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EAST ST. LOUIS - Rising majestically from the landscape of East St. Louis, Illinois, the Gateway Geyser is a powerful testament to human ingenuity and ambition. This 630-feet tall water fountain, one of the tallest in the world, is an iconic centerpiece of the Malcolm W. Martin Memorial Park and a cherished symbol of the city's relationship with its neighboring metropolis, St. Louis, Missouri. The Gateway Geyser was first unveiled in 1995 as part of an extensive initiative to rejuvenate and beautify the East St. Louis waterfront. Its inauguration marked a new chapter for the city, symbolizing its transformative journey and adding a unique feature to its skyline that rivaled the grandeur of the Gateway Arch located just across the Mississippi River. This man-made marvel was made possible through intricate engineering and design. Its remarkable height is achieved by three 800-horsepower pumps that can propel 7,500 gallons of water per minute straight up into the sky at a speed of 250

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WOOD RIVER - At the Wood River City Council meeting on May 15, several of Mayor Tom Stalcup’s suggested appointments to various boards and committees around the city were mostly approved, pending further discussion on the appointments to the Planning & Zoning Board. These appointments were all originally supposed to be voted on last week, but newly-elected Councilmen Bill Dettmers and David Ayers requested more time to review the list. At the May 15 meeting, Dettmers asked the council to “withhold any appointments to the Planning Commission at this time, as there are additional discussions to be had.” Mayor Tom Stalcup further clarified that the city has a rule against individuals and their spouses serving on the same committee, and the current list of potential Planning Commission appointees includes two spouses. The council agreed to approve the item as amended, and the Planning Commission will be voted on at a later date. The rest of the mayor’s appointments

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ALTON - YWCA Southwestern Illinois recently hosted its successful 32nd Annual Women of Distinction Gala at Julia's Banquet Center in East Alton. The event recognized and celebrated the exceptional accomplishments of Felicia Alexander, Erin Bickle, Lisa Brown, Creola Davis, Christine M. Favilla, Bonnie Hindelang, Dr. Dorothy Mosby, Dr. Ameera Nauman, Stephanie Schrage, and Maura Wuellner. Dorothy Hummel, Executive Director of YWCA, expressed her gratitude to the dedicated Women of Distinction Event Committee, which consisted of Desira Caffey and Yolanda Crochrell as Co-Chairs, along with Rena Brown, Donna Dixon, Chytia Freeman, Jessica Everage, Tawnya Hooper, Monique LeFlore, Kidada Miller, and Christy Mosby. Their tireless efforts and professionalism made the evening truly exceptional and memorable for the honorees. The event was further supported by the YWCA Women of Distinction Academy Members, who played a crucial role in facilitating its success. The Academy Members included

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ALTON - Outdoor recreation and sporting events in southwest Illinois were spotlighted at the recent Sports ETA Annual Symposium with the donation of a hand-painted, hand-crafted canoe to the WIN for KC by the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. Bureau staff members Cory Jobe, President/CEO and Jason Troop Director of Sales and Sports Marketing attended the annual symposium held in Kansas City May 8 - 11. The Bureau partnered with Navarro Canoe Company and St. Louis Sign & Mural to donate the Illinois-made canoe for charity. The canoe was painted on site throughout the four-day symposium. “Providing an Illinois-made canoe and having it painted live, on-site, was just one way to raise awareness of the Great Rivers & Routes region to sports stakeholders,” Mr. Jobe noted. “Our presence at the this sports industry event was an important way to spread the word that our region is a great place to hold future sporting events.” The hand-painted canoe raised more

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SPRINGFIELD — Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is now accepting applications for a statewide winter New Graduate RN Residency Program, a paid program for nurses to transition to professional practice. For nurses with less than a year of hospital experience, the residency combines classroom lectures, hands-on activities and clinical scenario simulation with the support of a highly skilled education team. It is designed to ease the transition of newly graduated nurses from the classroom setting to the clinical practice environment, to promote quality and safety and reduce turnover rates for first-year nurses. Nurses returning to the bedside after more than five years in another role may also benefit from the program. Residency participants receive clinical experience with one-to-one preceptors, didactic and simulation practicum, learn complex scenario-based concepts and are provided professional and emotional support to help them be successful in their new careers. As noted,

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STAUNTON - Sara Angel, RN of Community Hospital of Staunton (CHS) was recently honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. Sara, a registered nurse on the Med/Surg Unit at CHS was nominated by an appreciative husband whose wife with special needs was cared for with great compassion by Sara. His anonymous submission read: Sara was my wife’s admitting nurse. She was new to the hospital but had a lot of experience. She admitted my wife and was so very kind to her. My wife had stopped eating and had been told from a previous hospital stay she had dementia. Sara was so very kind to her. She got her cleaned up and talked to my wife like she was a person and not just a patient. My wife was a RN. When Sara found out and started talking to her; my wife lit up. She hadn’t talked nursing in so long with someone that wanted to hear about her. Sara

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Fair announced three-time Grammy Award-winning entertainer, author, and actor Tim McGraw will headline the Illinois State Fair Grandstand on Thursday, August 17. McGraw has sold more than 90 million records worldwide and dominated the charts with 46 number one singles. McGraw is one of the most successful touring acts in the history of country music. His projects have spawned some of the most meaningful songs of all time, including “Live Like You Were Dying,” and “Humble and Kind,” whose messages continue to impact fans around the world. His newest single, “Standing Room Only,” launched with the most first-week streams of any track in McGraw’s career. “We are excited to add one of country music’s biggest artists to the 2023 Illinois State Fair Grandstand lineup,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. “The extensive music catalog Tim McGraw brings to the stage will

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WOOD RIVER - At the Wood River Council Meeting Monday night, Officer Nicole Morris took the oath of office as a Probationary Police Officer. Officer Morris is a graduate of East Alton-Wood River High School and grew up in Wood River. Officer Morris has already received her basic police academy training and started her field training on Monday. "We explained what great community support we have in Wood River," Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said. "Please help us welcome Officer Morris to Wood River."

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HARTFORD - Madison County Coroner Steve Nonn is reporting Monday evening that a positive identification has been made on recently recovered skeletal remains through matching dental records. The deceased family has been notified and he is identified as 36-year-old Vernon L. Law. Nonn first reported late last week about a coordinated investigation along with Hartford and Wood River Police Departments into the recovery of human skeletal remains on the property of the old Chemetco Industrial Plant, 3754 Chemetco Lane in Hartford. The remains were found Thursday afternoon and the coroner’s office responded to the scene at the request of the Hartford and Wood River Police Departments. Illinois State Police Crime Scene Unit also responded and assisted in the search of the area. The remains were confirmed to be human by Coroner’s Investigator Kelsey Jones and death was pronounced at 3:45 p.m. Clothing and other property were recovered. The skeletonized remains were discovered

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MADISON COUNTY - The Madison County Sheriff's Office announced that a crash on South Moreland Road and Buchta Road at about 9:56 p.m. Sunday resulted in a double fatality. Madison County Deputy Chief Marcos Pulido said a preliminary investigation revealed that a tan Chevrolet Impala was traveling southbound on South Moreland Road in between Buchta Road and Birch Drive when it crossed over into the northbound lanes, into the path of red Hyundai Tucson, which was traveling northbound at this location. After the collision, the tan Chevrolet Impala became engulfed in flames. "A passerby called 911 and remained on scene to assist," Pulido explained. "Wood River Police Officer Lutz, who responded to provide assistance, arrived to find the Chevrolet Impala still engulfed in flames with the driver still trapped in the vehicle. Officer Lutz broke a window to the Impala and was able to extricate the driver from the vehicle. Sadly, the driver, Reid S. Brice, 20, of Alton, was later pronounced

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GREENFIELD - Greenfield Police sent out a notice today that Julie Schild, who had been reported missing, had been found and is safe. Julie's daughter - Rachael Costello - had posted her mom missing on the Greenfield Police Department Facebook page and said she was dealing with an unknown medical issue. "She left in my car (2015 Infinity QX60, plate CD93045) at 7:30 last night to go to the store and has not been back," Julie's daughter initially reported.

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ALTON - Two area men have been charged, one with a First-Degree Murder charge and the other with an Obstruction of Justice charge after a fatal shooting that occurred on May 10 in Alton. At 7:34 p.m. on May 10, 2023, the Alton Police Department received a report of a shooting outside of 1601 Rock Springs Drive, Alton. Officers arrived and located Tyrone M. Williams, age 20, of Alton, who had been shot with a firearm. Williams was transported to a local hospital by the Alton Fire Department and later transferred to a St. Louis area hospital for further treatment. Williams later died that evening as a result of his injuries. Detectives with the Alton Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division immediately began investigating and spent countless hours over the next few days following up on all available information. Their investigation led them to the suspect, Chauncy D. Lucas Jr., age 22, of Madison. Lucas Jr. was located and subsequently taken into custody. A second individual,

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ALTON - Being aware and taking initiative are two items that this Remarkable Redbird of the Month has certainly accomplished over the past school year at Alton High School. Sophomore Adelia Sandifer noticed earlier this year the large amounts of uneaten fruit that her fellow classmates were placed in the trash at Alton High and thought to herself that something could be done to better that situation. After many discussions with Assistant Principal Dr. John Bannister and also Arbor Manager Tim Weaver (Arbor is the company that currently runs the lunch program at Alton High), it was decided that boxes would be set up near trash cans for students to place uneaten fruit into these boxes where it essentially would be passed on to families in need of food. In conversing further with Assistant Principal Naj Citrowske, Adelia decided to call Crisis Food Center to coordinate the picking up of the fruit about two days per week. Over the course of the school year, the number of pieces of fruit

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville Police Department today announced it is stepping up enforcement for the Memorial Day “Click It or Ticket” campaign that will run May 19-30 and reminds motorists to buckle up for safety. “Click It or Ticket” leverages education and enforcement to save lives. “Seat belts have proven to be life-saving in the event of a crash,” said Lt. Whittaker Whittaker. “Unfortunately, many still don’t buckle up. Worse yet, not wearing a seat belt is a habit that can be passed on to younger generations who follow the example set by their elders.” Memorial Day weekend marks the unofficial start of summer, a popular time for traveling to visit family and friends. Whether you are traveling down the block or across the country, make sure you buckle up every time. Wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45%. Seat belts save lives every day, but they’re only effective if they’re used.

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JERSEYVILLE - Two individuals were charged with retail theft after stealing over $300 worth of items each from the Jerseyville Walmart. The incidents took place one day apart from each other, and in one case, the individual was additionally charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine and obstructing identification. Erinn R. Walton-Slagel, 44, of Hillsboro, was charged on May 3 with retail theft, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, and obstructing identification. Walton-Slagel reportedly stole over $300 worth of “various items of clothing, jewelry, and accessories,” according to court documents. She was issued a Class 3 felony charge for the theft. Walton-Slagel also “knowingly possessed less than five grams of methamphetamine” and “knowingly furnished a false name” to Jerseyville Police Officer Nick Woelfel after being lawfully detained, according to court records. She was issued another Class 3 felony charge for possession of methamphetamine

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ALTON - The recent Riverbend CEO 2023 Trade Show demonstrated a talented class of young entrepreneurs at the Best Western Premier in Alton. Katie Sabolo has been the mastermind behind the Riverbend CEO program for the past seven years. She said the Riverbend CEO Class of 2023 has a bright future ahead, thanks in part to the businesses that have taught them the value of determination, innovation, and hard work. “Riverbend CEO has been the highlight of my year!" Sabolo said. She continued and said the program is "an investor-funded entrepreneurship program that connects local high school seniors to businesses in our community. "CEO gives students an incredible opportunity to start their own businesses and network with other business professionals in our community. Each year, students tour more than 30 local businesses and meet with 30 guest speakers to help them learn the ins and outs of running a business. "While learning about businesses in our area, students launch thei

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SHILOH - A Fairview Heights woman has been charged and is in custody related to a financial exploitation case of an elderly woman. Shiloh Police released these facts about the case: At 11:26 a.m. on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, Shiloh Police officers were dispatched to Regions Bank located at 400 East Highway 50 in O’Fallon in reference to the possible unlawful use of a credit card with an elderly victim. Detective Sergeant Kyle Bade made this statement: "Upon our arrival, Shiloh officers met with O’Fallon officers and bank personnel who noticed unusual activity on the victim’s bank account and notified the O’Fallon Police, who contacted the Shiloh Police due to the transactions occurring in Shiloh. The case was submitted to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office for review." On Friday, May 12, 2023, St. Clair County Assistant State’s Attorney Elizabeth Nester issued a warrant for Financial Exploitation of an Elderly Person and a warrant

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CARROLLTON - Harley D. Angel, 19, of Carrollton, was charged twice for violent felony sex crimes against minors - once in November of 2022, and again last March - and was released on bond both times. His pretrial hearing is set for later this month on May 26. Late last year , Angel was charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault, grooming, indecent solicitation of a child, and unlawful restraint. Carrollton Police Chief James Buchanan confirmed that the offense was committed against multiple victims, all of whom were minors, but said few other details were available as the investigation is still ongoing. According to court records, the offense involved victims who were “at least 13 years of age but under 17 years of age,” with Angel having been “at least five years older” than the victims. Angel was 19 at the time, meaning the victims could not have been older than 14. He was arrested by the Carrollton Police Department on Nov. 30, 2022, an

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic senior midfielder Aela Scruggs has seen a thing or two in her high school soccer career. A thing she's become accustomed to seeing is success. A three-year varsity player, since her freshman year was cancelled due to the pandemic, Aela has seen that success personally and with her team. As a primary central midfielder for the team, she racked up 22 goals through three seasons, with 12 so far her senior year. She also nabbed 14 assists in her career. For her success on the soccer field, Aela is a Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Athlete of the Month for the Explorers. As a team, the Explorers boast an overall record of 46-17-6 the last three seasons, and have made waves in the postseason each time. Her team reached the Super-Sectional her sophomore season and have won Regional Championships in her junior and senior seasons, most recently in an 8-0 win over Carlinville, clinching the program's 13th title. Aela said that this year was her favorite

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SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Erica Harriss (56 th -Glen Carbon) has passed a bill that could help alleviate the teacher shortage across the state by providing flexibility and incentives for established educators. “Our teachers are incredibly important and with the teacher shortage still a persistent and serious issue across our state, we must look at collaborative ways to address the issue,” said Senator Harriss. House Bill 1297 would extend the current statute in the pension code to allow teachers the ability to buy up to two years of service credit at a private or parochial school from the Teachers Retirement System. “This bill is a good step in allowing teachers the flexibility to move from the private sector into public schools and buy back their time in the retirement system,” said Senator Harriss. “With the current law set to expire June 30th, this legislation is merely an extension of a sunset now set for 2028 if signed into law.” To qualify

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