CALHOUN COUNTY — After 19 years of service, Sheriff William “Bill” Heffington announced his retirement from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, effective immediately on Dec. 31, 2025. The announcement was made by the Sheriff’s Office at their Calhoun County headquarters in Hardin, Ill. Sheriff Heffington, 67, said his decision to retire was influenced by physical challenges, including issues with his hips and knees, which have made it difficult for him to
LAS VEGAS — Dr. Taylor Marie Gerson, a microbiology Ph.D. candidate at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, was named the 2025 UNLV Rebel Grad Slam 3-Minute Thesis Champion on Dec. 16, 2025, the day she also received her doctorate during the Graduate College Commencement. Carolyn Kelly, Taylor's aunt, an area resident, said: "Our family is extremely proud of Taylor and her accomplishments, but even more excited to see what positive changes she can bring to the world population
Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi has given fans an update on his next solo project.In a New Year’s message, Iommi discussed the highlights of his 2025, including his reunion with his…
ALTON – Alton Police have filed charges against a local resident in his latest felony case of domestic battery. Broderick D. McGee, 58, of Alton, was charged on Dec. 23, 2025 with two counts of aggravated domestic battery (both Class 2 felonies), aggravated battery (a Class 3 felony), and his second or subsequent offense of domestic battery (a Class 4 felony). The day prior on Dec. 22, 2025, McGee allegedly knowingly and without legal justification caused great bodily harm to a family
ALTON - Join the January 13, 2026, Sierra Club Speaker’s Series for a discussion about what communities can do to slow down the onslaught of proposed data centers pushing into all areas of Illinois and learn how the Sierra Club is engaging nationally and across the state. The program is from 6:30 to 7:30 PM at the Old Bakery Beer Co., 400 Landmarks Blvd., Alton, IL 62002. Participants can come early and enjoy a delicious meal from Old Bakery into the venue. Sally Burgess, Downstate
Sounds like Alex Van Halen may be getting back to music.In an interview with Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain on his Metal Sticks podcast, Alex revealed that he is about to…
At the beginning of the month, we kicked off a fundraising drive to help sustain the independent, uncompromising coverage that we always try to offer at Techdirt. We also decided to try a new experiment that we hope to turn into an annual tradition: offering up a limited edition commemorative coin for our biggest supporters. […]
A Peoria woman accused of giving a fatal dose of over-the-counter sleep medicine to a 13-month-old boy should have been allowed to remain free pending trial, according to a 2-1 decision by the 4th District Appellate Court.
ALTON – Separate cases of unlawful weapon possession in Madison County have yielded felony charges against two Alton residents. Robert M. Clay, 19, of Alton, was charged with a Class 4 felony count of aggravated unlawful possession of weapons on Dec. 18, 2025 Clay reportedly carried a black Smith & Wesson handgun in his vehicle on Nov. 4, 2025, which was unlawful for him to possess as a person under 21 years of age and not engaged in lawful activities under the Wildlife Code. The Granite
GRANITE CITY - Brayden Drew, a senior wrestler competing at the 165-pound weight class for Alton High, won the championship in his class at the 64th William "Red" Schmitt Holiday Wrestling Tournament in Granite City on Dec. 30, 2025, getting a 12-1 win over Colin Peyton of Batavia, getting a third period takedown and two near falls of four points each to win the bout and the title. Drew won all five of his matches en route to the championship, and in a post-match interview, was extremely happy
ST. LOUIS -- A man armed with a knife was shot and killed by airport police on November 21 inside Terminal 1 at St. Louis Lambert International Airport. St. Louis County Police released video of the incident and more details today. The video attached to this story has been edited for content. The full clip [...]
Letter To The Editor: Seventy years ago, after Christmas morning mass, Mrs. Betty (Vincent) Guccione noticed two men mulling around the church. She approached them, asking their plans for Christmas day. When they both stated they had no plans, she invited them back to her house to have breakfast with her family. This act of kindness started a yearly tradition of Christmas breakfast at the Guccione residence. Over the years, as children came along, and more friends were invited, the number
Mick Fleetwood and Sammy Hagar joined forces on New Year's Eve for a benefit show in Maui.Both rockers posted footage from the concert on their Instagram accounts. Mick noted that…
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS AND TREE DISPOSAL PROGRAM Mayor Tim Lowery has announce that Gateway Disposal will offer the “Christmas Tree Disposal” program to Florissant residents having real Christmas trees. Also, the city’s Health Department will be accepting Christmas lights for recycling purposes from residents as well. If you have Christmas lights you wish to dispose of […]
JANUARY 2026 events Spring Class Registration at Circus Harmony – open through January 18, 2026 City Museum www.circusharmony.org/classes Registration is now open for Circus Harmony’s spring classes. You can create your own experience for the holidays by booking your own special circus class for family and friends. You can give the gift of an […]
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