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June 11 has long been a day marked by significant events that have shaped the world in diverse ways. June 11, 1509, saw the ascension of King Henry VIII to the English throne following the death of his father, Henry VII. Henry VIII’s reign would go on to have profound religious and political implications, including the English Reformation and the establishment of the Church of England. His rule is often remembered for its dramatic shifts in governance and the complex legacy he left behind through his six marriages and break from the Catholic Church. Fast forward to the 20th century, June 11, 1963, marked a significant moment in civil rights history when President John F. Kennedy delivered a landmark speech calling for civil rights legislation. This address was a crucial step toward the eventual passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which aimed to end segregation and discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Kennedy's speech helped galvanize

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GLEN CARBON – New water mains and asphalt resurfacing are coming to certain streets in Glen Carbon. The Village Board of Trustees on Tuesday approved a $712,609.14 bid from Kamex Inc. for the small main replacement program. This was the lowest of three total bids received for the project. The full scope of the project includes the replacement of 4-inch cast iron water mains along certain sections of Austin, Collinsville, Summit, and Sunset Avenues in Glen Carbon. The old water mains will be replaced with new 8-inch PVC mains before each roadway is milled and overlayed with a new hot-mix asphalt surface. Mayor Bob Marcus asked how many more phases of the small main replacement program are left, and if all the work is taking place in the village’s “Old Town” neighborhood. Public Works Director Scott Slemer gave a cost-dependent estimate that the work could be completed in one or two more phases, and confirmed it would all take place in Old Town. Trustee Ben

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2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR – 2ND SEMESTER Senior High Honors: Audrey Gilman, Joy Hurley, Grant Kronable, Abby McCasland, Anna Oswald, Lacy Pohlman, Jacob Snyders, Jack Webster, Kate Zipprich Senior Honors: Luke Brannan, Seth Deffenbaugh, Jolene Fanning, Jenna Fraley, Patrick Friedel, Claire Gould, Caden Hayn, Jacob Hillen, Jackson Hinrichs Graner, Josephine Hoagland, Charles Lorsbach IV, Elaina Roth, Wyatt Sibley Junior High Honors: Hannah Klaas, Mia Krysl, Emma Rose, Mary Squier, Jack Zipprich Junior Honors: Addison Becker, Reagan Clendenny, Anabel Eilerman, Marissa Fraley, John Glynn, Jack Goode, Stella Gress, Tyler Grimes, Layla Johnson, Sadie Kiel, Karleigh Mason, Tamara Osterman, Carly Pohlman, Hudson Roth, Kiera Sievers Sophomore High Honors: Lucy Baalman, Peyton Baalman, Tanner Churchman, Ian Gilman, Jordan Hillen, Gabriella Hurley, Grace Hurley, Lucy Hurley, Elizabeth McCasland, Lilly Pelletier, Ethan Wickenhauser Sophomore Honors: Caroline Adams, Noah

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ALTON - Alton couple Dale and Carol Neudecker were recently honored by Pride Inc. with the Legacy Award for their decades of dedication to beautifying the community. The Neudeckers have been instrumental in numerous projects in Alton, including the creation of the Bucket Brigade, which has organized volunteers to paint more than 1,500 houses over the years. Their efforts also include installing planters and lampposts with hanging baskets, inspired by a city in Wisconsin, which have become a notable feature of the Upper Alton area. The Bucket Brigade idea has been emulated across the country by those who have heard of what Dale started here. In an interview following the award presentation, Dale Neudecker reflected on the origins and impact of their work. “One of the main things was the Bucket Brigade. I came up with that idea and we have churches, businesses involved and everyone I could corral to paint houses,” he said. “After all these years, past 1,500 houses

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ALTON – Summer is here, and temps are warmer, and that means one thing – more fun in the sun. Riverbend region residents will be outside enjoying time at the lake or on the river, playing in backyards or spending time at parks. But more fun in the sun can also pose health risks and dangers – particularly when speaking of skin cancer. With our calendars telling us warmer weather is on the way, OSF Moeller Cancer Center (2200 Central Ave, Alton, IL, 62002) will be hosting a FREE skin cancer screening event on Monday, June 23, 3:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. This screening event is “first come, first serve.” Individuals will be seen in order of arrival. The last person to be seen will be checked in no later than 5:30 PM. For more information, interested individuals can contact: Karen Boyd at 618-433-7609 or email Karen.K.Boyd@osfhealthcare.org Jessica Williams at 618-433-7610 or email Jessica.R.Williams@osfhealthcare.org Skin cancer is the out-of-control

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SWANSEA - The Rotary Club of Swansea hosted their 22nd Annual “Service Above Self” 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, May 31, 2025, which began and ended at Wolf Branch Elementary School. More than 100 participants of all ages enjoyed the beautiful weather and helped to support the Chad Wood Memorial Scholarship Fund which benefits college scholarship programs for qualifying graduates of area high schools. "For our Rotarians, this event is deeply meaningful as it allows us to perpetually honor the memory of Chad, a truly remarkable young man whose absence is still felt keenly in our community," said event organizer and Swansea Rotarian Jim Riess."My sincerest thanks go out to all the volunteers and participants whose continued support ensures this event's success." The news of Chad Wood's sudden and unexpected death on Monday morning, May 9, 2005, took the breath away from all of the Swansea Rotary Club's members. Ray Wood was the Charter President when the Rotary Club of Swansea

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JERSEYVILLE – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced that a former Jersey County Treasurer pleaded guilty to a felony theft charge after she knowingly obtained more than $50,000 in 2024 by deception for personal gain from Jersey County bank accounts while in her role as treasurer. Raoul’s office prosecuted Katie Abbey, 37, of Jerseyville, Illinois, who pleaded guilty to Class 1 felony theft by deception. Sangamon County Circuit Court Chief Judge Daniel Wright sentenced her to pay $58,453.76 in restitution and serve 45 days of home confinement and 30 months of felony probation. “Public servants are entrusted with resources that allow them to fulfill their responsibilities on behalf of the taxpayers they serve, which is why they must be held to a higher standard,” Raoul said. “It is an egregious violation of the public’s trust when any elected official takes advantage of this responsibility for their own personal gain. My office is committed

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ALTON - A “hippie artist” at heart, Charles Mooneyham has returned to his roots. After 20 years working in the behavioral health field, Mooneyham began painting again to manage the stress of his job at the suicide hotline. His work soon found a home in multiple galleries across the region, and he decided to open his own space in his adopted hometown of Alton. “I decided I was going to leave my job and just become a full-time hippie artist weirdo, and I couldn’t think of a better place than Alton,” he joked. Mooneyham has opened his new gallery space, called Mooneyham Art, at 305 State Street in Alton, and he is excited to be in the downtown district. He explained that the gallery features local artists alongside international names, with the goal of boosting these local artists and their work. “I’m creating an environment for intermediate emerging artists to be able to show with regional, national and international artists,”

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ALTON – Multiple Riverbend residents with prior felony convictions have been charged with illegally possessing firearms in separate criminal cases. Jermaine D. Stiff, 44, of Alton, was charged on June 2, 2025 with a Class X felony count of possession of a firearm by a repeat felony offender, as well as a Class 2 felony count of felon in possession of a weapon. Stiff allegedly possessed a firearm on May 28, 2025 after previously being convicted of several felony offenses, including aggravated discharge of a firearm in 1999, home invasion in 2004, felon in possession of a firearm in 2006, and residential burglary in 2006. A petition to deny Stiff’s pretrial release from custody was filed by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. The petition states he was seen on surveillance video shooting the firearm he illegally possessed. “Officers were dispatched to a report of multiple shots fired,” the petition states. “Detectives began reviewing

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TROY – Troy Police have arrested a Worden man for his second domestic battery offense, interfering with the reporting of domestic battery, and more. Roy A. LaFountain, 27, of Worden, was charged on June 5, 2025 with his second or subsequent offense of domestic battery (a Class 4 felony), unlawful restraint (a Class 4 felony), interfering with the reporting of domestic battery (a Class A misdemeanor) and criminal damage to property (a Class A misdemeanor). On June 2, 2025, LaFountain allegedly struck a household or family member about the body with his hands. He is additionally accused of unlawfully restraining the victim at a residence in Troy, seizing the victim’s cell phone to prevent them from reporting the act of domestic violence, and causing under $500 in damage to their cell phone and television. LaFountain had previously been convicted of aggravated domestic battery in a 2019 Macoupin County case. He was also under an active Order of Protection at the time of

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PIASA - Thor Springman, a sophomore at Southwestern High School, emerged as a key contributor during the 2025 track and field season with notable performances in distance events. Thor is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of Month for the Piasa Birds. Springman posted a personal best of 4:46.13 in the 1,600 meters at the Jokisch-Grandone Invitational, marking a significant improvement from his freshman year. He also competed in the 3,200 meters at the IHSA Class 1A Sectional at North Mac, finishing third with a time of 10:17. He posted a time of 2:10.40 in the 800 meters at the Staunton Quad Meet. His efforts were vital to the success of the Southwestern Piasa Birds, as he led the team in total points and earned the distinction of Most Valuable Performer for the season. Looking ahead, Springman will continue his athletic pursuits this fall with Southwestern’s cross country team before transitioning to basketball for the winter season.

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ALTON - As summer kicks off, a local psychotherapist has advice for busy families who are dealing with the stress of the transition. Lisa Lawrence, LCSW, works with OSF St. Anthony’s Psychological Services Department to serve young kids and their families. She noted that summer can be a big transition for families as they welcome their children home from school, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. “Allow grace and space for the family to transition to summertime itself,” Lawrence advised. “All of it happens so quickly and then we’re in summertime. All of our schedules have changed, and it’s kind of like, what are we doing, where are we supposed to be, how are we getting there? So I think just mindfulness towards that. How are we doing with the schedules? Are we maintaining proper sleep and are we eating, are we having water, do we know where we’re going? Those kinds of things.” Summer can be a great opportunity for

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EDWARDSVILLE - EXO Lounge has a special offering for powerful women who wish to connect. “Boss Bish Thursdays” kick off every Thursday at 5 p.m. at EXO Lounge in Edwardsville. EXO owner Gina Gamblin explained that this is an “elevated ladies’ night” that aims to empower women and give them the opportunity to network with other leaders. “I think a group of women together can do marvelous things,” Gamblin said. “I believe you become the person who you surround yourself with. And I think everybody wants to be their best self. If you surround yourself with powerful women, you become powerful.” On Thursdays, women are invited to EXO for an evening of self-care. In addition to EXO’s normal nail bar and med spa offerings, attendees can also enjoy specialty cocktails and a live DJ playing music by female powerhouses. Gamblin noted that EXO’s kitchen will drop a new menu on Thursday, June 12, 2025, with foo

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ST. LOUIS — A local family displaced by an EF3 tornado that struck their neighborhood in St. Louis is seeking community support to recover from the disaster. Debbie Boukas, a Belleville grandmother, is organizing a GoFundMe fundraiser to help her daughter, her daughter’s partner, and their young son, Banner, who were forced to leave their home due to unsafe living conditions following the storm. The tornado, which tore through the area recently, left their apartment structurally intact but contaminated with hazardous materials, including debris, asbestos, lead paint, and fiberglass. These conditions pose a particular health risk to Banner, her grandson, who has asthma. The family was fortunate to be at a movie theater when the tornado hit, avoiding physical harm, but they returned to significant damage and disruption. “We’re starting over,” Boukas said in her fundraiser description. Her daughter, a graduate student in social work with multiple health issues,

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GODFREY - Lewis and Clark Community College’s College for Life program has received a $10,000 boost. The College for Life program offers classes and college experiences for adults with disabilities. On Tuesday, June 10, 2025, Cargill, Inc. presented the program with a $10,000 grant that they will use to start a Special Olympics team. “Today is a celebration of our shared commitment to inclusion, opportunity, and the power of community,” said Rosie Ellington, director of the program. “College for Life has become more than just a program. It’s a movement towards creating lasting, inclusive pathways for all learners.” Ellington explained that Joe Fletcher, a College for Life parent who works at Cargill, alerted her to the grant opportunity through Cargill’s Community Cares grant program. Ellington and Emily DeGrand worked together to create a grant proposal. With the money, they plan to host a summer event with the College for Life student

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ALTON — The Alton Police Department honored officers and telecommunicators Friday afternoon, June 6, 2025, for their bravery and teamwork. Chief Jarrett Ford presented the Medal of Valor to Detective Sergeant Patrick Bennett, Sergeant Joseph Splittorff, Detective Doug Hubbard, Police Field Corporals Jeff Thornton, Andrew Henderson, Allen Averbeck, and Police Officer Lane Lawson. The medal recognizes acts of outstanding bravery, personal courage, selflessness, and devotion to duty during the chaotic and dangerous response. In addition, Chief Ford awarded the department’s first-ever Outstanding Team Award to a group of officers, detectives, and telecommunicators whose combined efforts in two connected shooting investigations culminated in the August incident. Recipients included Deputy Chief Dustin Christner, Lieutenant Jim Siatos, Detective Sergeants Bennett and Andrew Pierson, Sergeants Splittorff, Rob DeWall, and Stephen January, Detectives Lee Bazzell, Jake Custer, Daniel

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ALTON — The Alton Police Department announced two key promotions during a recent ceremony, highlighting the department’s commitment to leadership and community service. Chief Jarrett Ford promoted Sergeant Andrew Pierson to Lieutenant and named him the new Chief of Detectives. In this role, Lt. Pierson will lead the Criminal Investigation Division. Ford noted that Pierson brings years of investigative experience, leadership, and dedication to the position. Additionally, Patrolman First Class Mary Maggart was promoted to Sergeant and will serve in the Patrol Division. According to Chief Ford, Sgt. Maggart has demonstrated strong leadership skills, a proactive training mentality, and a consistent commitment to serving the Alton community. The department expressed confidence in both officers’ abilities to make a continued impact in their new roles.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) introduced the bipartisan VA Mental Health Outreach and Engagement Act to expand the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) outreach to veterans about mental health services. By requiring VA to conduct proactive outreach to veterans with mental health-related service-connected disabilities, the legislation would ease the burden on veterans to navigate the VA system and access mental health care. “Many veterans struggle with the invisible wounds of war, and they are often unaware of where to turn for support. It’s critical that we provide our veterans with the knowledge and resources to prosper following their service to our nation,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “Navigating the VA should never be an added burden on our veterans and this legislation will help make the first step easier to get connected with the care they need.” “Veterans

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ALTON - At Alton Godfrey Rotary’s meeting on Monday, June 9, 2025, club President Donna Bemis presented a check for $15,000 from Alton Godfrey Rotary to Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow to help fund the National Memorial of Military Ascent that is currently under development in Grafton. Mayor Morrow presented details of the project to the Rotarians. The Memorial will be set against the limestone bluffs in Grafton overlooking the Mississippi River. The centerpiece of this memorial will be life-sized bronze statues of U.S. Army Rangers placed along the bluff, replicating the climb they endured to reach the top of Pointe Du Hoc cliffs on Omaha Beach as part of the initial D-Day landings. Plans for the Memorial include tributes to all who have served, and will include educational events, interactive and immersion experiences, and walkways designed to foster an enhanced historical perspective of the D-Day events. Morrow explained that the memorial will be a place of solemn reflection where

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and U.S. Representative Glenn Ivey (D-MD-04) in leading 96 of their colleagues in pressing for answers from the Department of Homeland Security and Department of State around the decision to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghan nationals living in the United States. The lawmakers’ letter, sent to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, notes the devastating impact of this decision, including on the many Afghans who supported the U.S. military during the war in Afghanistan and who face significant danger upon their return. “We write with deep concern about the Department of Homeland Security’s termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Afghanistan, which is scheduled to take effect on July 14, 2025. This decision is devastating

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