JERSEYVILLE – Deputy Chief Scott Woelfel gave a heartfelt farewell to officers of the Jerseyville Police Department as he made his retirement official with an emotional “10-42” call, ending his tour of duty on Oct. 9, 2025. “I just want to say thank you to all the citizens of Jerseyville for allowing me the opportunity to serve you,” Woelfel said. “It has been the pleasure of my life to give everything I have to this community.” Woelfel then thanked several of his fellow officers, including recently retired former Police Chief Brad Blackorby and new Police Chief Daniel Green, among others “who worked the streets with me over the years.” “Thank you to the officers for watching my back these years. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve alongside you,” he added. “To the dispatchers, thank you for being my lifeline. To the men and women of the Jerseyville Police Department, thank you for your dedication
FERGUSON, Mo. - The Ferguson Police Department has confirmed the death of one person near Florissant Valley Community College Thursday afternoon. According the department, officials were alerted to reports of gunfire around 4 p.m. FOX 2 has learned that there was no lockdown on campus. Police believe the person died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
ALTON - The Alton Police Department has named Detective Jacob Custer as its Officer of the Month in recognition of his leadership and dedication. Detective Custer was honored for his management of the department’s Sex Offender Program, where he implemented routine compliance checks throughout the year. His proactive and organized approach improved efficiency, saved resources, and ensured continued accountability. In addition to overseeing the program, Detective Custer served full-time as the School Resource Officer at Mark Twain School in Alton. The department highlighted his professionalism and patience, noting the positive impact he made on students and staff. “His innovation, commitment, and quiet leadership have strengthened our department and the community we serve,” the Alton Police Department said in a statement. Detective Custer’s work demonstrates a commitment to both public safety and community engagement within Alton.
GRAFTON - Community members can enjoy craft beers, liquors, wines and spirits — and plenty more fun — at the upcoming Craft Beverage Festival. Hosted by Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau at Grafton Winery The Vineyards, the festival will run from 12–4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, and feature ten craft beverage producers and six food vendors. Cory Jobe, president of Great Rivers and Routes, is eager to welcome the community to the second annual festival. “We’re really excited to highlight our craft beverage producers in our six-county region,” Jobe said. “We’ve just been adding some new things to bring even more excitement to it.” Tickets to the Craft Beverage Festival cost $30 in advance or $35 at the door, though Jobe encourages attendees to purchase tickets now instead of waiting; they sold out last year’s event. Those who will not be drinking can enjoy a “designated driver” rate of $15.
EDWARDSVILLE — A 32-year-old man from Alton pleaded guilty Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025, to multiple Class X felony charges related to predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and child pornography, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced. Nathan J. Welch entered his guilty plea in Madison County Circuit Court before Associate Judge Ryan Jumper. He admitted to three counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, classified as Class X enhanced felonies, and two counts of child pornography, also Class X felonies. Welch faces up to 90 years in prison at sentencing, which will be scheduled at a later date. According to court documents, Welch committed acts of sexual contact with an infant child between March 2 and June 12, 2024. He also pleaded guilty to producing and disseminating child pornography involving the same infant. The investigation began after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received a cybertip about child pornography being
St. Louis–based design firm Arcturis announced Oct. 6 the acquisition of Square Feet Studio, an Atlanta architecture, interiors, and urban placemaking practice. With Square Feet operating under the co-brand Arcturis | Square Feet Studio, the merger unites two award-winning firms known for human-centered, detail-driven design. The move expands Arcturis’ nearly 50-year national practice—licensed in 48 […]
BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School hosted an inspirational Pink Out Night this past Friday, Oct. 3, 2025, at Hauser Stadium to honor those affected by breast cancer and support Nicole Parris, a local teacher and football mom currently battling the disease. The event aimed to bring the community together to raise awareness and show solidarity with Parris and her family, including her son, Ephriam. The school has seen an overwhelming response from residents eager to participate in the tribute. Justin Newell, principal of Civic Memorial High School, emphasized the event’s significance beyond the football field. Reflecting on the previous night’s game against Highland, Newell said, “The Pink Out game was about more than just football. We may not have gotten the win against Highland, but the team and the town showed up in pink to support Nicole!” He added, “I love my community and my school district! Although a win is always the goal and what I want for
An autopsy of two women found dead at the scene of a house fire in Dutchtown over the summer were the victims of a homicide, St. Louis police said Thursday.
One day after reports claimed Sam Mendes cast Saoirse Ronan to play Paul McCartney’s wife Linda McCartney in his upcoming Beatles films, a new report claims the director has also found the actress to…
So we’re finally starting to feel a chill in the air when we step outside in the morning, but does this mean that it’s finally time to turn off the AC for the year in the St. Louis area?
We asked FOX 2 Meteorologist Haley Fitzpatrick, and she gave us her advice from a meteorologic perspective.
From St. Louis/Southern Illinois Labor Tribune: The St. Louis Board of Aldermen last week passed a resolution that calls for increased scrutiny on new data center projects in the city, a move that area Labor leaders weighed in on earlier in the week, urging that the city to move carefully so as not to send […]
From Mid Rivers Newsmagazine: Fischer & Frichtel is preparing to build 99 new homes at The Villages at Post Farms, a 104-acre, master-planned community. It is located in the acclaimed Wentzville School District off Hwy. N, near Duello and Hopewell roads in O’Fallon, within St. Charles County. Contracts will be accepted beginning Oct. 11. Amenities […]
COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) — Missouri hasn’t beaten Alabama in football since 1975. In fact, none of the six meetings since have been very close, including those as Southeastern Conference rivals. If the No. 14 Tigers are serious about contending in the SEC, though, and potentially making the College Football Playoff, then beating the eighth-ranked Crimson [...]
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