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ST. LOUIS, MO. — O'Fallon Band Director Dr. Melissa Gustafson-Hinds has a significant reason to celebrate as she heads into the 2024-2025 school year. Prior to a recent concert at the Enterprise Center in St. Louis, legendary singer and songwriter Barry Manilow presented her with a $10,000 donation. This honor is part of the Manilow Teacher Award, recognizing her contributions to music education. Dr. Gustafson-Hinds' O'Fallon Marching Band also finished with a strong summer and is anticipating a big year ahead. Half of the Manilow $10,000 grant goes directly to high school band musical instruments and the other half to Gustafson-Hinds. O'Fallon Township High School lauded her achievement, stating, "Congratulations to Dr. G., who was selected for the Manilow Teacher Award! This is a special recognition from legendary singer and songwriter Barry Manilow." The donation is part of the broader Manilow Music Project, which aims to support music education programs across the nation.

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BETHALTO - As the school year begins, Meadowbrook Intermediate School fourth and fifth graders are experimenting with departmentalized classrooms. This model means that students’ days are divided between two classrooms. They work with one teacher for science and math and another teacher for language arts and social studies. Shelby Norris, the new principal at Meadowbrook, explained that the goal is to provide more comprehensive instruction and help students prepare for middle school. “What an opportunity, right? We’re all about what opportunities we can provide for kiddos, and we’re really excited about that,” she said. “Plus, it helps with that transition to middle school. They’re going to be moving between six classes, so if we can start that planning and preparation a little bit earlier for that smooth transition and success in the middle school, why not? Why not give them this opportunity when we can provide it?” As part of

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BETHALTO - A Bethalto man is facing multiple felonies after he allegedly admitted to stabbing his dog repeatedly. Nikolas G. Duley, 25, of Bethalto, was charged with animal torture, a Class 3 felony, and aggravated cruelty to animals, a Class 4 felony. Descriptions of the charges state that he “repeatedly stabbed a boxer-type dog in the neck and rib cage with a knife, inflicting pain on the animal." On Aug. 8, 2024, Duley was reportedly seen with lacerations on his hands at Alton Memorial Hospital, where he indicated to nearby security officers “that he had killed his dog,” according to a petition to deny his pretrial release. “Officers went to his apartment, finding a dog deceased from multiple stab wounds to the ribs and neck,” the petition states. “The animal was left on the couch, with blood throughout the apartment.” The petition concluded by adding Duley “has been involuntarily committed in the past, and shows signs of

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ALTON - After a years-long series of abusive incidents, an Alton couple faces several counts of battery against children and weapon-related charges. Anthony L. Glen, 55, and Jazmin S. Keyhea, 36, both of Alton, were both charged with aggravated domestic battery (both Class 2 felonies), with each separately facing additional charges. Keyhea faces an additional Class 2 felony count of aggravated domestic battery, as well as one count of possession of a firearm with no valid Firearm Owners’ Identification (FOID) card (a Class A misdemeanor). Glen was additionally charged with unlawful use or possession of weapons by a felon, his second or subsequent such offense and a Class 2 felony, as well as one count of domestic battery (a Class A misdemeanor). The two aggravated domestic battery charges against Keyhea concern two incidents from years prior. She allegedly “beat” a 16-year-old family or household member “with an extension cord, leaving a raised scar”

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ALTON - AP Cigar will host its first “AP After-Hours at Mac’s Downtown” event next week. On the last Thursday of every month, AP Cigar will take over the patio at Mac’s Downtown for a night of cigars, free appetizers and conversation. The first AP After-Hours event is scheduled for 6:30–9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, and AP Cigar owner Mike Weller couldn’t be more excited to share his love of cigars with the Alton community. “Name a better patio to enjoy cigars on,” Weller said. “It’s such a beautiful thing. It’s really not so much about cigars, but it’s supposed to be elevating what you’re already doing. If it’s a conversation with somebody new or somebody that you’ve known your whole lifetime, that’s what it’s about. It’s just elevating that experience.” Located at 202 State Street in downtown Alton, AP Cigar sells premium hand-rolled cigars from around

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A previous Our Daily Show! interview dedicated to Staunton's Rich Henry with host C.J. Nasello. STAUNTON — Route 66 has lost a beloved figure with the death of Rich Henry, the operator of the renowned Henry's Rabbit Ranch. Henry, who was known for his unique blend of Volkswagen Rabbits and his affection for the animal namesake, died suddenly on Friday, according to local sources and Route 66 enthusiasts. Henry’s Rabbit Ranch, also known as Henry’s Ra66it Ranch, has been a popular stop for Mother Road travelers for nearly 30 years. Located on a historic alignment of Route 66 on the southeast side of Staunton, Illinois, the ranch has attracted visitors from around the globe. Henry's Facebook page indicates he graduated from high school in 1965. Tributes from friends and visitors began pouring in on social media following the news of his death. Cheryl Eichar Jett, a fellow Route 66 enthusiast, reflected on Henry's contributions to the community. "Sad news from

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Swim lessons and adult supervision are crucial to avoid tragedies in the pool. After decades of decline, drowning deaths are on the rise in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Over 4,500 people died each year from drowning from 2020-2022, reported in the CDC’s Vital Signs study . The study shows drowning to be the number one cause of death for children ages 1-4. The research points out that 55% of American adults have never taken a swimming lesson, and that drowning death rates for Black people were 28% higher in 2021 than 2019. Jon Gehlbach, MD, is the medical director of the Pediatric Critical Care Unit at OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois. He says swim lessons and adult supervision are two of the most important things for kids getting in the water. “The best thing we can do to keep kids safe around the water is getting them comfortable with swim lessons. A common misconception among young,

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY – Detectives from the St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are investigating the death of a teenage male in the 300 block of Goetz Avenue. The incident has been classified as suspicious. When officers from the South County Precinct responded to a report of a shooting in the area. Upon arrival, they discovered a teenage male suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation is currently ongoing, and authorities are working to gather more information. No further details have been released at this time. Residents with any information regarding the incident are encouraged to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. Those wishing to remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward can reach out to CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

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GODFREY – This fall, The Nature Institute (TNI) is joining Monarch Watch, a citizen science initiative aimed at aiding scientists in understanding the migration patterns of monarch butterflies. The Monarch Watch Tagging Program, established in 1992, focuses on marking and recapturing monarchs to study their fall migration dynamics. On September 10, 2024, TNI staff will be at Heartland Prairie, located across from Gordon Moore Park, at 5:30 p.m. to facilitate this project. They will provide butterfly nets and offer training on how to safely catch the butterflies. Once tagged, participants will release the monarchs to continue their journey. "This program is free for TNI Members and $10 for non-members," TNI stated. The organization encourages participants to register in advance to ensure there is sufficient equipment available. "The Monarch Watch Tagging Program was initiated in 1992 to help understand the dynamics of the monarch's spectacular fall migration through mark and

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HARDIN - Installation of a sodium permanganate chemical feed system at Illinois American Water’s water treatment plant in the Village of Hardin was completed this summer. The sodium permanganate feed system has been operating successfully for the past month. Early indications show a noticeable improvement in the historic aesthetic discoloration issues throughout the community’s water system. The installation of the sodium permanganate feed system is an important step to strategically address aesthetic issues in the Hardin community’s water system. Sodium permanganate is a chemical oxidant commonly used in community water treatment systems to control taste, odors, biological growth, zebra mussels, and to remove manganese and iron. It allows for better control of the natural iron and manganese levels that are present in the raw groundwater. Removing iron and manganese will help address the water’s historic aesthetic issues, including taste and appearance which

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EDWARDSVILLE - State Rep. Katie Stuart and Mayor Art Risavy on Tuesday, August 20, announced that the City of Edwardsville will receive a $2 million grant to transform a section of St. Louis Street in the heart of downtown into a community-centric public commons area. The Goshen Commons project will create a pedestrian-friendly public courtyard that encompasses the one-block area of St. Louis Street between North Main Street and North Second Street. When completed, the inviting streetscape will incorporate greenspace, an expansive gathering area and walkways framed overhead by a network of string lights. Other potential amenities could include oversize game boards for chess and checkers and a pavilion to accommodate performances and events. “Investing in our communities is essential in order to keep us on the path to a thriving, prosperous future with enhanced quality of life for residents and visitors alike,” Rep. Stuart said. “The upgrades we’ve secured fo

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SWANSEA — State Senator Christopher Belt announced that 25 school districts across the area will receive over $12 million in additional funding to help address the financial challenges of recent years. From state evidence-based funding, Belleville Township High School District 201 will receive $3,044,940, while the Belleville School District 118 will receive $630,379, and the Cahokia Community Unit School District 187 will receive $182,264. Dupo Community Unit School District will receive $138,373 and East St. Louis School District will receive $4,450. In this evidence-based funding, the O’Fallon Community Consolidated School District 90 nets $1,888,753 in this funding while O’Fallon Township High School District 203 receives a total of $1,438,918. Shiloh Village School District 85 will get $144,022 and the St. Clair Regional Office of Education Safe School will receive $111,027. “Evidence-based funding makes a world of difference in school districts tha

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ALTON - Sgt. Manny Espinoza and Officer Steven Vaughn of the Alton Police Department engaged with local youths at the Alton YWCA’s “Career Cruisin” event recently. The officers participated in the event, aimed at providing career insights to young attendees. Held at the Alton YWCA, the “Career Cruisin” event offered an opportunity for the community's youth to explore various career paths. Sgt. Espinoza and Officer Vaughn represented the Alton Police Department, sharing their experiences and answering questions about careers in law enforcement. "We had a great time being there and interacting with area youths," Sgt. Espinoza said. The officers emphasized the department's continuous search for new recruits, hoping to inspire some of the young attendees to consider a future in policing. The Alton Police Department frequently engages in community events like these to build relationships and foster interest in public service careers.

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EAST ALTON – The East Alton Fire Department is set to host a blood drive at the Keasler Recreation Complex, located at 615 3rd St., on Friday, Aug. 30, 2024. The event will take place in the auditorium from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This initiative comes in response to a critical blood shortage that has been widely reported in the media. East Alton Fire Chief Tim Quigley highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that "the blood shortage is visible on TV and in the news." He emphasized that this drive is particularly crucial during a time of year when blood supplies are typically low due to factors like snow and ice-related car accidents. “We haven’t had a blood drive here since I’ve been with the department, and I’m hoping this will be a very successful event,” Quigley said. “It’s important for the community to come together and help.” Gabriel Parker, who is actively promoting the event, expressed optimism about the turnout. “We’re

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SHILOH — The O'Fallon Police Department hosted a highly successful fundraiser at Texas Roadhouse on Central Park Circle in Shiloh on Monday night, Aug. 19, 2024, raising $4,100 for its Special Olympics and Torch Run initiatives. The event, held last evening, saw strong community support through cash donations, merchandise sales, and a portion of food sales contributed by the restaurant. "We just wanted to give a quick thank you to the community for all of your support during our Tip-a-Cop event at Texas Roadhouse last evening," the O'Fallon Police stated. "Between cash donations, merchandise sales, and the food sales donation from Texas Roadhouse, we raised just over $4,100. We expect that number to go up just a bit after all the credit card donations are tallied." The fundraiser provided an opportunity for the police department to engage with the community and Special Olympics athletes. "Here at OPD we're thankful to live and work in such a supportive community. It was grea

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — An adult female was fatally struck by a motor vehicle early Tuesday morning in the 5300 block of Wilborn Drive, according to the St. Louis County Police Department. At approximately 12:53 a.m., officers from the City of Jennings Precinct responded to a call reporting a person struck in the area. Upon arrival, they discovered the woman who had been hit by a vehicle. She was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment but later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased. Initial investigations by the Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives and the Accident Reconstruction Unit indicate that the woman was walking on Wilborn Drive when she was struck by a vehicle that subsequently fled the scene. The investigation remains ongoing, and further details will be released as they become available. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. For those wishin

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ALTON - Vintage Voices promises another great year of storytelling and history. As part of Vintage Voices, actors portray real people who are buried in the Alton Cemetery. They tell stories about each person’s life and how they impacted the community. This year, the Vintage Voices tours are scheduled for October 5, 6, 12 and 13, 2024. “We are a group of people very committed to keeping the history of Alton and the surrounding community alive,” said Jody Basola, chair of the Vintage Voices committee. “There is so much great history and so many great stories to be told. “ Basola explained that the Vintage Voices committee begins their work in January. They partner with Hayner Library to research people who are buried in the Alton Cemetery. Once they’ve narrowed down their search to eight or nine people, they hold auditions in June. The actors are given information about their characters and then, with the help of the directors and the

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BELLEVILLE - To support operations and expand specialized investigations into carjackings and vehicle thefts, the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force (MEATTF) is receiving more than $2.4 million in new grant funding, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced today. MEATTF was reestablished in 2019 and is based out of the St. Clair County Sheriff’s office. The taskforce consists of partnerships with area law enforcement agencies and Madison, Monroe and St. Clair counties. The grant funding will enable MEATTF to continue operations and expand specialized investigations into crimes related to vehicular hijacking, auto theft, insurance fraud and recyclable metal theft. “For many of us, our vehicle serves as a lifeline. We depend on it for work, running errands, shuttling our kids around to practices and camps and visiting loved ones,” said Giannoulias. “To have it stolen can have terrible consequences for families and upend their lives. This

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ALTON – On Wednesday, August 7, Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs met with nearly two dozen regional leaders and business professionals to promote economic prosperity, innovation, and job growth in the southern Illinois region. Frerichs shared information about the Illinois Growth and Innovation Fund (ILGIF), which is an evergreen, $1.5 billion impact investment fund that invests in ways to attract, retain and assist quality technology-enabled businesses in Illinois. The treasurer’s office does this by making targeted investments with venture capital (VC), growth equity, and private credit firms with a nexus to the State of Illinois. “A key component to my job as Illinois State Treasurer is to bring government and business leaders together to inspire and invest in opportunity and economic growth in the State of Illinois,” said Frerichs. “I’m hoping this visit will help lay a solid foundation in southern Illinois that we believe

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EDWARDSVILLE - The City of Edwardsville announced today (Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024) that an intersection near downtown has been closed for road repairs. The intersection of Oak Lane and West High Street is currently closed, with work expected to last two or more weeks. The closure will allow the City to make repairs stemming from a previous water main break. A map of the affected area is available below and at the top of this story. North Second Street, Clay Street, Scott Street and other surrounding roads are still open and available to bypass the closure. The announcement was also made on the city's Facebook page , where they thanked the public for their patience and apologized for the inconvenience.

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