EAST ALTON — The East Alton Police Department has added Officer Andrew Heil-Watson as its newest member, with the department saying he officially joined on July 13, 2026, after being ceremonially pinned at the July 7, 2026, Village Board meeting. The department announced Heil-Watson’s addition and said he is a 2022 graduate of Roxana High School. The East Alton Police Department welcomed Heil-Watson to its team. “He is excited to serve the East Alton community and is committed
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt led a new law that will protect consumers from being charged fees when service providers fail to give adequate notice before arriving at a residence. “I don’t think that people should be left holding the bag if a company failed to communicate with them,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “If a service provider fails to follow the rules and shows up without proper notice, we shouldn’t be stuck paying extra fees.” Senat
Don’t sleep on the cancer prevention benefits of a healthy breakfast. Whether it’s oatmeal, whole-wheat toast, berries in Greek yogurt or other healthy combinations — starting the morning with simple, whole foods is a great way to help lower the risk of cancer while also energizing your day and boosting your overall health. Try to steer away from refined and processed foods like pastries, white bread, sugary cereals, sausage and bacon. These are popular choices, but they can
EAST ST. LOUIS — East St. Louis School District 189, in its ongoing commitment to student welfare, is proud to announce a significant partnership with Gaggle ReachOut, launching a 24/7 crisis line dedicated to providing immediate support and counseling for students in need. This innovative service offers both a phone line and a chat feature, ensuring accessible, round-the-clock assistance. Phone / Text: 618-228-3622 The Gaggle ReachOut crisis line is more than just a helpline; it’s
ALTON - Justice Haynes played a key role for the Alton High girls track and field team during the 2026 season, contributing in the sprints and relays while also competing for the Redbirds in a pivotal role on the girls basketball team. Haynes advanced from the O'Fallon Girls Track and Field Sectional in the 100 meters after posting a time of 12.26 at O’Fallon. She later placed 34th in the event at the IHSA State Meet in Charleston with a time of 12.77. In addition to the 100, Haynes poste
ALTON – Alton officials this week unanimously rejected a new short-term rental as the city finalized stricter regulations on such properties. A resolution considering a Special Use Permit to allow the operation of a Type B short-term rental unit at 409 E. 3rd Street was voted down 0-6 at the July 22, 2026 Alton City Council meeting . Alderwoman Rosie Brown was absent. Under the Alton City Code , short-term rentals are classified as either “Type A” or “Type B.”
WOOD RIVER/COTTAGE HILLS - A local mom is advocating for maintenance and an accessible playground at Wood River Township Park. Cottage Hills resident Makayla Hawks lives near the park and believes it has become an “eyesore” in recent years. In addition to vandalism and closed bathrooms, the park’s playground equipment is “tangled-up, broken and rusted.” As the mother to twin boys with cerebral palsy, Hawks wants to see an inclusive playground installed as well
GRANITE CITY – A 30-year-old from Granite City accused of sending and requesting explicit photos while messaging a 13-year-old child over Snapchat is now in custody. Douglas J. Britt, 30, of the 1700 block of Ferguson Avenue in Granite City, was charged on July 20, 2026 with one count of child sexual abuse material (a Class 1 felony), grooming (a Class 4 felony), sexual exploitation of a child (a Class A misdemeanor) and unlawful possession of a firearm (a Class 3 felony). From June
COLLINSVILLE – A Collinsville resident and Edwardsville Parks & Recreation employee faces major felony charges after allegedly reproducing videos of child sexual abuse material. Keith Grotefendt, 52, of the 700 block of Maple Street in Collinsville, was charged in Madison County court on July 23, 2026 with six Class X felony counts of child sexual abuse material. Grotefendt allegedly captured multiple screen recordings of video files depicting sexual acts between adults, infants, and
The death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham from an aortic dissection has brought renewed attention to a rare but life-threatening medical emergency that doctors say requires immediate diagnosis and treatment to improve the chance of survival. An aortic dissection occurs when a tear develops in the wall of the aorta, the body's largest artery, allowing blood to separate the layers of the vessel wall. Bill Novak, MD, a cardiologist at OSF HealthCare, says it’s like a crack in a pipe
GODFREY - Godfrey's Alyssa Marquis, Bachelor of Science, Forensic Psychology, recently graduated from Quincy University this past spring. Quincy University hosted its 163rd Spring Commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. on May 16, 2026, in Quincy University's Football Stadium. The 2026 spring graduating class is composed of 186 undergraduates and 22 graduate degree recipients. Brian McGee, PhD, university president, conferred degrees. Sam Banks '76, current member of the Quincy University Board of Trustees
CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - Illinois health officials have approved a construction project in Cahokia Heights to build a new state-of-the-art Touchette Regional Hospital (TRH). The $231 million investment in healthcare was supported by the TRH President Brad Goacher, community leaders, and legislators including State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt). “This project reflects our commitment to expanding access to high-quality healthcare, and I’m proud to have joined community
GODFREY - Freer Auto Body was once again bustling as community members gathered for Christmas in July. From 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on July 24, 2026, community members could stop by Freer Auto Body in Godfrey for a sloppy joe lunch and to enter a raffle for major prizes. All proceeds from Christmas in July will go toward Community Christmas, a local initiative that aims to supply families with toys, clothes, food, hygiene items and more during the holiday season. “It’s just
ALTON - Alton Mayor David Goins has issued a response to the Alton City Council's vote to reappoint existing mayoral appointments, except for two individuals. Greg Caffey, Director of Planning and Development, and Rodney Caffey, City Attorney, did not receive sufficient votes for reappointment. The separation between the city and these two employees is effective immediately. Mayor Goins said in response to the council decisions: “While I do not agree with the decision of City Council,
O"FALLON, IL. - The O’Fallon Police Department announced the retirement of Detective Sergeant Bill Barlock, a veteran officer credited with shaping investigations and community programs in O’Fallon, Illinois, after 24 1/2 years in law enforcement. The O'Fallon Police Department said Barlock has retired from the department after joining O’Fallon Police on Feb. 11, 2008, following more than six years with the Gurnee Police Department. During his career with
CHICAGO — Birthday celebrations came a little early for Steve of Kewanee, Illinois, after he scratched his way to a $1,000,000 top prize on a $5 Onyx Instant Ticket just days before his birthday. “This win came just in time,” said Steve. “I’ll tell you what—this is the best birthday gift I’ve ever gotten.” Steve purchased the winning ticket at Beck’s North, located at 401 E. 2nd St. in Kewanee. For selling the winning ticket, the retailer
ST. LOUIS - St. Louis Metropolitan Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying and locating several suspects wanted in connection with an assault and stabbing that injured a 32-year-old man late July 19, 2026, in the Carr Square neighborhood. District 4 detectives with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said officers were called shortly after 10:30 p.m. to the 1400 block of North 13th Street for a reported cutting. When officers arrived, they found the man on the ground
BETHALTO - An upcoming free workshop will offer “a deep dive into estate planning essentials.” From 12:30–2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Bethalto Senior Citizen Center, community members can learn more about financial and estate planning. Hosted by Bill Kinkel with Genesis Financial Group and Walter Ozark with Ozark Law Firm , this seminar will encourage people to think about how their estate plan fits into their financial plan. The goal, Kinkel said, is
ST. LOUIS COUNTY - A St. Louis man has been charged in the fatal shooting of two men during the aftermath of an armed robbery earlier this month near North Hanley Road in St. Louis County, authorities said Thursday, July 23, 2026. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said Makell Hemphill, 18, of the 100 block of North 17th Street in St. Louis, was charged July 23, 2026, with two counts of second-degree murder, felony murder, and two counts of armed criminal action. He i
ALTON - The Alton Police Department has named Lt. Emily Hejna its Officer of the Month for May 2026 after officials said she helped peacefully resolve a mental health crisis on May 26, 2026, in Downtown Alton. According to the department, officers responded that day to a report of a man experiencing a mental health crisis while possibly armed with a handgun outside a downtown business. The department said the situation was tense and unpredictable and required patience, sound judgment and a cal
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