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First Annual Spanky Fest to Be Held in Grafton Honoring Police Chief Eric Spanton

7 months 2 weeks ago
GRAFTON - Grafton’s inaugural Spanky Fest encourages everyone to come out and enjoy an evening of live music, raffles, a silent auction and more fun in honor of Police Chief Eric “Spanky” Spanton. From 5–11 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, at the Grafton Pub, the community is invited to celebrate Spanky’s birthday by donning their best Hawaiian shirts and spending the evening with the community. All proceeds from the raffle and auction will go back to the Grafton Police Department. Christine Spanton, who helped organize the event, expressed her appreciation for the community’s support following Spanky’s passing. “We want to honor his birthday in a way he would want, and that is to support the Grafton Police Department,” Christine said. “The community, Grafton and all of Jersey County, has been so supportive.” Outlaw Opry will play from 7–11 p.m. Grafton Pub will offer drink specials and their full menu wil

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How old is your heart? It may be out-aging you!

7 months 2 weeks ago
Northwestern Medicine researchers have developed an online tool to help people determine if their heart is aging faster or slower than their biological age, based on factors like blood pressure, weight, diabetes risk, and cholesterol levels.
Katharin Czink

State suicide prevention efforts are lacking amid federal cuts

7 months 2 weeks ago
Only a dozen states have laws establishing suicide prevention offices or coordinators, and just 11 have task forces or committees dedicated to suicide prevention efforts, according to a new report. The report comes amid sweeping cuts at federal agencies that offer mental health support. They include significant slashes in staffing and funding at the nation’s […]
Nada Hassanein

Alton Man Faces Life-Threatening Liver Disease and Financial Strain

7 months 2 weeks ago
ALTON - Alton resident Gary Chronister is seeking financial assistance as he battles advanced liver cirrhosis, a condition he attributes to untreated hepatitis C contracted during his incarceration in the Missouri prison system. Now living at home and reliant on Social Security, Chronister faces mounting medical expenses and basic living costs that exceed his income. “I’m on Social Security now, but it’s not enough. My monthly check doesn’t cover the basics — mortgage, water, electricity — let alone medical costs,” he said in a personal statement. He describes daily pain and exhaustion as he confronts the progression of his liver disease. Chronister has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover housing and medical expenses during this critical health crisis. In his appeal, he emphasized the importance of dignity and stability as he fights for his life. “I’m not asking for much — just a chance to stay in my home, keep

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BJ's Printables Male Athlete Of Mo.: Thijson Heard Hits Over .400 For MELHS Baseball Squad In 2025

7 months 2 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE - Thijson Heard, a senior for the Metro-East Lutheran baseball team, returns to the club for his final year, coming off a successful basketball season for the Knights, advancing to their first Sweet Sixteen bid in Class 1A before losing the sectional final to Greenfield Northwestern at White Hall North Greene. Heard hit .410 in the 2025 baseball season for the Knights and had 25 hits, 21 RBI, eight doubles, two home runs, and posted a 1.60 ERA on the mound with 42 strikeouts. Heard joined the team after the Knights' successful basketball season ended, where he was one of the stars of the team. Heard is a BJ's Printables Male Athlete of the Month for the Knights for his baseball efforts this past spring. "I'm excited to pitch," Heard said during the baseball season, expressing a love of the game both on the mound and at the plate. "I just wanted to have fun in the season, and just compete." Heard said his success on the basketball court this past winter motivated him

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Is cheating on your spouse illegal in Missouri or Illinois?

7 months 2 weeks ago
Two weeks after a viral incident at a Coldplay concert sparked speculation about a high-profile affair, there has been renewed public dialogue around the concept of cheating, and legally speaking, how it's treated under state laws across the United States.
Joey Schneider

Want Productivity? Promote Mental Health, Experts at Industry Session Say

7 months 2 weeks ago

by Tom Finan, Executive Director/Co-Founder, Construction Forum There is a solid business model for devoting organizational resources and time to employee mental health. That was the message shared by experts with 81 attendees at a presentation Tuesday morning. The presentation, “Psychological Safety and and a Culture of Care” was presented at SMART Sheet Metal Workers […]

The post Want Productivity? Promote Mental Health, Experts at Industry Session Say appeared first on Construction Forum.

Tom Finan

Mississippi Earthtones Festival Returns To Alton Amphitheater

7 months 2 weeks ago
ALTON — Alton Main Street, the Sierra Club Illinois’ Three Rivers Project, and Jacoby Arts Center are excited to announce the return of the Mississippi Earthtones Festival, taking place at the Alton Amphitheater on Saturday, September 20th, from noon to 10:00 p.m. This beloved event draws approximately 5,000 community members and visitors to Downtown Alton to celebrate the river through art, music, and conservation efforts. Throughout the day, live performances will fill the air, featuring local musicians and entertainers. Visitors can explore nature-inspired, handcrafted, and eco-friendly wares from local artists. Jacoby Arts Center has curated an engaging lineup of performances and interactive art experiences, and commissioned installations will transform the festival grounds. Booth space is fully booked, hosting over 25 environmental education exhibits, more than 70 eco-conscious artists and makers, and 12 culinary vendors, all dedicated to celebrating our river and

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