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SPRINGFIELD – It’s not just two-legged loved ones who need a disaster preparedness plan. Four-legged, no-legged, and other pets will need assistance if there is an emergency. A survey by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals indicated that while 83 percent of pet owners live in an area impacted by disasters, fewer than half have a preparedness plan. “Just like for humans, we need to be prepared for disasters on behalf of our pets,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Acting Director Theodore (Ted) Berger. “Not only do we need to think through all the items necessary to care for pets when we are at home, we need a plan in case we are not home and need arrangements for care.” For example, a recent photo of you and your pet will be key if you are separated and want to be reunited. Rescuers will want proof that your pet belongs to you. More pet preparedness tips: Create

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BELLEVILLE - In advance of National Trails Day on June 7, the St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) is rolling out a new, interactive online map of its MetroBikeLink System, which consists of more than 39 miles of interconnecting trails and bike paths in St. Clair County that connect to six Metro Transit Centers. The new map – available at www.scctd.org – features each of SCCTD’s trails. When users select a trail, it displays trail-specific information, including the trail name, its length in miles and the surface type. The map also includes pop-ups indicating the location of available parking, emergency call boxes, bridges, trail signage and photos of most. The digital map display is highly customizable. Users can change the basemap to highlight different features such as day and night views, topography, street names and more. Navigation features also include zoom, return to original view, locate and re-orient. Optional layers, such as restroom locations,

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City High School Principal Tim McChristian announced that 568 students earned Honor Roll accolades for the second semester of the 2024-25 school year. Students who obtained a grade point average of 5.0 or higher during the first semester earned high honors, while students with a 4.2-4.999 GPA with no D earned was named to the honor roll. All GPAs are based on the current semester GPA (not cumulative). To view the complete list of honorees, click below: HIGH HONOR ROLL - 230 honorees HONOR ROLL - 338 honorees For more information about Granite City School District #9, visit www.gcsd9.net .

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ALTON - Local stores Mississippi Hippie and Mom Said No are Alton staples for the “weirdos.” Or so says owner Fred Pollard, who means it affectionately. Pollard opened Mom Said No, a gift shop that specializes in toys and horror collectibles, in 2019, then purchased Mississippi Hippie and its boho clothing inventory in 2020. Located at 300 East Broadway in Alton, the stores have grown in the past year, and Pollard is pleased to see how the local business community has welcomed him. “Our block is — I always say that it’s where the weirdos like to hang out. And I mean that in the best possible way, because that’s our counterculture strip,” Pollard said. “The guideline that I go by when I’m shopping with a supplier for inventory for the shop, whether it’s clothing or toys or collectibles or gifts or whatever, I just kind of keep in mind, ‘Okay, is this something that I’m going to see at Target or Walmart?’

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GRANITE CITY — A man with an active arrest warrant for parole violation died following a high-speed chase and crash Thursday afternoon, June 5, 2025, in Granite City, authorities said. At approximately 3:47 p.m. on June 5, 2025, a Granite City Police Department officer spotted the subject riding a motorcycle near Maryville Road and Parkview Drive. Upon attempting to initiate a traffic stop, the subject fled north on Maryville Road at a high rate of speed, according to police. The pursuit ended when the motorcycle was involved in a crash at the intersection of Maryville Road and Pontoon Road. The Madison County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and confirmed the subject was deceased. The Illinois State Police have taken over the investigation into the incident. Granite City Police Major Charles Bremer said no further information will be released at this time.

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GRAFTON - Raging Rivers WaterPark is gearing up for an exciting month of June with a full calendar of events and special promotions packed with fun, adventure, and community spirit! WWT Promo - June 6, 7 & 8 World Wide Technology Raceway will be at Raging Rivers with racing cars on display. Guests who present a WWT Raceway ticket at the ticket booth will receive free admission to the water park on any of these three days. Sensory Sunday - June 8 Raging Rivers welcomes neurodiverse guests and one caregiver for free admission. Early entry begins at 10 a.m., one hour before the park opens to the general public, allowing extra time to enjoy the attractions in a more relaxed environment. Guests can stay and play all day. Additional family members can purchase tickets at the gate. Magical Mermaid Monday - June 9 Dive into a magical experience as mermaids take over the wave pool! Meet and greet sessions are scheduled at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. Don’t miss story time

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—today led 22 of her fellow Senate Democratic colleagues in urging Defense Secretary Hegseth to reverse course and not implement the Trump Administration’s un-American transgender military service ban that will unfairly attack honorable servicemembers for who they are, compromise good order and discipline and jeopardize our national security. In the Senators’ letter, the group demands answers from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—including what specific data is being used to back up their claim that transgender servicemembers are not in the “interests of national security” and how much it will cost taxpayers to train the replacements of perfectly capable transgender servicemembers that they are forcing out of our military. After Senator Duckworth led over a dozen of her colleagues in April pushing back against the ban, Secretary Hegseth’s response to their letter did

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Did you know that nearly 70% of people say outdoor movie nights create stronger community bonds and lasting memories? Hosting a backyard movie night offers a unique way to bring friends and family together for an unforgettable shared experience. Beyond just watching a film, it’s about crafting an atmosphere that invites comfort, connection, and fun under the open sky. If you’re considering transforming your yard into an open-air cinema, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to do it successfully. Setting the Stage: Choosing the Right Space and Equipment The foundation of any outdoor movie night is the setting. Selecting the right spot in your backyard can make or break the event. Choosing a Location: Pick a flat area free from obstructions like trees or outdoor furniture that might block the view. Ideally, this space should be close to a power source for your equipment but distant enough from noisy areas of the house or street. A backyard corner or patio often work

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June 6 has long stood as a day of profound historical significance, marked by events that have shaped nations, inspired generations, and altered the course of history worldwide. 1944: D-Day – The Normandy Landings Arguably the most consequential event associated with June 6 is the beginning of the Allied invasion of Normandy during World War II, commonly known as D-Day. On June 6, 1944, in a meticulously planned operation codenamed Operation Overlord, over 156,000 American, British, Canadian, and other Allied troops stormed the beaches of Nazi-occupied France. This massive amphibious assault marked the start of the liberation of Western Europe from Nazi control. The complexity and scale of the operation were unprecedented, involving months of preparation, deception strategies like Operation Bodyguard to mislead German forces, and the bravery of thousands facing fortified defenses. The success of D-Day was a turning point. It paved the way for the eventual defeat of Nazi

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GRANITE CITY – A man from Granite City remains in custody as a felony domestic battery charge marks the latest in his history of domestic violence against the same victim. Cesar A. Cendejas, 25, of Granite City, was charged on May 27, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery. Cendejas is accused of strangling a household or family member on May 25, 2025. A petition to deny his pretrial release, filed by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, states Cendejas was out on pretrial release at the time of this latest offense from a pending domestic violence case involving the same victim. The state’s petition to keep Cendejas in custody was granted, with a Detention Order adding Cendejas agreed in March of 2025 to have no contact and stay away from the victim in this case. The case against Cendejas was presented by the Granite City Police Department, and he currently remains in custody at the Madison County Jail. All individuals

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HIGHLAND — The Highland Police Department and the Madison County Coroner’s Office are conducting an active death investigation at Silver Lake, officials confirmed Thursday, June 4, 2025. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing, with forensic analysis still pending. No further details have been released to protect the integrity of the inquiry. At this time, there is no evidence indicating any danger to the public. The police department acknowledged public concern and emphasized its commitment to providing accurate information as it becomes available. “The safety and well-being of our community remain our highest priority,” the department said. Officials also addressed numerous social media posts related to the incident and encouraged anyone with relevant information to contact Detective Kingery at the Highland Police Department at 618-654-2131, ext. 3.

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GODFREY – Plans to build a solar farm on Delmar Avenue in Godfrey have been halted after unanimously being voted down by the Village Board of Trustees. Trustees on Tuesday night voted 6-0 against an ordinance granting a special use permit to Arena Road House Solar, LLC to build a solar farm at 3406 W. Delmar Ave. Speaking in favor of the solar farm was Jay Gupta, a developer with Arena Renewables. “This project will be a quiet neighbor for the community for the next 30, 40 years, without traffic, noise, smell, pollution,” Gupta said. “You will not be able to see the solar project, it is … out of view and nearly completely surrounded by existing vegetation.” Gupta described the project as an investment in the community capable of generating $800,000 in property tax revenue, telling trustees: “We want to be long-term partners with you.” Gupta also said local residents and businesses could “take advantage” of the solar

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WOOD RIVER - Lily Tretter, a senior softball player for the East Alton-Wood River Oilers girls softball squad, has been named a Midwest Members Credit Union female student-athlete of the month in recognition of her outstanding performance this season. Under the guidance of head coach Mike Beachum, Tretter has played a key role in leading the Oilers to an 8-1 start. Tretter’s impressive statistics included a .425 batting average, a .462 on-base percentage, and a .534 slugging percentage, resulting in a .996 OPS. She has also contributed six doubles, one triple, and 14 runs batted in. Her achievements earned her All-Conference honors for the Mississippi Division of the Cahokia Conference. Tretter’s performance reflects her significant impact on the team’s early success and overall season in 2025.

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WOOD RIVER - Jamal Burgess Jr. of East Alton-Wood River High School broke a 49-year-old school record in the 400-meter run at the IHSA Sectional meet in Bethalto on May 21, 2025. Burgess recorded a time of 49.64 seconds, surpassing the previous mark set by Terry Studnicki in 1976. He is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. Burgess’s performance placed him third overall in what was described as the toughest sectional in the state, earning him a spot at the state finals. At the state meet, he ran a time of 51.48 seconds in the Class 2A preliminaries. In addition to his individual success, Burgess was a key member of the Oilers’ relay teams, competing in the 4x100, 4x200, and 4x400 relays. Following his record-breaking run, Burgess met with Studnicki, who expressed a desire to “pass the torch” after holding the record for nearly five decades. Burgess has since graduated from East Alton-Wood River High School.

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We all know some men who’d rather fight off sharks than deal with issues that affect their health. They don’t like talking about it, they put symptoms on the back burner, and they don’t see a health care provider unless it’s at the urging of a persistent wife who might schedule the appointment. June is National Men’s Health Month. It’s a time to encourage men to take their health seriously, make necessary lifestyle changes and get established with a primary care provider, if they don’t have one. According to Ben Guth, an advanced practice nurse with OSF HealthCare, the reasons for putting off medical care vary. For some men, they’re too busy working to find the time to book, for example, an eye exam or dentist appointment. Some are willing to wait out a nagging pain or a lingering headache. And for others it’s simply a case of “‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’” “Men will often tell me,

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From news reports to social media blurbs to medical studies, they’ve been in the public eye a lot lately. And experts say that likely won’t change. We’re talking about microplastics or nanoplastics, incredibly small pieces of plastic that can get into our body. So, how concerned should we be? Philip Ovadia, MD , a cardiothoracic surgeon at OSF HealthCare, says this issue will continue to be studied for years. But there are things you can do now to optimize your health and reduce your risk of problems. “We’re increasing our understanding of the toxins in our env ironment. Our environment has become more toxic, and that’s a challenge to our health,” Dr. Ovadia says. “The best thing for people to do is to control what you can control. What are you eating? What are you using on your body? What is your lifestyle like? How active are you?” “We’re increasing our understanding of the toxins in our environment. Our environment

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GODFREY - Commencement Week at Monticello Seminary (now the campus of Lewis and Clark Community College) began on Saturday, June 6, 1925, with the Class Day program at 4 p.m. Students performed the commencement play, “The Piper,” written by playwright and poet Josephine Preston Peabody, at 8 p.m. under the oaks on the north campus. Consuelo Alarca of Havana, Cuba (whose mother also graduated from the Seminary) played the lead role. Bishop Francis J. McConnell of the Methodist Church preached the Baccalaureate sermon on Sunday, June 7, in Reid Memorial Chapel, and Monticello alumni gathered for class reunions on Monday, June 8, on the east campus grounds. The commencement exercises were held on Tuesday, June 9, in Reid Memorial Chapel. Senator William B. McKinley gave the commencement address, titled “America and Europe.” Senator McKinley, who had recently returned from Europe, “gave a brief picture of economic conditions as he found them in England

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ALTON - As Country Meadows Antiques celebrates 39 years in the Alton community, owner Gary Voyles is reflecting on the work he’s accomplished over the past few decades. Voyles and his wife, Pam, started the business 39 years ago on Broadway. They moved a few times over the years and finally settled into their current location at 401 E. Broadway in Alton. As they prepare to hit the 40-year milestone, Voyles noted that his love for antiques has only grown. “Once it gets in your blood, you just can’t let go of it,” he said. “We’re there as long as we can be. That’s all I can say right now. It’s in our blood. We have plenty of merchandise to sell. We won’t ever run out, even if we never buy another thing.” Voyles and his wife entered the antiquing business in the 1990s when they decided to refurnish their home. The couple began attending auctions with Voyles’s grandparents, and they quickly fell in love with th

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EDWARDSVILLE — Michael Dixon, a sanitation worker at Crescent, lost his home and possessions when a tornado struck St. Louis over the weekend, according to Cydni Harris, the SPG at D1 in Edwardsville. Harris has created a GoFundMe campaign to raise support for Dixon during this difficult time. She urged the community to come together and help him recover from the devastation. “It would be incredibly meaningful if we could unite to support him during this challenging time,” Harris said. “Please consider sharing this with others, as he truly needs all the help we can provide.” The tornado caused widespread damage across the St. Louis area, leaving residents like Dixon facing significant losses. The fundraising effort aims to assist Dixon in rebuilding and replacing what was destroyed. To contribute to the GoFundMe, click here.

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GODFREY - If you have a need, Oakwood Church of God in Christ aims to meet it this weekend. From 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, community members are invited to Oakwood COGIC for free food, clothing, hygiene kits, furniture, toys and more. Located at 4712 N. Alby Street in Godfrey, the church will provide all of these items free of charge, no questions asked, while offering prayer to those who would like it. “Whatever it is that you need, we're going to try to provide it,” said Lavern Parker, the church secretary. “We just believe that it’s a place where everybody is somebody. We refer to ourselves as a saint’s hospital. If there’s a need, we’re going to try to fill it.” There will be hot hamburgers and hotdogs available for everyone who attends the giveaway. The hygiene kits contain toothpaste, mouthwash, shaving cream, a washcloth, soap and more. Many people have also donated clothing, furniture and toys. Park

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