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ALTON – Mayor David Goins, alongside elected officials including State Representative Amy Elik, Senator Erica Harriss, and other local leaders, are actively collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure the safety and well-being of the City of Alton and its residents. In ongoing discussions with the Illinois Municipal League (IML) and the City's insurer, the Risk Management Association (RMA), the primary focus remains the protection of public spaces and residents. Safety First: Mayor Goins and the City Council are committed to prioritizing the safety of Alton’s citizens. The City continues to work diligently with experts, including civil engineers and geotechnical specialists, to ensure public areas are thoroughly evaluated before reopening. Recent efforts have been coordinated with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) and other relevant agencies to assess the situation and determine next steps. Positive Partnerships: The City of Alton has received significant

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EDWARDSVILLE - Near noontime on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, a massive fire engulfed a Devon Court Apartment Complex in Edwardsville leading to a partial roof collapse and the deployment of multiple firefighting units. Heavy flames were visible shooting through the roof of the building in the 100 block of Devon Court, which houses an estimated six apartments. The entire roof eventually collapsed, prompting firefighters to temporarily evacuate the interior of the building for their safety. A fire was reported at an apartment complex on Devon Court just after 11:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 13. The fire appeared to have started on the second floor and spread to the attic, Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford said. The City of Edwardsville reported there were some occupants inside the building when the fire broke out, many of whom helped to ensure the building was empty. The Edwardsville Fire and Police Departments also helped to ensure the building was empty, the city said. "Several occupants

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O’FALLON — HSHS Medical Group is pleased to welcome Macee Smith, APRN, to their medical team. Smith specializes in pain management and sees patients at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Interventional Pain Management Center, located at Three St. Elizabeth’s Blvd., Suite 3800 in O’Fallon, Illinois. Smith is a skilled family nurse practitioner offering patient-first care alongside pain management specialist Dr. Kristina Naseer. Smith earned her Master of Science in nursing from Maryville University, in St. Louis, Missouri, and her Bachelor of Science in nursing from Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. To schedule an appointment with Smith, ask your primary care physician about a referral to HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Interventional Pain Management Center. For more information about HSHS Medical Group, visit hshsmedicalgroup.org .

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ALTON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that all lanes of East Broadway from Allen Street to Illinois 3 in Madison County will require intermittent daytime lane closures beginning, weather permitting, on Monday, Sept. 16. The lane closures are necessary for the evaluation of pavement conditions. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all signage and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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ALTON - A few local organizations will come together to host a Recovery Month Celebration and Vigil. From 6–7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, community members are invited to the Centerstone office at 2615 Edwards Street in Alton to participate in the celebration and vigil. The event is hosted by Centerstone , the Metro-East Recovery Council , Amare and Foster’s Light in the Dark . There will be testimonials, resource tables and more. “We’re doing this because September is Recovery Month, and we knew we had to use the occasion to honor those in recovery and raise awareness about substance use resources available in our community,” explained Jennifer Schulz, outreach liaison with Centerstone. “We just wanted everyone in recovery to know that they aren’t alone. Not only is Centerstone here to help along the way, but there are so many other community resources as well.” Centerstone, the Metro-East Recovery Council, Amar

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EDWARDSVILLE - The ninth annual SIUE Cougars Unleashed 5K/10K Run and Pancake Breakfast, a hallmark of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Homecoming & Family Weekend, is set to take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024. Organized by the SIUE Alumni Association, the event invites runners of all ages and skill levels to lace up their shoes and enjoy a morning of fitness, community spirit and fun. Last year, the run attracted nearly 400 participants and organizers project to break that record this year. Participants will traverse a scenic route starting at the University’s iconic Cougar Statue, winding through SIUE’s campus and bike trails and passing through the lush SIUE Gardens. The race also features a Fun Run, offering a more relaxed option for those looking to join in without the pressure of competition. Christina Carlson, ’11, ’12, Associate Director of Alumni and Donor Relations, emphasized the event’s importance in connecting

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GLEN CARBON - Mia Lieberman, a standout 6-foot middle hitter for Father McGivney Catholic, has been named a Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Female Athlete of the Month. Lieberman has played a crucial role in the Griffins' 6-4 overall record this season. She is a standout athlete and has participated in basketball and softball at McGivney. "She is a very knowledgeable middle hitter who understands the game," said Coach Jake Williams. "Mia Lieberman is one of our top contributors. Her versatility and power make her a strong hitter and a very good blocker." Lieberman’s contributions are not limited to her offensive skills; she is also known for her strategic placements and effective blocks. Initially starting as an outside hitter, Lieberman was moved to the middle due to her skills, height and understanding of multiple positions. This flexibility has proven invaluable to the Griffins. In addition to her athletic prowess, Lieberman is committed to academic excellence and personal development

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SOUTH ROXANA - The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that both lanes of Hawthorne Street from Lewis and Clark Boulevard (Illinois 3) to east of Wanda Road in Madison County will require intermittent daytime lane closures beginning, weather permitting, on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. The lane closures are necessary for the evaluation of pavement conditions. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all signage and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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PEORIA - The OSF HealthCare Advanced Practice Provider (APP) Fellowship program is adding emergency medicine to the list of tracks for fellows. The OSF HealthCare APP Fellowship is accredited with distinction as an Advanced Practice Provider Fellowship Program by the American Nursing Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation in Practice Transition Programs. The 12-month program has more than a 97% graduation rate and offers 100% of graduates a permanent position within OSF HealthCare. The robust, cutting-edge APP Fellowship program at OSF is among the most mature of all health systems in the country. The APP fellowship program focuses on professional growth by offering mentorship, regular feedback and skills assessment that build on the knowledge fellows learned in graduate school. At the end, they are more prepared to transition into full-time practice. OSF HealthCare is also leveraging federal grant money to extend primary care support to high-need communities with

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September 13th has witnessed some of the most significant events in human history, spanning continents and centuries. 1989: The Fall of the Berlin Wall On September 13, 1989, the world watched in awe as the Berlin Wall, which had divided East and West Berlin since 1961, began to crumble. Although the official fall is often celebrated on November 9th, it was in mid-September that significant cracks began to appear. Demonstrations had been escalating, and the East German government was under intense pressure. The fall of the Berlin Wall symbolized the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era of freedom and unity in Europe. People from both sides of the wall celebrated together, marking the event as a powerful moment of reconciliation and hope. 2001: The Tragic Attack on the Pentagon On a more somber note, September 13, 2001, was a day of mourning and reflection as the world grappled with the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. In particular, the attack on the Pentago

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BUZZ MAGAZINE - It was April 9, 2004. The United States Army 724th Transportation Unit of Bartonville, Ill. was in Iraq. Their mission: to escort fuel convoys to Baghdad and the Anbar province in Western Iraq. During their tour they experienced many fire fights, IEDs, land mines and more. But nothing compared to the attack on their convoy on April 9. After a failed email, the unit drove their support convoy directly into an ongoing offensive between the 3rd Cavalry Armored Division of the U.S. Army and Shiite militiamen of the Mahdi Army. Enemy fighters were estimated to be in the numbers of three to four hundred. The 724th convoy consisted of eighteen American civilian driven fuel trucks with only eight armed support vehicles. Dustin Row from Columbia, Ill. was driving one of those military support vehicles. “We were completely picked apart and destroyed,” Row said. “My 50-caliber gun truck was one out of six trucks to even make it through the three mile

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GRANITE CITY - A Granite City man who fled from police after a domestic battery incident was found with multiple substances and a scale, resulting in felony charges. Tommy D. Welch, 40, of Granite City, was charged on Sept. 3, 2024, with unlawful delivery or possession with the intent to deliver methamphetamine, a Class 1 felony. He was also charged with aggravated domestic battery, a Class 2 felony. Descriptions of the charges against Welch allege he caused “great bodily harm” to a household or family member after grabbing their arm and hitting them “in the mouth four times with a closed fist, dislodging three teeth from the bottom of ’s mouth.” After the domestic battery incident, Welch left the residence. He was later located by officers at Loman Park, where he fled on foot, but was eventually apprehended. Welch was then found in possession of 14.3 grams of methamphetamine contained in three separate plastic baggies, as well as 18 capsules o

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ALTON - A new episode of “History’s Greatest Escapes with Morgan Freeman” on The History Channel features Alton City Jail. The episode, titled “Alton City Escape,” aired on Sept. 2, 2024. It tells the story of Quawntay Adams, who successfully broke out of a maximum-security cell in Alton in 2006. Alton City Jail is the only facility in Illinois that holds both federal and state prisoners. In 2006, Adams was an inmate following a marijuana offense. He decided to break out of the jail after he found out his girlfriend was pregnant. Adams used postage stamps to communicate with his cousin. His cousin sent him a small hacksaw blade hidden in the binding of a book, which he then used to carve an opening in the ceiling. Adams successfully broke out of a maximum security federal wing in Alton’s jail, and the 43-minute episode details how he escaped. Morgan Freeman narrates the episode. Former Alton Police Chief Chris Sullivan also explains how

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GRANITE CITY - An East St. Louis man charged with home invasion, domestic battery, and more has been released from custody after the victim expressed fear for her and her children's safety. Marnez A. Crawford, 32, East St. Louis, was charged with home invasion (a Class X felony), aggravated domestic battery (a Class 2 felony), theft (a Class 3 felony), and criminal trespass to residence (a Class A misdemeanor). The morning after leaving a Granite City residence and being ordered by law enforcement not to return, Crawford allegedly returned to the residence and entered without authority, resulting in the home invasion charge. Once inside the home, Crawford reportedly grabbed the victim by the hair and dragged them outdoors, striking them multiple times in the head and chest as one of the victim’s children was outside waiting for the bus. The victim sustained a broken nose and was described by a neighbor as being “extremely bloody” shortly after Crawford left

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EAST ALTON — Matt Bruce, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School (EAWR), has been recognized for his outstanding performance in golf. Bruce, who has been a member of the varsity golf team since his freshman year, credits his father for introducing him to the sport and attributes much of his success to his family’s support. Matt is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete Of The Month for the Oilers. "I would like to thank my dad for introducing me to golf. He is the key component to my success today; without him this wouldn't be possible," Bruce said. He also expressed gratitude towards his mother, grandparents, coach Derek Forsting, and teammates for their unwavering support. Bruce's dedication to the sport has been evident throughout his high school career. He has spent countless hours practicing during the summer and winter months while balancing his commitment to two other sports and maintaining his honor roll status. His hard work paid off last year when h

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ROODHOUSE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that rehabilitation of a crossing by Kansas City Southern Railway on Illinois 106 between West Roodhouse Road and NW 1175 Street in Greene County will require a full closure, weather permitting, on Wednesday, Sept. 18. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure, which is expected to conclude Thursday, Sept. 19. 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 the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Clerk’s Office asks Registered Voters of Madison County to watch their mail for a new notice that contains the Application for Request to Vote by Mail plus information on locations of early voting sites. But the big highlight is something that Linda Andreas, County Clerk, hopes everyone will appreciate. You will receive a sample of your specific ballot in this mailer. She recommends that individuals use this sample ballot should assist you in decision making before you appear at your polling place. Having this sample in hand when you go to vote may not only expedite your time at the poll but could be helpful in moving any lines along more quickly for everyone. In past years the Clerk’s Office has published a general sample ballot as well as voting locations in a Voter’s Guide Circular that was found on the county website and in local newspapers as an insert. The Application for Request to Vote by Mail is mandated by statute.

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GODFREY - As summer comes to a close, those autumn activities are just around the corner. Soon, family activities will turn to apple and pumpkin picking. Hot apple cider and sweaters and jackets will be the order of the day. For those of us in Godfrey, we have a farm right here on Winter Lane where apples and pumpkins can be found in abundance. Heritage Farm is a family-owned and operated business. Patrick and Lindsay Gibson purchased the farm in 2017 and started the business in 2018. They and their three sons, Mason (7), Easton (5) and Austin (3), live on the property. The farm is a bit over 36 acres. Approximately 9 acres are in the orchard with 13 varieties of apples. Around two acres is in a nursery where new apple trees are started from bare roots and grafting. Another 20 acres is dedicated to growing 50 different varieties of pumpkins. About 65% of the farm’s trees are sold wholesale, and the balance are retail. Pumpkins are also sold both wholesale and retail.

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EDWARDSVILLE – Luci Klingensmith, a senior at Edwardsville High School, is set to join the Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra for the first time this year. Klingensmith, who has been playing the oboe for eight years, is excited about this new chapter in her musical journey. Klingensmith's dedication to music is evident in her diverse involvement. She serves as the principal oboe in her school's symphonic band, plays saxophone in the marching band, and performs in the pit orchestra on both oboe and English horn. Additionally, she sings in the highest-level chamber chorus at Edwardsville High School. Her musical achievements have not gone unnoticed. Klingensmith has been honored as an ILMEA All-District musician multiple times and was recently selected to play oboe in the 2024 ILMEA All-State Orchestra. Beyond her musical talents, Klingensmith is an active participant in various extracurricular activities. She is a member of her FTC robotics team, where she has received a state-wid

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WOOD RIVER - Renee Strowmatt has helped the community as an OB nurse at Alton Memorial Hospital for years. Now, she needs some help in return. Strowmatt was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Her family will be hosting a benefit from 6–9 p.m. on Oct. 6, 2024, at the Wood River Moose Lodge. Community members can enjoy a DJ, karaoke, a buffet and raffles, all for a great cause, at “Goodbye Earl: A Night Supporting the Strowmatts.” “I’m most looking forward to seeing all of the people that are really kind of standing in the gap for me and my family,” Strowmatt said. “This has been a completely unexpected experience and diagnosis, and we have had so many people rally around us from my family, my friends, my work, my church and people within our community.” Strowmatt explained that she found the lump accidentally and almost brushed it off, but felt in the pit of her stomach that something was wrong. As a lactation consultan

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