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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department announced Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, that multiple reports of a man believed to be a missing person, Josh Amos in the Collinsville area have been investigated, but the individual encountered was not Amos. The Collinsville Police Department said the subject reported is a white male with long hair and a beard. Officers made contact with the same man during each call and confirmed he was not Amos. Josh Amos has been missing since March 19, 2023. He is 32 years old, born July 28, 1990, stands 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighs approximately 190 pounds, and is from Granite City. He was last seen in East St. Louis in 2023. Authorities ask anyone with information about Amos to call (618) 967-1027 or (618) 219-0830.

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ROXANA - Wyatt Doyle of Roxana, a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for Roxana, recently completed an outstanding high school track and field and cross country career. Doyle, who has committed to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), earned the recognition following a demanding training season and record-setting performances. Doyle recorded the second-fastest 800-meter time in Roxana history with a mark of 1:59.41 in 2024. He described this past year as his hardest training season, reaching up to 55 miles per week in preparation for the past year's spring season at Roxana and upcoming collegiate competition at SIUE. "This was my hardest year of training, up to 55 miles a week at points, and I am ready for SIUE," he said. In addition to his 800-meter success, Doyle holds the third-fastest all-time Roxana time in the 1,600 meters with 4:42.9 and the second-fastest 3,200 meters time at 10:00.7, both achieved in 2025. He is also part of Roxana’s

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ROXANA — Incoming sophomore Paityn Lucas has emerged as a standout freshman athlete in Roxana High School’s girls track and field program this season, tying the school’s pole vault record in 2025 at 6 feet 6 inches alongside teammate Bailey Schallenberg-Decker. Julie Akal, the Roxana head girls' track and field coach, praised Lucas’s potential not only in pole vaulting but also as a valuable member of the relay teams and track and field squad in general. She is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month. “She has a lot of potential in the pole vault event and also on relays,” Akal said. “Paityn is a good relay member; she likes the 4x400 and has been working hard this summer to be ready for the 4x400 relay next year.” In addition to her athletic accomplishments, Lucas has also participated in pole vault training during the winter to establish the event with the Shells girls team in 2025, Coach Akal said. Lucas’s

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane closures on eastbound Interstate 55/64 between the Poplar Street Bridge and 1 mile east of the bridge. Starting at 5 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2, the left two lanes of eastbound I-55/64 will be closed to allow for the installation of highway lighting. All lanes are expected to reopen by 5 p.m. the same day. 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 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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SAVANNAH, Ga. — Alton's Rayna Raglin, a 17-year-old track and field sensation, has demonstrated remarkable endurance and skill recently at the USATF Junior Olympics National track and field meet in Savannah, Ga. Raglin, competing in the 17-18 age division, earned All-American status in three events: the 100-meter, 200-meter, and 400-meter dashes. Raglin’s performance included a seventh-place finish in the 200-meter finals on Saturday, marking her seventh race of the week. She was fourth in the 100 meters with a time of 11.88 for Dashers Track and Field out of Belleville. She placed sixth in the 200 meters in a time of 24.13. She was fifth in the 400 meters in a scorching time of 56.27. Rayna is an Auto Butler Female Athlete of the Month for Alton. She competed in nine total races at the USATF Junior Olympics National Meet against some of the nation’s top athletes. She noted the challenge of the competition and the heat, and said, “It was long and it was

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BETHALTO — Madison County Treasurer Mike Babcock announced this week that he will run in the Spring 2026 election to retain the office he was appointed to in December 2024. Babcock, a former County Board member and longtime Wood River Township Supervisor, was sworn in as treasurer on Dec. 2, 2024, following the election of former Treasurer Chris Slusser to serve as Madison County Board Chairman and his appointment of Board Member Mike Babcock along with the County Board approval that received all 26 County Board members' vote. “I’m excited about this next chapter,” Babcock said. “With taxpayers’ support, I will continue to safeguard public funds and manage county investments responsibly.” Since taking office, Babcock said he has implemented a conservative fiscal strategy and is implementing a 2 percent budget reduction in the Treasurer’s Office this year. He has a "promises made, promises kept" philosophy. “Our investment

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EDWARDSVILLE - EXO Lounge invites the community to come out for a taco-and-tequila night. From 6–9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, community members can have an unforgettable evening at EXO complete with a DJ from Malibu, tacos and fajitas from Oaxaca, and tequila from all the best vendors. Gina Gamblin, founder of EXO, encourages people to wear white for the “White Party” in celebration of Gamblin’s birthday. “It’s going to be a big party,” Gamblin said. It's actually my birthday, so we’re going to celebrate it in style. We want everyone to come and just enjoy Oaxaca and see what two great places can offer. You can not only have the most beautiful place, but the best food ever.” Tickets to the event cost $33.85 and can be purchased online . In addition to the food and tequila, EXO will be offering their normal services, including a nail bar , med spa and food and drinks from the in-house Michelin-star chef . Gamb

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College is announcing the lists of full- and part-time honors students for the Spring 2025 semester. Students earning a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher out of a possible 4.0 are named to the President’s List. Those students earning a grade point average between 3.25 and 3.74 are recognized each semester on the Dean’s List. Further requirements are listed in the college’s online catalog at http://catalog.lc.edu . All questions should be directed to the Enrollment Center at (618) 468-2222. President’s List ILLINOIS ALTON – Tiffany V. Adams; Chloe E. Ahlers; Madison C. Albert; Morgan G. Alexander; Michael G. Anderson; Lourdes M. Anriquez; Hunter M. Bailey; Sara J. Baldwin; Gardell L. Ballinger, III; Michael J. Beaber; Paige N. Beran; Coty B. Bertschi; Joel A. Biesk; Elizabeth H. Blackmon; Addisyn C. Boelter; Ava M. Boley; Samuel A. Boxdorfer; Eric R. Braundmeier; Parker A. Cannon; Callie

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WOOD RIVER – A Cahokia man remains in custody after a domestic battery incident in Wood River led to his arrest involving the Metro East S.W.A.T. team . Tyler A. Taylor, 32, of Cahokia, Ill., was charged on July 22, 2025 with one count each of aggravated domestic battery (a Class 2 felony), unlawful restraint (a Class 4 felony), and domestic battery (a Class A misdemeanor). On July 202, 2025, Taylor allegedly strangled a household or family member, obstructed them from leaving a Wood River residence, and forcefully grabbed the victim’s phone from her hand, causing a laceration. Taylor also threatened the victim with a firearm, according to the state’s petition to deny Taylor’s pretrial release from custody. The petition states the victim waited until Taylor was asleep and fled the residence. “Officers documented injuries to her head and hand,” the petition states of the victim. “Victim later provided messages, sent to a third party,

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EDWARDSVILLE - These are three artists who will be featured at the upcoming Edwardsville Arts Fair on Sept. 26-28, 2025, at Edwardsville City Park. Today's featured artists are: Brady Kesner, Pary Flynn, and Sarah Skiold-Hanlin. Artist #1: Brady Kesner Medium: Photography Artist Statement: "I am passionate about photographing grand and intimate landscapes—flowing water, the rocks it tumbles over, and the trees that surround it. This environment quiets my soul, and I believe it does the same for the viewer. I am a believer in the power of nature to provide comfort, healing, and reduce stress." Artist #2: Pary Flynn Medium: Wood Artist Statement: "I make and play handmade cigar box guitars, built from many different cigar boxes I find during my travels—as well as vintage gas cans, old movie reels, bedpans, or handmade boxes." Artist #3: Sarah Skiold-Hanlin Medium: Works on Paper Artist Statement: "Music

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SPRINGFIELD - Baseball cards featuring the late Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg and Yankees great Mickey Mantle, basketball cards of Wilt Chamberlain and Walt Frazier, and an 18-karat yellow gold Hermes man’s chain bracelet are just some of the 250 unclaimed property lots on display for the public to preview on Tuesday, August 5 . “We encourage people to come preview the items we’ll be auctioning later in the month,” said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose office oversees unclaimed property in Illinois. “As Treasurer, I can’t bid on anything, but I know there are plenty of Cubs fans who would love to bid on Ryne Sandberg’s rookie baseball card.” “This is a chance for everyday fairgoers to experience a real, live auction, make bids on an item they like, and take home something distinctive,” Frerichs added. Potential bidders are invited to attend the auction preview from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday August 5 at the Illinoi

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BELLEVILLE - Tera and Fredrick Mothersell are organizing a fundraiser to support their 12-year-old son, Richard, as he battles bone cancer for the second time along with leukemia. The fundraiser aims to help cover medical bills, gas, and other expenses related to Richard’s ongoing treatment, which includes chemotherapy and radiation. Tera and Fredrick said Richard was initially diagnosed with stage 4 Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer, on April 26, 2023, after experiencing back pain that led to the discovery of a large tumor in his chest and multiple cancerous spots throughout his bones and spine. Despite being told to prepare for end-of-life care, Richard’s cancer went into remission by July 27, 2023. He completed 14 rounds of chemotherapy and 45 rounds of proton radiation by November 22, 2023, marking a significant milestone by ringing the hospital bell. However, attempts to maintain remission with low-dose chemotherapy were unsuccessful due to toxic

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COLLINSVILLE - There’s a new option for septic pumping and portable sanitation in Madison and St. Clair Counties. V1 Environmental offers a fresh perspective on residential and commercial septic services. Lucas Maue, the 25-year-old founder and president of the business, can’t wait to grow and continue offering great services to the community. “The industry is ripe for a new approach,” he explained. “I think I bring a modern twist to the entire industry. We’re just trying to inject a whole lot of professionalism into what most people believe is kind of a dirty, in-the-corner portion of your home service needs.” Maue previously served in the National Guard before transitioning to a local government contracting role. Six months ago, he and his wife experienced issues with their septic system, and Maue struggled to find a company that could get out to help them. He decided that not only could he do the work himself, but he could als

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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, released information about this week’s fugitive, Benjamin Murden, wanted in connection with a theft at a local Walmart. According to the department, Murden is accused of taking merchandise valued at over $300 without paying, an act that qualifies as a felony under state law. The incident reportedly occurred prior to the release date of Aug. 1, 2025. “Mr. Murden helped himself to some merchandise at Walmart without paying for it. Unfortunately for him... the items were valued at over $300, making his bad decision a felony,” the Collinsville Police said in their “Fugitive Friday” announcement. Authorities are asking anyone with information about Murden’s whereabouts to contact the Collinsville Police Department at 618-344-2131, extension 5209. Callers may remain anonymous. The department emphasized that the charges are based on probable cause and that Murden is presumed

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ST. LOUIS - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District Commander has fully approved the revised “Rivers Project Master Plan” with accompanying “Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)” and “Environmental Assessment (EA)”. The River Project Master Plan is a conceptual document that guides public use and natural resource management of over 48,000 acres of federal lands for environmental stewardship and recreational purposes. Master Plans for the Rivers Project were developed or updated in 1948, 1961, 1977, 2001, and 2015. Since its last revision, there have been many changes in public recreational perceptions and demands, in natural and man-made resources along the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, and in federal roles in the Project areas. These changes necessitated the preparation of an updated Master Plan to serve as a meaningful guide for future federal management of these rivers. This Master Plan supersedes the 2015 version

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ST. LOUIS - The Missouri Department of Revenue announced that the state’s 2025 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday will take place from 12:01 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1, through Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025. During this period, all state and local sales and use taxes on qualifying back-to-school items will be exempt, marking a change from previous years when only state and some local taxes were exempt. Under Missouri state law, the sales tax holiday begins on the first Friday in August and lasts through the following Sunday. Qualifying items include clothing, school supplies, computers, and certain computer accessories, each subject to specific price limits. Clothing items such as diapers and shoes qualify if their taxable value is $100 or less. School supplies are exempt up to $50 per purchase. Computer software priced at $350 or less, personal computers costing $1,500 or less, and other computer devices like mice, keyboards, and external disk drives under $1,500 are also included. Graphing calculators

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CHICAGO — The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) approved a number of gaming licenses and other measures today including issuing a gaming license for the State’s first racino and welcoming the first African American woman as IGB Chairperson. The IGB approved the Organizational Gaming License for the racino, Fairmount Park, Inc. d/b/a Fairmount Park Casino and Racing in Collinsville. The IGB received upfront fees of $9,950,000 in May, which was deposited into the Rebuild Illinois Fund, which funds infrastructure projects statewide. Fairmount Park is the seventh newly authorized casino the IGB licensed since November 2021 and the State’s 17th casino. Fairmount Park Casino and Racing began casino operations in Collinsville in April and was licensed today. Also at today’s meeting, Illinois Gaming Board Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter welcomed Dionne Hayden to her new position as Chairperson. She was appointed by Governor JB Pritzker following the July resignation of Chairma

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WASHINGTON PARK, Ill. — Authorities responded early Thursday morning, July 31, 2025, to a fatal shooting in the Metro East, where a 46-year-old man was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Police were called to a residence in the 5000 block of Warren Avenue near Kingshighway in Washington Park shortly before 5:40 a.m., Illinois State Police said. St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. said that Demario D. Walker was the victim. Dye Sr. said Walker was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the coroner, Walker’s last known address was in the 5000 block of Warren Avenue. The Illinois State Police were requested by Washington Park police to investigate the shooting. No additional information about the circumstances of the shooting or potential suspects has been released. The investigation remains ongoing.

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Did you know that the concept of picnicking dates back thousands of years, with evidence of outdoor feasts found in ancient civilizations from Mesopotamia to the Roman Empire? Despite its long history, the simple act of sharing food outdoors remains a timeless way to connect with nature and each other. National Picnic Month offers a perfect opportunity to rediscover this tradition and elevate it beyond the usual sandwich-on-a-blanket routine. Reimagining the Picnic Experience Picnics often conjure images of casual gatherings in a park, but celebrating National Picnic Month invites us to rethink what a picnic can be. The essence of a picnic is communal enjoyment of food in an outdoor setting, but this can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes, moods, and locations. Whether you prefer a quiet escape with a book or a lively get-together with friends, embracing creativity can turn a simple meal into a memorable event. Choosing the Perfect Location The backdrop of your picnic plays

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August 1 stands as a day rich with historical significance. Moving back in time, August 1 marks a significant moment in 1914 when Germany declared war on Russia, triggering the escalation of World War I. This declaration set in motion a series of alliances and conflicts that engulfed much of the world, reshaping borders, societies, and international relations for decades to come. The Great War's profound impact is still studied and remembered as a cautionary tale about the complexities of global politics and warfare. On a different note, August 1 has also been a day of notable achievements in exploration and innovation. In 1774, the element oxygen was discovered independently by both Joseph Priestley in England and Carl Wilhelm Scheele in Sweden. This discovery was pivotal in advancing the fields of chemistry and biology, deepening our understanding of respiration and combustion. In the sports world, August 1, 1980, is remembered for the opening ceremony of the Moscow Summer Olympics.

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