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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville's Fire Department and other neighboring agencies spend an enormous amount of time training and preparing for the worst possible fire and smoke situations. Fast response, training, and proper equipment saved the McDonald's and Circle K businesses during a serious fire Thursday night, Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford said Friday morning. Whiteford said the crews did respond quickly to the 8:15 p.m. call to his department and by 9:25 p.m., the fire was out. When crews arrived, thankfully workers and customers had left the building and no one was hurt. However, the visibility was about one foot ahead inside the structures because of the heavy smoke initially he said. "We had to use thermal imaging equipment to be able to see through the smoke," he said. "It enabled us to figure out where the fire was coming from and extinguish it. "Our technology and training with it really paid off. I am always so proud of all our firefighters and those who assist us

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BETHALTO - The Bethalto Chamber of Commerce is hosting a free, public forum to allow Bethalto residents to get to know the candidates running for seats on the Bethalto Board of Trustees. The forum will be held on Tuesday, March 14 at the Bethalto Senior Citizens Center, located at 100 E. Central St. in Bethalto. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., as there will be opportunities to speak with the candidates both before the forum starts at 7 p.m. and after the forum ends. There are a total of seven candidates running for three trustee seats; those candidates are Brian Frier, Jeff Mull, Maria Perkhiser, Rachel Sontag, Ed Slayden, Tim Vogel, and Chrissy Wiley. Perkhiser is an incumbent trustee seeking re-election. Mull was appointed to the vacant trustee seat left by Bethalto Mayor Gary Bost when he became mayor, and Mull is also seeking re-election. Bethalto Chamber of Commerce Board Member Jane Ahasay said the event aims to inform voters and keep residents involved with their local government

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Community Unit School District #9 Superintendent Stephanie Cann announced today that it has become aware of a threatening post that has been shared on a social media platform. "We are closely monitoring the situation, and we have taken steps to ensure the safety of our students and staff and safety always remains our number one priority," she said. "GCSD9 encourages all parents and guardians to speak with their children regarding the appropriate use of social media," she added. "If your child becomes aware of any potential threat on social media or anywhere else, please notify a GCSD9 staff member or law enforcement. Please refer to our GCSD9 Handbooks for updated policies and procedures. GCSD9 will not tolerate any threats or behavior of this kind." She closed with the following: "Thank you for your cooperation as we continue to provide a safe and secure learning environment for our students."

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GLEN CARBON – State Senator Erica Harriss (56 th -Glen Carbon) is pleased to announce a free eNewsletter service through her office as a way for constitutions to stay up to date with what’s happening in Springfield and throughout the 56 th District. “I am excited to announce our first newsletter has been sent out to email inboxes across the 56 th District,” said Senator Harriss. “This is a great way for residents across the Metro-East to stay informed about what is happening in Springfield and free legislative events around the district.” To sign up for Senator Harriss’ email newsletters, go to https://senatorericaharriss.com/e-news-2/ . “Constituents oftentimes want to know how they can get involved in the legislative process, or the status of important legislation that impacts them. By signing up for my newsletter, you will get all the latest information straight to your inbox without you having to seek it out yourself.”

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BENTON – In a U.S. District courtroom on Wednesday, a federal jury returned a guilty verdict after a three-day trial for an O’Fallon man charged with enticing a minor. Eric Richardson, 40, was convicted of using his cellphone to persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity. “We have a civic duty to protect children from sexual predators, and I’m reassured by the jury’s decision to convict the defendant of trying to persuade a minor into sexual acts with him,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I appreciate the involved officers with the O’Fallon Police Department for their efforts to apprehend this offender.” According to evidence presented at trial, Richardson used his cellphone to persuade a minor to engage in sexual activity upon his return from a trip to Florida in October 2019. The term of imprisonment is a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life. Richardson’s sentencing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on June 15

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Friday that an Mt. Olive man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder in connection with a fatal beating. Blake K. Streeb, 30, will be required to serve 100 percent of the sentence. Streeb attacked Michael Reay, 25, of Granite City, inside a home in the 2200 block of Miracle Avenue in Granite City on Aug. 7, 2022. Reay suffered head injuries and died days later at a St. Louis hospital. Streeb told investigators he was under the influence of methamphetamine at the time, but recalled becoming angry after suspecting that Reay, who used a wheelchair, was pretending to need his wheelchair. “This was a ruthless, unprovoked attack that was fueled by drugs and inflicted upon a victim who was nearly incapable of defending himself,” Haine said. “This conviction and sentence ensure that the public will be safe from this perpetrator’s violence. The

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TROY - Madison County Deputy Coroner Kelly Rogers has provided more information about why it took so long to discover the deceased Richard Maedge. The new report also says Richard took his own life. Richard was reported missing on April 27, 2022, by his wife, Jennifer. She had talked with him when he was leaving work and when she arrived home in Troy, his car was parked outside, his wallet and keys were in the house, but she could not find Richard. Troy Police searched the home for Richard but did not find him. Rogers provided this information to detail more how Richard was not found: "On the evening he was reported missing, there was an odor inside of the home which was described as a sewer-like smell. When Mr. Maedge’s wife called again about an odor, the Troy Police Department responded to the residence and conducted a second search of the home. The odor was described as the same odor when he was originally reported missing. "A plumbing firm was then contacted by Mr. Maedge’s

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EDWARDSVILLE — A teen who was charged as an adult has been convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to 35 years in prison in connection with a fatal shooting in Venice, according to Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine. Haine announced the conviction and sentence Wednesday for Russean K. Hollis, 17, of Granite City. Hollis was charged in connection with the drive-by shooting death of Tashay Mathis, 42, on June 25, 2022. Hollis was 16 at the time but charged as an adult. “It’s disturbing to see young people engaging in any type of violence, let alone violence of this magnitude,” Haine said. “I hope this conviction and sentence send a message that offenders of any age who choose to take part in this type of activity will be held accountable in Madison County. For the family and loved ones of Mr. Mathis, nothing can undo their suffering, but I hope the swift resolution of this case brings them a measure of closure.” The motive for th

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SPRINGFIELD - The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) announced today the recipients of the 2023 Small Equipment Grant Program. A total of $1.5 million was awarded to 64 fire departments/districts and EMS providers across the state. The program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 each for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. This program is an innovative approach to a problem that has long caused difficulties for fire departments and not-for profit ambulance services in Illinois, particularly those that have hardships in generating the necessary revenue for small equipment. The purpose is to allow eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase small equipment that they may otherwise not be able to purchase. The OSFM received 296 applications, requesting around $4.5 million in funding for this grant period. “The OSFM continues to remain committed to our mission of helping departments and districts purchase essential firefighting

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GODFREY – In celebration of Women’s History Month, Lewis and Clark Community College’s Diversity Council will present “125 Years of Comfort,” a retrospective on the historic Alton Woman’s Home and Woman’s Home Association. The event, featuring local historians Gail Drillinger, Marlene Lewis, and Lacy McDonald, will discuss the history of the Alton Woman’s Home and Association and the impact they had, and continue to have, on the community. According to L&C History Professor Kelly Obernuefemann, the organization was formed to provide women with much-needed support. “The Alton Woman’s Home was an important part of the community in the decades before Social Security and pensions,” she said. “Women could be left destitute if they did not have family support.” Although the home, which celebrated its 125 th anniversary in July 2022, no longer provides shelter, over the years, board members have transitioned

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WASHINGTON – On the first day of Women’s History Month, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, in a speech on the Senate floor discussed this week’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), which would enshrine gender equality into the Constitution. “The Equal Rights Amendment was first introduced in 1923—one hundred years ago—and proposed by a leader named Dr. Alice Paul. At the time, she had just won an important victory. She and her fellow suffragists had just led, successfully, the campaign to ratify the 19th Amendment, to give women the right to vote in the United States one hundred years ago,” Durbin said. “Despite this monumental achievement, Dr. Paul recognized that just the right to vote was not enough for gender equality—but it was the right starting point. So she devoted the remaining years of her life to enshrining gender equality in ever

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed Judge Colleen Lawless to serve as a District Court Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Central District of Illinois: “We are pleased that the Senate has confirmed the nomination of Judge Colleen Lawless to fill a judicial vacancy in the Central District of Illinois. Her experience and qualifications will strengthen our federal bench, and she will be ready to serve Central Illinois on day one.” On May 12, 2022, Judge Sue Myerscough of the Central District of Illinois sent a letter notifying the President that she intended to assume senior status upon confirmation of her successor. In May, the Senators established a screening committee to review applicants to be a Federal District Court Judge in the Central District of Illinois. Their screening committee

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ST. LOUIS - Take part in the largest Earth Day celebration in the Midwest on April 22 and 23, 2023, at the Muny Grounds in Forest Park. Free to the public and running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, earthday365’s annual festival offers ample opportunities to learn about sustainable practices. This year’s theme is "Go Circular!", which places an emphasis on the "Reuse" in Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. “The Festival will inspire attendees to ditch the disposables and design their lives around reuse -- or circularity,” said Dr. Jess Watson, Executive Director of earthday365. “From electric vehicles to sustainable fashion to yoga and bird shows, the Festival is a place to find resources about how to shift towards a more sustainable lifestyle.” The St. Louis Earth Day Festival typically draws around 20,000 attendees, who learn about sustainable practices, organizations, products, and services from 200-plus vendors. The Main Stage will host local music

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Fire Department and several other agencies were dispatched to a fire at the McDonald's/Circle K in Edwardsville and Edwardsville spokesperson Cathie Hensley said everyone inside was able to escape unharmed. After arrival, the firefighters extinguished the blaze in a quick fashion. The call to the Edwardsville Fire Department came in at 8:15 p.m. Thursday, Chief James Whiteford said. Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, Wood River Fire Department, and Madison County Emergency Management were visible at the scene. Firefighters continued to battle smoke issues even after the fire was extinguished. The fire remains under investigation, Chief Whiteford said.

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HARDIN - A driver who fled from a traffic stop in Mozier in Calhoun County and law enforcement said reached speeds exceeding 100 mph has been charged. The driver was identified as Theresa Ann Sherfy, age 48, of Hannibal, Mo. This is the report provided by the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office: "At 7:20 p.m. on February 19, 2023, Deputy from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s attempted to conduct a traffic stop in Mozier, Calhoun County, on a white 2008 Pontiac G6. As a result of the attempted traffic stop, the driver of the Pontiac fled from law enforcement at speeds exceeding 100 mph. The suspect vehicle traveled northbound on State Highway 96." Calhoun County Sergeant Zach Hardin notified the Pike County Sheriff’s Department and Pleasant Hill Police Department of the fleeing vehicle and Calhoun Deputies coming into their jurisdiction. This was more from the report provided by the Calhoun Sheriff's Office: "Law enforcement officials from the Pike County Sheriff’s Department

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GODFREY - Brian Manns, a long-time postal mail carrier, received a huge show of support from other postal workers that his family and friends will never forget on Wednesday. Postal workers congregated with their vehicles to escort Brian’s hearse from Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Godfrey to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Alton for a funeral mass on Thursday morning. Long-time friend Steve Aimone, also a postal service worker of 27 years, is 52, the same age that Brian was when he died. Brian battled aggressive cancer at the end of his life on Feb. 24, 2023. Aimone said Brian may have been a man of few words at times, but the ones he spoke were always kind and respectful. “He was a very mild-mannered guy, or 'easygoing' maybe is the word,” Aimone said. “In all his years in the Aton Office, I don’t think there ever was an employee he didn't get along with. He also was a carrier you could count on to be there every day, on time, and

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Superintendent Stephanie Cann provided an update on the situation that occurred Wednesday at Granite City High School with more details. "Two altercations, that did not involve weapons, occurred at the same time, requiring additional support," she said. "The situation was resolved quickly due to the response of GCHS teachers, staff, and the Granite City Police Department." Cann said the school system is grateful for these individuals who work tirelessly to keep our schools and community safe. Cann also added that students were kept in their classrooms until dismissal after the incidents as a safety precaution. Granite City Police Called to High School for Incident, Students Kept in Classroom Until Dismissal

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EDWARDSVILLE - Sophomore girls wrestler Mackenzie Pratt made history for Edwardsville High on Feb. 25, 2023, as she became the first state champion in the program's short history, winning the 140-pound class by sweeping all four of her matches in the state tournament held at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington. Pratt also became the Tigers' third state champion coached by Jon Wagner, who retired as Edwardsville coach at the end of the season, following boys champions Noah Surtin and Luke Odom. It was indeed a history-making weekend for Pratt and the Tigers. Pratt is an iCAN Clinic Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. As Pratt recalled the weekend, she said it was both exciting and a bit worrisome at the same time. "I was happy and excited," Pratt said during an interview. "It just made me realize I had worked so hard to win state and I was relieved that so much pressure was off my shoulders." Pratt qualified for the inaugural state meet in 2022, along with two other Tiger

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City senior guard Ivan Gaston was one of the most important players for the Granite City High boys' basketball team in the 2022-2023 season. He was a defensive standout and his teammates could always count on him to be there for them when and where he was needed. One of the highlights of Gaston's 2022-2023 season occurred in the Jersey Mid-Winter Classic when he dropped a three-ball at the buzzer to beat Edwardsville 51-50 in an upset. Gaston's buzzer-beater was the only lead the Warriors had in the second half. Gaston had nine points in that particular game and three were the game-winner final points. Gaston was one of the hardest workers on the team and a very dependable player, who can be counted on to make the plays when needed. For his efforts both on and off the court, Gaston has been named a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month. At this point, Gaston will be a valuable member of the Granite City boys' track and field team. "Obviously, I

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School senior Jonathan Stump has earned the highly prestigious honor of being named a National Merit Finalist for 2023. Of the 1.5 million eligible students who take the PSAT/NMSQT, only about 50,000 of the highest-scoring students receive program recognition. Students whose scores qualify them for recognition in the National Merit Program are notified through their high schools in September following the test administration. Edwardsville High School Principal Dr. Steve Stuart said he and the others at EHS are "extremely proud" of Jonathan's accomplishments. "This is an honor that very few students across the country receive, and to have a National Merit Finalist at EHS is something that brings us much pride," Dr. Stuart said. The 6-foot-7 Stump was also a key member of the Edwardsville High School boys' basketball team this past season. The National Merit Scholarship Program is a United States academic scholarship competition for recognition

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