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TROY – A teacher for the Triad School District has been charged with grooming a 14-year-old student and more, according to newly released court documents. Michael L. Smargiassi, 59, of Highland, was charged on April 4, 2025 with Official Misconduct (a Class 3 felony), two counts of Grooming (both Class 3 felonies) and Battery (a Class A misdemeanor). From Aug. 21 to Oct. 7, 2024, in his capacity as a public school teacher, Smargiassi allegedly attempted to “seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a child … to engage in any unlawful sexual contact” on multiple occasions, according to charging documents. A petition to deny his pretrial release states the victim was one of his students. “Two students reported to school officials with the Triad School District that was having inappropriate communication with his student on October 7, 2024,” the petition states. “School officials discovered hundreds of pages of emails between the defendant and starting

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ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education has approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Alton Education Association. Board of Education President David Lauschke explained that teachers will be working under a new contract following the agreement between the Board of Education and the AEA. The new contract will go into effect on July 1, 2025, and expire on June 30, 2028. “We have certainty for the next three years in terms of salary schedules and verbiage in the contract,” Lauschke said. “That gives them a great deal of certainty, knowing what they’re going to be making and what the contract itself says.” In a statement, the Alton School District said the agreement was reached “through a streamlined, collaborative process.” After six negotiation sessions, a “tentative agreement” was reached on March 27. The AEA members voted for the contract on April 2, and the Board of Educatio

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ALTON - The Wedge Innovation Center is officially open. During a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, community leaders came together to celebrate the Wedge’s opening and its future as an innovation hub. Located at 620 E. Broadway in downtown Alton, the Wedge is a project by AltonWorks developed in partnership with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). “Today marks more than just an opening of a building. It’s the dawn of a new era for our region,” said John Simmons, founder of AltonWorks. “The Wedge embodies our vision of a thriving, interconnected community where innovation drives prosperity and creates opportunities for generations to come. It’s not just about us here today. It’s about many, many people that we will never even meet.” SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor echoed Simmons, noting his excitement to see how the Wedge improves Alton and the Metro East. He said SIUE is looking forward to collaborating

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JERSEYVILLE - Shea Herrera, a standout athlete from Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100, has committed to continue both his education and football career at Crown College in Saint Bonifacius, Minn. The announcement was made recently by the Jersey High School athletic department, which expressed its congratulations in a statement. Herrera played multiple positions for the Jersey Panthers, including tackle, guard, and defensive end. His versatility on the field contributed to his recognition as a valuable player during his high school football career. Crown College, where Herrera will continue his academic and athletic pursuits, is known for its commitment to student-athlete development. This decision marks a significant milestone for Herrera, who has shown dedication to both his sport and education throughout his time at Jersey Community High School.

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JERSEYVILLE - Ari Leslie, a standout athlete and libero from Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100, has officially committed to Illinois College to further her education and volleyball career. The announcement was made on social media, where the school expressed excitement about her decision. Leslie is also a Sparklight Female Athlete of the Month for the Panthers, highlighting her achievements in athletics. The commitment to Illinois College marks a significant step in her journey as she prepares to transition from high school sports to collegiate competition. The timing of the announcement aligns with the college recruitment period, which is critical for student-athletes looking to secure their future in sports. Illinois College, located in Jacksonville, Illinois, offers a platform for Leslie to continue her passion for volleyball while pursuing her academic goals. The support from the Jersey Community Unit School District and the local community has been evident, as

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PIASA - Deacon White, a recent standout linebacker from Southwestern High School, has been named an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month. White is set to continue his football career at McKendree College in Lebanon, where he may play at the linebacker spot. He has signed a letter of intent to attend McKendree. Southwestern High School Head Football Coach Pat Keith praised White's contributions to the team, highlighting his leadership on defense. "He was one of our defensive leaders and a leader in tackles," Keith said. "He was a stalwart guy for our defense." White's recognition as Athlete of the Month reflects his significant impact in high school football and his promising future at the collegiate level.

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O'FALLON — A routine traffic stop turned into a significant arrest when O'Fallon police apprehended a driver for reckless driving and speeding at 87 mph in a 30 mph zone on Frontage Road near Venita Drive. The incident occurred recently when officers pulled over 29-year-old Detray D. Westbrook, a resident of Cahokia Heights. Upon further investigation, police discovered that Westbrook was a non-compliant violent offender, leading to his arrest. While impounding the vehicle, officers recovered a loaded firearm. The findings prompted the St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office to file charges against Westbrook, including one count of Unlawful Possession of Firearm by a Felon and one count of Failure to Register as a Murderer & Violent Offender Against Youth. Westbrook was taken into custody at the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department. Required by the Illinois Supreme Court: All persons charged with a crime are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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JERSEYVILLE – A man from Godfrey remains in custody after breaking into a Jersey County home and swinging a knife at one of the occupants. Juwan A. Wallace, 32, of Godfrey, was charged on March 31, 2025 with Attempted First Degree Murder and Home Invasion, both Class X felonies. On March 28, 2025, Wallace allegedly entered the victim’s residence without authority while armed with a knife. Wallace reportedly swung the knife at the victim “multiple times, coming within approximately three inches” of their face after threatening to kill the victim and their mother. A petition was filed to deny Wallace’s pretrial release from custody. The petition notes Wallace “has a criminal history dating back to at least 2012,” and has a history of other violent arrests and convictions – including his most recent conviction of Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse from a 2021 Jersey County case. A Pretrial Detention Order was filed upholding the petition

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TROY – South Main Street has reopened to traffic following a fuel spill at the 4-0 Quick Shop that prompted rerouting over the weekend. The incident occurred on April 7, 2025, when the Quick Shop reported the spill, leading to temporary closures in the area. The 4-0 Quick Shop also announced it was back in business on Monday morning. The gasoline portion of the shop remains closed, with no specific timeline provided for when it might reopen for fuel sales. Multiple agencies were dispatched to the scene to manage the containment of the spill and conduct environmental monitoring and cleanup efforts. The City of Troy confirmed that there were no water wells in the vicinity of the spill, alleviating concerns about potential contamination. During the cleanup, businesses located one block north, east, and west of the Quick Shop also faced temporary closures. The Troy Police Department expressed gratitude to the community for their patience during the response efforts.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator and co-founder of the Senate’s first-ever Environmental Justice Caucus Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) last week met with members of the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) to discuss President Trump’s recent attacks on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), cuts to dozens of EPA regulations that protect our nation’s public health and threats to dismantle Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) tax credits that promote clean jobs and support a green energy economy. Duckworth also reiterated that she will not let up in her work to promote and defend environmental justice. Photos of the meeting can be found on the Senator’s website. “The Trump Administration seems determined to undermine protections aimed at helping every American—no matter their zip code—breathe safe air, drink clean water and live, work and play on uncontaminated land,” Duckworth said. “In order

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O'FALLON — The O'Fallon Police Department celebrated the 103rd birthday of Marine Corps veteran Bob Schultz on April 1, 2025, honoring his service and contributions to the community. Schultz, who served aboard the USS California during significant battles in the South Pacific, experienced firsthand the challenges of war, including an incident where his ship was struck by a kamikaze. Schultz's bravery and dedication have made him a respected figure in the O'Fallon community. In a statement, the O'Fallon Police Department expressed their pride in recognizing Schultz's milestone birthday. "Our First Responders were honored and took advantage of the opportunity to escort him from home to his party at the VFW," the department noted. The celebration not only marked a personal milestone for Schultz but also highlighted the importance of community engagement and respect for veterans. The O'Fallon Police Department emphasized Schultz's status as a "true hometown hero" and acknowledged

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GRANITE CITY — The City of Granite City will initiate intersection improvements at the intersection of Johnson Road and Edgewood beginning Monday morning, April 7, 2025. The project is expected to last approximately four days, during which time detour signs will be posted to guide motorists around the area. City officials have advised residents and commuters to exercise patience, as unforeseen delays or inclement weather could extend the timeline of the work. The improvements are part of ongoing efforts to enhance local infrastructure and traffic flow. Further updates will be provided as the project progresses.

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ST. LOUIS - Rainfall totals from April 2 to April 6, 2025, revealed significant precipitation across parts of southeast Missouri and southwest Illinois, according to the U.S. National Weather Service in St. Louis. Centralia recorded the highest area total with 8.50 inches of rain. In the area, Lebanon recorded 6.10 inches of rainfall and Edwardsville at 5.32 inches. The heavy rain during this period led to flash flooding, prompting the National Weather Service to issue warnings and advisories. In a statement, the NWS said, “Thanks all for the reports! Here is an analysis of the heavy rain that fell from April 2-6, causing flash flooding in southeast Missouri and southwest Illinois. The analysis is as close of an estimate as we can create; exact values at any one location may vary from what's shown.” The rainfall graphic totals reflect a significant weather event that affected local communities.

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Did you know that a mere 15% of health outcomes are determined by clinical care, while the remaining 85% are influenced by social, economic, and environmental factors? This staggering statistic underscores a fundamental truth: health is not just an individual concern but a global imperative. As we observe World Health Day, it is crucial to reflect on why global health matters to everyone, regardless of where we live or what our circumstances are. The Interconnectedness of Global Health In an increasingly interconnected world, the health of one nation can have far-reaching effects on others. A prime example is the COVID-19 pandemic, which illustrated how a virus can traverse borders in mere hours. The health crisis that began in Wuhan, China, quickly became a global emergency, affecting economies, healthcare systems, and individual lives across continents. This interconnectedness highlights the importance of global health initiatives. When countries prioritize public health, they

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ALTON — Alton firefighters successfully rescued an injured 35-year-old male from Bing Paintball Field on Sunday afternoon, April 6, 2025, utilizing a utility task vehicle (UTV) to navigate challenging terrain. The incident occurred when firefighters responded to a call regarding the injured man, whose specific injuries were not disclosed. Due to muddy conditions and the distance from ambulance access, the UTV was deemed necessary for the rescue operation. Once the patient was trauma packaged and loaded onto the UTV, firefighters transported him to Corporal Belchik Road. From there, he was transferred to an ARCH Helicopter for further transport to a trauma center in St. Louis.

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April 7 has witnessed pivotal moments throughout history that have shaped nations, transformed societies, and influenced countless lives. **The United Nations Established World Health Day (1948)** One of the most notable events on April 7 is the establishment of World Health Day by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. This day was created to raise awareness about global health issues and promote healthier living practices worldwide. The first World Health Day was celebrated on April 7, 1950, coinciding with the anniversary of the WHO's founding. Each year, this day focuses on a specific health theme, highlighting pressing health issues such as mental health, maternal health, and disease prevention. As we reflect on this day, we recognize the importance of global health and the collective efforts needed to improve the well-being of people around the world. **The Launch of the First International Space Station Module (1998)** On this day in 1998, the first module of the International

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Did you know that nearly one in four Americans now identify as flexitarian, vegetarian, or vegan? This burgeoning trend reflects a significant shift in dietary preferences, spurred by an increasing awareness of health, environmental sustainability, and ethical considerations surrounding food choices. The rise of plant-based diets is not merely a dietary fad but a profound transformation in how individuals approach their health and nutrition. Understanding Plant-Based Diets At its core, a plant-based diet emphasizes foods derived from plants, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, and beans. While some people might interpret this as strictly vegan or vegetarian, many adopt a more flexible approach, incorporating animal products in moderation. The diversity in plant-based eating allows for various interpretations, catering to individual preferences and lifestyles. The Health Benefits of Going Green Nutritional Advantages One of the most compelling

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Imagine a scenario where you and your loved ones gather on a sun-dappled lawn, laughter mingling with the rustling leaves, as you indulge in delightful treats laid out on a colorful blanket. In a world buzzing with the noise of technology and the demands of daily life, a picnic offers a rare chance to reconnect with nature, savor good food, and enjoy quality time with family and friends. But how do you ensure that your outdoor outing is not just an afterthought, but an unforgettable experience? Setting the Scene: Choosing the Perfect Location The first step in planning the perfect picnic is selecting an idyllic location. The right spot can transform an ordinary gathering into a memorable event. Consider parks with ample green space, lakeside views, or botanical gardens where vibrant flora enhances the aesthetic. If you prefer a more secluded experience, local hiking trails with picturesque overlooks or your own backyard can serve as intimate settings. When scouting locations, think

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LEBANON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent lane closures on Illinois 4 north of Lebanon to the Madison County line in St. Clair County will begin, weather permitting, Monday, April 7, 2025 for resurfacing. Flaggers will maintain two-way traffic. 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. The project is expected to be completed by mid-summer. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER – Charges have been filed against residents of East Alton and Wood River after they allegedly stole thousands of dollars worth of copper products from Wieland. Reggie R. Runion, 34, of Wood River, and Donald G. Gibson, 60, of East Alton, were charged in separate but related cases with one count each of theft, both Class 2 felonies. From July 13, 2023 to Nov. 19, 2024, the two reportedly stole over $10,000 worth of copper metal sheets and wire from Wieland in East Alton. The East Alton Police Department presented the cases against Runion and Gibson, who were both granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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