GRAFTON – The National Memorial of Military Ascent being built in Grafton recently got a $50,000 boost from the Jersey County Board. At the Jan. 20, 2026 Grafton City Council meeting , members of the Jersey County Board donated $50,000 towards the completion and promotion of the National Memorial of Military Ascent. Jersey County Board members in attendance included Chairman Gary Krueger and Finance Chairman Kara Ontis, as well as Jersey County Tourism Board Chairman Mark Wagner.
ALTON – Illinois State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) is collecting “Valentines for Veterans” for the sixth year in a row at her district office in Alton. Representative Elik is encouraging students and residents to make valentine cards with a special thank you, including well-wishes to veterans who served our nation in the U.S. Armed Forces. “I always look forward to seeing the community join together to create valentine cards for our veterans,” said Elik. “It’
ROXANA — Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery continued its strong tradition of community support in 2025, investing $1,362,800 in the Metro East region through corporate contributions, employee giving, and volunteer programs. “Our community partnerships are a reflection of the people who work here,” said Melissa Erker, Manager of Public Affairs West Region for Phillips 66. “When you see this level of investment—more than $1.3 million—you’re really
EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville Police Department responded for a second time in two weeks to a reported burglary in progress at a vacant former medical building at 1261 University Drive in Edwardsville, taking two suspects into custody Tuesday morning, Jan. 20, 2026. Officers arrived just after 7 a.m. Jan. 20, 2026, following a report of a burglary at the site. Upon arrival, police observed one female retreating into the building and another leaving on foot. After establishing a perimeter
MASCOUTAH - Community members have the chance to win an $800,000 custom union-built home in Mascoutah. The Home Builders and Remodelers Metro East Association has collaborated with local unions to build the house, which will be raffled off this spring. Proceeds from the raffle will go to Make-A-Wish Illinois and Make-A-Wish Missouri to support kids with critical illnesses. “The house is still under construction. It’s not completed yet. But tickets are on sale,” said
A diary is often treated like a private little habit—something you do when you’re emotional, bored, or trying to “be more mindful.” But for much of history, keeping a journal wasn’t about feelings at all. It was a tool: to track money, record weather, log ship routes, confess sins, or prove you were telling the truth. That shift—from record-keeping to self-keeping—is the real story behind journals and diaries. The pages people filled over centuries sho
On January 22, 1905, a peaceful march in St. Petersburg turned into a turning point for Russia and, in time, for much of the world. Thousands of workers and their families, led by a priest named Georgy Gapon, walked toward the Winter Palace to ask Tsar Nicholas II for better wages, safer working conditions, and a voice in government. Soldiers fired on the crowd in what became known as “Bloody Sunday.” The shock broke the long-held belief that the tsar was a protective father figure
ROXANA — Grace Huch and Raegan Martin were named all-Cahokia Conference selections after helping the Roxana High School varsity cheer team secure third place at the conference competition last weekend. The Shells finished third overall, with Huch and Martin playing key roles in the team’s performance. The two girls are Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athletes of the Month. The competition showcased the results of extensive preparation, as the team’s routine lasted three
JERSEYVILLE – Two firefighters were honored at this week’s Jerseyville City Council meeting, where Fire Chief Keith Norman also gave an overview of fire statistics from 2025. Firefighter Kyle Fessler received a Service Award for serving 15 years with the Jerseyville Fire Department, as did Firefighter Randy Roentz for his 10 years of service with the department. Neither were present at the meeting. Norman spoke highly of both, describing them as “very good firefighters”
ALTON - Alton Elite Jiu-Jitsu is known for its community feel, and the gym’s leaders are working to encourage more people to start training. General Manager Jacqueline noted that the gym and its members have grown a lot in the past few months after their rebranding and relocation to 2716 Corner Court in Alton. She is proud of everything Alton Elite offers and the welcoming energy they exude. “We’re not just a gym. We’re a community,” Jacqueline said. “These
This morning begins partly cloudy with temperatures around 17 degrees. The day will slowly warm up to a high of 38 degrees with intermittent clouds and sunshine peeking through. Winds will be light from the west around 6 mph, gusting up to 10 mph. By evening, clouds will increase and temperatures will drop quickly as the low settles to a chilly 4 degrees. It will turn breezy late into the night with winds picking up from the north-northwest at about 12 mph and gusts reaching 24 mph, making it fee
EDWARDSVILLE - During their regular meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, the Madison County Board voted 17–4 against having a “day of unity” in honor of Renee Nicole Good. The resolution, brought forth by Alison Lamothe and the Government Relations Committee, asked that Jan. 30, 2026, be recognized as a “Day of Unity” in honor of Good because “now is a time to mourn together in peace, unity, and service” and people should “observe this moment
ALTON- Soulcial Kitchen, the nationally recognized social enterprise known for its innovative Currency of Caring ® and Dignity on Demand initiatives, is proud to announce its first monthly Block Party for Good of 2026. WHAT: Alton Block Party for Good WHEN: January 23 | 2:00–4:00 PM WHERE: Soulcial Square | Market & 5th Street, Alton, IL The January Block Party for Good will once again transform The Alton Soulcial Square into a hub of care, connection, and community support,
ALTON — Sheila Goins, wife of Alton Mayor David Goins, led a tribute Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at Tabernacle Baptist Church honoring Jesse Prather Jr. during the NAACP’s Dr. King Salute event. The gathering on Jan. 18, 2026, recognized Prather, a self-taught musician and longtime member of the Riverbend Community Gospel Choir, who died on May 11, 2025. Prather, born Aug. 16, 1978, was remembered for his resilience and musical talent that deeply impacted the local community. “As
EAST ST. LOUIS — A former airman stationed at Scott Air Force Base pleaded guilty Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, to federal charges of sexually exploiting minors and distributing child sexual abuse material. Michael E. McCay, 32, admitted to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of distribution of child pornography in U.S. District Court. The charges stem from investigations revealing thousands of images and videos of child sexual abuse material on his electronic devices.
GRAFTON – Grafton City Council members unanimously approved the purchase of a ferry at this week’s meeting, taking the first steps needed to launch a daily ferry service which has been years in the making . Once preparations are complete on an estimated “Grand Opening” date of April 10, 2026, the ferry will operate seven days a week, 365 days a year. The currently proposed schedule is from Mondays through Thursdays from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from
ROXANA — Jaylin Roach has been named a 2025-2026 all-state competitive cheer athlete, recognizing her advanced skills and dedication to the sport. The honor highlights her expertise in Level 4 jumps, stunts, and tumbling, and she will be recognized at the IHSA Competitive Cheerleading State Finals. Roach is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Shells. She has also demonstrated her athletic versatility as a standout sprinter for the Roxana girls' track and
EDWARDSVILLE - Metro East Lutheran senior Jack Shank delivered a standout performance in the 2025 cross country postseason, highlighted by a personal record at the IHSA 1A State Cross Country Meet. Shank, who is set to graduate following the spring track and field season, placed 65th at the state meet on Nov. 8, 2025, completing the course in 15 minutes, 45.2 seconds. Shank is a BJ's Printables Male Athlete of the Month for MELHS. Shank’s season included a third-place finish at the Oct.
COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville City Council has adopted a new ordinance regulating door-to-door solicitation within city limits, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The ordinance replaces a previous prohibition on solicitation that was legally challenged, prompting the need for a licensing program with established guidelines. The new Door-to-Door Solicitation Program requires solicitors to complete an application process that includes submitting a valid state-issued ID, a $250 non-refundable
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