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Did you know that potlucks are one of the most effective ways to strengthen social bonds and create lasting memories? A 2019 study published in the Journal of Social Relationships found that sharing meals in casual group settings significantly enhances feelings of belonging and community. Hosting a summer potluck is more than just a convenient way to feed a crowd—it is an opportunity to connect, celebrate diversity in tastes, and foster a sense of togetherness. Setting the Scene: Choosing the Right Venue and Ambiance The foundation of any successful potluck begins with selecting an appropriate venue. Whether it’s your backyard, a local park with picnic facilities, or even a community center, the space should comfortably accommodate the expected number of guests and allow for easy movement and socializing. Consider the layout carefully. Create designated areas for food setup, seating, and activities. For instance, arranging tables in a buffet style near a shaded spot

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June 17 has been a date marked by pivotal moments that have left a lasting imprint on history across the globe. On the political front, June 17, 1972, marks a momentous day in United States history—the Watergate break-in. Five men associated with President Richard Nixon’s reelection campaign were caught attempting to wiretap the Democratic National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in Washington, D.C. This event would unravel into one of the biggest political scandals in American history, leading to intense investigations, the discovery of abuses of power, and ultimately, President Nixon’s resignation in 1974. Watergate's reverberations reshaped public trust in government and transformed political journalism and accountability. Turning toward cultural history, June 17, 1940, saw the first public performance of the iconic song “Strange Fruit,” performed by Billie Holiday at Café Society in New York City. The song, hauntingly

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GODFREY — Beverly Farm Foundation is proud to announce that Steve Marso, owner of the Alton River Dragons Prospect League baseball team, has been named the recipient of its 2025 Community Champion Award. This annual honor is presented to a local leader who demonstrates outstanding commitment to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and making a lasting impact in the Riverbend community. Mr. Marso was recognized for his steadfast support of the Beverly Farm Foundation and his efforts to promote inclusion, awareness, and community engagement through the power of sports. Under his leadership, the Alton River Dragons have hosted multiple Beverly Farm Night events at Lloyd Hopkins Field, offering residents of Beverly Farm and their families a memorable ballpark experience. He also partnered with Beverly Farm to host a First Responder Softball Game and Home Run Derby at Lloyd Hopkins Field on May 10th. These events have helped foster

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WOOD RIVER – A developer’s vision for the Wood River Business Park would see the site transformed into “Hollywood River Studios,” a series of film production studios and an esports arena. City Attorney Kathryn Warren announced on Monday that Wood River Farm Investments LLC has offered $500,000 to purchase and develop the entire 105-acre site, formerly known as the EnviroTech Business Park. The company’s proposal is to build an esports arena and up to six sound and production studios, known as “Hollywood River Studios,” at the business park. These facilities would be “designed to cater the burgeoning film, television, digital streaming production industries,” according to their proposal. Their bid includes the lease or purchase of all necessary technology and equipment to operate the studios; these properties would then be leased to various media production companies. The site would be developed in two phases and, once developed,

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EDWARDSVILLE — Cross-River Crime Task Force Commander Marcos Pulido announced today that a defaced firearm that was in the possession of a convicted felon, suspected methamphetamine and cocaine were all seized during a recent deployment of the task force. The countywide deployment of the unit, led by Granite City Police Capt. Adam Connor and Alton Police Captain Kurtis McCray, was conducted June 12, 2025. The deployment was conducted by approximately 40 law enforcement officers who are assigned to the Task Force. Highlights of the deployment included: • Arrest of a convicted felon who was in possession of a defaced firearm while possessing suspected drugs, which had a combined weight that was consistent with intent to distribute. • Arrest of an individual in possession of suspected methamphetamine that had a weight consistent with intent to distribute. • Arrest of an individual in possession of suspected cocaine that had a weight consistent with intent to distribute.

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College recently unveiled its 2025-2026 interactive mural by Graphic Design Alumna Grace Becker. The mural, titled “You Can Overcome Anything,” takes inspiration from medieval manuscripts. Becker said visitors can pose with both the sword and shield or team up with a partner. She said she chose a dragon because they are large, malicious and seemingly impossible to defeat. “The dragon symbolizes the great obstacles we face in life,” Becker said. “As someone on the verge of graduating, everything can seem big and scary – but if you face your fears head-on, you can overcome them.” During her time at L&C, Becker worked at The Bridge, the student newspaper, as a layout editor and graphic designer. She was also a member of the pottery club and took part in the Juried Student Art Show. She even won first place in 2024 with her piece, “Self-portrait.” “This year’s design truly

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ST. CHARLES COUNTY, Mo. — A 26-year-old woman was killed in a pedestrian traffic crash near the intersection of Dingledine Road and Stonecroft Drive on June 14, 2025, shortly after 6 p.m., the St. Charles County Police Department reported. The victim, identified as Stacy M. Youngers of St. Charles, was found struck in the roadway and was pronounced dead at the scene by personnel from the St. Charles County Ambulance District, according to police. The vehicle involved was a staff vehicle from the Cottleville Fire Protection District, which is not a fire apparatus truck. The driver remained at the scene and has cooperated fully with the investigation, as has the fire district. The St. Charles County Police Department’s Vehicle Crash Investigations Unit is conducting a thorough and ongoing investigation into the incident. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Officer Zachary Koch at 636-949-3000 Ext. 8140 or via email at zkoch@sccmo.org .

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GLEN CARBON — Flames erupted through the roof of the Hardee’s restaurant at 4207 State Route 159 on the morning of Monday, June 16, 2025, prompting a swift response from local fire departments. Firefighters from Glen Carbon, Edwardsville, and Maryville worked together to extinguish the blaze, which was contained within the restaurant’s hood system. Glen Carbon Fire Chief Jason Whitaker said the fire originated on top of the stove and traveled into the hood system. “It was contained inside the hood system. The firefighters followed everything that is supposed to happen — because of the efforts, damage was contained inside that system,” Whitaker said. He credited the close proximity of the firehouse and the early activation of fire suppression systems for limiting the damage. Mutual aid from Edwardsville and Maryville was critical, Whitaker noted, adding that automatic mutual daytime manpower is a vital tool for protecting people and property.

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SOUTH ROXANA — The South Roxana Fire Department responded to a structure fire on the 200 block of Illinois Avenue Monday afternoon, June 16, 2025. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from a mobile home. A box alarm was called, prompting assistance from the Wood River, Roxana, Mitchell, Rosewood Heights and Edwardsville Fire Departments. Meadowbrook manned South Roxana Fire Station. The mobile home was reportedly a total loss. All occupants escaped without injury. Multiple police departments assisted by blocking off streets in the area as firefighters worked to contain the blaze. Survival Flight Ambulance was also on site for fire standby. It is unknown how the fire started.

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GRANITE CITY – A Granite City resident accused of causing “great bodily harm” while driving under the influence has been released from custody pending a felony charge. Khalil R. Pryor, 23, of Granite City, was charged on June 9, 2025 with a Class 4 felony count of aggravated driving while under the influence. On April 12, 2025, Pryor allegedly drove a Jeep Cherokee on State Street in Granite City while under the influence of alcohol. He was then involved in a motor vehicle accident which resulted in “great bodily harm” to the victim, according to court documents. The case against Pryor was presented by the Granite City Police Department, and he was granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man remains in custody after intentionally causing a car crash to commit domestic battery while on pretrial release from a prior domestic battery case involving the same victim. Darien O. Crisp, 25, of Granite City, was charged on June 9, 2025 with one count each of aggravated battery (a Class 3 felony), reckless conduct, and violation of pretrial release (both Class a misdemeanors). As a passenger in the victim’s car, Crisp allegedly pulled the steering wheel while the victim was driving, causing the vehicle to cross multiple lanes of traffic before striking a utility pole. The resulting impact caused pain and bruising to the victim, who was a household or family member and the same victim from Crisp’s previous case of domestic battery . Under the conditions of his pretrial release from custody in that case, Crisp was ordered to have no contact with the victim. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petitio

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GRANITE CITY - Pretrial release was denied for an area woman charged with aggravated battery. Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced on Monday, June 16, 2025, that Associate Judge Ryan Jumper has granted the State’s petition to deny pretrial release for a defendant who is charged with two counts of aggravated battery (class 3 felony). Haine’s office argued public safety required the continued detention of the defendant prior to trial. Skyla M. Soomro (D.O.B. 11/21/2006) of Granite City is charged with striking a person on the head with a glass bottle on June 2, 2025, in the Granite City area. The case was investigated by Madison County Sheriff’s Office. This charge and the statements made herein are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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GODFREY - Have you had an accident with your vehicle? Hendrickson Collision Repair, Inc. provides quality workmanship and on-time delivery. Their technicians follow strict guidelines and receive regular training with the industry leaders in collision repair, and are I-CAR Gold and ASE certified with those organizations to protect your investment as well as the safety of your family by restoring your vehicle to its pre-accident condition. The company is owned by Jim and Jennifer Hendrickson. Through the years of satisfied customers, Hendrickson Collision Repair can handle vehicle required repairs in a timely and professional manner. Whether it is structural integrity or finish work, you will have their lifetime warranty for complete satisfaction. Hendrickson Collision Repair understands that customer satisfaction is the end result of providing quality service and superior workmanship. One aspect that is very unique at Hendrickson Collision is the fact that Jim, the owner, is

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JACKSONVILLE – Convicted former Illinois House Speaker Michael J. Madigan was sentenced to 7.5 years in federal prison and a $2.5 million fine as his public corruption case came to a conclusion on Friday, June 13. U.S. District Judge John Robert Blakey ruled that Madigan lied repeatedly and willfully on the witness stand when he testified in his own defense. Madigan is due to report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons on October 13, pending an appeal. In February, Madigan was found guilty in federal court on 10 felony counts that centered on bribery, bribery conspiracy, and wire fraud. State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) urged the 57 current state legislators that accepted campaign funds from Madigan to donate the tainted money to charity. “As Speaker of the House, Mike Madigan directed a decade-long criminal enterprise that shook down an Illinois utility company for jobs and cash for his friends and allies, in return for favorable treatment from

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CHICAGO- Today, Governor JB Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton joined House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and budget leaders from each chamber to sign the FY26 state budget package. The $55.1 billion budget builds on six years of progress, prioritizing Illinois’ long-term fiscal health while sustaining key investments in economic development, education, and health and human services. “For the seventh year in a row, through hard work and thoughtful compromise, we are keeping our promise to deliver for working families across Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With the chaos and recklessness seeping out of Washington from Trump and Congressional Republicans, this year’s budget doubles down on our strong fiscal discipline and responsible governance without raising taxes for working families. I’m proud to sign the FY26 budget today, a budget that reflects our core values and reinforces our commitment to long-term fiscal

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GRANITE CITY — More than 2,000 customers in Granite City and Madison experienced a power outage late Sunday evening, June 15, 2025, after a snake made contact with electrical equipment inside a local substation, Ameren Illinois reported. The utility company received several calls about the outage and dispatched a crew just after 10 p.m. to investigate. Upon arrival, workers found a snake on top of a transformer inside the substation. To safely remove the snake, crews coordinated with dispatch to reroute power from alternative sources in the area. Power was fully restored to all affected customers by 2 a.m., and the snake was removed from the substation. Customers were then switched back to their original power source. According to Ameren Illinois, snakes can occasionally cause power outages during the spring and summer months. Recent heavy rains in Madison County may drive snakes to seek higher ground, food, and warmth inside substations. Brian Bretsch, Public and Media Relations

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SPRINGFIELD - Chicago Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg’s rookie baseball card, “Star Wars” comic books, a Yoda Pez dispenser, Elvis Presley coins, a 1995W $50 Gold Eagle coin, and stamp collections are among the unclaimed property items the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office is auctioning online from June 13 through June 22. The online auction includes other sports collectible cards of iconic baseball, basketball, and hockey players, including Ernie Banks, Bob Gibson, Johnny Bench, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe. Also available to bid on: vintage pocket watches and other jewelry; currency notes from various countries, including sheets of uncut U.S. $10 bills; and 10 one ounce .999 fine silver bars and rounds. “Everyone is welcome – and encouraged – to explore our online auction. It isn’t meant only for collectors. The online auction is a convenient way for people to add to a personal collection or find a distinctive gift

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TROY - Upcoming Troy-Maryville-St. Jacob-Marine events coming up over the next two weeks. June 18th – Business Before Breakfast at Brightly Senior Living, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM Speaker: Michael Monken & Laura Griffith, New Adventure Web Design & Digital Marketing Topic: How to Use Google Business Profiles to Get More Customers Click Here to Register! June 24th Individual meeting with Department of Commerce & Economic Development Great opportunity to meet with DCEO to discuss any possible grants or incentive programs for your business. You may be surprised by the amount of monies available to businesses. June 25th - Lunch & Learn at the Holiday Inn Express, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Speaker: Garon Cooper, Chatly Topic: AI Isn’t The Future. It’s The NOW! How Small Businesses Can Leverage New Tools To Compete Like The Big Guys Attendees Supply Own Lunch Click Here to Register!

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SAINT LOUIS - Two local wrestlers will be inducted into the Independent St. Louis Wrestling Hall of Fame. Luke Roberts and Mark Bland stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello to talk about their upcoming enshrinement into the Hall of Fame. At 1 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Andre’s Banquet Center in St. Louis, Roberts and Bland will be inducted along with the rest of their class. The community is invited to come out, meet the wrestlers and enjoy the ceremony. “You hear the term ‘Hall of Famer’ and you never think that’s going to happen for you. You always go out there for the love of the professional wrestling industry,” said Roberts. “St. Louis, for decades, has been one of the hotbeds for professional wrestling.” Tickets cost $30 in advance or $35 at the door. This year’s inductees are Ed Smith, Harley Race, Douglas O'Shea, Luke Roberts, Frank “Reed” Root, Jeremy Lightfoot, Doc J.

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AMES, Iowa - Nearly 4,600 graduates received degrees from Iowa State University this spring. Graduate and undergraduate commencement ceremonies were held May 15-17, 2025. Larry Buss and John “J.R.” Robinson received honorary degrees during spring ceremonies. Following are graduates from the Riverbend area: Edwardsville, Illinois Henry Russell Lingafelter, Bachelor of Architecture, Architecture, Cum Laude Hamel, Illinois William Reese Kirk, Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering

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