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GRAFTON — After 17 years of dedication and perseverance, author Jackie Duty has released her debut children's book, “Dash the Dachshund,” bringing to life a story that emphasizes embracing individuality and the importance of friendship. The book, which is now available for purchase on Amazon, marks a significant milestone in Duty's journey as a storyteller. Duty began writing "Dash the Dachshund" in 2007 but faced various life challenges that delayed its completion. "I started writing Dash the Dachshund in 2007, but like so many of us, I let life get in the way," Duty said. "Now, after years of personal growth and creative rediscovery, I am beyond excited to finally bring Dash to life and share his journey with the world." The narrative centers on themes of self-acceptance and the power of friendship, making it suitable for young readers and dachshund enthusiasts alike. The book features lively illustrations that complement its heartwarming message. Todd Stottlemyre,

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GODFREY - For those interested in the sport, gymnastics and dance are perfect pathways toward physical fitness. A great place to explore getting involved in the sport is Mid-Illinois Gymnastics and Dance. Mid-Illinois Gymnastics and Dance was established in 1969 and is the oldest private gymnastics club in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. It is the only school in the Alton/Godfrey area that has USA Gymnastics and USTA tumble teams. The school was first created by Larry and Louise Moehn at the YMCA in Alton. After four years, it was relocated to Elm Street. As the program continued to grow, it was moved to 3100 Belle Street until it transferred to the current location in 1996. As a USA GYMNASTICS CLUB, they offer graded classes on Olympic specification equipment taught by highly-qualified, safety-oriented staff. When the couple started the gym, neither had any direct experience in gymnastics and dance. Larry was a professor at SIUE in the Athletic Department. Louise was a

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ALTON – Alton City Council members have declined to grant property tax exemption to an organization operating out of a former fitness facility. According to the resolution, the city is denying the request based on a lack of knowledge about the organization or their intentions with the property. “The City of Alton has no knowledge of the current or intended actual use of the property,” the resolution states, adding the city also “has no knowledge of the recently formed alleged charity that has requested the tax-exempt status for the property.” The building in question, located at 2300 N. Henry St., was formerly home to The Max Sports , a family-focused fitness facility. The resolution authorized the city’s Corporate Counselor to intervene in the proceedings to consider the tax exemption request and oppose it at this time. The council voted 5-1 on Wednesday night to oppose the request for tax-exempt status for the property. Alderman Raymond

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic High School’s production of “Freaky Friday” premieres this weekend. You can check out this year’s musical at MCHS at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, and Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12, 2025. Madison Foreman, the Theatre and Music teacher at MCHS, expressed her pride in her students and her excitement to share the show — and its lesson about connecting across generations — with the Riverbend community. “They are doing an amazing job,” Foreman said. “That is the big message I’m trying to get across. There’s so much misunderstanding between parents and kids and just adults and teens in general, but they show it in a comedic way in the show.” There are 30 students involved in the production, including leading stars Heidi, Alyssa, Nick and Jackson. Heidi plays Ellie, the “grouchy, awkward teenager” who transforms into her mother in the “Freaky Friday”

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COLLINSVILLE – Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 announced Dr. Charity Eugea has been named principal of Maryville Elementary School beginning in the 2025-26 school year. She is currently an assistant principal at Collinsville High School. Prior to joining Collinsville CUSD 10 in 2023, Dr. Eugea was principal of Evansville Attendance Center, a small K-8 school in the Village of Evansville, part of the Sparta School District. Earlier, she was a teacher in the Waterloo School District for sixteen years, where she taught second, third and fifth grades. She is looking forward to returning to an elementary school environment. “My favorite part of returning to an elementary school is the opportunity we have at this level to develop our students’ love of learning - the chance to inspire their curiosity and foster their creativity," said Eugea. “Dr. Eugea has a passion for working with primary and elementary students and is committed to continuous growth.

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COLLINSVILLE – Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 announced Doug Kirk has been named an assistant principal for Collinsville High School beginning in the 2025-26 school year. Kirk is currently the principal of Maryville Elementary School. He will transition into the role of assistant principal at CHS next year to gain administrative experience at the secondary level. “Looking ahead, my goals are to expand my leadership capabilities on a larger scale and ensure that students are prepared to handle the complexities of the world when they enter college or the workforce once they leave Collinsville High School,” said Kirk. “We are excited to welcome Mr. Kirk as a new Assistant Principal at CHS. With his extensive experience in education and passion for fostering student success, Mr. Kirk will be a valuable addition to our leadership team,” said CHS current assistant principal and principal beginning in the 25-26 school year, Bobby Wright. “W

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee (SVAC)—SVAC Ranking Member Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and former SVAC Chair Bernie Sanders (I-VT) called for unanimous consent on the Senate Floor to pass three resolutions that would condemn the Trump Administration’s egregious cuts and firings targeting the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Veterans across the federal government. Senate Republicans blocked every single one of them. Video of Senator Duckworth’s remarks are available on her YouTube . “Two power-hungry billionaires who never served a day of their lives in uniform are taking a chainsaw to the VA, jeopardizing Veterans’ care as well as firing Veterans by the thousands,” said Duckworth. “And, by blocking our resolutions that simply condemn these reckless actions today, Republicans are once again cheering on Donald Trump

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ALTON/COTTAGE HILLS - The Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation will host their annual Ribbons of Strength fundraiser to support local cancer patients. On April 26, 2025, at Grip and Sip in Cottage Hills, community members are invited to enjoy a virtual golf scramble, raffles and more. They can also order a purple “ribbon” — a vinyl banner — with a message to commemorate a loved one who is fighting or who has passed from cancer. All proceeds from the event go to AMH’s charitable funds to help patients pay bills and manage the costs of their diagnosis. “We all know someone. Unfortunately, cancer has affected us all in some way, shape or form,” explained Shannon Fraley, who helped organize the Ribbons of Strength event. “We try to take a little bit of the financial stress off of them so they can use the energy they have to focus on their treatments and getting better.” The Ribbons of Strength fundraiser encourages people

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Did you know that nearly 40 million Americans go camping each year? While this statistic highlights the popularity of the great outdoors, it also underscores a crucial point: many of those campers head into the wilderness unprepared. The difference between a memorable camping experience and a frustrating one often lies in how well you prepare ahead of time. As the warmer months approach, spring offers the perfect opportunity to lay the groundwork for a successful summer camping trip. Understand Your Destination Before you pack your bags, take time to research your chosen camping location. National parks, state parks, and local campgrounds all have unique attributes that can greatly impact your camping experience. Investigate the following aspects: Terrain and Weather : Understanding the terrain helps you choose the right gear. For instance, if your destination is mountainous, sturdy hiking boots are essential. Check average temperatures and possible weather patterns to ensure yo

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April 10 is a day that has witnessed a remarkable array of events throughout history, marking significant advancements, revolutionary changes, and cultural milestones across the globe. One of the most notable events that took place on April 10 was the launch of the world’s first practical jet engine in 1939 by German engineer Hans von Ohain. This groundbreaking development revolutionized aviation and paved the way for the jet age, fundamentally changing how people travel and reshaping the dynamics of global transportation. The invention of the jet engine not only contributed to faster air travel but also had profound implications for military aviation, influencing air combat strategies in World War II and beyond. In 1963, another significant event unfolded when the USS Thresher, a nuclear-powered submarine of the United States Navy, tragically sank during deep-diving tests off the coast of Cape Cod. The loss of the Thresher, which resulted in the deaths of all 129 crew

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SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Erica Harriss and the Illinois Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) are pleased to announce that more than a dozen Small Equipment Grants have been awarded to fire departments across Madison and St. Clair counties, which make up all or part of the 56th Senate District. “These departments are the backbone of emergency response in our communities,” said Senator Harriss. “This funding will help ensure they have the tools and equipment they need to respond quickly and safely. I'm proud to support the brave men and women who protect us every day.” 2025 Small Equipment Grant Recipients Include: Madison County: Long Lake Fire Protection District – $25,965 Mitchell Fire Protection District – $26,000 Fosterburg Fire Protection District – $8,684 Roxana Fire Department – $25,149 Alton Fire Department – $26,000 Worden Fire Protection District – $26,000 Hartford Fire Department – $26,000

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ALTON/MARION - Centerstone is a local leader in mental health and substance use disorder treatment, but they go a step further to provider services for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Centerstone’s CASTLE program is focused on supporting families and kids with ASD. They work with children up to age 16 to develop complex language and social skills, daily living skills and academic skills. The clinic, located in Marion, specializes in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy. “We’re really excited about being able to expand the services we provide and the resources that we have for the families that we serve,” said Marty, Behavior Analytic Program Manager. “I want it to be a place where we can be a resource for those families and provide those answers and those moments of comfort of knowing that you have a team that supports you. You have a team that understands what you’re going through and what you may need as well as what your child

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ALTON – Alton will officially apply for over $200,000 worth of grant funds for upgrades at Gordon Moore and Riverfront Parks. City Council members on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the mayor to apply for Park Enhancement Program (PEP) grant funds from the Madison County Park and Recreation Grant Commission after the Committee of the Whole passed the same item earlier this week . The total estimated cost for all associated park improvement projects is $202,840, which is also the amount of grant funding the city plans to apply for. If approved, these grants will help cover the cost of several projects at Gordon Moore Park. These include a new roof for pavilion #2, a small playground for pavilions #4, 5, and 6, resurfacing for two tennis courts, as well as a new small pavilion with a concrete pad, sidewalks, and three picnic tables for the all-inclusive playground at the park. In addition to the Gordon Moore Park upgrades, the city is also applying

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GRAFTON - This weekend, Raging Rivers WaterPark will host their fifth annual Great Mushroom Hunt. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, 2025, community members are invited to Raging Rivers in Grafton for a vendor fair, mushroom hunt, Easter egg hunt, scavenger hunt and more. Located at 100 Palisades Parkway in Grafton, Raging Rivers looks forward to hosting another fun festival for the community. “It’s our way of giving a little bit back to the community and letting people come out and see the park and the Mother Nature and spring and just what Raging Rivers has to offer,” explained General Manager Jeremy Hayes. “It’s another way of keeping Raging Rivers in people’s minds.” The Great Mushroom Hunt will take place in the woods surrounding the park. Hayes encourages people to dress accordingly and bring bug spray. There will be prizes awarded for the hunters who collect the most mushrooms, the smallest mushroom and the biggest

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Andrew P. Blassie, the former Executive Vice President of the Bank of O’Fallon, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of bank fraud and interstate transportation of funds obtained by fraud, totaling more than $2 million. The indictment alleges that Blassie, 69, engaged in a check kiting scheme during his tenure at the bank, which lasted from September 2023 to September 2024. According to the charges, Blassie is accused of inflating the balance of his personal checking account by depositing checks from accounts with insufficient funds at other banks and a credit union. This fraudulent activity reportedly allowed him to misappropriate nearly $2.7 million for personal expenses, using funds that belonged to the Bank of O’Fallon. U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft emphasized the importance of fiduciary responsibility among bank officials, and said, “Senior bank officials must act as fiduciaries, not felons — they must serve th

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today, as part of a coalition of 19 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in the United States Supreme Court to defend the discretion of public schools in Montgomery County, Maryland, to incorporate LGBTQ-inclusive books into their curricula without offering parents an option to opt out. The brief was filed in support of the respondents in Mahmoud v. Taylor and argues that the use of curricula with LGBTQ-inclusive books without an opt-out option falls within public schools’ longstanding authority to foster safe learning environments. Although the case specifically focuses on policies of the Montgomery Country Board of Education, the Supreme Court’s decision in the case could be consequential for public schools nationwide. “Inclusive classroom environments help all students feel valued and respected and allow everyone to thrive,” Raoul said. “I will continue to work with my fellow attorneys general

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PONTOON BEACH/GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that westbound Interstate 270 will be reduced to one lane between Interstate 255 and Illinois 203 in Madison County starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, April 11, for road widening. One lane will remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, April 14. 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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GRANITE CITY – Two students from Granite City Community Unit School District #9 have been honored for their creativity and commitment to environmental awareness in the Madison County Green Schools Programs' 2025 Clean Air Bookmark Contest. First-grader Jace Boyer from Wilson 1-2 Education Center and seventh-grader Lauren Wilson from Coolidge Junior High School both secured first-place awards in their respective categories. The contest, which received a total of 424 entries from multiple schools, aimed to engage students in environmental advocacy. For grades K-2, participants were encouraged to design bookmarks that expressed their care for clean air. Boyer’s design stood out among 246 entries from 11 schools, earning him first place. In the grades 6-8 category, which focused on solutions to air pollution, Lauren Wilson’s entry was selected from 178 submissions across seven schools. As winners, Boyer and Wilson will each receive a certificate, a Kindle

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EDWARDSVILLE - Ivy Hall Dispensary invites the community to its grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony. At 9 a.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025, Ivy Hall and the Ed-Glen Chamber of Commerce will mark the dispensary’s opening with a ribbon-cutting. Attendees can expect plenty of “canna-gifts,” specials, and free coffee from Goshen Coffee. Starting at 4 p.m., every shopper will receive free tacos from Takozz Food Truck. Director of Marketing Jonny Boucher expressed the dispensary’s excitement to share their work with the City of Edwardsville. “Anybody that wants to start their Friday off right, come down and celebrate with us,” Boucher said. “It’s really, really important to us at Ivy Hall that people see us being a part of the community and not just being another dispensary or cannabis retailer. That’s why we partnered with the Ed-Glen Chamber, because we want to be an active business partner in the community as well as just being

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JERSEYVILLE – Major renovations to three of Jerseyville’s municipal buildings were highlighted in a recent “workshop” meeting of Jerseyville city officials on Tuesday, April 8, 2025. Building and Zoning Director Jeff Soer said upgrades were urgently needed at City Hall, which is attached to the Police and Fire Department buildings at 115 E. Prairie St. “We hadn’t done anything to City Hall since 1998,” Soer said. “It was not energy efficient, needed a lot of work.” City Hall previously lacked insulation, making it cold in the winter months; Soer said a new exterior “skin” of the building now contains insulation. In addition to a new HVAC system, new roofs were also installed on City Hall and the Police and Fire buildings, all of which received upgrades to their facades. “It’s done very well this year through the winter,” he added. “It was always freezing in City Hall, drafty … this year

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