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EDWARDSVILLE - The Wildey Theatre will welcome Blind Boys of Alabama, a GRAMMY Award-winning gospel group, to perform in Edwardsville. At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, community members are invited to The Wildey Theatre for an evening that spans traditional gospel music and contemporary favorites. Ricky McKinnie, percussionist and manager of the band, expressed his excitement to come to Edwardsville and share the group’s music with the Riverbend. “It is going to be a night that you’re going to remember because we’re going to give it all we've got,” McKinnie said. “We’re going to have a wonderful time because no town is too large or too small for Blind Boys to come and do what we do. We realize that people need people. We enjoy singing our music. It’ll be a night of great song. If you like songs that’ll make you feel good, it’s the place to be.” The founding members of Blind Boys got their start as The Happy

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SPRINGFIELD — Today, C ongresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s order to federal agencies to freeze grant and loan payments beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025.press "This announcement is a blatant dismissal of Congress' constitutional authority over the power of the purse. Federal grant funding isn’t wasteful spending—it’s essential assistance that millions of Americans depend on,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’ve heard from countless people in our district—farmers who rely on USDA loans, families using Medicaid, and local leaders waiting for updates on infrastructure projects. Workforce development programs, which provide critical job training and skills to our communities, are also at risk. The people of Central and Southern Illinois need answers and I intend to get them.” Prior to this most recent announcement, Congresswoman Budzinski joined mor

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - Charges have been filed against 54-year-old Jose Ramon, Jr. of Edwardsville, following allegations of serious sexual offenses. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, that Ramon faces multiple charges, including first-degree rape, two counts of first-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse, and second-degree domestic assault. He is currently being held without bond. According to the probable cause statement, Ramon and the victim had previously been in a relationship but ended it in October 2024. The incident in question occurred on January 2, 2025, when Ramon allegedly confronted the victim at her workplace, demanding sexual relations. When she refused, he is accused of using physical force, pinning her against a wall, and attempting to engage in sexual acts against her will. The statement details that he also inflicted physical harm, including bruising, and attempted to strangle her on three occasions. After

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ALTON - Members of the Alton Police Department were recognized for their exemplary service at the 32nd Annual SILEC/SIPCA Awards Banquet held recently. The event celebrated the dedication of law enforcement personnel and community initiatives that contribute to public safety. Officer Averbeck and K9 Odin received the Medal of Valor for their exceptional courage and bravery while on duty. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford accepted the award on behalf of K9 Odin, highlighting the significant role that service animals play in law enforcement. The Unit Award was presented to Lieutenant James Siatos, Sergeant Patrick Bennett, and Detective Stedmann Middlebrook for their essential contributions to the Madison County Sheriff's Enforcement Team. Their collective efforts in ensuring community safety were acknowledged as vital to the department's mission. Additionally, the Outstanding Citizens Award was given to the leaders of MustacheMarch4PD, a community initiative that has raised over $500,000

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EDWARDSVILLE - Area law enforcement officers were honored for their exemplary service at the SILEC/SIPCA Annual Awards Banquet recently. Among those recognized were several members of the Madison County Sheriff's Office for their outstanding contributions to public safety. Communications Officer Cynthia Tweedy received the Telecommunications Award for her nearly two decades of service in public safety. Tweedy has managed 911 calls and coordinated dispatch for multiple jurisdictions, including EMS, fire, and police. She also serves as the LEADS Coordinator for the Madison County Sheriff's Office, playing a crucial role in the agency's compliance requirements. Deputy Blake Johnson and Deputy Ryan Fry were awarded the Certificate of Merit for their heroic actions during a rollover crash. The deputies physically lifted a vehicle off an individual who had been pinned beneath it, enabling EMS personnel to provide medical assistance to the victim. Sergeant Cade Koelker and Deputy Jacob Quad

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ALTON - Hayner Public Library District has several events scheduled for the month of February. Executive Director Mary Cordes explained the library aims to offer a variety of programs that appeal to patrons of all ages and interests. With many upcoming events outlined in their recent newsletter , she hopes to see a lot of new and familiar faces at their programs in the coming weeks. “We’ve always got something going on,” Cordes said. “We’re trying to take a look at who our patrons are and what people have asked us for, and we’re trying to build programs on what we think and what we hope, by talking to people, people are interested in.” Cordes is especially looking forward to the Winter Reading Retreat, a quarterly social event that invites community members to the Alton Square Mall library for an evening of reading, snacking, crafting and socializing. From 6–7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, people are invited to stop by

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GODFREY - Godfrey Fire Protection District responded to a small brush fire early Tuesday morning, Jan. 28, 2025, in the 2700 block of West Delmar. Assistant Chief Ben Hamberg and Probationary Firefighter Taul were dispatched to the scene, where their prompt action was crucial in extinguishing the fire quickly. The incident occurred shortly after sunrise, and firefighters were able to contain the blaze before it spread to nearby areas. "Thanks to their quick response and teamwork, the fire was extinguished swiftly, preventing multiple exposures from catching fire," the fire officials said. Following the successful operation, Brush Unit 1472 was expected to return to service within the hour. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the brush fire remains under investigation.

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SPRINGFIELD — Today, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) announced $6.5 million is available in competitive funding for the Officer Recruitment and Retention Grant . This grant aims to increase the quantity and quality of police officer recruitment programs across the State while also offering incentives to support officer retention. Units of local government, public institutions of higher education, and qualified nonprofit entities may apply for this funding. “ILETSB remains committed to supporting law enforcement agencies as they build strong, effective teams,” said Keith Calloway, Executive Director of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. “This grant addresses recruitment challenges and invests in retaining experienced officers who are essential to community safety, and we strongly encourage all eligible entities to apply for this funding.” For many law enforcement agencies, the costs of

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GLEN CARBON – It’s officially Girl Scout Cookie season in Southern Illinois! Girl Scouts throughout the area will hold cookie booths, visit customers door-to-door, and sell to friends and family online as they unbox their futures through the world’s largest entrepreneurial program for girls. During this highly anticipated time of the year, girls flex their entrepreneurial muscles and acquire five important life skills – goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. All proceeds from cookie sales stay local to power Girl Scouts’ amazing experiences year-round. This year’s Girl Scout Cookie Program theme, Unbox the Future, aims to remove social barriers that often keep girls boxed in. When bold, goal-getting Girl Scouts sell a package of cookies, they’re doing much more than what’s seen at face value. Every box of cookies sold provides invaluable experiences for Girl Scouts such as service projects,

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BELLEVILLE — Sarah Herzing, the administrative supervisor of the Belleville Police Department, was honored with the Blue Light Award during the recent 32nd Annual SILEC/SIPCA Awards Banquet. The award recognizes Herzing’s significant contributions to the department, where she oversees a team of four staff members responsible for supporting the operational effectiveness of police officers. Herzing’s responsibilities include managing invoicing, handling memorandums of understanding, overseeing departmental finances, and reporting statistics. She also tracks officer leave and education, manages asset forfeiture funding and serves as the primary contact for Freedom of Information Act requests and subpoenas. Herzing's leadership and dedication have made her a crucial figure within the department. “Sarah is not only a manager but is seen as a mentor, a leader, and a pillar of reliability,” said the Belleville Police Department in a statement. The Blue Light

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O'FALLON - The O'Fallon Police Department is seeking assistance from the public in identifying a suspect involved in a hit-and-run incident that occurred on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at a Dollar General store. O'Fallon Police have released photos of the subject and the vehicle he was driving in connection with the case. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to reach out to Officer Marshall Goodman at mgoodman@ofallon.org or by calling the non-emergency number at 618-624-4545. Individuals providing information are encouraged to reference case number 25-141. The O'Fallon Police Department has emphasized the importance of community involvement in resolving this case and appreciates any assistance the public can offer.

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ALTON - Herbert Sapp IV is a January 2025 Alton-Rotary Club Student of the Month. Sapp is a senior at Mississippi Valley Christian School. Over his four years of high school at MVCS, Herbert has distinguished himself as a leader, athlete, and scholar. He is the captain of both the soccer and basketball teams, reflecting his dedication to teamwork and sportsmanship. In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Herbert holds the prestigious positions of President and Chaplain of the National Christian Honor Society. He has also served on the Student Council since ninth grade and is currently the senior Class Chaplain. Herbert’s dedication to academic excellence has been recognized with numerous awards. He is a two-time recipient of the MVCS Christian Leadership Award (2021, 2024) and has been on the High Honor Roll since eighth grade. His knowledge of scripture has earned him back-to-back titles as the IACS Old Testament Knowledge State Champion (2023, 2024). Beyond academics, h

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ALTON - Lillian Schuler is a January 2025 Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club Student Of The Month. Lillian is a senior at Alton High School. Lillian’s time at Alton High school provided her with many opportunities to excel academically and develop her leadership skills. She is a three and a half year high honor roll student (going on four) who has taken many Honors, Advanced Placement, and Dual Credit classes. She is currently the vice president of Alton High’s National Honors Society chapter and the treasurer of Mu Alpha Theta, a math honors society. Furthermore, Lillian has been the vice president of her class and the student council for four years now. Holding these leadership positions has developed her into a strong student, person, and member of the community. Recently, she was recognized as an Illinois State Scholar due to her high test scores and GPA. Although, the honor that she is most proud of is achieving the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy as a junior by showing a

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BETHALTO - During their regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 Board of Education learned about the district’s multi-tiered system of support. The multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) refers to interventions that students can receive when they need additional academic or social-emotional support. During the meeting, the district’s psychologists, interventionists and paraprofessionals shared data for each Bethalto school and explained the academic interventions that students receive at every level. “A district that doesn’t have a strong MTSS program set in place really then struggles with over-identifying students that need to be in special education,” said Alyssa Smith, Bethalto’s Director of Teaching and Learning. “By screening them early, screening them often and constantly monitoring that data, it’s a way for us to stay on top of kids and intervene as quickly as possible so that

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ALTON - The Marquette Catholic High School Dance Team has secured a spot at the IHSA State Championships for the second consecutive year. The team achieved this milestone by finishing in fourth place in the Jazz category at the IHSA Sectional held at Effingham. Marquette's girls' dance squad is shown above. The girls are: Back row left to right: Bella Johnson, Alana Taylor, Grace Stoverink, Grace Schwegel, Lexi Stevenson, and Jaelyn Slow. Front Row left to right: Alisa Buchanan, Birdie Elliott, and Riley Clarkin. The Marquette girls are Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athletes of the Month. The State Finals will take place next Friday in Bloomington, where the team will compete against other qualifying schools. The success at the sectional competition underscores the team's dedication and skill in dance, as they continue to build on their achievements from the previous year. This year’s advancement to the state level also reflects the ongoing commitment o

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COLLINSVILLE – Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 Commander, Captain Casey Faro, announces the ISP will conduct Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols in Madison and St. Clair counties during February. ACE patrols allow the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to violations associated with impaired driving and illegal transportation or consumption of alcohol or drugs. The ISP has zero tolerance for impaired driving in Illinois. Officers working the detail will be watchful for motorists who show signs of impaired driving, operating vehicles in an unsafe manner, driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, and transporting open alcoholic beverages, as well as improper seatbelt and child restraint usage, distracted driving, and other Illinois Vehicle Code violations. Alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be a factor in more than 47% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-related

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EDWARDSVILLE – AXS TV and Madison Communications Company announced today that the EGHM Foundation in Edwardsville has been selected to receive a $1,000 grant as part of “AXS TV’s Band Together For Music Education” — an initiative connecting AXS TV with affiliates, local communities, and schools in support of vital music education programs and the benefits they provide students. The award was presented by Madison Communications to the EGHM Foundation through the Edwardsville School District on Jan. 24, 2025. Public school music programs often experience a severe lack of funding and are the first casualties when budget cuts are made—a problem that has only increased in recent years. “AXS TV’s Band Together For Music Education” initiative seeks to rectify this, awarding grants to school-age music education programs across the country. These recipients are established programs that exemplify top leadership, instruction, and participation,

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GRANITE CITY – A man from Granite City has been charged with aggravated battery against an elderly victim he’s accused of previously threatening. Anthony J. Grady, 38, of Granite City, was charged with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery in a case filed on on Jan. 22, 2025. On Jan. 4, Grady allegedly pushed an elderly victim to the ground, causing them to sustain an injury to their neck. The victim in this case was 60 years of age or older at the time of the incident. Grady was granted pretrial release from custody in the case presented by the Granite City Police Department. A motion has since been filed to place additional conditions on his pretrial release. Among the reasons cited for the additional conditions include that he has “previously threatened or perpetrated physical abuse toward the victim in this matter” and is a continued threat to the victim. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not a

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GODFREY – A case of public battery at the Godfrey Walmart has resulted in a criminal charge against an Alton resident. Leighton C. Orban, 18, of Alton, was charged with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery. On Jan. 4, Orban allegedly struck a victim “repeatedly with closed fists” while in a public place, the Godfrey Walmart, according to court documents. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office presented the case against Orban, who was granted pretrial release from custody. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects charged with criminal offenses are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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BUNKER HILL - Fifty-seven-year-old Jerald Stilts is now facing two First-Degree Murder charges, along with a host of other charges, after the death of Chuck Parrino, Jr., in Bunker Hill in Macoupin County. Charles Joseph Parrino Jr., 45, was pronounced dead on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, by Macoupin County Coroner Anthony Kravanya. Stilts was first charged with Concealment of a Homicidal Death, then the other charges followed. Other charges for Stilts are Aggravated Domestic Battery, Armed Violence, Aggravated Battery/Discharge of a Firearm, Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Restraint and Destruction Of Evidence. Parrino, Jr., was a beloved bartender at Bastille Bar in South St. Louis. A celebration of life is planned for 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, at Bastille in St. Louis. The bar has been collecting funds at its establishment to help with funeral expenses for Parrino, Jr. Stilts was apprehended on Sunday and is now incarcerated at the Macoupin County Jail. The Macoupin County

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