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Did you know that nearly 70% of homeowners attempt at least one DIY project annually, yet over half abandon their plans midway due to poor preparation or lack of clear goals? The desire to personalize living spaces and save costs drives many to pick up tools and materials, but success often hinges on the approach taken at the very start. Whether you’re a seasoned DIY enthusiast or a first-timer, understanding how to effectively initiate a project can mean the difference between a satisfying transformation and a frustrating ordeal. Defining Your Project Purpose and Scope Before diving into any DIY endeavor, it’s essential to clarify what you want to achieve. Are you looking to enhance aesthetics, increase functionality, or address a specific household problem? For example, a simple repainting job can freshen a room’s look, whereas building custom shelving might solve storage challenges. Identify Your Goals: Write down your project objectives. This focused approach

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May 13th has been a day marked by remarkable events across the globe, spanning centuries and touching on a variety of fields. Turning the clock back several centuries, on May 13, 1846, the United States declared war on Mexico, initiating the Mexican-American War. This conflict arose from disputes over territory following the annexation of Texas by the U.S. and was a crucial moment in shaping the borders of the modern United States and Mexico. The war concluded with the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, resulting in the U.S. acquiring vast territories including present-day California, Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of several other states. Although a short-lived conflict, the war had lasting repercussions on the political and social landscapes of both nations. In an entirely different sphere, May 13, 1917, is remembered for the first apparition of Our Lady of Fátima in Portugal. This event holds deep religious and cultural significance, especially within the Catholic community.

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ALTON – The Alton Committee of the Whole quickly and unanimously passed a redevelopment agreement on Monday for the next Germania Brew Haus location. Germania Owner Carolyn Brynildsen announced in March that the beloved local coffee shop would be moving from its original location at 617 E. Broadway, which remains open until the new location is built at 700 E. Broadway. The next Brew Haus will feature a dedicated drive-thru, rooftop seating, and all-season patio seating. Committee members on Monday approved a redevelopment agreement between the city and G1 Germania Brew Haus Alton, LLC, to redevelop the property at 700 E. Broadway in Alton. The scope of the project mostly consists of laying the groundwork for the future location, including “site excavation, grading, utility installation, and site paving,” according to the agreement. Germania would agree to have this work completed within one year of the agreement’s execution. Under the current agreement

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ALTON - Community members of all ages can come out for REC Fest to learn more about outdoor activities, safety and fun this summer. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, the National Great Rivers Museum will host REC Fest to promote Recreation, Exploration and Conservation. Attendees can explore informational booths, take a tour of the Melvin Price Lock and Dam, enjoy animal shows, explore police and fire vehicles, win prizes and more. “It just got legs and became our largest event of the year,” joked Allison Kennington with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rivers Project. “The idea is to just kick off the warmer season, the recreation season, and teach people the different ways we can recreate along the river and in the Riverbend area and how to do it safely.” The National Great Rivers Museum (NGRM) will host over 30 partners on May 17. Kids are invited to visit each informational booth and receive stamps on their “passport.”

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ST. LOUIS — Detectives from the St Louis Police Department are seeking the public’s help in identifying and locating five suspects involved in a robbery that occurred on May 4, 2025, outside a convenience store in the 2900 block of Vandeventer. According to a preliminary investigation, at approximately 7 p.m., two male victims, ages 18 and 21, were exiting the store when they were confronted by three armed male suspects. Two additional armed males were positioned across the street, observing the scene. The suspects, all armed with handguns, demanded the victims’ property, then forcibly took wallets, an iPhone, and a Coach bookbag from them. Following the robbery, the suspects instructed the victims to leave and fled the scene. The investigation remains active as authorities work to identify and apprehend the suspects. Officials urge anyone with information to contact CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477) or the Fourth District detectives at 314-444-2500. CrimeStoppers

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MADISON COUNTY — First responders responded to a vehicle fire on Interstate 255 just south of Interstate 270 shortly after 3 p.m. Monday, May 12, 2025. The Mitchell and Long Lake Fire Departments arrived to find an SUV fully engulfed in flames. Pontoon Beach authorities and the Illinois State Police assisted with traffic control in the area. Officials reported no injuries resulting from the incident.

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY — A 29-year-old man from Shiloh died early Sunday morning, May 11, 2025, after his vehicle overturned and exploded into fire on an interstate exit ramp, authorities said. Jalal Hamed was pronounced dead at 7:06 a.m. on May 11, 2025, at the scene of the crash, the St. Clair County coroner’s office confirmed. Illinois State Police Troop 8 responded to the single-vehicle crash at approximately 6:03 a.m. on the southbound I-55 exit ramp to I-64 in St. Clair County. ISP said preliminary information indicates Hamed was the sole occupant of a white Infiniti that overturned and became fully engulfed in flames. No further details about the crash or its cause have been released by ISP.

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02) released the following statement after Hamas released American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander: “Edan Alexander is returning home after more than 19 months in brutal captivity by Hamas. I’m thinking of Edan and his family as they begin to recover and heal from unimaginable pain. “I urge for the continued release of all hostages, including the remains of four Americans to provide families with closure. We must secure a lasting peace in Gaza for Palestinians, Israelis and the Middle East region.”

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PARK FOREST, IL – Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly announced that 18 Members of Congress of the Congressional Black Caucus have endorsed her campaign to succeed Senator Dick Durbin in the United States Senate. The members include Representatives: Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Yvette Clarke (NY-09), Terri Sewell (AL-07), Gwen Moore (WI-04), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Marc Veasey (TX-33), Valerie Foushee (NC-04), Lateefah Simon (CA-12), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Andre Carson (IN-07), Troy Carter (LA-02), Emanuel Cleaver (MO-05), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), Kweisi Mfume (MD-07), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), and Jahana Hayes (CT-05). “I’m honored to have the support of so many colleagues who I have worked closely with in Congress to deliver for families,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. “We are in a moment that demands tough leaders with proven experience, who can stand up to Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and MAGA

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ALTON - Community members can pick up fresh fruits and vegetables at the Alton Boys and Girls Club. From 3:30–5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, Riverbend residents can stop by the Alton Boys and Girls Club at 2512 Amelia Street for fresh produce and other resources. This Aetna Better Health of Illinois Pop-Up Farmers Market is sponsored by Aetna Better Health of Illinois. “Alton, like many other communities, often lacks access to fresh fruits and vegetables,” said Caleb Nehring, outreach coordinator at Aetna Better Health of Illinois. “Our goal on Tuesday is to provide fresh fruits and vegetables to promote healthy living.” Nehring noted that the event would not be possible without the partnership between Aetna and the Boys and Girls Club of Alton. He said that other community partners, including Caritas Family Solutions, Centerstone, and SIU School of Medicine, will be onsite on Tuesday to provide information about their services. Nehring

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SPRINGFIELD - Graduation and prom are significant milestones in every young person’s life. From the moment a teen enters high school, they look ahead to these moments with a mix of excitement and nerves, while their parents hope the values and lessons, they've shared will guide their children as they step into the next chapter of life. The Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) is proud to celebrate the accomplishments of this year’s graduating class. We are encouraging parents to have open, honest conversations with their teens about the dangers of underage drinking and the importance of making safe, responsible choices during this memorable season. Tips for a Safe and Memorable Prom Night: Alcohol and Drug Awareness: Remind celebrants to make responsible choices by avoiding alcohol and drugs, which can impair judgment and lead to risky situations. Stick Together: Encourage the use of the buddy system — it’s always safer (and more fun) to attend

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ALTON — Alton Mayor David Goins visited La Bella of Alton on Monday, May 12, 2025, to read the proclamation marking the start of National Skilled Nursing Care Week, which runs through Friday, May 16, 2025. The annual event recognizes the dedication of skilled nursing care professionals. La Bella of Alton at 3409 Humbert Road has hosted Mayor Goins each year to begin the week’s activities with the proclamation. This year’s theme is “High School,” and the facility has planned a variety of events to engage residents. At 2 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025, members of the Alton High School band, along with possible appearances by cheerleaders, performed at a pep rally for La Bella residents. The week aims to celebrate the hard work and commitment of nursing staff while providing entertainment and community involvement for those in care.

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ALTON - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project, invites you to R.E.C. (Recreation, Exploration, and Conservation) Fest – the largest recreation and safety festival in the Riverbend! Kick off the summer season with your family on May 17, 2025 at the National Great Rivers Museum, in Alton, Illinois from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for this free, adventure-themed (rain-or-shine) event. “Our goal with this event is to encourage families to explore their outdoor recreational opportunities and learn how to go about them safely,” said Park Ranger and Event Coordinator, Travis Smith. “From archery and hiking to weather safety and fishing skills, there will be plenty for you and your family to test out and learn.” R.E.C. Fest will host more than 30 partnering organizations such as the Illinois Department of National Resources, Alton Parks and Rec, and Missouri Department of Conservation. The festival will feature booths and activities that teach about outdoor recreation

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ST. LOUIS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, will host a meeting to provide additional information on the new 1,200-foot lock at Lock and Dam 25. The meeting will be held at Lock 25, 10 Sandy Slough Road, Winfield, Missouri, May 22, starting at 10 a.m. Project team members will have posters with designs and will be available to provide information, answer questions, and discuss the project with attendees. Attendees will also be able to tour the project. The St. Louis District, in collaboration with the Inland Navigation Design Center, or INDC, are in the process of completing the design for the new 1,200-foot lock that will expand the existing Lock and Dam 25. The project team will provide additional information on the project development and future construction as the design efforts reach the 95% design point. Feedback, comments and questions from the community members are welcome in this first of many engagements to be held throughout the completion of

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COLLINSVILLE — Landon Harris scorched the track for a personal best performance in the 1,600 meters on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Collinsville Invite, finishing with a time of 4 minutes, 19.1 seconds to capture the event. Landon is a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of Month for the Warriors. Harris, a member of the Granite City Warriors track and field team, has shown consistent improvement throughout the season. He previously won the Granite City Boys Invite on April 18, 2025, with a time of 4:22.91 and posted another strong performance on April 26, 2025, in the 1,600 meters at the Distance Night in Palatine with a time of 4:19.20. In addition to his success in the 1,600 meters, Harris has recorded a best time of 9:34.57 in the 3,200 meters at the Norm Armstrong Invite this season. He has a best of 1:59.07 in the 800 meters, where he placed third in the Madison County Championships. Reflecting on his achievements, Harris said, “I would like to continue to dro

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ALTON – Two Alton residents face felony charges in similar but separate cases of unlawful weapon possession. Jamorlyn D. Pearson, 18, of Alton, was charged on May 7, 2025, with one count of aggravated unlawful possession of weapons, a Class 4 felony. On May 5, 2025, Pearson allegedly carried a “six-shot revolver” on his person, which was unlawful as an individual under 21 years of age and “not engaged in lawful activities under the Wildlife Code.” The Alton Police Department presented the case against Pearson, who was remanded to jail for his initial court appearance. Floyd F. Chaney, 28, of Alton, was also charged on May 7, 2025, with a Class 4 felony count of aggravated unlawful possession of weapons. On April 24, 2025, Chaney allegedly possessed a Glock 17 handgun which was uncased, loaded, and immediately accessible at the time of the offense. According to court documents, Chaney’s possession of the pistol was unlawful as he had no valid

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GRANITE CITY – Residents of Granite City, Bethalto, and more have been charged in recently filed cases of domestic battery around Madison County. Trymaine J. Davis, 35, of Granite City, was charged on May 9, 2025 with his second offense of domestic battery, a Class 4 felony. On May 5, 2025, Davis allegedly struck a household or family member in the face with a closed fist and “struck her on the left thigh with an iPad, causing pain,” according to court documents. Davis had previously been convicted of domestic battery in a 2022 domestic violence case out of Peoria County, Ill. The latest case against Davis was presented by the Wood River Police Department, and he was ordered remanded to jail for his initial appearance in court. Benjamin D. Odell, 21, of Bethalto, was charged on May 8, 2025, with a Class 4 felony count of unlawful restraint and a Class A misdemeanor count of domestic battery. On May 7, 2025, Odell reportedly restrained a household or family member

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RIVERBEND - Ameren Illinois has introduced a new program to recycle power poles. In 2022, Ameren Illinois partnered with Blackwood Solutions. This company picks up broken or decommissioned poles and recycles the wooden poles by giving them to farmers for fence posts, turning them into parking blocks, or shredding them into woodchips. Brian Bretsch, a spokesperson for Ameren Illinois, explained that this has been a great way to improve Ameren’s environmental footprint. “We’re just doing what we can to be good environmental stewards by diverting as much wood waste as possible,” Bretsch said. “With this partnership, since 2022, we’re diverting literally tons of wood waste every year.” Ameren Illinois and Ameren Missouri replace an average of 24,000 poles in both states every year. Poles must be replaced if they’re involved in an accident and cannot be repaired. Poles are also often damaged in storms, or a pole might simply reach

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GRAFTON - The National Memorial of Military Ascent is one step closer to completion. On Monday, May 12, 2025, elected officials, community members and veterans gathered at the Grafton Visitor Center for the unveiling of the memorial’s first bronze statue. The memorial is modeled after Point du Hoc in Normandy, where Allied forces landed during D-Day. The completed memorial will feature 12 statues climbing the bluffs at the site of the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA). “‘Ascent’ can have two meanings,” said David Schock, documentarian, who emceed the ceremony. “The first is spelled ‘ascent,’ and it means to rise or climb, exactly what the Second Army Rangers did. The second ‘assent’ means to give approval or agreement, to concur. Point du Hoc brought together both these meanings. Those soldiers climbed, but before they did that, they gave their assent by offering their lives in the service to this country.”

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EDWARDSVILLE — On the first day of National Police Week, Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor announced plans for a new memorial honoring officers killed in the line of duty. The memorial will be constructed at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and funded entirely through private donations. At a press conference held Monday, Connors revealed that the effort has raised $58,663 toward a $500,000 goal. Korte Construction, based in Highland, has been contracted to build the memorial. During the event, several local organizations presented checks to support the project. Contributions included $20,000 from Simmons Law Firm and Gori Law Firm, $10,000 each from U.S. Steele and Hepler Broom, $7,500 from Patterson Tire, $5,000 each from Pizza World and Apex Physical Therapy, $2,500 from Gateway Regional Hospital, $2,000 from Tyler Timmins Foundation, and $1,000 from Insurance Brokers. The Madison County Fallen Officers Memorial Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, emphasized

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