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Grant Litteken Named New City Administrator Of O'Fallon

2 weeks ago
O’FALLON, IL. — Grant Litteken, M.P.A., ICMA-CM, has been confirmed as the new City Administrator of O’Fallon, IL., following a unanimous vote by the O’Fallon City Council on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025. Mayor Eric Van Hook appointed Litteken, who brings more than 14 years of experience in city leadership, including roles as Assistant City Administrator and Acting City Administrator. Litteken will assume his new role immediately, overseeing daily operations across all municipal

The Misleading Story Fox News Told About Portland Before Trump Sent Troops

2 weeks ago
This story was originally published by ProPublica. Republished under a CC BY-NC-ND 3.0 license. When President Donald Trump told reporters on Sept. 5 he’d started looking at sending the National Guard to Portland, Oregon, he said it was because of something he saw on television. He said the city was being destroyed by paid agitators. “What they’ve done to that […]
Rob Davis

Emerson Excellence Award Spotlights Jersey School District Teacher

2 weeks ago
JERSEY — Erica Heitzig, a teacher at Jersey Community High School, has been honored with the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award for her dedication to students and commitment to the Jersey community. Heitzig, who works within Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100, manages multiple roles, including Family and Consumer Sciences, Design, Workforce Development, and College and Career Readiness. Her efforts in these areas were cited as key factors in her selection for the award. The

100-Year-Old Barn Restored in Godfrey, Honoring History of the Town and Local Farmers

2 weeks ago
GODFREY - A 100-year-old Godfrey barn is undergoing a major restoration, and a few local families are pleased to see it fixed. PJ Jun, of JUN Construction, bought the barn off Airport Road in 2000. Twenty-five years later, he decided to repair the barn, but not before connecting with the niece of the barn’s original owner and the neighbor whose father helped build the structure over a century ago. “With my building background, if you see a building that needs help, you want

J.C.H.S. Recognizes Top Students For Month

2 weeks ago
JERSEY - In conjunction with Jerseyville Banking Center, J.C.H.S. has selected their “Students of the Month”. The recipients for the month of October are Haley Hunter left & Marley Cazier right. The selection of a “Student of the Month” is based upon the number of F.O.C.U.S. nominations, which a student receives for a given month. F.O.C.U.S. (Finding One Clearly Unique Student) is a program, which acknowledges a student each week for academic or kindness. Each week

Alton Photographer Shares Journey of Connection

2 weeks ago
ALTON - A local photographer has created the community they always wanted in Alton. Lumi Marson is Milton Schoolhouse’s Artist of the Month for November, and they still can’t believe it. Marson shared their journey to photography and their decision to start Piasa Rainbow Collective, a grassroots organization for queer folks in the Riverbend region. The last year has been a fantastic ride for the artist. “It makes me want to throw up with excitement a little bit,”

How to Plan a Thanksgiving Potluck with Friends

2 weeks ago
Did you know that nearly 60% of Americans prefer to celebrate Thanksgiving with a gathering of close friends rather than family? This trend underscores the growing appeal of shared meals centered around friendship and community. Planning a Thanksgiving potluck with friends can transform the holiday into a joyful and collaborative feast, where everyone contributes and enjoys a diverse spread. However, organizing such an event requires thoughtful coordination to ensure a seamless and enjoyable

This Day in History on November 19: Abraham Lincoln Delivers Gettysburg Address

2 weeks ago
November 19th is a date steeped in history, marked by moments of profound significance that have shaped societies, inspired generations, and pushed the boundaries of human achievement. One of the most impactful events occurred on November 19, 1863, during the American Civil War. On this day, President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Soldiers' National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. In just a few short minutes and under 300 words, Lincoln redefined

Jersey Community High School Announces Illinois State Scholars

2 weeks ago
JERSEYVILLE – Jersey Community High School (JCHS) Principal Thomas Leslie is proud to announce the 2026 JCHS Illinois State Scholars. "I was absolutely thrilled to learn that JCHS is home to 23 Illinois State Scholars this year!" Leslie said. "Our senior class is a little smaller at 167, so for 14% of our senior class to earn his top honor is unprecedented. "Our community should be very proud that our students are achieving at such a high level to earn prestigious recognition. This is