MADISON COUNTY - With dropping temperatures and a winter storm incoming, there are several warming centers available for community members throughout the Riverbend region. We encourage you to check that these locations are open, as some might be closed due to inclement weather. ALTON Hayner Public Library District With branches located at 326 Belle Street and 401 State Street in downtown Alton and inside the Alton Square Mall, the library serves as a daytime warming center during
ST. CLAIR COUNTY - With dropping temperatures and a winter storm incoming, there are several warming centers available for community members throughout the Riverbend region. We encourage you to check that these locations are open, as some might be closed due to inclement weather. BELLEVILLE Belleville Public Library The library opens every day at 9 a.m. except for Sundays. Belleville Public Library West Branch This library is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday
KAMPSVILLE/GOLDEN EAGLE - The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office announced that the Kampsville Ferry will be closed starting Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, due to heavy ice conditions. Officials said the closure will last until further notice, and travelers are advised to plan alternative routes. Additionally, the Calhoun Ferry Company reported that the Golden Eagle Ferry will cease operations at 9 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, because of ice and will remain closed until conditions improve. In
At the Southern Illinois Police Chief’s Association Awards Banquet on Thursday night, Jan. 22, 2026, seven telecommunicators from five different public safety answering points were honored for their exceptional service during various incidents within their jurisdictions. The awards recognized telecommunicators from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Granite City Police Department, Edwardsville Police Department, Collinsville Police Department, and the Wood River Police Department.
COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville Police Department’s K9 Rocky has been named the department’s December Officer of the Month for his outstanding work in multiple critical incidents. During December, Rocky responded to a missing person call and successfully tracked the individual for over a mile through snowy conditions. On Christmas Day, despite it being his day off, Rocky assisted in a search covering more than eight acres to locate evidence. The most significant event came when Rocky
EDWARDSVILLE - Couples or groups have the opportunity for a unique fine dining experience this Valentine’s Day. On Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, 1818 Chophouse will host “A Valentine's Affair: An Evening of Romance, Indulgence, and Unforgettable Flavors,” part of their “The Perfect Pairing” series. The evening will include a seven-course prix fixe menu with a variety of delicious flavors and optional wine pairings. “Guests can look forward to a delightful evening
ALTON — Local athletes and community members are invited to pick up their paddles for the Duck Pluckers Pickleball Tournament, taking place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at Grip & Sip. As pickleball continues its surge as the fastest-growing sport in the nation, this local event aims to bring together players of all skill levels for a day of competitive play and community building. The tournament will feature Mixed Doubles divisions, with round-robin play followed by a single-elimination
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — The Fairview Heights Police Department honored several of its officers at the recent SILEC/SIPCA Awards Program for their exceptional service and bravery. During the ceremony, detectives were presented with the Award of Merit for their successful year-long investigation into the murder of a child. The Fairview Heights Police Deputy Chief was recognized with the Blue Light Award for years of dedicated service and leadership during challenging times, particularly in supportin
BELLEVILLE – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Belleville, Illinois man for allegedly reproducing child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office charged Jacob W. Burkert, 31, in St. Clair County Circuit Court with four counts
SPRINGFIELD – Today, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) marked the one-year anniversary of the federal government announcing their intent to withdraw the United States from the World Health Organization (WHO). The withdrawal, which the federal government recently finalized, will disrupt long-standing systems for global disease detection, emergency coordination, and the rapid sharing of life-saving health information. “Withdrawing from the World Health Organization
EAST ALTON — A water main break on South Street has caused some homes in the area to lose water service, the Village of East Alton announced around 10 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026. The Village of East Alton stated that residents affected by the disruption may experience a temporary loss of water until repairs are completed. Officials also warned that a boil order could be issued for certain homes, with notices to be posted directly at affected residences. The village has
SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) are advising residents to prepare for a multi-wave winter storm and dangerously low temperatures expected to impact the state starting Friday, January 23 through Sunday, with Southern Illinois expected to be the most heavily impacted by significant snow accumulations. A major weather system is expected to bring extreme cold across most of Illinois this weekend, alongsid
ST. LOUIS, MO. — With the potential for winter weather and dangerously cold temperatures this weekend in the greater St. Louis area, the American Red Cross urges everyone to take action now to protect themselves and their families. “Winter storms can create dangerous conditions very quickly, especially when temperatures drop and roads become icy,” said LaKricia Cox, Executive Director, Red Cross of Greater St. Louis. “Preparing now and knowing what to do before a storm
ALTON — Schwegel's Grocery Store in Alton experienced a surge in customers seeking essential supplies Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026, and Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, amid forecasts of heavy snow and severe winter weather for the weekend, according to co-owner Monica Schwegel on Friday. Located at 901 Alby St., Schwegel's reported steady inventory despite increased demand. Schwegel said the store has always maintained stock of milk, eggs, bread, and rock salt, which residents were preparing to buy
EDWARDSVILLE — Shoppers at most area grocery stores found themselves waiting in long lines on Friday morning, Jan. 23, 2026, as they stocked up on essentials ahead of a winter storm expected to hit the Metro East Illinois area this weekend. Justin Hawkins, owner of the Philly Pretzel Factory in Glen Carbon, described the scene Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at Schnucks after he snapped a photo used above, saying, “We saw people standing in the back of the store — in front of the meat
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) introduced the VET Connect Act. The bipartisan legislation would establish a secure database and messaging platform for veterans to reconnect with fellow servicemembers with whom they served, without requiring the disclosure of personal contact information. The bill requires the VA to create and maintain this system on an opt-in basis, allowing verified veterans to reconnect based on share
As a longtime health care provider, Amber Oberheim, APRN , always thought she was taking good care of her skin. She’s counseled patients on the topic and even spoke about it at a community forum. But a recent trip to the spa reminded her of what’s true for all our health care: there’s room to do better. “The worker asked what I used to wash my face. I said I use a bar of antibacterial Dial soap. She did not like that response,” Oberheim chuckles. “So I did
ST. LOUIS - A major winter storm is expected to impact the St. Louis metropolitan area and surrounding regions from Saturday morning through Sunday evening, bringing heavy snowfall and dangerously cold temperatures, according to the National Weather Service in St. Louis. National Weather Service in St. Louis Meteorologist Alex Elmore said the storm will arrive in two rounds, with the first occurring Saturday morning, Jan. 24, 2026, into the evening and the second from late Saturday night int
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Illinois – The Secretary of War praised the success of the permanent change of Station Joint Task Force and announced that Scott Air Force Base has been selected as the home for the new Personal Property Activity (PPA). The new command will consolidate all functions of the Defense Personal Property Program across the military departments into a single, accountable organization. Secretary Pete Hegseth has named Maj. Gen. Lance Curtis as the PPA's first commander. Followi
JERSEY COUNTY — Reid Taylor retired after 17 years as a telecommunicator and dispatcher with the Jersey County Sheriff's Office and 911, concluding a nearly 50-year career in law enforcement. Taylor's service includes 12 years with the Grafton Police Department and more than 30 years with the Jerseyville Police Department. The Jersey County Sheriff's Office recognized his commitment, professionalism, and dedication to public safety in a statement expressing gratitude for
stLouIST