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ALTON — Detective Dan Jensen has been named Officer of the Month for July 2025 by the Alton Police Department in recognition of his exceptional investigative work and dedication to justice in cases involving crimes against children. Detective Jensen led a sensitive investigation that resulted in the arrest and charging of a repeat sexual offender. "His patience, professionalism, and interview techniques secured a full confession, holding a dangerous individual accountable," the Alton Police Department said. In a separate case, Jensen also led an investigation that culminated in the arrest and charging of a child pornographer. The Alton Police Department said Jensen’s compassion, persistence, and dedication reflect the highest standards of law enforcement and service.

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ALTON - Community members have the opportunity to share their thoughts on Alton’s comprehensive plan. From 5:30–7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025, Alton residents are encouraged to stop by The Old Bakery Beer Company to give their feedback on Alton’s 20-year comprehensive plan process. This public workshop will operate as an open house. Attendees will be asked to give their thoughts regarding housing, mobility, parks, jobs, businesses, and overall growth. “The City of Alton is launching into their comprehensive plan, and they are going to be tapping the public for their inspiration and ideas and their thoughts all the way throughout the process,” said Sara McGibany. “They just kicked off the first couple of opportunities to share your two cents.” McGibany, executive director of Alton Main Street, clarified that while Alton Main Street is not involved in hosting the event, they are focused on improving the downtown region, preserving

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WOOD RIVER - The Riverbend East Rotary Club honored two students from East Alton-Wood River High School with the September Service Above Self awards during a recent ceremony. Tamarion Marshall and Brooke Parker were recognized for their contributions to the school and community. Mark Smith, president of the Riverbend East Rotary Club, presented the award certificates to Marshall and Parker. Marshall has been actively involved with the EAWR Life Skills Class and plans to attend college to become a special education teacher. Parker serves as the student representative on the EAWR School Board and is responsible for delivering the morning announcements each day at the high school. The Service Above Self award is given to individuals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to service, highlighting the efforts of these two students in their school and community roles.

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EDWARDSVILLE – A new all-abilities playground will be constructed in the heart of Edwardsville, providing inclusive recreational options for all to enjoy. It will be built on Lewis & Clark Community College’s N.O. Nelson campus, fulfilling a goal shared by the City, the college and the Edwardsville Community Foundation to ensure accessible play areas are within reach of as many people as possible. The Edwardsville City Council on October 7 unanimously approved a 20-year, $1-per-month lease with Lewis & Clark Community College for the playground site. It will be built just north of the City’s historic Nickel Plate Station, a welcome landmark on the campus at 600 Troy Road since early 2020. "It's important that the City of Edwardsville offers an ADA-accessible playground so that all kids, regardless of their abilities, have a safe and accessible place to play without having to leave our community," said Ward 4 Alderman SJ Morrison. "This wouldn't be possible without

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced today that an Alton man has been convicted of residential arson, aggravated animal cruelty and aggravated domestic battery. The defendant, 30-year-old Larry D. Greer Jr., was sentenced to 10 years in prison for residential arson, two years in prison for aggravated animal cruelty and 5 years in prison for aggravated domestic battery. The sentences are to be served concurrently. Greer pleaded guilty to setting fire to a residence in the 100 block of Northmoor Place in East Alton on June 29, 2025, resulting in substantial damage to the home. The fire also caused the death of a cat, named Gracie, that was inside the home. An ex-wife of Greer resided at the home; she was not home at the time of the fire. Greer also pleaded guilty to choking a family or household member on Sept. 14, 2024, in Alton. The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Cara Mellan, who is assigned to the Intimate Partner

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ALTON - Community members can be proactive about their health at an upcoming “Girls Night Out” event at OSF St. Anthony’s. From 4–8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, community members are invited to an evening of mammograms and education in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Hosted at OSF St. Anthony’s Health Center, the Girls Night Out event encourages people to learn more about breast cancer and receive screenings. “Our community health needs assessment is something we do every three years. We just say, ‘What are our top health needs in the area?’” explained Sister M. Beata Ziegler, F.S.G.M., Vice President of Operations and Special Projects. “Cancer is just really high on the list of needs for people in Madison County, so this week, we are having a Girls Night Out as part of our Breast Cancer Awareness Month.” There are a limited number of mammograms available during the Girls Night Out event. Call 618-474-679

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What makes a haunted house truly unforgettable? Is it the jump scares, the eerie ambiance, or the story woven through each chilling corridor? Haunted houses have evolved far beyond simple costumes and cobwebs, captivating audiences with immersive experiences that engage all the senses. Planning an effective haunted house event requires creativity, organization, and attention to detail to ensure guests walk away both thrilled and entertained. Defining Your Haunted House Concept Before gathering props and planning scares, establish a clear theme or narrative for your haunted house. A cohesive concept enhances immersion and helps guide design choices. Consider whether you want to evoke classic horror tropes—like haunted mansions, abandoned asylums, or graveyards—or create an original storyline that sets your event apart. For example, a haunted house based on a fictional haunted hotel can incorporate different “rooms” with unique story elements like a possessed

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October 15 has long been a day marked by pivotal moments across various spheres including politics, science, culture, and exploration. Moving back to October 15, 1783, the world witnessed an extraordinary milestone in human ingenuity and adventure. On this day, the Montgolfier brothers launched the first manned hot air balloon flight in Annonay, France. This achievement marked the beginning of human flight and opened new frontiers for exploration and transportation, forever changing humanity's relationship with the skies. In the realm of political history, October 15, 1946, stands out as well. On this day, the Founding Charter of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) was signed in Paris. UNESCO was established to promote international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. Its mission has been critical in fostering peace and security worldwide by encouraging cooperation among nations through dialogue and cultural exchange.

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Get ready for a mostly sunny and very warm day in the Metro East area. Expect a high near 83 degrees and a low around 56. Winds will be light, coming from the east-southeast at 5 to 10 mph, with occasional gusts. There's just a slight chance of rain at about 7%, so most of your day should stay dry. The temperature will feel about the same as the actual with a pleasant mix of sun and breeze. In the morning, look for mostly clear skies and cool temperatures in the mid-50s. By afternoon, the sun will be out strong, warming temperatures into the low 80s with scattered clouds. The evening will cool nicely with clear skies and calm winds. Overnight, skies remain clear with lows dipping to the mid-50s. Allergy levels are moderate for mold but low for other common allergens like ragweed and grass. Tomorrow will bring another warm day, with highs near 84 and lows in the upper 50s. Expect mostly sunny skies with just a few clouds and mild wind. For live weather updates throughout the day, visit

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GODFREY — Neighbors quickly helped evacuate residents from a home in the 1200 block of Seasons Drive in Godfrey after noticing smoke coming from the back of the house on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, prompting a large firefighting response. The fire, which began in a home on Seasons Drive, spread to the attic, and sparked Godfrey Fire Protection District Chief Eric Cranmer to call a box alarm. The first alarm was followed by a second alarm due to the severity of the blaze. When firefighters arrived, all residents and neighbors had been safely evacuated. Chief Cranmer said the home where the fire originated was "a total loss." He added that a propane tank or tanks may have exploded after the initial fire, which extended the fire’s reach. A neighboring home sustained significant damage to its siding and one side of the structure. Ameren Illinois restored electricity to that residence by installing a new meter, and those residents are expected to remain in their home. Cranmer

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CLINTON COUNTY — Authorities discovered possible human remains near Centralia in unincorporated Clinton County on Oct. 10, 2025, the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office said. Deputies and detectives responded to the scene after receiving notification of the discovery. The Clinton County Coroner, Phillip Moss, and the Illinois State Police Crime Scene Investigation Unit were also called to assist. Following the processing of the site, the coroner’s office took custody of the unidentified remains. At this time, officials have not determined how long the remains had been at the location or the cause of death, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators do not believe the remains are connected to any previous missing person cases in the Centralia area. The sheriff’s office encouraged anyone aware of an unreported missing person in or around the region to contact them at (618) 594-4555, extension 2, or via email at sheriff@clintonco.illinois.gov.

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JERSEYVILLE – Jerseyville City Council members approved various items of city business on Tuesday. One item approved was a commercial business grant of $25,000 in Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds to help cover the cost of a roof repair project at 108-110 N. State Street in downtown Jerseyville. Tourism and Community Development Director Will Strang said the roof repairs are “desperately needed” and that the property owners, Lee and Joan Plummer, hope to have the work completed before winter weather sets in later this year. Mayor Kevin Stork noted this type of building preservation project is what the city’s TIF funds are intended for, underscoring the importance of preserving Jerseyville’s historic downtown architecture. The council also unanimously approved the closure of State Highway 67 from Prairie Street to Exchange Street to facilitate this year’s Veteran’s Day Parade. The parade, sponsored by the Jerseyville American Legion Pos

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BETHALTO - The Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 Board of Education held a special meeting to talk about the Public Access Counselor (PAC) investigation into the Board regarding the Open Meetings Act (OMA). On Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, the Board invited attorney Adam Hennings to talk about the investigation. Following the Board’s regular meeting on Sept. 29, 2025, a reporter with The Alton Telegraph submitted a Request for Review with PAC, alleging that the Board violated the OMA by not revealing the name of a middle school teacher after the Board voted to terminate the teacher. Section 2(e) of OMA states, “Final action shall be preceded by a public recital of the nature of the matter being considered and other information that will inform the public of the business being conducted.” The Telegraph reporter argued that the Board did not provide “an adequate public recital,” according to Assistant Attorney General Christina Lucente-McCullough.

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ALTON - Community members gathered at The Wedge Innovation Center for a conversation about safe drinking water. On Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, SIUE Professor Dr. Carrie Butts-Wilmsmeyer presented “Safe Water, Strong Communities” as part of The Wedge’s Collaboration Lab series. During her talk, Butts-Wilmsmeyer explained how the Center for Predictive Analytics tested water across Illinois communities to find endocrine disrupting compounds, and she shared her findings. “There’s stuff in our water,” Butts-Wilmsmeyer said. “We just don’t know how bad it is yet.” Butts-Wilmsmeyer explained how the Center for Predictive Analytics collaborated with undergraduate student Milena Di Blasi to test water in communities across Illinois for “chemicals of emerging concern,” including the endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). EDCs interfere with the body’s endocrine system and can be found in certain pesticides, plastics,

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GODFREY — Firefighters from the Godfrey Fire Protection District and several neighboring departments responded to a serious house fire on Seasons Drive in Godfrey on Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025. The fire was reported at about 4 p.m. on Oct. 14, 2025. Along with Godfrey Fire, crews from the Alton Fire Department, Brighton, Fosterburg and QEM were visible at the scene. A ladder truck was deployed to help combat the blaze. The home sustained significant damage as firefighters worked to contain the fire. The Village of Godfrey issued this statement: "For our residents' situational awareness: (Tuesday, 10/14/25, 4:50 p.m.) Pierce Lane is currently closed in both directions (at the Season's entrance) as GFPD and multiple mutual aid fire crews are currently working a structure fire in that area. Please avoid the area until crews can reopen the road." More details are expected as the situation develops.

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ST. LOUIS — St. Louis Sheriff Alfred Montgomery was remanded into custody Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, following an evidentiary hearing related to federal charges against him. Montgomery now stands accused of four counts of witness retaliation and one count of witness tampering. The charges stem from allegations that Montgomery ordered the detainment of Tammy Ross, a former St. Louis jail administrator, after being denied access to a rape victim he sought to interview. Montgomery has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Following his arrest, the judge placed Montgomery under house arrest. The hearing took place amid ongoing legal challenges against Montgomery, including a quo warranto action filed by the Missouri Attorney General’s Office seeking his removal from office. Last week, a judge ruled that Montgomery could remain in office under house arrest despite the federal indictments. However, on Tuesday, Montgomery’s bond was revoked, leading to his detention. Colonel

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GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man has been charged for his role in an alleged vehicle burglary which resulted in a shot being fired towards a juvenile victim. James H. Dickson, 27, of Granite City, was charged on Oct. 6, 2025 with aggravated discharge of a firearm (a Class 1 felony), felon in possession of a weapon (a Class 3 felony), burglary (a Class 3 felony), and possession of burglary tools (a Class 4 felony). Dickson, or an individual for whom Dickson is legally accountable, allegedly discharged a firearm in the direction of a 17-year-old juvenile victim on Oct. 3, 2025. The weapon, a Taurus G3C 9mm handgun, was unlawful for Dickson to possess as a felon previously convicted of aggravated unlawful use of weapons in a Madison County case from 2024, for which he was on probation during these latest offenses. Dickson was additionally accused of entering a Chevrolet Malibu located on Poplar Street in Granite City with the intent to commit a theft while in possession of

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CARLINVILLE — Travis L. Fanning, 30, of Carlinville, was charged with aggravated battery on a peace officer after an incident on September 23, 2025, in Macoupin County. According to charging documents filed on October 10, 2025, Fanning allegedly struck a Macoupin County deputy in the face with his hand, causing a laceration. Earlier this year, Fanning was also charged with robbery and aggravated battery. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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NAPLES, Fla. — Jim Hart, an 81-year-old former NFL quarterback best known for his lengthy career with the St. Louis Cardinals, reflected on his life and football journey during a recent interview from his home in Naples, Fla. Hart played professionally from 1966 to 1984, primarily with the Cardinals, after an unexpected start when no team selected him in the 1966 NFL Draft. “No team picked me in the 1966 NFL draft,” Hart said. “My former coach invited me to a tryout with the Cardinals. I impressed the team and was signed soon after.” During his 18 seasons in the NFL, Hart earned four Pro Bowl selections and helped lead the Cardinals to several division titles in the mid-1970s. He recalled the team’s 38-0 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in 1970 as a standout moment. The Cardinals earned the nickname “Cardiac Cards” during a streak of close games and comebacks throughout the 1970s. Hart was a Wizard White Man of the Year recipient in his

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ALTON — A group of longtime Alton fans has maintained a unique connection with former St. Louis Cardinals quarterback Jim Hart through a fan club that has been meeting regularly in Naples, Florida, over the years. Steve Tassinari, a member of the Alton Jim Hart Fan Club, said Floyd Raglin, a former Alton High School football star, informed him that Hart was living in Naples. Tassinari reached out to Hart to attend one of their weekly gatherings, and the club took off from there. The other members of the Alton Naples Jim Hart Fan Club have been Dave Carlson, Bob Dixon, Jim Brown, Sam Villa, Mike Funk, Bob Abbot, Steve Mottaz, Paul Maley, Steve Pope, Fred Whitworth and Steve Daniel, plus many guests. The fan club often gathers for lunch every Thursday during the winter months in Naples. Tassinari said Hart has attended these lunches regularly over the past several years. “We meet every Thursday in the winter. Jim normally makes most of them,” Tassinari said. “Everybody

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