ALTON – One of Alton’s city attorneys and its director of planning, zoning, and code enforcement were not reappointed this week after a clash between city officials and two split votes. City Council members voted to accept the reappointments of the vast majority of city officials appointed by the mayor, except for two. These include City Attorney Rodney Caffey and Greg Caffey, the city’s director of Planning and Development, Building and Zoning, and Code Enforcement. Rodney’s
ALTON - After 46 years at Alton Memorial Hospital, President Dave Braasch will retire at the end of the year, the hospital said in an announcement praising his long tenure and support for local health care. The announcement said Braasch has been “a key player in the success of Alton Memorial Hospital and the changes that have occurred” during nearly five decades of service. “It is with great appreciation and admiration that we share with you important news about Dave Braasch,
EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Community Foundation (ECF) is proud to announce that our Executive Director Sara Berkbigler has completed an Impact Philanthropy Advisor (IPA) certification program , a rigorous 20-week course designed to help advisors integrate values, purpose, and social impact into philanthropic advising. Through this cohort-based online program, Berkbigler completed advanced training in: designing philanthropic plans selecting appropriate giving vehicles integrating
ALTON/BELLEVILLE/GLEN CARBON/HIGHLAND - Caritas Family Solutions offers services for youth in foster care, adults with developmental disabilities, and other community members who could use support. With locations in Alton, Belleville, Glen Carbon and Highland, Caritas is dedicated to providing resources for Riverbend residents and families across Illinois. CEO Gary Huelsmann noted that the organization needs support to continue their work, and he hopes people join their Caritas Day virtual
ALTON - Alton Memorial Hospital announced that Dr. Ahmad Karadaghy is the recipient of the 2025 Alton Memorial Hospital Chairman’s Award, recognizing his commitment to the hospital’s mission, vision and values through patient care, involvement in the hospital and service. The hospital said Dr. Karadaghy, who began at Alton Memorial Hospital in 2003 by completing his internship before his residency, now cares for patients through BJC Medical Group and serves in several
ALTON - Tickets are on sale now for the third annual Great Rivers & Routes Craft Beverage Festival celebrating local beverage producers and restaurants Saturday, Sept. 12 from Noon to 5 p.m. at Grafton Winery The Vineyards, 21028 Eckert Orchard Rd., Grafton. New this year is a VIP Experience which provides VIP ticketholders with early access to the event and signature event swag including a wine tote filled with a bottle of wine from Grafton Winery, a small jar of Ecker’s apple butter
On July 23, one of the most important events in modern world history took place in 1952, when Egypt’s Free Officers Movement began the revolution that ended the rule of King Farouk. The uprising was led by a group of young military officers, including Gamal Abdel Nasser and Muhammad Naguib, who believed the monarchy had become ineffective, corrupt, and too closely tied to foreign influence. At the time, the revolution mattered because it reshaped Egypt’s government and power structure.
ALTON – The City of Alton is one step closer to making its key attractions easier to navigate for residents and visitors alike. Alton City Council members approved a resolution passed earlier this week by the Committee of the Whole authorizing $38,500 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the Alton Wayfinding Program. The agreement with RVi Planning + Landscape Architecture consists of two phases. Phase 1 includes “preliminary services” totaling $4,500, while Phase
ALTON - Associated Physicians Group has introduced new care options for patients who are managing chronic conditions. Remote Patient Monitoring allows patients to take their own blood pressure every day. This number is electronically submitted to the Alton office, where a staff member reviews it. Chronic Care Management organizes a monthly phone call between a patient and a staff member so they can go over the patient’s medications and concerns. Dr. Christopher Green noted that both
MEADOWBROOK - State Rep. Amy Elik and state Sen. Erica Harriss will host a road naming dedication ceremony July 25, 2026, in Bethalto to honor Cpl. Tommy N. Miller, the Vietnam War Marine for whom a stretch of Illinois Route 140 through Meadowbrook has been designated the “Cpl. Tommy N. Miller Memorial Highway.” The free public ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, 625 Church Drive, Bethalto. Organizers said the event will highlight Miller’s actions durin
ST. LOUIS – U.S. District Judge Audrey G. Fleissig on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, sentenced a felon to life in prison for arranging the 2011 murder of a St. Louis County man to get a share of an insurance payout. Judge Fleissig ordered the sentence to run consecutive to the 226-month federal prison sentence Michael Grady is already serving for aiding a large-scale, violent drug conspiracy by trying to determine who was cooperating with investigators and prosecutors. Grady, now 71,
HARDIN - Calhoun County Sheriff Zach Hardin said a mutual intergovernmental agreement signed July 1, 2026, will add a full-time deputy sheriff in exchange for 40 hours of weekly scheduled police protection and extra patrols in the Village of Hardin. Sheriff Hardin said he helped arrange the deal at the Calhoun County Government Building in Hardin, Ill. He said the additional deputy will be paid for by the Village of Hardin and that the agreement had the support of the village mayor, board, an
GODFREY - A skilled nursing facility in Godfrey is under a new name with reenergized staff members and a renewed dedication to the community. Nexus Health at Godfrey hosted a health fair on July 22, 2026, where community members could tour the facility and undergo basic health screenings. As residents and guests enjoyed the “Hotdogs, Hamburgers & Hometown Care” theme, administrators and aides reflected on the recent acquisition of Bria by Nexus Health and the new atmosphere that
JERSEYVILLE – Charges were filed last week in Jersey County against a local man accused of fleeing police at over 100 mph in a 45 mph zone. 23-year-old Konner L. Jones of Carrollton was charged on July 14, 2026 with one count of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer (a Class 4 felony) and one count each of speeding 35+ mph over the speed limit, leaving the scene, and reckless driving (each Class A misdemeanors). After being signaled by a police officer to stop his
GRAFTON - Families can stop by Raging Rivers for Christmas in July and the Santa Claus family reunion. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, Raging Rivers will host a Christmas in July event complete with a foam party, photo ops and a special Santa-themed dessert. Nearly 200 of Santa’s family members have been invited. Santa’s cousin, Steve Pegram, who operates Got Faith? in Jerseyville, helped organize the event and looks forward to engaging with the kids and
EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School senior Lily Stone signed in mid-April, 2026, to play softball at Wabash Valley College, marking the next step for a versatile player who has been a key contributor for the Tigers on the field. Lily is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. Stone, an infielder and outfielder, hit .383 with 41 hits during the 2026 season and has provided steady offense over her sophomore and junior seasons, totaling four doubles, one triple, three hom
ALTON – The Fifth Annual OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center Back-to-School Celebration will be held on Saturday, July 25, from 10 a.m. to noon at Alton Square Mall (200 Alton Square, Alton, IL 62002. This year’s Back-to-School Celebration is free, and the event is open to the public. The first 500 children aged 4-12 will receive a free backpack filled with school supplies, including notebooks, paper, pens, pencils, and crayons. “The need for this event is greater
GLEN CARBON — State Senator Erica Harriss is announcing the launch of her campaign internship program, providing students and young professionals with an opportunity to gain firsthand experience in public service, grassroots organizing, communications, and community engagement while helping build a stronger future for the Metro East. "Every successful campaign begins with grassroots efforts - neighbors talking to neighbors, volunteers giving their time, and citizens stepping up to make
BETHALTO – The Bethalto Community Unit School District No. 8 is aware that a former student was recently arrested and charged for making threats against, among others, the school district. The individual has been apprehended and is in law enforcement custody. There is no immediate threat. Since being notified of the threat by the Bethalto Police Department, we have taken appropriate actions to ensure the school remains safe, and we will continue to be diligent. As this is an ongoing law
Jetting off to college brings excitement. New friendships and professional opportunities await. But it also brings the obligation of taking care of your health without a parent’s watchful eye. Dorm buffets, sugary drinks and sleeping in all the time can lead to your clothes feeling tighter and your self-esteem feeling lower. So what’s the scoop on the so-called freshman 15? How big of a problem is weight gain in college? How can you prevent it? First things first: Rachel Bult, a
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