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Chamber Announces Three Fall 2026 E-Cycle Collection Events in Troy, Maryville and St. Jacob

2 months ago
TROY, IL — The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce is inviting residents to responsibly recycle unwanted electronics during three Fall 2026 E-Cycle collection events in Troy, Maryville, and St. Jacob. These events provide a safe, convenient way for residents to dispose of unwanted electronics while helping protect the environment by keeping electronic waste out of local landfills. In addition to E-Cycling, select events will offer document shredding and other specialty

Governor Pritzker Waives Penalties and Interest for Taxpayers Affected by Severe Weather in Illinois

2 months ago
CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) announced disaster tax relief for individuals and businesses in 15 counties affected by widespread damage from torrential downpours, flash flooding, straight-line winds and several tornadoes. Illinois currently leads the nation with approximately 204 tornadoes this year as verified by the National Weather Service. “Severe weather has caused significant damage and disruption for families, businesses, and

Jerseyville Approves Temporary Hire Of Outside Library Cataloger

2 months ago
JERSEYVILLE – The Jerseyville Public Library is getting temporary help from an out-of-town cataloger following a 4-1 vote from City Council members. Jerseyville City Council members approved the employment of a part-time cataloger for the Jerseyville Public Library who resides outside corporate city limits at their Aug. 18, 2026 meeting. Mayor Kevin Stork said under the city’s personnel policy, city employees are required to reside within Jerseyville city limits, and that the council

Vibration Plates Show Promise For People With Lymphedema

2 months ago
A growing social media trend is putting vibration plates in the spotlight as a potential tool to shake off lymphedema symptoms, though specialists caution that the devices should complement, not replace, established therapies. Whole-body vibration plates, which create rapid muscle contractions while users stand, sit or exercise on the device, have attracted attention online for claims that they can improve circulation, reduce swelling and support lymphatic health . Many people discover

Update: Immobilized Vehicle Struck In Deadly Illinois 255 Collision

2 months ago
ROXANA — A driver was killed Thursday morning, Aug. 20, 2026, in a two-unit crash on Illinois 255 northbound at Wagon Wheel Road in Roxana after the vehicle became immobilized in a traffic lane and was struck by another vehicle, Illinois State Police said. Illinois State Police Troop 8 responded to the crash in Madison County at approximately 5:27 a.m. Aug. 20, 2026. A preliminary investigation indicated Unit 1 was traveling northbound and approaching Wagon Wheel Road when it became

Edwardsville District 7 Welcomes Students Back To Class

2 months ago
(Photos by Mary Ann Mitchell) EDWARDSVILLE - Hallways came back to life Wednesday, Aug. 19, as students across Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 returned to classrooms for the first day of the 2026-27 school year. The Edwardsville School District began the year with a half-day schedule for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. The shortened day was intended to help students and staff ease back into routines, reconnect, and start the year together. Schools across the

Granite City Firefighters Rescue Trapped Person From Burning Home, Woman Later Dies At Gateway Medical Center

2 months ago
GRANITE CITY — Firefighters rescued a trapped person from a burning private residence in the 2200 block of Johnson Road in Granite City early Thursday morning, Aug. 20, 2026, after a nearby crew saw the fire while responding to assist EMS, Granite City Fire Chief Todd Richey said. The Madison County Coroner's Office said the woman later died at Gateway Medical Center. Chief Richey said one person was found with entrapment, removed from the residence and transported to a hospital. He said

Quick Firefighter Response Limits Damage at Granite City Precoat Metals

2 months ago
GRANITE CITY - A quick response to an equipment fire at Precoat Metals kept damage to the building and machinery minimal, Granite City Firefighters Local 253 said after crews responded on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, to the facility at 25 Northgate Industrial in Granite City. Firefighters said crews achieved a quick knockdown of the fire. Staff evacuated the facility quickly, according to the Firefighters Local 253 group. Precoat Metals provides coil-coated metal solutions, including options

Youth Livestock Exhibitors Take Center Stage At Governor's Sale Of Champions

2 months ago
SPRINGFIELD – The annual Governor's Sale of Champions at the Illinois State Fair brought together Illinois' top youth livestock exhibitors, their families and industry supporters to celebrate excellence in livestock exhibition and invest in the next generation of Illinois agriculture. For the seventh year in a row, Governor JB Pritzker and First Lady MK Pritzker purchased the Grand Champion Steer. Their $105,000 contribution secured the top prize-winning animal, which will be donated t

Edwardsville Applies For Shared Use Path, Park Grants

2 months ago
EDWARSDVILLE – Edwardsville officials are seeking state funding assistance for a new shared use path along Illinois 157 and upgrades at Joe Glik Park. City Council members unanimously approved submitting two grant applications at their Aug. 18, 2026 meeting with Alderman William Krause absent. These include applications for an Illinois Transportation Enhancement (ITEP) grant for the shared use path and an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant for the park improvements,

Driver Killed In Illinois 255 Crash Near New Poag Road

2 months ago
MADISON COUNTY - A driver was killed and others were injured on Thursday morning, Aug. 20, 2026, in separate crashes on Illinois 255 at New Poag Road in Madison County, where Illinois State Police Troop 8 responded to reports of a two-unit fatal crash and a jackknifed truck tractor semi-trailer. State Police spokesperson Jayme Bufford said a preliminary investigation indicates Troop 8 responded at approximately 5:27 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026, to northbound Illinois 255 at New Poag

Why August 20 Still Resonates, From Trotsky's Attack to Voyager 2's Launch

2 months ago
On August 20, one of the most significant events in modern world history took place in 1940, when Leon Trotsky, a leading figure in the Russian Revolution, was fatally attacked in exile in Mexico. The assault, carried out by a Soviet agent, reflected the bitter internal struggle that followed the rise of Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union. At the time, Trotsky’s death marked the end of the last major revolutionary rival to Stalin. It still matters because it showed how political conflict i

Why 'Bittersweet' Perfectly Captures Life's Mixed Emotions

2 months ago
A breakup song can make someone cry and hit repeat at the same time. That strange mix of pain and pleasure sits at the heart of one word: bittersweet . We use “bittersweet” for moments that are hard to name. A child leaving for college. The last day at a job you loved. Looking through old photos and smiling even as your chest tightens. The word matters because life is full of experiences that are not purely happy or purely sad. “Bittersweet” gives us a way to talk about

Packed Board Meeting Erupts After Slusser Facebook Post, Plus Board Meeting Summary

2 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Six public speakers condemned Madison County Chairman Chris Slusser during a packed Madison County Board meeting in the Nelson Hagnauer County Board Room in Edwardsville after Slusser posted a Facebook comment Wednesday, July 29, 2026, suggesting Dr. Anthony Fauci needed a “public hanging.” The comment was posted from Slusser’s personal account on an original Facebook post by Hartford resident Jim Barzee, who criticized Fauci and referenced him being silent

Madison County Sheriff Warns Residents About Jury Duty Scam

2 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is warning Madison County residents about an increase in scam phone calls from people claiming residents missed jury service and must pay immediately to avoid arrest or further penalties. The sheriff’s office said callers may claim to be contacting residents on behalf of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office or the courts. The callers may provide a name, callback number, and email address “to make it sound legitimate,”

Two Injured In Godfrey Vehicle-School Bus Crash

2 months ago
GODFREY — A passenger vehicle swerved into oncoming traffic Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 18, 2026, in front of Lewis and Clark Elementary School in Godfrey to avoid stopped vehicles, colliding with a school bus and another vehicle, according to Marcos Pulido, chief deputy of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The crash occurred at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, as the passenger vehicle was traveling southbound on Humbert Road in front of the school at 6800 Humbert Road. “The

Granite City Police Charge Woman With Attempted Arson, Vehicle Damage

2 months ago
GRANITE CITY – A woman accused of damaging a vehicle while attempting to set it on fire has been released from custody against the request of Madison County prosecutors. Carol L. Coddington, 62, of East St. Louis, was charged on Aug. 11, 2026 with one count each of attempted arson (a Class 3 felony) and criminal damage to property (a Class A misdemeanor). On Aug. 10, 2026, Coddington allegedly “ignited flammable material and threw it underneath a motor vehicle” parked at a CV

Durbin, Duckworth, Budzinski Welcome 300 New Citizens At Illinois State Fair Naturalization Ceremony

2 months ago
SPRINGFIELD — U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) today celebrated the naturalization of 300 new citizens from 52 countries at the Illinois State Fair Naturalization Ceremony. The Honorable Colleen Lawless, United States District Judge for the Central District of Illinois, presided over the ceremony and administered the Oath of Allegiance to the new citizens. “We are a nation of immigrants,

Jerseyville Man Charged With Battery, Property Damage, Weapon Offenses

2 months ago
JERSEYVILLE – Jerseyville Police arrested a city resident last week accused of battery with a hammer, illegal possession of machetes, and more. Erick L. Howell, 37, of Jerseyville, was charged on Aug. 12, 2026 in Jersey County court with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery and two counts of criminal damage to property, including a Class 4 felony and a Class A misdemeanor. Howell allegedly struck another person with a hammer and damaged the property of two different individuals

Jerseyville Seeks Grant For Donor Pool Repairs; Kiddie Pool Closed Indefinitely

2 months 1 week ago
JERSEYVILLE – Jerseyville officials are hoping to fully repair and reopen all Donor Pool facilities by 2029 with financial help from the state. Jerseyville City Council members voted unanimously at their Aug. 18, 2026 meeting to apply for an Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The city is seeking the maximum grant amount of $600,000 and would match these funds with another $600,000 for $1.2 million total.