a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

Charges Filed Against Bethalto Couple In Connection With Child Pornography

1 year 1 month ago
BETHALTO — The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office has filed multiple charges against two Bethalto residents, Blake M. Clemons, 35, and Ashley L. Rusk, 33, following an investigation into the dissemination of child pornography. The charges were presented on March 3, 2025, after a cybertip from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office prompted an inquiry by the Bethalto Police Department. Clemons faces 16 counts, including 11 counts of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and five counts of child pornography, with all charges classified as Class X felonies except for one count of child pornography, which is classified as a Class 1 felony. Rusk is charged with 11 counts, including one count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, as well as multiple counts of permitting sexual abuse of a child, classified as Class 1 felonies. She also faces two counts of child pornography, classified as Class 2 felonies, and one count of sexual exploitation

Continue Reading

Haine Issues Comments On Pair Accused Of Shooting Toward School Bus In Alton

1 year 1 month ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced statements on Monday, March 2, 2025, after his office has charged two individuals with firing guns in the direction of a school bus. Daniel G. Coalan, 18, of Alton was charged with one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (class X felony), one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (class 1 felony), and two counts of Aggravated Unlawful Possession of Weapons (class 4 felony). The charges allege that he discharged a firearm in the direction of a school bus and in the direction of another person, and unlawfully possessed a 9mm handgun. Also charged in a juvenile case is a 16-year-old male from Wood River. The juvenile is charged with one count of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (class 1 felony) and two counts of Aggravated Unlawful Possession of Weapons (class 4 felony). The charges allege that he discharged a firearm in the direction of another person and unlawfully possessed a 9mm handgun with

Continue Reading

2025 Women of Distinction: Julie Botterbush Serves as Mentor in Nursing Profession

1 year 1 month ago
ALTON - Julie Botterbush started as a candystriper at St. Anthony’s Hospital. Now, she’s the Administrative Director of Nursing Operations for SSM Health. Botterbush, one of the YWCA’s ten 2025 Women of Distinction, will be honored at the Y’s annual gala for her commitment to the community. As she reflected on her career and community service, Botterbush has a powerful message for other young women. “I worked the AIDS epidemic, I worked the COVID epidemic, and everything in between,” she said. “The biggest thing, if I could tell a young girl, if I could tell myself, if I could tell my 1986 self — be your biggest hero. Believe in yourself. Be resilient. And don’t give up. You may have to try harder, you may have to try a couple of times, but bounce right back.” Botterbush began training to be a nurse at the J.B. Johnson Center at Alton High School in the 1980s. She loved the job and decided to become an LPN. But

Continue Reading

Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athletes Of Month: Jones Brothers Exhibit Teamwork And Perseverance On Court

1 year 1 month ago
ALTON - The Jones brothers — Cameron, Chase, and Carson — made significant contributions to Marquette Catholic High School's boys basketball team during the 2024-2025 season. Their collective efforts have not only showcased their individual talents but have also strengthened the team's overall performance. The boys are Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athletes of the Month for Marquette Catholic. Carson Jones, a junior, expressed gratitude towards his family for their unwavering support. "My entire family has always encouraged me and I thank my brothers for challenging me and pushing me to do my best," he said. This season marked Carson's first year playing varsity basketball, where he dedicated himself to extra work both on the court and in the weight room. "That hard work paid off as I got bigger and better this year," he noted. Cameron Jones, a freshman, also made an immediate impact by starting on the varsity team. He thanked his family and his AAU coach, Brandon

Continue Reading

Cyberattack launched at Missouri Department of Conservation

1 year 1 month ago
The agency that regulates Missouri's wildlife and natural resource recreation is investigating a suspected cyberattack against it, officials told KSDK. The Missouri Department of Conservation was notified of "suspicious activity" on one of its data servers recently by its cybersecurity vendor, News Services Coordinator Joe Jerek said. "MDC quickly activated its Incident Response Team to analyze MDC systems to remediate any issues and to gain further clarity on the scope of suspicious activity,"…
Hunter Bassler

Jerseyville, Granite City Sex Offenders Charged For Registration Failure

1 year 1 month ago
JERSEYVILLE/GRANITE CITY – Two area sex offenders face felony charges after failing to register with local law enforcement. Brad A. Stokes, 39, of the 28000 block of State Highway 16 in Jerseyville, was charged on Feb. 25, 2025 with unlawful failure to register as a sex offender, a Class 3 felony. On Feb. 17, 2025, Stokes allegedly failed to register with the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office within three days after establishing a residence in Jersey County, as legally required under the Child Sex Offender Registration Act. Stokes was arrested by the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office and has been granted pretrial release from custody. In a similar but unrelated case, David W. Bowers, 28, listed as homeless out of Granite City, was charged on Feb. 25, 2025 with a Class 2 felony for his second or subsequent offense of failing to register as a sex offender. On Jan. 7, 2025, Bowers reportedly failed to register as a homeless sex offender with the Pontoon Beach Chief of

Continue Reading

Steelcote Square: Forgotten Factory to Thriving Neighborhood

1 year 1 month ago
From ULI:  Nestled in the shadow of SSM Health’s new $550 million hospital and Saint Louis University’s medical and undergraduate campuses, the former Steelcote Manufacturing Company Paint Factory and its neighboring parcels constituted a forgotten remnant of St. Louis’ proud industrial past. Few observers, if any, envisioned the area’s potential for housing not only students […]
Dede Hance

Special Discount: AIA March 5 Continuing Ed Examines HVAC, Structural for NYC Towers

1 year 1 month ago
Editor’s Note: AIA St. Louis is offering a 50% discount “member registration rate” for readers of the Construction Forum newsletter registering for this continuing education event. The program is scheduled March 5th from 5-8PM at Carpenters Hall, 1401 Hampton  Ave. It is also available virtually over Zoom. To receive the special rate click here and […]
Tom Finan

Two Charged In Alton Shooting Near School Bus Stop

1 year 1 month ago
ALTON — Two individuals have been charged in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on Feb. 26, 2025, near a school bus stop in the 1200 block of Central Avenue, according to the Alton Police Department. Daniel G. Coalan, an adult, faces multiple charges including Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Class X and Class 1) and Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapons (two counts, Class 4). A 16-year-old juvenile has also been charged under a Delinquency Petition with Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Class 1) and Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapons (two counts, Class 4). Coalan was arrested on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, in the 700 block of Oakwood Estates in Alton, while the juvenile suspect was apprehended the following day in the 700 block of State Street in Wood River, with assistance from the Wood River and East Alton police departments. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford expressed gratitude for the work of his team and the collaboration with neighboring law enforcement agencies.

Continue Reading

I-270 North: Community Empowerment Through Construction

1 year 1 month ago
by Brian Alvarado From American Infrastructure: Serving over 140,000 vehicles per day, the Interstate 270 (I-270) North corridor is a route of local, regional and national significance. Built in the 1960s, the northern portion of I-270 from Interstate 70 (I-70) to Route H in St. Louis County, Missouri serves as a primary 50 freight route […]
Dede Hance