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Alton Bar Owner Feels 'Singled Out' Ahead Of Liquor License Hearing

8 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON – A downtown Alton business owner says his bar is being “singled out” by city officials ahead of a hearing next week concerning the bar’s late night liquor license. Brian Trust, co-owner of the Pour Decisions bar in downtown Alton, said he’s been called to appear at a hearing on Monday, July 14, 2025 before Mayor David Goins, who also serves as the city’s Liquor Control Commissioner. At stake is the bar’s late night liquor license , which allows it to operate from 1 to 2 a.m. on weekdays and 1 to 3 a.m. on weekends. Trust said he feels his business is being unfairly targeted by the city over safety concerns that existed before Pour Decisions opened its doors downtown. “The City of Alton had issues before we even opened,” Trust said. “If you guys want to clean up downtown Alton and you want to shut down at 1 , I’m completely cordial if you address all the bars. However, whoever did it, you singled out my partner

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St. Ambrose Principal Baird Highlights Curriculum Changes to Boost Academic Success

8 months 3 weeks ago
GODFREY - St. Ambrose Catholic School in Godfrey is expanding its middle school curriculum with accelerated mathematics classes and new foreign language and personal finance instruction for eighth-grade students, Principal Bob Baird announced. Baird said the changes, set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year for math and already implemented in the 2024-2025 school year for language and finance, aim to provide a more challenging academic environment while maintaining the school’s mission of sharing the message of Jesus Christ. Several years ago, St. Ambrose prioritized improving math education and standardized test scores by adopting the Sadlier Math curriculum. After three years, the school closed the standardized test gap with other Catholic schools in the Diocese of Springfield. During the 2024-2025 school year, St. Ambrose students surpassed the average test scores of most diocesan schools, positioning the school among the highest performing in the Diocese. To

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Bunge completes $8.2B Viterra Acquisition

8 months 3 weeks ago

This article originally ran in St. Louis Business Journal on July 2, 2025. Chesterfield-based agriculture giant Bunge Global SA closed its acquisition of Netherlands firm Viterra Ltd., completing an $8.2 billion deal first announced in 2023. Viterra CEO David Mattiske will join the leadership of Bunge, according to a news release issued Wendesday announcing the deal’s completion. Mattiske will serve […]

The post Bunge completes $8.2B Viterra Acquisition appeared first on St. Louis Regional Freightway.

Jasmine Thomas

Mike Townsend Named NuWay Director of Sales

8 months 3 weeks ago

Mike Townsend has been named director of sales for NuWay Concrete Forms and Rentals. Townsend, who joined NuWay in 2014, will oversee sales for all five NuWay locations. He was previously sales manager for the St. Louis location. “Mike is a results-driven leader whose deep industry knowledge and mentorship have played a key role in […]

The post Mike Townsend Named NuWay Director of Sales appeared first on Construction Forum.

Tom Finan

Fundraiser Launched To Support Jersey Student Dawson Petrea's Medical Program In Greece

8 months 3 weeks ago
GRAFTON - Christina Petrea is organizing a fundraiser to support her son Dawson’s participation in an international medical program aimed at high school students. Dawson, a junior at Jersey Community High School, has been recognized for his academic excellence and dedication to pursuing a career in anesthesiology. Dawson Petrea has consistently been on the high honor roll since sixth grade and recently was inducted into the National Society of Torch and Laurel during the National Future Physicians and Medical Scientists Congress in Boston. This honor society recognizes high-achieving high school students with a strong interest in medicine. In June 2026, Dawson is scheduled to attend the Future Docs Abroad Program in Athens, Greece. The program provides students with hands-on experience in the medical field by allowing them to learn directly from medical professionals and observe medical procedures in a country without HIPAA restrictions. Christina said this opportunity is designed

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Meet the 2025 Little Miss Jersey County Fair Queen

8 months 3 weeks ago
JERSEYVILLE - Scarlett Schultz has been named the 2025 Little Miss Jersey County Fair Queen. Schultz is the daughter of Matt and Karrie Schultz. As she reflected on her win, she expressed her excitement to represent Jersey County for the next year. “It feels fun,” Schultz said. Schultz wants to be a "veterinarian teacher" when she grows up. As Little Miss Jersey County Fair Queen, Schultz will be paired with Miss Jersey County Fair Queen Ashlen Scott for the next year. The two will work together to travel around the region and share more about Jersey County. Schultz can’t wait to participate in all of the parades and appearances that are planned for this upcoming year. “I feel like I’m having a dream,” she added.

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Contestants Crowned at 64th Annual Jersey County Fair Queen Pageant

8 months 3 weeks ago
JERSEYVILLE - The Miss Jersey County Fair Pageant has officially crowned new royalty. On Wednesday, July 9, 2025, the 64th Annual Jersey County Fair Queen Pageant welcomed contestants from across the region to compete for the title of 2025 Miss Jersey County Fair Queen and 2025 Little Miss Jersey County Fair Queen. Ashlen Scott is your new Miss Jersey County Fair Queen and Scarlett Schultz is the new Little Miss Jersey County Fair Queen. Emma McCormick, the 2024 Miss Jersey County Fair Queen, expressed her excitement for the pageant and her gratitude for a great year. “When I won, I knew I was in for the year of a lifetime,” McCormick said. “It definitely fulfilled my expectations.” Kylie Muntz, 2024 Little Miss Jersey County Fair Queen, summed up her year by thanking McCormick for being a great role model. “A special memory was hanging out with Emma, taking pictures with her, and doing a lot of things with her,” Muntz said. Contestants

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Data Centers, Warehouses, Recreation Drive June Planning Growth

8 months 3 weeks ago

From Dodge Construction Network: The Dodge Momentum Index (DMI), issued by Dodge Construction Network, grew 6.8% in June to 225.1 (2000=100) from the downwardly revised May reading of 210.9. Over the month, commercial planning grew 7.3% while institutional planning improved 5.7%.  “Nonresidential planning steadily improved in June, alongside strength in warehouse, recreational, and data center planning,” stated […]

The post Data Centers, Warehouses, Recreation Drive June Planning Growth appeared first on Construction Forum.

Tom Finan

$100M Mixed-Use Condo Development Set for Town and Country

8 months 3 weeks ago

From St. Louis Business Journal: An aging shopping center in St. Louis County is being torn down and replaced by a nearly $100 million mixed-use development with luxury condominiums. Demolition has begun on the Woods Mill Center in Town and Country, at 14302 S. Outer Forty Road, near the intersection of Interstate 64 and Highway […]

The post $100M Mixed-Use Condo Development Set for Town and Country appeared first on Construction Forum.

Tom Finan

Judge blocks Trump birthright citizenship order after Supreme Court ruling

8 months 3 weeks ago
A federal judge on Thursday blocked President Trump’s executive order limiting birthright citizenship for any children whose citizenship status would be at risk if the order went into effect. U.S. District Judge Joseph Laplante, an appointee of George W. Bush, agreed to grant class action status to a lawsuit challenging the order. It means that [...]
Ella Lee

Exploring the History of National Kitten Day

8 months 3 weeks ago
Every year, millions of people around the world pause to celebrate National Kitten Day, a holiday dedicated entirely to the charm and wonder of young cats. But have you ever wondered why this day exists, who started it, and what purpose it serves beyond just an excuse to share adorable photos online? The story behind National Kitten Day is as intriguing as the playful creatures it honors, reflecting broader themes of animal welfare, awareness, and the human-animal bond. The Origins of National Kitten Day National Kitten Day was established in 2009 by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), an organization well-known for its advocacy of animal rights and welfare. The day was created not just as a lighthearted celebration but as a strategic initiative to raise awareness about the plight of kittens, particularly those in shelters. At the time, the HSUS recognized a concerning trend: while puppies often received a lot of public attention and demand, kittens—especially stra

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