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MADISON COUNTY — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Granite City man on felony charges related to the solicitation of sexual acts from a minor following an investigation that began on August 1, 2025. Deputies responded to the 2500 block of Meadowland Drive in unincorporated Granite City after reports of an active disturbance between two males. Initial contact with several individuals revealed that one of the subjects may have solicited sexual acts from a minor. While no charges were filed in connection with the disturbance itself, deputies launched an investigation into the allegation. Investigators seized multiple pieces of evidence and implemented a safety plan for the minor involved. Detectives from the Madison County Digital Forensics Division served search warrants and conducted interviews that uncovered further evidence supporting the accusation. They also determined that the suspect, Matthew L. Dodd, 45, of the 2100 block of Robert Avenue in Granite

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LOMBARD - In a commencement ceremony held August 15, Kelby Steiner of Godfrey received the Doctor of Chiropractic degree from National University of Health Sciences. "We are very proud of Kelby Steiner, as National University's Doctor of Chiropractic program is one of the most demanding of its kind," says President Joseph Stiefel of National University. National University of Health Sciences, a not-for-profit educational institution with locations in Illinois and Florida, offers a wide range of degrees in health sciences, including degrees in chiropractic and naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, and biomedical sciences.

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced ramp closures on westbound Interstate 55/64 in St. Clair County at the following locations: I-55/64 eastbound exit ramp to Third Street I-55/64 westbound to Martin Luther King Bridge left exit ramp into downtown St. Louis Collinsville Road to Martin Luther King Bridge ramp Beginning at 5 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, traffic will be restricted at these locations to allow for road construction. All lanes will reopen to traffic 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 o

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EDWARDSVILLE — The murder trial of Stanford Stokes began Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, in Madison County, where he faces charges including three counts of first-degree murder for the fatal shooting of Jarred Hayes. Assistant State’s Attorney Audrey Paulda told the court that Stokes went to a residence at 914 East 7th Street in Alton after becoming angry that his on-again, off-again girlfriend would not answer her phone. According to Paulda, Stokes kicked in a side door, entered the home, and found his girlfriend in bed with another man. Paulda said Stokes took a gun from the girlfriend’s purse and fired shots. Evidence presented by the prosecution includes a voicemail recording of the incident, captured because Stokes allegedly forgot to hang up the phone upon entering the residence. In contrast, Madison County Public Defender Ginny Smith argued that Stokes acted in self-defense. Smith said Stokes went to the home because he could not reach his girlfriend and had been

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COTTAGE HILLS – A sex offender from Cottage Hills was charged last week with his latest failure to register as legally required. Casey S. Cato, 48, of the 1400 block of 1st Street in Cottage Hills, was charged on Aug. 12, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of unlawful failure to register. As a registered sex offender, Cato allegedly failed to report a change of address to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office within three days as legally required. He had previously been convicted of the same offense in Madison County in 2013. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to deny Cato’s pretrial release from custody, stating he has “repeatedly failed to register as a sex offender and has eluded law enforcement attempts to get him in compliance.” According to the Illinois State Police Sex Offender Registry , Cato was initially convicted of aggravated criminal sexual abuse of a victim 13-16 years of age. The victim was 14 years ol

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GODFREY — The Illinois Department of Transportation has intermittent lane closures on West Delmar Avenue from State Street in Alton to Illinois 3 in Godfrey that started Monday, Aug. 18, 2025. IDOT Operations Engineer Joe Monroe said the closures, necessary for pavement rehabilitation, are expected to last until the end of the month, with flaggers maintaining two-way traffic. Motorists should anticipate delays and are encouraged to seek alternate routes. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, obey construction signage, remain alert to changing conditions, and avoid using mobile devices in the work zone. The lane closures come as part of ongoing preparations for a larger infrastructure project to construct a double roundabout near Pierce Lane, West Delmar, and the end of the Homer Adams Parkway in Godfrey. Monroe said the paving project being conducted at present by IDOT in Godfrey is not just the typical oil and chip-based work, but has a Fog Sealant and other advancements for th

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ALTON - Courtney McLaughlin wants to see Alton build a skate park, and almost 700 people are behind her. In May 2025, McLaughlin started an online petition calling on the City of Alton to build a safe and accessible skate park. As of this writing, she has close to 700 signatures from Riverbend residents encouraging the city to take action. “The energy of a skate park, especially when it is accessible, rideable, equipped, and done the right way, the energy there with the community, the kids, the adults, the friendships, the groups, the events — it’s something that you cannot match,” McLaughlin said. McLaughlin acknowledged that Alton’s current skate facilities exist, but they are not “accessible” or “rideable.” With broken equipment, she believes it’s better to “just shut it down and condemn it” and build a new space altogether. “Not only is the area a little bit dangerous, but the park

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TROY – The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the dates for the 2025 Fall City/Village Wide Garage Sales. This community tradition gives residents the opportunity to declutter, shop, and connect with neighbors while supporting local communities. The sales will be held across the four communities on the following dates: Village of St. Jacob – September 4–6 | 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Village of Maryville – September 5–6 | 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Village of Marine – September 18–20 | Times set individually by sellers City of Troy – September 19–20 | 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM Residents are encouraged to register their addresses online to be included in the official garage sale listings and interactive map. To register your address: https://garagesale.troycoc.com/garagesalesignup.php To view the interactive map of sales: https://garagesale.troycoc.com/search.php “This event is always

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EAST ST. LOUIS,/CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — More than 1,500 customers experienced a power outage Friday afternoon, Aug. 15, 2025, in the East St. Louis/Cahokia Heights area. The outage began at 12:20 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, and was caused by the equipment failure just outside the substation, according to Brian Bretsch, of Ameren Illinois, who provided details on the incident. Bretsch said utility crews responded promptly. "Crews found the issue, worked to make the area surrounding the pole safe, and made the repairs," he said. "Power was fully restored to all customers by 3:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025," he said.

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ALTON - A local friend group hopes to revitalize the Ursuline Convent and create a community center in Alton. Located at 845 Danforth Street in Alton, the Ursuline Convent closed in 2014. Donnie Reynolds and his friends have founded Cultural, Agronomic, and Technological Community (CATco), an organization that plans to buy the building and revamp it into a community center where people can spend time without paying money. “It honestly started as a friend group who just saw this place sitting, going to waste,” said Reynolds, who serves as CATco’s executive director. “We see this as a very multi-use space. We are hoping that we can provide a free third space for people to come and hang out, explore their hobbies, their passions, get to know each other without alcohol, without the expectation of being forced to spend money.” Reynolds explained that the plan started when his friends of over 20 years were playing the roleplaying game Dungeons an

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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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