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EDWARDSVILLE – The largest student cohort to date of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Summer Success Program (SSP) took one more step toward degree completion when they celebrated the ending of their summertime academics. “You have so much to be proud of and to be in anticipation of, because you all did so well in the program,” said SSP Director Kelly Atkins, EdD. Atkins encouraged the 84 students who completed the five-week program. The 2025 Summer Success Closing Ceremony was held Friday, Aug. 8 in the Legacy Room of SIUE’s Morris University Center. SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, was among the SSP faculty, staff and supporters who came out to wish the students well. “We were excited to praise our incoming college first-year students who elected to pursue an early start to their college careers,” said Letrice “Lee” Young, EdD, SSP coordinator. Throughout the program, participants lived in University

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DU QUOIN – Fairgoers at the 2025 Du Quoin State Fair will find no shortage of free entertainment throughout the grounds. With free admission and a wide variety of performances and attractions available at no cost, families can enjoy a full day of fun without worrying about their wallets. “We recognize that families may be experiencing tough times financially, and entertainment dollars are stretched thin,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture . “Expanding free entertainment options keeps the fair affordable, allowing families to make memories that last a lifetime.” Inside the free entertainment tent, located on the north side of Midway, music acts for all ages entertain fairgoers looking to get out of the heat and off their feet. This tent offers plenty of room for little ones to move around, and plenty of seating to enjoy your favorite fair food. Below are some highlights of free fair. Visit our website to find

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ALTON – Four people from the Riverbend region and beyond face felony charges for stolen vehicle possession in separate cases out of Madison County. The following individuals have been charged with offenses related to motor vehicles, a Class 2 felony: Paul R. Owens, 38, of Alton Brett R. Lowder, 39, of East Alton Jonathan A Graves, 33, of Wilsonville, Ill. (two counts) Maureen A. Myers, 56, of Holly, Mich. Owens was charged with knowingly possessing a stolen 2014 Jeep Patriot bearing an Illinois registration number on June 29, 2025. Lowder is accused of possessing a 2001 Suzuki GS500 motorcycle, also with an Illinois registration number, which he knew to be stolen on July 17, 2025. Graves allegedly possessed two knowingly stolen motorcycles on July 17, 2025, a 2020 Kawasaki and 2001 Suzuki GS500, both bearing Illinois registration numbers. He was additionally accused of burglarizing a Cottage Hills residence with the intent of committing a theft. Myers was reportedly

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DU QUION – Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined the Department of Public Health, Department of Healthcare and Family Services, and healthcare leaders from southern Illinois to discuss the impacts of Trump’s budget cuts on healthcare across rural areas of the state. The budget bill from Trump and congressional Republicans slashes Medicaid coverage for working families and endangers the stability of hospitals and care providers; rural hospitals across the nation are projected to lose $155 billion in funding as a result of the bill. “Rural hospitals are a critical lifeline for communities across Illinois. Not only are they one of the only providers of life-saving medical care for miles, they are often the backbone of rural economies,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans making devastating cuts to Medicaid, many of these rural healthcare providers will be at risk of closure, causing patients to lose care and staff to los

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County names Jessica Dudley as its new Chief County Assessment Officer. “Jessica brings a strong record of service and professionalism to this position,” Madison County Board Chairman Chris Slusser said. “Her background as Jarvis Township Assessor and her certification as a Certified Illinois Assessing Officer give her the experience and credibility needed to lead the office.” Dudley oversees the county’s property assessment system, which provides the foundation for funding local schools and government services. She works with township assessors to maintain accurate property values, coordinates with the Board of Review during the appeals process, and administers exemptions for seniors, veterans and homeowners. Before taking on the countywide role, Dudley served as the Jarvis Township Assessor, a position she’s held since 2014. “She’s committed to serving the residents with fairness, transparency

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ALTON – The Wedge is proud to welcome Jacqueline Reyes as its new Marketing & Communications Specialist. A student at Principia College and a first-generation college attendee, Jacqueline brings with her a strong mix of creativity, digital marketing experience, and a passion for connecting with people. Originally from California, Jacqueline is currently a senior at Principia studying Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and a minor in Art History. She has a growing portfolio of experience, from managing social media campaigns and building websites, to organizing campus events and helping fellow students with career planning. At The Wedge, she’ll be supporting marketing and storytelling efforts, helping to grow The Wedge’s visibility through digital content and media, while assisting with programming and promotion—engaging both current members and the broader Riverbend community. “Jackie has a great mix of curiosity and initiative,”

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HIGHLAND — Gavin Schlarmann, a dedicated emergency medical technician and firefighter with the City of Highland, died in a motorcycle crash on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, the Highland Police and Fire Departments announced on Friday. Schlarmann was known for his commitment to public service, frequently responding to ambulance calls and supporting his colleagues at the firehouse. The Highland Fire Department described Gavin as someone who consistently “stepped up” and “was always the first to step up and the last to leave,” highlighting his courage, compassion, and selflessness. “It is with heavy hearts that we share the tragic passing of Gavin Schlarmann,” the department said in a statement. “His kind spirit touched countless lives. Gavin always greeted you with a smile.” The loss has deeply affected his family, friends, and fellow public safety personnel. The Highland Police Department asked the community to keep them in

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GRANTFORK - Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich has identified a 21-year-old Highland man who died following a motorcycle crash on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. Gavin L. Schlarmann was operating a 2025 Kawasaki motorcycle northbound on Illinois Route 160 in Grantfork when his motorcycle left the roadway and struck a tree. Schlarmann was transported to St. Joseph Hospital Emergency Room in Highland, where he was pronounced dead at 3:10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, by the emergency room physician. The preliminary cause of death is blunt head trauma. The coroner's office said routine toxicology samples were collected and will be tested for drugs and alcohol, with results pending. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police Troop 8 and the Madison County Coroner’s Office. A final cause of death will not be issued until all reports are complete. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Meridith Funeral Home in Highland.

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WOOD RIVER — Marquette Catholic’s boys golf team delivered a strong performance Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, at the Madison County Small Schools Golf Championships, held at Belk Park. The Explorers finished with a team score of 324, highlighted by senior Carson Jones’ second-place individual finish among small schools and seventh overall. The tournament took place Aug. 21, 2025, bringing together small school teams from across Madison County. Marquette Catholic’s boys golf squad demonstrated depth, with senior Andrew Belden and sophomore Sam Jun tying for sixth and seventh place individually among small schools, each shooting an 80. Jones led the team with a 75, contributing significantly to the Explorers’ overall team success. Other individual scores included senior Henry Freihoff at 89, junior Chase Pruitt at 91, and junior Hubert Allen at 95. The team’s achievement earned them recognition as Tucker’s Automotive Repair and Tire Male Athletes

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ALTON — Landon Mayer captured the Large School Division title at the Madison County Boys Golf Tournament event at Belk Park in Wood River, finishing with a score of 1 over par, 73. Mayer’s performance showcased his skill among competitors in the region. Mayer managed to post a strong score that set him apart from the rest of the field. “Landon is the most talented player in the conference and has the chance to have a special junior season," Alton's head boys golf coach Dylan Dudley said. "He had the opportunity to watch and learn from Sam (Otwell) last year, which has helped him tremendously.” Landon is an Auto Butler Male Athlete of the Month for the Redbirds. Coach Dudley also highlighted the importance of Mayer’s mental approach to the game, noting that managing emotions is crucial for his continued success. “The key for Landon is to handle the mental side of the game; you can never get too high or too low,” Dudley added. Mayer’s

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O’FALLON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that the entrance ramp from southbound Illinois 158 to westbound Interstate 64 in St. Clair County will be closed overnight for road construction. The closure will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 26, and the ramp is expected to reopen by 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on www.GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic High School is once again sponsoring a Mega Raffle fundraiser with a grand prize of $50,000. Every fall, MCHS holds the Mega Raffle to raise money for their students and programs. Tickets cost $50, or you can buy two for $100 and receive a third ticket free. The big drawing will be held during the school’s homecoming block party on Oct. 25, 2025, but early bird winners will take home $1,000 every week starting on Aug. 23, 2025. “It really just benefits Marquette as a whole,” explained Mary Hough, who organizes the raffle. “Really, it’s one of our bigger fundraisers for the year.” The school will celebrate the start of the school year with a kickoff party on Aug. 23, 2025, at Johnson’s Corner following the annual Blue/Gray game. The first early bird winner will be drawn at the party. Early bird drawings will continue on Sept. 5, Sept. 19, Oct. 3, Oct. 17, and Oct. 24. You can purchase tickets online u

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ALTON - Alton’s famous Food Truck Festival returns this weekend at the Alton Amphitheater. From 4–8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025, community members can come out, enjoy live music by Almost Famous, and sample 16 food trucks. Dan Herkert, the amphitheater commission chair, noted his excitement to share the day with the community on the riverfront. “The Food Truck Festival has become one of our most popular events over the years at the amphitheater,” he said. “It’s a great feeling for all of us volunteers on the amphitheater commission to be able to put something together like this, where families and the community can come together and have a positive experience. We see enough stuff on the news and in the world today that’s negative. This is a chance for us to come together as a community and bring people from outside our local community to Alton so they can really see what we have to offer.” Hosted by the amphitheater and Sauce

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WOOD RIVER – A Wood River woman accused of leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle and jumping into the Mississippi River faces felony charges in her latest case of fleeing police. Elizabeth A. Scarborough, 24, of Wood River, was charged on Aug. 15, 2025 with a Class 2 felony count of offenses related to motor vehicles and a Class 3 felony count of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer. On July 22, 2025, Scarborough allegedly possessed a knowingly stolen 2008 Nissan Titan bearing an Illinois registration number and fled from a police officer signaling her to stop at more than 21 miles per hour above the area’s legal speed limit. The state’s petition to deny Scarborough’s pretrial release from custody states that on July 22, 2025, an Alton Police sergeant and Madison County Sheriff's deputy initiated a traffic stop on a 2008 Nissan Titan that was traveling on Homer Adams Parkway at 90 mph in a 45 mph zone. The vehicle had

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HIGHLAND - A local bodybuilder and personal trainer helps her clients find balance in their fitness journeys. Ashley Wilson loves the discipline behind bodybuilding, but her daily life focuses more on leveling healthy food and fitness with treats and rest. Workouts and meal plans are just one aspect of her coaching. She tries to help her clients — mostly women of all ages — develop positive relationships with food, their bodies, and their fitness. “We can still be healthy and fit. It doesn't have to be extreme. It’s all about balance,” Wilson said. “I help women figure that out, so then they’re able to create a lifestyle and just feel good about themselves.” Wilson started working out in 2016. She shared that she had a history of eating disorders and would previously find herself in a cycle of restricting and then falling off her workouts. It was important to her to find an equilibrium between healthy eating, fitness and mental

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O'FALLON, Ill. — The O'Fallon Police Department welcomed Officer Allyson Biehl back to the force after her graduation from the Sauk Valley Community College Police Academy, the department announced Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. Biehl completed the 16-week basic law enforcement training program, which provides recruits with foundational skills in policing, including proactive strategies, officer survival tactics, and procedural justice. The academy, held quarterly, is designed for individuals hired by authorized municipal law enforcement agencies or county sheriff’s offices recognized by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. “We’re excited to have her back at OPD to begin field training,” the O'Fallon Police Department said in a statement. “Congratulations Allyson!” The SVCC Police Academy emphasizes adult learning and practical scenarios such as traffic stops, building searches, and court testimony. The curriculum also

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker announced yesterday the launch of IL Pride Connect, a new statewide resource hub and first of its kind legal hotline that expands access to legal information and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals across Illinois. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), in collaboration with community partners, will lead the initiative. Governor Pritzker made the announcement at an event Thursday evening hosted by the Legal Council for Health Justice. “In Illinois, we are fighting ignorance with information and cruelty with compassion, said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to our state, philanthropic, and community partners, IL Pride Connect will inform individuals of their rights and connect them to health and social services support – making us the only state in the nation to provide free legal advice and advocacy tools to protect the LGBTQ community.” Supported by a $250,000 investment from the State of Illinois and $100,000 in philanthropi

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ST. LOUIS – As fraudulent scams grow more sophisticated, First Mid Bank & Trust (First Mid) is sounding the alarm about a new type of social engineering fraud that is gaining traction and causing people to unwittingly give scammers access to their bank accounts. Social engineering fraud is when criminals impersonate trusted sources, like a bank or vendor, to convince people to share sensitive information and login credentials. Unlike malware-based hacks, these attacks rely on phone calls, emails, and text messages designed to gain a victim’s trust, often using urgent language and personal details to appear legitimate. “These fraudsters are professionals targeting the human side of banking,” said Alyssa Newmister, Director of Treasury & Digital Solutions at First Mid. “They know what information to ask for, how systems work, and how to sound credible. They’re using urgency and false authority, dropping case numbers or personal details, to pressure

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SPRINGFIELD – More than 250 South Side residents took part in Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ first virtual Town Hall Wednesday evening to discuss the skyrocketing cost of auto insurance. South Side residents shared, either on video or in the chat, their first-hand accounts of auto insurance rates increasing due to a recent move, a poor credit score or advanced age – reasons that have nothing to do with their driving record. This was the first of a series of virtual Town Hall meetings that the Secretary of State’s office is conducting over the next several weeks to gather feedback from Illinoisans to help inform state legislation for members of the General Assembly to consider. “As Secretary of State, I strongly believe that an individual’s driving record should serve as the primary factor that’s analyzed when setting auto insurance rates,” Giannoulias said. “Insurance companies need to implement a ratemaking

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Did you know that a simple herb-infused oil or vinegar can transform an ordinary salad or dish into a gourmet experience? The art of infusing oils and vinegars with herbs is both a time-honored tradition and a versatile technique that elevates everyday cooking. Beyond just adding flavor, these infusions can serve as personalized culinary signatures, making homemade meals uniquely memorable. The Science and Appeal of Herb-Infused Oils and Vinegars At its core, infusion is the process of extracting flavors, aromas, and sometimes even medicinal properties from herbs into a liquid medium—typically oil or vinegar. Oils such as olive, grapeseed, or sunflower oil act as fat-based carriers that absorb and preserve the herb’s essential oils and subtle nuances. Vinegars, on the other hand, bring acidity and brightness, capturing tart and tangy flavors alongside herbal notes. Infused oils and vinegars are not only flavor enhancers but also practical pantry staples. For instance,

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