EDWARDSVILLE - Nathan Novsek works to make PE fun for all students. Novsek teaches PE to third through fifth grade students at Worden and Woodland Elementary Schools in the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7. This Teacher Appreciation Week, he’s remembering why he decided to pursue education and his goals for every class he teaches. “I have a positive impact on kids’ lives and prepare them for their futures,” he said. “I had some incredibly influential
In May 1926, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students in the public schools participated in a music memory contest as part of Alton’s Music Week observance. A component of the music instruction program was to sing or listen to well-known compositions by the masters, and to study composers’ lives. For the music memory contest, parts of compositions were sung or played, and the students wrote the title of the number, the composer, and his musical nationality on specially prepare
GLEN CARBON – Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is pleased to announce that seven girls were named Outstanding Graduating Girl Scouts at the annual Recognition of Excellence ceremony on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Outstanding Graduating Girl Scouts are awarded a scholarship for demonstrating their extraordinary leadership in the Girl Scout Movement, in school, and in their communities. Along with sharing their achievements and contributions, girls who apply for the scholarship submit a
On May 9, 1945, Nazi Germany’s surrender took full effect across Europe, ending the fighting on the continent in World War II. The war in Europe had already been declared over in many countries a day earlier, but the final surrender documents were signed and recognized in a way that made the end unmistakable for governments, soldiers, and civilians across the region. It mattered immediately because it stopped the largest and deadliest conflict Europe had ever seen and opened the door to
GLEN CARBON – When Girl Scout Cadettes focus on an issue they care about, learn the facts, and take action to make a difference, they gain the confidence and skills that will catapult them to lifelong success. It all adds up to the Girl Scout Silver Award – the highest honor a Cadette in grades 6-8 can achieve. Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is pleased to announce this year’s class of Silver Award Girl Scouts who were honored at the annual Recognition of Excellence ceremony
EDWARDSVILLE — Yesterday, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) convened her bipartisan Agriculture Advisory Council at the National Corn to Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The Congresswoman answered questions on needed improvements to the Farm Bill, upcoming USDA reorganization, protecting funding for agricultural research institutions, support for farmers facing tariff and export market issues and how Congress is working to address fertilizer
SPRINGFIELD – In honor and remembrance of all the Illinois State Police (ISP) officers who died in the line of duty, the Illinois State Police (ISP) and the Illinois State Police Heritage Foundation (ISPHF) held the 1st Annual Memorial Park Ceremony today. The ISP Memorial Park, completed in 2018, was built to honor the lives and memories of the fallen heroes of ISP. Inscribed on the wall are the names of every ISP officer who gave their life in service. “By the grace of God we ar
GRANITE CITY – A Granite City resident accused of working with two juveniles to rob a minor victim of their shoes and cell phone faces felony charges in Madison County. Athan M. McCracken, 18, of Granite City, was charged on May 4, 2026 with one count each of robbery (a Class 2 felony) and Mob Action (a Class 4 felony). On March 19, 2026, McCracken and two juvenile suspects, ages 17 and 16, allegedly acted together and without legal authority in punching and kicking a 16-year-old victim.
EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has once again earned Gold Tier recognition as a 2026-2027 Military Friendly® School. The selection places the University among the top 10% of institutions nationwide for its commitment to serving military-affiliated students, including active-duty service members, veterans and military-connected families. The prestigious designation is awarded by Military Friendly®, a VIQTORY company, and is based on a rigorous, data-driven evaluation
SPRINGFIELD, IL. - The Illinois Police Memorial Committee held their 41st annual ceremony at the Capitol Thursday to pay tribute to fallen officers and their families. State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer joined law enforcement officers, fellow legislators, and community members to honor the lives and service of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. "This solemn ceremony honors the bravery, service, and sacrifice of those who lost their lives in the line of duty," Rep. Davidsmeyer said.
ROXANA – Four high school seniors from the metro area have earned Phillips 66 Community STEM Scholarships, recognizing their academic excellence and commitment to careers that will power a more innovative energy future. Wesley LeBrun (Alton High School), Kinley Lucas (Southwestern CUSD #9), Shane Box (Collinsville High School), and Dylan Brueggeman (Edwardsville High School) are among the 54 students nationwide selected from a competitive pool of applicants planning to stud
GLEN CARBON – Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois presented the Thanks Badge II and Honor Pin to two outstanding volunteers at the annual Recognition of Excellence awards ceremony. Kathy Arend from Highland was awarded the Thanks Badge II while Carrie Davitz from Belleville was awarded the Honor Pin. The Thanks Badge II honors a previous Thanks Badge recipient who has continued to provide exemplary service in a leadership role resulting in a measurable impact that benefits the entire Girl Scout
ALTON - Shannon Beloit always knew she wanted to be a teacher. Beloit teaches at the Early Childhood Center in the Alton Community Unit School District #11. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she is reflecting on the decision that brought her to Alton and her love for working with young kids. “Becoming a teacher made sense,” she said. “I knew I wanted to do something that impacted others and would never be boring.” Early childhood education is certainly far from boring.
ALTON - Tori Lonsdale hopes to inspire her students like her teachers did for her. Lonsdale teaches kindergarten and first grade at Mark Twain School in the Alton Community Unit School District #11. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she’s expressing her gratitude for the people who pushed her to success and following in their footsteps as an educator. “When I was younger, I felt very inspired and seen by my teachers and I always wanted to be like them,” she remembered. “A
TROY - Families will have a chance to “Unearth a Story” during a dinosaur-themed summer reading kickoff hosted by the Tri-Township Public Library District from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Tri-Township Park’s Pavilion No. 10 in Troy, Illinois. The event marks the launch of the library district’s 2026 Summer Reading Challenge and is billed as a morning of “prehistoric proportions” to celebrate “the best season of the year.” Plann
MADISON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that road repairs on Illinois 203 between Collinsville Road and the Madison County line in St. Clair County will require daily lane closures beginning, weather permitting, Monday, May 11. The closures will affect both northbound and southbound lanes. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during the closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, remain alert for changing conditions,
CARLINVILLE – A new agreement between the Carlinville Community Unit School District 1 and Lewis and Clark Community College will allow the college to directly provide educational opportunities to the students of Carlinville and Macoupin County. Lewis and Clark has a longstanding history of providing direct services to the residents of Macoupin County with a physical presence in Carlinville. In 2003, the college opened the Macoupin County Community Education Center on Shipman Road
Hello and welcome back to my weekly Capitol Update. Both the House and Senate were in session this week as the Illinois General Assembly began the final month of its scheduled spring session. With Illinois tied for the highest property taxes in the nation, House Republicans are proposing solutions to deliver property tax relief to homeowners across the state. Several of my colleagues held a press conference this week to unveil our Property Tax Reform Agenda, which I fully support. How much
EDWARDSVILLE – Charges against a Missouri man accused of soliciting who he believed was a 12-year-old girl were unsealed this week after his arrest following an Edwardsville Police social media sting operation. Brandon R. Nute, 23, of Wentzville, Mo., was charged with one count each of indecent solicitation of a child (a Class 1 felony), solicitation to meet a child (a Class 4 felony), and grooming (both Class 4 felonies). From March 28 to April 21, 2026, Nute allegedly knowingly solicited
ALTON - Over 40 Alton High School seniors received local scholarships during a special awards night. On Thursday, May 7, 2026, Alton Community Unit School District #11 families came together to celebrate the 41 graduating seniors who were awarded scholarships. Dr. Jordan Anderson, who helped organize the night, shared that these scholarships will give a boost to students as they embark on their next chapters. “It’s just really amazing to see our community invest in the future
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