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EDWARDSVILLE – A third-party contractor working in the 7300 block of Marine Road was using a boring machine when the operator hit a one-inch Ameren Illinois natural gas pipeline line. Ameren Illinois received a call about a natural gas service line being struck. A crew arrived on the scene and safely secured the area. The crew was able to safely repair the damage to the pipeline in about 20 minutes. The natural gas outage impacted only one customer. No one had to be evacuated. As a safety reminder, it is important to call 811 before digging – 811 is the national number for utility locating and marking. In the Ameren Illinois service territory, the number connects directly to a nonprofit organization called Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (J.U.L.I.E). When a call is placed to J.U.L.I.E., the caller must include the digging location (address), as well as the specific area (e.g. left/right side of the house, front, back) If J.U.L.I.E determines that Ameren

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ALTON — A powerful storm swept through Alton this past Friday, March 14, 2025, causing strong winds that resulted in significant damage to an Alton home. Marissa Kudelka's grandparents in Alton were affected when a large tree fell onto their residence, severely damaging the roof. The incident occurred during a period of severe weather that has prompted concern among residents about the impact of storms in the area. Kudelka has launched a GoFundMe campaign to assist her grandparents with the urgent repairs needed to restore their home. "We are reaching out for help to get them back on their feet," Kudelka said in a statement regarding the situation. The GoFundMe page aims to raise funds for the necessary repairs and has been shared widely within the community, she said. For those interested in supporting Kudelka's grandparents, the GoFundMe can be found at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-marissas-grandparents-after-storm

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ST. LOUIS — The National Weather Service in St. Louis confirmed today (Monday, March 17, 2025) that two tornadoes struck St. Clair County on Friday, March 14, 2025. An EF-1 tornado began on the northeast side of O’Fallon and moved into northern Lebanon, while an EF-2 tornado originated in northern Mascoutah and continued northeast into Clinton County. Alex Elmore, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in St. Louis, provided details on the tornadoes, stating that the EF-1 tornado had peak winds of 109 mph. The EF-2 tornado reached even higher wind speeds, with gusts up to 120 mph as it tracked northeast of Mascoutah, passing south of Summerfield and Trenton. Elmore noted that two teams are currently in the field assessing damage and searching for additional tornadoes. One team has been dispatched to Randolph County, IL., while another is heading to the Arnold, MO., area to survey reported tornado damage. The National Weather Service is expected to release full

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ALTON — As always, Johnson's Corner is celebrating St. Patrick's Day today on Monday, March 17, 2025. Monday marks the first such event since the death of co-owner Jimmie Johnson. Jimmie died on Sept. 18, 2024. The celebration, a cherished tradition for the Alton community, will feature the preparation of 500 pounds of corned beef and cabbage, according to Jimmie’s son, Nash Johnson, who discussed the menu for the big day on a recent "Our Daily Show!" episode with host C.J. Nasello. Nash Johnson has stepped into a leadership role to continue the family legacy. "We do it every year," he said. "I will make sure everyone is having a good time." His mother, Cathy Johnson, expressed her pride in her son’s commitment to honoring his father’s memory. "St. Paddy's Day was Jimmie's biggest day," she said. "Nash is now carrying on that tradition with the other employees." The menu for the celebration will also include Irish stew and Reuben sandwiches, with specials

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EDWARDSVILLE - Taylor Weber, who, along with her twin sister, Alexis, are considered the two most important players for an improved Metro-East Lutheran High softball team, and is looking forward to starting the 2025 season on March 17, 2025, with a game against Dupo. Taylor, a senior pitcher, last year went 1-0, with a 2.33 ERA in 42 innings pitched, allowing nine walks while fanning 85 batters. She's seen much improvement among her teammates this season, and is hopeful of helping the Knights improve on their 6-8 record a year ago. Taylor is a BJ's Printables Female Athlete of the Month. "I think things have been going really well," Taylor said during a recent interview. "I've seen lots of improvement, but mainly, we've all came out here with really positive attitudes, we're all building one another up, and I think that's the most important thing we can do right now." Taylor does feel that her and her sister are not only the key players on the team, but leaders on the club,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Zach Cohn, who was a senior forward and captain for the Edwardsville High club hockey team, had another successful season in helping the Tigers win their 15th Mississippi Valley Club Hockey Association Class 2A championship recently. On Feb. 20, 2025, Cohn had a goal and an assist in helping Edwardsville defeat St. John Vianney Catholic 4-2 in a key win at the RP Lumber Center in Edwardsville, sweeping the Golden Griffins in their best-of-three semifinal series 2-0. The Tigers would go on to sweep O'Fallon in the finals 2-0, to win the championship a week later. It was a very good season for Cohn himself, as he scored 20 goals, and also handed out 22 assists for 42 points, only being called for 14 minutes in penalties. Cohn was one of the key players on the Tigers' top line in another championship season for the team. He is a Spencer Homes Male Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. Cohn said he was excited to capture another Mississippi Valley Club Hockey Association

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EDWARDSVILLE - Maddie Aldrich is a senior utility infielder/outfielder who will fit in a variety of roles for the Edwardsville High softball team as the Tigers prepare for the 2025 season, which begins March 18, 2025, at Freeburg. During last season, Aldrich filled in for players as a late-inning replacement and filled in very admirably when she was called upon. This season will be different, as Aldrich looks ahead to the new season. Maddie is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete of the Month. "I think things are going really well," Aldrich said during an interview conducted at the Tigers' softball field during preseason practice. "The girls are working so hard, and we're working so hard to get to get ready for our first game." Aldrich will see her role on the team as a player who will support her teammates through thick and thin. "Some of the keys are just cheering each other on," Aldrich said, "with fielding and hitting, trying to get everyone to keep talking through hard times

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O'FALLON, Ill. — Michelle Chaplin is organizing a fundraiser to support her grandmother, Tonya Monzella, whose home was destroyed by severe storms and a tornado that struck O'Fallon on Friday night, March 14, 2025. The tornado left Monzella and her spouse fortunate to escape with their lives, but they now face significant challenges. Both are dealing with various health issues stemming from the incident and are currently unable to work. In addition to losing their home, they have also lost their vehicles, which were totaled during the storm. Chaplin is reaching out to the community for support, emphasizing that any donations would be greatly appreciated. "Thank you and God bless," she added in her message seeking assistance for her family. Michelle Chaplin is organizing this fundraiser. The GoFundMe can be accessed by clicking here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-tonya-rebuild-after-tornado-loss

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ALTON — An Alton family is seeking community support after losing both of their vehicles during severe storms that recently swept through Southern Illinois on Friday, March 14, 2025. Becca Cantrell is organizing a GoFundMe campaign on behalf of Laurie and Matt Rahmberg, whose 1995 Ford F350 and 2011 Dodge Durango were crushed by a fallen tree. The storm's impact has left the Rahmberg family in a challenging position, as they require transportation to manage daily responsibilities, including transporting their children. “They have kids to transport, life to take care of, and have been nothing but good to me and many other patrons, locals, and friends,” Cantrell said. The fundraiser aims to assist the family in replacing their vehicles, which have been deemed total losses. The community is encouraged to contribute or share the campaign to help the Rahmbergs regain their mobility and stability. For those interested in supporting the Rahmberg family, the GoFundMe

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ALTON – On Monday, March 17, 2025, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office formally charged Nicholas E. Apel, a 24-year-old male from Alton, with Aggravated Robbery. The Honorable Judge Nielsen signed an arrest warrant for Apel and ordered that he be held for a detention hearing. At 4:15 p.m. on March 13, 2025, officers from the Alton Police Department were dispatched to the Puff Zone Smoke Shop, located at 317 Homer Adams Parkway, Suite B, in response to an apparent armed robbery. Apel was taken into custody by the Alton Police Department during the early stages of the investigation. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford commended the officers involved and said: "I want to recognize our officers and detectives for their immediate and thorough response to this dangerous situation. Their efforts not only led to a quick apprehension but also reinforced our commitment to keeping Alton safe. The Honorable Judge Nielsen signed an arrest warrant for Apel and ordered that

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ALTON - Innovation ecosystems thrive when visionary leadership connects diverse communities, resources, and ideas. The greater Alton Metro Region is poised for unprecedented economic transformation as The Wedge, in partnership with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), prepares to open its doors on April 7, 2025. Today, The Wedge announces the appointment of J. Scot Heathman, a distinguished servant-leader and retired Air Force Colonel, as its inaugural Chief Executive Officer. Heathman brings over 25 years of military leadership experience to this pivotal role, where he will guide The Wedge's mission as a 55,000-square-foot social impact hub, research lab, think tank, and workspace. "In searching for our first CEO, we needed someone who could not only manage operations but truly embody The Wedge's vision of fostering innovation across state lines," said John Simmons, AltonWorks CEO. "Scot's proven ability to build learning cultures, lead cross-functional teams, and

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MADISON COUNTY - As the consolidated election approaches, voters have the option to vote early in Madison County. Election Day is Tuesday, April 1, 2025, but any qualified voter can vote starting on Monday, March 17, 2025, at eligible locations. Alton Alton’s early voting will begin on March 18, 2025. You can vote at the Scott Bibb Center, located at 1004 East 5th Street, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. March 17–21. From March 24–28, you can vote from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Saturday, March 22, and Saturday, March 29, you can vote from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Bethalto At Bethalto Village Hall at 213 N. Prairie Street, you can vote from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 17–21 and March 24–28, 2025. Collinsville You can go to the Collinsville Senior Citizen Center at 420 E. Main Street from 12–6 p.m. on March 17–21 and March 24–28. On Saturday, March 22, and Saturday, March 29, 2025, you can vote from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Edwardsville

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ST. LOUIS – National Weather Service in St. Louis Meteorologist Alex Elmore said on Monday, March 17, 2025, that survey teams are currently assessing the damage and tornado tracks. “We confirmed tornadoes across our entire area from Quincy and Hannibal in Missouri east toward Salem, Illinois, and far Reynolds and Iron counties in Missouri,” Elmore said. A series of severe storms, including at least six confirmed tornadoes, swept through Missouri on Friday evening, Elmore said. The storms resulted in 10 fatalities and extensive damage across multiple counties. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported fatalities in Wayne, Ozark, Jefferson, and Butler counties as the storms brought gusts up to 90 mph, hail, and heavy rain. The strongest tornado identified so far was in the Desarc area of southern Iron County, Mo., with maximum wind speeds reaching 150 mph, classified as an EF3. Elmore noted that there were also several EF2 tornadoes reported closer to St. Louis, includin

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ALTON - OSF St. Anthony’s Moeller Cancer Center will host low-dose CT clinics to identify and diagnose lung cancer. Dana Matesa, RN, and Brandy Baxley, APRN, CNP, stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello to talk about the importance of early detection and regular screenings. They explained that the low-dose CT clinic is available to anyone between 50–80 years or age who has a 20-year smoking history or who has quit smoking in the last 15 years. “If you meet those criteria, then you qualify for a low-dose CT,” explained Matesa. “Most insurance will cover it as a screening, but if not, sometimes there are other options.” OSF St. Anthony’s Moeller Cancer Center began offering these screenings earlier this month. Patients can self-refer or be referred by a primary care doctor. Baxley noted that the low-dose CT clinic is the only way to detect lung cancer. If they identify other masses or nodules, the team at the

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O’FALLON, Ill. — A powerful storm that swept through the region late Friday night, March 14, 2025, caused significant damage in the Keck Ridge Subdivision, adjacent to the Parkview Mobile Home Park. The storm left homes in the area with extensive wind and hail damage, as observed during an assessment on Sunday afternoon, March 16, 2025. In addition to the residential damage, New Life in Christ Church, located at 689 Scott Troy Road, canceled its in-person worship services on Sunday after the storm resulted in the loss of its steeple and some siding. The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency reported that restoration efforts are underway, with utility crews working around the clock since the storms passed. On Monday morning, March 17, 2025, a large group of out-of-area utility workers arrived at the Belle Clair Fairgrounds to receive assignments from Ameren, a utility company, as part of the ongoing recovery efforts. "Crews have worked around the clock since the

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O’FALLON, IL. - The National Weather Service in St. Louis reported that it has representatives out surveying possible tornado touchdowns in both O’Fallon, IL., and Alton from Friday, March 15, 2025. Alex Elmore, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said it is hoped some results will be available by late in the day about those possible tornado situations. Elmore said a tornado tract is being followed into West Alton, where there was significant damage, and over to Alton. Elmore said the wind speed slowed as it crossed the Mississippi River into Alton. “A team is out checking the damage, especially in the O’Fallon area and further east to New Baden and Trenton area,” he said. "The team will also be surveying West Alton and on into Alton today." The entrance to the Parkview Mobile Home Park in O'Fallon, IL., encountered snapped power lines in the storm. One of the mobile homes was completely destroyed by the wind blast that occurred after

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) is encouraging Illinoisans to check their household plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks as a part of national Fix-a-Leak Week this March 17-23, 2025. “Household leaks waste approximately 1 trillion gallons of water in the US each year. That’s enough to fill 1.5 million Olympic swimming pools or supply water to 11 million homes,” said ICC Chairman Doug Scott. “With minor fixes, Illinoisans can easily conserve water and save as much as 10 percent on their utility bills.” EPA’s WaterSense® program has several tips to help detect and fix leaks: Look at your winter water bills. If your water usage exceeds 12,000 gallons/month for a family of four or less or you see spikes on your water bill, you likely have a serious leak. Read your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. Any changes to the meter mean you have a leak. Place a few drops of food

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SOUTH ROXANA - The Village of South Roxana is celebrating the overwhelming success of its new Community Center. The recent open house event welcomed a wide range of local leaders, including Mayor TJ Callahan, Madison County Administrator Chris Slusser, Madison County Board members, county employees, Village Clerk, and South Roxana Village Trustees, all of whom had the opportunity to connect with the community and exchange ideas. Attendees expressed excitement about the many ways this facility can serve the town, from hosting family celebrations to educational workshops, senior programs, and public events. The gathering highlighted the spirit of collaboration, as residents, county officials, and village leaders talked with residents. "It was incredible to see so many people come together, exchange ideas, and envision the possibilities for this facility," said Mayor TJ Callahan. "This center belongs to the people of South Roxana, and we are excited to see it become a place for connection

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GODFREY - Lewis and Clark Community College will once again host the Always Late TV Movie Awards. On March 22 and 23, 2025, community members can enjoy film screenings, improv shows, a red carpet and an award ceremony. The annual festival encourages people to view and celebrate independent films from around the world. “Basically, we celebrate the excellence of independent filmmakers who don’t have that damn Hollywood budget,” said Bella, one of the organizers. “They cannot make these movies for $3 million, $4 million. They don’t have the same opportunity as a lot of people. However, they still put in the work. They still put in the hours. And they make a great film. I have seen so many, not even from America, from all about the world. It is amazing.” Organizers Bella and Cat explained that there were 202 films submitted from 33 countries, and people from Italy, Germany, Australia and beyond will be in attendance at the festival. From

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee (SVAC)—and U.S. Senator Andy Kim (D-NJ) issued the following statement slamming Senate Republicans for voting against an amendment version of their Protect Veteran Jobs Act —legislation that would reinstate Veterans who were fired from their jobs as part of Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s indiscriminate purge of federal employees: “Senate Republicans love to say they support our nation’s Veterans on Fox News, but every single one of them just voted against giving our heroes their jobs back,” said Senators Duckworth and Kim. “Donald Trump and Elon Musk are firing more Veterans than any Administration in modern history, and now Senate Republicans are on the record supporting their stunningly cruel betrayal of thousands of men and women who served in uniform and chose to continue serving their country i

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