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JERSEYVILLE – A Jerseyville man accused of invading a home he tried breaking into earlier the same night faces multiple felonies after battering the home’s occupants and a responding police officer. Kaeleb D. Austin, 26, of Jerseyville, was charged on July 3, 2025 with a Class X felony count of home invasion, a Class 2 felony count of aggravated battery, and three Class A misdemeanors including two counts of battery and one count of criminal damage to property. On July 2, Austin allegedly entered an occupied Jersey County residence without legal authority, struck one of the occupants in the face with a closed fist, pushed another occupant, and kicked a police officer twice in the chest while the officer attempted to detain him. He is also accused of causing over $500 of damage to one of the home’s front windows. Austin first attempted to break into the home’s back door and window at approximately 10:52 p.m., according to the state’s petition to deny

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COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department is seeking public assistance in locating a fugitive who has failed to comply with pretrial release conditions related to aggravated criminal sexual abuse charges. The individual, identified as Lamel T. Scott, faces charges involving a victim under the age of 13, stemming from allegations made earlier this year. Authorities issued the notice on Friday, July 4, 2025, as part of their "Fugitive Friday" initiative, aimed at encouraging those with outstanding warrants to surrender voluntarily. The department urges anyone with information about Scott’s whereabouts to contact them anonymously by calling 618-344-2131, extension 5209, or by sending a message through their Facebook page. The police department emphasized the importance of compliance, stating that failure to adhere to release conditions or to appear in court will result in the individual’s photo being posted online as part of the public notification effort. The departmen

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JERSEYVILLE — Two Jersey County Sheriff’s Office officers received the prestigious Sheriff’s Service Award for their roles in assisting neighboring counties with a multi-county burglary investigation earlier this year. Jersey County Sheriff's Office Detective Sally Arbuthnot and Telecommunicator Megan Ayres were recognized for their investigative efforts that helped identify and apprehend a suspect involved in a series of burglaries across Pike, Calhoun, and Jersey counties. The awards were announced by Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns on Thursday. The investigation began when the Pike County Sheriff’s Office alerted Detective Arbuthnot to a string of burglaries occurring in Pike and Calhoun counties, sharing a surveillance image of a suspect vehicle. Although the image was of poor quality, Sheriff Manns said it provided details on the vehicle’s color and approximate model. Arbuthnot contacted business owners along State Route 16 in Jersey County to check

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ALTON - A protest is scheduled for Monday, July 7, 2025, following a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a 17-year-old Alton girl . On July 4, 2025, police responded to reports of a shooting on Oakwood Avenue and found the victim with an apparent gunshot wound. The victim, a 17-year-old girl, later died from her injuries at a local hospital. At 6:45 p.m. on July 7, 2025, community members will rally at the Alton Housing Authority. “This is our community. That was one of our children,” said Lee Barham, who organized the protest. “Regardless of where she lives, it’s still one of our children. It’s one less that’ll be graduating. She was 17, so she probably would have been graduating next year. That’s one less in the 2026 class we’ll have. That’s one less too many. That’s unacceptable.” This is not the first time Barham has organized a protest or a vigil following gun violence in Alton, including shootings

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COLLINSVILLE - Madison County Transit honored former Board of Trustees member and Chairman Ron Jedda with a dedication ceremony at the MCT Schoolhouse Trail Tunnel under Illinois Route 157 in Collinsville. The event recognized Jedda’s years of service and his contributions to transit innovation and trail safety in Madison County. During his tenure, Jedda advocated for bus service enhancements and the expansion of the MCT Trails system. A significant part of his work focused on reducing at-grade crossings by supporting the construction of dedicated bridges and tunnels to provide safer and uninterrupted trail access. The commemorative plaque at the tunnel acknowledges his efforts, including the upcoming MCT Schoolhouse Trail Bridge over Illinois Route 111 in Pontoon Beach, which is scheduled for construction later this year. MCT expressed gratitude for Jedda’s leadership and commitment to improving mobility and connectivity for county residents.

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MARYVILLE - Anderson Hospital is excited to announce the construction of a brand-new Emergency Department—a major investment in the future of emergency care for the communities we serve. This project will be a completely new, state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance patient care, improve efficiency, and accommodate the growing number of emergency visits, which now exceeds 37,000 visits annually. This project reflects our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our patients and community. The decision to build a new ER stems from several critical factors: Rising Patient Volume: Each year, we see a growing number of patients in our ER, underscoring the urgent need for expanded capacity. Facility Limitations: Our current space is outdated and challenging to support the high volume or complexity of care our team delivers. Behavioral Health Needs: There is an increasing demand for appropriate space to care for patients experiencing behavioral health crises. Trauma and

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BENTON – Following a two-week coordinated operation led by the FBI, eight individuals are facing federal charges for distributing meth or possession with intent to distribute in southern Illinois. A federal grand jury charged: Sarah L. Elverd, 35, of Centralia, with one count of possession with intent to distribute fifty grams or more of meth, Alan D. Fleming, 41, of Mount Vernon, with four counts of distribution of meth, John A. Fowler, 49, of Mount Vernon, with eight counts of distribution of meth, James B. Lockwood, 43, of Mount Vernon, with four counts of distribution of meth, Cedric R. Long, 32, of Bluford, with two counts of distribution of meth, Christopher L. Webb, 38, of Mount Vernon, with one count of possession with intent to distribute meth, Scott T. Miller, 40, of Centralia, with two counts of distribution of meth and one count of possession with intent to distribute meth, and Damion D. Thrailkill, 39, of Mount Vernon, with one count of distribution o

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BELLEVILLE — Charges have been filed in connection with a shooting incident involving a child that occurred on July 3, 2025, at a residence on the first block of North 42nd Street in Belleville, authorities said. Tyron L. Pembleton, 27, of Belleville, faces one count of unlawful possession of weapons by a felon, two counts of obstructing justice, and one count of endangering the life or health of a child, according to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s office. The unlawful possession charge is a Class 3 felony, the obstructing justice charges are Class 4 felonies, and the endangering charge is a Class A misdemeanor. The child injured in the shooting is currently recovering at a local hospital, the Belleville Police Department reported. Pembleton remains in custody at the St. Clair County Jail pending a detention hearing and further court proceedings. Authorities emphasized that Pembleton is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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ALTON - Alton Music Exchange will offer workshops for guitar maintenance. Located at 556 E. Broadway in Alton, Alton Music Exchange buys, trades and sells music equipment and offers rentals and music lessons. They will host four-hour workshops to teach basic guitar maintenance and repair. “People love this instrument, and it’s therapeutic,” said owner Jared Unfried. “It’s grown beyond this quote-unquote rockstar thing. It probably was always more than that. That’s just the vision that some of us had when we were teenagers. You see this music for what it is, guitar-playing for what it is, and it’s this therapeutic way of life. It’s a medium to create. It’s a medium to be social with other people. And for those people who are into that, they have to be able to maintain the instrument.” Alton Music Exchange has six workbenches with all the tools you need to perform this maintenance. For $10 an hour, you can rent the

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ALTON – A new martial arts program is launching in Alton this August, offering families a fun, fitness-focused way to grow stronger in body, mind, and spirit. Christian Karate Alton opens with a full lineup of age-specific and family-friendly classes that blend traditional karate training with Biblical character development. Classes include Cubs & Tiny Tigers (ages 2–3 and 4–5), a dedicated Adult Class (ages 15+), Golden Eagles for seniors (55+), and a Homeschool Family Karate program with optional open gym time for fellowship and activity after class. At the heart of the program is the Family Class (ages 4–104), where parents and kids can train side-by-side—building unity, coordination, and Christ-centered confidence together. Students train in the Shotokan style of karate, a traditional Japanese form known for its strong stances, structured techniques, and emphasis on discipline. Classes are led by Chief Instructors Steve and Jennifer

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ALTON — The Alton Parks and Recreation Department announced temporary closures of the Splash Pad near the Alton Amphitheater to accommodate major upcoming events and ensure public safety. The Splash Pad will be closed from Friday, July 18, through Sunday, July 20, 2025, for the F1 Powerboat Races. It will also be closed on Saturday, July 26, 2025, for the A-Tilla Festival. During these closures, the Splash Pad will operate with limited hours from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., with parking available at the Argosy Casino parking lot. Regular business hours of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. will resume the day following each event. “These closures are necessary to manage large crowds and maintain a safe environment for all attendees,” said Sabrina Kalips, Parks and Recreation Supervisor for the Alton Parks and Recreation Department. The department thanked the community for its understanding as it supports these events along the riverfront.

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What if a simple shift in where and how you exercise could transform not only your physical health but also your mental clarity, social connections, and overall sense of well-being? Outdoor summer sports offer this multifaceted benefit, engaging individuals across all ages in ways that indoor activities often cannot replicate. From toddlers learning coordination to seniors maintaining mobility, the advantages of participating in sports under the open sky extend far beyond the obvious. Physical Health Benefits Across the Lifespan Engaging in outdoor summer sports promotes cardiovascular health, muscular strength, flexibility, and endurance. For children, activities such as swimming, soccer, and cycling support healthy growth and motor skill development. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children who participate in regular physical activity are more likely to maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of chronic diseases later in life. Adolescents

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HARDIN - On Thursday, July 3, 2025, Calhoun County Sheriff Bill Heffington hosted a luncheon to honor law enforcement personnel from Jersey, Pike, and Calhoun counties for their roles in a multi-agency investigation that led to an arrest following a series of burglaries in Pike and Calhoun counties in June. Sheriffs Nick Manns of Jersey County and Dave Greenwood of Pike County joined Heffington in recognizing several members of their teams for their contributions to the case. Pike County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Zack Orr received the Meritorious Service Award for his leadership and dedication. Orr led the investigation that identified and apprehended the suspect in less than a week. In addition to his role in Pike County, Orr serves as a part-time deputy for the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and has shared his expertise with the agency. Sergeant Matt Frazier of the Pike County Sheriff’s Department was awarded the Sheriff’s Service Award for his initiative and

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Did you know that nearly 50% of household water use in the summer goes toward outdoor irrigation? Efficient watering isn’t just about keeping plants alive; it’s about conserving resources, reducing costs, and fostering a thriving garden ecosystem. Setting up a well-designed irrigation system can transform your garden care routine, saving you time and effort while ensuring your plants receive exactly what they need. Understanding Your Garden’s Water Needs Before diving into installation, it’s essential to assess your garden’s specific watering requirements. Different plants have varying moisture needs. For instance, succulents and drought-tolerant plants require less frequent watering than vegetables or flowering shrubs. Soil type also plays a crucial role: sandy soils drain quickly, demanding more frequent irrigation, whereas clay soils retain moisture longer. Mapping your garden with these considerations in mind will help determine the type and placement

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July 7th has long been a date marked by events that have shaped cultures, nations, and the course of world history. One of the most widely recognized global events tied to July 7th is the 2005 London bombings. On this day, a series of coordinated terrorist attacks struck the London public transport system during the morning rush hour. Four suicide bombers targeted three trains and a double-decker bus, tragically taking 52 lives and injuring hundreds more. This event not only shook the United Kingdom but resonated worldwide, highlighting the ongoing challenges of global terrorism and prompting extensive security reforms and community resilience initiatives. The attacks also led to a significant increase in international cooperation against extremist groups, underscoring the interconnected nature of modern security concerns. Stepping back in time, July 7th, 1928, marked a milestone in the world of sports with the opening of the 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam. This was the first Olympi

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COLUMBIA - Jeff Leuty, a father from Columbia, is seeking financial support for an experimental stem cell therapy to treat his 10-year-old daughter Gracie’s Type 1 diabetes. The family aims to raise $27,000 to cover the cost of the treatment offered by a clinic in Florida. Gracie Leuty, who currently manages Type 1 diabetes, faces increased health risks as she continues her growth and development. The stem cell therapy being considered has shown promising results in reducing insulin dependence or potentially reversing the condition, though it remains experimental and outcomes are not guaranteed. Leuty emphasized that the family is carefully researching the clinic and consulting with medical professionals to ensure the treatment is appropriate. “Your generous support, no matter the amount, will bring us closer to giving Gracie the opportunity for a life without the constant demands of diabetes,” he said in a statement. The fundraising campaign is hosted on GoFundMe,

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EAST ALTON - Allen Hale honored two East Alton community leaders with Paul Harris Fellowship awards during the recent Installation of Officers event for the Riverbend East Rotary Club. Hale, recognized for his 50 years of service to the club, presented the awards to Debbie Angleton and Denny Weber. The event also marked the selection of Mark Smith as the club’s president for the 2025-26 term. The Paul Harris Fellowship award, named after Rotary’s founder, acknowledges individuals who have shown dedication to community service, peace, goodwill and international understanding. Angleton and Weber were recognized for their contributions to the East Alton community through this prestigious honor.

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July 6th has been a date packed with remarkable events across centuries, continents, and disciplines. One of the most impactful global events on July 6th came in 1415, when Jan Hus, a Czech theologian and reformer, was burned at the stake for heresy against the doctrines of the Catholic Church. Hus’s execution in Konstanz, Germany, was a pivotal moment that fueled the Hussite Wars and eventually contributed to the broader Protestant Reformation. His courage to challenge religious orthodoxy and advocate for church reform resonates through history as an early fight for religious freedom and intellectual independence. Moving forward into the Age of Exploration, July 6th, 1535, marks the departure of Jacques Cartier from Saint-Malo, France, on his second voyage to the New World. Cartier’s explorations of the St. Lawrence River laid the foundation for French claims in North America and the eventual development of Canada. His journeys opened new pathways for trade, cultural

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced a unilateral delay in all rules implementing her historic, bipartisan Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act , which Congress required to be implemented by January 5, 2025. Chair Carr previously voted in favor of adopting the legally-required implementation rules last year—the very rules Chair Carr is now refusing to enforce. “This is yet another illegal hit-job by one of Trump’s henchmen that defies Congress and prioritizes profits over people. It makes no sense to delay rules that the FCC—comprising both Trump and Biden appointees—unanimously adopted after Democrats and Republicans worked together to pass my bill unanimously through Congress. In fact, FCC Chair Brendan Carr himself voted in favor of them. Why? Because this is commonsense policy that seeks to eliminate astronomical prison phone rates,

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today co-led a coalition of 18 state attorneys general and the city and county of San Francisco in filing an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit in Doe v. Noem, urging the court to uphold the lower court’s decision and recognize the lawful parole program for Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan (CHNV) immigrants. The program allows over 500,000 CHNV immigrants, who fled dangerous conditions in their home countries, to maintain legal status in the United States. “I am the proud son of Haitian immigrants who, like so many immigrants, worked diligently to better their communities,” Raoul said. “Immigrants have long been the backbone of the United States, and we are a country that provides safe harbor to those fleeing dangerous conditions in their home countries. These individuals are key contributors to our state and national economies. Abruptly removing their legal status and ability

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