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Godfrey Advances Nearly 30 New Rules For Dog Park

3 months ago
GODFREY – Just days after its grand opening , a slate of 29 new rules are set to go into effect at Godfrey’s new dog park. Village Board members gave an ordinance to establish dog park rules and regulations a first reading at Tuesday’s meeting, setting the item up for a second reading and final vote at their next meeting on Sept. 2, 2025. Even more terms and conditions are contained within the Village of Godfrey Dog Park Application , which individuals must fill out and submit to the village for consideration of a membership to the dog park. As previously reported on Riverbender.com , the membership fee for Godfrey residents is $10, while the fee for non-residents is $20. Each member will be given a unique key code to access the dog park. Following is the full list of all 29 proposed new rules and regulations, organized by category: Membership Rules: Membership to the dog park will be based on the calendar year of January 1 – December 31. Hours

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Sparklight Female Athlete Of The Month: Derrick Showcases Versatility In Softball

3 months ago
JERSEYVILLE — Maleah Derrick, a rising junior at Jersey Community High School, has made a significant impact on the school's girls' softball team as a two-year starter at second base. She recorded a .411 batting average in 2025 and has established herself as a versatile offensive threat through bunting, slapping the ball, and hitting. Jersey Head Girls Softball Coach Chelsey Crnokrak praised Derrick's contributions, highlighting her overall leadership role to the Panthers' team. "Maleah is a leader on and off the field and encourages her teammates to be the best they can be," Crnokrak said. Derrick is a Sparklight Female Athlete of the Month for Jersey Community High School. In addition to her softball achievements, Derrick is also a member of the school's volleyball team. In 2025, she had 35 hits, nine RBIs, and three doubles. Her performance in multiple sports underscores her athletic versatility and commitment to Jersey Community High School’s athletic programs.

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Granite City School District Announces 2025-26 Principal Lineup

3 months ago
GRANITE CITY - Granite City School District #9 has announced its principals for the 2025-26 academic year, highlighting a team of educators committed to leadership and inspiration across the district’s schools. The district revealed the lineup of principals who will lead its various schools, emphasizing their roles in guiding students and staff. The announcement includes leaders at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. The principals for the 2025-26 school year are as follows: Nikki Petrillo and Marcie Sweet at Grigsby Elementary Megan Wedekind and Kristen Novacich-Koberna at Coolidge Elementary Julie Matarelli at Frohardt Elementary Dr. Liz Niepert at Maryville Elementary Sarah Corzine and Genie Bratten at Prather Elementary Jody Batson at Mitchell Elementary Ann Wilson at Wilson Elementary Christie Moad, Marvin Battle, Eric Mitchell, Chris Hutchings, and Tim McChristian at Granite City High School Mike Dowdy at Lake Elementary Steven Mathes at Coolidge

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Explore these historic murals along Route 66!

3 months ago
SPONSORED - Route 66 is home to several vibrant murals that celebrate local culture and history in Illinois towns like Virden, Farmersville, Collinsville, and Girard. These murals, painted on various historic buildings, depict the unique heritage and landmarks of each town. The Virden mural is located on the Sly Fox Bookstore. They specialize in children’s [...]
Stephanie Knight

Skip a DMV Trip by Visiting the Secretary of State at the Illinois State Fair

3 months ago
SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias is encouraging 2025 Illinois State Fairgoers to visit the office’s tent to apply for a REAL ID, meet Illinois authors, experience the office’s One-Stop-Shop model and check out its “food truck” DMV. “The State Fair is a wonderful opportunity for friends and families to gather, enjoy the best of Illinois agriculture and celebrate our great state,” Giannoulias said. “Attendees and families should swing by our tent to apply for a REAL ID and other driver, vehicle and business services, or check out our Illinois author readings, genealogy searches and fun activities for all ages.” For the kids, the tent will offer Pop-a-Shot basketball hoops, a coloring station and appearances by Illinois authors who will read their books aloud and give away signed copies during select times on each day of the fair. Featured writers include Nadia Ahmed, Jacob Grant and Ann Zhao (see schedule below).

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