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ALTON - Innovation ecosystems thrive when visionary leadership connects diverse communities, resources, and ideas. The greater Alton Metro Region is poised for unprecedented economic transformation as The Wedge, in partnership with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), prepares to open its doors on April 7, 2025. Today, The Wedge announces the appointment of J. Scot Heathman, a distinguished servant-leader and retired Air Force Colonel, as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer. Heathman brings over 25 years of military leadership experience to this pivotal role, where he will guide The Wedge's mission as a 55,000-square-foot social impact hub, research lab, think tank, and workspace. "In searching for our first CEO, we needed someone who could not only manage operations but truly embody The Wedge's vision of fostering innovation across state lines," said John Simmons, AltonWorks CEO. "Scot's proven ability to build learning cultures, lead cross-functional teams, and

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MADISON COUNTY - As the consolidated election approaches, voters have the option to vote early in Madison County. Election Day is Tuesday, April 1, 2025, but any qualified voter can vote starting on Monday, March 17, 2025, at eligible locations. Alton Alton’s early voting will begin on March 18, 2025. You can vote at the Scott Bibb Center, located at 1004 East 5th Street, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 17–21. From March 24–28, you can vote from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday, March 22, and Saturday, March 29, you can vote from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bethalto At Bethalto Village Hall at 213 N. Prairie Street, you can vote from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 17–21 and March 24–28, 2025. Collinsville You can go to the Collinsville Senior Citizen Center at 420 E. Main Street from 12–6 p.m. on March 17–21 and March 24–28. On Saturday, March 22, and Saturday, March 29, 2025, you can vote from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Edwardsville

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ST. LOUIS – National Weather Service in St. Louis Meteorologist Alex Elmore said on Monday, March 17, 2025, that survey teams are currently assessing the damage and tornado tracks. “We confirmed tornadoes across our entire area from Quincy and Hannibal in Missouri east toward Salem, Illinois, and far Reynolds and Iron counties in Missouri,” Elmore said. A series of severe storms, including at least six confirmed tornadoes, swept through Missouri on Friday evening, Elmore said. The storms resulted in 10 fatalities and extensive damage across multiple counties. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported fatalities in Wayne, Ozark, Jefferson, and Butler counties as the storms brought gusts up to 90 mph, hail, and heavy rain. The strongest tornado identified so far was in the Desarc area of southern Iron County, Mo., with maximum wind speeds reaching 150 mph, classified as an EF3. Elmore noted that there were also several EF2 tornadoes reported closer to St. Louis, includin

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ALTON - OSF St. Anthony’s Moeller Cancer Center will host low-dose CT clinics to identify and diagnose lung cancer. Dana Matesa, RN, and Brandy Baxley, APRN, CNP, stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello to talk about the importance of early detection and regular screenings. They explained that the low-dose CT clinic is available to anyone between 50–80 years or age who has a 20-year smoking history or who has quit smoking in the last 15 years. “If you meet those criteria, then you qualify for a low-dose CT,” explained Matesa. “Most insurance will cover it as a screening, but if not, sometimes there are other options.” OSF St. Anthony’s Moeller Cancer Center began offering these screenings earlier this month. Patients can self-refer or be referred by a primary care doctor. Baxley noted that the low-dose CT clinic is the only way to detect lung cancer. If they identify other masses or nodules, the team at the

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O’FALLON, Ill. — A powerful storm that swept through the region late Friday night, March 14, 2025, caused significant damage in the Keck Ridge Subdivision, adjacent to the Parkview Mobile Home Park. The storm left homes in the area with extensive wind and hail damage, as observed during an assessment on Sunday afternoon, March 16, 2025. In addition to the residential damage, New Life in Christ Church, located at 689 Scott Troy Road, canceled its in-person worship services on Sunday after the storm resulted in the loss of its steeple and some siding. The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency reported that restoration efforts are underway, with utility crews working around the clock since the storms passed. On Monday morning, March 17, 2025, a large group of out-of-area utility workers arrived at the Belle Clair Fairgrounds to receive assignments from Ameren, a utility company, as part of the ongoing recovery efforts. "Crews have worked around the clock since the

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O’FALLON, IL. - The National Weather Service in St. Louis reported that it has representatives out surveying possible tornado touchdowns in both O’Fallon, IL., and Alton from Friday, March 15, 2025. Alex Elmore, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said it is hoped some results will be available by late in the day about those possible tornado situations. Elmore said a tornado tract is being followed into West Alton, where there was significant damage, and over to Alton. Elmore said the wind speed slowed as it crossed the Mississippi River into Alton. “A team is out checking the damage, especially in the O’Fallon area and further east to New Baden and Trenton area,” he said. "The team will also be surveying West Alton and on into Alton today." The entrance to the Parkview Mobile Home Park in O'Fallon, IL., encountered snapped power lines in the storm. One of the mobile homes was completely destroyed by the wind blast that occurred after

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is encouraging Illinoisans to check their household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks as a part of national Fix-a-Leak Week this March 17-23, 2025. “Household leaks waste approximately 1 trillion gallons of water in the US each year. That’s enough to fill 1.5 million Olympic swimming pools or supply water to 11 million homes,” said ICC Chairman Doug Scott. “With minor fixes, Illinoisans can easily conserve water and save as much as 10 percent on their utility bills.” EPA’s WaterSense® program has several tips to help detect and fix leaks: Look at your winter water bills. If your water usage exceeds 12,000 gallons/month for a family of four or less or you see spikes on your water bill, you likely have a serious leak. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. Any changes to the meter mean you have a leak. Place a few drops of food

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SOUTH ROXANA - The Village of South Roxana is celebrating the overwhelming success of its new Community Center. The recent open house event welcomed a wide range of local leaders, including Mayor TJ Callahan, Madison County Administrator Chris Slusser, Madison County Board members, county employees, Village Clerk, and South Roxana Village Trustees, all of whom had the opportunity to connect with the community and exchange ideas. Attendees expressed excitement about the many ways this facility can serve the town, from hosting family celebrations to educational workshops, senior programs, and public events. The gathering highlighted the spirit of collaboration, as residents, county officials, and village leaders talked with residents. "It was incredible to see so many people come together, exchange ideas, and envision the possibilities for this facility," said Mayor TJ Callahan. "This center belongs to the people of South Roxana, and we are excited to see it become a place for connection

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GODFREY - Lewis and Clark Community College will once again host the Always Late TV Movie Awards. On March 22 and 23, 2025, community members can enjoy film screenings, improv shows, a red carpet and an award ceremony. The annual festival encourages people to view and celebrate independent films from around the world. “Basically, we celebrate the excellence of independent filmmakers who don’t have that damn Hollywood budget,” said Bella, one of the organizers. “They cannot make these movies for $3 million, $4 million. They don’t have the same opportunity as a lot of people. However, they still put in the work. They still put in the hours. And they make a great film. I have seen so many, not even from America, from all about the world. It is amazing.” Organizers Bella and Cat explained that there were 202 films submitted from 33 countries, and people from Italy, Germany, Australia and beyond will be in attendance at the festival. From

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC)—and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) issued the following statement slamming Senate Republicans for voting against an amendment version of their Protect Veteran Jobs Act —legislation that would reinstate Veterans who were fired from their jobs as part of Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s indiscriminate purge of federal employees: “Senate Republicans love to say they support our nation’s Veterans on Fox News, but every single one of them just voted against giving our heroes their jobs back,” said Senators Duckworth and Kim. “Donald Trump and Elon Musk are firing more Veterans than any Administration in modern history, and now Senate Republicans are on the record supporting their stunningly cruel betrayal of thousands of men and women who served in uniform and chose to continue serving their country i

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GODFREY - Beverly Farm Foundation is proud to announce that Crystal Officer, Chief Executive Officer, has been named one of the “Top 100 St. Louisans to Know to Succeed in Business” by St. Louis Small Business Monthly (SBM). Officer, along with other honorees, will be recognized in the publication’s April 2025 issue and at a special awards luncheon on April 8, 2025. The annual Top 100 St. Louisans to Know list recognizes key executives, financiers, notable achievers, connectors, and other influential business and community leaders who make significant contributions to the regional business landscape. A panel of community leaders selects honorees based on their impact and dedication to fostering business success and community growth in the St. Louis region. Crystal Officer has served as CEO of Beverly Farm Foundation since June 2021, leading the organization in its mission to provide innovative and compassionate care for individuals with developmental and intellectuals

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ALTON - On Friday, April 11, 2025, the Wellness Center at Senior Services Plus, located at 2603 N. Rodgers Ave. in Alton, will host the Raise a Glove health fair focused on Parkinson’s disease awareness and support. From 3 to 5:30 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to visit information tables staffed by healthcare professionals, explore resources for caregivers and individuals managing Parkinson's, connect with local support networks, and learn more about SSP’s Rock Steady Boxing program. During the event, we will also recognize participants of the Rock Steady Boxing program for their hard work and dedication to fighting back against Parkinson's disease. SSP Wellness Center is the Alton Affiliate of Rock Steady Boxing, which is an international 501(c) program dedicated to helping those with Parkinson's. With the guidance of trained and certified coaches, members of the program participate in non-contact boxing drills, strength training, coordination and balance

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ALTON - Alton Memorial Hospital will host free monthly skin cancer screenings. Starting on March 25, 2025, community members can stop by AMH for a free screening by a nurse practitioner specializing in plastic and reconstructive surgery. AMH, in partnership with Washington University Physicians of Illinois, Inc., will host these free screenings throughout the rest of the year. Lorraine Seiffert with Washington University Physicians in Illinois, Inc. explained the importance of regular screenings. “I think people are intimidated by the screening. They think maybe machines or whatever, blood tests. But it’s very simple,” Seiffert said. “It’s just as important as making sure you see your dentist every six months or having any other type of screening.” Seiffert explained that the screenings just take a few minutes. She will visually examine exposed skin or any lesions of concern. If she spots anything that looks concerning, she and the patient

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O’FALLON, Ill. – In the wake of a recent storm, the City of O’Fallon has established a designated drop-off site for residents to dispose of yard debris after the recent Friday night, March 14, 2025, serious storm. The site, located at O’Fallon Fire House #4 on 1215 Taylor Road, is now open for residents to bring storm-related yard waste. The drop-off location will be operational daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and is intended solely for O’Fallon residents, excluding contractors and commercial entities. The site will accept yard waste such as tree limbs, branches, and other organic debris resulting from the storm. “We want to make it as easy as possible for residents to clean up after the storm,” said Mayor Herb Roach. “This drop-off site will provide a convenient and safe way to dispose of storm debris.” In addition to the new drop-off site, Waste Management offers year-round yard waste pickup for O’Fallon residents.

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GRANITE CITY - Revity Credit Union rallied together to raise $1,375.00 in the month of March to benefit TWIGS with the Revity Threads of Kindness Program. This program, funded by employees, allows Revity Credit Union staff to embody the credit union's philosophy of people helping people. By contributing a monthly monetary donation to a local organization, employees can enjoy wearing jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays throughout that month. In 2025, Revity Credit Union is committed to impactful giving and community support, weaving kindness into the fabric of our daily lives and ensuring that every jeans day makes a difference. TWIGS was nominated as the recipient of our March Threads of Kindness donation, receiving $1,375.00. As a 501©3 non-profit charity organization, Twigs has a goal to provide a lunch to the children who are at risk of not having a lunch during the summer months. Through Twigs, it cost about $1.35 per a lunch, with Revity’s contributions

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ALTON - Parents and principals are invited to a public meeting about special education services available to local students. At 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, Alton Community Unit School District #11 will host the meeting to inform community members about services available to students who are homeschooled or attend private schools in the area. Cathy Elliott, Director of Special Education, explained that the district receives federal grant money that allows them to provide these services to students who don’t attend the Alton School District. “We hold a meeting and we talk about the services that are going to be offered to the students in the community,” Elliott said. “I update them every year with, here’s our special education services.” The Alton School District receives funding through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and some of this money must go to nonpublic entities like private or home schools. Through

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County police are investigating the death of a 43-year-old woman, identified as Jennifer Brewington, who was found in her backyard on Wintergreen Drive. The incident, which is being treated as a possible electrocution, occurred early on Saturday, March 15, 2025. Officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call at 12:16 a.m. regarding a possible electrocution in the 3000 block of Wintergreen Drive. Upon arrival, they discovered Brewington near electrical lines and pronounced her dead at the scene. According to preliminary reports, Brewington was assessing potential damage in her backyard when she encountered the electrical line. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death is ongoing, and authorities have stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available. Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210.

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Did you know that St. Patrick’s Day was originally a solemn religious observance that has transformed into a global celebration of Irish culture? This transformation highlights not just the evolution of traditions but also the universal human desire to celebrate identity, heritage, and community. As millions don green attire, attend parades, and enjoy festive meals every March 17, it’s fascinating to delve into the rich tapestry of history that gives rise to this vibrant holiday. The Man Behind the Legend St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is not just a figure of folklore but a real historical character born in the late 4th century. Originally named Maewyn Succat, he was kidnapped at the age of 16 by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland as a slave. After six years, he escaped, returned to his family, and eventually became a priest. He felt a calling to return to Ireland, where he dedicated his life to converting the Irish to Christianity. St. Patrick’s life

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Welcome to another fascinating journey through history! On this day, March 17th, we reflect on significant events that have shaped our world. 1776: The Siege of Boston Ends One of the most pivotal moments in the American Revolutionary War occurred on March 17, 1776, when British forces evacuated Boston. After months of a grueling siege, American colonists, led by General George Washington, had fortified positions around the city, particularly with the strategic placement of cannons at Dorchester Heights. The sight of these cannons prompted the British to abandon the city, marking a significant victory for the American forces and boosting morale among the colonists. This event not only showcased the effectiveness of colonial military strategy but also laid the groundwork for the eventual independence of the United States. 1963: The First Public Demonstration of a Computer Fast forward to 1963, when March 17 marked a significant milestone in the world of technology. This day

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Did you know that nearly one-third of adults don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis? This startling statistic from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) underscores a growing public health concern that extends beyond mere fatigue. Sleep is not just a time for rest; it is a critical component of our overall health, influencing everything from mental clarity and emotional stability to physical well-being and longevity. Understanding the importance of sleep hygiene can be the key to unlocking a healthier, more vibrant life. What Is Sleep Hygiene? Sleep hygiene refers to a set of practices and habits that promote consistent, uninterrupted, and restful sleep. This encompasses both the environment in which you sleep and the behaviors leading up to bedtime. While the term might sound simplistic, the implications of good sleep hygiene are profound. It goes beyond just the quantity of sleep; it involves the quality of that sleep and how it integrates into your daily

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