highly successful event is a favorite fall festival for those living in Maryville and the surrounding areas. “The only cost to attendees is any food that is purchased through the food trucks,” she said. “Children really enjoy the free pony rides sponsored by Maryville Ministerial Alliance and the petting zoo sponsored by Allison Bash State Farm,” said Deb Myers-Gaultney, long time treasurer for the Kiwanis Club. “We have free pumpkins, provided by Mayor White, and pumpkin decorating kits for the first 450 children attending”. Other popular attractions include the bounce houses, the firefighter’s open house, and face painting sponsored by Barry Wilson Funeral Home and First National Bank of Waterloo. Most of the local churches and several other organizations will provide games

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ALTON - Do you own a historic home or commercial building, or might you be interested in purchasing one? Learn about a variety of financial incentives that are available for property renovations at a workshop on Wednesday, October 8th at 7:00 p.m. at The Wedge Innovation Center, located at 620 E. Broadway in Alton, IL which is co-presented by Alton Main Street, Alton’s Historic Commission, and the Alton Area Landmarks Association. To assist existing and potential Alton residents and entrepreneurs to take the next step in upgrading their homes and commercial structures, these local groups have brought together State and local officials to present on programs currently available to assist in renovating existing structures and developing new construction. Anna Margaret Barris, Project Reviewer for the State Historic Preservation Office, will present on a Property Tax Assessment Freeze Program for certified historic single-family, owner-occupied homes that undergo substantial

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Journal of Patient Experience features an article that covers a treatment breast cancer survivors may not even know they need: behavioral health care. Authored by Kelly Gable, PharmD, BCPP, FAAPP, professor and director of Well-being and Resilience at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SOP), the article "Dear Breast Cancer Oncology: Where is the Behavioral Health Care?" is told from the patient’s perspective. Gable, an avid runner and medical professional, was diagnosed with hormone positive breast cancer at 45 years of age. She underwent a mastectomy, suffered through the effects of chemotherapy and anti-estrogen treatment, that included debilitating joint pain. Depression was fast approaching. Mental health care was not. Gable’s story details her persistence through a complex and disconnected treatment system. "I have always been a fierce advocate for mental health care, in the classroom with our pharmacy students, an

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EAST ST. LOUIS, IL — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Wesley Bell (MO-01) rallied with American Federal of Government Employees (AFGE) Local 2192 and federal workers impacted by the ongoing government shutdown. During the event, Budzinski highlighted the harm that President Trump and Congressional Republicans are inflicting on federal employees who are furloughed or forced to work without pay during the lapse in government funding. She also underscored how the government shutdown is disrupting critical services that Americans rely on. “Today, we sent a clear message to President Trump and Republicans in Congress: fix your manufactured healthcare crisis and fund the government for the American people,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “As frontline workers at the TSA, VA, Social Security Administration, and more, AFGE members know just how essential our government services are. They know that it’s our veterans, seniors,

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Did you know that nearly 70% of Halloween enthusiasts prefer handmade costumes over store-bought ones? This preference is not merely about cost savings; it’s about self-expression, originality, and the satisfaction of crafting something uniquely your own. Designing your own Halloween costume can transform the holiday from a routine event into a personal artistic endeavor. But where do you start, and how do you ensure your creation stands out? The Art of Conceptualizing Your Costume Before diving into fabrics and glue guns, the most crucial step is deciding on the costume concept. This is the foundation upon which your entire project will be built. Think Beyond the Obvious Popular costumes like witches, vampires, or superheroes are classic for a reason, but they often lack uniqueness. Consider blending themes or adding a distinctive twist to a familiar character. For example, instead of a generic vampire, try a “steampunk vampire” with Victorian-inspired accessories

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October 3rd stands as a pivotal date in world history, marked by events that have shaped nations, cultures, and global dynamics. 1990: Germany Reunified After Decades of Division Arguably the most significant event on this date in modern history, October 3, 1990, marks the official reunification of East and West Germany into a single nation. After 45 years of separation following World War II, the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) merged, ending Cold War tensions on German soil. This reunification was the culmination of peaceful protests in East Germany, the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and extensive diplomatic negotiations among global powers. German Unity Day, celebrated annually on October 3rd, commemorates this momentous occasion. The reunification not only restored Germany’s territorial integrity but also set a new course for European integration, economic development, and political cooperation. It symbolized

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GLEN CARBON - Glen Carbon will host its annual Cabin Day Festival on Saturday, Oct. 4, inviting visitors to explore the historic Yanda Cabin and experience the daily life of the area’s earliest settlers. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 148 S. Main Street. The free festival features living history demonstrations by artisans including a blacksmith, embroidery artist, and wood carver, who will bring the past to life through their crafts. Attendees can also enjoy live music, food vendors, and unique crafts in a historic setting. Cabin Day is part of the Madison County Historical Society’s Living History Days Festival, which takes place Oct. 4–5, 2025. Parking is available on Main Street and at Glen Carbon Elementary School. The event is open to all and aims to celebrate the village’s earliest settlers. For more information, contact Nicole Dicks at ndicks@glencarbonil.gov or (618) 288-2621, or Museum Coordinator Samanth Doolin at sdoolin@glencarbonil.gov

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department announced on Thursday, October 2, 2025, that a 52-year-old Edwardsville man was taken into custody and is facing charges stemming from an investigation into the distribution of child pornography. The investigation began on September 23, 2025, based on information received from the Illinois Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC). On Thursday, October 2, 2025, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office issued a formal charging document known as a criminal information on the suspect: David M. Williams M/W, 52 years of age The criminal information included the following offenses: Count I – Child Pornography (Class X Felony): Prosecutors allege the defendant distributed a video involving a prepubescent child on December 10, 2024. Count II – Child Pornography (Class 1 Felony): The defendant is accused of distributing an image involving a prepubescent child on November 30, 2024. Co

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today released the following statement after Donald Trump’s politicized Department of Energy (DOE) cancelled 33 previously-awarded clean energy and research projects in Illinois without justification, part of 322 projects across the country cancelled— all either located in or to companies headquartered in states that did not vote for Donald Trump: “Today the Trump Administration cancelled projects aimed at supporting critical advancements in clean energy, creating new jobs and developing next-generation technologies in Illinois and across the country. Unsurprisingly for anyone familiar with how Trump operates, the more than 300 projects cancelled are overwhelmingly in states that did not vote for him in the 2024 election. “This abrupt cancellation not only jeopardizes local and regional economic growth but also sends a concerning message to researchers, entrepreneurs, unions and communities nationwide

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WOOD RIVER – Madison County authorities have charged Wood River and Missouri residents in separate felony cases involving stolen vehicles. Trenston A. Sappington, 24, of Wood River, was charged on Sept. 24, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle. Sappington allegedly possessed a QIPAI MTR Scoot motorcycle which he reportedly knew to be stolen on Sept. 23, 2025. He was granted pretrial release from custody in the case presented by the Wood River Police Department. A Hazelwood, Mo. man was also charged with offenses related to motor vehicles in an unrelated case. 18-year-old John E. Lewis faces a Class 2 felony for allegedly possessing a 2020 Hyundai Elantra bearing an Illinois registration number on Sept. 10, 2025. In addition to knowing the vehicle had been stolen, Lewis was additionally accused of attempting to flee police by knowingly failing to stop the vehicle he was driving after being given an audible or visual signal

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TROY - The Triad Community Unit School District #2 has attracted attention after parents learned that a man with a felony conviction is working at a Troy elementary school. In 1999, Bryan Jasper was convicted with Statute 720 5/10-3, a Class 4 felony of Unlawful Restraint. The victim was 16 years old at the time of the offense. Jasper is currently employed as a custodian at C.A. Henning Elementary School. Parents have raised concerns about Jasper’s continued employment at the school. “We’re just confused on, basically, what the hell is going on and who do we have around our kids,” said parent Michael Wilson. During the 1999 case, Jasper also pleaded “not guilty” to Statute 720 5/12-16(d), a Class 2 felony of criminal sexual assault. According to Illinois state code, this charge is for “an act of sexual penetration or sexual conduct with a victim who is at least 13 years of age but under 17 years of age” when the defendant is a

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