Health care providers will tell you your body functions as a whole. If you have heart issues, for example, other body parts can be impacted. That’s evident in our mouth, where poor oral health has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and diabetes. Now, here’s another connection to add to your oral health checklist: issues with your teeth and gums could be a sign of osteoporosis . That’s a condition that weakens the bones and puts them at greater risk of breaking.
JERSEYVILLE — Jersey Community High School opened its softball season with an 11-0 home win over Collinsville, a result that also marked Head Coach Chelsey Crnokrak’s 100th career victory as a varsity head coach. Jersey scored three runs in the first inning, six in the second, and two more in the fourth to secure the season-opening triumph over the visiting Kahoks. The Jersey girls softball team members are Sparklight Female Athletes of the Month for the Panthers. Paxton
JERSEYVILLE — Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100 has recognized high school student Cloud Sutton, the district’s Illinois State Board of Education student advisory member, for representing the district at the Student Advisory Council’s Student Summit 2026 in Springfield. The Jersey Community School District said Sutton and his group presented on school culture and chronic absenteeism, sharing “important insights and ideas to help improve schools across
JERSEY - Jersey Community Middle School wrestling returned from Northern Illinois University after placing seventh as a team at the IESA State Tournament and setting a school record with six All-State medalists, according to Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100. The Jersey Community Middle School wrestlers are Sparklight Male Athletes of the Month for Jersey. The Panthers competed at Northern Illinois University in the state tournament, where Colton Mueller finished second at 275 pounds
SWANSEA – State Senator Christopher Belt will host a Women Veterans Appreciation Luncheon to recognize the invaluable contributions of women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. “Women veterans have played a vital role in our nation’s history, and this luncheon is a chance to celebrate their courage, dedication and achievements,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I encourage all women veterans in the area to join us for this special event.” The luncheon
Good Shepherd Lutheran School COLLINSVILLE - Good Shepherd Lutheran School in Collinsville, quarter three honor roll for 2025-2026. High Honor Roll with Distinction (Gr. 7&8 - GPA 4.00+) 8th Grade: Will B., Isabella B., Agnes H., Sydney H., Jacob K., Piper M., Livy P., Caroline S. 7th Grade: Alison B., Vivian C., Molly F., Lola F., Lena G., Connor J., Adelynn M., Bhavneet S., Lily W. High Honor Roll (Gr. 5&6 - GPA 3.51 to 4.0; Gr. 7&8 - GPA 3.51 to 3.99) 8th Grade: Ella F., Alexis K., Elise
ALTON - The Alton Police Department has awarded Telecommunicator Gina Fisher a Life Saving Award after officials said she guided a parent through CPR instructions during a 9-1-1 call that helped revive a 3-year-old child on Dec. 13, 2025, in Alton. According to the Alton Police Department, a distraught parent called 9-1-1 after finding their child unconscious and not breathing. Fisher answered the call and provided the department's description of calm, clear CPR instructions, guiding the parent
GREENE COUNTY - The National Teachers Hall of Fame in Emporia, Kan., has announced that a national memorial honoring educators who died in the line of duty has reached full capacity, leaving 12 newly identified names, including a Greene County, Illinois, teacher, Annie Louise Keller, awaiting inscription as the organization launches a monthlong fundraising campaign to build a new monument. The campaign, titled “$12 for 12,” runs through April 3, 2026, and seeks to raise $25,000 towar
O’FALLON, Ill. – HSHS Medical Group is pleased to announce that Dr. Aziz S. Alali, a board-certified neurosurgeon, has joined HSHS Medical Group Multispecialty Care at 3 St. Elizabeth’s Boulevard, Suite 5000 in O’Fallon. Dr. Alali will continue to see patients as a member of the team, providing advanced, compassionate care for brain and spine conditions. Dr. Alali specializes in the comprehensive care of brain and spinal disorders, with expertise in
PIERRON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that rehabilitation of a crossing by CSX railroad on Illinois 143 between Main Street and Railroad Street in Bond County will require a full closure, beginning, weather permitting, Monday, March 23. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure, which is expected to conclude on Friday, March 27. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers ar
BELLEVILLE - An idea to improve the rider experience at bus stops without seating—often referred to as “forgotten stops”—has quickly become a transformative regional initiative. In less than a year, Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) and AARP in St. Louis, together with St. Clair County Transit District, Metro Transit and local government officials, have installed nine bus benches across the bi-state area, including two unveiled in Belleville during a Progressive Ribbon
CHESTERFIELD, MO. - An adult male pilot was killed early Tuesday, March 17, 2026, after a plane crashed at Spirit of St. Louis Airport in Chesterfield, Mo., and local police said federal aviation investigators will conduct the follow-up investigation. The pilot of the plane was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said there was no indication that any other occupants were on board. The St. Louis County Police Department Metro Air Support Unit’s Spirit of St. Louis Airport Detail is
ALTON - Alton High School students had the chance to share their experiences and opinions with administrators. During the inaugural Reimagine Alton High Workshop last week, students spoke with each other and administrators about their experiences in Alton Community Unit School District #11. Students addressed the graduation rate and attendance issues and shared their perspectives. “It was one of the best experiences that we've had with student voices,” said Alton High School
St. Patrick’s Day isn’t really “about” green beer—at least not at first. The holiday began as a religious feast day for a missionary bishop, and some of its most famous symbols (like shamrocks and snakes) are a mix of history, storytelling, and later marketing. A holiday that started in church, not in a parade St. Patrick’s Day began as a day on the Christian calendar. March 17 marks the death date traditionally linked to Patrick, a fifth-century religious
On March 17, 461, the Roman general Ricimer helped remove Emperor Majorian from power, a turning point in the long unraveling of the Western Roman Empire. Majorian had tried to rebuild a collapsing state through military reform, tighter administration, and campaigns meant to recover lost territory. His fall mattered because it showed how weak the imperial office had become: real authority was shifting to powerful military leaders who could make and break emperors. That pattern did not end with
GLEN CARBON – Constitution Bank has announced plans to open a new full-service branch in Glen Carbon, expanding its presence in Madison County and strengthening its commitment to serving local families, businesses, and communities. The new location, at 1 Junction Drive West, Suite A, will officially open on Monday, March 16, 2026. The Glen Carbon branch will offer a full range of personal and business banking services and features convenient drive-up banking lanes, an on-site ATM, and
GRANITE CITY – Granite City High School Principal Tim McChristian is pleased to announced that 14 students from the Granite City High School graduating class of 2026 have been designated as 2026-27 Illinois State Scholars for their outstanding academic achievement, as announced by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC). The students will be recognized at the Granite City Community Unit School District #9 School Board Meeting on March 24, 2026. The Illinois Student Assistance
WOOD RIVER – Downtown Wood River is one step closer to welcoming a new park and outdoor event space . At their March 16, 2026 meeting , City Council members unanimously approved a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Wood River and Gray Design Group of Illinois, Inc. for the future City Center Park and outdoor event space, set to be located at 101 E. Ferguson Ave. Gray Design Group will prepare a preliminary design for the outdoor space, subject to city approval, under
WILL COUNTY — Governor JB Pritzker and Hyundai Translead today announced that the company will establish new trailer manufacturing facilities in Illinois, creating nearly 2,500 new full-time jobs in the state. With Hyundai Translead’s $450 million investment and commitment to creating thousands of jobs in Will County, Illinois continues to establish itself as a global destination for advanced manufacturing companies who invest in Illinois communities. Today’s announcement
ST. LOUIS – The United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) is now accepting applications for its 2027-2029 Safety Net Funding cycle and invites all eligible agencies— within its 16-county region across Missouri and Illinois, including those not currently receiving United Way funding—to apply. United Way equips 160 local nonprofits with vital funding and training resources to support measurable impact across its five impact areas. Organizations selected for the 2027-2029 cycle
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