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JERSEY COUNTY — Reid Taylor retired after 17 years as a telecommunicator and dispatcher with the Jersey County Sheriff's Office and 911, concluding a nearly 50-year career in law enforcement. Taylor's service includes 12 years with the Grafton Police Department and more than 30 years with the Jerseyville Police Department. The Jersey County Sheriff's Office recognized his commitment, professionalism, and dedication to public safety in a statement expressing gratitude for

RIVERBEND - As the winter weather continues, rates of flu, common cold, RSV, strep throat and COVID-19 are climbing. A local doctor shares how to take care of yourself and when to seek medical attention. Dr. Charlotte Albinson, BJC Medical Group Medical Director, Convenient Care and Virtual Care, explained that people are spending more time indoors, which makes it easier for these illnesses to spread. She noted that there are options like convenient care and virtual care, so patients can

WOOD RIVER - Unhoused community members are encouraged to attend Project Homeless Connect to engage with local services and resources. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, at Riverbend Family Ministries in Wood River, community members can enjoy a hot meal, free showers, and conversations with service providers ranging from legal to housing to mental health experts. Melanie Georges, who helps oversee the Continuum of Care with Madison County Community Development, said this even

ALTON – A federal grand jury recently charged an Edwardsville man with setting fire to an insurance building in Alton. Jason Dawson, 38, has been charged with one count of arson; if convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines. On Nov. 22, 2025, Dawson allegedly set fire to the State Farm Insurance office building on East Delmar Avenue in Alton. He was reportedly “upset about the amount for a life insurance policy cashout after a meeting with employees

Waking up at 3 a.m. because one foot slipped out from under the blanket feels oddly dramatic—like your body is sounding an alarm over something small. But that tiny chill can flip your sleep from deep and steady to light and restless in seconds. That’s not you being “sensitive.” It’s biology doing its job. Sleep isn’t just about being tired We often think sleep happens when the brain powers down. In reality, sleep is a full-body process. Your brain, hormones,

In 1579, this date connects to the long struggle for political and religious independence in the Low Countries. The Union of Utrecht was signed on January 23, bringing together several northern provinces of the Netherlands in a defensive alliance during the Eighty Years’ War against Spanish rule. The agreement helped lay the groundwork for the Dutch Republic by creating a shared framework for cooperation while allowing provinces to keep significant local authority. Over time, it would b

In 1579, this date connects to the long struggle for political and religious independence in the Low Countries. The Union of Utrecht was signed on January 23, bringing together several northern provinces of the Netherlands in a defensive alliance during the Eighty Years’ War against Spanish rule. The agreement helped lay the groundwork for the Dutch Republic by creating a shared framework for cooperation while allowing provinces to keep significant local authority. Over time, it would b

Friday morning starts off partly sunny with a bitterly cold temperature near 8 degrees and a north wind at 9 mph gusting as high as 17 mph. The cold continues through the day with mostly cloudy skies and a high only around 10 degrees. Winds pick up from the north at 15 mph with gusts near 30 mph, making it feel bitterly cold. By evening, expect frigid conditions with light snow flurries arriving toward dawn, dropping up to an inch of snow and continuing overnight. Temperatures will dip to a low

ALTON — Chris Kusnerick, athletic director at Alton High School, announced he will retire at the conclusion of the 2025-2026 school year, ending a 38-year career in education marked by leadership and service to students. Kusnerick’s tenure at Alton has been defined by his role as a teacher, coach, and athletic director, during which he has advocated for integrity, opportunity, and excellence in student programs. Under his guidance, the Alton School District has undergone significant

GODFREY – Godfrey trustees took action this week to place a temporary pause on applications to develop a data center within the village. At their Jan. 20, 2026 meeting , Village Board members unanimously approved a resolution placing a moratorium of up to 180 days on the acceptance of data center applications pending further study. “I don’t think anybody’s opposed to it, but we all realize we don’t know enough about the pros and cons of this thing,” Trustee

EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville High School has announced that 106 senior students have been recognized as Illinois State Scholars, representing nearly 20 percent of the class. Illinois State Scholars are selected based on the combination of the students’ exemplary college entrance exam scores (ACT/SAT) and class rank and GPA at the end of their junior year. The award is non-monetary; each student receives a congratulatory letter and a certificate of achievement from the Illinois

ST. LOUIS - A meteorologist with the National Weather Service in St. Louis on Thursday afternoon, Jan. 22, 2026, confirmed that a winter storm warning and cold weather advisory are both items that should be taken seriously over the next three days. Mark Fuchs, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in St. Louis, provided additional insight into the storm’s progression. He noted that the St. Louis Metro area could receive about 5 inches of snow, with some locations around St. Loui

ST. LOUIS — A winter storm shifting northward has increased the likelihood of snowfall in the St. Louis area this weekend, according to local officials and weather forecasts. The upcoming winter storm’s track has shifted in the past day, prompting heightened preparations by transportation and public safety agencies. Joe Monroe, operations engineer for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), provided insight into the department’s response on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026.

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office processed 1,123 REAL IDs and the Cook County Clerk’s office issued 412 vital records during the first Saturday of expanded hours at the REAL ID Supercenter and the Clerk’s downtown office. The expanded Saturday hours launched January 17 ahead of TSA’s new $45 REAL ID penalty, which takes effect on February 1. The effort is aimed at reducing wait times, minimizing hassle and ensuring Illinoisans can secure

GRAFTON – The National Memorial of Military Ascent being built in Grafton recently got a $50,000 boost from the Jersey County Board. At the Jan. 20, 2026 Grafton City Council meeting , members of the Jersey County Board donated $50,000 towards the completion and promotion of the National Memorial of Military Ascent. Jersey County Board members in attendance included Chairman Gary Krueger and Finance Chairman Kara Ontis, as well as Jersey County Tourism Board Chairman Mark Wagner.

ALTON – Illinois State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) is collecting “Valentines for Veterans” for the sixth year in a row at her district office in Alton. Representative Elik is encouraging students and residents to make valentine cards with a special thank you, including well-wishes to veterans who served our nation in the U.S. Armed Forces. “I always look forward to seeing the community join together to create valentine cards for our veterans,” said Elik. “It’

ROXANA — Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery continued its strong tradition of community support in 2025, investing $1,362,800 in the Metro East region through corporate contributions, employee giving, and volunteer programs. “Our community partnerships are a reflection of the people who work here,” said Melissa Erker, Manager of Public Affairs West Region for Phillips 66. “When you see this level of investment—more than $1.3 million—you’re really

EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville Police Department responded for a second time in two weeks to a reported burglary in progress at a vacant former medical building at 1261 University Drive in Edwardsville, taking two suspects into custody Tuesday morning, Jan. 20, 2026. Officers arrived just after 7 a.m. Jan. 20, 2026, following a report of a burglary at the site. Upon arrival, police observed one female retreating into the building and another leaving on foot. After establishing a perimeter

MASCOUTAH - Community members have the chance to win an $800,000 custom union-built home in Mascoutah. The Home Builders and Remodelers Metro East Association has collaborated with local unions to build the house, which will be raffled off this spring. Proceeds from the raffle will go to Make-A-Wish Illinois and Make-A-Wish Missouri to support kids with critical illnesses. “The house is still under construction. It’s not completed yet. But tickets are on sale,” said

A diary is often treated like a private little habit—something you do when you’re emotional, bored, or trying to “be more mindful.” But for much of history, keeping a journal wasn’t about feelings at all. It was a tool: to track money, record weather, log ship routes, confess sins, or prove you were telling the truth. That shift—from record-keeping to self-keeping—is the real story behind journals and diaries. The pages people filled over centuries sho