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Multiple Charges Filed Against Gillespie Resident

10 months 3 weeks ago
GILLESPIE, Ill. — Terry L. Swan, 42, of Gillespie, was charged July 28, 2025, with multiple offenses, including forgery, DUI, driving on a revoked license, fleeing, and illegal transportation of alcohol. According to the complaint, Swan knowingly delivered a false document, specifically a check, to a bank with the intent to defraud. The forgery charge is classified as a Class 3 felony. In addition to forgery, Swan faces a Class A misdemeanor charge for driving under the influence, as well as Class A misdemeanor charges for fleeing and attempting to elude law enforcement and driving on a revoked license. He was also charged with the petty offense of transporting alcohol in a motor vehicle, which is considered a minor violation under Illinois law. Swan’s case is pending, and as with all individuals charged, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Proper Hydration Crucial for Youth Athletes Amid Summer Heat

10 months 3 weeks ago
High school athletes across the country are already feeling the heat as teams begin practices for several sports, including football, cross country and soccer. While student athletes and coaches are anxious to get the season under way, experts say it’s important to stay safe, especially when it comes to practicing during the grueling August temperatures. “The summer heat is very dangerous for so many different reasons, and it is important to know and identify those risk factors associated with heat related illnesses, particularly the athletes, their coaches and the staff who work with them,” says Faheem Ahmad, MD, a family practice physician with OSF HealthCare, who completed a fellowship in sports medicine. According to the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research , heat stroke is the third-most common cause of sudden death among high school athletes behind cardiac arrest and traumatic brain injuries. Already this year, a 16-year-old student athlete

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Staunton Police Charge 45-Year-Old with Strangulation Incident

10 months 3 weeks ago
STAUNTON — A 45-year-old man faces a felony charge of Aggravated Battery by Strangulation following an incident earlier this week. Donald L. Lloyd, who is listed as homeless, was charged on July 28, 2025, for allegedly strangling a victim with his hands on July 26. The complaint states that Lloyd knowingly and without legal justification made contact with the victim by strangling them. Lloyd has a prior criminal record, including a 2022 conviction for criminal trespass and a 2021 conviction for theft. The Staunton Police Department presented the case. As with all individuals charged, Lloyd is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Energetic Crowd Powers Successful Puddle Of Mudd Performance

10 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON — The Puddle of Mudd concert at the Alton Amphitheater drew an estimated 1,200 attendees on Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, marking a successful event for organizers and fans alike. Dan Herkert, chair of the Alton Amphitheater Commission, said the turnout exceeded expectations. He also added that weather conditions were "great" for the concert. “The weather break was a huge boost and the crowd brought a lot of energy to the venue,” Herkert said. He noted that Puddle of Mudd has “diehard fans,” which contributed to the vibrant atmosphere. Wes Scantlin, lead singer of Puddle of Mudd, praised the venue and the audience. According to Herkert, Scantlin said, “This is the best amphitheater we’ve ever played,” and he complimented the venue, the crowd, and the efforts made to put on the show. Looking ahead, the amphitheater will host a free Food Truck Fest event on Aug. 23, 2025. Organizers are finalizing the list of participating vendors, aiming

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GCSD9 Hosting School Physical Clinic on August 12

10 months 3 weeks ago
GRANITE CITY – Granite City Community Unit School District No. 9 is partnering with Chestnut Health Systems to host a school physical clinic on Tuesday, August 12 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Granite City High School parking lot at 3101 Madison Ave. This event will be held to help protect students and others by meeting school physical requirements. All incoming kindergarteners, 6th graders and high school freshmen are required to have a school physical and updated shot records. WHEN Tuesday, August 12 - 9 a.m.-3 p.m. WHERE • Granite City High School Parking Lot, 3101 Madison Ave. INFORMATION Who is eligible: Preschool-12th graders Limited time slots available - call or email for an appointment Medicaid and private insurance accepted Uninsured patients welcome Sliding fee scale available WHAT TO BRING: Parent/Guardian ID Immunization Record Insurance Card (s) RESERVE A SPOT Contact Jen Evans by phone (618) 512-1863 or email

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Forest Advocates Applaud Durbin Proposal to Protect Key Areas of Illinois' Shawnee National Forest

10 months 3 weeks ago
WASHINGTON - Illinois conservation organizations are applauding new legislation introduced Wednesday by U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) to provide increased protection to three of the largest uninterrupted areas of southern Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest. The proposal would establish the Camp Burke Branch, Camp Hutchins and Ripple Hollow Special Management Areas, protecting them from any commercial extraction activity while allowing for active management of these natural areas. The bill would also establish a new Wilderness Area within Camp Hutchins. “These three areas are rich in biodiversity and among Illinois’ most pristine habitats, but they are not currently protected against logging or other commercial activities,” said Barbara McKasson, a leader with the Shawnee Group of the Sierra Club. “Senator Durbin’s proposal will ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy these high quality natural areas, and that they will continue to

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Why does Creve Coeur have a broken heart?

10 months 3 weeks ago
The city of Creve Coeur, Missouri is named after a French legend of an Indian princess who jumped from a ledge overlooking Creve Coeur Lake after her love was not reciprocated, though the lake's formation is likely due to a cut-off loop of the Missouri River.
Kamy Smelser

Edwardsville Police Release "Speeding Catches Up With You" Enforcement Results

10 months 3 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department recently concluded a targeted traffic safety campaign, "Speeding Catches Up With You," from July 8 to August 1. This initiative aimed to reinforce the importance of safe driving habits and was part of a broader statewide effort. In collaboration with numerous law enforcement agencies, the Illinois Department of Transportation, and the Illinois State Police, the campaign's primary goal was to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries caused by speeding on our roads. During this enforcement period, Edwardsville Police conducted 63 traffic stops, resulting in the following citations and arrests: 43 speeding citations 8 distracted driving citations 8 citations for other traffic violations 2 arrests for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) 1 arrest for driving with a suspended or revoked license “For everyone driving through Edwardsville, we cannot stress this enough: obey the speed limits and take your responsibility behind

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Andrea Winters of Carrolton Is Second Winner In Rep. Davidsmeyer's Photo Contest

10 months 3 weeks ago
JACKSONVILLE — State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) is pleased to announce the second winning entry in his 100th District Photo Contest. The winning photograph, titled “Bountiful Crop” was captured by Andrea Winters of Carrolton and will be proudly displayed in Rep. Davidsmeyer’s Springfield office at the Illinois State Capitol. The contest invited residents from across the 100th District to submit photographs that reflect the character and charm of the region. Submissions included images of local landmarks, scenic views, and vibrant community life, all showcasing the diverse beauty of the district. The winning photograph, which beautifully captures a group of deer standing alert in the middle of a lush green field, was selected from dozens of entries submitted by talented residents across the district. The serene yet vibrant image highlights the connection between wildlife and agriculture that defines much of the 100th District’s

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60-Year-Old Charged With Two Counts of Domestic Battery

10 months 3 weeks ago
STANDARD CITY — A 60-year-old man from Standard City faces multiple felony charges after allegedly striking two household members and making physical contact with a law enforcement officer, authorities said. Mark W. Wallace was charged July 28, 2025, with two counts of domestic battery causing bodily harm, classified as Class A felonies, and one count of aggravated battery to a peace officer, a Class 2 felony. According to the complaint, Wallace struck the first victim in the chest with his hand. He then grabbed a second victim by the hair and struck him in the head. Following these incidents, Wallace allegedly grabbed a Macoupin County Sheriff’s Deputy’s arm and attempted to punch the deputy. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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