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O'FALLON - Officers from the O'Fallon Police Department (OPD) participated in the Illinois Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) for Special Olympics Kickoff Conference held in Bloomington, last week. The event not only focused on preparations for the 2025 Special Olympics but also recognized law enforcement agencies for their fundraising efforts in 2024. The O'Fallon Police Department was honored with the 2024 Platinum Level Fundraising Award for raising $142,842, making it the top fundraiser among departments with 26 to 75 sworn officers. Furthermore, OPD ranked as the second-highest fundraising department in the entire state, surpassing many larger departments. The department credited its success to the dedication of its officers and the strong support from the community. "We could never achieve these successes without the dedication of our officers and the overwhelming support from our community," the O'Fallon Police Department said in a statement.

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ALTON – Mississippi Valley Christian School proudly announced its transformation into Riverbend Christian Leadership Academy during a special community event last Friday night, Jan. 31, 2025. Families, students, and faculty gathered for an evening of fun and fellowship, highlighted by two action-packed students-versus-parents basketball games. The event also served as the official unveiling of the academy’s new name, logo, and colors, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter. For 50 years, Mississippi Valley Christian School has been a ministry of Faith Baptist Church, dedicated to providing Christ-centered education to the region. Due to financial constraints, the church is no longer able to fund the school, necessitating its transition into an independent 501(c)(3) organization. Despite this shift, the school remains steadfast in its mission — equipping students with academic excellence and a strong biblical foundation. Under new leadership, Riverbend Christia

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AMES, Iowa - More than 1,600 graduates received degrees from Iowa State University this fall. Graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies were held Dec. 20-21, 2024, at Hilton Coliseum. Of the 1,675 students who graduated in December, 1,357 earned undergraduate degrees and 318 earned masters or doctoral degrees. Edwardsville's Christopher Edward Merica graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree Mechanical Engineering, Cum Laude.

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ST. LOUIS – Today, the Board of Aldermen moved two bills to the informal calendar, ending debate on the Rams Settlement legislation. Mayor Jones issued the following statement in response: “When we received the Rams Settlement funds, my initial recommendation was to hold on to the bulk of the funds and live off the interest due to the uncertainty of federal elections and how the economy would react. For months, these funds have been in an investment account gaining significant interest - about $26,101,958 over roughly 24 months. After almost a year and a half of public input and months of debate and compromise among City leaders, the public, and other stakeholders, it’s clear that there are a number of projects and programs this money could have supported that would result directly in notable quality-of-life improvements for everyone in St. Louis. Despite my initial inclination to keep this money in accounts where they’ve been gaining interest, I was proud

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EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville Public Works Director Eric Williams will be the new City Administrator in Edwardsville, effective Monday, March 24. He was appointed by Mayor Art Risavy and unanimously approved by the City Council during the Tuesday, February 4, meeting. Williams will replace City Administrator Kevin Head, who last month announced his plans to step down from the position to spend more time with his family. “Eric Williams was the clear-cut choice to be the next City Administrator for Edwardsville. His extensive experience and knowledge from his many years with the City are an asset,” Mayor Risavy said. “I am confident that, just as Kevin Head did, Eric will provide the elected officials and me the guidance and support to keep Edwardsville on a fiscally prudent path of smart development.” Williams is a lifelong Madison County resident with more than 28 years of public service experience between the Village of Bethalto and the City of Edwardsville.

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Did you know that nearly 60% of Americans eat out at least once a week? While dining out can offer convenience, it often comes at the cost of health and budget. With the hustle and bustle of modern life, many find it challenging to maintain a nutritious diet. However, meal prepping can take the stress out of your week, streamline your cooking process, and save you both time and money. But how do you turn this concept into a seamless routine? Here’s how to meal prep like a pro for those busy weeks ahead. The Benefits of Meal Prepping Meal prepping is not just a trend; it’s a lifestyle choice that can enhance your well-being. Here are some compelling reasons to embrace meal prep: Time Efficiency : Prepping meals in advance means you spend less time cooking during the week. Instead of scrambling to whip up dinner after a long day, you can simply heat and eat. Healthier Choices : When you plan and prepare your meals, you have control over the ingredients. This allows

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Welcome to This Day in History, where we explore significant events that have shaped our world. Turning our attention to cultural milestones, February 5th is recognized for notable achievements in the arts. In 1967, the acclaimed musical “Hair” premiered on Broadway, introducing a new era of rock musicals that reflected the social changes of the 1960s. “Hair” not only showcased a groundbreaking score but also tackled themes of peace, love, and rebellion against societal norms. Its impact can still be felt today, influencing countless artists and theatrical productions. Sports enthusiasts would be remiss not to mention February 5th as the day in 1988 when the iconic figure skater Katarina Witt won her second Olympic gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Calgary. Witt's performances captivated audiences worldwide, and her success played a crucial role in elevating the profile of figure skating as a competitive sport. Her achievements continue to inspire aspiring

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ALTON - Community members gathered to hear from Alton’s aldermanic, City Clerk, and mayoral candidates. On Feb. 4, 2025, the East End Improvement Association hosted a candidates’ forum that allowed all of the Alton candidates to introduce themselves. The three mayoral candidates — David Goins, Ray Strebel and Brant Walker — also answered questions submitted by the audience. “Why is East End doing this forum? For, actually, two purposes,” explained Steve Schwartz, a representative with the East End Improvement Association and the forum’s moderator. “One is to introduce the candidates to the community. We feel that it is important that the community know who’s running. And also, hopefully, to increase the voting here in Alton.” The candidates began by introducing themselves. Brant Walker Brant Walker is the former mayor of Alton. During his opening statement, he shared that he is “an Altonian by choice”

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GODFREY – A proposal for Godfrey roadway improvement projects totaling over $1.3 million is one step closer to final approval. The 2025 Roadway Maintenance Program received unanimous Finance Committee approval on Tuesday night. The program calls for five types of projects - including roadway selection, concrete pavement replacement, asphalt resurfacing, micro-surfacing, and chip-seal overlay - to be completed on various village roads. Village Engineer Rich Beran outlined the goals the program sets for the 2025 construction season in a memo to trustees and Mayor Mike McCormick. Priority-Based Roadway Selection Beran said roadways would be chosen for improvements in a way that aims for maximum positive impact on Godfrey residents while getting the most out of the $1.3 million in funding. “The number of motorists using the roadway, the cost of the repair, and the condition of the street must be weighed with each decision,” Beran states in the memo. “The

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EDWARDSVILLE - Although Edwardsville's girls' basketball team lost a close decision to Belleville East 49-47 at: Lucco-Jackson Gym on Jan. 30, 2025, sophomore point guard Sophie Shapiro had perhaps the best quote of the night, from the Tigers' perspective. "We'll learn a lot more from this game, and it might be what we needed to fill in some missing pieces, and really prepare us for the postseason," she said. Shapiro has had a very positive impact on the 13-9 Tigers, averaging 4.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. She also has 42 assists, 38 steals, and four blocked shots to add to her resume, as Edwardsville gets ready for the IHSA Class 4A playoffs, beginning later in February. She is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. Shapiro has an upbeat, positive look on things for Edwardsville, and felt that the Tigers bounced back well in the second half, after a difficult first half against the Lancers. "Good comeback, tough first half," Shapiro said, summing

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ALTON – 2024 brought another year of excellence in a variety of ways to OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center that encompassed, among other things, clinical operations, service offerings, community outreach, and the introduction of a new – and unique – Mission Partner. First, and most importantly, in terms of clinical excellence, OSF Saint Anthony’s received a total of seven (7) awards/certifications/accreditations in recognition of its diligent dedication to providing and sustaining a patient-centered focus in its health care Ministry. Last year, OSF Saint Anthony’s was the only hospital in the St. Louis metro east region to receive two (2) consecutive “A” grades from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries

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O'FALLON, IL. — The O'Fallon Police Department is warning residents about a phone scam that has recently targeted citizens in the area. The scam involves callers impersonating law enforcement officials, specifically identifying themselves as Sgt. Lee Graham from the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department. O'Fallon Police said in two reported incidents, victims received phone calls claiming they had warrants issued for failing to appear in court. The callers sometimes referred to the situation as involving federal court and mentioned the name of a current federal judge from the district to lend credibility to their claims. O'Fallon Police said to further persuade the victims, additional individuals were added to the call, making the scam appear more legitimate. The scammers instruct victims to withdraw money from their bank accounts and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM. "The O'Fallon Police Department emphasizes that at no point will legitimate law enforcement request payment

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GODFREY - Get ready to flex those brain muscles and dive into a night of trivia while supporting The Nature Institute (TNI) in its epic quest for education, restoration, and preservation. TNI invites the public for a fun-filled Trivia Night fundraiser at Godfrey KC Hall, located at 1713 Stamper Lane in Godfrey, IL., on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. Doors swing open at 5:30 p.m., and the trivia questions kick-off at 6 p.m. Grab your squad and register ahead of time or pay at the door, it'll be $150 per table ($18.75 per person). “We’re thrilled to bring back this trivia night fundraiser," Ramona Pollard, director of TNI outreach, said. "Teaming up to tackle quirky questions is a fantastic way to connect with family and friends while giving back to our community. There are cash prizes for the top two teams, plus cool silent auction goodies up for grabs." Feel free to bring along some tasty snacks for your table, but remember: alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase,

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ALTON - The Alton Marina is preparing for another great season, with several events lined up this summer. Rob Honke, Alton Marina manager, explained that the marina is currently winterized and undergoing some minor repairs during this winter season, including replacing exposed deck boards with concrete. He is excited to welcome back boaters from around the country once the weather warms up, and he promises fun events for everyone to enjoy on the river. “We’re getting ready for the next season,” he said. “It’s a nice lull in the action. It’s not that there’s nothing to do. There are things to do, but we aren’t quite as pressed. We shorten our hours. We close the office on Sundays. Basically right now, our main focus is making sure the boats are safe and making sure the aerators are on when the ice comes.” Honke thanked Stutz Excavating for their work on the concrete, noting that it will likely be completed by the middle

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EDWARDSVILLE – Super Bowl weekend is here, and the Edwardsville Police Department is reminding football fans and Super Bowl partygoers that designated drivers are the best defense against the dangers of impaired driving. If your Super Bowl celebration involves alcohol or cannabis, plan for a safe ride home with a sober driver. If you’re hosting the party, take care of the designated drivers. Fans don’t let fans drive drunk. “Everyone wants to have a good time on Super Bowl night, so we want our community residents and guests to plan for safe rides home,” said Lt. Brandn Whittaker. “Even one drink or hit can impair judgment. You should never put yourself or others at risk because you made the choice to drive impaired.” Whether you’re attending a party, hosting a small gathering, or going out to a bar, keep safety at the forefront of your day and night. When it’s time to leave, make sure your designated driver is sober. Also remember,

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GRANITE CITY – Members of the Granite City High School Band made their mark at the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-State Band Competition this year by having five musicians selected to perform in the ILMEA All-State Festival. The five students who earned All-State honors include: Karlisa Brent: Flute Bailey Hanks: French Horn Adrianna Ireland: Trumpet Victoria Robinson: Euphonium Alyssa White: Bass Clarinet These rehearsals culminated with the All-State Concert and Honors Concert, held at the Peoria Civic Center Arena on February 1. This is the highest honor a high school musician can receive. The five students will be honored at the Granite City Community School District #9 Board meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. The Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) is an organization established to provide professional growth opportunities for Illinois music teachers and to provide music making opportunities for the most talented

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JERSEYVILLE – Two Jerseyville residents have been charged with mob action in separate but related Madison County criminal cases. Randall W. Barnes, 35 , and Saranda R. Green, 29 , both of Jerseyville, were each charged with a Class 4 felony count of mob action on Jan. 23, 2025. On Dec. 17, 2024, the two allegedly worked together in approaching someone’s vehicle before attempting to force entry and “threatening to batter the victim,” according to court documents. Both cases were presented by the Alton Police Department, and both Barnes and Green were granted pretrial release from custody. Charges are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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GRANITE CITY – The Granite City Police Department has charged four individuals in two separate cases with pairing up to commit mob action. Charles A. Payne, 61, and B randon M. Payne, 29, both of Granite City, each face Class 3 felony counts of aggravated battery and Class 4 felony counts of mob action. On Jan. 20, 2025, the two allegedly worked together in str iking an individual “about the head and body, causing lacerations” while in a public place at Patrick’s Bar in Granite City, according to court documents. Both individuals were granted pretrial release in the ir cases, which were presented by the Granite City Police Department on Jan. 29, 2025. In two separate cases filed just two days prior, Zachary A. Hildebrand, 36, and Ronald J. Hildebrand, 33, also of Granite City, were also charged with Class 4 felony counts of mob action. The two reportedly acted together and with “another unknown individual” in battering a victim

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ROSEWOOD HEIGHTS – The Rosewood Heights Fire Department responded to a fire in the 100 block of Dell Avenue on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 4, 2025, where a shed was on fire. Firefighters arrived on the scene and found the shed ablaze in the backyard of a residence. Access to the fire was initially hindered by nearby fences, but crews were able to quickly bring the fire under control before it could spread further. According to neighbors, there was a report of someone burning leaves in the vicinity prior to the fire's outbreak. No injuries have been reported, and the fire department is currently investigating the cause of the incident.

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CHICAGO - Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) are encouraging eligible Illinoisans to take advantage of savings offered by tax credits when filing their 2024 income tax returns this year. “Depending on circumstances, taxpayers may be able to reduce the amount of taxes owed or receive larger refunds through tax credits,” explained Illinois Department of Revenue Director David Harris . “I urge all taxpayers to double-check their eligibility status and take advantage of these benefits when filing their tax returns this year.” The Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a benefit for working people with low to moderate income. To claim an Illinois EITC for tax year 2024 (tax returns due in 2025), taxpayers must file an Illinois income tax return, even if they do not owe any tax and are not required to file and: have worked and earned income under $66,819 (income amount is dependent upon filing status and number of qualifying

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