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ALTON - Julie Botterbush started as a candystriper at St. Anthony’s Hospital. Now, she’s the Administrative Director of Nursing Operations for SSM Health. Botterbush, one of the YWCA’s ten 2025 Women of Distinction, will be honored at the Y’s annual gala for her commitment to the community. As she reflected on her career and community service, Botterbush has a powerful message for other young women. “I worked the AIDS epidemic, I worked the COVID epidemic, and everything in between,” she said. “The biggest thing, if I could tell a young girl, if I could tell myself, if I could tell my 1986 self — be your biggest hero. Believe in yourself. Be resilient. And don’t give up. You may have to try harder, you may have to try a couple of times, but bounce right back.” Botterbush began training to be a nurse at the J.B. Johnson Center at Alton High School in the 1980s. She loved the job and decided to become an LPN. But

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ALTON - The Jones brothers — Cameron, Chase, and Carson — made significant contributions to Marquette Catholic High School's boys basketball team during the 2024-2025 season. Their collective efforts have not only showcased their individual talents but have also strengthened the team's overall performance. The boys are Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athletes of the Month for Marquette Catholic. Carson Jones, a junior, expressed gratitude towards his family for their unwavering support. "My entire family has always encouraged me and I thank my brothers for challenging me and pushing me to do my best," he said. This season marked Carson's first year playing varsity basketball, where he dedicated himself to extra work both on the court and in the weight room. "That hard work paid off as I got bigger and better this year," he noted. Cameron Jones, a freshman, also made an immediate impact by starting on the varsity team. He thanked his family and his AAU coach, Brandon

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JERSEYVILLE/GRANITE CITY – Two area sex offenders face felony charges after failing to register with local law enforcement. Brad A. Stokes, 39, of the 28000 block of State Highway 16 in Jerseyville, was charged on Feb. 25, 2025 with unlawful failure to register as a sex offender, a Class 3 felony. On Feb. 17, 2025, Stokes allegedly failed to register with the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office within three days after establishing a residence in Jersey County, as legally required under the Child Sex Offender Registration Act. Stokes was arrested by the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office and has been granted pretrial release from custody. In a similar but unrelated case, David W. Bowers, 28, listed as homeless out of Granite City, was charged on Feb. 25, 2025 with a Class 2 felony for his second or subsequent offense of failing to register as a sex offender. On Jan. 7, 2025, Bowers reportedly failed to register as a homeless sex offender with the Pontoon Beach Chief of

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ALTON — Two individuals have been charged in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on Feb. 26, 2025, near a school bus stop in the 1200 block of Central Avenue, according to the Alton Police Department. Daniel G. Coalan, an adult, faces multiple charges including Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Class X and Class 1) and Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapons (two counts, Class 4). A 16-year-old juvenile has also been charged under a Delinquency Petition with Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Class 1) and Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapons (two counts, Class 4). Coalan was arrested on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, in the 700 block of Oakwood Estates in Alton, while the juvenile suspect was apprehended the following day in the 700 block of State Street in Wood River, with assistance from the Wood River and East Alton police departments. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford expressed gratitude for the work of his team and the collaboration with neighboring law enforcement agencies.

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ALTON/GRANITE CITY – Five individuals were charged with mob action in Madison County, including three men from Alton, one from Granite City, and another from St. Louis. In separate but related cases, each of the following individuals face a Class 4 felony count of mob action: Raysean M. Colvin, 20, of Alton John A. Hammond Jr., 44, of Alton Damion D. Weeden Sr., 44, of Alton Lamaure A. Hickman, 20, of Granite City Vernon G. McIntosh, 39, of St. Louis While in custody, all five individuals allegedly acted together to batter another detainee in the Madison County Jail. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office presented each of the cases, and their records indicate all five individuals currently remain in custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Letter To The Editor: At tonight’s Wood River City council meeting, we will once again be considering Councilman Dettmers request to pursue additional professional services regarding items discussed at length in prior meetings. If Councilman Dettmers gets what he wants, this would mean adding thousands of dollars in professional services to the tens of thousands in legal costs Dettmers has already cost Wood River taxpayers. I suspect that hiring a forensic auditor is the path of least resistance for him. Taxpayer-funded lawyers aren’t telling him what he wants to hear. As I've said, Wood River is more transparent than ever before. Before I took office in 2021, all we had was a paper copy of the agenda posted on the glass door at city hall. Now we have live and video-recorded meetings. Agendas, board packets, minutes, and a calendar of meetings are all posted online. Councilman Dettmers list of grievances do not rise to the level of a forensic audit. Except for the close

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(Photos and Video by 618 Drone Service). WORDEN - Wordi Gras, a festive celebration dubbed the "Redneck Mardi Gras," took place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, in Worden, a small community along Route 66 in Madison County. The event, which began at noon, featured live music, food and drink vendors, and a parade that was reported to be the longest in the event's history. Rick and Nikki Landrem, local residents and organizers, noted that this year’s festivities were marked by a smooth operation and a family-friendly atmosphere. “All had fun and another year of no fights, everything went off smooth, no problems,” said Rick and Nikki. The elaborate parade commenced at 3 p.m. Saturday, showcasing a variety of floats, tractors, trucks, and cars as it wound through downtown, concluding at Civic Park. Participants included both local residents and visitors, with some traveling from out of state to enjoy the festivities. According to organizers, many attendees preferred

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ALTON - The Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club’s 39th annual Chili Chowdown will raise money for local students and community projects. On Monday, March 3, 2025, community members can stop by Main Street United Methodist Church in Upper Alton for a dine-in or carry-out chili meal. The Rotary Club will serve chili from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and then again from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Dennis Wilson, who chairs the event, explained that the goal is to improve the Alton-Godfrey community. “We’re very much into the community and trying to make it a better place,” he said. “It’s what Rotary stands for, making a better community and service above self. The idea is we all do a little something for everybody else and make a better world.” Tickets to the Chili Chowdown can be purchased at the door for $10. All proceeds go back to the Rotary Club’s projects, including their scholarships and literacy programs for the local schools. The Rotary Club sponsors

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EAST ALTON - Today, Governor JB Pritzker, Wieland Rolled Products North America, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) joined local leaders and partners to celebrate the groundbreaking of Wieland’s modernized East Alton facility. Wieland’s $500 million investment in this modernization project will retain 800 jobs throughout Illinois, enabling the company to increase production of critical copper and copper alloy components that are used in electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging infrastructure, and renewable energy production while supporting the state's clean energy economy. “Today, we continue Wieland’s centuries-long journey by breaking ground on this major new expansion – a $500 million company investment in the future of Illinois and a driver of growth and opportunity in East Alton for years to come,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “More than just a job creator and economic driver – Wieland has been

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CHICAGO - In recognition of National Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced the Top 10 consumer complaints his office received last year and highlighted his office’s work to protect consumers. For the fourth year in a row, complaints related to home repairs and remodeling topped the list while identity theft complaints remained second. Consumer debt came in third, and according to Attorney General Raoul, the issue is particularly relevant this year as he continues to defend the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) against efforts by the Trump administration and Elon Musk to defund and disband it. The CFPB is an independent agency that oversees big banks, lenders, credit card companies and mortgage servicers, and ensures companies follow federal consumer protection laws. “During National Consumer Protection Week, and throughout the year, I encourage Illinois residents to visit my office’s website and social media channels t

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CHICAGO - Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs marked Casimir Pulaski Day by announcing his office has purchased $15 million in Republic of Poland Bonds. It is the first time the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office has invested in the Republic of Poland. “Chicago and the suburbs are home to one of the biggest Polish populations in the world. Our state also has strong ties to Poland through trade, culture, a National Guard partnership, and sister cities relationships,” Frerichs said in making the announcement at the Polish Museum of America Casimir Pulaski Day event in Chicago. “Republic of Poland Bonds provide stable returns and are a strong investment for Illinois.” Treasurer Frerichs bought Republic of Poland Bonds to diversify the state’s portfolio and achieve stable returns from a strong investment. The bonds will mature in four years with an interest rate of 4.625% and a current yield of 4.831%. This outpaces the four-year U.S. Treasury

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EAST ALTON - Today, Governor JB Pritzker, Wieland Rolled Products North America, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) joined local leaders and partners to celebrate the groundbreaking of Wieland’s modernized East Alton facility. Wieland’s $500 million investment in this modernization project will retain 800 jobs throughout Illinois, enabling the company to increase production of critical copper and copper alloy components that are used in electric vehicles (EVs), EV charging infrastructure, and renewable energy production while supporting the state's clean energy economy. “Today, we continue Wieland’s centuries-long journey by breaking ground on this major new expansion – a $500 million company investment in the future of Illinois and a driver of growth and opportunity in East Alton for years to come,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “More than just a job creator and economic driver – Wieland has been a communit

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today led a coalition of 22 attorneys general in filing a motion for enforcement in their ongoing lawsuit against the Trump administration’s illegal and destructive freeze of federal funding. Despite multiple court orders, the administration has continued to block hundreds of millions of dollars in grants to the states from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This funding freeze threatens critical emergency preparedness and recovery programs to address terrorist attacks, mass shootings, wildfires, floods, cybersecurity threats and more. “Every state relies on federal funding to help rebuild communities and allow families to recover from the devastation caused by natural disasters,” Raoul said. “In recent years, we have seen the increased occurrence and strength of natural disasters, which makes access to federal funds through FEMA perhaps more important than ever. I will continue to join with my fellow attorneys

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GLEN CARBON - The Junior Service Club of Edwardsville Glen Carbon is pleased to present their International Women’s Trivia Night on Saturday, March 15, 2025. In honor of International Women’s Month, join us for an exciting and empowering International Women’s Trivia Night, celebrating the extraordinary achievements of women across the globe. This event will take place at the Glen Carbon American Legion, located at 190 S. Main Street in Glen Carbon. Doors open at 6 p.m. with trivia starting at 7 p.m. The event promises to be an evening of fun and will feature diverse categories highlighting influential women from various fields, including politics, entertainment, sports, literature, science, and more. Whether you’re a trivia enthusiast or simply want to test your knowledge of women throughout history, this event is sure to inspire and educate. Highlights of the Evening: Engaging trivia questions that celebrate the lives and achievements of women worldwide

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GRANITE CITY — The City of Granite City celebrated its annual Mardi Gras festival on Saturday, March 1, 2025, marking a successful event that brought together community members for a day of festivities. The celebration featured a parade that showcased local creativity and spirit, with participation from various sponsors, vendors, and residents. The event was characterized by sunny weather and a vibrant atmosphere. “We are so thankful for this wonderful tradition in Granite City, and it’s not possible without each and every one of you,” Granite City Mardi Gras Parade organizers said, expressing gratitude to the community for their involvement. The parade included a competition for float designs, with awards given to the top three entries. Unreal Construction secured first place, followed by Hilltop RV Campground in second, and Granite City Township in third. Granite City Mardi Gras organizers had words of appreciation for those who contributed to the event,

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 20 attorneys general, today filed an amicus brief in support of a challenge to President Donald Trump’s unlawful attempt to remove a member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Raoul and the coalition filed their brief in Wilcox v. Trump, in support of NLRB member Gwynne Wilcox. The coalition argues that if allowed to stand, the attempt would undermine protections for workers and destabilize federal labor law. “The National Labor Relations Board helps to ensure that workers in Illinois and across the country are afforded the rights they are entitled to under federal law,” Raoul said. “Removing the board’s ability to function creates a regulatory vacuum that would undermine workers’ rights and prevent the NLRB from ensuring stable labor relations. I stand with my fellow attorneys general in asking the court to allow this independent body to continue its crucial work.”

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WOOD RIVER - Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Oiler of the Month” program at EAWR High School. A Senior student is selected each month by members of EAWR faculty. Each student is awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. The Seniors selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for $1,000 “Oiler of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. February's winner is Isaac Thornton. Isaac is a Senior at EAWR and is involved in Football, Bowling, Golf, Student Council, Spirit Club, Senior Mentors, National Honor Society and RBGA YAC. Isaac has received honors with The National Honor Society, Captain of the Football Team two years and Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month two times. In Isaac's free time, he enjoys being a volunteer assistant coach for the JFL (middle school football team) and working with various non-profits and community events to help our local community. After graduation, Isaac is planning

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CARLINVILLE - Blackburn College’s Department of Music and Theatre is thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of performances for the spring 2025 season. From student recitals to musical productions and choral collaborations, these events will showcase the exceptional talent and dedication of Blackburn’s most melodic students and faculty. These events are open to the public and audiences of all ages. Studio Recital | Clegg Chapel, Hudson Hall Sunday, March 9 at 2:00 pm The spring season kicks off with the Studio Recital, an opportunity for students in applied voice and piano lessons to share their growth and artistry. Featuring an eclectic mix of genres—including classical, showtunes, and pop—the recital highlights the dedication of students as they present their work from the past academic year. Voice students will be accompanied by Professor of Music Dr. Joseph Welch. Spring Musical: Once | Bothwell Auditorium April 4 at 7:00 pm, April 5 a

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide near West Florissant Avenue and Dunn Road that resulted in the death of an adult male. At 7:36 p.m., on March 2, 2025, St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service for a shooting victim in the area of Graham Road and two additional victims at an area hospital. Officers determined that all individuals were shot in the area of West Florissant Avenue and Dunn Road. An adult male was pronounced deceased at an area hospital. The other individual who responded to the hospital suffered life threatening injuries but is expected to survive at this time. The third individual located at Graham Road was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. No suspects are currently in custody. The investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will now send out a monthly update of upcoming IDNR events and noteworthy items. March 1 Illinois fishing licenses go on sale Statewide Illinois residents 16 and older may purchase a fishing license for only $15. Visit the IDNR website for a full list of fees and available discounts. March 1-2 ACUI Spring Championships World Shooting and Recreational Complex Sparta | Randolph County The Spring Central Midwest Conference Championships is part of the Clay Targets Shotgun Bowl Series. This event will feature American, sporting, and doubles events. View all World Shooting and Recreational Complex events online . March 1-2 Black History Hikes Lincoln’s Tomb State Historic Site Springfield | Sangamon County Black history hikes at Oak Ridge Cemetery focus on Springfield’s Black community. Hikes begin at 2 p.m. Water and walking shoes are recommended. Find out more on

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