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STAUNTON - AXS TV and Madison Communications Company announced today that the Staunton Community School District in Staunton, IL has been selected to receive a $1,000 grant as part of “AXS TV’s Band Together For Music Education” —an initiative connecting AXS TV with affiliates, local communities, and schools in support of vital music education programs and the benefits they provide students. The award was presented by Madison Communications to the Staunton Community School’s Band and Choir Program on December 20, 2024. Public school music programs often experience a severe lack of funding and are the first casualties when budget cuts are made—a problem that has only increased in recent years. “AXS TV’s Band Together For Music Education” initiative seeks to rectify this, awarding grants to school-age music education programs across the country. These recipients are established programs that exemplify top leadership, instruction,

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VENICE — At 1:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13), Venice, IL, Mayor Tyrone Echols, Alderman Phillip White and local activists will visit the site of the former Dow Chemical Company to highlight the need for the area to receive compensation for health impacts relating to decades-long radiation exposure. From the late 1950s to early 1960s, the factory—owned by Dow Chemical Co. at the time—processed uranium and thorium for the nation’s nuclear weapons program. As a result, the site became a 1,400-acre dumping ground for radioactive materials. Despite this, the area has never qualified for assistance through the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), leaving residents without necessary support for the lasting effects of exposure. Last Congress, Rep. Budzinski led an effort to include Venice, Madison, and Granite City residents impacted by radiation exposure to be eligible for compensation under RECA. Unfortunately, Speake

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One puppy and one kitten will each receive a $25,000 "salary" to serve as brand ambassadors ST. LOUIS - Does your puppy excel at curling up in the perfect spot on your chest? Are your kitten's non-verbal biscuit-making skills off the charts? If so, they could be the first Purina Puppy and Kitten Chow "Chief Snuggle Officers." Through the Chief Snuggle Officers contest, Purina Puppy and Kitten Chow will promote one kitten and one puppy to the brand's "C-Suite" where they will serve as special brand ambassadors representing all things cute and cuddly and earn a "salary" of $25,000 each. CSO Responsibilities & Qualifications The new Chief Snuggle Officers will be tasked with leading the charge in promoting good nutrition, growth, and, of course, lots of play. No prior executive experience is necessary — just a passion for snuggles and a knack for inspiring others; the CSOs will create a positive atmosphere simply by being their adorable selves. Qualifications for the ideal

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ST. LOUIS — A winter storm impacting the St. Louis area has led to significant changes in local transit services, with limited bus operations and adjusted MetroLink schedules. The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency and Metro Transit provided updates on service disruptions due to hazardous conditions. As of 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025, MetroBus services will operate between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m., with limited routes available. Passengers are advised to expect delays and allow extra travel time. Only specific routes are in service, including Missouri routes such as #4 Natural Bridge and #8 Shaw-Cherokee, and Illinois routes including #1 Main Street-State Street and #2 Cahokia Heights. Any route not listed is currently not in operation. MetroLink trains will maintain normal service until 6 p.m. Following this time, Blue Line trains will only run between the Shrewsbury and Forest Park-DeBaliviere Stations. Metro Call-A-Ride is restricted to medically essential

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GRANITE CITY—The Granite City Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 2600 block of East 24th Street Wednesday morning, Jan. 8, 2025, facing challenging conditions of cold temperatures and heavy snowfall from earlier this week. Firefighters arrived to find fire and smoke coming from the second floor of the residence. They quickly worked to bring the blaze under control. Fortunately, all occupants of the home were able to escape without injury. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with officials providing no further details at this time.

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ST. LOUIS, MO. – Cycle Showcase STL is back with the largest two-day motorcycle art event in St. Louis. Featuring rare and custom bikes from all over the world, this all-ages event takes place Saturday, February 8 from 11 am to 7 pm and Sunday, February 9 from 11 am to 4 pm at the 18 Rails event space inside the City Foundry. Everyone from racers and long-distance touring riders to historical restoration buffs, hand-built motorcycle designers and motorcycle-inspired artists will be represented. Cost to attend the showcase is $12.50 for adults which gives you a wristband for both days. Children ages 15 and under are free with paid adult. Tickets are only sold at the door. Curator Randall Noldge said, “We have created an eclectic collection of moto-centric art and never-before-seen bikes. Expect to be dazzled at these two-wheeled works of art!” In addition to the exhibit inside 18 Rails, guests can also take part in other motorcycle-themed events around the

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced that St. Clair County will receive $89,533,000 in disaster relief through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program. This funding comes as a much-needed boost to help communities continue their recovery from the severe storms that devastated the area last July. Since the storm, Budzinski has pushed for further attention to the issue, which resulted in additional disaster relief secured through December’s end-of-year government spending bill. “This funding announcement is a huge win for our communities that are still recovering from the devastating storms. This vital support will help restore critical infrastructure, provide much-needed assistance to families, and give businesses the boost they need to rebuild,” said Congresswoman Budzinski . “I’m proud to have helped secure the Presidential Disaster Declaration for St. Clair, and even prouder

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ALTON - With the arrival of the new year 2025 and the upcoming election on April 1st, I encourage you to reflect not just on the past year but on the transformative journey of my first term as your mayor since May 2021. Together, we've navigated challenges and celebrated triumphs that have shaped our vibrant community. From enhancing public safety and investing in infrastructure to fostering economic growth and promoting inclusivity, my administration has remained dedicated to serving the best interests of Alton's residents. As I seek re-election, I am excited to share the progress we've made and my vision for the future. I encourage you to join me in looking back at our achievements and forward to the opportunities that lie ahead, ensuring that Alton continues to thrive for generations to come. Your voice matters, and I am committed to listening to your needs and aspirations as we move forward together. **Key Accomplishments During My First Term:** I am proud of the achievements

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January 8th has been a day of significant events in history, marking the passage of time with milestones that have shaped our world. Moving back in time, January 8th holds historical significance due to the birth of a legendary figure in music: Elvis Presley. Born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, Elvis would go on to become one of the most influential cultural icons of the 20th century. His unique blend of rock, blues, and country music revolutionized the music industry and paved the way for numerous artists who followed. Elvis's impact extended beyond music; he became a symbol of youthful rebellion and a cultural phenomenon that transcended generations. His contribution to the arts continues to be celebrated today, with countless tributes and a lasting legacy that still influences musicians around the globe. In addition to music, January 8th is also marked by significant political events. On this day in 1815, the Battle of New Orleans took place, marking a decisive

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Dierbergs is recalling all 16oz Premium Home-Style Mashed Potatoes with a Sell By Date of January 09, 2025. The product carries an undeclared allergen of Wheat. The affected product is identifiable by a label ID number of 92 in the lower left-hand corner above the UPC code. All the implicated products have been removed from store shelves. The product was distributed to the following stores: Southroads Four Seasons Warson Woods Manchester West Oak Clarkson Arnold Lemay Bogey Hills Florissant Market Place Mackenzie Point Telegraph Heritage Place 94 Crossing Deer Creek Fenton Brentwood Green Mount Wildwood 79 Crossing Wentzville Edwardsville Lake Saint Louis Crestwood The following products are included in this recall: Item Being Recalled (Name) Size UPC Use by Dates Premium Home-Style Mashed Potatoes Premium Home-Style Mashed Potatoes – 16oz 231220006538 01/09/2025 Dierbergs Markets is working closely wit

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Rockhurst University has announced the dean's list for the fall 2024 semester. This honor recognizes students who have achieved a grade-point average of 3.5 or above. The following students earned a place on the list: Granite City, IL Ella Wilmsmeyer Isa Wilmsmeyer Rockhurst University, founded in 1910 and located in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, is a Catholic university in the Jesuit tradition committed to providing inclusive, innovative and transformative education. As a comprehensive university and supportive community of nearly 4,000 students, its mission is to form lifelong learners in the liberal arts tradition who engage the complexities of our world and serve others as compassionate, thoughtful leaders. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Rockhurst among the top Midwest Regional Universities. Rockhurst has held the community engagement classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching since 2010. Learn more

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GODFREY - Godfrey is the latest municipality in the Riverbend to pursue the construction of a dog park. While exact details are still being worked out, the proposed site is near Glazebrook Park. The Godfrey Finance Committee on Tuesday approved $11,485.90 for the purchase of materials to construct a dog park from Superior Fence and Ornamental Iron, Inc. of Cottage Hills. Parks and Recreation Director Chris Logan said the dog park would consist of two sections: one for small dogs and one for large dogs. Both would be constructed using 48-inch tall chain-link fencing, with one single gate and one double gate for each section. The two sections would be separated by a sidewalk which runs through an open area of greenspace just south of the new softball fields in Glazebrook park. In addition to sidewalks, Logan noted the site already has nearby parking and restroom facilities. Trustee Jeff Weber asked how the park would be run and maintained, to which Logan replied that decision

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EDWARDSVILLE — Commander Marcos Pulido announced today that the Madison County CrossRiver Crime Task Force has completed another successful deployment. The deployment conducted Friday, Jan. 3, 2024, included the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the arrest of an individual in possession of half an ounce of suspected methamphetamine. The deployment was led by the Task Force’s new Deputy Commanders: Capt. Adam Connor of Granite City Police Department and Capt. Kurtis McCray of Alton Police Department. Connor and McCray replace Major John Franke and Capt. Brian Koberna, who recently completed terms as Deputy Commanders. The deployment covered multiple jurisdictions, concluding in the Alton area. Results of the deployment included: • Recovery of stolen vehicle • Apprehension of individual with suspected stolen registration on a vehicle. • Apprehension of individual in possession of half an ounce of suspected methamphetamine along with suspected fentanyl. &bul

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RIVERBEND - The snow has piled up and the kids are off from school; what better way to enjoy the winter weather than by playing outside? “It’s great snowman weather,” said Lyndsey Younger, Alton’s Interim Director of Parks and Recreation. Younger noted that the Public Works and Parks and Recreation Department has stayed busy clearing the streets and parking lots so families can enjoy Alton’s parks. Gordon Moore Park closed at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025, but Younger expects all parks will be back to normal operations by Wednesday, Jan. 8. “We’re hoping to have everything cleared and ready to go by tomorrow,” she said. “We’re still trying to clean up the parks and the parking lots, so not all of them are cleared yet. They’re still working as we speak.” In the meantime, here is a list of the best sledding locations in the Riverbend region for you and your kiddos to enjoy. Whether you make snowmen and

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ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE - With frigid temperatures over the next few nights, the Overnight Warming Locations will remain open for community members experiencing homelessness or insufficient heating. The Overnight Warming Locations (OWLs) in Alton and Edwardsville will once again be open on Jan. 7, 2025, as overnight temperatures are forecasted to drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. The Alton OWL, located at Deliverance Temple, and the Edwardsville OWL at First Baptist Church both open when temperatures reach this low. Lindsey Apple, OWL director, explained that the OWLs are open to all unhoused community members, people without sufficient heating, or anyone who needs a warm place to stay. She encourages people to volunteer with the OWLs, and she reminds guests that the OWLs will always be a safe space for those who need them. “As a pastor, this looks like church to me,” she said. “I feel really grateful to be a part of that. It’s not a religious movement, but

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COLLINSVILLE - Taurean Valentine, a senior guard and forward for the Granite City High boys basketball team. scored eight points in the Warriors' 52-47 overtime win over Mundelein on Dec. 28, 2024, Granite's win in this year's Collinsville Prairie Farms Holiday Classic, but it was an important win, as the Warriors kept plugging away, and took the close game in the consolation quarterfinals. Valentine is currently averaging 4.5 points, and 3.8 rebounds-per-game, going along with a team-leading 24 assists and also making 10 steals, second most on the Warriors thus far. He helps provide leadership and encouragement to his teammates, many of whom didn't have varsity experience before this season. Valentine is a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month for the Warriors. In a postgame interview after the win over the Mustangs, Valentine felt good about the Granite win, and was also quick to praise his teammates for their help. "I"m feeling good," Valentine said. "There's

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EAST ST. LOUIS - United Congregations of Metro East, an organization that works to address social, racial, and economic issues in southeastern Illinois, has joined the New Leaf Illinois network to help people clear past cannabis and other eligible arrests or convictions off their records. New Leaf Illinois is a statewide network of nonprofit organizations, funded by the State of Illinois, that provides free expungement legal services. United Congregations of Metro East received a $25,000 grant from the Illinois Equal Justice Foundation to provides legal information, resources, and help navigating the justice system to people who are struggling with career advancement in the East St. Louis community and surrounding areas. “Transformation begins by prioritizing people and equipping them with the resources they need to thrive,” said Darnell Tingle, Director of United Congregations of Metro East. “Supporting record expungement empowers individuals to move beyond their pas

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GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey is considering a ban on the sale or possession of kratom, which would impose fines for each violation and criminal penalties under certain circumstances. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Kratom “commonly refers to an herbal substance that can produce opioid and stimulant-like effects.” Most users report using kratom to manage pain or opioid addictions. “While there are no uses for kratom approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, people report using kratom to manage drug withdrawal symptoms and cravings (especially related to opioid use), pain, fatigue and mental health problems,” the NIDA states. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) notes kratom “is not controlled under the Controlled Substances Act,” leaving regulation to state and local governments. Kratom products can legally be sold in Illinois to individuals over 18 years old, but local municipalities have

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Arts Center is already looking ahead to an exciting year. Beth Browne, executive director of EAC, explained that their recent move to 340 Montclaire Avenue in Edwardsville was a big adjustment, but they still managed to increase their programming by 18% in 2024. Now, as 2025 gets underway, the center has big plans for the coming months, with several events lined up already. “Art just brings so much joy,” Browne said. “We’ve got lots of great programming coming forward, so we’re very excited about that.” EAC will kick off the year with ARTini, a night that “celebrates the fusion of art and mixology,” Browne said. On Saturday, March 8, 2025, community members are invited to the Leclaire Room at N.O. Nelson to enjoy art-inspired cocktails from 18 restaurants around the Edwardsville area. Artists will also be creating pieces onsite, which will then be auctioned off at the end of the night. You

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GODFREY - The Madison County Sheriff's Office is investigating a fatal traffic crash involving a bicyclist that occurred on Dec. 29, 2024, in unincorporated Alton. The incident took place in the evening hours at the intersection of Humbert Road and Randolph Street. The victim, identified as 58-year-old Steven J. Coryell, was struck by a blue pickup truck while riding his bicycle northbound on Humbert Road. Preliminary investigations indicate that the driver of the truck was also traveling northbound when the collision occurred. Following the crash, the driver fled the scene, continuing north on Humbert Road. First responders, including deputies from the Madison County Sheriff's Office and personnel from the Godfrey Fire Department, attempted life-saving measures on Coryell, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. Madison County Coroner Nicholas Novacich later identified the preliminary cause of death as blunt head and chest trauma. The Metro East Crash Assistance Team (MECAT) assisted

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