WOOD RIVER – More funding has been approved for additional sidewalk repairs throughout Wood River. City Council members unanimously approved a change order to expand the scope of an existing contract between the city and Kamadulski Excavating & Grading Co. Inc. to replace concrete sidewalks at various city-wide locations. The expanded project scope includes the removal and replacement of an additional sidewalk as needed to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). It also
ALTON - The Alton Police Department said it issued seat belt and other traffic citations during its Memorial Day 2026 “Click It or Ticket” enforcement campaign in Alton, Illinois, as part of an effort to increase seat belt use and improve roadway safety during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. The department announced the results of the campaign and said the enforcement effort was aimed at reminding drivers and passengers to buckle up. “Thanks to
EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Sheriff’s Office announced the addition of two new employees to its Jail Division, welcoming Olivia Storey as a deputy jailer and Chandler Hulvey as a jail technician. Storey will head to the corrections academy next week, while Hulvey has started field training. Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor said, “We’re proud to have them on board and look forward to the dedication and service they’ll bring to our facility and community.”
EDWARDSVILLE - About 550 Edwardsville High School graduates received their diplomas at a well-attended ceremony in Edwardsville, where school leaders and student speakers highlighted the Class of 2026’s achievements and their transition to life after high school. Edwardsville High School Principal Alex Fox said the class stood out for how it handled change during its time at the school, including leadership transitions, and said students rose to all expectations. “It is a group
WHAT: The Route 66 Jeep Run will bring Jeep enthusiasts from across the Midwest together on Saturday, June 6, 2026, for a one-of-a-kind driving experience celebrating the 100th Anniversary of historic Route 66. Participants will travel one of seven themed routes covering the final 100 miles of Illinois Route 66, stopping at iconic attractions, restaurants, historic sites, and photo locations before ending in Downtown Granite City, Illinois, for a public Grand Finale Celebration featuring
ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on Monday charged Christian Watkins, 23, of the 9700 block of Winkler Drive in St. Louis, in connection with a May 31, 2026, shooting on Sapphire Avenue that authorities said involved gunfire at a car and left a woman with a graze wound to the forehead while she was in bed. Watkins was charged June 1, 2026, with first-degree assault or attempt, unlawful use of a weapon — shoot at/from motor vehicle,
EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis School District 189 announced late last week that the Class of 2026, made up of 275 seniors, has earned an astonishing $20 million in college scholarships because of the class's academic and career achievements. The East St. Louis School District said the class’s accomplishments include college, trade and technical school, military service, and career pathways as graduates prepare for their next steps. The announcement was made in a district
WOOD RIVER — Allison Layton of Wood River, a recent graduate of East Alton-Wood River High School, has enlisted in the Illinois Army National Guard, according to her mother, Monica Layton. Layton holds the rank of E1, her mother said, as she begins her Army service time. Monica Layton said she was proud of her daughter’s decision. “I am proud and want to show her some love for her dedication to sacrifice and serve,” Monica Layton said. “I am so proud of her.”
BELLEVILLE/O'FALLON - Several students from western Illinois high schools have received the annual ImpactLife Student Impact Award in O’Fallon and Belleville, recognizing their support of the region’s blood supply as donors, advocates, volunteers and blood drive coordinators at the end of the school year, when blood supplies typically decline. The Student Impact Award Program honors students who have supported the blood supply in a variety of ways. Recipients completed at least on
FULTON, Mo. - Westminster College proudly announces those students named to the Spring 2026 Dean's List for exemplary academic performance. The list of 238 students includes 72 freshmen, 58 sophomores, 58 juniors and 50 seniors. Glen Carbon, Illinois - Meg Greer, Freshman Saint Louis, Missouri - Eliva Flowers, Sophomore The Dean's List recognizes Westminster students who excelled academically during the past semester. To be included on the Dean's List, a student must achieve a 3.60 semester
SPRINGFIELD – After 4 am on the final day of the spring session, Illinois Democrats passed a $56 billion Fiscal Year 2027 State Budget, which spends nearly a billion dollars more than last year. The Democratic majority’s budget is a record-high $55.9 billion and relies on $800 million in new revenue, including new taxes on social media platforms and digital ads, while raiding $150 million of revenue from the state sales tax on gasoline. Assistant Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois General Assembly passed a $55.9 billion state budget, making it the largest budget in state history, supplemented by hundreds of millions in new taxes. State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) voted against the budget package and says it does nothing to address the rising cost of living in Illinois. "People in my district are begging for relief from Illinois' sky-high taxes," said Schmidt. "This budget is full of higher taxes, broken promises, pork projects
GLEN CARBON - State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) has released the following statement following the passage of the 2027 State Budget: “Across our district, families are working hard to keep up with rising costs. Every month brings new challenges as people make careful decisions about how to stretch their paychecks. They deserve a state government that approaches their tax dollars with the same level of responsibility. “I had hoped this budget would reflect that disciplin
EAST ST. LOUIS - Community members in East St. Louis are invited to attend the Stronger Together: Juneteenth Wellness & Unity Fair on June 18, 2026, a free public event aimed at promoting healing, empowerment, wellness, and community connection. The fair will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 505 S. 8th Street in East St. Louis, Illinois. Organizers said the event will bring together more than 20 community organizations and resource partners offering services, education, and support to residents.
FLORISSANT, MO. — In recognition of Women Veterans Recognition Day, a transformative one-day gathering will bring women veterans together for reflection, healing, and community at the Pallottine Retreat & Conference Center. The “Women Veterans: Resilience Reimagined 1-Day Retreat,” taking place from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, is designed to honor and amplify the voices, service, and leadership of women who have served in the past and those who are currently serving. Fo
STAUNTON - Dee Webber has always been a Super Mom. Now, her community is rallying behind her. Webber is a quarterfinalist for the NewsBeauty Super Mom competition. With over 140,000 moms who entered the contest, she is now in the top 1 percent. A Staunton native, the stay-at-home mom of five shared that the competition has inspired her to reflect on her story and her goals for her family. “There are a lot of Super Moms out there. They all have their own journey, and this one is mine,”
EDWARDSVILLE - The Department of Construction in the School of Engineering at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) has received a $600,000 commitment from the Southern Illinois Builders Association (SIBA) and the Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program (SICAP), supporting student recruitment and workforce development in the construction management profession. The three-year investment will fund recruitment awards for students entering the program and support a strategic
ALTON - Community members are invited to a free lunch-and-learn to find out more about wills and trusts. At 12 p.m. on June 16, 2026, at Vera Lee Meeting and Event Venue in Alton, financial advisor Bill Kinkel and attorney Walter Ozark will share general information about how to navigate wills and trusts to ensure your family is taken care of after your death. The two men emphasized that the goal is to answer common questions to help attendees organize their affairs. “Usually, people
COTTAGE HILLS – A local man faces felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly leaving the scene of a drunk driving accident that left one person injured. Dillon D. Grether, 27, of Bunker Hill, was charged on May 18, 2026 with one count each of aggravated driving while under the influence, leaving the scene of a crash involving injury or death (both Class 4 felonies), driving while license revoked, and fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer (both Class A misdemeanors). Grether
BELLEVILLE – On Saturday, June 6, 2026, Downtown Belleville will once again come together for Rock the Blue, a community fundraiser benefiting BackStoppers and supporting the first responders who serve and protect our region every day. The event will take place from Noon to 11:00 PM and expand to two blocks of East Main Street, featuring live music, BBQ, bourbon tastings, family-friendly activities, raffles, vendors, face painting, and community gathering spaces. Rock the Blue was created
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