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JERSEYVILLE — Jersey Community High School junior Meredith Gray and senior Ari Leslie have been recognized for their outstanding performances in athletics, earning honorable mention All-Mississippi Valley Conference selections and also being named Sparklight Female Athletes of the Month. Gray, a versatile player who has made significant contributions on both the basketball and volleyball teams, showcased her scoring ability in a recent girls' basketball game against Calhoun-Brussels, where she scored 18 points. Earlier in the season, on December 11, she recorded an impressive 28 points against Mascoutah. In addition to her basketball achievements, Gray excelled on the volleyball court, finishing the fall season with 140 kills. Over her varsity career, which began in 2022, she has accumulated a total of 210 kills. Leslie, serving as a libero and defensive specialist, played a crucial role in the Panthers' volleyball success in 2024. Her defensive skills were highlighted by he

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CARBONDALE - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation, met with Gary Shafer, Director of the Southern Illinois Airport that she recently secured $500,000 in federal funding for, and toured Southern Illinois University’s Glenn Poshard Transportation Education Center with SIU Chancellor Dr. Austin Lane and former U.S. Representative Glenn Poshard. “Southern Illinois Airport is an essential economic hub for our state and the region, and making sure it has the federal support to thrive is a top priority,” Duckworth said. “I had a good conversation with Director Shafer, Chancelor Lane and Rep. Poshard about plans for Southern Illinois Airport and the Glenn Poshard Transportation Education Center. I will continue to work alongside airport leadership as I advocate for additional federal investments to make our aviation

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BETHALTO - For Civic Memorial High School Principal Justin Newell, Bethalto is a lot more than a job. It’s a family. And, just like he would for his own family, he spends most of his free time with the students at CM. He watches everything from basketball games to band competitions, and he loves being there for his students. “You would go support your own kids. So you also have to go out and support your own students,” he said. “While my inside life and outside life are intertwined, I wouldn’t change it. I love it. I love being out there enjoying all the athletics and activities, and we celebrate that as a family, that we can go do that together.” Newell was recently named the Illinois Principals Association Southwest Region Principal of the Year. The community has recognized him as a valuable asset to Bethalto Community Unit School District #8, but Newell argues that the award speaks more to his staff at Civic Memorial than his personal

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ALTON — The Alton Wreaths Across America event took place on December 14, 2024, at the city cemetery, where volunteers gathered to honor veterans by laying wreaths on their graves. Despite challenging weather conditions, the event saw the participation of local scout and youth groups, who helped transport 560 wreaths to the National Cemetery. Margaret Hopkins, the coordinator of the event, emphasized the importance of the day, stating, "Remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach children the value of freedom." The event's activities were scaled down due to the weather, but the spirit of the occasion remained strong as volunteers from East Elementary School worked alongside veterans to lay wreaths. Art Williams, a 101-year-old World War II veteran, participated in the wreath-laying ceremony, continuing a tradition he has upheld for the past 18 years. The event also featured performances by buglers Quinn Halliday and Seana Grey, who played taps after the wreaths

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CHICAGO - Today Governor JB Pritzker, joined by medical experts and legislators, announced his support for proposed legislation intended to regulate the “intoxicating hemp” industry, a term used to describe hemp-derived THC and CBD products currently sold outside of a licensed dispensary setting (such as Delta-8 products). The legislation, which follows reports of minors ingesting misleading or poorly labelled products, sets limits on intoxicating hemp products like those imposed on legal cannabis through the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (CRTA). These regulations would ban misleading marketing and packaging that rips off consumer brands to appeal to children while moving intoxicating hemp products into the state’s existing marketplace to follow safe testing and dosage requirements. “This regulatory gray area has created a loophole that put Illinois consumers of all ages, but particularly children, in danger while an underground market flourished—the

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CHICAGO - U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced more than $7 million in grant funding for five youth organizations in Illinois participating in the U.S. Department of Labor’s YouthBuild Program , which is a community-based pre-apprenticeship program that provides job training and educational services for 16 to 24 year-olds who left school without a secondary diploma. “I’m glad to see this funding go to these important organizations across our state to help educate and train even more young Illinoisans for good-paying jobs in high-demand industries while at the same time helping create more affordable housing throughout our state,” said Senator Duckworth. “These sorts of investments can help change lives and communities for the better, and I’ll keep working to bring additional federal funding like this home to Illinois.” “Communities are made stronger when the federal government invests in building

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CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with Representative Matthew Cartwright (D-PA-8), today sent a letter to Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona urging him to include additional data on the diversity of the educator workforce in the annual Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC). Maintaining a diverse educator workforce has shown to improve outcomes for all students. “The Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC) is a valuable tool to measure whether students have equal access to educational opportunities, including a high-quality, diverse educator workforce. Yet, there is no permanent national mechanism to collect teacher and principal data at the school district-level. We urge the Department of Education (Department) to collect data on teacher and principal demographics and teacher certification similar to our Strengthening Educator Workforce Data Act (S.3736 / H.R.7250) in the 2025-26 CRDC and 2027-28 surveys,” the lawmakers wrote. In their letter,

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator and pilot Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—Chair of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation—led a subcommittee hearing focused on the challenges facing our passenger aviation system amid the busy holiday travel season, where she underscored the urgent need to invest in updated air traffic control (ATC) systems and equipment to prevent near-misses and protect the flying public. This hearing comes amid the chilling surge in near-deadly close calls involving commercial airlines that is adding serious pressure to our aviation workforce and putting the safety of the flying public at risk, and after the Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a September report that determined a significant amount of ATC equipment was outdated, unsustainable and in urgent need of modernization. Full videos of Senator Duckworth’s opening remarks and questions are available

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EDWARDSVILLE — The aisles of Target in Edwardsville buzzed with excitement Saturday morning, Dec. 14, 2024, as local police officers partnered with children from 14 families for the annual Christmas with a Cop shopping event. Organized by the Edwardsville Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 244, the initiative has provided holiday cheer for at least 15 years. Approximately 30 children participated in this year's event, which aims to ensure that families in need enjoy a special holiday season. In addition to shopping for gifts, each family received food baskets and a box of household goods, thanks to the support of local businesses and community members. The event began with a breakfast gathering at a nearby Chick-fil-A, where participants fueled up before heading to Target in a police convoy, complete with sirens and lights. Officers and their families assisted the children in wrapping presents after their shopping spree. The Edwardsville FOP Lodge 244 expressed gratitude

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GRANITE CITY — More than 40 children in Granite City experienced an early holiday celebration during the annual Shop with a Hero event on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024. The program pairs students with local first responders, allowing them to select gifts while creating lasting memories. Participants enjoyed rides in a police car, fire truck, or ambulance to Walmart, where they picked out gifts. Following their shopping spree, families gathered at Township Hall for a meal provided by St. John UCC Granite City. The event aims to foster positive relationships between youth and first responders while providing children with a festive experience during the holiday season. This year’s event highlighted the community’s commitment to supporting its youth and promoting goodwill. Photos from the event were taken by Chris Mitchell and BC Photography, capturing the joyous moments shared between the children and their heroic shopping partners. With first responders as their

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The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and, for many, a whirlwind of shopping. Whether you're buying gifts for family and friends or preparing for festive gatherings, staying organized during this busy time can make your experience much more enjoyable and less stressful. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the complexities of holiday shopping with ease and efficiency. Start Early One of the most effective ways to stay organized during holiday shopping is to start early. The earlier you begin, the more time you have to plan, shop, and find the best deals. Here are some tips to get started: Set a Timeline : Create a shopping timeline starting from the beginning of November. Mark important dates such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and any specific events where gifts will be exchanged. Make a List : Write down everyone you need to shop for along with gift ideas. This not only helps you stay focused but also prevents impulse buying. Consider using a digital note-taking

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As the holiday season approaches, the excitement of gift-giving fills the air. While choosing the perfect present is essential, wrapping it beautifully can enhance the overall experience for both the giver and the receiver. Gift wrapping can be an art form, and with a little creativity and some practical tips, you can transform even the simplest gifts into stunning surprises. This article will explore various techniques, materials, and ideas to elevate your holiday gift wrapping game. Selecting the Right Materials Wrapping Paper Choosing the right wrapping paper is fundamental to creating a visually appealing gift. There are various types of wrapping paper available, including: Traditional Paper : Classic and versatile, traditional wrapping paper comes in numerous patterns and colors. Opt for festive designs, such as snowflakes, ornaments, or holiday motifs. Brown Kraft Paper : This eco-friendly option is perfect for a rustic look. You can personalize it with stamps, drawings,

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As the holiday season approaches, many of us feel the urge to transform our homes into warm, inviting spaces that reflect the joy of the season. While store-bought decorations can be appealing, creating your own DIY holiday decorations can add a personal touch that makes your home feel even more special. In this article, we will explore a variety of creative, easy-to-execute DIY decoration ideas that can enhance your home’s festive ambiance. Embrace Nature with Holiday Wreaths One of the most popular DIY projects for the holiday season is crafting a festive wreath. Wreaths are versatile decorations that can be hung on doors, walls, or even used as centerpieces. Materials Needed: A wire wreath frame or a sturdy base made of branches Greenery (evergreen boughs, pine branches, or holly) Decorative elements (berries, pine cones, ribbons, or ornaments) Hot glue gun and glue sticks Wire or twine for securing items Steps: Prepare the Base : Start with your wire frame or

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December 16 is a date marked by a series of significant events that have shaped global history across various fields such as politics, science, culture, and more. One of the most impactful events on December 16 occurred in 1773 during the American Revolution. This day is famously known for the Boston Tea Party, a pivotal protest against British taxation without representation. American colonists, frustrated with the Tea Act imposed by the British Parliament, disguised themselves as Mohawk Native Americans and boarded three ships in Boston Harbor. They dumped 342 chests of tea into the water, an act of defiance that would escalate tensions between the colonies and Britain, ultimately leading to the Revolutionary War. This event symbolizes the fight for freedom and democracy, and it remains a powerful reminder of the impact of civil disobedience. Fast forward to December 16, 1944, a crucial turning point in World War II: the beginning of the Battle of the Bulge. This battle was

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GODFREY — The festive spirit was palpable Saturday morning at the Knights of Columbus in Godfrey, where families gathered for the 20th Annual Breakfast with Santa. Organized by the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council in partnership with the Village of Godfrey Parks and Recreation Department, the event attracted numerous children and their parents for a morning filled with holiday cheer. Guests enjoyed a buffet-style breakfast prepared by NickyG's Italian Eats Catering, which set the tone for the day's festivities. Zeke Jabusch, president of the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council, said: "We are happy with our showing today. This is what it is all about. It is the time of year to celebrate Merry Christmas and to all a good night. We think we have an opportunity for everyone with the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council with an entrepreneurial spirit. We try to work on projects to support the community and that is what makes the organization great. People rely on one another

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Today, we take a journey through time to explore some significant events that have shaped our world on December 14th and 15th. In the realm of politics, December 14, 1981, marked a crucial moment in Middle Eastern history when Israel annexed the Golan Heights, a territory that had been captured from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War. This controversial move was met with widespread international condemnation and was considered illegal under international law. The Golan Heights remains a disputed territory, and the annexation has had long-lasting implications for Israeli-Syrian relations, contributing to ongoing tensions in the region. Another significant event on this day took place in 2017, when the United States formally recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. This announcement by President Donald Trump sparked widespread protests and condemnation from various countries and international organizations. The decision was seen as a shift in U.S. foreign policy and had profound

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ST. LOUIS – Make-A-Wish is excited to bring back The Holiday Wish Line for a second year to spread hope and joy this holiday season as part of the nonprofit’s “Wishful Giving” campaign. This special telephone hotline features uplifting, pre-recorded messages from wish kids, giving callers a burst of happiness whenever they need it until December 31. The Holiday Wish Line encourages people to take a break from their daily challenges and enjoy heartfelt messages that foster togetherness and celebrate the holiday spirit. While the holiday season can bring joy, it can also create anxiety and pressure due to societal and personal expectations for a "perfect" holiday experience. The hotline inspires a joyful season for everyone who calls. “The Holiday Wish Line was created to inspire hope and encouragement during the holiday season,” said Caroline Schmidt, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish Missouri & Kansas. “There’s no one better suited

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ALTON - The first Alton Art Expo is planned for March 2025, and organizers are looking for artists. Charles Mooneyham, Stephen Scordias and Kimberlyn Renee have collaborated to create the Alton Art Expo at Milton Schoolhouse, with all proceeds going to Centerstone. Their goal is to provide a space for artists to showcase their work while raising awareness about mental health. “The hope and the idea behind the Alton Art Expo is this is where art, community and wellness will meet,” Mooneyham said. “Hopefully the art fair will serve as the bridge to connect the community to wellness through the empowerment of art. The expo is scheduled from 12–7 p.m. on March 29 and 12–5 p.m. on March 30, 2025, at Milton Schoolhouse in Alton. Mooneyham and Scordias said they hope to bring in approximately 60 artists to showcase their work. The vendor fee is $65 or $75 if two artists decide to split the booth, and this fee covers both days of the expo. Artists will

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ALTON - Jacob Warden knows sales, but he also understands the importance of helping others. Insurance, then, feels like a natural fit for him. Warden has his own Farmers Insurance storefront at 192 Alton Square Mall Drive in Alton. He builds his business around helping people understand what they’re buying and what insurance they need, and he works hard to make sure his clients are protected. “I’ve always been in sales, but I’ve also always wanted to help people,” he explained. “I feel like a lot of people with insurance just aren’t educated on what they need or what they know, and that’s kind of what I base my business around, just making sure people understand what they have and make sure they’re not overinsured or underinsured in certain areas.” Originally from Texas, Warden met his fiance, an Alton native, in Colorado. The two of them moved back to Alton during the COVID-19 Pandemic, and Warden decided to open

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GRAFTON — The Grafton community is mourning the loss of retired Police Chief Eric Spanton, who died on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow said Spanton, who battled cancer, had served as the police chief since 2017, following a distinguished 28-year career with the Illinois State Police. In November 2024, the Grafton City Council accepted the retirement of Police Chief Spanton. He also served for several years with the Jersey County Sheriff's Office. Mayor Morrow confirmed Spanton's passing, noting his profound impact on the city during his tenure. "He served in two mayoral administrations during his time in Grafton," Morrow said. "Everyone in Grafton says there will be very big shoes to fill in replacing him. Everybody in Grafton knew him." Spanton's contributions to the police department and the community were significant. His leadership helped establish a solid foundation for the department, and he was known for his proactive approach to community policing.

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