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EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis School District 189 is seeking an extension for its ESSER III funding, which the school district says is critical for ongoing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) renovations across its facilities. The district, which serves a predominantly low-income student population, has faced delays in completing these upgrades due to post-pandemic challenges, including supply chain issues and labor shortages. Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) grants have provided federal pandemic relief funding to enable schools to operate safely during the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and support social-emotional and academic recovery. The district's request comes after the original extension, approved on Jan. 22, 2025, allowed until March 28, 2026, to complete the necessary HVAC projects. Sydney Stigge-Kaufman, Executive Director of Communications and Strategic Partnerships for the district, emphasized the importance of modernized HVAC

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ALTON – Ray Strebel released the following statement regarding Tuesday’s election results: “ I want to congratulate David Goins on his victory this week. While the results did not go our way, I am proud of the campaign we ran and the connections I built with so many residents during my campaign for Mayor. Alton is my hometown and I hope to see Mayor Goins succeed because at the end of the day, we are one community and I only want the best for Alton. Thank you to everyone who supported me with their vote, thank you to our volunteers for their countless hours of hard work to help our campaign, and thank you to my family for their ultimate support.” About Ray Strebel: Ray Strebel is a third generation Alton resident, local leader, and small business owner.

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EDWARDSVILLE – R.P. Lumber Co., Inc. has announced the acquisition of Aldrich Home Center in Powell, Wyoming, with the deal set to close on April 11, 2025. Located at 115 E. Park St., Aldrich Home Center is a family-owned hardware store and lumberyard that has been an integral part of the Powell community for decades. This will be the Midwestern chain’s third location in the Equality State and first in Park County. Renowned for its wide selection of tools, paint, and building materials, the store has long been a trusted resource for both professional tradesmen and DIY homeowners. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Aldrich Home Center was originally founded in 1949 as Aldrich Lumber, and in 2001, Ken VanGrinsven purchased the business after working there for 18 years. For the past few years, Ken and his wife, Jan VanGrinsven, have been looking for a successor to continue the legacy of the business and secure their retirement. “When we met with R.P.

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey County Sheriff’s Office is working on some new initiatives designed to increase interactions with citizens and patrols in certain areas of the county. Jersey Sheriff Nick Manns said: “In particular we are going to increase our presence in the most remote stretches of our county. I wanted to share this information with you so that you know why you are seeing on squad cars on a more frequent basis.” “I also want you to know that as we patrol our county roads late at night, you may see that our squad cars have lashing rear yellow or solid red and blue lights activated. As opposed to the flashing red and blue signifies that we are patrolling in your neighborhood. Not only will you know that it is us, but so will anyone else out on your roads. We hope that is a good thing. “Lastly, if you have not met the Deputy assigned to your particular zone and wish to, please give me a call and we will get someone to you. As always, call with any

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department is proud to support the upcoming Luehrs' Ideal Rides Alton First Responders Springfest, taking place April 11 through April 19, 2025, at the Alton Amphitheater. The Alton Police said this exciting spring carnival is a celebration of community, family, and the dedicated service of our first responders. Uniformed officers from the Alton Police Department will be present during all event hours to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all who attend. "Our mission is to maintain a safe, welcoming environment so families and guests of all ages can relax and enjoy the festivities," the Alton Police said. To promote a safe and family-friendly atmosphere, the Luehrs’ Ideal Rides’ Parental Escort Policy will be in effect: • All youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older on Fridays and Saturdays during operating hours. • One adult may supervise up to eight minors. • Adults may be asked to show valid government-issued

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GRAFTON - Trees Please, a business in Grafton, has a guarantee: With their help, your trees will thrive. Owner Steven Jones started taking care of trees 33 years ago. A self-described “tree doctor,” Jones consults with homeowners and checks the health of declining trees, then gives them a booster shot to improve their health. With his help, homeowners can save their trees rather than cutting them down. “I treat trees for disease,” he explained. “We inject them with an insecticide that’s systemic, goes up through the vascular system, kills the bugs, fertilizes them. The tree, once it’s treated, will flourish after that.” Trees Please charges a $100 consultation fee, but Jones deducts this from the charge if you decide to hire him to treat the tree. He charges anywhere from $75 to $350 to treat a tree, depending on the size and the problem. “It’s cheaper to save them than just to cut them down and have them hauled away,”

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“On a bright moonlight night in spring time, just as he might have wished it, because Jim Callahan was a very sentimental man, his spirit took flight from the body which had been pain racked for many months.” Poet and newspaperman James T. Callahan Sr. died on April 7, 1925, of jaw cancer. He was born in Alton in 1856 and started writing for the Alton Evening Telegraph in 1891. He “loved mostly to write of the little things of life which usually escape the notice of other people.” Callahan studied to be a lawyer and gained admittance to the bar to practice law. He also served later in life as Clerk of the City Court of Alton. But writing was his real love. He wrote Stray Scraps for 35 years and was one of the first people in the country with his own daily column. Callahan’s final Stray Scraps column ran in the Alton Evening Telegraph on February 21, 1925, and he expected it to be his last. For many years, Callahan’s friends encouraged him to

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O’FALLON, Ill. – HSHS Medical Group is pleased to announce the addition of Nicole Garner, PA-C, to their team in O’Fallon. Garner is now accepting patients of all ages at HSHS Medical Group Orthopedic & Sports Medicine – O’Fallon, located at 670 Pierce Blvd., Suite 200, in O’Fallon. Garner is a skilled physician assistant with expertise in treating musculoskeletal injuries and disorders resulting from repetitive movements, heavy lifting, injuries and diseases. She is dedicated to helping patients recover from injuries and improve their quality of life by alleviating pain. Garner earned a Master of Science in physician assistant studies from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Carbondale. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in biological sciences, medical science from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in Edwardsville. To schedule an appointment with Garner, visit hshsmedicalgroup.org or call 618-206-2094. New HSHS Medical

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EAST ALTON - The Illinois Education Association Foundation is proud to announce that it has awarded a $1,000 grant to the East Alton School District 13 Boyz 2 Men program through the SCORE (Schools and Community Outreach by Educators) grant. This grant will significantly enhance the organization's mentorship program providing vital resources to foster the personal and academic growth of young participants. The SCORE grant program encourages educators to collaborate on innovative projects that serve their schools and communities. The Boyz 2 Men program was selected among numerous applicants statewide, recognized for its creative and impactful approach to youth mentorship. “We are honored to receive the SCORE grant,” said Angela Gray, East Alton School District School Social Worker and Program Assistant for the Boyz 2 Men Program. “This funding will allow us to expand our programs, reaching more young people and providing them with the support they need to

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WOOD RIVER - Community leaders and organizations gathered for a Child Abuse Prevention Month Kick-Off Event. On Friday, April 4, 2025, community members were invited to Riverbend Family Ministries for the event. Different organizations, including Refuge, Oasis Women’s Center, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, the Child Advocacy Center and more, were present to share their work with attendees. Speakers addressed the prevention of child abuse and the importance of advocating for kids. “This month is about standing up for our children, raising awareness and doing what we can to prevent child abuse in our own communities,” said Erin Bickle, executive director of Refuge. “It’s a reminder that each of us has a critical role to play in the lives of our community’s most vulnerable. We have a role to make sure that every child feels safe, cared for and loved.” Bickle said that children build resilience by having at least one caring adult in their

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ALTON — Two Alton Police Department lieutenants have been recognized by Sacred Spaces for their initiatives aimed at promoting well-being with first responders and department employees. Lieutenant Dustin Christner was acknowledged for establishing a first responder Bible study that is open to any local first responder, while Lieutenant Seth Stinnett was recognized for co-facilitating a financial wellness group for Alton Police Department employees. The recognition event highlights the importance of mental and financial health within the police force, a critical aspect of supporting officers in their demanding roles. "Thank you, Lt. Christner and Lt. Stinnett for your leadership and promotion of healthy well-being," said a representative from Sacred Spaces, emphasizing the impact of their contributions on the department. This initiative reflects a growing awareness of the need for support systems within law enforcement agencies, aiming to foster resilience and overall wellness

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WOOD RIVER – State Senator Erica Harriss has partnered with several area Metro East organizations to host a free Community Shred Event and Clean Up Day in Wood River on Saturday. After much consideration, the event will take place rain or shine, and staff will be on hand to assist anyone who may need help. Who: State Senator Erica Harriss I Support the Girls – Edwardsville Lions Club Metro East Humane Society Wood River Police Department Wood River Parks and Recreation Glen-Ed Pantry Soles4Souls When: Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Where: Wood River Police Department - 550 E Madison Ave., Wood River, IL, 62095

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a combat Veteran, released the following statement on the tragic death of four American soldiers, including Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr. of Joliet, Illinois, during a military training exercise in Lithuania: “The loss of four American servicemembers in Lithuania during a training exercise is nothing short of heartbreaking. We must never forget their dedication to serving this country and the NATO alliance. “Our thoughts are with the Duenez family and the Joliet community as they grieve the loss of Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., a son, a husband, and a father.”

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Officers responded to a traffic collision involving a silver Hyundai Elantra and a blue BMW X3 at approximately 11 a.m. on March 20, 2025, at the intersection of North Illinois Street and Market Place in Fairview Heights. The incident escalated into a physical altercation between the occupants of both vehicles, prompting law enforcement to intervene. Upon arrival, officers found the fight still in progress and worked to separate the individuals involved. Initial investigations revealed that the crash was the result of a road rage incident that had been ongoing for several miles. Witnesses reported aggressive driving behaviors from both vehicles, including unsafe passing maneuvers, throwing objects, and repeated brake-checking instances prior to the collision. Tamara M. Hawkins, 39, of Swansea, the driver of the Hyundai, exited her vehicle and approached the driver’s side of the BMW. According to reports, she opened the door, attempted to forcibly remove the

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April 4th has witnessed a series of pivotal events that have shaped our world in various ways. One of the most significant moments in history that took place on April 4th is the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968. King, a prominent leader in the American civil rights movement, was shot by James Earl Ray while standing on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. His death sent shockwaves throughout the United States and the world, igniting waves of protests and unrest. King had been a tireless advocate for nonviolent protest against racial segregation and discrimination, and his legacy continues to inspire movements for equality and justice today. On April 4, 1949, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was established. This military alliance, formed in the aftermath of World War II, aimed to provide collective security against potential threats, particularly from the Soviet Union during the Cold War. NATO has played a crucial role in international

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Did you know that the average person has around 60,000 thoughts a day, and a staggering 80% of those thoughts are negative? This statistic reveals a hidden truth about the mental clutter many of us carry around—thoughts that distract us, weigh us down, and ultimately impede our well-being. Just as physical clutter can overwhelm our living spaces, a cluttered mind can disrupt our daily lives, making it difficult to focus, make decisions, or find joy in our activities. It’s time to take a proactive approach to mental decluttering and clear the path to a healthier mindset. The Impact of Mental Clutter Mental clutter refers to the overwhelming multitude of thoughts, worries, and distractions that can cloud our thinking and hinder clear decision-making. This mental noise can stem from various sources, including stress from work, unresolved conflicts, or even the continuous barrage of information from technology and social media. Research indicates that mental clutter can lead

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ALTON — The Boys and Girls Club of Alton reported a break-in early Thursday morning, April 3, 2025, prompting an investigation by local authorities. The incident occurred at the club, located at 2512 Amelia St., where an intruder allegedly caused significant damage. Sgt. Andrew Pierson, General Case Supervisor of the Alton Police Department, confirmed the report of the incident. "We took a report this morning of a potential break-in at the Alton Boys and Girls Club and found damage to one of the windows," he said. "There were things disturbed inside; we are still gathering additional information to see if video would have captured anything. Everything right now is preliminary." Al Womack, the Executive Director of the Alton Boys and Girls Club, provided further details about the incident. He said that a single intruder broke a window on the north side of the building and entered through a less frequently used room. "He made his way up front, looked like he was familiar with

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Caseyville, East St. Louis, Cahokia Heights, East Carondelet, and Dupo will receive millions to recover from 2022 floods SPRINGFIELD, IL. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced that much-needed disaster recovery funding through the Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) program has been finalized for St. Clair County. The funds will be dispersed to different municipalities across St. Clair County, including Caseyville, East St. Louis, Cahokia Heights, East Carondelet, and Dupo. These funds will provide critical support for recovery efforts following the historic storms that devastated the area in 2022, leaving families and local businesses struggling to rebuild. The funding will be allocated to projects aimed at enhancing the resilience of local infrastructure, not only to facilitate rebuilding efforts but also to provide long-term protection against recurring flooding issues. “St. Clair County faced unprecedented challenges

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Bill Foster (D-IL-11) today reintroduced the bicameral American Innovation Act , which would provide annual budget increases at a rate of five percent, indexed to inflation, for cutting edge research at five federal agencies: the Department of Energy Office of Science; the National Science Foundation; the National Institute of Standards and Technology Scientific and Technical Research Services; the Department of Defense Science and Technology Programs; and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Science Directorate. The American Innovation Act would position the U.S. as a leader in development and discovery for decades to come by creating steady, sustained funding for breakthrough research at America’s top research agencies. “In its crusade to damage essential government infrastructure, the Trump Administration has failed to recognize that sustained support for

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt stood alongside his colleagues to highlight a measure that would simplify the college admissions process for high school seniors and community college transfer students at a press conference on Thursday. “High school seniors and community college transfer students already have enough on their plates,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The last thing they need is a complicated college application process filled with extra fees, paperwork and delays.” Senate Bill 2448 would grant automatic admission to qualified applicants at all public institutions of higher education and community colleges that participate in the direct admissions program. Under the legislation, students would no longer face the burden of repeated application processes or unnecessary application fees, ensuring a smoother transition into postsecondary education. The legislation would allow the Illinois Board of Higher Education, Community College Board

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