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Collinsville Development Included: Pritzker Administration Awards $50 Million in Permanent Supportive Housing Development Grants

5 months 3 weeks ago
COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) announced the conditional award of more than $50 million in state and federal funding to spur the development of permanent supportive housing throughout Illinois. These critical investments will enable the construction or rehabilitation of seven developments, creating 129 units of affordable housing integrated with comprehensive services to help vulnerable individuals and families attain stable housing. Awardees were selected after a competitive application and review process and approved by IHDA’s Board. “Today, my administration is reaffirming its commitment to housing equity by awarding $50 million to seven permanent supportive housing developments across the state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our critical investment will not only help Illinois’ most vulnerable residents achieve long-term housing stability, but it will also inspire hope by allowing people, regardless of illness

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Granite City Mayor Mike Parkinson Highlights Community Spirit During Recent Storm Challenges

5 months 3 weeks ago
GRANITE CITY - Granite City Mayor Mike Parkinson expressed gratitude to emergency responders and residents for their efforts following recent disruptions in the city. In a statement issued Friday, Parkinson praised police, fire, and public works employees who worked to clear streets and assist those affected despite personal hardships. “Many of them selflessly reported to work despite dealing with damage to their own homes and families,” Parkinson said. He also commended the citizens of Granite City for their “remarkable resilience and community spirit,” noting the numerous individuals who came together to help their neighbors. The mayor indicated he has been in contact with Ameren, the local utility provider, advocating for enhanced emergency response measures. He said he was assured that a significant number of utility workers would be deployed to restore power and prevent further outages. In addition, Parkinson addressed the postponement of the city’s

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Tornado Recovery Enables Granite City Schools to Reopen Monday, May 19, 2025

5 months 3 weeks ago
GRANITE CITY - Granite City School District #9 has announced that all school buildings have power restored and the roof of Prather's gym has been repaired following damage from a recent tornado, allowing classes to resume on Monday, May 19, 2025. Granite City School District Superintendent Dr. Donald J. Harris credited the City of Granite City's public works, police, fire departments, and Ameren employees for their support and commitment during the recovery efforts. He noted that "countless dedicated individuals have worked tirelessly" over the past three days to overcome the challenges caused by the tornado. The district's update comes as students and staff prepare to return to school after the severe weather event disrupted normal operations. The coordinated response among local agencies and utility workers was instrumental in ensuring the facilities were safe and ready for use. After a tremendous amount of work by school officials, the Granite City officials and volunteers,

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Fairview Heights Murder Parolee Charged With Attempted Murder

5 months 3 weeks ago
WORDEN – A Fairview Heights man has been charged with attempted murder and more after trying to stab someone in the neck while on parole for a previous murder. Nathan M. Hayes, 39, of Fairview Heights, was charged on May 16, 2025 with attempted first degree murder (a Class X felony), attempted aggravated battery, and his second or subsequent offense of domestic battery (both Class 4 felonies). Hayes allegedly attempted to stab a household or family member in the neck with a knife on May 14, 2025. Officials with the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office confirmed the attempted stabbing took place in Worden. According to a petition to deny Hayes’s pretrial release from custody, he reportedly walked up to the victim before he told them, “I love you, but I have to do this,” then attempted to stab them in the neck. The petition states the incident “can be seen on video as well.” The petition also states Hayes was “out on parole”

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How to Organize a Community Yard Sale: Turning Clutter into Connection

5 months 3 weeks ago
Did you know that the average American household has over 300,000 items, many of which go unused for months or even years? Imagine the potential not only to declutter but to build community spirit—and maybe even make a few dollars—by organizing a collective yard sale. A community yard sale transforms individual efforts into a shared event that amplifies reach, attracts more buyers, and fosters neighborhood camaraderie. Why Organize a Community Yard Sale? A community yard sale is more than just a chance to sell unwanted items. It’s an opportunity to bring people together, encourage sustainable consumption, and revitalize neighborhood connections. By pooling resources and marketing efforts, participants increase visibility and draw larger crowds than any single household might on its own. Planning and Coordination Form a Planning Committee Successful community yard sales begin with a small organizing team. This group will handle logistics, communications, and promotion.

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The Art of the Journey: Exploring the Best Scenic Drives to Take This Spring

5 months 3 weeks ago
What if the road itself was the destination? Across the world, millions of travelers find that the joy of a journey often surpasses the allure of the endpoint. Scenic drives offer an immersive way to experience landscapes, history, and culture—all from the comfort of your vehicle. This spring, consider setting out on routes that weave through breathtaking vistas and captivating towns, inviting you to slow down and savor the moment. The Allure of Scenic Drives: More Than Just a Route Scenic drives combine the thrill of exploration with the tranquility of nature and the charm of local culture. Unlike typical highways designed for speed and efficiency, these routes meander through areas of outstanding beauty or historical significance, making every mile a part of the adventure. Whether winding through mountain passes, tracing coastal cliffs, or cutting across verdant valleys, these drives offer an intimate view of the regions they cross. Top Scenic Drives to Consider This Spring

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Century-Old Trees Toppled By Devastating Storm In Wilson Park In Granite City, Cleanup Underway

5 months 3 weeks ago
GRANITE CITY - Granite City Park District is continuing cleanup efforts after a severe storm caused significant damage to Wilson Park and other areas on Saturday, officials said Monday, May 19, 2025. Justin Brinkmeyer, director of Granite City Park and Recreation, described the impact as substantial, with numerous trees downed, including some estimated to be around 100 years old. “It was definitely significant in terms of the wind to topple trees completely,” Brinkmeyer said. “Old trees, well-grounded, it would take significant .” The storm also caused minor damage to several park buildings, including roofs and flashing, but no injuries were reported. Brinkmeyer noted that crews monitored the weather closely during the event and were able to secure facilities safely. Cleanup began immediately after the storm, with the park district now working alongside community partners to develop a systematic approach to restoring the park to normal conditions. “We

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