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ALTON - Several community partners have collaborated to create the Soulcial Center at Challenge Unlimited. This center brings together Fresh Harvest 365, LaMay’s Catering, the Food is Love Foundation and Theodora Farms to provide fresh food to those experiencing food insecurity. Located at Challenge Unlimited in Alton, the goal of the Soulcial Center is to fight food insecurity while supporting Challenge Unlimited clients. “Dignity through food…meets dignity through work, where the place individuals come every day is a place that’s adding value to their community,” explained John Michel, founder of Soulcial Kitchen and president of the Food is Love Foundation. “They get pride in being a part of the solution for people who are struggling, and that’s what we think the definition of community is really about.” Challenge Unlimited works with adults with disabilities to help them find employment. When a community member purchases

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BETHALTO - The Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 recognized several employees during their Golden Eagle Award ceremony. On Thursday, April 24, 2025, community members gathered at the Central Office for the ceremony, where 29 BCUSD8 employees received the Golden Eagle Award for outstanding contributions to the district. This year marked the eighth annual Golden Eagle Award ceremony. “We just want to display all the wonderful things and acknowledge all the wonderful things happening in this district,” explained Jen Weber, special education coordinator. “We’re proud of every single person here.” Each school nominated four employees for the awards. Bethalto East Primary School nominated Kathy Schollmeyer, Tammy Hyman, Lori Griffith and Melissa Meiser. Principal Chrissy Pavlinek introduced each recipient and thanked them for their work at the school. Parkside Elementary School Principal Aaron Kilpatrick introduced Kelly Wooten, Keri Lugge,

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide in the 5800 block of Grace Avenue that resulted in the death an adult female. At 11:15 p.m. on April 24, 2025, St. Louis County police officers from the Affton Southwest Precinct responded to a call for service for a disturbance in the 5800 block of Grace Avenue. An adult female was found suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The female was transported to an area hospital for treatment but succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased. The incident appears to be the result of an altercation between two individuals known to one another. No suspects are currently in custody. The investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators if you have any information regarding this incident. To remain anonymous or

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GRANITE CITY — At approximately 6:39 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025, the Granite City Police Department responded to a report of a home invasion and kidnapping on the 2100 block of Edison Avenue. Upon arrival, officers spotted a suspect driving a vehicle with an adult female and two juvenile victims inside. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the suspect fled, leading police on a pursuit that ended in a traffic crash in St. Charles County, Mo. Granite City Police said the suspect was taken into custody, and both the suspect and the adult victim were transported to a medical facility for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries. The Granite City Police Department stated that the incident was not random and assured the public that there is no further threat. The case remains under investigation, and authorities have not released additional information at this time.

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that repairs to eastbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2025. One lane will remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, April 28. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. 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 the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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ALTON - Alton North Elementary students recently had a lot of fun while contributing to a great cause. Students participated in the “Light the Night” fundraiser, which raised money for the St. Louis chapter of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. After over 16 years of organizing this fundraiser, second grade teacher Kim Scheurer is proud to announce the school raised $4,850, the most money ever raised by an Alton school. “It’s nice because it brings us together,” Scheurer said. “Most importantly, it brings us together, and we’re able to give back to the community.” The campaign at North lasted for three weeks. During the first week, students and family members could donate directly to the cause and participate in dress-up days. In the second week, the school sold Smencils, and all proceeds went to the campaign. “The Smencils sell like hotcakes,” Scheurer joked. “The kids are over the moon.” During th

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Did you know that nearly 50 million people in the United States alone engage in hiking each year? Beyond being a popular recreational activity, hiking offers profound benefits for physical health, mental clarity, and even creativity. But with thousands of trails available nationwide, which ones truly stand out as must-explore paths that combine natural beauty, accessibility, and unique experiences? Here, we delve into some of the best hiking trails to explore this spring, each offering something special for both novice trekkers and seasoned hikers. Whether you seek panoramic vistas, serene forest walks, or challenging terrain, these trails promise memorable adventures. Trails That Showcase Dramatic Landscapes 1. Angels Landing, Zion National Park, Utah Renowned for its vertiginous ridges and breathtaking views of Zion Canyon, Angels Landing is a trail that challenges both mind and body. The 5.4-mile round trip includes steep switchbacks known as Walter’s Wiggles and narrow

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April 25 has been a date marked by pivotal moments in world history, shaping nations and influencing global events across centuries. Moving back in time, April 25, 1915, marks the beginning of the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I. Allied forces, primarily from Australia and New Zealand, launched an assault on the Gallipoli Peninsula in modern-day Turkey. The campaign was intended to secure a sea route to Russia and knock the Ottoman Empire out of the war. However, it turned into a grueling and costly stalemate with heavy casualties, highlighting the brutal realities of trench warfare. This day is commemorated as ANZAC Day in Australia and New Zealand, honoring the bravery and sacrifice of those soldiers. In a completely different sphere, April 25, 1792, witnessed the establishment of the guillotine as the official method of execution in France. This invention became a symbol of the French Revolution's radical quest for equality and justice, although it also represented the

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HARTFORD - An Arch 1 Medical Helicopter crashed near the Hartford Fire Department after training on Thursday night, April 24, 2025. The Hartford Fire Department was hosting Arch 1 for a fire training exercise. Some injured individuals were taken to a local hospital for further evaluation. More information to come.

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Police authorities are investigating the discovery of a deceased individual at the intersection of Alton Street and Pontoon Road. At 9:33 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025, officers from the Granite City Police Department responded to the scene in Madison County. The Granite City Police Chief, Colonel Gary Brooks, requested assistance from the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis to aid in the investigation. Captain Adam Connor of the Granite City Police Department has been designated as the Deputy Commander for this activation. Officials are seeking help from the community for any information related to the incident. Tips can be submitted to the Major Case Squad Command Post at 618-877-6111, extension 1104, or through Crime Stoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477). Updates on the investigation will be shared on X (formerly Twitter). Sgt. Andrew Pierson, Public Information Officer for the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, is overseeing communications regarding

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GRANITE CITY – A man from Granite City is accused of felony domestic battery and more after strangling the victim and breaking their cell phone. Bradley E. Peppers, 26, of Granite City, was charged on April 15, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery and a Class 4 felony count of criminal damage to property. On March 22, 2025, Peppers allegedly strangled a household or family member and caused over $500 worth of damage to their iPhone 12 Pro. A petition to deny Peppers’s pretrial release states the victim told authorities Peppers “became angry with her, broke her iPhone, then choked her with both hands.” The victim then fled the scene to a neighboring residence to call the police. After seeing Peppers following the victim, the neighbors reportedly intervened to allow the victim to contact the police. The petition notes Peppers was subject to a no-contact order from 2024 prohibiting him from contacting the victim in this case, “and

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EAST ST. LOUIS — A Southern Illinois jury convicted Demarkee D. Jimerson, 45, of drug distribution and gun charges stemming from a July 2021 search of his Cahokia Heights home, federal officials announced on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Jimerson was found guilty of possession with intent to distribute cocaine base, felon in possession of a firearm, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Authorities recovered approximately 88 grams of cocaine base, methamphetamine, MDMA, marijuana, nine firearms, and ammunition during the search. “Armed drug dealers belong in federal prison,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “Demarkee Jimerson was a gun-toting felon pedaling crack cocaine and methamphetamine, and he’s heading to federal prison, where he belongs. I appreciate the work of our attorneys who tried the case and the law enforcement professionals who investigated the case. Their work has made our community safer.”

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O'FALLON, IL. — Police responded Wednesday night, April 16, 2025, to reports of gunfire in the 500 block of Ponderosa in O'Fallon, where a 34-year-old woman fired multiple shots during an altercation, authorities said. At approximately 9:53 p.m. April 16, 2025, O'Fallon Police officers arrived at the scene after receiving a call about gunshots in the area. Upon arrival, O'Fallon Police said officers found empty shell casings along the edge of the roadway and a bullet hole in the exterior wall of an occupied apartment building. Authorities identified the woman involved as Sharae M. Howard, a resident of the 500 block of Ponderosa in O'Fallon. According to the police report, Howard was involved in an altercation with an unknown male at her residence. During the confrontation, the male got into a vehicle and began driving away. Howard then fired several shots in the direction of the vehicle as it left the area. No injuries were reported. Investigators recovered a firearm during

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EAST ALTON - Wood River Township recently installed a new bathroom facility at Kutter Park in East Alton. The township continued to enhance the amenities at the location after multiple pickleball courts were added in recent months. The concrete bathroom building, constructed off-site, was transported in two halves by a diesel tow and then lifted by crane onto a prepared foundation. The bathroom project aims to provide restroom access for pickleball players, children, and other park visitors. Wood River Township Supervisor Mike Babcock said the planning process for the new bathroom has spanned several years. “It has been a long time in coming, planning for about five years when we added six pickleball courts out here and another three courts on the north end about two years ago,” Babcock said. Babcock praised Stutz Excavating for their work and noted the township’s acquisition of the concrete building. Funding for the project includes Metro East Park and Recreational

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EDWARDSVILLE – The theatre department from Metro-East Lutheran High School will present a creepy, kooky musical comedy this weekend with its production of “The Addams Family.”Performances will be held Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, at 7 p.m, and Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m. in the Henschen Alumni Hall at Metro-East Lutheran High School, located at 6305 Center Grove Road. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at https://our.show/melhs-theatre-addams-family . “The Addams Family” follows the story of Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, as she falls in love with a “normal” boy from a respectable family. The fun begins as the Addams family reacts to and copes with the situation. “It’s a fun show that has some really good meaning if you look beyond the jokes, showing the unique relationships that tie families together,” said Judy Brown, director of the theatre department at MELHS. “The

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GODFREY - The 17th annual Christmas in July event, hosted by Taylor and Lily Freer at Freer Auto Body, is set from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for July 18, 2025, in Godfrey. The fundraiser supports Community Christmas, a program sponsored by United Way that provides assistance to local families in need during the holiday season. Margaret Freer, an event organizer, said very dollar raised through the event remains in the area to help ensure that families have necessary items and experience the spirit of Christmas. The event features a raffle with prizes donated by members of the community, including $3,500 in cash from Alxalta Coatings and PRS; a seven-night stay in a two-bedroom, two-bath condo at the Beach Club in Fort. Morgan, Alabama; a seven-night stay in a cabin in Balltown, Colorado; a five-night stay in a rustic three-bedroom cabin in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; a side of beef; four Cardinal green seats for the Aug. 11, 2025, game against the Rockies; and $1,000 cash from Freer Auto Body.

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ALTON – Alton High School’s Yearbook, The Tatler , has been recognized for excellence and featured in the Jostens Look Book 2024, celebrating the best-of-the-best in yearbook design and inclusivity . The Jostens Look Book is a collection of outstanding yearbooks and their creative themes, cool covers, beautiful designs, relevant coverage of school events, meaningful storytelling, and stunning photography. Along with design excellence, the annually published Look Book honors the work of the students who created the yearbook over the course of 6-12 months. Through it, they chronicle the experiences, stories, and achievements most relevant to students and that academic year. The Tatler was created by Makenna Strowmatt, Sophie Hull, Wren Crawford, Carly Peuterbaugh, Jaylee Evan, Ty Hughes, Ciera McNaughton, Morgan Plummer, Isaiah Ouechani, and Bel Springman under the direction of Bridget Heck, Alton High School yearbook adviser. The Alton High School Yearbook, The

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GRANITE CITY - Multicare Specialists will host its second Multicare Market for community members to learn more about their health. From 4–7 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025, community members are invited to Multicare Specialists at 3986 Maryville Road in Granite City for the market, which will operate as a combined farmers market and vendor fair. Dr. Ashley Eavenson, owner of Multicare Specialists, explained that she wanted to bring a new event to Granite City to encourage more health consciousness. “This is more than a market. It’s a health movement,” Eavenson said. “Come, enter the giveaways, meet some people, get educated. We can’t wait.” Vendors will include Oaklee Rose Farms, Wheelhouse Fish Co., FARM TRUK, Meme’s Coffee Shop, Dream Doers, Aurelia Aromatica, Christine’s Salsa, Forest & Meadow Herbal Shop, Mylk + Hummus, Herb N’ Pepper, Orthomolecular, Crowned Creations by Keri, Nourishing Nelli, Wild Wolff Pastures,

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ALTON - AP Cigar continues monthly cigar events in Downtown Alton and Thursday afternoon, April 24, 2025, is the next one. The AP Cigar event at 202 State Street in Alton is slated from 3 to 6 p.m., then the event moves over the Mac's in Downtown Alton from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for a nightcap. The events have been a smash, organizers said on the "Our Daily Show!" with C.J. Nasello. Tony and Mike appeared on C.J. Nasello's "Our Daily Show!" recently and said both have a big passion for the cigar industry, which they view as extremely important in the industry. The cigar event at Mac's last month was very well-attended and it keeps getting "larger and larger,” the two men said, recalling that last month’s event was “filled with cigar enthusiasts.” Mike observed that many of the “70, 80, 90-year-olds turn out for the early event at AP Cigar, then others follow for the evening at Mac's. Last month, Mac's smoking area had many who demonstrated their

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WOOD RIVER - An area National Day of Prayer service is set at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Wood River Roundhouse. Organizer Debbie Ward said the event will take place outside at the bandstand if weather permits, or inside the building if conditions are unfavorable. Meteorologist Mike Roberts will serve as the master of ceremonies for the event. The Passion Painter, known for creating live artwork during performances, will also participate, Ward said. Community leaders will lead prayers focused on seven areas of influence in the nation: government, family, church, education, business and workplace, arts, media and entertainment, and military and first responders. Ward expressed gratitude to those involved and said she views the National Day of Prayer service as very important for the region.

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