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BETHALTO — Madison County Treasurer Mike Babcock announced this week that he will run in the Spring 2026 election to retain the office he was appointed to in December 2024. Babcock, a former County Board member and longtime Wood River Township Supervisor, was sworn in as treasurer on Dec. 2, 2024, following the election of former Treasurer Chris Slusser to serve as Madison County Board Chairman and his appointment of Board Member Mike Babcock along with the County Board approval that received all 26 County Board members' vote. “I’m excited about this next chapter,” Babcock said. “With taxpayers’ support, I will continue to safeguard public funds and manage county investments responsibly.” Since taking office, Babcock said he has implemented a conservative fiscal strategy and is implementing a 2 percent budget reduction in the Treasurer’s Office this year. He has a "promises made, promises kept" philosophy. “Our investment

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EDWARDSVILLE - EXO Lounge invites the community to come out for a taco-and-tequila night. From 6–9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, community members can have an unforgettable evening at EXO complete with a DJ from Malibu, tacos and fajitas from Oaxaca, and tequila from all the best vendors. Gina Gamblin, founder of EXO, encourages people to wear white for the “White Party” in celebration of Gamblin’s birthday. “It’s going to be a big party,” Gamblin said. It's actually my birthday, so we’re going to celebrate it in style. We want everyone to come and just enjoy Oaxaca and see what two great places can offer. You can not only have the most beautiful place, but the best food ever.” Tickets to the event cost $33.85 and can be purchased online . In addition to the food and tequila, EXO will be offering their normal services, including a nail bar , med spa and food and drinks from the in-house Michelin-star chef . Gamb

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College is announcing the lists of full- and part-time honors students for the Spring 2025 semester. Students earning a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher out of a possible 4.0 are named to the President’s List. Those students earning a grade point average between 3.25 and 3.74 are recognized each semester on the Dean’s List. Further requirements are listed in the college’s online catalog at http://catalog.lc.edu . All questions should be directed to the Enrollment Center at (618) 468-2222. President’s List ILLINOIS ALTON – Tiffany V. Adams; Chloe E. Ahlers; Madison C. Albert; Morgan G. Alexander; Michael G. Anderson; Lourdes M. Anriquez; Hunter M. Bailey; Sara J. Baldwin; Gardell L. Ballinger, III; Michael J. Beaber; Paige N. Beran; Coty B. Bertschi; Joel A. Biesk; Elizabeth H. Blackmon; Addisyn C. Boelter; Ava M. Boley; Samuel A. Boxdorfer; Eric R. Braundmeier; Parker A. Cannon; Callie

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WOOD RIVER – A Cahokia man remains in custody after a domestic battery incident in Wood River led to his arrest involving the Metro East S.W.A.T. team . Tyler A. Taylor, 32, of Cahokia, Ill., was charged on July 22, 2025 with one count each of aggravated domestic battery (a Class 2 felony), unlawful restraint (a Class 4 felony), and domestic battery (a Class A misdemeanor). On July 202, 2025, Taylor allegedly strangled a household or family member, obstructed them from leaving a Wood River residence, and forcefully grabbed the victim’s phone from her hand, causing a laceration. Taylor also threatened the victim with a firearm, according to the state’s petition to deny Taylor’s pretrial release from custody. The petition states the victim waited until Taylor was asleep and fled the residence. “Officers documented injuries to her head and hand,” the petition states of the victim. “Victim later provided messages, sent to a third party,

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EDWARDSVILLE - These are three artists who will be featured at the upcoming Edwardsville Arts Fair on Sept. 26-28, 2025, at Edwardsville City Park. Today's featured artists are: Brady Kesner, Pary Flynn, and Sarah Skiold-Hanlin. Artist #1: Brady Kesner Medium: Photography Artist Statement: "I am passionate about photographing grand and intimate landscapes—flowing water, the rocks it tumbles over, and the trees that surround it. This environment quiets my soul, and I believe it does the same for the viewer. I am a believer in the power of nature to provide comfort, healing, and reduce stress." Artist #2: Pary Flynn Medium: Wood Artist Statement: "I make and play handmade cigar box guitars, built from many different cigar boxes I find during my travels—as well as vintage gas cans, old movie reels, bedpans, or handmade boxes." Artist #3: Sarah Skiold-Hanlin Medium: Works on Paper Artist Statement: "Music

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SPRINGFIELD - Baseball cards featuring the late Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg and Yankees great Mickey Mantle, basketball cards of Wilt Chamberlain and Walt Frazier, and an 18-karat yellow gold Hermes man’s chain bracelet are just some of the 250 unclaimed property lots on display for the public to preview on Tuesday, August 5 . “We encourage people to come preview the items we’ll be auctioning later in the month,” said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose office oversees unclaimed property in Illinois. “As Treasurer, I can’t bid on anything, but I know there are plenty of Cubs fans who would love to bid on Ryne Sandberg’s rookie baseball card.” “This is a chance for everyday fairgoers to experience a real, live auction, make bids on an item they like, and take home something distinctive,” Frerichs added. Potential bidders are invited to attend the auction preview from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday August 5 at the Illinoi

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BELLEVILLE - Tera and Fredrick Mothersell are organizing a fundraiser to support their 12-year-old son, Richard, as he battles bone cancer for the second time along with leukemia. The fundraiser aims to help cover medical bills, gas, and other expenses related to Richard’s ongoing treatment, which includes chemotherapy and radiation. Tera and Fredrick said Richard was initially diagnosed with stage 4 Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive bone cancer, on April 26, 2023, after experiencing back pain that led to the discovery of a large tumor in his chest and multiple cancerous spots throughout his bones and spine. Despite being told to prepare for end-of-life care, Richard’s cancer went into remission by July 27, 2023. He completed 14 rounds of chemotherapy and 45 rounds of proton radiation by November 22, 2023, marking a significant milestone by ringing the hospital bell. However, attempts to maintain remission with low-dose chemotherapy were unsuccessful due to toxic

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COLLINSVILLE - There’s a new option for septic pumping and portable sanitation in Madison and St. Clair Counties. V1 Environmental offers a fresh perspective on residential and commercial septic services. Lucas Maue, the 25-year-old founder and president of the business, can’t wait to grow and continue offering great services to the community. “The industry is ripe for a new approach,” he explained. “I think I bring a modern twist to the entire industry. We’re just trying to inject a whole lot of professionalism into what most people believe is kind of a dirty, in-the-corner portion of your home service needs.” Maue previously served in the National Guard before transitioning to a local government contracting role. Six months ago, he and his wife experienced issues with their septic system, and Maue struggled to find a company that could get out to help them. He decided that not only could he do the work himself, but he could als

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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Police Department on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, released information about this week’s fugitive, Benjamin Murden, wanted in connection with a theft at a local Walmart. According to the department, Murden is accused of taking merchandise valued at over $300 without paying, an act that qualifies as a felony under state law. The incident reportedly occurred prior to the release date of Aug. 1, 2025. “Mr. Murden helped himself to some merchandise at Walmart without paying for it. Unfortunately for him... the items were valued at over $300, making his bad decision a felony,” the Collinsville Police said in their “Fugitive Friday” announcement. Authorities are asking anyone with information about Murden’s whereabouts to contact the Collinsville Police Department at 618-344-2131, extension 5209. Callers may remain anonymous. The department emphasized that the charges are based on probable cause and that Murden is presumed

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ST. LOUIS - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District Commander has fully approved the revised “Rivers Project Master Plan” with accompanying “Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI)” and “Environmental Assessment (EA)”. The River Project Master Plan is a conceptual document that guides public use and natural resource management of over 48,000 acres of federal lands for environmental stewardship and recreational purposes. Master Plans for the Rivers Project were developed or updated in 1948, 1961, 1977, 2001, and 2015. Since its last revision, there have been many changes in public recreational perceptions and demands, in natural and man-made resources along the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, and in federal roles in the Project areas. These changes necessitated the preparation of an updated Master Plan to serve as a meaningful guide for future federal management of these rivers. This Master Plan supersedes the 2015 version

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ST. LOUIS - The Missouri Department of Revenue announced that the state’s 2025 Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday will take place from 12:01 a.m. Friday, Aug. 1, through Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025. During this period, all state and local sales and use taxes on qualifying back-to-school items will be exempt, marking a change from previous years when only state and some local taxes were exempt. Under Missouri state law, the sales tax holiday begins on the first Friday in August and lasts through the following Sunday. Qualifying items include clothing, school supplies, computers, and certain computer accessories, each subject to specific price limits. Clothing items such as diapers and shoes qualify if their taxable value is $100 or less. School supplies are exempt up to $50 per purchase. Computer software priced at $350 or less, personal computers costing $1,500 or less, and other computer devices like mice, keyboards, and external disk drives under $1,500 are also included. Graphing calculators

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CHICAGO — The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) approved a number of gaming licenses and other measures today including issuing a gaming license for the State’s first racino and welcoming the first African American woman as IGB Chairperson. The IGB approved the Organizational Gaming License for the racino, Fairmount Park, Inc. d/b/a Fairmount Park Casino and Racing in Collinsville. The IGB received upfront fees of $9,950,000 in May, which was deposited into the Rebuild Illinois Fund, which funds infrastructure projects statewide. Fairmount Park is the seventh newly authorized casino the IGB licensed since November 2021 and the State’s 17th casino. Fairmount Park Casino and Racing began casino operations in Collinsville in April and was licensed today. Also at today’s meeting, Illinois Gaming Board Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter welcomed Dionne Hayden to her new position as Chairperson. She was appointed by Governor JB Pritzker following the July resignation of Chairma

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WASHINGTON PARK, Ill. — Authorities responded early Thursday morning, July 31, 2025, to a fatal shooting in the Metro East, where a 46-year-old man was found dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Police were called to a residence in the 5000 block of Warren Avenue near Kingshighway in Washington Park shortly before 5:40 a.m., Illinois State Police said. St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. said that Demario D. Walker was the victim. Dye Sr. said Walker was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the coroner, Walker’s last known address was in the 5000 block of Warren Avenue. The Illinois State Police were requested by Washington Park police to investigate the shooting. No additional information about the circumstances of the shooting or potential suspects has been released. The investigation remains ongoing.

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Did you know that the concept of picnicking dates back thousands of years, with evidence of outdoor feasts found in ancient civilizations from Mesopotamia to the Roman Empire? Despite its long history, the simple act of sharing food outdoors remains a timeless way to connect with nature and each other. National Picnic Month offers a perfect opportunity to rediscover this tradition and elevate it beyond the usual sandwich-on-a-blanket routine. Reimagining the Picnic Experience Picnics often conjure images of casual gatherings in a park, but celebrating National Picnic Month invites us to rethink what a picnic can be. The essence of a picnic is communal enjoyment of food in an outdoor setting, but this can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes, moods, and locations. Whether you prefer a quiet escape with a book or a lively get-together with friends, embracing creativity can turn a simple meal into a memorable event. Choosing the Perfect Location The backdrop of your picnic plays

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August 1 stands as a day rich with historical significance. Moving back in time, August 1 marks a significant moment in 1914 when Germany declared war on Russia, triggering the escalation of World War I. This declaration set in motion a series of alliances and conflicts that engulfed much of the world, reshaping borders, societies, and international relations for decades to come. The Great War's profound impact is still studied and remembered as a cautionary tale about the complexities of global politics and warfare. On a different note, August 1 has also been a day of notable achievements in exploration and innovation. In 1774, the element oxygen was discovered independently by both Joseph Priestley in England and Carl Wilhelm Scheele in Sweden. This discovery was pivotal in advancing the fields of chemistry and biology, deepening our understanding of respiration and combustion. In the sports world, August 1, 1980, is remembered for the opening ceremony of the Moscow Summer Olympics.

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BETHALTO — Civic Memorial High School’s girls softball catcher Grace Burton delivered a standout performance during the 2025 season, excelling both offensively and defensively for the Eagles. Burton recorded 14 hits and 12 RBIs this season, contributing significantly to the team’s overall success. She has amassed 34 hits in her three-year career with CM and hit one home run in 2025. Defensively, she achieved a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage, underscoring her reliability behind the plate. Her achievements have earned her recognition as a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete of the Month for Civic Memorial. Civic Memorial Head Girls Softball Coach Raigen Linton praised Burton’s impact on the team. “She was one catcher that I could trust to call the game,” Linton said. “She really knows the game and sees the field well. She is also a good leader on the field, which is sometimes hard to come by. Her fielding percentage was also very

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Today's high will reach 80 degrees with a low near 56. Expect hazy sunshine with less humidity throughout the day. Winds will come from the northeast at about 8 mph, gusting up to 23 mph. The air quality will be very unhealthy today due to particle pollution, so it’s best to limit prolonged outdoor activities, especially if you have respiratory issues. Allergy indexes show moderate levels for grass and mold, with low levels for ragweed and tree pollen. UV index is very high at 10, so don’t forget your sunscreen if you plan to be outside. Tomorrow's outlook calls for a high of 78 degrees and a low around 58. The day will feature hazy sun with continued reduced air quality from wildfire smoke. Winds will be lighter, coming from the east-northeast at about 7 mph with gusts near 21 mph. Allergy levels remain similar to today. If you’re sensitive to air quality or allergies, consider staying indoors or taking precautions like keeping windows closed. For more details,

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COLLINSVILLE – Two men from St. Louis face charges in Madison County after fleeing from local authorities during traffic stops while illegally possessing weapons and ammunition. Morton Kimble, 46, of St. Louis, was charged on July 24, 2025 with two counts of felon in possession of a weapon (both Class 2 felonies), unlawful possession of a stolen firearm (a Class 2 felony), and aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer (a Class 4 felony). On July 23, 2025, Kimble allegedly recklessly fled from a police traffic stop while in possession of a stolen Taurus G2C 9mm handgun and a firearm magazine loaded with 10 9mm bullets. Kimble’s possession of the weapon was illegal not only due to the firearm being stolen, but also due to Kimble’s prior felony conviction for first degree robbery in St. Louis County. The state’s petition to deny his pretrial release describes the events leading up to Kimble’s arrest: “Defendant was identified a

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BRIGHTON - Lillian Cambron is seeking community support for the family of Eric Ottwell, who died in a motorcycle accident on the night of his birthday. She said Ottwell, a disabled veteran and father of two, was known for his strong character and dedication to his children. Riding a motorcycle was an activity Eric greatly enjoyed, Cambron said. He is survived by his two children, Noel and Eric Jr., both graduates of Southwestern High School. Noel is set to begin studies in the nursing program at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville this fall. Cambron described Ottwell as a devoted father and a loyal friend who frequently went out of his way to help others. "In light of this tragedy, I encourage donations to assist Ottwell’s children during this difficult time," she said. Contributions can be made through a GoFundMe page set up to support the family. PLEASE donate to help this family in a time of need: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-erics-kids-after-tragic-loss

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ALTON – Alderwoman Martha Pfister is proposing an ordinance to close all bars in Alton at 1 a.m. after late night liquor licenses were revoked for two downtown bars . The late night liquor licenses for Pour Decisions and Hiram’s Bar previously allowed the businesses to sell alcohol as late as 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends. Business owners associated with both establishments have indicated these were some of their most profitable hours. Before the late night license for Pour Decisions was revoked, co-owner Brian Trust accused the city of unfairly targeting his business over loitering and other issues that have persisted throughout downtown even before the bar opened. He suggested the city either allow Pour Decisions to keep its license or shut down all bars at 1 a.m., leading to the launch of his Stand Up Alton movement. After meeting with Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford about the topic earlier this summer, Pfister is now introducing an ordinance to close

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