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COLLINSVILLE - At the July 21, 2025, meeting, the Collinsville Unit School District 10 Board of Education recognized Collinsville High School drama students and members of the Kahok Special Olympics team for their recent achievements. Four CHS students earned superior rankings at the 2025 International Thespian Festival held in June. Mya Parker received the designation for solo musical performance, Nathalia Lebron-Suarez and Holiday Johnson were honored for scenic design, and Ailee Murphy was recognized for solo acting. Additionally, Lebron-Suarez was named to the 2026 All-State production crew. The board also acknowledged the accomplishments of Kahok Special Olympics athletes who competed in the recent Summer Games. Eli Pollard earned a bronze medal in the tennis ball throw. Maliyah Pfeil won a gold medal in the softball throw and placed seventh in the 50-meter run. Bethany McCullar finished sixth in the 50-meter run, while Brandon McCullar secured a gold medal in the softball throw.

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane and ramp closures on westbound Interstate 55/64 in St. Clair County for roadway construction. Beginning, weather permitting, at 5 a.m. Saturday, July 26, westbound I-55/64 will be reduced to one lane between the Collinsville Road overpass and Missouri Avenue overpass. The following ramps will also be closed during this time: St. Clair Avenue to the westbound I-55/64 entrance ramp Westbound I-55/64 to the left-side Martin Luther King Bridge exit ramp Westbound I-55/64 to the Third Street exit ramp All lanes and ramps are expected to reopen by 5 p.m. Saturday, July 26. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us

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EDWARDSVILLE – The City of Edwardsville is now offering a Bike Rack Grant Program in an effort to support and boost the availability of bicycle parking in public spaces throughout the City. Businesses, nonprofits and other groups can apply for a grant of up to $925 to help cover the costs of buying and installing bicycle racks for public use. The program is an initiative of the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, which addresses issues related to safety and accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists in Edwardsville. The grant program received City Council approval in July 2025. Committee members hope the program will help make biking throughout the community even easier and offer a secure, convenient alternative to driving. Currently, the City offers bicycle racks at many of its parks and public facilities, but the program would help fill in some bike rack gaps in other community locations. Applicants may be eligible for up to a $925 reimbursement toward

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GRAFTON - Kids are invited to Raging Rivers WaterPark for the chance to train as a lifeguard. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on July 28 to Aug. 1, 2025, kids ages 7–14 can learn the basic skills needed to become a lifeguard. Kids will learn water safety and life-saving skills while having fun at the park. Jeremy Hayes, general manager at Raging Rivers, explained that the goal is to encourage water safety while preparing kids to one day become lifeguards. “They’re geared to come in and do training with lifeguards and enjoy the day with lifeguards,” he said. “They’re actually learning the basic life-saving skills, CPR, swimming, how to save and what to look for.” Registration for the Junior Lifeguard Camp closes on July 27. You can register your child here . It costs $110 per child; this registration fee is waived for the first 25 children to register in each age group. Kids will work in groups of ages 7–10 and 11–14. They will

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DU QUOIN – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 7 announce the arrest of 70-year-old Jon W. Montgomery of Du Quoin, IL for multiple counts of Possession and Dissemination of Child Pornography. On June 11, 2025, ISP special agents executed a search warrant at Montgomery’s residence in rural Du Quoin and collected electronic evidence. The evidence was analyzed and revealed child sexual abuse materials. Montgomery was booked into the Perry County jail on July 23, 2025, and a detention hearing is set for July 24, 2025. Montgomery was charged with seven counts of Possession of Child Pornography (Class 2 Felony) and four counts of Dissemination of Child Pornography – Victim Under 13 Years of Age (Class X Felony). Any individuals with further information are encouraged to contact ISP Zone 7 Investigations at 618-542-2171. There is no additional information. The Illinois State Police provides resources for parents, for the public to report

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EAST ALTON — Emergency responders from the East Alton Fire Department and East Alton Police Department responded Thursday afternoon, July 24, 2025, to the intersection of West St. Louis Avenue and Niagara Street following a traffic accident involving a truck and a Jeep. Upon arrival, first responders found a truck in the intersection and a Jeep a short distance down the road, both vehicles showing signs of damage. East Alton police assisted with traffic control due to the intersection being busy. Survival Flight ambulance also responded to the incident and transported one to a local hospital. The East Alton Police Department is currently investigating the cause of the crash.

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SHIPMAN – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced that his office obtained a guilty plea from a former village trustee and treasurer in Macoupin County who misused village funds by collecting pay she was not entitled to and spending funds on personal expenses. Elizabeth Robinson, 47, of Shipman, pleaded guilty to Class 1 felony theft of governmental property, Class 3 felony forgery, and Class 3 felony official misconduct. Macoupin County Circuit Court Judge Joshua Meyer sentenced Robinson to two years of felony probation and 100 hours of community service. She was also ordered to pay $60,000 in restitution, with $30,000 to be paid immediately and the remaining $30,000 to be paid over the course of her probation. “Government employees have an obligation to use government funds and property responsibly,” Raoul said. “Taxpayers must be able to trust that those who serve on their behalf use their authority for the public good and not to enrich themselves. I will

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul issued the following statement after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit affirmed a nationwide injunction in a lawsuit he filed challenging President Donald Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship. “No president can arbitrarily pick and choose which children born in the United States are allowed to be citizens of this country. Birthright citizenship has been enshrined in our Constitution in unambiguous language for more than 150 years, and no president has the authority to override the Constitution. The district court could not have been more right in February when it deemed the president’s order as being ‘blatantly unconstitutional.’ “The universal injunction was both necessary and appropriate, and I appreciate the 9th Circuit’s decision. As a birthright citizen, I will not stop fighting to protect the constitutionally-protected right to citizenship that is unquestionably

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BETHALTO - Winston Rulo, a 22-year-old nursing student and certified nursing assistant, remains hospitalized after a brutal assault at his apartment complex in Bethalto on July 19, 2025. Karen Alexander Mack described the severity of her son's injuries and has called for the attack to be prosecuted on a higher scale. She has had contact with Madison County officials about the issue. Mack said the assault left Rulo with multiple head and eye lacerations requiring extensive suturing, a crushed fingertip that necessitated nail removal, and fractures in his face repaired with titanium plates and screws. He also suffered bruises on his hands and feet. Rulo was transported to a St. Louis hospital for surgery after the incident. His current condition has improved from critical status out of the ICU, and his mother hopes he is at the end of his surgeries. "I held his uninjured hand as he lay there with a neck brace in place, with tears streaming down both our faces. I tried to comfort him

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ALTON - John “Jack” Gilbert Helmkamp Jr., a longtime community leader and advocate for civic progress in the region, died at his home on Saturday, July 19, 2025. He was 78 years old. Helmkamp was born March 24, 1947, in Alton. He married Elizabeth “Beth” Whitney on January 23, 1971, in Anderson, Ind.. He is survived by his wife, their three sons — John Gilbert Helmkamp III of Edwardsville; Ryan Helmkamp of Newell, Iowa; and Darren Helmkamp of Kirkwood, Mo. — and their families. He is also survived by two sisters, Janice Farrell of Marco Island, Florida, and Jane Hadley of Charlotte, North Carolina. Helmkamp’s service was recognized with multiple honors, including the Riverbend Growth Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award, induction into the East Alton-Wood River High School Hall of Fame, the Charles A. Bane Humanitarian Award of Excellence from United Way, and the “Service Above Self” Award from the Alton-Godfrey Rotary

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ALTON — The Alton Police Department arrested Andre L. Darden, a 45-year-old man from East Alton, in connection with a shooting that took place on July 5, 2025, in the 300 block of State Street in downtown Alton. The incident drew widespread local attention after video footage of the shooting circulated on social media. Darden was taken into custody earlier today and has been charged by Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine with aggravated battery with a firearm, felon in possession of a weapon, and reckless discharge of a firearm. He is currently being held pending a detention hearing as outlined in his arrest warrant. The Alton Police Department emphasized the significance of community cooperation in addressing violence. “This arrest highlights the importance of the community and police department standing together and calling out bad actors who choose disorder and violence in our community,” the department said. It also reiterated its commitment to justice,

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ALTON - The Mississippi River Water Trail will host two fun events for paddlers who love the river. On Aug. 9, 2025, community members can participate in the Firecracker Race, a 15-mile race from Grafton to Alton. There are 13 different classes and over 60 racers who will participate in the event. On Sept. 20, paddlers can also join the Great River Rendezvous as another way to engage with each other and the river. “One of the things that is our biggest mission is to get people out on the Mississippi River and learn how to paddle it safely and see it from the view of the river,” said Melissa, president of the Mississippi River Water Trail. “It really is a different perspective. It’s fabulous to look up at the Alton Riverfront, to look up at the bluffs near Grafton, to see the wildlife. You feel like you’re transported into a whole different area of the country or the world, and it’s right here in our backyard, and we want people to know that.”

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ALTON/WOOD RIVER – The family of George and Donna Julian , a beloved Alton couple killed during a high-speed Wood River Police pursuit of another vehicle, has spoken out after filing a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Wood River. The couple’s estate is suing the city for “initiating and continuing a deadly pursuit along commercial or residential roadways when it was unsafe to do so,” according to a press release from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard, one of the law firms representing the family. “Just before 11 a.m. on July 3, 2025, a Wood River police officer attempted to pull over driver Miko D. Martin for a minor traffic violation near the intersection of 6th Street and Edwardsville Road,” the release states. “Martin refused to stop and immediately fled the intersection through a parking lot before heading southbound on 6th Street. “The officer pursued the vehicle Mr. Martin was driving for several minutes as he attempted

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane and ramp closures on westbound Interstate 55/64 in St. Clair County for roadway construction. Beginning, weather permitting, at 5 a.m. Saturday, July 26, westbound I-55/64 will be reduced to one lane between the Collinsville Road overpass and Missouri Avenue overpass. The following ramps will also be closed during this time: St. Clair Avenue to the westbound I-55/64 entrance ramp Westbound I-55/64 to the left-side Martin Luther King Bridge exit ramp Westbound I-55/64 to the Third Street exit ramp All lanes and ramps are expected to reopen by 5 p.m. Saturday, July 26. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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MILLSTADT - A local family farm has grown into a beloved spot in Millstadt, and community members can come check it out for themselves at an upcoming balloon glow and triathlon. On Sept. 5, 2025, Buttercup Ranch and Creamery will host a balloon glow featuring a concert and five to ten balloons. This will be followed by the CiderMan Sprint Triathlon on Sept. 6. Mary MacKeen, who owns the ranch with her husband Rich, shared that the events are a fun way to give back, with 20% of all proceeds from the weekend going to local first responders. “We just want to help out the community,” MacKeen said. “We feel really blessed that we have this place, but we just want other people to enjoy it as we enjoy it.” On Sept. 5, entrance to the balloon glow costs $20. You can also enjoy a concert by Scott Vignassi’s Big Little Big Band, featuring a “spot-on” Frank Sinatra impersonator, MacKeen said. The fifth annual CiderMan Sprint Triathlon follows th

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EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 will host a Substitute Teacher Job Fair on Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the D7 Center for Learning, located at 1210 N Main Street, Edwardsville, IL. The event is aimed at hiring substitute teachers for the 2025-26 school year. Individuals who attend the job fair and complete a substitute teaching application will receive a $15 Amazon gift card. Substitute Teacher Pay Rates for 2025-26: Daily Rate: $132.50/day Retired Teacher Sub Rate: $145.60/day Long-Term Substitute (11–29 Days): $155.00/day Long-Term Substitute, Retired Teacher (11–29 Days): $170.33/day Long-Term Substitute (30+ Days): $215.00/day Long-Term Substitute, Retired Teacher (30+ Days): $236.26/day Interested individuals are encouraged to register in advance at https://bit.ly/subjobfair . For more information, contact District #7 Human Resources at 618-655-6052.

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GRAFTON – There’s still time to soak up the summer at Raging Rivers WaterPark as the season continues through September 7th with two more Family Fun Nights taking place this season. Don’t miss the last two Family Fun Nights, when Raging Rivers WaterPark keeps the gates open late for extra summer excitement. These special evenings, scheduled for July 25th and August 1st from 6–9pm, offer the perfect setting for families to splash, slide, and enjoy all the attractions under the summer sky. Admission for Family Fun Nights is included with season passes, a full day admission ticket for that date or an evening ticket for $24.99 per person. Foodtrucks and Fireworks will take place at the August 1st Family Fun Night's event. Raging Rivers WaterPark features fun for all ages from thrilling slides, the Endless River, Breaker Beach Wave Pool, and Itty Bitty Surf City and Tree House Harbor for the youngest visitors. Located at 100 Palisades Parkway off the Great River

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Did you know that tequila is one of the few alcoholic beverages with a designation of origin, meaning it can only be produced in specific regions of Mexico? This unique spirit not only carries centuries of cultural heritage but also inspires a dedicated day of celebration each year—National Tequila Day. Beyond its reputation as a party staple, tequila embodies a rich history and fascinating traditions that many may not realize. How did this iconic drink become a symbol of Mexican pride and international enjoyment? Let’s delve into the origins of National Tequila Day, uncover some intriguing facts, and discover how you can appreciate tequila in a meaningful way. The Origins of National Tequila Day National Tequila Day is observed annually on July 24th in the United States. Unlike many other food and drink holidays that have murky beginnings, this date was chosen to spotlight tequila’s cultural significance and growing popularity outside Mexico. Tequila itself dates

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July 24 has long been a date marked by remarkable events that have shaped history across the globe. On July 24, 1975, the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project was completed as the American Apollo spacecraft and the Soviet Soyuz capsule successfully docked in orbit. This historic mission was the first international human spaceflight, marking a thaw in Cold War tensions and showcasing the potential for cooperation between the two superpowers. The astronauts and cosmonauts shook hands in space, a powerful symbol of peaceful collaboration that inspired future joint missions and laid the groundwork for the International Space Station. Moving back in time, July 24, 1911, saw a major archaeological revelation when American explorer Hiram Bingham III rediscovered the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu in Peru. Although locals were aware of the site, Bingham's expedition brought global attention to this remarkable archaeological treasure nestled high in the Andes Mountains. Machu Picchu remains one o

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Today’s high will reach 97 degrees with a low of 75. Expect sunny skies with hot and very humid conditions. The heat feels like 109 degrees at peak times, so be prepared for the heat. A Heat Advisory is in effect until 7 p.m. this evening. Humidity will make it feel even hotter, so drink plenty of water and avoid strenuous outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day. Allergy indexes are mostly low today with grass, mold, ragweed, and tree pollen all at low levels. The air quality is moderate with some particle pollution. The UV index is very high at 10, so be sure to wear sunscreen if you’re outside. Tomorrow’s forecast calls for a high of 94 and a low of 75, with partly sunny skies and scattered afternoon thunderstorms. It will remain hot and humid, with a dangerous heat risk continuing. Dehydration and heatstroke are possible if you spend too much time outdoors without proper precautions. Make sure to stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade, and limit outdoo

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