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QEM Fire Protection District to Host Blood Drive

1 day 16 hours ago
GRAFTON - QEM Fire Protection District will host a blood drive to benefit the community. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, community members can stop by QEM Fire Protection District at 14905 Elsah Road in Grafton to donate blood. ImpactLife will run the drive, while the firefighters will be happy to answer questions, show off their firetrucks, and share their facility with the public. “The nation is low on blood,” said firefighter Cameron Mank. “We had a space to use, so we’ll utilize it to give an opportunity to help a little bit more.” Anybody who donates blood that day will be entered into a drawing for the chance to win two tickets to Guns ‘N Hoses. This event, scheduled for November in St. Louis, supports The BackStoppers through boxing matches between police officers and firefighters. You can click here to schedule an appointment to give blood, or walk-ins are also welcome. For more information about the QEM

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Collinsville Police Relaunch Citizen Academy to Boost Trust

1 day 16 hours ago
COLLINSVILLE — After a three-year pause, the Collinsville Police Department is restarting its Citizen Police Academy to foster better understanding and cooperation between law enforcement and the community. The program, designed to educate residents about the criminal justice system and everyday police work, will run for eight weeks beginning Sept. 23, 2025. Sessions will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and led by Sergeant Josh Hunt and Sergeant Jay Edwards. “The goal of our Citizens’ Police Academy is to promote understanding between our police officers and the residents we serve regarding their respective needs and problems,” the department said in a statement. “By promoting this relationship, the hope is that our residents and police can work together to make the entire community a safer place to live.” The academy offers a hands-on approach, allowing participants to observe and learn about various aspects of law enforcement.

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Madison County Sends Two Solar Projects Back to Committee For Review

1 day 17 hours ago
EDWARDVILLE - During the regular meeting of the Madison County Board on Aug. 20, 2025, the Board voted to send two solar projects back to the Zoning Committee for review. Wolf Road Solar requested a special use permit to develop a commercial solar energy facility in Foster Township on property that is currently zoned as Agricultural District. Rezy Road Solar also requested a special use permit to develop a commercial solar energy facility in New Douglas on property that is currently zoned as Agricultural District. During the public comments portion of their meeting, the Board heard from multiple people who advocated for and against the projects. Reuben Grandon represents the development company GreenKey Solar, which is behind the solar facilities. He asked the county to “not move the goalposts at this point in the process,” emphasizing that the projects have fulfilled all the requirements set by the county. Julie Hamilton, a homeowner, owns land that adjoins the

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Pesticide politics: Inside the corporate push to limit liability

1 day 17 hours ago
With billions of dollars at stake, Bayer has gone on the offensive. Billboards along major highways. A social media offensive. Tens of thousands of dollars in campaign donations in Missouri alone. And a major push in at least 11 states to change pesticide labeling laws. Such efforts by the agricultural biotech company and others are […]
Mary McCue Bell

The Benefits of Joining a Local Book Club

1 day 17 hours ago
Did you know that nearly 75% of readers say they are more motivated to finish a book when they are part of a book club? This statistic highlights an often overlooked but powerful dynamic of reading: the social element. Beyond the solitary act of reading, joining a local book club offers a rich blend of intellectual stimulation, social connection, and personal growth. For those looking to deepen their relationship with books and community, a local book club can be a transformative experience. Intellectual Enrichment Through Shared Perspectives One of the most compelling advantages of joining a local book club is the opportunity to engage with diverse viewpoints. Reading a book alone often limits interpretation to one’s personal framework. However, a book club creates a forum where multiple perspectives converge, challenging members to think critically and expand their understanding. Take, for example, a novel like To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. While many readers may

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