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ALTON - Jack Cox knows the value of a strong mentor. Cox, one of six candidates for the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education, shared more about who he is and what he stands for. He noted that he cares deeply about the kids of the Alton community, and that’s why he decided to run for the school board. “I’ve been a mentor my whole life in the Alton School District, so me looking out and taking care of kids, that ain’t nothing to me. I just have to do this,” Cox said. “It takes a village to raise these kids, so that’s the main reason. Really, I want to get back in the school district and run for school board to make sure every kid has the best opportunity they can have.” Locally, Cox owns a construction company, a liquor store, a mechanic’s shop and a laundromat. Construction “has been heart whole life,” and he has renovated over 50 homes in Alton. He has also served as a coach for over

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COLLINSVILLE – Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site’s annual spring Native American Market featuring arts and crafts by more than 30 tribal-affiliated artists from across North America will take place April 5-6, 2025 at the Collinsville VFW, 1234 Vandalia St. Artists will demonstrate and sell authentic Indigenous arts and crafts. Some available items include jewelry, ceramics, paintings, drawings, clothing, flutes, and woodcarvings. The event is open to the public, and admission and parking are free. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site, managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, is just eight miles from St. Louis, off Interstates 55/70 (Exit 6) and Interstate 255 (Exit 24) on Collinsville Road. The site’s interpretive center exhibits and gallery will remain closed for most of 2025 for major mechanical renovations; however, the grounds are open daily from dawn until dusk. A water fountain and portable restrooms are in the Monks Mound parking lot, and

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EAST ALTON — Strong winds swept through the Riverbend area today, causing significant damage in East Alton ahead of anticipated severe storms expected to arrive between 10 p.m. and midnight. Multiple reports of downed trees and power lines were received throughout the town. In one incident, a tree fell in the afternoon, blocking the 600 block of Bowman in East Alton. At approximately 7 p.m. Friday, March 14, 2025, part of the roofing on a building in the 600 block of Berkshire Boulevard was ripped off, along with electrical wires. Nearby, in the 400 block of Shamrock, power lines were reported sparking, along with a transformer that was emitting sparks. The East Alton Fire Department was stretched thin due to the volume of incidents, prompting assistance from neighboring towns Wood River and Roxana. Reports indicated that several other nearby municipalities were also experiencing similar issues with downed power lines. A total of 56 were reported without power by Ameren Illinoi

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GRANITE CITY – A man from Madison accused of burglarizing a Granite City home faces multiple felonies after also threatening and attacking a police officer. Victor S. Dantzson, 51, of Madison, Ill., was charged with residential burglary (a Class 1 felony), aggravated battery (a Class 2 felony,) and threatening a public official (a Class 3 felony). On March 4, 2025, Dantzson allegedly entered a home on Benton Street in Granite City without authority, intending to commit a theft. He also reportedly kicked a Granite City Police officer in the leg and threatened to kill the officer. According to a petition to deny Dantzson’s pretrial release, the homeowner found him using narcotics in their home after forcing his way inside. “Officers located defendant nearby and he resisted arrest, also kicking at officer and striking one in the leg. Defendant was found in possession of medications stolen from victim,” the petition adds. “After his arrest, defendant continued

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ALTON - Local entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Alton Metro Regions will soon have unprecedented access to critical funding knowledge that could transform their growth potential and create new jobs throughout Southwestern Illinois. Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE is launching its "Capital Connections" series, a transformative program designed to break down barriers to funding that often stall business development in the region. This five-part series will be hosted at The Wedge in Alton as part of the "The Wedge Powered by SIUE" partnership. The Capital Connections series will provide valuable insights and practical guidance on various funding options for businesses at different stages of growth. Each session will focus on a specific funding avenue, offering attendees the opportunity to learn directly from experts in the field. “Access to funding remains one of the most significant challenges for entrepreneurs and small businesses, particularly in

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Letter To The Editor and To The Residents of Godfrey, I am expressing my support for Godfrey's current Mayor, Mike McCormick. As a resident of Godfrey, I trust Mayor McCormick with Godfrey's future. I have had the privilege to work with Mayor McCormick for several years and have seen the passion he shows while serving Godfrey residents. While I was the Chief of the Alton Police Department, I was able to collaborate with Mayor McCormick on several public safety concerns that related to Alton and Godfrey. Mayor McCormick prioritized the residents of Godfrey, while always seeking logical solutions. Mayor McCormick has supported public safety, and I have seen the professional relationships he has with area leaders. In my current role as the Chief Deputy of the Madison County Sheriff's Office, I have seen firsthand Mayor McCormick’s continued strong support of law enforcement. I have seen his professional leadership, his community engagement and strong proponent of Village growth.

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ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE - A powerful storm system is expected to impact the region this evening, with the National Weather Service warning of a moderate risk for severe weather, including the possibility of tornadoes and high winds. The storm is anticipated to arrive in western St. Louis around 9 p.m., with eastern areas facing the brunt of the weather closer to 11 p.m., a National Weather Service in St. Louis forecaster said on Friday afternoon, March 14, 2025. Meteorologist Jared Maples from the National Weather Service in St. Louis indicated that the storm could bring multiple tornadoes, contrary to previous forecasts that suggested only isolated incidents. "Tornadoes could occur and we could end up having more than just 1-2 isolated here or there," Maples said, highlighting the potential for high winds exceeding 80 mph. The storm is expected to move quickly through the area, which may reduce concerns about flooding, although power outages are a possibility due to downed trees and powe

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COLUMBIA, Ill. — The Columbia Police Department announced on March 14, 2025, that a woman previously known only as Jane Doe has been identified as Carol Hemphill, nearly 23 years after her remains were discovered in a creek bed along Illinois Route 3. The skeletal remains were found on March 28, 2002, during a routine inspection by an Illinois Department of Transportation crew. Initial investigations estimated that the deceased was a black female, between the ages of 33 and 49, standing between 4-foot-10 and 5-foot-4 and weighing approximately 105 pounds. The remains were believed to have been at the site for about 12 months prior to their discovery. For over two decades, officers and detectives from the Columbia Police Department, along with the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, pursued leads in the case without success. Despite extensive efforts and collaboration with various law enforcement agencies and local media, Hemphill's identity remained a mystery. In recent years

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - Charges have been filed against Jessica Przygoda, a 34-year-old resident of Edwardsville, in connection with a fatal pedestrian accident that occurred on Aug. 23, 2024, on Meramec Station Road in St. Louis County. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced the charges on Thursday, March 13, 2025, alleging that Przygoda left the scene of the accident that resulted in the death of 31-year-old Julisa Cannon. According to the probable cause statement, the incident took place just before 10:30 p.m. on Aug. 23, 2024, on Meramec Station Road near Crescent Avenue. Cannon, an employee at a nearby Pizza Hut, was walking home with food when she was struck by Przygoda’s vehicle, a white Ford Edge. After the collision, Przygoda reportedly continued driving south on Meramec Station Road and then onto Interstate 44. The investigation indicates that Przygoda was tracking her son’s device at the time, which was part of her decision to follow her

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March 14 holds a special place in the annals of history, marked by significant events that have shaped our world. From groundbreaking scientific advancements to pivotal political shifts, this day echoes with the impact of human endeavor. **1964: The Jack Ruby Verdict** On this day in 1964, a jury in Dallas found Jack Ruby guilty of the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald and sentenced him to death, a verdict that was later overturned, but Ruby died before a retrial could occur. This was a significant event in American history following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Ruby, a nightclub owner in Dallas, was charged with the murder of Lee Harvey Oswald, the man accused of killing Kennedy. The trial captivated the nation, as it raised questions about conspiracy, justice, and the impact of media on public perception. Ruby's defense argued that he acted out of emotional distress, claiming he wanted to spare Jacqueline Kennedy from the ordeal of a lengthy

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TROY/ROXANA - Hand Up Housing Launches 2025 Tiny Build Partnership with Local High Schools to Empower Students and Support Homeless RecoveryHand Up Housing of Madison County, is excited to announce the launch of its 2025 Tiny Build Partnership with Local High Schools, a hands-on initiative designed to equip high school students with valuable construction skills while directly contributing to the fight against street homelessness. The partnership is currently active at Southwestern High School, Roxana High School, and Triad High School, where students are engaged in classroom learning and preparing for hands-on training. Alton High School will soon join them as materials arrive, further expanding the program’s reach. Under the guidance of experienced construction teachers, students will construct a tiny shelter from the ground up. These shelters will be a part of our future plans for the Riverbend Bridge Community, a 24/7 navigation facility that provides transitional support

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement announcing she will vote no on Republicans’ extremely harmful continuing resolution: “I refuse to vote for Republicans’ highly-partisan slush fund bill that grants Donald Trump and co-President Elon Musk permission to continue rigging our government and our economy against the middle class. After weeks of an unelected billionaire taking a chainsaw to programs and services that millions depend on, Republicans are ramming through a bill that would greenlight more of the same chaos—and further cut programs for middle-class Americans, seniors and Veterans in order to carve out tax cuts for billionaires. Hell no, I cannot support that. “Americans deserve so much better. Before the clock runs out, it’s time for Republicans to come back to the negotiating table that they walked away from and strike a bipartisan deal to keep our government open, invest in

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement ahead of the U.S. Senate vote on the Continuing Resolution: “Republicans in Congress have abdicated their responsibility to critically evaluate the damage Donald Trump is doing to critical services the American people need. Democrats have the ability to force bipartisanship and bring the two sides together to make a budget that reflects priorities we all ought to share. “America was founded on the concept of checks and balances, but Republicans in Congress have decided to bend their knee to Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and their cronies who seek to gut our government from the inside out. It is dangerous. “Illinoisans know all too well what happens when Republicans are reckless and play politics with people’s livelihood. Veterans will have trouble getting healthcare. Workers will lose jobs when infrastructure projects grind to a halt. Preschools will lose teachers and parents will be left

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CHICAGO — During today’s regularly scheduled Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) meeting, the IGB Administrator reminded Illinoisans that March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, noting that the agency is working with the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and others in bringing awareness to gambling addiction and recovery. “Problem gambling awareness and responsible gambling education demand our collective attention, effort, and action – and not just for one month a year,” said Illinois Gaming Board Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter . “The IGB maintains its commitment to the safety of Illinois gaming and is pleased to collaborate with Governor JB Pritzker, IDHS, the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling, Building Owners and Managers Association of Chicago, and other entities during this month and throughout the year, to encourage and facilitate responsible gaming, address problem gambling head on, and ensure that those who need help get the

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ALTON – An armed robbery at the Puff Zone Smoke Shop on Thursday, March 13, 2025, has prompted an ongoing investigation by the Alton Police Department. Officers were dispatched to the shop at 317 Homer Adams Parkway, Suite B, at approximately 4:15 p.m. Thursday after a store employee reported the incident via 911. Alton Police said an employee reported a white male suspect entered the store, displayed a handgun, and demanded products. Following the theft, the suspect fled the scene on foot. In response, Alton police officers and detectives conducted a thorough search of the area. During their investigation, they located a male subject matching the suspect's description. Officers developed probable cause for his arrest and took him into custody. He is currently being held at the Alton Police Department as the investigation continues. The Alton Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division is actively pursuing leads in this case. Authorities encourage anyone with additional

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Ed and Michele (Meyers) Gowin are celebrating 40 years of marriage. The couple was married at St. Bernard's Church in Wood River on March 22, 1985. Ed and Michele are enjoying retirement life by spending time with family, friends, and doing some traveling. Ed and Michele have two adult children, Andrew Gowin and Jennifer Gowin, and two grandchildren, Leo and Lula Gowin.

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ST. LOUIS — The following students have been named to the dean’s list for the fall 2024 semester at Washington University in St. Louis. Bethalto, IL Allie Lively is enrolled in the university’s College of Arts & Sciences. To qualify for the Dean's List in the College of Arts & Sciences, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 14 graded units. Edwardsville, IL Taylor Simpson is enrolled in the university’s College of Arts & Sciences. To qualify for the Dean's List in the College of Arts & Sciences, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 14 graded units. Glen Carbon, IL Alex Ge is enrolled in the university’s McKelvey School of Engineering. To qualify for the Dean's List in the McKelvey School of Engineering, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 12 graded units. Granite City, IL

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Letter to the Editor, I would like to give my full support to Mike McCormick in his campaign for re-election as mayor of Godfrey, IL. Mayor Mike is the leader who possesses the values, principles, skills and total dedication to the people of Godfrey. While mayor, Mike has not only kept our real estate taxes at the lowest rate in Madison County, but without any municipal debt. A situation other cities would love to find themselves in. Mike has encouraged businesses to locate in Godfrey and families to live here. Glazebrook Park has grown tremendously and is a wonderful place to take children, and grandchildren for many types of sports activities and play areas. Adults enjoy the beauty and serenity of the park for long walks. In the sixteen years he has been mayor, the Village's present and future has always been first in his decision-making concerns. Mike's experience has prepared him to excel in the many roles required for mayor. I have known Mike since I was a young girl. From

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EDWARDSVILLE/ALTON - A decline in youth participation in organized sports disproportionately affects low-income and underserved communities, where financial barriers often limit access to structured athletic programs, according to a 2022 report from the Aspen Institute. Recognizing this challenge, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s STEM Center and Student Athletes Leading Tomorrow (SALT) have launched Cougar KickBots, an innovative program merging soccer, robotics, and life skills to provide students with valuable opportunities for growth. Founded in 2019, SALT is an Alton-area sports-based youth development organization dedicated to supporting underserved communities. Through Cougar KickBots, SIUE and SALT take a cross-disciplinary approach, integrating physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional development into a hands-on program. Using LEGO robotics kits and Databot data loggers, students explore scientific concepts such as angles, momentum, and velocity, and

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in support of Perkins Coie LLP (Perkins Coie), the Seattle law firm targeted by President Donald Trump for representing clients and taking positions disfavored by the president. Raoul and the states argue in the brief that the president’s March 6 executive order addressing risks from Perkins Coie is an attempt to prevent certain lawyers and viewpoints from reaching a court of law. The executive order claims Perkins Coie has engaged in dishonest and dangerous activity, particularly while representing Hillary Clinton in 2016. After the brief was filed, the court ordered a temporary restraining order to stop the implementation or enforcement of the sections of the executive order addressing risks from Perkins Coie. “In our country, clients have a right to legal representation regardless of their political party,” Raoul said. “Consistent with this

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