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COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department in Illinois has recognized two officers for their exemplary service through the Officer of the Month award. Officer Trent Ross received the honor for January 2025, while Officer Brian Joy was acknowledged for February 2025. Both officers were commended for their commitment to proactive policing, a key principle of the department's approach to law enforcement. The department highlighted the collaborative efforts of Officer Ross and his K9 partner, who contributed significantly to his success in the field. The Collinsville Police Department expressed gratitude for the dedication shown by both officers in serving the community. The recognition serves to emphasize the importance of teamwork and community-oriented policing within the department.

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , Dave Wilson encouraged people to realize that God’s blessing is right in front of them. Wilson noted that God is present in everyone’s life. He believes that God is with us even — or especially — during difficult times, and every challenge is a blessing in disguise. God has a plan for all of us, and Wilson encourages people to trust in Him. “None of this takes away from my blessings. My blessings are for me and in front of me at all times,” he said. “God wants nothing more from each and every one of us but to take a step in the right direction and show up. Every moment that we show up, our blessing lies directly in front of us.” Wilson, who owns Wilson Tree Service in Godfrey, shared that he recently spent $11,000 repairing a chipper that then completely broke down three months later. Instead of getting frustrated or upset, Wilson turne

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Spring into Healthy Habits with Dairy Spring is an inspiring time of rebirth and renewal. As nature wakes up from winter, St. Louis District Dairy Council encourages you to take a fresh look at your self-care routine. With the colder months behind us, it makes sense to explore new ways to improve your health and wellness. It may be as easy as adding outdoor physical activity to enjoy the warmer weather or adjusting your afternoon snack choices. So, celebrate the change of seasons and spring into health this month with simple changes. Rethink your diet Spring is all about new beginnings, fresh starts and hope for new opportunities. It is also the perfect time to take a closer look at eating habits to improve health. Focus on foods that nourish your body like yogurt parfaits with berries, omelets with vegetables and cheese, and salads with fresh produce. As you welcome the new season, take an inventory of food shopping habits as well. Spend more time in the produce section and select

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March 30th has witnessed numerous significant events throughout history, spanning various fields including politics, science, culture, and more. As we delve into the annals of history, let’s explore some of the notable occurrences that took place on this day, showcasing the rich tapestry of human achievements and challenges. The Global Impact of the 1979 Three Mile Island Incident One of the most pivotal events in the history of energy production and nuclear safety occurred on March 30, 1979, when the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania experienced a partial meltdown. This incident marked the most serious accident in U.S. commercial nuclear power plant history and raised significant concerns about the safety of nuclear energy. The reactor's cooling system failed, leading to a release of radioactive gases, though no injuries or deaths were reported. The aftermath of the incident led to widespread public fear about nuclear energy and spurred significant regulatory

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Did you know that engaging in creative hobbies can significantly boost your mental health, increasing feelings of happiness and even reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression? According to various studies, creative expression can lead to higher levels of dopamine, the feel-good neurotransmitter, enhancing our overall well-being. As we seek ways to enrich our lives, why not dive into a creative hobby that not only cultivates joy but also fosters personal growth? Here are some unique hobbies to consider this spring that promise to ignite your passion and enhance your creativity. 1. Upcycling: Transforming Trash into Treasure Upcycling is a brilliant way to tap into your creativity while being environmentally conscious. This hobby involves taking discarded items and repurposing them into something functional or beautiful. For instance, old furniture can be given new life with a fresh coat of paint, or glass jars can be turned into stylish candle holders. Practical Tips: Start

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GODFREY - Village Dispensary will celebrate its one-year anniversary with great deals and a fun event. On Saturday, April 19, 2025, community members are invited to Village Dispensary at 110 Northport Drive in Godfrey for a vendor fair to commemorate their first anniversary and 4/20. Alli and Allison, representatives with Village Dispensary, expressed their eagerness to welcome new and familiar faces to the dispensary to celebrate. “We’re excited. Our inventory is loaded right now in preparation for the big 4/20 event, which is on the 19th,” Allison said. “You’ll see some deep discounts, up to 40% off, and then a lot of freebies that we have to give away.” From 12–5 p.m. on April 19, community members can enjoy a vendor fair, complete with businesses like Pearson’s Produce, Green Treats Hemp Co. and more. Alli compared it to the Alton Farmer’s Market and added that Gumbo 2 Geaux and Dorothy’s Tea Room will be providin

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – At today’s committee hearing on the horrific DCA aircraft collision, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Ranking Member of the CST Aviation Subcommittee—secured a commitment from Acting Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Chris Rocheleau to report back to her on how many certified air traffic controllers around the country are waiting for medical clearances to return to work and to help ensure these medical reviews are happening in a timely manner. Duckworth is hearing air traffic controllers in the Chicagoland area have been caught up in this backlog that is keeping them from getting back on the job to help keep our aviation system safe for the flying public. Duckworth’s exchange with Acting Administrator Rocheleau can be found on the Senator’s YouTube . “I’m being told there are certified controllers in Chicag

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EDWARDSVILLE - On Tuesday, April 1, 2025, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will host its first in a series of high-profile speakers on the Edwardsville campus. The inaugural keynote features author Amanda Ripley. Ripley will present her topic, “Breaking the Spell of High Conflict” on Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the Meridian Ballroom at the Morris University Center (MUC). Ripley is the author of the titles “High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out,” “The Unthinkable: Who Survives When Disaster Strikes—and Why” and the New York Times bestseller “The Smartest Kids in the World.” Her book “High Conflict” chronicles the journey of people who were trapped in very different kinds of conflict, from the personal to the political, and then found their way out. "High Conflict” won the 2022 Christopher Award for “lighting a candle instead of cursing the darkness.” The distinguished speaker,

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CARLINVILLE - Blackburn College has announced its Dean’s List for the Fall 2024 semester. Students named to the Dean’s List must earn a grade point average of 3.6 or higher for the semester. Area students include: Alton Justin Atkinson Brighton Cassidy Gaither Erika Pfitzner Carrollton Diana Varble Godfrey Megan Van Deusen Granite City Bryan Chrisos Ashley Schardan Jerseyville Clayton Brunaugh Abigail Droege Caroline Gibson Shelby Koenig Founded in 1837, Blackburn College is a four-year, Presbyterian-related, co-educational liberal arts college located in Carlinville, IL. One of only ten federally recognized Work Colleges, Blackburn is the only Work Program in the nation managed by students. Balancing academic rigor and experiential learning, each student at Blackburn gains tangible experience and develops critical skills by contributing to their community, all while building a resume and earning their degree. U.S. News & World Report

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EDWARDSVILLE - Blakely Hockett is a senior striker, and one of the three captains for the Edwardsville girls soccer team this season, who scored her first goal of the season from the penalty spot in a 2-1 loss to O'Fallon on March 27 at Tiger Stadium. Hockett scored the goal off a rebound after the Panther goalie saved the original penalty, where she had an easy tap-in for the goal. Last season, Hockett scored twice, and also had four assists for eight points on the season, and is always around the goal, either setting up teammates or putting the ball in the back of the net herself. After the loss to the Panthers, she expressed confidence that the Tigers will bounce back from the loss. Blakely is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. The match was a typical Southwestern Conference match, where there were plenty of ups-and-downs for both sides, and tough play from both teams. "It's always a really rough game with them," Hockett said. "It's super competitive.

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COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department is inviting local youth to participate in its annual Youth Academy, designed to give children a firsthand look at various aspects of law enforcement. The Youth Academy dates are July 14-18 and July 21-25, 2025. The program will include activities such as K-9 demonstrations, tours of the police department and jail, and a demonstration from the Illinois State Police Crime Scene/Lab. Scheduled for this summer, the Youth Academy aims to engage children in community safety and police work while fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and youth. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour a SWAT vehicle, experience a medical helicopter and fire department demonstration, and undergo physical training, among other activities. Registration for the Youth Academy is now open and can be completed through the Collinsville city website. Parents interested in enrolling their children are encouraged to sign up early

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PONTOON BEACH - After more than 20 years of Friday night service, Madison County Transit (MCT) is moving the MCT Muny Express to Saturday nights for the 2025 season! This exciting change means theatergoers can say goodbye to Friday night traffic jams and hello to stress-free Saturday nights at the Muny. For just $5, passengers can sit back, relax, and enjoy a round-trip journey to the Muny in Forest Park from 13 locations in Madison County. Children 5 and under ride free, and Madison County students in grades K-12 can hop aboard for free with an MCT Summer Youth Pass. MCT Muny Express riders avoid the hassles of finding a parking spot and get dropped off and picked up directly in front of the Muny. This season’s lineup promises to be nothing short of spectacular, featuring a mix of beloved classics and modern hits. This year’s Muny season includes: the high energy of Bring It On: The Musical, the heartwarming story of Come From Away, D isney’s enchanting

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Students at Bush Alternative School in the East St. Louis School District 189 are taking action to support their community through a monthly mobile food pantry. The students recently assisted 71 needy families by partnering with the St. Louis Area Foodbank. The initiative aims to address food insecurity in the local area, demonstrating the commitment of students to help their neighbors. "When we come together, we make a stronger community," a representative from the alternative school said in a statement. The food pantry has become a vital resource for families facing challenges in accessing nutritious meals. This effort highlights the role of educational institutions in fostering community engagement and support. The next pantry date for the students is April 23, 2025.

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ST. LOUIS — A section of the westbound exit ramp from Interstate 64 to Forest Park Avenue and Grand Boulevard was closed around noon today for emergency repairs to a retaining wall. The closure, which affects both the ramp and the westbound lanes of Forest Park Avenue between Compton Avenue and Grand Boulevard, is expected to last three to four months. The decision to close the ramp was made after inspections revealed excessive horizontal movement of the retaining wall toward the Forest Park Avenue traffic lanes. In response, the City of St. Louis has completed the design for the necessary repairs and contracted a firm to carry out the work. To assist motorists during the closure, detour signs will be installed as soon as they are ready. Drivers on Market Street or Compton Avenue can access Forest Park Avenue via several routes, including north on Jefferson Avenue or Compton Avenue, west on Olive Street/Lindell Boulevard, south on Grand Avenue, or directly on Forest Park Avenue.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - Authorities are investigating a triple shooting that occurred on Duenke Drive in Bellefontaine Neighbors, resulting in life-threatening injuries to two men and a woman. The incident took place at approximately 1:39 p.m. on Friday when officers from the Bellefontaine Neighbors Police Department responded to a call regarding the shooting. Upon arrival at the residence in the 9400 block of Duenke Drive, officers discovered two adult males and an adult female suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. All three individuals were subsequently transported to nearby hospitals for life-saving treatment. The St. Louis County Police Department’s Bureau of Crimes Against Persons has taken over the investigation. Detectives are currently working to gather information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have urged anyone with information to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. For

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BELLEVILLE - The St. Clair Sheriff's Department and the Belleville, Illinois, Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors, this week reflected on the anniversary of the death of Lamont C. Reid, one of their officers who died on active duty 15 years ago. On March 26, 2010, St. Clair County Deputy Sheriff Lamont Reid suffered a fatal heart attack shortly after assisting with the search for a suicidal man. At approximately 2:45 p.m. on March 26, 2010, Reid collapsed during a shift meeting and was transported to Kenneth Hall Regional Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later. Deputy Sheriff Reid left behind a wife and three children at the time of his death. He was 55 years old.

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COLLINSVILLE – Collinsville CUSD 10 Special Education Coordinator Karen Truran was recognized by Saint Louis University at the School of Education's 100th anniversary Celebration of Women Educators" reception on March 26, 2025. She was honored for her efforts in special education. The honorees were nominated and recognized for the positive impact they have had on other educators. Truran was nominated by Caseyville Elementary School Principal Chelsea Clark, a graduate of SLU's School of Education. The call for nominations specifically asked for women who have played a "pivotal role in the educational journey of others." Clark immediately knew who she thought was deserving of recognition. In her nomination of Truran, Clark wrote: "As a special education coordinator, Mrs. Truran works with multiple schools, administrators and families. Although her role could easily lend itself to being behind the scenes in these schools, she strives to be visible, communicative with each team,

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department announced it is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies to step up April enforcement efforts across the state in recognition of Distracted Driving Awareness Month. “Distracted driving is dangerous, claiming 58 lives in Illinois in 2023. We need everyone’s support in making our roads safer, which includes staying focused behind the wheel,” said Lt. Brandn Whittaker. “We’re excited to support IDOT’s efforts in educating all road users about the importance of putting your phone away, setting your navigation before your trip begins and driving distraction-free.” “It has become all too common to see people driving down the road while looking at their phones,” said Lt. Whittaker. “People know texting and driving is both dangerous and illegal, but they do it anyway, putting themselves

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Letter To The Editor: My name is John Barry Julian. I have known Mayor Mike McCormick since 1976 when I moved into the house next door to his. Mayor McCormick was a good neighbor so I was not surprised to see what an excellent Mayor he is. Mayor McCormick was a local business owner/operator for many years by owning an IMO’S pizza franchise. He ran his business well, managed his money and ultimately sold the franchise and retired. After retiring Mayor McCormick entered the world of politics. If my memory is correct he served as a Godfrey Trustee for several terms then decided to run for Mayor. He was elected Mayor. During the time he has been Mayor Mike McCormick has done an admirable job of managing the city of Godfrey. He has shown fiscal responsibility and good business sense and Godfrey has flourished. Mayor McCormick is getting things done for Godfrey. He is constantly looking out for taxpayer’s best interests and is doing the job for love not just to get a

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ALTON - John Meehan loves his neighborhood. In a recent conversation on “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello , Meehan, current 5th Ward alderman, explained his vision for the 5th Ward and the City of Alton. He emphasized the importance of knowing and taking care of his neighbors, which he has tried to do as an alderman. “You do stuff like that and you get to know people, and there are so many good people in Alton,” he said. Meehan was appointed to the 5th Ward alderman seat after long-time Alderman Charles Brake retired in 2023. He shared that he had a close relationship with Brake, and he decided to run “this one time, out of respect for him.” Since taking the position on the City Council, Meehan has made it a priority to get to know his constituents. He keeps a log of each person he talks to and their issues, so he can follow-up and make sure these problems are resolved. Meehan often drives through his ward and takes note of house

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