ROXANA — Grace Huch and Raegan Martin were named all-Cahokia Conference selections after helping the Roxana High School varsity cheer team secure third place at the conference competition last weekend. The Shells finished third overall, with Huch and Martin playing key roles in the team’s performance. The two girls are Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athletes of the Month. The competition showcased the results of extensive preparation, as the team’s routine lasted three
JERSEYVILLE – Two firefighters were honored at this week’s Jerseyville City Council meeting, where Fire Chief Keith Norman also gave an overview of fire statistics from 2025. Firefighter Kyle Fessler received a Service Award for serving 15 years with the Jerseyville Fire Department, as did Firefighter Randy Roentz for his 10 years of service with the department. Neither were present at the meeting. Norman spoke highly of both, describing them as “very good firefighters”
ALTON - Alton Elite Jiu-Jitsu is known for its community feel, and the gym’s leaders are working to encourage more people to start training. General Manager Jacqueline noted that the gym and its members have grown a lot in the past few months after their rebranding and relocation to 2716 Corner Court in Alton. She is proud of everything Alton Elite offers and the welcoming energy they exude. “We’re not just a gym. We’re a community,” Jacqueline said. “These
This morning begins partly cloudy with temperatures around 17 degrees. The day will slowly warm up to a high of 38 degrees with intermittent clouds and sunshine peeking through. Winds will be light from the west around 6 mph, gusting up to 10 mph. By evening, clouds will increase and temperatures will drop quickly as the low settles to a chilly 4 degrees. It will turn breezy late into the night with winds picking up from the north-northwest at about 12 mph and gusts reaching 24 mph, making it fee
EDWARDSVILLE - During their regular meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, the Madison County Board voted 17–4 against having a “day of unity” in honor of Renee Nicole Good. The resolution, brought forth by Alison Lamothe and the Government Relations Committee, asked that Jan. 30, 2026, be recognized as a “Day of Unity” in honor of Good because “now is a time to mourn together in peace, unity, and service” and people should “observe this moment
ALTON- Soulcial Kitchen, the nationally recognized social enterprise known for its innovative Currency of Caring ® and Dignity on Demand initiatives, is proud to announce its first monthly Block Party for Good of 2026. WHAT: Alton Block Party for Good WHEN: January 23 | 2:00–4:00 PM WHERE: Soulcial Square | Market & 5th Street, Alton, IL The January Block Party for Good will once again transform The Alton Soulcial Square into a hub of care, connection, and community support,
ALTON — Sheila Goins, wife of Alton Mayor David Goins, led a tribute Sunday, Jan. 18, 2026, at Tabernacle Baptist Church honoring Jesse Prather Jr. during the NAACP’s Dr. King Salute event. The gathering on Jan. 18, 2026, recognized Prather, a self-taught musician and longtime member of the Riverbend Community Gospel Choir, who died on May 11, 2025. Prather, born Aug. 16, 1978, was remembered for his resilience and musical talent that deeply impacted the local community. “As
EAST ST. LOUIS — A former airman stationed at Scott Air Force Base pleaded guilty Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, to federal charges of sexually exploiting minors and distributing child sexual abuse material. Michael E. McCay, 32, admitted to two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of distribution of child pornography in U.S. District Court. The charges stem from investigations revealing thousands of images and videos of child sexual abuse material on his electronic devices.
GRAFTON – Grafton City Council members unanimously approved the purchase of a ferry at this week’s meeting, taking the first steps needed to launch a daily ferry service which has been years in the making . Once preparations are complete on an estimated “Grand Opening” date of April 10, 2026, the ferry will operate seven days a week, 365 days a year. The currently proposed schedule is from Mondays through Thursdays from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from
ROXANA — Jaylin Roach has been named a 2025-2026 all-state competitive cheer athlete, recognizing her advanced skills and dedication to the sport. The honor highlights her expertise in Level 4 jumps, stunts, and tumbling, and she will be recognized at the IHSA Competitive Cheerleading State Finals. Roach is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Shells. She has also demonstrated her athletic versatility as a standout sprinter for the Roxana girls' track and
EDWARDSVILLE - Metro East Lutheran senior Jack Shank delivered a standout performance in the 2025 cross country postseason, highlighted by a personal record at the IHSA 1A State Cross Country Meet. Shank, who is set to graduate following the spring track and field season, placed 65th at the state meet on Nov. 8, 2025, completing the course in 15 minutes, 45.2 seconds. Shank is a BJ's Printables Male Athlete of the Month for MELHS. Shank’s season included a third-place finish at the Oct.
COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville City Council has adopted a new ordinance regulating door-to-door solicitation within city limits, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The ordinance replaces a previous prohibition on solicitation that was legally challenged, prompting the need for a licensing program with established guidelines. The new Door-to-Door Solicitation Program requires solicitors to complete an application process that includes submitting a valid state-issued ID, a $250 non-refundable
ALTON - Alton Elite Jiu-Jitsu has a special opportunity for martial arts enthusiasts. At 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026, community members can enjoy a seminar with Kyle Watson, a fourth degree Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and owner of Watson Martial Arts. Hosted by Alton Elite, Watson will share his skills with students and inspire them to commit to their training. “ is basically our fearless leader,” said Jacqueline, general manager at Alton Elite. “His academy
ALTON – Riverbend Head Start & Family Services (RHSFS) is pleased to welcome Illinois Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski to our Essic Robinson location on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, from 2:00 until 2:45 pm. The address is 1802 E. Broadway, Alton, IL 62002. The phone number is (618) 463-5933. Rep. Budzinski launched her “Valentine’s for Veterans” program in January 2023, encouraging families across Central and Southern Illinois to show appreciation for local veterans
O’FALLON, IL. — Prairie Cardiovascular and HSHS Medical Group welcome Rugheed Ghadban, MD, board-certified in internal medicine, cardiology and cardiac electrophysiology, to the Prairie Cardiovascular team at 3 St. Elizabeth’s Blvd., Suite 1800, in O’Fallon. Dr. Ghadban specializes in diagnosing and treating complex heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia and other arrhythmias. He is skilled in advanced procedures such as catheter
JERSEYVILLE – Several Jerseyville residents made their opinions known at a packed-house hearing on Jan. 20, 2026 as the city considers entering into an exclusive contract for curbside trash pickup . The prevailing sentiment was clear: Jerseyville residents would rather continue choosing their own trash hauling companies than be forced into a one-company contract, even if it means a sharp spike in dump sticker fees. Of more than 40 speakers who made comments for over 90 minutes, none
EDWARDSVILLE - The American Legion Edwardsville Post #199 recently donated school supplies to the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7. The Post donated $1,000 worth of school supplies to support students and teachers. Doug Thompson, Post Commander, explained that legion leaders learned of the district’s needs and decided to come together to give back. “We just want to make sure that all of our citizens and our schools here in Edwardsville are supported by our veterans
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Michael Cole Jr., 21, of the 5300 block of Wells Avenue in St. Louis, Mo., with first-degree robbery and armed criminal action on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. Cole is being held on a $200,000 cash-only bond with no 10% option. The charges stem from an incident on Jan. 19, 2026, involving a Lyft driver who picked up four passengers in St. Louis City and was driven to the 2100 block of Hecht Avenue. According to the probable
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 21 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit to affirm the preliminary injunction granted by the district court, blocking President Trump’s proclamation that banned international students from entering the United States if they planned to attend Harvard. President Trump issued this proclamation after the district court previously blocked his effort to terminate Harvard’s
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