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Weekend Lightning Strikes Historic Lemp Mansion, Causing Brick Damage

4 months 1 week ago
ST. LOUIS — The Historic Lemp Mansion Restaurant and Inn was struck by lightning at approximately 3:28 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, causing damage to the building and disrupting some services, officials said. The lightning struck the northernmost chimney, directly hitting a corner of the 1860s structure at 3322 DeMenil Place in St. Louis, dislodging bricks that fell onto the adjacent parking area. General Manager Matt Bell reported that the incident occurred during a heavy downpour and resulted in exterior brick damage as well as a power surge that affected the phone system, internet service, and some electronic d evices. “During an unexpected heavy downpour the building was struck by lightning," Bell said. "We had exterior damage to the bricks. The subsequent power surge damaged our phone system and internet service as well as some electronic devices and lights,” Bell said. “The staff and guests, although surprised, are all safe and no one was harmed. "In

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Midway Teacher Carlyn Underwood Raises Funds To Replace Well-Worn Classroom Rug

4 months 1 week ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Carlyn Underwood, a first-grade teacher at Midway Elementary School, has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise $300 for a new classroom rug. After 12 years of teaching, Underwood said the current rug, which serves as a central gathering spot for stories, lessons, and play, has become stained and frayed from extensive use. With school budgets stretched thin, Underwood is seeking community support to provide her students with a fresh and comfortable space during whole group time and free choice activities. “My old one has been well-loved but is now stained and a little worse for wear,” Underwood said in her online fundraiser. “It would be amazing if I could get a new rug for my students to sit on.” The fundraiser is intended to create a welcoming environment that enhances the classroom experience. Underwood expressed gratitude in advance for any donations received, emphasizing that any amount would be appreciated. Click here for the

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Budzinski, Smith Introduce Bipartisan E15 Legislation, Call on EPA to Cut Red Tape

4 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and Congressman Adrian Smith (NE-03), co-chairs of the Biofuels Caucus, announced the introduction of the bipartisan Ethanol for America Act. This legislation would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finalize rulemaking to make the E15 fuel label clearer and more consumer-oriented. It would also confirm the compatibility of E15 with existing underground fuel storage and dispensing equipment, ensuring business owners are not required to make costly and unnecessary infrastructure changes. Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) introduced companion legislation in the Senate. "I’ve long been a strong advocate for year-round E15, having seen firsthand the benefits it brings to consumers at the pump and to the farmers across Central and Southern Illinois," said Congresswoman Budzinski. "We should be doing everything we can to expand access, not create barriers, which is why I’m

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Jersey Traffic Stop Leads To Methamphetamine Arrest

4 months 1 week ago
JERSEYVILLE — After some solid law enforcement work by Jersey County Sheriff's Sgt. Chris Jones and Deputy Justin Decker with a K9, a suspect was apprehended on Krause Drive in Jerseyville, Clarence F. Smith, after illegal drugs were discovered in his vehicle. On July 5, 2025, after a traffic stop of Smith's vehicle, Jersey Deputy Decker deployed his K9, Jax, to establish probable cause for a vehicle search. Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns said during the search, officers found approximately one ounce of suspected crystal methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia. Smith was arrested at the scene, and his vehicle was towed. Sheriff Manns announced that on July 22, 2025, Jersey County State’s Attorney Ben Goetten charged Smith with Possession of Methamphetamine, a Class 1 felony. If convicted, Smith faces a prison sentence ranging from four to 15 years. Smith is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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3 Years Running: OSF Saint Anthony's Again Nationally Recognized For Its Commitment To Providing High-Quality Stroke Care

4 months 1 week ago
ALTON – For the third consecutive year, OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center has received the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for its commitment to ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines, ultimately leading to more lives saved and reduced disability. Stroke is the No. 5 cause of death and a leading cause of disability in the U.S. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. When that happens, part of the brain cannot get the blood and oxygen it needs, so brain cells die. Early stroke detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and accelerating recovery times. Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide,

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Caritas Family Solutions Has Record-Breaking Caritas Day Campaign

4 months 1 week ago
BELLEVILLE - Caritas Family Solutions raised $129,875 during its 24-hour Caritas Day campaign, surpassing its initial $100,000 goal. Proceeds will benefit the children, families, seniors, and adults with disabilities that the nonprofit serves across Southern Illinois. Celebrating Caritas’ 78th anniversary, the fundraiser took place from July 31 to August 1, with supporters matching $4 for every $1 donated. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who made this year’s Caritas Day a success,” said Gary Huelsmann, CEO of Caritas Family Solutions. “These funds will directly support the more than 5,200 children, families, seniors, and adults with disabilities we serve. From our generous donors and matching partners to our dedicated staff, volunteers, and sponsors, we couldn’t have done it without them. As we mark 78 years of service, Caritas Day demonstrates the incredible impact we can make together as a community.” Caritas Board Secretar

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Beer Master Tour

4 months 1 week ago

The biggest fans of Budweiser must book a Beermaster Tour while they’re in St. Louis. The two-hour tour gives guests an all-access look at how the King of Beers is […]

The post Beer Master Tour appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

Rachel Huffman

Day Fresh Tour

4 months 1 week ago

The most popular tour at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis explains the life of an Anheuser-Busch beer from seed to glass. Along the way, you’ll visit the Clydesdales Paddock […]

The post Day Fresh Tour appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

Rachel Huffman

The Environmental Impact of Summer Travel and How to Offset It

4 months 1 week ago
Imagine this: the global tourism industry accounts for nearly 8% of the world’s carbon emissions, rivaling the pollution output of entire countries. Among these emissions, summer travel — with its surge in flights, road trips, and resort stays — plays a significant role in accelerating climate change. While vacations offer much-needed rest and cultural enrichment, their environmental footprint demands attention and action. The Carbon Footprint of Summer Travel Travel is inherently energy-intensive, and summer trips often involve activities that amplify environmental harm. Air travel, in particular, is a major culprit. A single round-trip transatlantic flight can generate over 1.6 metric tons of CO2 per passenger, exceeding the average annual carbon footprint of many individuals in developing nations. Moreover, the increase in car journeys during summer holidays contributes to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Beyond transportation, accommodations and leisur

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How to Preserve Your Summer Produce

4 months 1 week ago
Did you know that nearly 30-40% of all food produced globally is wasted? Among the most perishable items are fresh fruits and vegetables, which often spoil before they can be fully enjoyed. For those who relish the vibrant colors and bold flavors of summer produce, mastering preservation techniques not only extends enjoyment but also contributes to reducing food waste and saving money. Here are top tips to help you make the most of your summer harvest, whether from your garden, farmer’s market, or grocery store. Understanding the Value of Preservation Preserving summer produce is more than just a convenience; it’s a way to capture the peak freshness and nutritional benefits of fruits and vegetables. Many summer vegetables and fruits are at their prime during a limited window, and without proper storage or preservation, their quality diminishes rapidly. For example, tomatoes, berries, and zucchini, staples of summer menus, can lose flavor, texture, and nutrients within

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