EDWARDSVILLE - During their regular meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, the Madison County Board voted unanimously to extend the deadline for the Salvation Army to complete their application to potentially build a homeless shelter. The Madison County Community Development Department (MCCD) received $2.5 million in HOME-ARP funds from the Office of Housing and Urban Development, to be used to develop a non-congregate shelter. In June 2024, MCCD published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
Did you know that the average American spends over $50 on Thanksgiving dinner per person? Hosting a large gathering can quickly escalate costs, leaving many feeling pressured to splurge on extravagant meals and décor. But what if you could create a memorable, delicious Thanksgiving feast without breaking the bank? Hosting a budget-friendly Thanksgiving dinner is entirely possible with thoughtful planning, smart shopping, and a few creative strategies. Plan Ahead: The Foundation of Budget-Friendly
November 26 has always been a day marked by significant events across the globe. Back in 1789, the United States Congress passed the first Thanksgiving Proclamation, setting a precedent for a national day of gratitude. This proclamation, initiated by President George Washington, encouraged Americans to set aside a day to give thanks for the nation’s blessings. The tradition has since evolved into the Thanksgiving holiday celebrated every November, marked by family gatherings and expressions
SPRINGFIELD – With one of the busiest travel periods of the year arriving this week with Thanksgiving, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies throughout the state are ramping up patrols and reminding the public to buckle up and drive sober. Hundreds of enforcement zones and other patrols will be looking for seat belt-law violators and impaired drivers through Dec. 2. “Illinois law is clear: Driving under the influence –
Today expect a sunny but brisk day with a high of 44 degrees and a low near 27. Winds out of the west-northwest will be strong, reaching 20 mph and gusting up to 40 mph. This morning starts out cold and clear with temperatures in the upper 20s. By afternoon, the sun will shine brightly under a mostly clear sky, but those gusty winds will keep the air feeling chilly — around 32 degrees feels like. Evening will remain mostly clear and cold, with the low dropping to the upper 20s. Overnight,
GRAFTON - At the regular City Council meeting on November 18, 2025, on behalf of the City Council, Mayor Morrow presented Grafton Police Officer Daniel P. Meredith with certificates recognizing his achievement as a certified instructor in both Basic Firearm Training and High-Risk Vehicle Stops. “Officer Meredith is doing a great job and with this new instructor status, he is now able to train and certify our officers and others as well,” said Grafton police chief Dave Womack. Mayor
BETHALTO — Civic Memorial High School recently saluted its senior cheerleaders for their contributions during the football season. The acknowledgement took place as the team transitioned to supporting the basketball Eagles. The girls are the Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athletes of the Month for CM. The senior cheerleaders — Parker Wulf, Makenna Wehmeier, Emma Wade, Nicole Cooper, Keagan Thomas, Morgan Zimmerman, Kaylee Shields and Averie Huebner — are known for providing
JERSEYVILLE — Four players from Jersey’s girls volleyball team were recently named to the Mississippi Valley All-Conference squad, recognizing their standout performances during the 2025 season. The honorees — Adrian Blasa, Meredith Gray, Hope Buttry, and Grace Russell — were also named Sparklight Female Athletes of the Month for Jersey. Blasa and Gray earned first-team all-conference honors, while Buttry and Russell received honorable mention selections. The players
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — After 29 years of serving generous portions and Southern-style hospitality, Lotawata Creek announced it has permanently closed its location at 311 Salem Place in Fairview Heights. The restaurant, a longtime community favorite in the Metro East region, officially ended operations, marking the close of nearly three decades of dining experiences. Known for its signature dishes and warm atmosphere, Lotawata Creek was a gathering place for families, friends, and visitors,
ALTON - The Grandpa Gang’s Christmas Wonderland display will once again welcome the community to celebrate the holidays. From Friday, Nov. 28, to Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, you can stop by Rock Springs Park for a drive-through Christmas Wonderland lights display. They will also host a walk-through event on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, with parking at Alton Middle School. The goal is to bring the community together and raise money for local nonprofits. “You’re going to see some
BELLEVILLE - Edwardsville High School Orchestra Director and Fine Arts Chair Victoria Voumard reported that on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, 76 EHS band, choir and orchestra students who made ILMEA All District Music Festival 2025 performed at Belleville West High School. The list of students is below: Orchestra Ben Alexander, violin Dylan Brueggeman, cello Alan Chen, violin Precia Chimaren, violin Darby Christian, cello Jack Conkovich, violin Adam Cundiff, cello Raevadee Dombrowski,
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has released its latest Illinois Maternal Mortality Data Report, analyzing data regarding deaths that occurred during pregnancy or within one year of pregnancy from 2021- 2022. IDPH convenes two Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRCs) to identify causes of death and determine whether a death was pregnancy-related. The committees also assess preventability, identify contributing factors, and develop recommendations to prevent
O’FALLON, Ill. – HSHS Medical Group is excited to welcome Michael McGuire, PA-C, to the team at HSHS Medical Group Family and Sports Medicine – O’Fallon at 670 Pierce Blvd. in O’Fallon, Illinois. McGuire is a board-certified physician assistant with extensive training and experience in orthopedics. He is committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care and values clear communication and patient collaboration throughout the treatment process. McGuire holds
O'FALLON, Ill. — The O’Fallon Police Department announced a change in schedule for the city’s annual Illuminated Holiday Parade due to expected inclement weather on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. The parade, originally set for Saturday, will now take place starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28. The parade will begin at its usual start time and conclude at Community Park in O'Fallon where attendees can enjoy a Christmas tree lighting, Christmas carols, and other free activities
GRANITE CITY – Two Granite City men have been charged in separate domestic battery cases filed in Madison County. Ivan T. Goheen, 28, of Granite City, was charged on Nov. 14, 2025 with his second or subsequent offense of domestic battery, a Class 4 felony. Goheen allegedly caused bodily harm to a family or household member by striking the victim about the face with his hand on Oct. 25, 2025. Charging documents note Goheen had previously been convicted of domestic battery in a prior Madison
Most investors describe themselves as “aggressive,” “moderate,” or “conservative.” While that language is common, it often oversimplifies how risk really works in a financial plan —especially for people approaching or in retirement . In reality, a well-structured plan looks at three separate elements of risk: 1) your risk tolerance, 2) your risk capacity, and 3) your need to take risk to reach your goals. 1. Risk tolerance: How much volatility you ca
PIKE COUNTY — A small plane crashed Sunday night, Nov. 23, 2025, in Pike County, killing one person and injuring two others, authorities said. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released additional information about the crash, but the person who died in the crash has not yet been identified. The crash occurred around 9:45 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in a field north of Interstate 72, west of Exit 35, according to the Pike County Sheriff’s Department. The department was notifie
ALTON - When Alton native Christa Hollensteiner received the call, she almost hung up, convinced it was another telemarketer. Instead, she listened as the woman on the other end reminded her that, ten years previously, Hollensteiner had joined the DKMS stem cell donor registry. Hollensteiner had completely forgotten about it. But then she heard the words that would change her life: They had found someone who needed stem cells to survive, and Hollensteiner was a full match. “All they
BELLEVILLE — The Belleville Police Department is investigating an overnight burglary at Althoff Catholic High School, located at 5401 W. Main St. in Belleville. At approximately 12 a.m., suspects were seen entering the school, prompting a police response, the Belleville Police Department said. Officers and detectives remain on the scene, conducting a thorough search of the building and evaluating the situation. Althoff Catholic cancelled classes on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, and now
ALTON - The Hayner Public Library district has “got a whole lot coming up,” including plenty of holiday cheer, said Executive Director Mary Cordes. The fun kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, with the Local Author Book Fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Alton Square Mall. Attendees can shop books by 25 local writers and talk to the authors about their work. It’s also a great opportunity for the writers to connect. “They’re all going to be at the same
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