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ALTON – Alton City Council members voted 5-2 on Wednesday to officially replace the state’s expiring 1% sales tax on groceries with a city-wide grocery tax. Voting against the ordinance were Aldermen Chris Bohn and Michael Velloff. Voting in favor were Aldermen Martha Pfister, Rosie Brown, Stephanie Elliott, John Meehan, and Patricia Ford. Each alderman has consistently voted the same way on the grocery tax since the June 9, 2025 Committee of the Whole meeting . No vote was held during the last City Council meeting, when the item was laid over until this week. Previously passed in the form of a resolution , the ordinance will now be adopted into the City Code well in advance of the Oct. 1, 2025 deadline needed for the city to start collecting the tax on Jan. 1, 2026. Since 100% of the proceeds from the state’s 1% grocery tax has gone directly to municipalities since 1990, allowing it to expire could have resulted in major revenue losses for the city. Comptroller

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MEDORA – A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the family of Taylor Cummines, who died in a recent car accident. The fundraiser was organized by Emily Jackson to assist Taylor's fiancé, Drew, and their three young children as they adjust to life without her. Taylor was tragically killed in a car accident involving a box truck on Illinois Route 111 at Bucks Crossing near Medora in Macoupin County on Monday, July 7, 2025. Taylor, described by Jackson as an “amazing mother” who “would have done anything for her babies,” left behind three children: Finnlee, 5; Bodi, 3; and Lovelynn, 1. Jackson said the family faces “challenges and stress of being a single father to three children.” She emphasized that Taylor “did absolutely everything for her babies and gave them the world.” The funds raised will be placed into a trust established by the family for the children’s future needs, with any additional money used

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ALTON – As the Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division continues to leave no stone unturned in the investigation into the tragic July 4, 2025, homicide of 17-year-old Shabrya L. Hudson, additional charges have been filed against two more individuals connected to this case. On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, under the direction of State’s Attorney Tom Haine, issued the following charges: • Tamadrey C. Ballinger, a 20-year-old male from Alton on Two Counts of First Degree Murder and Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm. • Brashonda D. Colley, a 44-year old female from Alton of Obstructing Justice. Both individuals were taken into custody on Tuesday evening, July 8, 2025. Ballinger is being held pending a detention hearing, while Colley was released in accordance with the terms of her arrest warrant. Relating to today’s charges against Ballinger, the Alton Police Department is working

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Recently, James Avant Elementary School in East St. Louis School District 189 held its Fifth-Grade Promotional Ceremony to honor students moving on to middle school. The event celebrated the achievements of the graduating fifth graders and marked an important transition in their academic journey. School officials and staff extended congratulations to the students for their dedication and hard work. “Your commitment to excellence has not gone unnoticed,” the school stated, acknowledging the students’ accomplishments. While the students will no longer be on the James Avant Elementary campus, teachers, administrators, and support staff expressed enthusiasm about watching them continue to succeed within the district. The ceremony served as a milestone for the young scholars as they prepared to embark on the next phase of their education in School District 189. The school encouraged the students to maintain their efforts with the message: “Keep

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BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School has welcomed Dan Cichlar as its new Career & Technical Education teacher for the 2024-2025 school year. Cichlar will lead the Construction, DIY, and Introduction to Technology & Engineering classes, bringing real-world experience and a hands-on teaching approach to the curriculum. Civic Memorial announced Cichlar’s appointment recently, highlighting his role in providing students with practical skills and opportunities to explore careers in trades and technology. “I am inspired to help students discover their potential, take pride in craftsmanship, and build a foundation for a meaningful and successful future,” Cichlar said. School officials expressed enthusiasm about Cichlar joining the team. "His real-world knowledge and hands-on approach will give students exciting opportunities to learn practical skills and explore future careers in the trades and technology," CM officials said. "We’re thrilled to have him join the

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RANDOLPH COUNTY — Curtis Scott Sheeler, 65, was found deceased near his home in Randolph County on Tuesday morning, July 8, 2025, following a multi-agency search prompted by his family’s missing person report. Sheeler had been reported missing on Sunday, July 5, 2025, when family members requested a welfare check at his residence. The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office initiated a search that evening, which included checking Sheeler’s home, surrounding areas, and the homes of friends. Despite initial efforts, Sheeler was not located until the next day. On July 8, the sheriff’s office coordinated a larger search involving multiple agencies, including the Sparta Fire Department, Franklin County Office of Emergency Management Special Operations (OEMC) K-9 team, Baldwin Fire, Red Bud Fire, Ellis Grove Fire, Prairie Du Rocher Fire, and Med Star Ambulance Service. Sheeler’s body was discovered in an area adjacent to his property during the coordinated

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O'FALLON - Lauren Jackson, a woman who says she can't wait to make a difference in her students' lives, has accepted a position with the O’Fallon School District as a new Autism teacher at Estelle Kampmeyer Elementary. Jackson also said she has "always wanted to be a teacher ever since I was a little girl, and it’s surreal to have that dream come true.” Jackson attributes her university studies, practicum experience, and student teaching to preparing her to work with students of all abilities. She is very excited to join the O’Fallon School District 90 team. “I have appreciated the warm welcome I have received since I accepted my position,” she said. “Everyone has been so kind and has made me more than excited to begin this new chapter in my life.” Lauren loves to craft in her free time, spend time outdoors, and also spend time with her friends and family.

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ALTON - The eighth annual Trinity Festival is returning to Alton. Starting at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, community members can come out to Milton Schoolhouse for the festival, featuring 16 bands and musicians, even more vendors, and lots of fun for a good cause. Proceeds from the festival go to Trinity’s Way, a local nonprofit that supports environmental and animal rights organizations in memory of Trinity Buel. “It’s all in Trinity’s name,” said Greg, one of the organizers. “That’s how this all started. She couldn’t live her own dreams anymore, so we’re trying to fulfill them for her.” Trinity Festival is an annual event that brings the community together to enjoy music and vendors. Previously hosted in Calhoun County, organizers decided to return to Alton this year and host the event at Milton Schoolhouse. There will be two stages at Milton, with performances from 12 p.m. to midnight on Aug. 2. You can

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JERSEYVILLE – A little bit of rain hasn’t stopped the Jersey County Fair from kicking off with a strong start this year. Fair President Phil Ringhausen said despite the rain delaying the Jersey County Fair Parade on Tuesday, the fairground festivities are now in full swing. He said last night’s free concert in the grandstands, and both of yesterday’s livestock shows, went well with even more exciting events on the schedule. Tonight’s Fair Queen Pageant is set for 7 to 11 p.m., and Ringhausen said there’s no shortage of contestants this year. “We never have a problem getting our Little Miss ,” he said, adding there are 16 Little Miss contestants in the 2025 Pageant. “They come out of the woodwork for that – but we also have six Senior contestants going tonight, so we ought to have a really nice pageant.” Rodeo fans can expect an even bigger and better show than last year, as Ringhausen said they went with a new promoter

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ALTON - The Lucy Haskell Playhouse has a few events lined up to celebrate Lucy’s legacy. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, 2025, community members can stop by the playhouse in Middletown for an open house. Families can play old-fashioned games and tour the playhouse. This will be followed by Lucy’s birthday party from 6:30–8 p.m. on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, where you can enjoy cake, ice cream, games, pony rides and more. “It’s building that sense of community,” said Sarah, one of the volunteers. “I just love the legacy of the Haskell family, the fact that Florence Haskell donated this house and playhouse and land to the City of Alton for the education and recreation of children. It’s beautiful to be able to continue that legacy for the family. I just love the sense of community that it builds for all of us.” All of the Lucy Haskell Playhouse events are completely free to attend. Organizers Sarah and Margaret

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GRANITE CITY — President Donald Trump announced in late May 2025 a revised partnership agreement between U.S. Steel and Nippon Steel, reversing earlier opposition to the acquisition that officially closed June 18, 2025. The deal includes commitments to keep U.S. Steel’s headquarters in Pittsburgh, maintain an American CEO, and ensure a majority of U.S. citizens on the board. Nippon Steel pledged $14 billion in U.S. investments, including $2.4 billion for facilities in Pennsylvania’s Mon Valley region. Despite these assurances, officials and community leaders in Granite City and Illinois state legislators have raised concerns about the future of the local U.S. Steel plant. The legislators are on both a statewide and a national level. Granite City Mayor Michael C. Parkinson has expressed frustration over the absence of clear investment plans for Granite City Works, which reopened in 2018 following President Trump’s monumental visit to the community and the steel

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If your ash tree’s canopy is thinning, bark is flaking off in patches, or woodpeckers are suddenly interested in your trunk, you may be seeing the signs of an emerald ash borer infestation. These bright green beetles may look harmless—no bigger than a penny—but their larvae are devastating tree killers, and they’ve been sweeping through the Midwest for years. In late spring, adult emerald ash borers lay eggs in the cracks of your ash tree’s bark. When the eggs hatch, the tiny larvae chew their way under the surface and begin tunneling through the soft layer just beneath the bark. That’s where your ash moves water and nutrients. As the larvae feed, they leave behind winding S-shaped galleries that slowly choke the tree from the inside out. Over time, your tree’s upper branches begin to die off, bark splits open, and shoots sprout directly from the trunk—a desperate attempt by the tree to survive. Left untreated, the damage builds year afte

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From lively summer camps and vibrant county fairs to engaging cooking classes and exciting concerts, the variety of events happening across the Riverbend offers something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for family fun, community gatherings, or unique local experiences, there’s plenty to explore and celebrate. For a full listing of upcoming events, be sure to visit https://www.riverbender.com/events/ . If you want to make sure even more of the region is aware of your event email cj@riverbender.com and explore our range of Event Promotion Services! Featured GGCA Summer Camp invites kids ages 3 to 12 to embark on an unforgettable adventure with their 2025 Summer Camp themed "Bible Explorer: Trek through Truth!" This engaging camp, held at Greater Glory Christian Academy in Alton, Illinois, offers a full schedule of outdoor and water games, crafts, weekly field trips to local attractions and the NCG Cinema, and daily hot meals. Operating weekdays from Jun

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MARYVILLE – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) has teamed up with the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office to host an ICASH event this Thursday at the Maryville Community Library. Constituents are encouraged to stop by to check if they are owed unclaimed property and receive assistance filing a claim. ICASH Event Details Who: Senator Erica Harriss; Illinois State Treasurer’s Office When: Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 3:00PM – 6:00 p.m. Where: Maryville Community Library, 15 Professional Park Drive, Maryville, IL 62026 ICASH events help residents across Illinois locate and reclaim unclaimed property. Since 2015, more than $2 billion in assets have been returned to Illinoisans. Unclaimed property can include everything from forgotten bank accounts and uncashed checks to insurance payments, stocks, and even the contents of safe deposit boxes.

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JACKSONVILLE – State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) has announced that he is running for re-election as State Representative for the 100th House District. “I am pleased to announce that I am running for re-election as State Representative of Illinois’ 100th District. After talking with so many friends and constituents, I have been encouraged by the number of people asking me to continue to serve as their voice in Springfield,” said Rep. Davidsmeyer. “I first ran for office on the promise that I would remain a good person, that I would fight against big-government intrusion, and that I would work to create a better future for the next generation of Illinoisans. I have remained true to that promise, and I have become a stronger voice than ever against the Democratic majority that wants to take away our God-given rights.” As State Representative, C.D. Davidsmeyer continues to speak out against the radical leftist polices of Gov. J

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UPDATE: As of July 9, 2025, this work has been postponed until further notice. GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent lane closures on Illinois 3 between Schaefer Road and the McKinley Bridge will begin, weather permitting, Monday, July 14. One lane will always remain open in each direction. To minimize impacts to commuters, all lanes will be open each weekday between 6 and 8 a.m. and 3 and 5 p.m. The closures are necessary for a $25.87 million pavement resurfacing project, which is expected to be completed by mid-summer 2026. Drivers are encouraged 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. Over the next six years , IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,000 miles of highway and nearly 10 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program, which i

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department participated in the statewide "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" safety campaign, focusing on impaired driving and other traffic violations. During a six-hour enforcement detail, officers made one arrest for impaired driving. In addition to this, they conducted seven traffic stops for various violations, including speeding, distracted driving, and following too closely. The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” “Drive High Get a DUI” and “Click It or Ticket” campaigns are made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. These efforts are complemented by IDOT’s “It’s Not a Game” media campaign, which emphasizes the serious consequences of impaired driving and other unsafe driving behaviors.

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CARLINVILLE - There’s a new support group available for survivors of domestic violence. Locust Street Resource Center will offer a support group for domestic violence survivors at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of every month at 320 S. Locust Street in Carlinville. Executive Director Maria Clark explained that Locust Street Resource Center has been providing mental health and social services support for over 50 years, and they look forward to offering this new resource to community members. “We have some staff members who are in recovery and have experience with domestic violence, and they also wanted to start a domestic violence support group. We thought that was a great idea, definitely something that's needed in our communities,” Clark said. “They are peer-led, so those with lived experience along with mental health professionals are there to supervise the groups.” The domestic violence support group is completely free to attend. Locust Street

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When Gordon Ramsay raises his voice, it is usually about an undercooked dish. But last year, the celebrity chef was calling for help after a scary bicycle accident. “It really shook me,” says the avid cyclist in a June 15, 2024, Instagram post . “Honestly, I’m lucky to be here.” Ramsay says he didn’t suffer any major injuries, but he’s bruised and on the mend. And he’s again joining health care professionals in stressing the importance of wearing a helmet and biking within your means. “I don’t care how short the journey is,” Ramsay says. Biking accidents in the emergency department Kurt Bloomstrand, MD , an emergency medicine physician at OSF HealthCare, has treated people who have fallen off a moving object. It could be a bicycle, scooter or motorcycle. Sometimes it’s a child who’s learning their way. Or it could be an adult who didn’t hit the brakes in time. “A lot of times what happens

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SPRINGFIELD - This summer will bring $45 million in cash to a record-breaking 600,000 people who will receive money they didn’t even know they had from the state’s missing money program, and the only thing they must do is cash the check, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said today. The checks are part of the latest round of the Enhanced Money Match program – which takes the “claim” out of unclaimed property. Treasurer Frerichs’ office helps get the check in the mail by leveraging technology to return money to individuals, through I-CASH, the state’s unclaimed property initiative. Most of the matched claims in this Enhanced Money Match round equal $50 or less, though some people can have multiple claims and their checks will amount to much more. “The first thing we tell people, is this – the money belongs to you, the check is real, and this is not a scam,” Treasurer Frerichs said. “The second thing we tell them,

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