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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Chancellor James T. Minor addressed the evolving landscape of higher education in statements released on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, emphasizing the need for academic program assessments to align with industry demands and student interests. Minor outlined the importance of program reviews in ensuring financial sustainability and maintaining a high-quality academic experience. In addressing the financial narrative surrounding academic changes, Minor clarified that SIUE is not facing a financial crisis. "At the beginning of the fiscal year, we adopted a budget that included a planned $10M structural deficit," he said. "This could have been easily resolved by quietly announcing a 2% budget cut and maintaining the status quo. Instead, we decided to manage more aggressively with the intent of introducing changes to our budgeting processes, executing a more dynamic enrollment management plan, and addressing efficiencies in ou

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JERSEYVILLE — Nick Hartley, a member of the Jersey Community High School wrestling team, has been recognized as a Sparklight Male Athlete of the Month following a successful junior season. Hartley concluded the season with an overall record of 29 wins and 12 losses, culminating in his qualification for the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) State Wrestling tournament, where he secured a victory. The achievement comes after several years of near misses for Hartley, who expressed his satisfaction with the progress he has made. "It feels amazing. I have been close the past few years," Hartley said. Frank Speidel, the head coach of the Jersey wrestling team, praised Hartley’s performances at state and on the season, noting the significance of his state match victory. "When Nick is on his A game, he can beat almost anyone. It was a great match, the one he won at state. Great job, Nick," Speidel said. Hartley’s accomplishment not only highlights his individual

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MASCOUTAH – MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) is pleased to announce that work is progressing on a 25,277-square-foot facility, currently under construction, that will enable the airport to process international commercial flights and attract additional aircraft and airlines. The facility, which will house U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a General Aviation Facility, and a Federal Inspection Station, represents the fourth phase of terminal modifications made by MidAmerica St. Louis Airport to accommodate future passenger growth. The new facility is being built in two phases. Construction on Phase 4a began in late summer 2024 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2025. The $18.2 million project addresses the documented infrastructure needs of Customs and Border Protection and will include the General Aviation Facility and the exterior of the Federal Inspection Station. Work on Phase 4b, expected to cost approximately $10.9 million, will focus on the interior

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ALTON – The City of Alton is moving forward with grant applications for over $200,000 worth of upgrades at Gordon Moore and Riverfront Parks. The Committee of the Whole on Monday unanimously passed a resolution authorizing the mayor to apply for Park Enhancement Program (PEP) grant funds from the Madison County Park and Recreation Grant Commission . According to the resolution, the city is applying to help cover the cost of several projects at Gordon Moore Park. These include a new roof for pavilion #2, a small playground for pavilions #4, 5, and 6, resurfacing for two tennis courts, as well as a new small pavilion with a concrete pad, sidewalks, and three picnic tables for the all-inclusive playground at the park. Aside from Gordon Moore Park, the city is also applying to cover the remaining cost to build an outdoor Fitness Court at Riverfront Park . After receiving a $60,000 grant from the National Fitness Campaign and a $100,000 commitment from Alton Township, the

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EAST ALTON - The Attorney General’s Office has opened an investigation into the East Alton School District #13 Board of Education. On behalf of the East Alton Education Association (EAEA), member Fred Glover contacted the Attorney General’s Office and said that the Board of Education held an improper closed session on Feb. 18, 2025. According to a letter sent by Assistant Attorney General Katie Goldsmith, Glover said the Board discussed the consolidated election on April 1, 2025, and the EAEA’s possible endorsement of candidates during a closed session of the school board. “Specifically, Mr. Glover alleges that the Board improperly discussed the upcoming Board elections and the status of the Union interviewing incumbents for consideration of endorsement,” Goldsmith wrote. These allegations come after Board of Education member Connie Bailey sent text messages related to her campaign to an EAEA union member during the closed session. According t

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CALHOUN COUNTY - At 2:15 a.m. on Nov. 23rd 2024, athe Calhoun County Sheriff's Office was notified of a single vehicle traffic crash with injuries near the intersection of Mississippi River Road, and Prosker Lane, Brussels, Calhoun County, Illinois. Calhoun County Sheriff's Deputy Nicholas McCall responded to the scene and immediately began providing first-aid and live-saving care to the occupants of the vehicle. Ambulances responded from the Calhoun County Volunteer Ambulance Service and Jersey Community Hospital, and all occupants were transported from the scene to area hospitals. After performing first aid measures, Deputy McCall processed the scene and began an investigation. Subsequent to that investigation, and additional follow-up; on December 3rd 2024, the Calhoun County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a criminal complaint against the driver, Annabelle M. Hammond, age 23, of Batchtown, Illinois for the following offenses: Aggravated DUI – Bodily Harm

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CALHOUN COUNTY - On on November 6th 2024, the Calhoun County State’s Attorney’s Office filed criminal complaints against the suspect, James N. Holmes, age 46, of Carrollton, Illinois for the following offenses: Deceptive Practices / Bad Checks (Four Counts) The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office continued the investigation and discovered that the same suspect was also alleged to have paid with checks belonging to another individual. Subsequently, on December 12th 2024, the Calhoun County State’s Attorney’s Office filed an additional warrant to be served on Holmes for the following offenses: Forgery Unauthorized Use of Another’s Checks Deceptive Practices / Bad Checks (Two Counts) All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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Letter To The Editor: I’d like to thank the residents of the Village of Godfrey for having confidence in me when casting their votes in last week’s election. I fully intend to keep our beautiful community moving in the right direction. Thank you to my many supporters and those who wished me well, and to my wife, Linda, for helping me through this campaign. I plan on working hard to make the residents of Godfrey happy with the outcome of this election. Thank you, Michael J. McCormick Mayor, Village of Godfrey

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BELLEVILLE - Community members will participate in a “Take Back the Night” walk to raise awareness about sexual violence. At 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) in Belleville, students, elected officials and community members will come together for a walk through campus followed by testimonials and presentations. “Showing that there’s a community that’s coming together for the event that all want to support not only sexual assault survivors but the community in general, for all facets — that’s the important part,” said Ella Huppert, who works with Metro East Every Survivor Counts. The walk was organized in part by Metro East Every Survivor Counts , a local organization that serves as a sexual assault crisis center. They provide medical advocacy, counseling and more to survivors. Metro East ESC has collaborated with HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners,

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PIASA - Mason Cougill, a standout guard and defensive tackle at Southwestern High School, has officially signed his letter of intent to play football at Knox College in Galesburg. The announcement was made recently, highlighting Cougill's commitment to continuing his athletic career at the collegiate level. Southwestern Head Football Coach Pat Keith praised Cougill's contributions to the team, noting that he was a key player and a two-year starter. “He had a good season; he was primarily an offensive guard in our system,” Keith said. Cougill's performance on the field has earned him recognition as the Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Piasa Birds. The signing marks a significant milestone in Cougill's football journey and reflects his dedication to the sport. Knox College will welcome him as part of its football program, providing him with an opportunity to further develop his skills and compete at a higher level.

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GLEN CARBON - Patrick Gierer, a sophomore hitter for the boys' volleyball team at Father McGivney Catholic, has had an outstanding start to his 2025 season and has helped the Griffins get off to a 4-4 start. Gierer thus far has served up 11 points and an ace, with 29 kills, a total of six assists, eight blocks, and 46 digs in his first eight matches of the season. He played very effectively in McKinney's win over Bunker Hill 25-10, 25-13 at the McGivney gym on April 3, 2025. In his post-match interview, Gierer feels that the Griffins are starting to come together as a team, and are ready to open up and go on a big roll. "I'm feeling really good," Gierer said. "These past few games, we've really started to come together, and I'm really excited for the rest of the season." The preseason training went very well for the Griffins, he also felt, and the team had fun preparing for the 2025 campaign. "Oh, yeah," Gierer said. "A lot of fun." Gierer is also a goalkeeper for the boys'

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WEST ALTON - The Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, the Audubon Center at Riverlands and the national Leave No Trace program have collaborated for several days of environmental fun. At 6 p.m. on Friday, April 11, 2025, community members are invited to a trivia night at Old Bakery Beer Co. in Alton. The free event will include trivia about birds, the Leave No Trace principles, and more. On April 12, community members can sign up for a “Trash Bash” cleanup on Ellis Island, followed by the Watershed Festival at the Audubon Center in West Alton. “Essentially, the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary is being recognized as a National Spotlight area,” explained Corrine O’Brien. “That is a good environmental natural space that folks can come out from the community and celebrate how lucky we are to have it, and also give back and learn a lot about the Leave No Trace principles.” As part of this recognition, the Riverlands Migratory Bird

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that rehabilitation of a crossing by Norfolk Southern railroad on Missouri Avenue between Konzen Court and West Pontoon Road in Madison County will require a full closure beginning, weather permitting, Monday, April 14. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure, which is expected to conclude Friday, April 18. 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 map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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TROY – A teacher for the Triad School District has been charged with grooming a 14-year-old student and more, according to newly released court documents. Michael L. Smargiassi, 59, of Highland, was charged on April 4, 2025 with Official Misconduct (a Class 3 felony), two counts of Grooming (both Class 3 felonies) and Battery (a Class A misdemeanor). From Aug. 21 to Oct. 7, 2024, in his capacity as a public school teacher, Smargiassi allegedly attempted to “seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a child … to engage in any unlawful sexual contact” on multiple occasions, according to charging documents. A petition to deny his pretrial release states the victim was one of his students. “Two students reported to school officials with the Triad School District that was having inappropriate communication with his student on October 7, 2024,” the petition states. “School officials discovered hundreds of pages of emails between the defendant and starting

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ALTON - The Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education has approved a three-year collective bargaining agreement with the Alton Education Association. Board of Education President David Lauschke explained that teachers will be working under a new contract following the agreement between the Board of Education and the AEA. The new contract will go into effect on July 1, 2025, and expire on June 30, 2028. “We have certainty for the next three years in terms of salary schedules and verbiage in the contract,” Lauschke said. “That gives them a great deal of certainty, knowing what they’re going to be making and what the contract itself says.” In a statement, the Alton School District said the agreement was reached “through a streamlined, collaborative process.” After six negotiation sessions, a “tentative agreement” was reached on March 27. The AEA members voted for the contract on April 2, and the Board of Educatio

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ALTON - The Wedge Innovation Center is officially open. During a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, community leaders came together to celebrate the Wedge’s opening and its future as an innovation hub. Located at 620 E. Broadway in downtown Alton, the Wedge is a project by AltonWorks developed in partnership with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). “Today marks more than just an opening of a building. It’s the dawn of a new era for our region,” said John Simmons, founder of AltonWorks. “The Wedge embodies our vision of a thriving, interconnected community where innovation drives prosperity and creates opportunities for generations to come. It’s not just about us here today. It’s about many, many people that we will never even meet.” SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor echoed Simmons, noting his excitement to see how the Wedge improves Alton and the Metro East. He said SIUE is looking forward to collaborating

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JERSEYVILLE - Shea Herrera, a standout athlete from Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100, has committed to continue both his education and football career at Crown College in Saint Bonifacius, Minn. The announcement was made recently by the Jersey High School athletic department, which expressed its congratulations in a statement. Herrera played multiple positions for the Jersey Panthers, including tackle, guard, and defensive end. His versatility on the field contributed to his recognition as a valuable player during his high school football career. Crown College, where Herrera will continue his academic and athletic pursuits, is known for its commitment to student-athlete development. This decision marks a significant milestone for Herrera, who has shown dedication to both his sport and education throughout his time at Jersey Community High School.

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JERSEYVILLE - Ari Leslie, a standout athlete and libero from Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100, has officially committed to Illinois College to further her education and volleyball career. The announcement was made on social media, where the school expressed excitement about her decision. Leslie is also a Sparklight Female Athlete of the Month for the Panthers, highlighting her achievements in athletics. The commitment to Illinois College marks a significant step in her journey as she prepares to transition from high school sports to collegiate competition. The timing of the announcement aligns with the college recruitment period, which is critical for student-athletes looking to secure their future in sports. Illinois College, located in Jacksonville, Illinois, offers a platform for Leslie to continue her passion for volleyball while pursuing her academic goals. The support from the Jersey Community Unit School District and the local community has been evident, as

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PIASA - Deacon White, a recent standout linebacker from Southwestern High School, has been named an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month. White is set to continue his football career at McKendree College in Lebanon, where he may play at the linebacker spot. He has signed a letter of intent to attend McKendree. Southwestern High School Head Football Coach Pat Keith praised White's contributions to the team, highlighting his leadership on defense. "He was one of our defensive leaders and a leader in tackles," Keith said. "He was a stalwart guy for our defense." White's recognition as Athlete of the Month reflects his significant impact in high school football and his promising future at the collegiate level.

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O'FALLON — A routine traffic stop turned into a significant arrest when O'Fallon police apprehended a driver for reckless driving and speeding at 87 mph in a 30 mph zone on Frontage Road near Venita Drive. The incident occurred recently when officers pulled over 29-year-old Detray D. Westbrook, a resident of Cahokia Heights. Upon further investigation, police discovered that Westbrook was a non-compliant violent offender, leading to his arrest. While impounding the vehicle, officers recovered a loaded firearm. The findings prompted the St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office to file charges against Westbrook, including one count of Unlawful Possession of Firearm by a Felon and one count of Failure to Register as a Murderer & Violent Offender Against Youth. Westbrook was taken into custody at the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department. Required by the Illinois Supreme Court: All persons charged with a crime are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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