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BELLEVILLE — The Belleville City Council approved key leadership changes within the Belleville Fire Department during a meeting held Monday night, Aug. 18, 2025. Belleville Mayor Jenny Gain Meyer appointed Curt Lougeay as the new Fire Chief and Jesse Garnica as Deputy Chief, with both positions taking effect at 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 21, 2025. The Belleville Board of Fire and Police Commission and City Council also announced several promotions within the department, effective the same date and time: Battalion Chief Joseph Ellison was promoted to Assistant Chief; Captain Jeffery Fabrizio to Battalion Chief; Engineer Travis Henry to Captain; and Firefighter Brian Schield to Engineer. In addition to these appointments and promotions, the city recognized Stephanie Mills for her 25 years of service with the Belleville Fire Department. Mills has served as Fire Chief for the past two years and is retiring. City officials expressed their gratitude for her leadership and dedication.

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O’FALLON, Ill. — The Estelle Kampmeyer Elementary Parent Teacher Organization has completed a series of improvements to the school playground, thanks to community support and collaboration with District 90. Over the past several months, the PTO’s Playground Committee, alongside some of the school’s students, installed new trash cans, soccer goals, volleyball pole footings, a lending library, and updated the raised garden beds. These enhancements aim to create a more engaging and welcoming outdoor space for students. The PTO expressed gratitude to those who contributed to last year’s Color Run fundraiser, which provided the necessary donations for the projects. Additionally, District 90 played a significant role by generously maintaining the playground itself, allowing the PTO to focus on extra improvements. “We’re so grateful for our wonderful community,” the PTO said in a message, acknowledging the combined efforts that made

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EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis School District 189 has appointed Dr. Antaniece Carter as its new Director of Social Emotional Learning, Health & Wellness, a move aimed at enhancing student support services across the district. Dr. Carter brings extensive expertise to the role, combining her credentials as a licensed Illinois Clinical Social Worker and Nationally Certified School Social Work Specialist with a robust academic background. Dr. Carter holds three bachelor’s degrees, two master’s degrees, and a doctorate in education, with studies spanning nursing, social work, curriculum and instruction, and educational leadership. Her appointment is part of the district’s ongoing efforts to fulfill Goal III of its Strategic Plan, which focuses on creating a safe and healthy learning environment. In her new role with the East St. Louis School District, Dr. Carter will collaborate closely with school nurses and social workers to advance initiatives in mental health,

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ALTON - Members and staff from Calvary Baptist Church, Calvary Christian School, and the Alton Police Department’s Facilities Crew collaborated this past weekend to refresh the landscaping at the Alton Police Department. The joint weekend landscaping effort aimed to enhance the appearance of the department’s grounds for the local community. The volunteers, including Dave and Karl from the Facilities Crew, contributed their time and labor to improve the outdoor environment surrounding the police department. The Alton Police Department acknowledged their efforts, expressing gratitude for the group’s commitment to creating a welcoming atmosphere. “From all of us at APD — thank you for your time, energy, and commitment to making our department a welcoming place,” Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said. Chief Ford said the project highlights ongoing community support and cooperation between local organizations and law enforcement in Alton.

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EDWARDSVILLE – Madison County prosecutors may seize the pickup truck of an Edwardsville man charged with fleeing from police with a child passenger while under the influence of alcohol. Anthony J. Greco, 35, of Edwardsville, was charged on Aug. 6, 2025 with a ggravated driving while under the influence ( a Class 2 felony), aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer (a Class 4 felony), endangering the life or health of a child (two counts, both Class A misdemeanors), and illegal transportation or possession of alcoholic liquor (a petty offense). On Aug. 6, 2025, Greco allegedly drove a Chevrolet Silverado while under the influence of alcohol on State Route 157 in Edwardsville. Having previously been convicted of driving under the influence, he was reportedly transporting a 7-year-old child during this latest DUI offense as he fled from police at over 21 miles per hour above the legal speed limit. He is further accused of endangering th

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ALTON - Community members can support local veterans through several new initiatives and fundraisers. RiverBend Patriots, based in Alton, is a newer organization that supports veterans through VA navigation, wellness support, and other resources. They host trivia nights every first Wednesday of the month at Mac’s Downtown, and they’re planning a golf scramble for Aug. 30, 2025, at Lockhaven Golf Course. President Brad Yount explained that the organization aims to provide resources for veterans where there are currently none. Yount founded RiverBend Patriots alongside Tim Brown and Dustin Dixon. “We figured out there isn’t something that fits perfectly — putting the square peg in a round hole — for our generation of veterans,” Yount said. “We don’t necessarily love all of the older organizations, but we don’t necessarily love some of the newer organizations, either. So how can we meet in the middle and make that

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ST. LOUIS – Gateway Arch National Park has again earned accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), the highest national recognition for museums in the United States. Accreditation signifies excellence to the museum community, to governments, funders, outside agencies, and to the museum-going public. Gateway Arch National Park, formerly Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, has been accredited since 1980. Museums undergo re-accreditation at least every 10 years to maintain their status. "Being reaccredited by the American Alliance of Museums is a prestigious honor that validates the dedication, expertise, and collaborative efforts of everyone involved with Gateway Arch National Park,” said David Murray, superintendent of Gateway Arch National Park. “This distinction not only reflects our commitment to maintaining world-class exhibits and collections, but it also elevates the park’s stature among museums and cultural institutions nationwide."

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SWANSEA — The Swansea Police Department welcomed two new officers who served in the United States Air Force during a special board meeting, as Nicholas Wallace and Jeffrey Rankin took their oaths of office from Mayor Jeff Parker. Wallace and Rankin's military backgrounds are expected to contribute to their roles in protecting the local community. “Thanks for your service to our country and we look forward to you serving and protecting our community,” the Swansea Police Department said in a statement. In a photo above from the event, Rankin is pictured in the center and Wallace on the right.

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ALTON – Intellectual and biological appetites will be satisfied thanks to what the Psychological Services Department at OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center will be serving through an upcoming Mental Health “Lunch & Learn” Speaker Series. Residents in and around the Riverbend region can pick and choose from an a la carte menu of topics available during any of the seven (7) monthly sessions – each highlighting a different mental health topic. The Mental Health “Lunch & Learn” Speaker Series will give participants valuable insights, important information, and useful resources on each of the seven (7) topics highlighted throughout the speaker series. Each monthly session is held on the second Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and led by Mission Partners (i.e. employees) from the Psychological Services Department. The scheduled topics and presenters for the Mental Health “Lunch & Learn” Speaker Series are: September 10

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt’s measure to expand career and technical education programs to support regional manufacturing was signed into law. “Many kids have no idea that these jobs exist and they can be a part of this industry,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Without a family member or friend working in the trades, kids may never have a clue how to get started. That’s why this law is important – it amplifies access to the trades through training programs.” Senate Bill 58 expands a current program that is successful in other parts of the state to the Metro East. The program allows manufacturing companies to partner with local community colleges and high schools to set up technical training programs that translate directly into a job. This gives students from all backgrounds access to job training programs at their high school or local community college through the regional partnership. “Manufacturing is a cornerston

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JERSEYVILLE - The City of Jerseyville invites the community to come out for a free country concert. At 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 22, 2025, community members can meet at the corner of Washington and Arch Streets for the summer’s third “Rock the Block” concert featuring country star Matt Jordan and local opener Cash Goetten. Will Strang, Jerseyville’s director of tourism, expressed his excitement to share the experience with the community. “Come out and enjoy some amazing music and some good friends and just a beautiful evening outside,” Strang said. “I think it’s a really important piece of building community spirit or really building a community atmosphere where everybody wants to participate. It’ll hopefully drive some economic development, some love in the community, and just really bring people together in a fun and energetic way.” Jordan’s band includes bass player Byron Beiermann, a Jerseyville native who

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is encouraging Ameren Illinois customers to provide public comment on the utility’s proposed natural gas rate increase at a pair of public hearings in Springfield and East St. Louis. The hearings will take place Wednesday, August 27 and Thursday, August 28, 2025, respectively. East St. Louis When: Thursday, Aug. 28, 2025 7:00 – 9:30 PM Where: New Life Community Church 1919 State St. East St. Louis, IL 62205 Springfield When: Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025 7:00 – 9:30 PM Where: CMS Regional Complex 4800 W. Wabash Ave. Springfield, IL 62711 Customers unable to attend the hearings can submit their comments via the ICC website or call our Consumer Services Division at 1-800-524-0795 during regular business hours. Ameren filed its petition with the ICC for a $134 million general rate increase in January 2025. Rate cases are formal proceedings used to ensure utilities receive

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ALTON - Alton Main Street’s quarterly information exchange, called “What’s Up Downtown”, will be held on Tuesday, August 19th at 5:30 p.m. at the Riverbender building, located at 200 W. 3rd Street in Alton, Illinois. The public is invited to learn the latest news regarding developments in Alton’s historic downtown district, including updates from new & existing businesses, news on real estate transactions and details of upcoming events and projects. You’ll be in the know on topics from the evening’s featured speakers: Natalie & Keith Steinacher who have transformed the former community center in the ground floor of the Riverbender building into an event space and martial arts studio called The Teller Room 1925 Chris Jacoby will explain the products and services now available at Jacoby Fine Violins Jeff Bohnert will introduce us to his new Elysian Gallery, recently opened at 301 E. Broadway Jared Unfried will tell about new services offered

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) and the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC) launched One Click College Admit – a statewide direct admissions program for Illinois public universities and community colleges. Through One Click College Admit, high school seniors and community college transfer students in Illinois will receive college acceptances into the state’s public universities by meeting only one criterion for admission: grade point average (GPA). This new program waives applications, application fees, essays and letters of recommendation for students. “Enhancing access to Illinois’ public universities and community colleges with One Click College Admit will empower even more talented students across the state to realize their full academic potential through higher education,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This program marks another

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today applauded Governor JB Pritzker for signing legislation that will improve medical forensic services for sexual assault survivors by making important updates to the Sexual Assault Survivors Emergency Treatment Act (SASETA) and the Illinois Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program. Senate Bill (SB) 1602 builds on the work of the Sexual Assault Medical Forensic Services Implementation Task Force . The task force was created in 2018 and included experts from the Attorney General’s office, the Illinois Department of Public Health, hospitals, health care providers, law enforcement officials, advocates and legislators. The task force has worked diligently since being established by state statute to evaluate and strengthen SASETA. Last year, the task force issued its final report, which was crafted with input from more than 40 stakeholders in government and the medical community serving sexual assault survivors. “The Illinois

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt championed a newly signed law to ensure taking time off work to donate an organ doesn’t put workers’ livelihoods at risk. “This is deeply personal to me,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I received a lifesaving kidney transplant, so I know firsthand that donations save lives. This law removes barriers for people who are willing to step forward and give that gift.” The law allows eligible part-time workers to take up to 10 days of leave in a 12-month period to serve as organ donors. For part-time employees receiving compensation for their donation, employers must pay them based on their average daily pay over the previous two months of employment. Currently, part-time workers often do not receive the same workplace protections as full-time employees. Belt’s law ensures that all eligible workers, no matter how many hours a week they work, can take time to donate an organ without risking their job o

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Did you know that the average household spends nearly 30% more on energy bills during the colder months? Preparing your home thoughtfully for the change in season can significantly reduce these costs and enhance your comfort. Beyond just adjusting the thermostat, there are strategic steps that make your living space more efficient, cozy, and ready for the months ahead. Assessing Your Home’s Energy Efficiency One of the most impactful ways to prepare for fall is by examining your home’s energy efficiency. Heat loss through poorly insulated windows, doors, and attic spaces can drive up heating costs and create uncomfortable drafts. Key Actions: Inspect seals and weatherstripping: Check around windows and doors for gaps or cracks. Replacing old weatherstripping or applying caulking can prevent warm air from escaping and cold air from entering. Evaluate insulation levels: Attics and basements often need additional insulation. According to the U.S. Department of Energy

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August 19 marks a pivotal day in global history, featuring moments of political transformation, cultural milestones, and scientific breakthroughs that have shaped the world as we know it. Moving back in time, August 19 holds significance in the realm of exploration and adventure. In 1934, the first solo nonstop transpacific flight was completed by Clyde Pangborn and Hugh Herndon, who successfully flew from Japan to the United States. This daring feat pushed the boundaries of aviation and inspired future generations of pilots and explorers to venture further and achieve the seemingly impossible. In 1692, the last group of accused witches were released from jail in Salem, Massachusetts, ending one of the darkest chapters in early American history marked by hysteria and injustice. The Salem witch trials have since become a cautionary tale about the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of due process. Sports enthusiasts will appreciate that on August 19, 1939, the Baseball Hall

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STAUNTON — Brandon S. Hornback, 43, of Moro was arrested on July 8 for felony retail theft after allegedly stealing more than $300 worth of merchandise from Duda Ace Hardware in Staunton. According to the complaint, Hornback took a pin nailer and batteries with a total value exceeding $300. The charges were formally filed on August 11. He has been released from custody awaiting trail. Hornback has a criminal history that includes a 2008 sentence of four years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) for felony forgery and an eight-year sentence in 2018 for aggravated robbery, both from Whiteside County. He also faces several open felony cases in Madison County. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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WOOD RIVER – Wood River City Council members on Monday unanimously approved an agreement to transform a Wood River Avenue building into a mixed-use development. Matt Pfund, president of Jack Matthews Development (JMD), has presented a concept plan to renovate the former NAPA Auto Parts building at 87 E. Ferguson Ave into a two-story development for both residential and commercial use. In a letter to City Manager Steve Palen about the potential redevelopment project, Pfund notes the building currently suffers from a falling roof structure and water infiltration, which he states has caused “major structural damage.” Under the JMD concept plan, the building’s roof would be removed entirely and a new, two-story structure would be built within the footprint of its four exterior walls. The building’s first floor would house one large commercial storefront facing Ferguson Ave. and five smaller commercial units along N. 1st St.; the second story would feature

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