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BELLEVILLE – Illinois American Water’s Pontiac District Water Treatment Plant and Streator District Water Treatment Plant have received the Partnership for Safe Water (PSW) 25-Year Directors Award for water quality excellence. The awards, which honor the efforts in continuously optimizing water treatment plant and distribution system operation and performance, were recently announced by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). “At Illinois American Water, we are pleased to be recognized in delivering safe, clean, reliable, and affordable drinking water to our customers,” said Rebecca Losli, President, Illinois American Water. “This achievement reflects the efforts of our incredible team, who are dedicated to maintaining high standards and helping to protect the health and safety of customers.” The Pontiac District Water Treatment Plant delivers water to 4,500 customers per day; The Streator District Water Treatment Plant delivers water

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GODFREY — Mike McCormick of Godfrey submitted a photograph capturing five generations of his family, highlighting a rare and intimate family moment. The photo features Lexi Rhein holding Levi James Rhein, along with Jennifer Camerer, Linda McCormick, and Nellie McCormick. The image, taken recently, showcases the continuity of family through five generations, which is a rarity.

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GODFREY - Families and friends are invited to Godfrey’s annual Family Fun Fest and fireworks. From 5–9 p.m. on July 4, 2025, community members can come out to Glazebrook Park to enjoy inflatables, vendors, food trucks, live music and more fun before the fireworks launch at 9:30 p.m. Parks and Recreation Director Chris Logan expressed his excitement to host another fun event for the community. “It’s going to be a great day,” he said. “It’s really fun to see people out in our park and in Godfrey enjoying themselves.” Inflatables, vendors, face-painting and a clown will be available throughout the night. From 5–7:30 p.m., you can sign up for the watermelon-eating contest, set to start at 8:15 p.m. Jim Mager will provide live music starting at 6:30 p.m. Kids who participated in Godfrey’s baseball program will receive a medal during the Baseball Awards at 5:35 p.m. Meanwhile, local baseball coaches will hang out in the

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Township Board of Trustees voted to continue its cooperative agreement with the Edwardsville Arts Center at its June 17, 2025 Board Meeting. Edwardsville Township is a proud supporter of the center and will once again donate $1,500.00 to the Edwardsville Arts Center to help supports its annual art fair. The Edwardsville Arts Center hosts a variety of classes, exhibits and cultural events throughout the year to help inspire inventive minds of all ages. The center is located at 340 Montclaire Ave in Edwardsville. Kids’ Summer Camps are underway now. The center operates under the leadership of Executive Director Beth Browne, who accepted the donation on their behalf. “We want to do our part to inspire the next generation of artists and creatives alike. The Edwardsville Arts Center is a vital component of our community, and we are thrilled to continue this partnership. We also have featured art on display at Township Hall for all to enjoy,”

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BETHALTO/EAST ALTON - In June 2026, over 60 women pilots and their teams will descend on the St. Louis Regional Airport for the 49th annual Air Race Classic. These teams will fly cross-country routes over a four-day period starting on June 23, 2026. As the starting airport and the host, the St. Louis Regional Airport will welcome participants and officials for pre-race preparations and the takeoff event. “We couldn't pass up the opportunity,” said Airport Director Danny Adams. “We really want to have the community come out and kind of see aviation and see all these cool pilots that are flying the race and the planes that will be participating as well and enjoy all the aspects that we enjoy about it, too.” Adams explained that all planes will take off from the St. Louis Regional Airport on June 23, 2026. He predicts one plane will take off every minute for at least an hour. The pilots then have four days to travel 2,300 miles and reach their final destination,

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GODFREY — Community Christmas is holding its Christmas In July Raffle, offering participants a chance to win a variety of prizes while supporting a local cause. Tickets are available for $10 and feature prizes ranging from cash to vacation stays. The raffle includes a $3,500 cash prize donated by Axalta Coatings, a seven-night stay in a two-bedroom, two-bath condo in Fort Morgan, Ala., donated anonymously, and a five-night stay in a three-bedroom cabin in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, donated by Monica, Melvin, and Nick Bristow. Other prizes include a seven-night cabin stay in Balltown, Colorado, donated by Anette Griebel; four Cardinal green seats for the August 11, 2025, Cardinals vs. Rockies game, donated by Jayne and John Simmons; one side of beef, donated by Shane and Tiffany Seller; and $1,000 cash donated by Freer Auto Body. Margaret Freer of Freer Auto Body said she hopes a lot more tickets will be purchased before the July 18 event. "These are great prizes and well worth

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EDWARDSVILLE - Two longtime administrators with Edwardsville School District #7 were recognized for their years of service and retirement during the recent June Board of Education meeting. Curt Schumacher, principal of Goshen Elementary, has served the district for 33 years. Dr. Vince Schlueter, assistant principal at Edwardsville High School, has dedicated 21 years to the district. Both are retiring after distinguished careers in education. The recognition took place at the district’s June board meeting, where Board President Bob Paty and Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton honored Schumacher and Schlueter for their commitment to the district. The district expressed appreciation for the administrators’ decades of leadership and contributions to the educational community.

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COLLINSVILLE – As part of one of its busiest construction seasons ever, the Illinois Department of Transportation is delivering several major projects in the Metro East, fueled by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. Eighteen major projects combined represent a total investment of nearly $895 million, improving safety and mobility while sustaining and creating good-paying jobs throughout the region. “Through Rebuild Illinois, we are making good on our promise to restore and transform our state’s infrastructure while promoting economic growth,” said Gov. J.B. Pritzker. “This summer, IDOT will continue to build on years of progress by undertaking construction projects that will create safer roads and bridges and provide jobs across the state. Through these projects, we are demonstrating what government is supposed to do and that’s investing in the people and communities we serve.”

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that $6.3 million in grant funding has been awarded to 36 grantees through three grant programs – the Route 66 Grant Program ($4 million), Tourism Attractions Grant Program ($1.7 million), and Tourism Private Sector Grant Program ($600,000) – as part of the state's continued effort to boost tourism and welcome more visitors to Illinois. "Whether you're coming from down the road or across the globe, Illinois is the perfect destination for travelers," said Governor JB Pritzker . "Through our tourism grant program, the State of Illinois is attracting more visitors than ever and channeling their impact to support economic growth, jobs, and community revitalization." “From Route 66 to world class museums, state parks, festivals, cities, and restaurants, Illinois has some of the greatest tourism attractions on the planet,” said Lt. Governo

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EDWARDSVILLE — Gary and Karen Cain of rural Edwardsville marked their 50th wedding anniversary on June 13, celebrating a milestone that began with their marriage at the Bible Center Church in Charleston, Illinois. The couple wed in 1975, with the ceremony officiated by the late Rev. Todd Taylor of Alton. Over the years, Gary Cain has built a diverse career, retiring as a counselor from Civic Memorial High School in Bethalto. He also served as a principal at Western Military Academy's Lower School in Alton and worked as an FBI special agent in New Orleans, Louisiana. He continues to substitute teach at Civic Memorial High School and participates in the Bethalto Rotary Club. Karen Cain is a retired teacher from the Alton School District. She currently serves as organist and pianist at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Hamel and Edwardsville First Baptist Church. Additionally, she is an active member of the Alton Carillon Guild and performs carillon concerts at the Gordon Moore

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EDWARDSVILLE — Nearly 100 students in grades 5 through 12 participated in the Edwardsville School District #7 Orchestra Camp last week, showcasing their skills on violin, viola, cello, and bass. The camp, held within the district, provided instruction from a team of educators that included Victoria Voumard, Missy Banker, Maggie Patton, Phil Sgambelluri, and Lindsey Wolfford. Voumard has coordinated the successful orchestra camp for students for many years in the Edwardsville School District #7. Voumard said the event aimed to enhance students' musical abilities and foster a deeper appreciation for orchestral instruments. Voumard also described the camp as "a tremendous success, reflecting strong student engagement and commitment to the program." District officials expressed pride in the students' achievements and the collaborative effort of the instructors, highlighting the camp as "a valuable opportunity for young musicians to develop their talents."

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SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced $1,158,009 in U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) funding for St. Louis Downtown Airport. The federal grant would go towards rehabilitating the access road to the airport’s hangar buildings. “St. Louis Downtown Airport is one of the most active airports in our region. It supports hundreds of local jobs and serves as a gateway to Central and Southern Illinois,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m excited to announce more than $1.1 million in federal funding to rehabilitate a critical access road at the airport. This is an important investment in the future of this regional hub that supports our broader goal of expanding business and development opportunities in the Metro East.” “This roadway improvement is essential to supporting and retaining several hundred good paying jobs and solidifying the St. Louis Downtown Airport’s position as

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GRANITE CITY - Finely Hatfield, a 13-year-old swimmer for the Paddlers Swim Club in Granite City, made a key contribution for her team at the Southwestern Illinois Swimming Association's Relays Meet June 23, 2025, at home and helped the Pirates finish fourth in the team standings of the meet. Hatfield swam the lead-off leg on the 150-meter butterfly relay team that finished fifth in the race., as the Pirates placed fourth with 111 points. She is a Stillwater Senior Living Granite City Female Athlete of the Month. Hatfield is looking to improve her times in her events this season, and wants to work hard to achieve her goals. The typically-hot summer weather helps motivate her to swim, plus staying in shape for another sports she's involved in. "I want to improve my times, and some," Hatfield said about her goals for the season. There's also another reason Hatfield stays involved in swimming for Paddlers. "Because it makes me stronger with fitness for the soccer season," Hatfield

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City High School 2025 graduate LilyRose Cockrum was chosen for the inaugural Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship for Madison County Illinois High School Seniors, as announced by Madison County Regional Superintendent, Dr. Robert W. Werden, along with Mannie Jackson and Dr. Ed Hightower. The $1,000 award is presented to 10 graduating seniors from across Madison County who have demonstrated high academic achievement, personal drive, and excellence throughout their four-year high school careers. The Aitch Scholarship is named in honor of Alma Irene Aitch, a former teacher at Lincoln School whose leadership and encouragement profoundly impacted her students and their future generations. Beloved for her deep love of school and community, Ms. Aitch’s legacy lives on through this scholarship. Created through the collaborative efforts of Jackson, Hightower, and Werden, the scholarship recognizes and rewards students who have demonstrated hard work and

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ALTON - According to organizers, the second year of the renewed Mississippi River Festival was once again “magical.” On Friday, June 27, 2025, the Mississippi River Festival kicked off at 7 p.m. after a delayed start due to weather, featuring vendors, interactive art installations, food trucks, beer tents, and live music at the Alton Amphitheater. The fun continued on Saturday, June 28, with a minor midday rain delay. Organizers Nick Bifano and Zack Johnson were eager to welcome the thousands of people who traveled from across the region to enjoy the shows. “This was our second year, moving into year three. It’s like, ‘Okay, what’s the best thing for this festival?’ But also, there’s this side mission of, ‘What brings the most honor to Alton, and then in turn, to the whole region?’” Bifano said. “I think we’re going to make mistakes along the way because we’re just humans trying to do cool stuff.

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COLLINSVILLE - The Collinsville Police Department has named Officer Trent Ross as its May Officer of the Month for his active role in combating criminal activity in the area. Officer Ross, along with his K9 partner Rocky, made 12 arrests within Collinsville and provided assistance to neighboring law enforcement agencies on eight occasions. The Collinsville Police Department recognized Ross’s efforts in maintaining safety not only within city limits but also in surrounding communities. “Thank you Trent for your efforts to keep the Metro East safe for all,” the Collinsville Police Department said in a statement.

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GLEN CARBON - The Lady Griffins varsity and junior varsity volleyball teams from Father McGivney Catholic High School concluded the Alton Summer League with a playoff tournament, showcasing strong performances in their respective divisions. The tournament took place recently in Alton, where the varsity team entered the playoffs as the third seed. The Lady Griffins varsity squad remained undefeated throughout the tournament, winning all four matches and every set, finishing with an 8-0 record and securing first place. The Father McGivney girls volleyball squads are Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Female Athletes of the Month for the Griffins. Meanwhile, the junior varsity team earned the highest seed among JV teams, entering the playoffs as the sixth seed. The JV squad ended the tournament in fifth place, dropping two matches to varsity teams, including one loss to their own varsity Lady Griffins. The school congratulated both teams on their successful performances and noted the tournament

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ALTON/WOOD RIVER – A man from Wood River faces five felony counts of child pornography after Alton authorities executed search warrants on his home, cell phone, and Kik account. Dane A. Grant, 31, of Wood River, was charged on June 26, 2025 with five Class X felony counts of child pornography. Grant allegedly shared multiple videos depicting child pornography via the Kik application on Jan. 26, 2025. The Alton Police Department investigation began on April 1, 2025 after the agency was “notified of three cybertips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children involving the dissemination of child pornography via the Kik application,” according to the state’s petition to deny Grant’s pretrial release from custody. “Detectives viewed the files associated with these cybertips and determined them to involve child pornography,” the petition states. “The Internet Protocol addresses associated with some of the disseminations returne

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. — A fatal crash involving two vehicles on Interstate 44 westbound near Mraz Lane claimed the life of a 27-year-old woman late Saturday night, June 28, 2025. The accident occurred at 11:53 p.m. June 28, 2025, when a 2021 Ford Explorer, driven by a 21-year-old man from Ontario, Canada, collided with the rear of a 2011 Toyota Camry. The Camry, driven by the woman from Caseyville, was stopped and blocking a lane after an earlier, unclear incident. The female driver of the Camry was pronounced dead at the scene by the Fenton Fire Protection District. Authorities reported the driver of the Ford Explorer was using a safety device at the time of the collision, while the Camry’s driver was not. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding both crashes. No further details have been released.

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MADISON COUNTY — Five people were injured early Monday morning, June 30, 2025, in a house explosion on the 3300 block of Fairmont Avenue in unincorporated Madison County, authorities said. The State Park Fire Department responded shortly after 1:15 a.m. Monday, to the scene in unincorporated Madison County. The blast had already leveled the home by the time the fire department arrived. Five individuals, ranging from teenagers to adults, were transported to a nearby hospital with severe but non-life-threatening injuries, including burns. First responders confirmed an explosion upon arrival. The blast also ignited fires in two vehicles parked in the driveway. The home next to the damaged home was not seriously harmed. The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, and it is unclear where the explosion originated within the home.

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