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ALTON — The Alton Police Department responded to a reported domestic hostage situation at an apartment complex in the 2400 block of Mills Avenue at approximately 11:56 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Officers arrived after receiving a report that a female had been battered by a male subject and was being held against her will. Upon arrival, no one answered the door, prompting officers to continue attempts to make contact while requesting tactical assistance from Metro East SWAT due to the potential severity of the situation. Before a court-authorized search warrant could be executed, the female occupant exited the apartment. The male suspect later surrendered to police without incident. He was taken into custody and transported to the Alton Police Department Jail pending criminal charges. The incident remains under investigation by the Alton Police Department.

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SOUTH ROXANA — A house fire broke out Saturday afternoon, May 10, 2025, in the 400 block of Indiana Avenue in South Roxana. Flames scorched the back of the home when firefighters arrived rapidly. South Roxana Fire Department Lieutenant Michael Cherry, who was on the scene, said the homeowner had left the residence approximately 30 minutes before the fire began. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered fire through the roof on the corners of the house and the entire back porch. Fire crews from South Roxana were assisted by personnel from Roxana, Edwardsville, Rosewood Heights and Wood River fire departments. Cherry said the teams worked to contain the fire primarily to the affected house, with only minor heat exposure reported to the neighboring property. “The fire was through the roof on the corners and the entire back porch when we got here,” Cherry said. “We did the best we could when we got here and we contained it mostly to this house, a little heat exposure

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ST. LOUIS – The American Red Cross of Greater St. Louis in partnership with Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc., will offer two free disaster preparedness classes on May 15, 2025. The Red Cross team will present “Be Red Cross Ready! for Severe Storms,” from 1–2 p.m. and Hands-Only CPR Training from 2–3 p.m. Both sessions will be held in classrooms on the second floor of the Urban League office at 1408 Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, Mo., 63113. “Preparing for disasters and emergencies is an important part of keeping our families and communities safe and ready for unplanned events,” said LaKricia Cox Executive Director, American Red Cross of Greater St. Louis. “We are excited to work with community partners such as Urban League to promote preparedness within the St. Louis community.” Be Red Cross Ready! for Severe Storms 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. The Be Red Cross Ready! for Severe Storms presentation addresses

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EDWARDSVILLE — Today, the New Democrat Coalition made a second stop on the New Dems on the Road Tour, an initiative spearheaded by Vice Chair for Policy Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) to get New Dem Members out of Washington to hear from American workers, businesses, industry experts, nongovernmental organizations and local leaders about how to secure policy outcomes that best support working families. Vice Chair Nikki Budzinski hosted Environment, Climate, & Clean Energy Working Group Chair Scott Peters (CA-50) and Rep. Wesley Bell (MO-01) in her district for a roundtable discussion with clean energy business owners, industry and union representatives, academic researchers, and utility service providers. At the roundtable, participants discussed the scaling of energy sources like solar and hydrogen, carbon capture and storage, efforts to pass permitting reform in Congress, job creation, and the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy tax credits. The group also discussed the

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City Elks Lodge #1063 recognized Granite City High School seniors Bailey Hanks and Emilee Saggio as Students of the Month for April. The Elks Student of the Month Program is designed to recognize outstanding young men and women for achievements in school and community life-fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school, club and community service, industry and farming. Nominees are judged on multiple achievements including leadership skills, good moral character, community involvement, extracurricular activities, honors and award and scholastic ability. Each student receives a $100 U.S. savings bond and an Elks certificate of achievement. BAILEY HANKS Four-year member of concert and marching band and boy scouts ... Volunteer for Boys Scouts and Scouting for Food ... Member of National Honor Society ... Rotary Student of the Month ... Eagle Scout ... Marching Band Section Leader ... Member of SIUE Wind Symphony and Webster YPSO Orchestra

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and three of their Senate Democratic colleagues today sent a letter to Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Martin Makary raising concerns about recent changes to the FDA that will weaken the Human Foods Program, which spearheads all food safety and nutrition efforts at FDA. The Senators’ letter comes as Secretary Kennedy has slashed staffing at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), terminating 10,000 employees, including 19 percent of the FDA workforce. “The Human Foods Program oversees 78 percent of food in the United States. It enforces federal laws, coordinates with other federal agencies and state and local governments, and distributes public health information. Further, it combats diet-related chronic diseases, such as heart disease and certain cancers, that shorte

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ALTON – The Salvation Army of Madison County will celebrate National Salvation Army Week May 12-18, 2025 with open houses at both of its locations and with a Dine to Donate collaboration with several local restaurants. Scooters at 5330 Godfrey Road in Godfrey will donate a portion of their proceeds from Tuesday, May 13, to support local Salvation Army youth programs. Alton’s Old Bakery Beer at 400 Landmarks Blvd, and Brown Bag Bistro at 318 East Broadway, will join the e?ort on Wednesday, May 14. On Thursday, May 15, Applebee’s in Granite City will share a portion of their proceeds from those presenting a Salvation Army flyer, available at both corps o?ces. Visitors can learn firsthand how The Salvation Army provides food, shelter, counseling and hope to youth and adults in Madison County at open houses at the Corps facilities: Wednesday, May 14, from 1:15- 2:45 p.m. 525 Alby Street in Alton Thursday, May 15, from 2-6 p.m. 3007 East 23rd Street in Granite

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CHICAGO – During National Travel and Tourism Week (May 4-10), Governor Pritzker announced that more than 41 million visitors visited Illinois state parks and historic sites, the highest number in nearly 15 years. The surge coincides with increases in investments and efforts by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Illinois Office of Tourism to attract local, national, and international travelers by improving recreational opportunities, investing in park facilities and infrastructure, and featuring Illinois parks and historic sites prominently in the state’s Middle of Everything tourism campaign. “With world-class parks coupled with historic sites, it’s no surprise that more visitors continue to flock to the Middle of Everything to experience all Illinois has to offer,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This year’s increase in visitors reflects a growing enthusiasm to experience Illinois’ natural beauty and the positive impact

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Ranking Member of the CST Aviation Subcommittee—issued the following statement after Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Sean Duffy announced his new plan to modernize our nation’s air traffic control system: “For years, I’ve sounded the alarm that we must modernize our air traffic control system in order to safeguard the flying public. After the deadly DCA crash, multiple near-misses and a terrifying equipment failure impacting Newark, it is encouraging that Secretary Duffy and the Trump Administration recognize how urgent this matter is and are calling for new funding to upgrade our nation’s aging air traffic control technology and facilities. “While this may be a positive development, we shouldn’t forget that these are the same officials who just months ago indiscriminately

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SPRINGFIELD – The Fort de Chartres Rendezvous, a popular annual tradition in Randolph County, will take place June 7 and 8 at the Fort de Chartres State Historic Site. Rendezvous hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 7, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, June 8. Highlights include a flintlock muzzleloader shooting competition; period food, drink, and entertainment; artisan and craft demonstrations; 18th-century children’s games; militia and military events; and more. The Rendezvous is free and open to the public. Special event parking is available for $10 per car. Donations are welcome. The site is at 1350 Illinois 155, about four miles west of Prairie du Rocher. The event is hosted by Les Coureurs des Bois de Fort de Chartres and sponsored by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), which manages the site, and Les Amis du Fort de Chartres. The Fort de Chartres State Historic Site marks the location of the last of three successive forts named “de Chartres&rdquo

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ALTON – An agreement to lay the groundwork for a planned Germania Brew Haus drive-thru location in Alton will soon face consideration from city officials. The Alton Committee of the Whole is set to vote Monday, May 12, 2025, on a redevelopment agreement between the city and G1 Germania Brew Haus Alton, LLC, to redevelop property at 700 E. Broadway in Alton. The coffee shop announced earlier this year that it plans to relocate from its original location just down the street at 617 E. Broadway, which will remain open during the construction of the new site. Among the new features planned at the next Brew Haus are a dedicated drive-thru, rooftop and all-season patio seating, and more. Under the terms of the agreement, the city would reimburse Germania for up to $75,000 of the redevelopment cost upon the project’s completion, which would be paid out of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) funds. The full scope of the project is described as “professional services and site

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ALTON - Alton Main Street is gearing up for their annual Night Markets. On every Thursday evening in June and July, except for July 3, 2025, community members can come to Sugar Alley in downtown Alton for an evening of live music, vendors, art and more. Alton Main Street Executive Director Sara McGibany expressed her excitement for another busy summer. “There’s all kinds of wonderful things happening downtown,” McGibany said. “We are so excited about the new home of the Night Market. This is really going to be an epicenter of all the activity this summer. We’re super excited about it.” Night Markets were previously located on Broadway, but they will now take place in Sugar Alley. The stage will be set up in the greenspace between Catdaddy’s and Chez Marilyn on 3rd Street in downtown Alton. “We are just really good at pivoting,” McGibany said. “We just roll with it. Whatever happens, we are able to figure it out.”

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BRIGHTON/COTTAGE HILLS – Two area residents face felony charges in separate cases of stolen vehicle possession. Chase S. Manns, 22, of Brighton, was charged on April 30, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle (a Class 2 felony) and possession of a controlled substance (a Class 4 felony). On Feb. 23, 2025, Manns allegedly received and possessed a blue 2018 Ford Fusion with an Illinois registration number, knowing the vehicle was stolen. He was additionally accused of possessing an undisclosed amount of a substance containing fentanyl. The case against Manns was presented by the Alton Police Department and he was granted pretrial release from custody. Brian A. Schaake, 42, of Cottage Hills, was charged in an unrelated case with a Class 2 felony count of unlawful possession of motor vehicles. On March 19, 2025, Schaake allegedly possessed a blue 2005 Chevrolet Silverado with a Pennsylvania registration number, knowing it to have been

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ALTON – Three Alton residents face charges of domestic battery and more in a series of separate criminal cases. Scottie D. Sinks, 38, of Alton, was charged on April 28, 2025 with two Class 3 felony counts of aggravated battery and Class A misdemeanor counts of domestic battery, violation of an Order of Protection, and criminal damage to property. On April 27, 2025, Sinks allegedly bit one victim’s arm, causing a laceration, and struck another victim with a shoe; he is also accused of throwing the latter victim to the ground, causing abrasions. He was also charged for being present at an address he was prohibited from under an Order of Protection, where he reportedly damaged electronics and a motor vehicle mirror. The case against Sinks was presented by the Alton Police Department, and he was remanded to jail for his initial court appearance. Phillip M. Schuyler, 39, of Alton, was charged on May 1, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery and a

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BETHALTO - Stacey Hoffmann goes out of her way for her students. Hoffmann is an Extended Curriculum special education teacher for first through third grades at Parkside Primary School in the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8. She also coordinates the Parkside Buddy Program, which pairs students with two buddies to play with during recess. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she is reflecting on her 27 years in the Bethalto School District and her plans for more to come. “I have always loved working with children and have a deep desire to make a positive difference in their lives,” Hoffmann said. “I believe that education is one of the most powerful tools we can offer young people to help shape their futures. By supporting students and their families, I aim to help them make the most of their educational opportunities and prepare them for success both in school and beyond.” Outside of school, Hoffmann stays busy with her family. Her oldest daughter

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ALTON - Small business owners who are looking to start or grow their business through e-commerce and learn about best marketing practices for growth are welcome to attend three free online retail and marketing workshops in Downtown Alton to be held at Coco+Oak, located at 110 W. 3rd Street. Alton Main Street and Coco+Oak are teaming up to present these educational workshops led by a seasoned pro - Madeline Eades, owner of Coco+Oak, has 10+ years of experience in marketing and sales and is sharing her wisdom to help her fellow business owners succeed. There is no cost to attend but space is limited, so please register early to secure your spot at one or all of the workshops: To register for "Online retail and how it can help you grow - finding the perfect platform for your business" on Tues, May 13th at 5:30 CLICK HERE: https://forms.gle/nr75Vh8e25PKRrGR8 To register for "Marketing online locally and why I should invest - using social media and local outlets to grow" on Tues

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COLLINSVILLE - The City of Collinsville is finishing up a mural to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Route 66. Located at the former Rich’s Tire Service building in uptown Collinsville, the “Welcome to Historic Uptown Collinsville” mural features several iconic scenes from the region. Caitlin Rice with the City of Collinsville expressed her appreciation for the new mural and what it means to the community. “It’s definitely drawn a lot of excitement for us,” Rice said. “We’re very lucky to be a part of it and getting some cool things for our community. It’s been fun.” The Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau provided the city with a Route 66 grant to promote beautification and mark the centennial anniversary of the route, which will be celebrated in 2026. This grant will provide two murals, including the uptown Collinsville mural and a mural at Old Herald Brewery and Distillery. The uptown mural was designed in

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HARTFORD - The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site will host their annual Point of Departure Commemoration event this weekend, complete with artisans, cannons, a Thomas Jefferson impersonator, and plenty of free family fun. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, and Sunday, May 11, 2025, community members can come to the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site at 1 Lewis and Clark Trail in Hartford to learn about the Lewis and Clark expedition and life on the American frontier. Artisans will be available with hands-on demonstrations and activities for families to enjoy. “We’re going to be here to commemorate one of the greatest historical events in the history of America,” said Mike Bortko with the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site. “This is your history. This is how people lived on the frontier 225 years ago.” Bortko collaborated with Ben Pollard to help organize the Point of Departure Commemoration, which is completely free to attend. They

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ALTON - Alton Main Street is excited to launch another round of its Façade Improvement Grant Program. This initiative is designed to assist property and business owners in Downtown Alton with rehabilitating the facades of their buildings for the purpose of creating a positive visual impact, stimulating private investment, and complementing other community development efforts. Improvement projects that are eligible to receive the grant include, but are not limited to: storefronts, exterior painting, signage, awnings, accent lighting. A total of $5,000 is available to be awarded, and grants are required to have a 1:1 match. This program is being made possible by a generous sponsorship from Partner Engineering and Science, Inc.. The application deadline is Monday, June 9th. Interested property owners as well as tenants with owner’s permission are eligible for the program. In order to be eligible for the FIG Program, buildings must be located within the Alton Main Street

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ALTON – The 2025 season of the Alton Farmers' & Artisans' Market will begin on Saturday, May 10th (always Mother’s Day weekend) in the parking lot at the corner of Landmarks Blvd. & Henry Street in Downtown Alton, Illinois. The market will be in session, rain or shine, every Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m. until Noon through Oct 18th. Shoppers will find a wide selection of locally-grown seasonal fruit and vegetables including heirloom varieties and organically grown crops, along with grass-fed beef, pasture-raised poultry, farm fresh eggs, local honey, hot and iced coffee, fresh bread and other baked goods, as well as ready to eat breakfast and lunch items. In addition, breakfast items, fresh cut flowers, potted plants, and a large assortment of hand-crafted artwork such as pottery, stained glass, soap, candles, and woodworking items will be sold. Special activities have been scheduled every week. Opening day will feature a make & take project: DIY letterpress Mothers'

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