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JERSEYVILLE – When the Illinois Treasurer’s Office announced the winners of the 2025 statewide “Cream of the Crop” photo contest , JCHS Sophomore Hope Lybarger didn’t expect to see her name on the list. After securing third place in the 11-14 age bracket and a $250 scholarship, she’s encouraging others to take a chance like she did. “I was incredibly surprised,” Lybarger said. “I didn't think my picture would win at all, so when I learned that I placed third, I was very shocked.” Lybarger’s winning entry, titled “Evening Snack,” depicts her grandparents’ 14-year-old Belgian Draft horse named Charlotte snacking on some hay. Lybarger said she was simply looking for something on the farm that would capture people’s attention – and Charlotte clearly got the attention of the contest judges. Photography is a growing area of interest for Lybarger, who has been practicing her craft since last

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GRANITE CITY – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) and State Representative Amy Elik (111th-Alton) to modernize and improve the operations of the America’s Central Port District has been signed into law. House Bill 2139 , introduced at the request of the Port District, delivers greater flexibility, accountability, and efficiency to one of Illinois’ most critical economic hubs. The bill updates decades-old provisions in the America’s Central Port District Act, aligning the law with modern financial and operational practices. “This legislation is a win for both taxpayers and the region’s economic future,” said Sen. Harriss. “It strengthens fiscal safeguards, improves efficiency, and allows the Port to better meet today’s infrastructure and commerce needs.” “This is about keeping our Port District competitive while ensuring transparency and responsibility,” said Rep. Elik. “These

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SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker, on Friday, August 15, signed legislation that the state’s clean water advocates are hailing as a significant step forward in tackling the growing threat of toxic water pollution. Sponsored by Senator Julie Morrison and Representative Abdelnasser Rashid, HB2516 phases out the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), aka "forever chemicals," in the manufacturing of children's products, cosmetics, intimate apparel such as sleepwear or underwear, menstrual products, and dental floss by 2032. PFAS have emerged as a serious environmental and public health threat due to their persistence and widespread contamination. These manufactured chemicals, widely utilized in consumer and industrial products since World War II, are now linked to alarming levels of contamination in drinking water supplies and health risks ranging from cancers to liver toxicity to reduced fertility. Used in a range of everyday products like water-repellant apparel,

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WASHINGTON — American lawmakers are using a trip to South Korea and Japan to explore how the United States can tap those allies’ shipbuilding expertise and capacity to help boost its own capabilities , which are dwarfed by those of China. Sens. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., and Andy Kim, D-N.J., who are scheduled to land in Seoul on Sunday before traveling to Japan, plan to meet top shipbuilders from the world’s second- and third-largest shipbuilding countries. The senators want to examine the possibilities of forming joint ventures to construct and repair noncombatant vessels for the U.S. Navy in the Indo-Pacific and bring investments to American shipyards. “We already have fewer capacity now than we did during Operation Iraqi Freedom” in 2003, Duckworth told The Associated Press. “We have to rebuild the capacity. At the same time, what capacity we have is aging and breaking down and taking longer and more expensive to fix.” Their trip comes

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SPRINGFIELD – Legislation championed by Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and AARP Illinois that makes roads safer and removes age barriers to align Illinois with the rest of the nation was signed into law recently by Governor JB Pritzker. The Road Safety & Fairness Act (HB 1226), introduced by State Senator Ram Villivalam (8th District – Chicago) and State Representative Jay Hoffman (113th District – Belleville), passed the Illinois House and Senate chambers unanimously during the General Assembly’s Spring session earlier this year. The legislation, which passed with 70 percent of lawmakers signing on as co-sponsors, takes effect on July 1, 2026. The legislation creates new procedures aimed at preventing unsafe motorists – regardless of age – from driving by enabling immediate relatives to report a decline in cognitive or medical issues to the state for review. Illinois is currently one of only five states that do not allow immediate family

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the attorneys general of California, Delaware, New Jersey and Rhode Island co-led a multistate lawsuit today challenging illegal conditions the Trump administration is imposing on Congressionally-authorized Victims of Crime Act grants. Raoul and the coalition of 20 other attorneys general filed the lawsuit today targeting the Trump administration’s recent decision declaring that states will be unable to access funds used to support victims and survivors of crimes unless they agree to support the administration’s extreme immigration enforcement efforts. The lawsuit argues the administration is disregarding the letter of the law and intent of Congress with their decision. “Providing support to survivors of violent crime is some of the most important work my office does, and it is work I have prioritized since becoming Illinois Attorney General. The Trump administration’s imposition of illegal conditions on this

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EDWARDSVILLE – Underrepresented youth – with an interest in college and those who are already there – have a tireless advocate and committed champion in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Darryl C. Cherry. This sentiment was celebrated and underscored as being resoundingly true when Cherry, coordinator of Student Retention and Academic Advisor for Student Opportunities for Academic Results (SOAR) and FirstGen Forward Coordinator, was recently named as 2025 Educator of the Year by the Eta Kappa Zeta (East St. Louis) Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. “We chose him because we saw the extent and longevity of his community involvement and how well he worked in the community,” said Marla Golliday, president of the Eta Kappa Zeta Chapter of ZPB. “We saw a lot of positive things in him. There are all the activities he’s involved in on the SIUE campus. He is very hands on with the100 Black Men and the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.

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SPRINGFIELD – Whether it’s a severe weather event, power for telecommunications loss, or the threat of school violence, students need emergency preparedness information during this Back2School Safety Month. “August is a busy month with students returning to school and college and we encourage preparedness education so that the school year is as smooth and positive as possible,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Acting Director Theodore (Ted) Berger. Storms and storm-related emergencies can affect a student’s transportation, so alternative plans should be mapped out ahead of time. If power or cell phone service goes out, students need other ways to communicate with family and schools. A student’s digital security can prevent problems like identity theft and scams. Additionally, students in grade and high school can use Safe2HelpIL as a tool to help keep them safe. Students can utilize Safe2HelpIL

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BRIGHTON - Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation will once again host the Duck Pluckers, Deer Skinners and Fish Hookers Ball to raise funds to purchase an ambulance for Alton Memorial Hospital. On Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, community members are invited to NILO Farms in Brighton for the event. Complete with raffles, a quail flush, launch golf, skeet and trap shooting, a silent auction, a live auction, a steak dinner and more fun, the ball is a chance to come together to support local health services and first responders. The foundation hopes to raise $225,000 to purchase a new ambulance. “It’s making sure that at Alton Memorial, we have the right equipment in the right place at the right time for our staff so the paramedics and EMTs are able to do their job and take care of your family,” said Jason Bowman, EMS manager at Alton Memorial Hospital. Bowman and Shannon Fraley, who oversees the event through Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation, explained

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JERSEYVILLE – A Jerseyville resident with an extensive criminal history faces new charges after allegedly burglarizing Westlake Country Club and stealing a golf cart while armed with a stun gun in the presence of his 5-year-old son. Quentin A. McEvers, 37, of Jerseyville, was charged on Aug. 13, 2025 with unlawful possession of a stolen vehicle (a Class 2 felony), unlawful possession of weapon by a felon (a Super Class 3 felony), and burglary without causing damage (a Class 3 felony). On Aug. 6, 2025, McEvers allegedly entered a building of Westlake Country Club in Jerseyville without legal authority, intending to commit a theft. He was additionally accused of possessing a stolen red 2021 Yamaha golf cart while illegally in possession of a stun gun as a previously convicted felon. The Jersey County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to deny McEvers’s pretrial release, stating McEvers “had his 5-year-old son with him when he committed these new

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COLLINSVILLE – Ameren Illinois is using groundbreaking technology to more quickly and accurately determine when sub-transmission power lines should be upgraded, improving service reliability and saving customers money. A device known as "LineVue" is placed on the sub-transmission power lines to assess the steel core of wires – aluminum conductor steel reinforced or aluminum core steel supported – to identify any potential defects, such as frays in the line, and determine the optimal time to replace them. The unit is controlled remotely from the ground. Sub-transmission lines typically transmit 34.5 kilovolts to 69 kilovolts of electricity to regional distributions substations before the voltage is stepped down further to be delivered to customer homes and businesses. More than 45,000 miles of sub-transmission and distribution power lines span the Ameren Illinois service territory. Approximately 1.3 million utility poles, including 2,000 high-strength composite

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EDWARDSVILLE — The 33rd annual Edwardsville D.A.R.E. Car-Truck-Motorcycle Show took place on Sunday, Aug. 17, 2025, bringing together vehicle enthusiasts and community members despite challenges posed by the extreme heat of 100-degree temperatures and technical difficulties. Organizers of the event, held at a new location this year, expressed gratitude to participants, sponsors, volunteers and attendees who braved the weather to support the fundraiser for the local D.A.R.E. program. The event showcased a variety of vehicles, including cars, trucks, motorcycles and other multi-wheeled machines, drawing interest from both dedicated car enthusiasts and casual visitors. However, the combination of high heat and humidity led organizers to make the difficult decision to close the show earlier than planned. Additionally, computer problems prevented the timely completion of judging, delaying the announcement of competition results. Organizers apologized for the shortcomings

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BELLEVILLE, Ill. — The Belleville Police Department officially swore in Officer Dean this past week as she prepares to begin training at the Southwestern Illinois College Police Academy. The Belleville Police Department invited the public to congratulate Officer Dean and extend well-wishes as she embarks on her law enforcement career.

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WHITE HALL — Colby L. Brooks, 53, of rural White Hall, died Saturday, Aug. 16, 2025, after an accident involving a lawnmower on private property, Greene County Coroner Brady Milnes has confirmed. Brooks was pronounced dead at 1:40 p.m. at the scene on Saturday. The coroner said preliminary findings indicate he suffered traumatic asphyxiation after being ejected from the lawnmower he was operating. The incident occurred in rural White Hall, Greene County. The circumstances surrounding the accident remain under investigation by the Greene County Coroner’s Office and the Greene County Sheriff’s Office.

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GREENVILLE - Joyce Joplin (Volkers) is seeking financial assistance to cover funeral expenses for a distinguished Navy veteran following the unexpected passing of her father, Eldon “Butch” Joplin on Aug. 10, 2025. Joplin described her father as a man known to many as "Butch," who served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Vulcan as a Hull Maintenance Technician. He married Joplin’s mother in 1981, and they had three children before divorcing in 1995. Joplin said her father loved his children unconditionally. He retired about six years ago from Peterson Springs and also served for many years on the Greenville Fire Department. Joplin said her father did not leave any funds to cover funeral costs. She is currently unemployed due to the time spent accompanying him to medical appointments and is uncertain about the timeline for raising money for his cremation. She indicated that any contributions would be used for the cremation, outstanding debts, and a celebration of life.

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COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department announced the return of its Citizen Police Academy after a three-year pause, aiming to strengthen the relationship between local law enforcement and residents. The program will begin this spring in Collinsville, Illinois, offering an eight-week session held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Led by Sergeant Josh Hunt and Sergeant Jay Edwards, the academy is designed to promote understanding of the criminal justice system and provide insight into everyday police work. The department described the academy as a “unique opportunity to educate the citizens of Collinsville” and a way for participants to observe law enforcement through a hands-on approach. The Citizen Police Academy is free and open to the first 25 applicants. Interested residents can apply by scanning a QR code provided by the department or visiting the Collinsville Police Department’s website to complete a brief application. According to the

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HIGHLAND - Kevin Johnson, owner of Artisan Stone Interiors in Highland, was recently airlifted to Barnes Hospital in St. Louis after sustaining three skull fractures and a brain bleed in a suspected hit-and-run accident while test-riding his rebuilt e-bike. The incident, which left Johnson unable to perform the physical labor required for his flooring business due to a strict 10-pound lifting restriction, has also resulted in mounting medical bills and financial strain. Johnson, who does not recall the details of the crash, said the severe damage to his e-bike led doctors to suspect a collision with a vehicle. He is currently recovering at Barnes Hospital and has launched a GoFundMe fundraiser to help cover medical expenses, living costs, and to keep Artisan Stone Interiors operational during his recovery. “I’m grateful to be here today and recovering,” Johnson said. “The good news is that I am healing, but recovery comes with major challenges. With hospital

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ST. LOUIS – Today, Mayor Cara Spencer announced that the City of St. Louis has ended alley recycling due to ineffectiveness and high costs and will instead grow its number of recycling drop-off locations by 50%, increase its number of alley refuse dumpsters by 100%, and commit additional staff to the collection of trash. Recycling costs the City almost five times more per ton than trash. Yet, more than half of the recycling collected in St. Louis this year is rejected at the recycling center due to contamination. For those materials, St. Louis taxpayers have been paying the full cost of recycling without receiving any of the benefits. Meanwhile, many St. Louisans have experienced overflowing dumpsters in their alleys as the City has struggled to run some of its recycling and trash routes as frequently as needed. By ending alley recycling, the work hours previously dedicated to alley recycling are now focused on trash collection. Additionally, all alley recycling dumpsters

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ST. LOUIS — Four endangered Mexican spider monkeys seized from smugglers near the U.S. southern border have found a home at the Saint Louis Zoo where staff hopes their story can spread awareness about the devastating illegal wildlife trade. Federal authorities in spring 2024 seized the monkeys as infants in three separate confiscations. Each was likely poached from the wild to be sold as an exotic pet, becoming a victim of a global criminal network that typically kills the infants’ mothers during capture. “This has to stop. These monkeys remind us that the sale of primates as pets must end once and for all,” said Regina Mossotti, Vice President of Animal Care at the Saint Louis Zoo. “Buyers may not realize it, but the illegal wildlife industry causes incredible suffering to so many animals. It not only harms endangered species, it also puts their native habitats in peril.” After their seizure, the four monkeys were initially taken to Gladys

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SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) to prevent school gun violence was signed into law on Friday. Representative Davidsmeyer filed his legislation after hearing of an incident in his district where a student threatened to commit an act of gun violence against another student. The victim told the school staff about the incident, but they did not report it to the principal because it was just a threat. House Bill 1316 requires all school officials to immediately notify the principal’s office in the event of any threat of gun violence on school grounds. The principal shall attempt to notify the offending student’s parents as soon as possible so that the parents may ensure that the student does not have access to a firearm. “I don’t want to take any threats of violence lightly,” Rep. Davidsmeyer said. “My legislation will help prevent school gun violence while not impeding on the Second

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