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Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete Of The Month: Southwestern's Zack Bean Builds Wrestling Momentum After Strong Regional

2 months 1 week ago
PIASA - Zack Bean of the Southwestern Piasa Birds wrestling team was named an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month after what coaches described as a year of significant improvement, including a fourth-place finish at the IHSA 1A East Alton-Wood River Regional. Bean, who competed in the 113-pound class during the 2025-2026 season, finished fourth at the regional. He lost 27-12 in the third-place match to Eli Quartz of Freeburg. Jacobi Cobbs of Althoff placed first

Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Male Athlete Of The Month: McGivney's Omar Avalos Earns 2026 IHSA Class 2A All-State Honor

2 months 1 week ago
GLEN CARBON — Father McGivney Catholic High School junior Omar Avalos has been named to the 2026 IHSA Class 2A All-State Team after leading McGivney at the plate during a 27-10 season under head coach Chris Erwin, the school announced. Avalos led McGivney batters with a .519 average and a .636 on-base percentage. He also recorded 35 RBIs, 18 doubles, three triples, 35 stolen bases and 56 hits. Erwin described Avalos as “probably our top player.” Avalos is a Byron, Carlson,

Heritage & Freedom Fest

2 months 1 week ago

Celebrate Independence Day at O’Fallon’s annual Heritage & Freedom Fest, a four-day family-friendly festival held at the Ozzie Smith Sports Complex. From July 1st–4th, 2026, guests can enjoy carnival rides, […]

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Myranda Levins

Why Humans Celebrate Independence With Pride, Ritual and Emotion

2 months 1 week ago
Freedom is one of the few ideas powerful enough to make people sing in public, wave flags, light fireworks, tell old family stories, and cry at parades. That reaction says something important. Humans do not celebrate independence only because of politics or national history. They celebrate it because independence speaks to a basic human need: the desire to make choices, protect dignity, and live without being controlled by someone else. Whether the occasion is a national holiday, a family milestone,

Battle of Gettysburg's End Headlines a Look Back at Major Events on July 3

2 months 1 week ago
On July 3, one of the most significant events in global history took place in 1863, when the Battle of Gettysburg ended during the American Civil War. The three-day battle was fought in Pennsylvania and became the war’s deadliest single clash. It mattered at the time because it stopped Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s invasion of the North and marked a turning point in the conflict. It still matters today because it showed how one battle can reshape a nation’s future, influence

Schmidt Hosting Mobile Office Hours July 9 in Lebanon

2 months 1 week ago
LEBANON - State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Millstadt) is hosting Mobile Office Hour on July 9th in Lebanon. This free event gives his constituents the opportunity to discuss the state legislature and to talk about issues important to them. Rep. Schmidt says in-person meetings with his constituents help him understand real issues and how to find solutions. “Hearing directly from my constituents about the issues affecting them and their families is valuable to me,” Schmidt

Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete Of The Month: East Alton-Wood River Valedictorian Honored For Gymnastics Success

2 months 1 week ago
GODFREY/EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER — Mid Illinois Gymnastics and Midwest Members Credit Union recognize a senior, Brooklyn Ruot, as a Female Athlete of the Month as she prepares to begin college after being named valedictorian of East Alton-Wood River High School and completing another outstanding gymnastics season. Coach Kristin Bower said Ruot has spent the past six years at Mid Illinois Gymnastics and is known in the gym for her “grit, determination, dedication, loud personality, even