FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — After 29 years of serving generous portions and Southern-style hospitality, Lotawata Creek announced it has permanently closed its location at 311 Salem Place in Fairview Heights. The restaurant, a longtime community favorite in the Metro East region, officially ended operations, marking the close of nearly three decades of dining experiences. Known for its signature dishes and warm atmosphere, Lotawata Creek was a gathering place for families, friends, and visitors,
ALTON - The Grandpa Gang’s Christmas Wonderland display will once again welcome the community to celebrate the holidays. From Friday, Nov. 28, to Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, you can stop by Rock Springs Park for a drive-through Christmas Wonderland lights display. They will also host a walk-through event on Monday, Dec. 1, 2025, with parking at Alton Middle School. The goal is to bring the community together and raise money for local nonprofits. “You’re going to see some
BELLEVILLE - Edwardsville High School Orchestra Director and Fine Arts Chair Victoria Voumard reported that on Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, 76 EHS band, choir and orchestra students who made ILMEA All District Music Festival 2025 performed at Belleville West High School. The list of students is below: Orchestra Ben Alexander, violin Dylan Brueggeman, cello Alan Chen, violin Precia Chimaren, violin Darby Christian, cello Jack Conkovich, violin Adam Cundiff, cello Raevadee Dombrowski,
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has released its latest Illinois Maternal Mortality Data Report, analyzing data regarding deaths that occurred during pregnancy or within one year of pregnancy from 2021- 2022. IDPH convenes two Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRCs) to identify causes of death and determine whether a death was pregnancy-related. The committees also assess preventability, identify contributing factors, and develop recommendations to prevent
O’FALLON, Ill. – HSHS Medical Group is excited to welcome Michael McGuire, PA-C, to the team at HSHS Medical Group Family and Sports Medicine – O’Fallon at 670 Pierce Blvd. in O’Fallon, Illinois. McGuire is a board-certified physician assistant with extensive training and experience in orthopedics. He is committed to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care and values clear communication and patient collaboration throughout the treatment process. McGuire holds
O'FALLON, Ill. — The O’Fallon Police Department announced a change in schedule for the city’s annual Illuminated Holiday Parade due to expected inclement weather on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025. The parade, originally set for Saturday, will now take place starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28. The parade will begin at its usual start time and conclude at Community Park in O'Fallon where attendees can enjoy a Christmas tree lighting, Christmas carols, and other free activities
GRANITE CITY – Two Granite City men have been charged in separate domestic battery cases filed in Madison County. Ivan T. Goheen, 28, of Granite City, was charged on Nov. 14, 2025 with his second or subsequent offense of domestic battery, a Class 4 felony. Goheen allegedly caused bodily harm to a family or household member by striking the victim about the face with his hand on Oct. 25, 2025. Charging documents note Goheen had previously been convicted of domestic battery in a prior Madison
Most investors describe themselves as “aggressive,” “moderate,” or “conservative.” While that language is common, it often oversimplifies how risk really works in a financial plan —especially for people approaching or in retirement . In reality, a well-structured plan looks at three separate elements of risk: 1) your risk tolerance, 2) your risk capacity, and 3) your need to take risk to reach your goals. 1. Risk tolerance: How much volatility you ca
PIKE COUNTY — A small plane crashed Sunday night, Nov. 23, 2025, in Pike County, killing one person and injuring two others, authorities said. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released additional information about the crash, but the person who died in the crash has not yet been identified. The crash occurred around 9:45 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, in a field north of Interstate 72, west of Exit 35, according to the Pike County Sheriff’s Department. The department was notifie
ALTON - When Alton native Christa Hollensteiner received the call, she almost hung up, convinced it was another telemarketer. Instead, she listened as the woman on the other end reminded her that, ten years previously, Hollensteiner had joined the DKMS stem cell donor registry. Hollensteiner had completely forgotten about it. But then she heard the words that would change her life: They had found someone who needed stem cells to survive, and Hollensteiner was a full match. “All they
BELLEVILLE — The Belleville Police Department is investigating an overnight burglary at Althoff Catholic High School, located at 5401 W. Main St. in Belleville. At approximately 12 a.m., suspects were seen entering the school, prompting a police response, the Belleville Police Department said. Officers and detectives remain on the scene, conducting a thorough search of the building and evaluating the situation. Althoff Catholic cancelled classes on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025, and now
ALTON - The Hayner Public Library district has “got a whole lot coming up,” including plenty of holiday cheer, said Executive Director Mary Cordes. The fun kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, with the Local Author Book Fair from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Alton Square Mall. Attendees can shop books by 25 local writers and talk to the authors about their work. It’s also a great opportunity for the writers to connect. “They’re all going to be at the same
GLEN CARBON - Community members can join a major toy and food drive next weekend. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, you can drop off toys and nonperishable food items at Kellerman Investigations in Glen Carbon. Attendees can enjoy cookies, cocoa, photo opportunities and raffles while donating to Toys for Tots and St. Cecilia Food Pantry. “The community can come out and help us help others, and that's what it’s about,” said Kimberly Brown, who organizes
Did you know that the average American Thanksgiving dinner includes over 4,500 calories per person? Amidst this feast, the presentation of the table plays an equally significant role in creating a memorable experience. The Thanksgiving table is more than just a place to eat; it is a stage for gratitude, connection, and creativity. How can you transform your Thanksgiving table into a canvas that reflects personal style, sparks conversation, and elevates the entire meal? Exploring innovative and
November 25 has been a date marked by pivotal moments that have shaped the course of history across the globe. One of the most impactful events on November 25 occurred in 1975, when Angola officially gained its independence from Portugal after centuries of colonial rule. This monumental occasion was the culmination of a prolonged liberation struggle, involving various nationalist movements. Angola's independence not only marked the end of Portuguese colonialism in Africa but also signaled a
GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College’s Godfrey Campus will soon be glowing with holiday spirit thanks to generous support from the Godfrey Women’s Club. Work began this week to get the campus ready for the 2025 holiday season by hanging lights and garland along Godfrey Road and the Haskell Gate. According to LC Garden Designer and Horticulturist Katie Piper, work is expected to be complete early next week. The Godfrey Women's Club truly makes a difference in
Today expect a mostly cloudy day with a few light drizzle spots early this morning. The high will reach around 60 degrees, with a low near 35 overnight. Winds will come out of the west at about 9 mph, gusting up to 21 mph, so it may feel a bit cool at times especially early. This morning starts with some spotty drizzle and mist, but it will quickly turn to thick clouds by late morning and hold throughout most of the afternoon. The wind picks up slightly through the day but stays comfortable. In
ALTON – A resolution to delay the elimination of late night liquor licenses in Alton has been taken off the table. At Monday’s Committee of the Whole meeting , Alderwoman Martha Pfister moved to rescind a resolution she introduced at the last City Council meeting to amend the effective date of the city’s elimination of late night liquor licenses . The new resolution would have allowed bars to continue selling alcohol during late night hours until April 1, 2026. Wit
HARDIN - The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office would like to announce an arrest in relation to multiple offenses which are alleged to have occurred in Hardin, Calhoun County, Illinois, over the course of several months in 2025. On November 11th, 2025, Cody F Leavell, aged 46, of Hardin, Illinois, was located in Jackson County, Mississippi, and arrested on felony warrants for the following offenses: Failure to Register as a Sex Offender, Unlawful Residency of a Child Sex Offender, Unlaw
WOOD RIVER - Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Oiler of the Month” program at East Alton-Wood River High School. A senior student is selected each month by members of EAWR faculty. Each student is awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. The Seniors selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $1,000.00 “Oiler of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. November's winner is Connor Strebler. Connor is a Senior at EAW
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