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O'FALLON, IL. — Police responded Wednesday night, April 16, 2025, to reports of gunfire in the 500 block of Ponderosa in O'Fallon, where a 34-year-old woman fired multiple shots during an altercation, authorities said. At approximately 9:53 p.m. April 16, 2025, O'Fallon Police officers arrived at the scene after receiving a call about gunshots in the area. Upon arrival, O'Fallon Police said officers found empty shell casings along the edge of the roadway and a bullet hole in the exterior wall of an occupied apartment building. Authorities identified the woman involved as Sharae M. Howard, a resident of the 500 block of Ponderosa in O'Fallon. According to the police report, Howard was involved in an altercation with an unknown male at her residence. During the confrontation, the male got into a vehicle and began driving away. Howard then fired several shots in the direction of the vehicle as it left the area. No injuries were reported. Investigators recovered a firearm during

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EAST ALTON - Wood River Township recently installed a new bathroom facility at Kutter Park in East Alton. The township continued to enhance the amenities at the location after multiple pickleball courts were added in recent months. The concrete bathroom building, constructed off-site, was transported in two halves by a diesel tow and then lifted by crane onto a prepared foundation. The bathroom project aims to provide restroom access for pickleball players, children, and other park visitors. Wood River Township Supervisor Mike Babcock said the planning process for the new bathroom has spanned several years. “It has been a long time in coming, planning for about five years when we added six pickleball courts out here and another three courts on the north end about two years ago,” Babcock said. Babcock praised Stutz Excavating for their work and noted the township’s acquisition of the concrete building. Funding for the project includes Metro East Park and Recreational

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EDWARDSVILLE – The theatre department from Metro-East Lutheran High School will present a creepy, kooky musical comedy this weekend with its production of “The Addams Family.”Performances will be held Friday, April 25, and Saturday, April 26, at 7 p.m, and Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m. in the Henschen Alumni Hall at Metro-East Lutheran High School, located at 6305 Center Grove Road. Tickets are available at the door or in advance at https://our.show/melhs-theatre-addams-family . “The Addams Family” follows the story of Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, as she falls in love with a “normal” boy from a respectable family. The fun begins as the Addams family reacts to and copes with the situation. “It’s a fun show that has some really good meaning if you look beyond the jokes, showing the unique relationships that tie families together,” said Judy Brown, director of the theatre department at MELHS. “The

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GODFREY - The 17th annual Christmas in July event, hosted by Taylor and Lily Freer at Freer Auto Body, is set from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for July 18, 2025, in Godfrey. The fundraiser supports Community Christmas, a program sponsored by United Way that provides assistance to local families in need during the holiday season. Margaret Freer, an event organizer, said very dollar raised through the event remains in the area to help ensure that families have necessary items and experience the spirit of Christmas. The event features a raffle with prizes donated by members of the community, including $3,500 in cash from Alxalta Coatings and PRS; a seven-night stay in a two-bedroom, two-bath condo at the Beach Club in Fort. Morgan, Alabama; a seven-night stay in a cabin in Balltown, Colorado; a five-night stay in a rustic three-bedroom cabin in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee; a side of beef; four Cardinal green seats for the Aug. 11, 2025, game against the Rockies; and $1,000 cash from Freer Auto Body.

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ALTON – Alton High School’s Yearbook, The Tatler , has been recognized for excellence and featured in the Jostens Look Book 2024, celebrating the best-of-the-best in yearbook design and inclusivity . The Jostens Look Book is a collection of outstanding yearbooks and their creative themes, cool covers, beautiful designs, relevant coverage of school events, meaningful storytelling, and stunning photography. Along with design excellence, the annually published Look Book honors the work of the students who created the yearbook over the course of 6-12 months. Through it, they chronicle the experiences, stories, and achievements most relevant to students and that academic year. The Tatler was created by Makenna Strowmatt, Sophie Hull, Wren Crawford, Carly Peuterbaugh, Jaylee Evan, Ty Hughes, Ciera McNaughton, Morgan Plummer, Isaiah Ouechani, and Bel Springman under the direction of Bridget Heck, Alton High School yearbook adviser. The Alton High School Yearbook, The

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GRANITE CITY - Multicare Specialists will host its second Multicare Market for community members to learn more about their health. From 4–7 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025, community members are invited to Multicare Specialists at 3986 Maryville Road in Granite City for the market, which will operate as a combined farmers market and vendor fair. Dr. Ashley Eavenson, owner of Multicare Specialists, explained that she wanted to bring a new event to Granite City to encourage more health consciousness. “This is more than a market. It’s a health movement,” Eavenson said. “Come, enter the giveaways, meet some people, get educated. We can’t wait.” Vendors will include Oaklee Rose Farms, Wheelhouse Fish Co., FARM TRUK, Meme’s Coffee Shop, Dream Doers, Aurelia Aromatica, Christine’s Salsa, Forest & Meadow Herbal Shop, Mylk + Hummus, Herb N’ Pepper, Orthomolecular, Crowned Creations by Keri, Nourishing Nelli, Wild Wolff Pastures,

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ALTON - AP Cigar continues monthly cigar events in Downtown Alton and Thursday afternoon, April 24, 2025, is the next one. The AP Cigar event at 202 State Street in Alton is slated from 3 to 6 p.m., then the event moves over the Mac's in Downtown Alton from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for a nightcap. The events have been a smash, organizers said on the "Our Daily Show!" with C.J. Nasello. Tony and Mike appeared on C.J. Nasello's "Our Daily Show!" recently and said both have a big passion for the cigar industry, which they view as extremely important in the industry. The cigar event at Mac's last month was very well-attended and it keeps getting "larger and larger,” the two men said, recalling that last month’s event was “filled with cigar enthusiasts.” Mike observed that many of the “70, 80, 90-year-olds turn out for the early event at AP Cigar, then others follow for the evening at Mac's. Last month, Mac's smoking area had many who demonstrated their

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WOOD RIVER - An area National Day of Prayer service is set at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at the Wood River Roundhouse. Organizer Debbie Ward said the event will take place outside at the bandstand if weather permits, or inside the building if conditions are unfavorable. Meteorologist Mike Roberts will serve as the master of ceremonies for the event. The Passion Painter, known for creating live artwork during performances, will also participate, Ward said. Community leaders will lead prayers focused on seven areas of influence in the nation: government, family, church, education, business and workplace, arts, media and entertainment, and military and first responders. Ward expressed gratitude to those involved and said she views the National Day of Prayer service as very important for the region.

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GODFREY — The Godfrey Fire Protection District expressed gratitude to the North Alton-Godfrey Business Council and Godfrey Meat Market for providing lunch to firefighters following a morning of training on Thursday, April 24, 2025. The North Alton-Godfrey Business Council generously supplied lunch for all three shifts at the Godfrey Fire Department. The meal was prepared by Godfrey Meat Market, a local business that holds sentimental value for the firefighters, as their former fire station was located next door to the market. In a statement, the fire district said the meal was “not only delicious, but it brought back memories” of the old station. The department added that being close to the local business is something they “truly miss.” The Godfrey Fire Protection District thanked the business council and the meat market for their support, noting that their kindness means a great deal to the department and its crews.

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HARTFORD – The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site will commemorate the 221st anniversary of the start of the Lewis and Clark Expedition with the annual Point of Departure Commemoration May 10 and 11. Visitors can interact with military demonstrators, historic artisans, and hands-on history displays at this free event, which takes place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. Artisans will exhibit historic skills including candle making, leatherworking, tanning, gunsmithing, spinning, woodworking and more. The event offers an opportunity for visitors to experience how things were made in the past and what life in the Illinois Country was like. Frontier medicine of the early 19th Century will be explored with a display of medical instruments and common treatments. Military reenactors will portray soldiers of the Lewis and Clark Expedition's Corps of Discovery. Interpreting the "White Pirogue" replica of the Expedition's boat, these reenactors will reveal the grueling task of navigating

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EDWARDSVILLE - In the spirit of promoting health, wellness and physical activity, Edwardsville Township will be hosting open gyms/pick-up games for adults at Township Community Park starting May 1st. Tennis Thursdays will be held at the tennis courts from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. on Thursdays and Soccer Sundays will be held at the soccer fields from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. “We hope these events will promote overall healthy habits in our community, both physical and mental health,” said Township Supervisor, Kevin Hall. “Loneliness and isolation for adults, especially young adults have become a major issue the past few years. This idea sprang up at one of our recent Lunch and Learn events and we hope it will provide some quality social experiences to some in our community.” In addition to these soccer and tennis events, several other options are available we want to highlight: Yoga - Glen Carbon Centennial Library – Thursday April 24th at 10

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MADISON COUNTY — Authorities are investigating after a body was found Thursday morning, April 24, 2025, in Granite City. Police responded to a report of a body discovered near Alton Street at Pontoon Road shortly before 9 a.m., officials said. Multiple units remain on the scene as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the discovery. Details about the incident have not been released. Authorities have not confirmed the identity of the deceased or the cause of death. More to come.

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On April 26, 1925, Alton’s own Rip Van Winkles baseball team played a game at Sportsmans Park against Negro National League team, the St. Louis Stars (originally the St. Louis Giants). Sportsmans Park was built in the early 1900s on the north side of Broadway, where the Alton Plaza Shopping Center now stands. (An earlier Sportsmans Park was built in the 1880s on the south side of Broadway, but the land was sold to Illinois Glass Works around 1906.) The Rip Van Winkles was a social club for married people in Alton, and they often threw dancing parties. The St. Louis Stars planned to bring an impressive lineup: John Reese in center, Wilson Redus at shortstop, Candy Jim Taylor at third, Percy Miller at first, Sam Bennett as catcher, and George Brown, Deacon Myers, and possibly George Womack (listed in the Alton Evening Telegraph as Warmack) as pitchers. Cool Papa Bell was on the 1925 St. Louis Stars roster but is not listed as one of the players at the game against the Rip

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SPRINGFIELD - State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) welcomed Barbara Sparkman and Wendy Granger from Millstadt to the “Women to Watch" Leadership Conference in Springfield. The event, hosted by House Republicans, consisted of breakfast and conversations, keynote speakers, networking lunch, and an informational seminar. “I am honored to have Barbara Sparkman and Wendy Granger as my guests at this year's conference and celebrate their well-deserved recognition for their work supporting our community,” said Schmidt. Barbara serves as the Millstadt Food Pantry's treasurer, and Wendy serves on the pantry board in addition to various other functions ranging from picking up food, packing bags for clients and distributing holiday food throughout the year. The Millstadt Food Pantry began years ago in a small garage with a big mission. Today, the pantry continues to exceed local annual donations and helps to feed less fortunate families across the Millstadt

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ALTON - Visitors flocked to Christmas Wonderland in Alton in record numbers during the 2024 holiday season and that success means the volunteer organization was able to increase its donations to local organizations. Nearly $73,000 in donations has been distributed to over 70 civic organizations courtesy of the Grandpa Gang and Christmas Wonderland, a direct result of strong holiday seasonal visitors to the landmark Alton attraction. Christmas Wonderland, spearheaded by the volunteer Grandpa Gang, features more than 4 million lights strung throughout Rock Spring Park and also includes the Enchanted Forest and visits with Santa Claus. “The financial support we received in 2024 means we can help others in our surrounding communities and that is the true meaning of the holiday season,” Dick Alford, of the Grandpa Gang, noted. The “Grandpa Gang”, a group of retirees and volunteers, organizes and designs the Christmas spectacular of cascading lights, tunnels

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MARINE – A man from Marine faces multiple felonies after a police search of his home yielded various stolen items and a pipe bomb. Chad W. Vaughn, 40, of Marine, was charged with possession of explosive or incendiary devices (a Class 1 felony), unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon (a Class 2 felony), residential burglary (a Class 1 felony), and theft (a Class 3 felony). Charging documents state that on April 9, 2025, Vaughn knowingly possessed an explosive compound in the form of a “pipe bomb.” His possession of the explosive carried additional penalties as a felon previously convicted in 2021 of unlawful possession with the intent to deliver methamphetamine, also in Madison County. Vaughn was additionally charged in this case with offenses stemming from Oct. 23, 2024, when he is accused of burglarizing a residence in Marine and stealing “assorted tools, musical instruments, appliances, and assorted home goods” worth over $500 from the residence.

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BUNKER HILL - A local cafeteria worker is advocating for free school lunches for all kids. Shelly Wuellner, Food Service Director at Bunker Hill Community Unit School District #8, recently traveled to Springfield, Illinois, and Washington, D.C., to speak with legislators about providing free meals for all students. She serves as the Illinois Public Spokesperson for Healthy Meals for All and as a member of the School Nutrition Association. “Kids do matter and school food matters,” Wuellner said. “Come to school, eat your food, be full, enjoy it. How are we going to educate our kids if we’re not setting them up to be educated?” BHCUSD8, Wuellner’s district, participates in the Community Eligibility Provision, which provides free breakfast and lunch to all students regardless of their ability to pay. She said some districts make it into that program “by the skin of their teeth,” and she believes it’s a great resource for

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ALTON - Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford reported two separate crashes in Alton on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, occurring within 10 minutes of each other. The first incident took place at 3:25 p.m. on Wednesday at the intersection of Martin Luther King Drive and West 10th Street. According to Chief Ford, there were no injuries, and the crash caused minimal traffic disruption. A citation was issued to the at-fault driver for failure to reduce speed, with no other citations issued. Shortly after, at 3:36 p.m., a second crash occurred in the 3000 block of Brown Street. A 60-year-old female driver, determined not to be at fault, was transported by ambulance for minor injuries. The driver found to be at fault received a citation for failure to reduce speed, with no additional citations issued. Chief Ford’s statements highlight speed as a common factor in both crashes, emphasizing the importance of cautious driving to prevent such incidents.

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MADISON COUNTY — Hayley A. Ditzler, 18, and Olivia J. Brown, 18, have been charged with a Mob Action Class 4 felony for allegedly participating in an incident on April 18, 2025. According to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, both defendants are accused of forcibly dragging the victim into the woods and repeatedly punching and kicking her in multiple areas of her body. The charges, filed on April 23, 2025, state that Ditzler and Brown acted together without legal authority, using force or violence that disturbed the public peace. The official charge reads that the defendants knowingly engaged in this conduct in violation of Illinois law, specifically 720 ILCS 5/25-1(a)(1). The incident is under investigation by local authorities, and no further details have been released at this time. Both defendants are expected to appear in court for proceedings related to the charges.

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reporting the first confirmed measles case of 2025 in Illinois. The case, involving an adult in far southern Illinois, was confirmed through laboratory testing on April 23. This is the only case IDPH is aware of and this is not considered an outbreak at this time. IDPH will update the public should there be any notable developments. The risk of community transmission for the general public in Illinois remains low. IDPH is working with local health officials to identify all potential exposure locations. The clinic in southern Illinois where the patient sought care is working to identify any possible exposed patients and check immune status of those individuals. All exposed healthcare staff were wearing masks and are considered immune. Anyone exposed and not immune to measles should stay alert for any signs and symptoms of measles such as rash, high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, and notify their

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