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WOOD RIVER — Firefighters from multiple departments responded to a house fire on the 1400 block of Williams Street Friday afternoon, Aug. 23, 2024, where smoke was seen coming from the roof vents. Upon arrival, the Wood River Fire Department encountered heavy smoke coming from the house. Firefighters swiftly brought the fire under control, preventing further damage. A box-alarm was issued, prompting additional support from the Roxana, East Alton, Rosewood Heights, and Edwardsville Fire Departments. Madison County Emergency Management deployed their rehab truck, while Alton Memorial Ambulance provided standby support. It appears that nobody was home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. The Illinois State Fire Marshal has been called in to assist with the investigation to determine the cause of the fire.

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SPRINGFIELD — In a decisive move, the Illinois State Board of Elections voted unanimously today to keep Jay Keeven on the ballot, following a recommendation from the hearing officer. The ruling came after Illinois Democrats filed a lawsuit seeking to remove Keeven from the ballot, citing the newly enacted "Katie Stuart Protection Act." Keeven said the "Katie Stuart Protection Act," which was swiftly passed by Illinois Democrats, "aimed to change election rules mid-cycle to prevent incumbents from facing challengers. However, the law was previously declared unconstitutional by a court in Sangamon County." In response to the ruling, Keeven expressed his gratitude and reiterated his commitment to providing voters with a choice. "I am thankful that the Illinois State Board of Elections made the right decision. Our campaign followed the rules and our voters deserve a choice in this election," Keeven said. "For months, Democrats in Springfield have tried every possible way to keep

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ALTON - The Alton Amphitheater will host its famous Food Truck Festival this weekend. From 4–8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, community members can enjoy food from different food trucks across the Metro East region at the Alton Amphitheater. This free event will include live music by Rock Mafia. Dan Herkert, chair of the Amphitheater Commission, said he can’t wait for the tenth edition of the Food Truck Festival. “This event is always fun because it’s a free event, people can roam the riverfront, get some food, hang out with their friends,” Herkert said. “We always have great music. If the weather holds, we’re going to have a really great day on Saturday.” Featured food trucks include: Beast Craft BBQ Cajun Seduction Doughboy’s Wood Fired Pizza Duchess Rose Royal Fire & Ice Cream Truck G Burrito Go Gyro Go Grace Chicken + Fish Jaaise Grubb Jive Turkey The Moobile Mr. Noodle

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GRAFTON - At their regular meeting on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the Grafton City Council unanimously approved Mayor Mike Morrow’s appointees to the newly minted Regional Ferry Task Force. The mission of the Task Force is to analyze and develop a jurisdictional implementation plan for the recommendations delivered to community and elected officials on July 30, 2024, at Pere Marquette Lodge by the Nelson Nygaard Consultants Group. The study of Illinois regional ferries, including the Grafton Ferry, was made possible by an IDOT grant that was awarded to America’s Central Port District in 2023. The original purpose was to explore the feasibility/possibility of expanding the current ferry service between Grafton, Illinois and St. Charles, Missouri. During the award process, the grant scope was increased at the request of IDOT to include studying all the ferries in our region. The Grafton and the Golden Eagle Ferrys are owned and operated by the Calhoun Ferry Co. and the Knight

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ALTON - Alton Main Street , the Sierra Club Illinois ’ Three Rivers Project and Jacoby Arts Center are announcing the return of the Mississippi Earthtones Festival to the Alton Amphitheater on Saturday, September 21st from noon until 10:00 p.m. The organizations are seeking artists, sponsors and volunteers for their 18th annual event. Booth space has reached capacity, with 25 environmental education exhibits, 70 eco-friendly artists and makers, and 10 culinary vendors participating. The festival attracts approximately 5,000 community members and tourists to Downtown Alton to celebrate our river through art, music, and conservation. Live music will fill the air throughout the day. The entertainment lineup on the main stage will feature: Ahna and the Couch Burners (blues, jazz, classic rock, and reggae) from 12:00-2:00, Aaron Kamm & the One Drops (Roots Reggae and Mississippi River Blues) from 3:00-6:00, Jake’s Leg (the longest running Grateful Dead tribute in the Unite

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that as part of ongoing efforts to replace the Interstate 270 bridges between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri, lane closures in both directions of I-270 are scheduled to take place beginning, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23. One lane will remain open in each direction. By 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 26, all lanes will reopen. Eastbound traffic will use a new lane configuration. Motorists should be alert for altered lane patterns. Westbound lanes will remain the same. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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GODFREY - As the Great Godfrey Maze prepares to open, the Godfrey Parks and Recreation department is looking for part-time workers to make the maze a success. The Great Godfrey Maze will run from Sept. 13 through Oct. 26, 2024. In addition to the Peanuts-themed maze and Haunted Maze, families can enjoy hay wagon rides, a bounce pillow, the corn crib and the cow train, among other activities. Chris Logan, Parks and Recreation director, explained that the department needs several employees to work as “Corn Cops” to operate the maze and activities. “We need people. We need Corn Cops,” Logan said. “We’re looking for someone to drive our wagon ride, which is going to be pulled behind the tractor. We need drivers for our cow train, assistant managers, managers, and a lot of high school-aged students who are looking to make some extra money and have fun at a job that really can be a lot of fun.” Maze Managers, Assistant Maze Managers and Corn

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ALTON – Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford has issued a heartfelt response about the death of K-9 Odin and one of his officers being shot in a armed confrontation on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. These were Ford's words: "In a tragic incident early this morning, K-9 Odin of the Alton Police Department lost his life while protecting his fellow officers during an armed confrontation in the 700 block of East 6th Street. K-9 Odin, a Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix, joined the Alton Police Department in February 2024 and completed his K-9 Academy Training in early May 2024. Despite his brief tenure, Odin had already made a significant impact through his service." Ford continued: "The confrontation began when officers engaged in gunfire with a suspect, who sustained injuries and was transported to an area hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. During the exchange, an officer from the Alton Police Department was struck by the suspect’s gunfire. The officer received treatment

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On this day, August 23, a series of remarkable events occurred throughout history, shaping the world as we know it today. 1939: The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact is Signed Arguably the most consequential event to occur on August 23 was the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact in 1939. This non-aggression treaty between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, named after the respective foreign ministers, Joachim von Ribbentrop and Vyacheslav Molotov, had far-reaching implications. The pact included a secret protocol that divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence, leading to the invasion of Poland and the subsequent outbreak of World War II. This agreement fundamentally altered the geopolitical landscape of Europe and set the stage for one of the most devastating conflicts in human history. 1305: William Wallace is Executed In 1305, Scottish knight and national hero William Wallace was executed for high treason by the English. Wallace is best known for leading the Scottish resistance

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ALTON — The Alton Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 2700 block of Sanford Avenue just before 10 p.m. Thursday. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered heavy flames coming from the home. Firefighters swiftly brought the fire under control. During a search of the premises, they found a dog inside the house. The firefighters promptly removed the dog and administered oxygen. Following the treatment, the dog began walking around and appeared to be in good condition. The East Alton Fire Department was called to assist at the scene. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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ALTON — A single-vehicle crash at the end of the Clark Bridge in Alton resulted in significant damage to a guardrail and a traffic lights power box Thursday night. Officers responding to the scene found the car lodged under the guardrail. The collision caused the traffic lights at Landmark and Highway 67 to go out, leading to potential traffic disruptions. The police have not yet released information regarding any injuries from the accident. Further details are expected as the investigation continues.

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ALTON - The Marquette Catholic 2024 Mega Raffle Kick Off Party is from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024, at Johnson's Corner in Alton. The second Early Bird Drawing will take place at 9 p.m. The Early Bird Drawing dates are as follows: Aug. 16, Aug. 24, Aug. 30, Sept. 6, Sept. 13 and Sept. 20. Marquette Catholic's Annual Mega Raffle kicked off the start of the school year on Aug. 16, 2024, drawing a large crowd. The events are coordinated by Mary Hough, Marquette's Director of Development and raffle organizer. The Mega Raffle serves as a significant fundraiser for the school, supporting various needs such as scholarships, financial aid, capital improvements and much more. Marquette Catholic Principal Tim Harmon emphasized the importance of the Mega Raffle to the school. "It is a large part of our big fundraiser that helps support the school, students, faculty, and staff," Harmon said. "It is used for a mix of everything. It goes toward helping us support scholarships and financial

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine released a statement regarding an officer-involved shooting that occurred on Aug. 22, 2024, in Alton. The incident resulted in the death of a police K-9 and injuries to an Alton Police officer. “‘Officer Down’ are the two worst words you can hear, but in this case, we are all immensely grateful that this officer somehow avoided serious injury,” Haine said. “We are also very saddened at the passing of his canine partner, Odin. These K-9 units are a true team, and this loss will be a tough one.” The shooting underscores the inherent dangers law enforcement officers face daily. Haine emphasized the unpredictable nature of their duties and expressed gratitude for their service. “We pray for the injured officer’s continued health and the health and safety of all of our local law enforcement,” Haine added. “This is a reminder that our police officers never know

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ALTON - Alton Mayor David Goins held a press conference following an officer-involved shooting that left a suspect and K-9 officer dead and an Alton officer injured on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2024. Alton Police Department officers exchanged gunfire with a suspect in the early morning hours of Aug. 22, 2024, in the 700 block of East 6th Street in Alton. Officer Allen Averbeck was struck by the suspect’s gunfire and transported to an area hospital. His K-9 partner, Odin, was struck by gunfire and transported to a local veterinary hospital with critical injuries, to which he later succumbed. The suspect was also shot during the exchange, transported to an area hospital, and pronounced deceased. “Today, our community faced a heartbreaking event that has deeply impacted all of us,” Goins said during the press conference. “In times like these, it’s easy to feel disheartened. However, I urge our community to come together in unity and resilience. We must remember

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CARLINVILLE - Carlinville residents are being urged to secure their vehicles and storage sheds following a surge in thefts involving power tools, according to Carlinville Police Chief Derek Graham. "Over the past few days, the Carlinville Police Department has received multiple complaints about thefts from unlocked vehicles and garages," he said. The incidents have prompted the police department to issue a public reminder for residents to lock their vehicles and outside storage sheds, especially at night. "We would like to remind everyone to make sure you lock your vehicles and outside storage sheds at night," the Carlinville Police stated in a message sourced via CRIMEWATCH®. In addition to securing their belongings, the CPD is encouraging citizens to report any suspicious activities they observe. "We also encourage citizens to report any suspicious activities to the Police Department when they see it," Chief Graham added. The Carlinville Police Department's call to action

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BELLEVILLE - Collinsville, Belleville and O'Fallon have recorded some favorable unemployment stats from July 2024 to July 2023 in the recent Illinois Department of Unemployment Security report. Collinsville's rate stands at 5.5 percent, up from 4.9 percent in 2023 for July. O'Fallon posted a 5.6 percent mark compared to 4.7 percent a year ago, and Belleville remained steady at 5.8 percent this July to 5.3 percent in 2023 at the same time. Granite City has a 6.7 percent unemployment rate in comparison to July 2023 of 4.9 percent. East St. Louis city now has a 9.2 percent unemployment rate in July 2024 compared to 8.3 percent in July 2023. St. Clair County has a 5.8 percent rate compared to 5.1 percent a year ago, and Bond County has risen from 4.2 percent to 5.3 percent.

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GRAFTON - On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow presented certificates of appreciation on behalf of the City Council to the team of boating residents who installed the new public boat dock at Lighthouse Park. “The dock was in serious need of replacement, and last year, the city set aside the funds to purchase a new dock. Joe De Sherlia, owner and operator of the Grafton Marina helped locate the proper type for our needs and we purchased the new dock from Tiger Docks of Wright City Missouri,” said Mayor Morrow. Mike “Mac” McGillicuddy, John Taylor and Bill Critchfield were invaluable in helping bring the project to completion. The city set aside the funds and purchased the new dock this spring, but installation costs were not covered. Joe and his Marina team stepped up, offering to install the dock at no charge to the city. They actually did it twice! After high water receded this spring, the docks were installed, but when the river level

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville continues to record the lowest unemployment rate in the most recent report of statewide rates. Edwardsville's unemployment rate is unemployment 4.6 percent in July 2024 in comparison to July 2023. Alton's unemployment rate has risen to 7.8 percent from 6.5 percent from July 2024 to July 2023, a 1.3 percent increase. Calhoun County posted the best unemployment rate outside the immediate Alton/Edwardsville region in July 2024 with a 4.7 percent mark, compared to 4.5 percent in July 2023. Jersey County has a 5.4 percent rate, up from 4.1 percent in 2023 at this time. Macoupin County has a 5.1 percent rate compared to 4.4 percent in July 2023, and Greene County is at 5.5 percent compared to 4.8 percent a year ago. "Long-term consistent job growth throughout the state continues to fuel and motivate eager job seekers and employers to actively engage in the expanding economy, said Deputy Director Andy Manar. "Illinois proudly commits to continue its critical investment

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O'FALLON — As COVID-19 activity rises across Illinois, HSHS St. Elizabeth's Hospital in O'Fallon is offering advice to residents on how to access testing resources effectively. The CDC reported last week the following: "As of August 13, 2024, we estimate that COVID-19 infections are growing or likely growing in 25 states, declining or likely declining in 5 states, and are stable or uncertain in 17 states." HSHS officials in O'Fallon, IL., said for those experiencing mild to moderate symptoms, there are several options available. Appointments can be made at retail pharmacies, or individuals can utilize public testing sites such as local health departments. These locations also offer at-home testing kits for purchase. "The U.S. government continues to provide free COVID-19 tests to uninsured individuals and underserved communities through existing outreach programs," HSHS said. "Residents are encouraged to contact a Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)-funded health

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COLLINSVILLE - At the August 2024 regular monthly meeting, the Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Board of Education approved and welcomed Collinsville High School senior Brion Brown as the district's student school board member for the 2024-25 school year. The role, which is non-voting, allows for a student voice on the board and serves as a bridge between the board of education, administration, and the student body. "I have always wanted to serve as a student school board member because I recognize the significance of a student's voice in our society and, moreover, how often that voice is underrepresented," Brion wrote in his application. "I want to be the person that can offer that perspective and that input for the school board." Brion, who is ranked in the top 2% of his senior class, balances his academic achievements with a range of talents and co-curricular activities. His commitment to community service played a significant role in his decision to apply for the

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