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100 Years Ago: Alton Columnist Publishes Poetry Book

3 months ago
“On a bright moonlight night in spring time, just as he might have wished it, because Jim Callahan was a very sentimental man, his spirit took flight from the body which had been pain racked for many months.” Poet and newspaperman James T. Callahan Sr. died on April 7, 1925, of jaw cancer. He was born in Alton in 1856 and started writing for the Alton Evening Telegraph in 1891. He “loved mostly to write of the little things of life which usually escape the notice of other people.” Callahan studied to be a lawyer and gained admittance to the bar to practice law. He also served later in life as Clerk of the City Court of Alton. But writing was his real love. He wrote Stray Scraps for 35 years and was one of the first people in the country with his own daily column. Callahan’s final Stray Scraps column ran in the Alton Evening Telegraph on February 21, 1925, and he expected it to be his last. For many years, Callahan’s friends encouraged him to

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HSHS Medical Group - O'Fallon Welcomes Nicole Garner, PA-C, Orthopedics

3 months ago
O’FALLON, Ill. – HSHS Medical Group is pleased to announce the addition of Nicole Garner, PA-C, to their team in O’Fallon. Garner is now accepting patients of all ages at HSHS Medical Group Orthopedic & Sports Medicine – O’Fallon, located at 670 Pierce Blvd., Suite 200, in O’Fallon. Garner is a skilled physician assistant with expertise in treating musculoskeletal injuries and disorders resulting from repetitive movements, heavy lifting, injuries and diseases. She is dedicated to helping patients recover from injuries and improve their quality of life by alleviating pain. Garner earned a Master of Science in physician assistant studies from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Carbondale. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in biological sciences, medical science from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in Edwardsville. To schedule an appointment with Garner, visit hshsmedicalgroup.org or call 618-206-2094. New HSHS Medical

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East Alton School District #13 Boyz 2 Men Program Receives Grant

3 months ago
EAST ALTON - The Illinois Education Association Foundation is proud to announce that it has awarded a $1,000 grant to the East Alton School District 13 Boyz 2 Men program through the SCORE (Schools and Community Outreach by Educators) grant. This grant will significantly enhance the organization's mentorship program providing vital resources to foster the personal and academic growth of young participants. The SCORE grant program encourages educators to collaborate on innovative projects that serve their schools and communities. The Boyz 2 Men program was selected among numerous applicants statewide, recognized for its creative and impactful approach to youth mentorship. “We are honored to receive the SCORE grant,” said Angela Gray, East Alton School District School Social Worker and Program Assistant for the Boyz 2 Men Program. “This funding will allow us to expand our programs, reaching more young people and providing them with the support they need to

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Trump’s DOJ Civil Rights Division Finally Finds A Civil Right Worth Protecting

3 months ago
Trump has always considered cops to be better people than regular people. Unless they’re defending a federal building under attack by Trump’s people. Then they’re no better than anyone else. Trump’s first term came coupled with an announcement that cops would be elevated above the people they’re supposed to serve and that the general public […]
Tim Cushing

Black colleges ponder their future as Trump makes cuts to education dollars

3 months ago
The nation’s historically Black colleges and universities, known as HBCUs, are wondering how to survive in an uncertain and contentious educational climate as the Trump administration downsizes the scope and purpose of the U.S. Department of Education — while cutting away at federal funding for higher education. In January, President Donald Trump signed an executive […]
Robbie Sequeira

Community Leaders Call for End of Child Abuse at Child Abuse Prevention Month Kick-Off Event

3 months ago
WOOD RIVER - Community leaders and organizations gathered for a Child Abuse Prevention Month Kick-Off Event. On Friday, April 4, 2025, community members were invited to Riverbend Family Ministries for the event. Different organizations, including Refuge, Oasis Women’s Center, Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, the Child Advocacy Center and more, were present to share their work with attendees. Speakers addressed the prevention of child abuse and the importance of advocating for kids. “This month is about standing up for our children, raising awareness and doing what we can to prevent child abuse in our own communities,” said Erin Bickle, executive director of Refuge. “It’s a reminder that each of us has a critical role to play in the lives of our community’s most vulnerable. We have a role to make sure that every child feels safe, cared for and loved.” Bickle said that children build resilience by having at least one caring adult in their

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Alton Police Lieutenants Christner and Stinnett Honored for First Responder Wellness Initiatives

3 months ago
ALTON — Two Alton Police Department lieutenants have been recognized by Sacred Spaces for their initiatives aimed at promoting well-being with first responders and department employees. Lieutenant Dustin Christner was acknowledged for establishing a first responder Bible study that is open to any local first responder, while Lieutenant Seth Stinnett was recognized for co-facilitating a financial wellness group for Alton Police Department employees. The recognition event highlights the importance of mental and financial health within the police force, a critical aspect of supporting officers in their demanding roles. "Thank you, Lt. Christner and Lt. Stinnett for your leadership and promotion of healthy well-being," said a representative from Sacred Spaces, emphasizing the impact of their contributions on the department. This initiative reflects a growing awareness of the need for support systems within law enforcement agencies, aiming to foster resilience and overall wellness

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Rain or Shine: Senator Harriss to host Community Shred Event and Clean Up Day in Wood River

3 months ago
WOOD RIVER – State Senator Erica Harriss has partnered with several area Metro East organizations to host a free Community Shred Event and Clean Up Day in Wood River on Saturday. After much consideration, the event will take place rain or shine, and staff will be on hand to assist anyone who may need help. Who: State Senator Erica Harriss I Support the Girls – Edwardsville Lions Club Metro East Humane Society Wood River Police Department Wood River Parks and Recreation Glen-Ed Pantry Soles4Souls When: Saturday, April 5, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Where: Wood River Police Department - 550 E Madison Ave., Wood River, IL, 62095

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Durbin, Duckworth Statement On Passing Of Four American Soldiers During Military Training Exercise In Lithuania

3 months ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a combat Veteran, released the following statement on the tragic death of four American soldiers, including Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr. of Joliet, Illinois, during a military training exercise in Lithuania: “The loss of four American servicemembers in Lithuania during a training exercise is nothing short of heartbreaking. We must never forget their dedication to serving this country and the NATO alliance. “Our thoughts are with the Duenez family and the Joliet community as they grieve the loss of Sgt. Jose Duenez Jr., a son, a husband, and a father.”

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