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JERSEYVILLE - Sinclair Foods in Jerseyville will celebrate their 85th anniversary with a party. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, community members can come by Sinclair Foods to enjoy free hotdogs, visits with Santa and The Princess from the Tower, a storytime with local author Elaine Lavey, music by Ava Tonsor and Haylie Jones, archery with Big Ed’s Hooked On Fishing, and photo ops with the Monster Truck Bigfoot, Bluey, and Clifford the Big Red Dog. “All of the stuff we’re having here, all of the things, they have a local connection to Jerseyville or Jersey County,” said Dawn, an employee with Sinclair Foods who helped organize the event. “We have really appreciated the support that the entire Riverbend area has given the store.” As the store marks its 85th year in Jerseyville, Dawn and store owner Stan hope to see many people come out to enjoy the celebrations. Stan’s father opened the original Sinclair Foods on

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CARLINVILLE – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski convened local farmers, food banks, and leaders in the food and agriculture sectors to discuss growing threats to food access in Central and Southern Illinois. The conversation focused on recent actions by the Trump administration, including the cancellation of the Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) and Local Food for Schools (LFS) contracts, as well as newly signed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). “Right now, Central and Southern Illinoisans are at risk of going hungry – not because of a bad harvest, but because of cruel, unnecessary cuts. Today, I heard from local farmers and food banks about the challenges they’re facing keeping our community fed,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “These leaders shared their concerns that the Trump Administration’s elimination of programs like LFPA and LFS will jeopardize the future of IL-EATS and the ability of foodbanks i

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WEST ALTON, MO. - The Riverbend Community Orchestra will play a nature-themed concert at the Audubon Center at Riverlands. On Sunday, July 27, 2025, community members are invited to the Audubon Center in West Alton for two concerts at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. At 3 p.m., there will be a sound hike and instrument exploration for those in attendance to enjoy. Ann Geiler with the Riverbend Community Orchestra expressed the group’s excitement to collaborate with the Audubon Center. “With every concert, we’re thinking, how do we connect with another organization or get more people that maybe don’t have a chance to hear classical music?” Geiler said. “All of our stuff is free, so anybody can come. We hope people just have a good time. It’s very relaxed.” The RCO will play nature-themed music, which Geiler said is “a very common topic in classical music.” In addition to the free concerts, attendees can explore the Audubon Center a

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EAST ST. LOUIS — A Chinese national has been federally charged for allegedly impersonating a federal agent and defrauding a Belleville senior of more than $70,000, according to authorities. Zhigang Lian, 42, a lawful resident of La Puente, Calif., was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of wire fraud. The charges stem from an impostor scam targeting a 76-year-old Belleville resident. Lian faces up to 20 years in prison and fines up to $250,000 if convicted. The investigation involved cooperation between the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Illinois State Police Metropolitan Enforcement Group Special Investigations, and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zoe Gross. Court documents detail that on June 13, 2025, the victim received a text message claiming to be from Apple, alerting them to a suspicious $258 transaction. When the victim called to dispute the charge, they were drawn into conversations

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ALTON – The owner of an Alton bar at risk of losing its late night liquor license has launched a movement to “ Stand Up ” for the fair treatment of all businesses amid claims the city is unfairly targeting his establishment. A hearing held on Monday, July 14, 2025, concerned the possibility of revoking the late night liquor licenses of two downtown bars, Pour Decisions and Hiram’s Bar. Under the Alton City Code , a “late night liquor license” allows a business to continue selling alcohol from 1 to 2 a.m. on weekdays and 1 to 3 a.m. on weekends. The owners of both bars were called to appear before Mayor David Goins, who also serves as the city’s Liquor Control Commissioner. Brian Trust, co-owner of the Pour Decisions bar in downtown Alton, said he’s launched a new Facebook page called Stand Up Alton . A post from July 17, 2025 addresses the reason behind the page’s creation. “To be clear, this page – Stand Up

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Education Association has reached a tentative agreement with Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7. On July 16, 2025, the EEA released a 25-page document on its website outlining the tentative agreement. According to this agreement, teachers can expect a 4% increase on the base salary for the 2025–2026 school year. “I hope the teachers see this tentative agreement as a new chapter with a new board,” said Bob Paty, Board of Education president. In addition to the salary increase, other points in the contract note that teachers will be reimbursed a maximum of $100 per year for purchases of incidental supplies and they will receive 15 days of sick leave. You can read the entire tentative agreement here . This tentative agreement comes after many days of negotiations between the EEA and ECUSD7. The EEA has also organized several rallies in support of teachers following the Board of Education’s March

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COLLINSVILLE — Dustin Osborn and Kaitlin Hatcher are currently wanted by the Collinsville Police Department on charges of forgery and theft over $500. Authorities allege the two individuals took advantage of older family members, resulting in warrants. The Collinsville Police Department released information about the two in its "Fugitive Friday" feature on its Facebook page on Friday, July 18, 2025. The police department is seeking assistance from the public to locate Osborn and Hatcher. Those with information on their whereabouts are encouraged to contact the Collinsville Police Department at 618-344-2131, extension 5209. Callers may remain anonymous. In a statement, Collinsville Police officials urged Osborn and Hatcher to consider turning themselves in. The charges are based on probable cause, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

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PIKE COUNTY - The Pike County Sheriff’s Department is seeking information about the theft of four off-road vehicles reported over the past two months in Pike County, Illinois. Pike County is adjacent to Calhoun County and the Calhoun Sheriff's Office released this information in its social media. The thefts occurred at various locations between late May and early July 2025. On or about May 31, a red and white Honda 70 dirt bike was taken from a property on the 1000 block of Bainbridge Street in Barry. Approximately nine days later, on June 9, 2025, a gray CF Moto 800 four-wheeler was stolen from a property on the 36000 block of County Highway 2 in Baylis. Two days after that, on June 11, 2025, a green 2020 Polaris was reported stolen from the 500 block of State Highway 106 in Barry. Most recently, on or about July 9, 2025, a green and black Polaris Ranger UTV was taken from a property on the 18000 block of U.S. Highway 54 in Rockport. The sheriff’s department is asking

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GODFREY - Community members are coming together to help each other at the annual Christmas in July fundraiser. From 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, Freer Auto Body hosted their Christmas in July event to raise money for 17 local organizations through Community Christmas. Attendees could buy raffle tickets and donate to receive a sloppy joe. All of the proceeds will go back to the community to provide toys, clothes, hygiene products and more to families in need at Christmastime. “It’s really cool,” said Lily Freer, who helps organize the event. “I’m very proud of everything our community has done and everything my family has done to set this up, but it really is the community. I’m very proud of the people we’re surrounded by.” Lily and her sister Taylor started the Christmas in July fundraiser 17 years ago at Freer Auto Body to honor the legacy of their uncle David, who loved supporting Community Christmas. Since

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EAST ALTON - Starting September 1st Republic Services will become the new trash and recycling provider for East Alton residents, the village announced. Residents will continue to be billed through the East Alton Water Department, with no changes to the billing process. Republic Services will supply new trash carts and recycling bins to all customers at no additional cost. Before the new service begins, Republic will mail informational packets containing specific trash and recycling pickup days, as well as instructions on where to place carts and bins on collection days. Although route changes are expected, details have not yet been finalized. In the meantime, residents are asked to keep using their current village-provided recycling bins. Once the new bins arrive, customers may keep their old bins for personal use or storage. Village officials said they will provide updates as more information becomes available and expressed appreciation for residents’ patience and cooperation

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MADISON – A man from Madison remains in custody after his latest case of domestic battery resulted in significant injury to an elderly victim. James A. Baine Jr., 44, of Madison, Ill., was charged on July 10, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery, two counts of aggravated battery (Class 2 and 3 felonies) and his second or subsequent offense of domestic battery (a Class 4 felony). On July 9, 2025, Baine allegedly became angry with the 68-year-old victim and began throwing various household items – including a coffee mug, lamp, and more – at the victim, striking them in the head and body. He then “punched in the face with his hand several times and kicked about her body with his feet,” according to the state’s petition to deny Baine’s pretrial release from custody. The victim was transported by ambulance to Anderson Hospital in Maryville, where she was found to have sustained “a laceration to her head requirin

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CARROLLTON — Greene County Board intern Billy Springman, 20, of Carrollton, is working to increase public awareness of the county’s new official website, following its successful launch earlier this year. Springman was tasked by the Greene County Board in early 2025 with overseeing the creation of a modern, centralized website for the county. After months of development and collaboration with county officials and staff, he formally presented the new website to the County Board in March. The Board approved its launch shortly after. The website, located at greenecountyil.org , was developed to improve public access to county services, increase transparency, and serve as a one-stop hub for local government information. It includes several user-friendly features that make services more accessible and efficient. Residents can pay property taxes, court fines, and traffic tickets online, request vital records such as marriage licenses and death certificates, and view real-time

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CARLINVILLE — Today, Friday, July 18, 2025, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) will convene a roundtable with local stakeholders to address growing concerns about food access in Central and Southern Illinois. The discussion comes in response to recent actions by the Trump administration, including the cancellation of the Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) and Local Food for Schools (LFS) contracts, as well as newly signed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The roundtable will bring together farmers, food banks, and leaders in the food and agriculture sectors to discuss current challenges and identify solutions to expand access to locally grown food and strengthen regional food systems. WHAT: Budzinski to Host Roundtable on Threats to Food Access in Central and Southern Illinois WHO: U.S. Congresswoman Budzinski, Illinois’ 13th District Austin Flamm, Owner of Flamm Orchards John Williams, Illinois Farmers Union/Sola Gratia Melanie

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ALTON - Native plant enthusiasts, friends, neighbors, and gardeners of all kinds are invited to attend a variety of free garden tours held across the lower Midwest this summer in honor of Grow Native!’s 25th Anniversary. Alton’s native plant tour will be held Friday, July 18th from 4-7pm. This specific tour is a multi-stop, walkable tour of public garden beds in Alton, Illinois by Grow Native! Professional Member Sierra Club – Piasa Palisades Group , the Hayner Public Library District , and Alton Main Street . The tour route covers a three-block area from 3rd Street between State Street and Piasa Street, the 300 Block of Belle Street, and the sitting area adjacent to the Library’s Belle Street parking lot. The stops, in green on the map below, may be visited in any order. As an extra-special treat, Bossanova will offer tour-goers a Riverbend Bloom Spritz, consisting of house-made native wildflower simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, sparkling water, and your

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GRAFTON – A Grafton ice cream shop’s request for a liquor license remains up for consideration following a lengthy discussion between city officials. Grafton City Council members on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, agreed to keep an ordinance raising the number of Class A liquor licenses in Grafton “on the table.” After the ordinance was first laid over in June , Mayor Mike Morrow said the item must be voted on within the same quarter, setting the stage for a final vote at the council’s August 19, 2025 meeting. On July 11, 2025, the City Council held a “special meeting” to discuss the city’s current rules and regulations on liquor licenses for local businesses. The special meeting followed a heavily discussed request made during the June City Council meeting from a local ice cream shop, Gogo-May’s Sundae Scoop , which is seeking a Class A liquor license to add alcohol-infused items to their menu. Morrow said past administrations have

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ALTON - The Alton Midwest Nationals F1 Powerboat Championship is this weekend from July 18–20, 2025, and racer Dylan Anderson can’t wait. Anderson finished third at last year’s championship. He hopes to get back on the podium this weekend. As he prepares for the race, he shared his tips for staying calm, controlling the boat, and making sure you’re successful on the water. “A lot of it just comes down to keeping your head on straight,” he said. “Being inside of the capsule of a Formula 1 boat can get really aggressive really quick. The biggest thing is just, keep yourself calm. Make sure you’re listening to the boat. Make sure you’re listening to what everything is telling you. Don’t let the boat drive you. Make sure you’re in control and along for the ride in a good way.” Anderson started as a Formula 1 racer in 2016, following in his father’s footsteps. He shared that he made some “pretty

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Did you know that interactive play can increase social bonding by up to 70% during group events? This statistic underscores a simple truth: games ignite connection. When guests gather, whether for a casual barbecue or a milestone celebration, the right activity can transform the atmosphere from polite conversation to genuine camaraderie. DIY outdoor games, in particular, offer an engaging, customizable, and budget-friendly way to entertain guests while encouraging laughter, teamwork, and friendly competition. Creating your own outdoor games not only personalizes the experience but also invites creativity that commercial games often lack. This article explores a variety of DIY outdoor games tailored to different group sizes and settings, provides practical tips for successful execution, and highlights why these games elevate your summer gatherings beyond the ordinary. The Appeal of DIY Outdoor Games The beauty of DIY games lies in their adaptability. Unlike store-bought games with

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July 18th has been a stage for some of the most pivotal moments in global history, spanning centuries and continents. One of the most impactful events occurred on July 18, 1969, when the Apollo 11 mission was in its final stages before the historic moon landing. Although the actual moonwalk took place on July 20th, the crew's journey and preparations on this day symbolized the culmination of years of scientific innovation and international competition during the Space Race. The Apollo 11 mission was a defining moment for humanity, showcasing what could be achieved with determination and ingenuity. It not only marked the first time humans set foot on another celestial body but also inspired generations around the globe to look beyond our planet with curiosity and hope. In the realm of politics, July 18, 1936, marked the beginning of the Spanish Civil War when a military coup against the Republican government escalated into a full-scale conflict. This war would have profound implications

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY — Detectives with the St. Louis County Police Department’s Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are investigating a homicide that occurred Thursday afternoon, July 17, 2025, in the 2100 block of Territory Court. At approximately 2:10 p.m., officers from the North County Precinct responded to a report of a shooting at that location. Upon arrival, they found an adult male suffering from at least one life-threatening gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries. One person has been taken into custody in connection with the incident. The investigation remains active, and authorities have not released further details. Officials are asking anyone with information to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. Those wishing to remain anonymous or who may be eligible for a reward can reach out to CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477). Additional information will be provided as it becomes

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WEST ALTON, Mo. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, will temporarily close Lincoln Shields Recreation Area beginning Friday, July 18, 2025 at 6 a.m. for the F1 Powerboat Alton Midwest Nationals. Lincoln Shields Access Area will be re-opened Monday, July 20 at 7 a.m. For more information, please contact the Rivers Project Office at 636-899-2600.

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