GRANITE CITY - Eli Miller is one of 10 sophomores on a young Granite City High School wrestling team, and finished fourth in the 190-pound weight class at the William "Red" Schmitt Holiday Tournament on Dec. 30, 2025, at Granite City Memorial Gym. He lost a close third-place match to Killian Rauch of Belleville East by fall at 1:38. It was a great overall tournament for Miller, despite going 2-3 overall in the two days of competition. His wins came over Tucker Mosbauch of Normal Community West
CALHOUN COUNTY — After 19 years of service, Sheriff William “Bill” Heffington announced his retirement from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, effective immediately on Dec. 31, 2025. The announcement was made by the Sheriff’s Office at their Calhoun County headquarters in Hardin, Ill. Sheriff Heffington, 67, said his decision to retire was influenced by physical challenges, including issues with his hips and knees, which have made it difficult for him to
LAS VEGAS — Dr. Taylor Marie Gerson, a microbiology Ph.D. candidate at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, was named the 2025 UNLV Rebel Grad Slam 3-Minute Thesis Champion on Dec. 16, 2025, the day she also received her doctorate during the Graduate College Commencement. Carolyn Kelly, Taylor's aunt, an area resident, said: "Our family is extremely proud of Taylor and her accomplishments, but even more excited to see what positive changes she can bring to the world population
ALTON – Alton Police have filed charges against a local resident in his latest felony case of domestic battery. Broderick D. McGee, 58, of Alton, was charged on Dec. 23, 2025 with two counts of aggravated domestic battery (both Class 2 felonies), aggravated battery (a Class 3 felony), and his second or subsequent offense of domestic battery (a Class 4 felony). The day prior on Dec. 22, 2025, McGee allegedly knowingly and without legal justification caused great bodily harm to a family
ALTON - Join the January 13, 2026, Sierra Club Speaker’s Series for a discussion about what communities can do to slow down the onslaught of proposed data centers pushing into all areas of Illinois and learn how the Sierra Club is engaging nationally and across the state. The program is from 6:30 to 7:30 PM at the Old Bakery Beer Co., 400 Landmarks Blvd., Alton, IL 62002. Participants can come early and enjoy a delicious meal from Old Bakery into the venue. Sally Burgess, Downstate
ALTON – Separate cases of unlawful weapon possession in Madison County have yielded felony charges against two Alton residents. Robert M. Clay, 19, of Alton, was charged with a Class 4 felony count of aggravated unlawful possession of weapons on Dec. 18, 2025 Clay reportedly carried a black Smith & Wesson handgun in his vehicle on Nov. 4, 2025, which was unlawful for him to possess as a person under 21 years of age and not engaged in lawful activities under the Wildlife Code. The Granite
GRANITE CITY - Brayden Drew, a senior wrestler competing at the 165-pound weight class for Alton High, won the championship in his class at the 64th William "Red" Schmitt Holiday Wrestling Tournament in Granite City on Dec. 30, 2025, getting a 12-1 win over Colin Peyton of Batavia, getting a third period takedown and two near falls of four points each to win the bout and the title. Drew won all five of his matches en route to the championship, and in a post-match interview, was extremely happy
Letter To The Editor: Seventy years ago, after Christmas morning mass, Mrs. Betty (Vincent) Guccione noticed two men mulling around the church. She approached them, asking their plans for Christmas day. When they both stated they had no plans, she invited them back to her house to have breakfast with her family. This act of kindness started a yearly tradition of Christmas breakfast at the Guccione residence. Over the years, as children came along, and more friends were invited, the number
ALTON — David Davis, a retired machine adjuster and group leader with 40 years of experience at Olin, was the head grandpa for this year’s Christmas Wonderland at Rock Spring Park. The annual holiday lights display, featuring more than 4 million lights, was held from Nov. 28, 2025, through Dec. 28, 2025. Because of the Grandpa Gang's efforts, visitors were able to see cascading waterfalls, lighted trees, and hundreds of light displays that have become a beloved tradition in
GRANITE CITY - Granite City Police responded to multiple reports of shots fired on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31, 2025, during celebrations that prompted concerns over public safety. Officers investigated two incidents where individuals were recklessly discharging firearms into the air or ground, leading to the execution of separate search warrants at two residences. As a result of the warrants, several people were taken into custody, and officers confiscated eight firearms along with
ALTON – The owners of the State Street Trails in Alton are preparing to meet with an attorney soon to discuss possible next steps after the City Council voted last month to stop the property from being used as an outdoor BMX facility. Nicholas Goewey, who co-owns the property with Aaron Lockhart, announced via the State Street Trails Instagram page last week that the property owners will meet on Friday, Jan. 2, 2025 with their attorney, who is extensively researching the situation.
Friday morning starts off cold with cloudy skies and a temperature near 26 degrees. The day remains mostly cloudy through the afternoon as the high reaches 36 degrees with a light northeast wind gusting up to 12 mph. By evening, clouds continue to dominate, cooling down to a low near 26 overnight. Winds stay light and skies remain cloudy. Saturday will see a turn toward partly sunny skies. The high climbs to 40 degrees with a low dipping to 22 at night. Winds will be gentle from the north, with
January 2nd has long been a day marked by remarkable events across the globe, touching on various facets of human achievement, culture, and history. From groundbreaking scientific endeavors to significant political milestones, this date offers a fascinating glimpse into the tapestry of our shared past. Today, we take a journey through some of the most impactful happenings that have shaped the world on January 2nd throughout history. Arguably the most momentous event recorded on this date is
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced that several new laws designed to strengthen public health initiatives will take effect with the start of the New Year, January 1, 2026. “The New Year offers a critical opportunity to advance public health and protect Illinois families through new laws and innovative strategies,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “We thank Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois General Assembly for their leadership
SPRINGFIELD – Several initiatives spearheaded by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias will take effect in the new year. “This past legislative session delivered some big wins for Illinoisans that will make a real difference in their everyday lives,” Giannoulias said. “These laws move us closer to our goals of making our roads safer, ensuring our libraries have the tools they need to serve their communities and creating a more efficient and responsive government.”
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and law enforcement agencies throughout the state are joining forces to increase patrols focused on impaired drivers, seat belt violations, distracted driving and speeding as 2025 comes to a close. Whether you’re traveling a short or long distance the goal is for everyone to arrive to their destination and kick off 2026 safely. “Don’t ever drive if you’ve been drinking alcohol, using
SPRINGFIELD – Many of us pledge to exercise more and eat healthier as January 1st rolls around, but setting up a budget and tackling debt is also a great New Year’s resolution. “What better way to kick off 2026 than to take a hard look at your finances, make a plan to pay off bills and consider investing to provide for your future,” said Comptroller Mendoza. According to Fidelity Investments’ 2026 Financial Resolutions Study , 64% of respondents are considering
GRANITE CITY - The Granite City Council has approved and activated red-light enforcement cameras at the intersection of Maryville Road and Pontoon Road to enhance traffic safety. The cameras, which monitor all four directions of the intersection, became operational recently and will issue warnings for violations until Jan. 19, 2026. Starting Jan. 20, 2026, citations will be issued to registered vehicle owners for any red-light violations captured by the system. The initiative reflect
EDWARDSVILLE – Madison County Clerk & Recorder, Linda Andreas, announced today that they will begin implementing a notary fraud alert program in the Recorder’s office in the new year. The program, developed by Fidlar Technologies, is a powerful new tool designed to protect the notary community from fraud. This service allows notaries to sign up for free and receive daily, weekly, or monthly reports summarizing recorded documents bearing their name through our land records office. Wi
SAINT LOUIS - Sue Greenberg didn’t necessarily set out to transform the art scene in St. Louis, but she has had quite the impact. As she wraps up her 39-year career with St. Louis Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts , Greenberg reflected on the years she spent as the executive director of St. Louis VLAA. She has helped countless Greater St. Louis artists connect with legal and accounting aid, and she is excited to see what comes next for the nonprofit. “Everything
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