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On March 11, 2025, we take a moment to reflect on significant events that have occurred on this date throughout history. One of the most impactful events in recent history occurred on March 11, 2020, when the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. This announcement marked a critical turning point in how nations responded to the rapidly spreading virus. Governments around the world implemented lockdown measures, travel restrictions, and social distancing protocols in an effort to curb the outbreak. The pandemic not only impacted public health but also led to economic upheaval, changes in workplace dynamics, and a reevaluation of healthcare systems globally. As we reflect on this declaration, it’s essential to consider the lessons learned and how societies have adapted to the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic. On March 11, 1990, Lithuania declared its independence from the Soviet Union, becoming the first Soviet republic to do so. This declaration

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ALTON - Six Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education candidates shared their platforms at a candidates forum. On Monday, March 10, 2025, community members gathered at the YWCA for the forum, hosted by YWCA and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). The six candidates — Tiana Gipson, Aline Russell, Christina Milien, Jason Harrison, Jack Cox and Barary Macias — introduced themselves and answered 12 questions. “We recognize and understand the importance of having educated voters and making sure that the community is aware of where our candidates stand and their positions,” said Tanjela Johnson, president of NCNW. “We are here to provide a platform for the candidates, to give information so that the community can hear where they stand and so the community can be educated to vote.” Tiana Gipson kicked off the night by introducing herself as a “proud Altonian” and Alton High School alum. She has served on

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GLEN CARBON - Spencer Homes, LLC, a division of Spencer Building Companies, is excited to introduce Meridian Grove , its newest maintenance-free residential community in Madison County. Strategically located at Meridian and Auerbach Place roads—adjacent to Timberwolfe and Ginger Creek neighborhoods—Meridian Grove will be part of the recently unveiled Meridian Plaza . Infrastructure work will begin soon, with new home construction set to launch this summer. Meridian Grove’s prime location offers easy walkability to restaurants, shopping and more within Meridian Plaza and nearby commercial developments. Plus, the added convenience of being just minutes from access to I-270 and I-255. “We’re honored to start Spencer Homes’ first full development in Glen Carbon and to collaborate with surrounding neighbors as well as the Village staff, Meridian Plaza development team and local officials. This type of product is limited in our area, and these will be

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that utility work by Ameren Illinois to relocate a gas main along Illinois 203 (Edwardsville Road) between 14th Street and 20th Street in Madison County will require one lane to be closed in each direction beginning, weather permitting, Monday, March 24. A posted detour will direct motorists around the lane closures, which are expected to remain in place through April. Between April and June of 2025, westbound Illinois 203 will be reduced to one lane from Nameoki Road to 20th Street for utility work. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to detour signs in work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information

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EAST ALTON – Helmkamp Construction Company is pleased to announce a long-term succession plan and three long-term employee promotions that will help drive the company into the future. Helmkamp, a trusted name in construction for 87 years, has grown into a premier provider of construction services for industrial, building, and life science clients. The company’s enduring success is rooted in its dedication to safety, quality, and strong client relationships. As Helmkamp approaches nearly nine decades in business, owner Rob Johnes remains focused on proactively planning for the future. Kyle Ogden has been promoted to President where he will oversee the day-to-day operations of the company as well as support business development, employee engagement, and long-term planning for the company. Ogden joined Helmkamp as a project management intern in 2007. He subsequently grew his career to Project Director, and then Vice President in recent years. He has made a strong and

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ALTON – The City of Alton is moving forward with a redevelopment agreement with Kyle Hulker to open a new tattoo parlor in Alton. The Alton Committee of the Whole on Monday unanimously approved the redevelopment agreement, sending it to the City Council for final approval this Wednesday, March 12, 2025. The tattoo parlor would be located in a two-story brick building at 629 Ridge St., on the corner of Ridge and 7th Street. Hulker is defined under the agreement as the “developer,” doing business as “Blue Bird Tattoo.” Alderman Raymond Strebel noted the building has been sitting vacant for three years, and while it has the proper zoning classification, it doesn’t have enough on-site parking. Under the agreement, the city would reimburse Hulker for up to 25% of the construction cost for a new concrete parking lot. With the new lot estimated at $40,000, the city’s portion is not to exceed $10,000. Hulker was previously the owner of Alton

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ALTON - Pour Decisions has a wide range of events for all customers to enjoy. You can stop by Pour Decisions, located at 204 State Street in Alton, for musical bingo on the second and fourth Thursdays of every month, followed by a comedy show on the second and fourth Fridays of every month. Owner Stacey and DJ Toni shared their excitement to welcome more people to the bar as they settle into their new location in downtown Alton. “The biggest thing I want to say is we're looking for guest DJs, guest bartenders, and if there’s anything you want to see downtown, please inquire on our Facebook page and let us know what you’d like to see because we are looking for things to do Sunday through Wednesday at the bar,” Stacey said. Musical bingo starts at 8 p.m. on Thursday evenings, including this Thursday, March 13, 2025. Toni encourages people to bring their families, as kids are welcome in the bar until 10 p.m. She explained that she will play a snippet

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EAST ST. LOUIS - On Friday, March 7, 2025, Mason-Clark Middle School in East St. Louis hosted its Guys, Dads, and Grub event, bringing together fathers, father figures, and positive male role models for a morning of breakfast and meaningful dialogue. The event also featured Illinois State Sen. Christopher Belt, who addressed the crucial impact that male figures have on children's development. Senator Belt emphasized the importance of active male involvement in the lives of children and said that research indicates such engagement can lead to higher self-esteem, emotional stability, a strong sense of responsibility, and resilience in overcoming challenges. Principal Renaldo Jackson also contributed to the event by presenting the State of Mason-Clark Middle School, highlighting the academic growth and achievements of the students. The atmosphere was characterized by engaging conversations and a collective commitment to fostering a supportive environment for youth. The

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City Community Unit School District #9 has announced the District Young Authors winners for the 2024-25 school year. The Young Author competition is open to all students kindergarten through 8th grade. After receiving student submissions, each building selects a number of winners based on their school population. From those building winners, a District judging then takes place. Maryville 1-2 Center Principal Dr. Liz Niepert is GCSD9's Young Author coordinator. Forty volunteers, including students, gathered to judge the District level competition. The judges selected 37 winners to represent GCSD9. These students will be invited to the Madison County Young Author Conference. Each spring the Madison County Regional Office of Education recognizes Young Authors winners in grades K-8 from Madison County schools at a county-wide conference. Students have the opportunity to share their books with each other, participate in reading/writing centric activities

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WOOD RIVER – Midwest Members Credit Union has announced its winners of the “Eagles of the Month” program for February 2025 at Civic Memorial High School, recognizing outstanding senior students for their achievements in various academic departments. Each month, faculty members select students to represent their respective areas, with winners receiving a certificate and a Subway gift card. The program aims to celebrate student accomplishments and encourages excellence within the school community. At the end of the school year, two seniors—one male and one female — will be eligible to compete for the “Eagles of the Year” scholarship, which is valued at $500. The CM winners for February 2025 include: Math: Delilah Allen Visual Arts: Thomas Pinski Social Studies: Keely Windsor PE/Health: Scott Janssen Choir: Lucas Hollingsworth Band: Gillian Gross Science: Joe Sappington English: Adam Ogden C.T.E.: Aubrie Spann Additionally, Ms.

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ALTON – Residents of Fairview Heights, East St. Louis, and St. Louis are the latest to be charged with forgery at Schwegel’s Market in Alton. The following individuals were charged in separate but similar cases filed on March 6, 2025. Each face a Class 3 felony count of forgery: Grayland Miner, 38, of East. St. Louis Tyran L. Hall, 31, of Fairview Heights Jasarae L. Mull, 24, of St. Louis On Dec. 14, 2024, Miner allegedly delivered a fraudulent check of $961.80 to the Schwegel’s Market. The check was purportedly made out to Miner by Jack in the Box, and was dated the day prior on Dec. 13, 2024. On Dec. 15, 2024, Hall delivered a fraudulent check to Schwegel’s, purportedly made out to him by Jack in the Box in the amount of $898.05. That check was also dated Dec. 13, 2024. Also on Dec. 15, Mull delivered a fraudulent check of $729.74 to the market, purportedly made out to her by Subway Restaurant Group and dated Dec. 14, 2024. The Alton Police

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EDWARDSVILLE — Fire crews responded to a fire detected in a swampy area behind the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) soccer field on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at approximately 4:40 p.m. The fire was reportedly sparked by an unattended campfire and affected multiple areas of the low-lying, woody terrain. According to Edwardsville officials, the fire impacted four to five areas of damp ground cover, leading to concerns about its potential spread. Firefighters faced challenges accessing the site due to the difficult terrain. "We did what we could," said Cathy Hensley, a spokesperson for the Edwardsville Fire Department. "The location was very difficult to get to, and we expect the fire to burn itself out." In response to the situation, local fire departments, including Long Lake and Mitchell, provided assistance. Edwardsville Fire Chief Brendan McKee praised the collaborative effort, stating that their support was instrumental in managing the incident. City fire staff,

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ALTON – A man from Centralia faces multiple felonies after setting fire to an occupied Alton residence. Matthew W. Brasket, 38, of Centralia, was charged on March 6, 2025 with a Class X felony count of aggravated arson and a Class 2 felony count of arson. On March 4, 2025, Brasket allegedly damaged a property in the 2300 block of Henry Street in Alton by means of fire. Court documents state he “knew or should have known” the residence was occupied at the time of the offense. A petition to deny his pretrial release states the fires resulted in significant damage. “Officers responded to a report of a fire at a residential property,” the petition states. “Alton Fire Department reported that they extinguished two fires, which were intentionally set. One of the fires was located on a deck, and a portion of the deck was charred and siding of the building damaged by fire.” A witness told officers that shortly before the fires began, Brasket “threatened

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SWANSEA - The Rotary Club of Swansea would like to thank everyone who supported their recent “Rotary Round Up” Annual Dinner Auction. Proceeds of more than $33,000 will be used throughout the year to support nonprofit organizations and community programs that align with the basic principles of Rotary. The event was held on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at the Belleville/Swansea Moose Lodge 1221. More than 200 people attended the event, which featured a country-western theme and included appetizers, buffet dinner and drinks. The Without Limits - Team Galaxy Special Olympics Cheer Team kicked off the festivities with a special performance and a paddle raise to support their efforts resulted in more than $12,000. In addition, guests enjoyed a robust silent auction, as well as a reverse raffle, won by Laurie May of Aguilar Landscaping. The highlight of the fundraising activities was a live auction, led by Swansea Mayor Michael Leopold. “We enjoyed a sold-out event an

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ALTON - OSF St. Anthony’s Hospital offers a Connections Caregiver therapy group for individuals who are caring for a loved one. The group meets from 9–10 a.m. on Mondays at OSF St. Anthony’s Hospital in the Psychological Services Department. Sara Bennett, LCSW, runs the group and encourages people who are in a caregiving role to consider signing up to gain more support and coping skills. “The group is full of people who are going to be going through some type of caregiving situation,” Bennett explained. “Part of caregiving is really making time for the things that are important, and stepping away from that role sometimes is really important and being in a room full of other people who are doing the same thing.” Bennett noted that people find themselves in a caregiving role for all kinds of reasons. They might have a loved one with a physical or intellectual disability or chronic illness, or their loved one might be experiencing an

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MARYVILLE - The 2025 Anderson Hospital Foundation Gala was held on Feb. 8, 2025, at The Four Seasons Hotel in St. Louis. The event raised a total of $154,121.00. The Foundation allocates funds for capital projects and programs for Anderson Hospital. The Anderson Hospital Foundation Winter Wonderland-themed Gala included a cocktail hour, with passed hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, a gourmet dinner, a LIVE auction, an audience appeal fundraiser (to support the Emergency Room Renovation project) and it was followed by dancing to the sounds of the Well Hungarian Band. Over 250 guests attended and enjoyed the festivities. “We have such a great following for this event, and we thank our sponsors who always support us,” said Lori St. John, Director of Development. The 2026 Gala will be held at the Four Seasons Hotel on February 7, 2026. Please contact Lori St. John at 618-391-6426 for more information.

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ALTON - The Wedge and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) are proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership that will transform the economic landscape of the greater Alton Metro Region. The collaboration, branded as "The Wedge Powered by SIUE," will create a dynamic ecosystem for innovation, education, and community development when The Wedge officially begins operations on April 7, 2025. This strategic alliance builds upon AltonWorks' community revitalization efforts and leverages SIUE's academic excellence to catalyze regional economic transformation. The Wedge will serve as a 55,000-square-foot social impact hub, research lab, thinktank, and workspace that drives innovation across Illinois and Missouri and ultimately extend across the Midwest. "This partnership represents a pivotal moment for our region," said John Simmons, AltonWorks CEO. "By bringing together SIUE's research capabilities and educational programming with The Wedge's innovative workspace, we're creating

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EAST ST. LOUIS — The body of a 19-year-old man was discovered in an alley in East St. Louis on Sunday, March 9, 2025, prompting an investigation by Illinois State Police. The victim, identified as Byron E. Gettis Jr., was found in the 1700 block of Gay Avenue and had sustained multiple gunshot wounds, according to St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. He was pronounced dead at 5:30 p.m. Sunday. The Illinois State Police confirmed it was called to the scene by the East St. Louis Police Department at 6:33 p.m. on Sunday to investigate. Byron Gettis Jr. was the son of former Major League Baseball player Byron Gettis Sr., who played for the Kansas City Royals in 2004. Following his baseball career, Gettis Sr. transitioned into coaching football and has been a prominent figure in the local sports community. Earlier this year, Gettis Sr. celebrated his son’s enlistment in the U.S. Army and said at that time he was very proud of his son's entry into the U.S. Army. The investigation

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ALTON – Today, Madison County Circuit Clerk Patrick McRae and Madison County Auditor David Michael announced their endorsement of Ray Strebel for the 2025 Alton mayoral race. As respected local leaders committed to fiscal responsibility and regional progress, both officials lauded Strebel’s unwavering integrity, demonstrated leadership, and common-sense plans for Alton’s future as the driving forces behind their enthusiastic support. “Alton needs an innovator,” said Circuit Clerk McRae, “a Mayor with a clear vision who is ready to lead. Ray Strebel is ready to hit the ground running. As you know, Ray has an impressive resume as an entrepreneur, businessman, and in real estate. Alton needs a Mayor like Ray, a family man with a proven record of success. It’s time to send an innovator to the mayor’s seat.” Auditor David Michael echoed McRae’s sentiments, adding: “With the high cost of living, residents can’t afford

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) led 159 members of Congress in a letter to President Trump expressing concern over his proposal to fire the United States Postal Service's (USPS) Board of Governors and merge the Postal Service into the Department of Commerce. The members write , “Any attempts to privatize the Postal Service would be a betrayal to the more than 640,000 postal employees who work tirelessly every day to ensure mail is delivered to every corner of the country. It would also hurt American consumers and businesses who rely on the Postal Service daily for mail and package delivery. These changes would be especially devastating for rural Americans, where the potential elimination of the Postal Service’s universal service obligation would result in skyrocketing delivery costs for less populated regions of the country, where reliable service is most needed.” Congresswoman Budzinski has been a staunch advocate o

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