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Troy to Host Downtown First Friday Event with Vendors, Food Trucks, Music and Fun

4 months 1 week ago
TROY - Riverbend residents are invited to downtown Troy for their First Friday event. From 5–8 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, the Troy community will welcome acoustic duo Lanny and Julie, several food trucks, and countless residents to come out and enjoy the evening. Dawn Mushill, president of the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce, promises a great night. “We have some fun coming up,” Mushill said. “Get some food and bring a lawn chair.” The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce has hosted two First Friday events so far this year and will conclude the series in September. Mushill looks forward to sharing another event with the community. All of the local businesses will be open, including The Happy Elephant, Salt Wellness, Rose MedSpa, Red Door Cottage, No Restrictions Tattoos and Mokka Bon. You can grab food and drinks from The Happy Elephant, the Troy VFW, The Buzzed Bee, Time Out, Kokomo Joe’s, and Wine

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Multiple Area Agencies Collaborate In Collinsville Police Youth Academy

4 months 1 week ago
COLLINSVILLE - Last Friday, July 25, 2025, the Collinsville Police Department concluded the 2025 session of its Youth Academy, providing cadets with an introduction to various law enforcement career paths and aspects of the profession. The program, held in Collinsville, Illinois, included physical training and team-building exercises designed to give participants a comprehensive experience. The Collinsville Police Department expressed gratitude to the numerous agencies and officers who contributed to the academy. The group included the Madison County Jail, retired Troy Police Department Officer Coyne, the Illinois State Police Airwing Unit, the Belleville Police Department Crime Scene Unit, and the Collinsville Fire Department, among others. "These collaborations aimed to offer cadets a broad perspective on public safety careers," the Collinsville Police Department said in a statement.

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Swansea Police Officer Earns Recognition For Community Fundraising Effort

4 months 1 week ago
SWANSEA - Swansea Police Officer Daniel Voelker received a Certificate of Recognition from Village Trustee Natalie Jablonski recently for his leadership in organizing the inaugural Swansea Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Charity Golf Tournament earlier this summer. The golf tournament event raised significant funds that were donated to several local organizations. The donations benefited the Tyler Timmons Foundation, which supports Fairview Heights Police officers injured earlier this year; the Illinois State Police Team Illinois Youth Camp; Brett’s First Responders; and the Swansea Fire Department Safety Training Program. Fairview Heights Trustee Natalie Jablonski expressed gratitude for Voelker’s efforts and the impact of the FOP’s contributions. “We are extremely grateful for your efforts and proud of the assistance the FOP has provided to these amazing organizations in our community,” she said. The FOP Charity Golf Tournament marked the first

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Great Loop Jon Boat Sails Through Riverbend During Solo Speed Record Attempt

4 months 1 week ago
GRAFTON – One man’s mission to sail the 6,000 mile Great Loop in record time has taken him from Florida to New York City and beyond – including a recent stop in the Riverbend region. Austin, Texas native Robert Youens is attempting to set the new solo speed record in a jon boat normally designed for duck hunting in bayous. Since his July 12, 2025 departure from Pensacola, Fla., he’s been cheered on by a growing number of supporters from around the country – both in-person and on his Facebook page , where followers express their support under each new post updating them on his progress. Youens stopped in Grafton on Monday, July 28, 2025, for a trip to the Grafton Oyster Bar and to take shelter at a local residence. He told his followers there was a “rocking party at the Grafton Oyster Bar upon arrival,” remarking the night before: “I'm going to bed in a beautiful home in Grafton.” Following an overnight stay,

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Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete Of Month: Bunt Recognized For Cheerleading Dedication

4 months 1 week ago
WOOD RIVER - Adyson Bunt of East Alton-Wood River High School is being recognized for her dedication and leadership in cheerleading as she prepares to enter her senior year. Adyson is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. Bunt, who has been cheering for six years, credits her success to her commitment to the sport and her ability to motivate her teammates. “I would like to thank my teammates for always supporting and motivating me to gain new skills,” she said. Under the guidance of Coach Alison Beachum, Bunt has developed qualities that have contributed to this recognition. What Bunt appreciates most about cheerleading is the strong bond shared among team members. She explained that her involvement in the sport has taught her valuable lessons in collaboration and the importance of having heart. These experiences have contributed to her personal growth throughout high school. Outside of cheer, Bunt enjoys spending time with family

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One-Year-Old Dies After Swimming Pool Incident in Monroe County

4 months 1 week ago
MONROE COUNTY — Emergency responders rushed to a rural Monroe County neighborhood Monday afternoon, July 28, 2025, after a one-year-old child was found unresponsive in a swimming pool, authorities said. At approximately 3:32 p.m. on July 28, 2025, Monroe County Sheriff’s Deputies, Monroe County EMS, and the Waterloo Police Department were dispatched to the Country Lake Subdivision following a report of the child’s drowning. While en route, dispatchers informed officers that the child’s family had placed the infant in a vehicle and was driving toward town to meet emergency medical services. Within two minutes of dispatch, officers located the vehicle in the 500 block of East 4th Street in Waterloo and immediately removed the child. Deputies and police officers began administering CPR and applied an automated external defibrillator. The child briefly showed signs of possible responsiveness and expelled what appeared to be water during the rescue efforts. Life-saving

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Employees Fund 1,545 Donation To Glen-Ed Food Pantry Through Revity Threads of Kindness

4 months 1 week ago
EDWARDSVILLE – In July 2025, Revity Credit Union came together to raise $1,545 for the Glen-Ed Pantry through the Revity Threads of Kindness Program. This program, funded by employees, allows Revity Credit Union staff to embody the credit union's philosophy of people helping people. By contributing a monthly monetary donation to a local organization, employees can enjoy wearing jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays throughout that month. In 2025, Revity Credit Union is committed to impactful giving and community support, weaving kindness into the fabric of our daily lives and ensuring that every jeans day makes a difference. The Glen-Ed Pantry was nominated as the recipient of our July Threads of Kindness donation, receiving $1,545. The Glen-Ed Pantry was not only the recipient of the jeans donation but also benefited from a food drive organized by Revity’s Edwardsville branch. In collaboration with the Ed-Glen Chamber of Commerce, Revity hosted a "Business

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Award-Winning Artist Devon Plopper Opens Iron Will Tattoo In Godfrey

4 months 1 week ago
GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey is welcoming a tattoo studio for the first time in 24 years with the opening of Iron Will Tattoo, a new shop founded by award-winning artist Devon Plopper. Located at 202 W Homer Adams Parkway, Plopper says Iron Will Tattoo will offer high-quality, custom tattooing back to the Riverbend area. Plopper, who spent the past decade honing his craft across Missouri, returned to his hometown with a vision to create a professional, inclusive space where creativity and craftsmanship are prioritized. Joining him is fellow award-winning artist Walt Ruesler, who brings 10 years of experience and artistic skill to the team. Iron Will Tattoo emphasizes a clean, comfortable environment designed to welcome clients of all backgrounds. The shop aims to break stereotypes associated with tattoo parlors by fostering a judgment-free atmosphere focused on respect and personalized service. Specializing in custom tattoos, Iron Will collaborates closely with clients to create

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As the heat wave comes to an end, storms make their way into the area

4 months 1 week ago
ST. LOUIS - The heat wave officially ends later Wednesday, and with that bring the chance for isolated storms. Temperatures will reach the low-to-mid-90s Wednesday before clouds and thunderstorms arrive.  There is a decaying line of storms that is moving out of central Missouri and assuming it holds together, will reach the St. Louis Metro [...]
Chris Higgins