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WASHINGTON - Illinois conservation organizations are applauding new legislation introduced Wednesday by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) to provide increased protection to three of the largest uninterrupted areas of southern Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest. The proposal would establish the Camp Burke Branch, Camp Hutchins and Ripple Hollow Special Management Areas, protecting them from any commercial extraction activity while allowing for active management of these natural areas. The bill would also establish a new Wilderness Area within Camp Hutchins. “These three areas are rich in biodiversity and among Illinois’ most pristine habitats, but they are not currently protected against logging or other commercial activities,” said Barbara McKasson, a leader with the Shawnee Group of the Sierra Club. “Senator Durbin’s proposal will ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy these high quality natural areas, and that they will continue to

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department recently concluded a targeted traffic safety campaign, "Speeding Catches Up With You," from July 8 to August 1. This initiative aimed to reinforce the importance of safe driving habits and was part of a broader statewide effort. In collaboration with numerous law enforcement agencies, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Illinois State Police, the campaign's primary goal was to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries caused by speeding on our roads. During this enforcement period, Edwardsville Police conducted 63 traffic stops, resulting in the following citations and arrests: 43 speeding citations 8 distracted driving citations 8 citations for other traffic violations 2 arrests for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) 1 arrest for driving with a suspended or revoked license “For everyone driving through Edwardsville, we cannot stress this enough: obey the speed limits and take your responsibility behind

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JACKSONVILLE — State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) is pleased to announce the second winning entry in his 100th District Photo Contest. The winning photograph, titled “Bountiful Crop” was captured by Andrea Winters of Carrolton and will be proudly displayed in Rep. Davidsmeyer’s Springfield office at the Illinois State Capitol. The contest invited residents from across the 100th District to submit photographs that reflect the character and charm of the region. Submissions included images of local landmarks, scenic views, and vibrant community life, all showcasing the diverse beauty of the district. The winning photograph, which beautifully captures a group of deer standing alert in the middle of a lush green field, was selected from dozens of entries submitted by talented residents across the district. The serene yet vibrant image highlights the connection between wildlife and agriculture that defines much of the 100th District’s

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STANDARD CITY — A 60-year-old man from Standard City faces multiple felony charges after allegedly striking two household members and making physical contact with a law enforcement officer, authorities said. Mark W. Wallace was charged July 28, 2025, with two counts of domestic battery causing bodily harm, classified as Class A felonies, and one count of aggravated battery to a peace officer, a Class 2 felony. According to the complaint, Wallace struck the first victim in the chest with his hand. He then grabbed a second victim by the hair and struck him in the head. Following these incidents, Wallace allegedly grabbed a Macoupin County Sheriff’s Deputy’s arm and attempted to punch the deputy. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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JERSEYVILLE - On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Joshua Ackles and Trent Griffith found themselves at a loss: There was nothing for them to do in town with their kids. The day inspired Ackles and Griffith to open Tee Shots, a new entertainment complex in Jerseyville that will offer golf simulator bays, games, and more fun for families and sports teams to enjoy. With a soft opening planned for sometime in the next week or so, Ackles and Griffith can’t wait to share the complex with the community. “It's the whole reason we did it. The community is the highest priority that we have,” Ackles said. “The feedback that we’ve got from just about everybody we’ve talked to in town has been overwhelmingly positive. When I see people out and about, they tell me about how they’re excited for the place to open. They can't wait to come in and have some fun there.” Ackles and Griffith had been joking about starting a business like this since their

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SPRINGFIELD – Building on efforts to ensure quality healthcare accessibility for the people of Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation on Friday that protects patients by limiting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in therapy and psychotherapy services. The Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act prohibits anyone from using AI to provide mental health and therapeutic decision-making, while allowing the use of AI for administrative and supplementary support services for licensed behavioral health professionals. This will protect patients from unregulated and unqualified AI products, while also protecting the jobs of Illinois’ thousands of qualified behavioral health providers. This will also protect vulnerable children amid the rising concerns over AI chatbot use in youth mental health services. “The people of Illinois deserve quality healthcare from real, qualified professionals and not computer programs that pull information from all

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ALTON — The Highway Of Holiness Church Of Deliverance In Christ, Inc. partnered with Sacred Spaces of CARE and the Alton Police Department to host a backpack giveaway aimed at supporting local children. The event took place recently in Alton, providing each child with a backpack filled with school supplies, snacks, dental care items, a refillable water bottle, and therapeutic tools. The Alton Police Department expressed gratitude to the church for its commitment to serving the community. “We are so appreciative of their commitment to serving and supporting our community,” the department said in a statement. The collaboration was described as a “beautiful morning serving together,” highlighting the spirit of partnership among the organizations involved.

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EAST ALTON — A single-vehicle crash occurred at 12:35 p.m. Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at the intersection of Willow Way Avenue and Berkshire Boulevard. According to East Alton Fire Chief Jeremy Diveley, the vehicle left the roadway, struck a yard lamp, and came to rest against a tree, and one person was injured. One patient was transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, he said. Emergency responders arrived promptly to assist at the scene. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by East Alton Police.

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WOOD RIVER – A developer’s request for financial assistance to open a dispensary in downtown Wood River is on the agenda for the Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, Wood River City Council meeting. Marko Glisic with Los Angeles-based Riverbend Ferguson LLC has submitted an application for Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance to renovate the property at 40 E. Ferguson Ave. for use as a recreational cannabis dispensary. “The Cannaisseur Inc.” is listed as the proposed tenant under the developer’s TIF application. The company reportedly already holds a license from the State of Illinois to open and operate recreational cannabis dispensaries within the state. “The project will transform a vacant, underutilized property into a modern, compliant retail dispensary, addressing physical deterioration, outdated systems, and ADA non-compliance,” according to the TIF application. “By activating a long-dormant site, the project will boost downtown vitality

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ALTON – Riverbend Head Start & Family Services (RHSFS) is pleased to host its 3rd annual Donor Appreciation and Back-to-School celebration on Tuesday, August 5th from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Vera Lee Meeting & Event Venue in Alton. In addition to our donors and corporate sponsors, Alton Mayor David Goins has confirmed his attendance, along with Police Chief Jarrett Ford . "It is without a doubt that we don’t say thank you enough or have the opportunity to personally thank those who believe in us the most,” said President/CEO Gene Howell. “We look forward to seeing our mission partners on August 5 for the opportunity to thank them as we embark on our upcoming school year that’s filled with a world of possibilities.” At Riverbend Head Start and Family Services, our efforts to help families overcome generational poverty are successful because of the support of our caring and committed donors, volunteers and community partners. Guest speaker

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Fairview Heights Alderman Harry Zimmerman died this past week at his home, Mayor Mark Kupsky has announced. Zimmerman had been serving his third term, representing Ward Four since 2015. Kupsky said Zimmerman was known for his dedication to the residents of Fairview Heights and his efforts to improve the city. In addition to his role as alderman, Zimmerman served on several committees and commissions, including the planning commission, where he contributed for multiple decades. A proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, Zimmerman’s service extended beyond his military career into his commitment to local government. Mayor Kupsky expressed condolences on behalf of the city, offering sympathy and prayers to Zimmerman’s wife, Geri, and their family.

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ST. LOUIS, MO – July 2025 Award-winning happy hour returns with a special one-night event on August 21 - Drunken Fish, a staple in St. Louis’s dining and nightlife scene, is set to host an exclusive one-night event, the Summer "Pour" Happy Hour Party, on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at its Central West End location. Celebrating the return of the restaurant’s award-winning happy hour, this highly anticipated event invites guests to enjoy a lively evening of signature cocktails, happy hour bites, and music in one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Tickets are priced at $28.95 and include" One complimentary happy hour drink A curated selection of happy hour bites Access to happy hour pricing on additional drinks/food throughout the event A live DJ set by St. Louis-based DJ LUVRBOI Located at 1 Maryland Plaza, Drunken Fish is known for its fusion of contemporary sushi, stylish atmosphere, and high-energy social events. The Summe

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COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville High School’s Marching Kahoks kicked off their band camp with a week full of color and heat, setting the stage for their upcoming Community Preview Night. The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025, at Kahok Stadium. During the second week of band camp, students embraced vibrant spirit days, featuring themes such as Tye-Dye on Monday, Band Together on Tuesday, Beach on Wednesday, and Section Color on Thursday. The camp began with bright colors including white, pink, and purple, which was noted as a favorite. As the weather is expected to cool down this week, the Marching Kahoks prepare to showcase their progress to the community. The Thursday Preview Night offers an opportunity for families and local supporters to see the band’s work ahead of the 2025 season.

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey Community Hospital invites local healthcare workers to come out for a free Education Day where they can earn continuing education units (CEUs). On Aug. 14, 2025, first responders and healthcare providers can stop by Jersey Community High School for the eight-hour day, where they will hear presentations from local physicians. Nathan Bishop with JCH explained that the event aims to help providers accrue the CEUs they need while learning more about healthcare. “This is our first time doing this,” Bishop said. “We’re hoping to turn it into an annual thing if we have some success.” The event is designed for pre-hospital providers, including emergency medical dispatchers, emergency medical responders, EMTs, paramedics, emergency communication registered nurses and pre-hospital registered nurses. But Bishop stressed that the Education Day can be beneficial for all healthcare providers who want to learn more. The event is completely

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You’ve probably heard the saying, “Treat your body like a temple.” Bob Weaver admits he used to treat his like a tent. The 62-year-old OSF HealthCare Mission Partner (employee) from Danville, Illinois, has had three heart stents to fix blockages. The most recent came in October 2024, something he dubbed a “last chance wake up call.” And wake up he did. During cardiac rehabilitation, Weaver lost 33 pounds, four inches off his waist and got his blood pressure and cholesterol back to a healthy level. Now, he and his care team are using the experience to educate others: how will your body change when recovering from a heart event? What’s normal, and what’s not? Things to track in cardiac rehab Tricia Herman is a registered nurse who was on the team who guided Weaver in cardiac rehab. She emphasizes that cardiac rehab isn’t a weight loss program. But, a slim down like Weaver had isn’t uncommon. “Everybody’s different,”

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ALTON — The James Killion Beautification & Enhancement Commission (JK-BEC), in partnership with nonprofit fiscal sponsor Be A Bridge, will host the Back-to-School Movie Night & Community Celebration on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, at James Killion Park in Alton. The event aims to support local families by providing essential school supplies and resources while fostering community connections. The celebration will begin at 7:30 p.m. with a keynote address by Dr. Marty K. Casey of the UnGUN Institute from 7:45 to 8 p.m., followed by a family-friendly movie screening at dusk. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and bug repellent for the outdoor event. Free food, drinks, and popcorn will be available while supplies last. The event features a backpack and school supply giveaway sponsored by Be A Bridge NFP, AltonWorks, and Milton Food & Liquor. A hygiene station will offer essential care items and services. Children and families can participate in interactive games

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JERSEYVILLE – A woman from Jerseyville faces a felony after allegedly gambling with funds from an elderly victim’s debit card. Melody A. Blasa, 69, of Jerseyville, was charged on July 29, 2025 with financial exploitation of an elderly person or a person with a disability, a Class 3 felony. Blasa allegedly obtained the victim’s debit card by means of deception and used over $300 from it “at Medford Food Mart for gambling purposes,” according to charging documents. Blasa reportedly stood in a position of trust and confidence with the victim, who was 60 years of age or older at the time of the incident. Blasa was ordered released from custody pending trial, and was issued a summons to appear at the Jersey County Courthouse on Aug. 19, 2025. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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EDWARDSVILLE - The singles final was the climax of another successful Edwardsville Futures Tournament, one in which Director Dave Lipe hoped to do things just a little bit better than last year. And at the end of the day, he was able to accomplish all of his goals. "I think we did a lot of things a little bit better this year," Lipe said. "Our concessions were a little bit better, the way we were able to accommodate players, I think, a little bit better. we were a little better organized, our front desk, our greeting desk, was a little more professional, a few more options, in terms of swag to purchase. Just our communication as a staff, it's a very small army. "There is a lot of organization that goes into this, and our organization was a little better, a little more timely, and our ball kids were just absolutely phenomenal. Our social media game continues to be fantastic. So, there are just so many people that do such a great job. "All the workers were just so good this week,"

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BETHALTO — Keegin Morgan, a Bethalto special education paraprofessional and mother of two, lost her only vehicle in a fire at her apartment complex on Grant Street. With the new school year approaching, a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help her replace the car and continue supporting her students and family. Morgan, known for her dedication and compassion in a high-needs special education classroom, was left without reliable transportation after the fire severely damaged her vehicle. Despite the setback, she remains committed to her work and her children. The GoFundMe fundraiser aims to provide Morgan with a dependable car so she can maintain her role in education and care for her two sons. Organizers are encouraging community members to contribute any amount to assist Morgan during this challenging time. "Thank you for your kindness and generosity," the organizers of the GoFundMe said. Click here for the GoFundMe for Morgan.

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ALTON – OSF HealthCare Rehabilitation Services in Alton will be holding its monthly lymphedema education meeting on Thursday, August 7, with the discussion topic: Beating the heat - dealing with lymphedema in hot weather. Riverbend region residents are invited to join the OSF Lymphedema Therapy Team for this free educational session about lymphedema and meet other people with lymphedema. The August lymphedema education meeting will be held: Thursday, August 7, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. OSF HealthCare Rehabilitation Services 228 Alton Square Mall, Alton, IL Enter the Rehab office from the upper mall parking lot, facing Alby Street, under the "OSF HEALTHCARE" sign Interested individuals should direct questions or requests for additional information to OSF Rehabilitation Services at (618) 463-5171. Lymphedema refers to tissue swelling caused by an accumulation of fluid that is usually drained by the body's lymphatic system. Some lymphedema facts include: I

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