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ALTON - There are two new mentorship programs available for kids in Alton. Donald Mason-El works with the Alton Housing Authority to organize mentorship programs for kids in Alton Acres, Oakwood Estates and beyond. His initiatives aim to provide alternatives to gun violence and break the cycles of generational poverty. “If you can cause children to view things different, they’ll do things different,” Mason-El said. “We’re just really trying to get them an opportunity to have a chance at life." For two hours every Tuesday and Thursday, kids ages 5–16 can come to the recreation centers at Alton Acres and Oakwood Estates for the F.L.Y. mentorship program. They currently welcome 70 kids every week, who enjoy a meal and participate in lessons on math, science and history. Starting in September, the girls will prepare the meal while the boys learn basic home maintenance skills. Last week, Mason-El taught five of the students how to replace

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To Whom it May Concern: I, Zach Hardin, am proud to announce my candidacy for Sheriff of Calhoun County in the 2026 election. I currently reside in Brussels, Illinois, with my two daughters, Sophia and Amelia. My love for Calhoun County stemmed from my childhood summers spent with my grandparents at their farm in "Cappelville" (Point Precinct). I was born in Alton, Illinois and graduated from Alton High School in 2007. I attended Lewis & Clark Community College with a focus on History and Criminal Justice. I had the honor ofjoining the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office in 2019, when I was hired as a Deputy Sheriff. I was promoted to Sergeant in December of 2022, where I served as the Patrol Supervisor; before being promoted to Chief Deputy Sheriff in March, 2024. While working for CCSO, I have continued my training, and am currently a Lead Homicide Investigator, High-Risk Traffic Stop Instructor, Juvenile Officer, and a member of the Illinois Crisis Intervention Team. During my tim

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O'FALLON – Thompson Coburn announced today that its Southern Illinois office has relocated from Belleville to O’Fallon, Illinois. The new office will be located on the third floor of The Blade building, at 1405 N. Green Mount Road. “This is an exciting move for our team in Southern Illinois. For generations Thompson Coburn has understood the importance of maintaining a full service and fully staffed litigation presence in Southern Illinois—not just a storefront—to handle complex litigation in Madison County, St. Clair County, and beyond. This new office reaffirms our commitment to providing our clients the top notch legal services and boots on the ground that they expect in these jurisdictions.” said Erick VanDorn, Thompson Coburn Southern Illinois office managing partner. “This new space also reflects Thompson Coburn’s commitment to its people in the region by providing them an accessible and convenient work location and the amenities

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BELLEVILLE — The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department in Belleville is warning residents about a new phone scam in which callers impersonate deputies and other local law enforcement officials, falsely claiming that individuals have outstanding civil judgments or arrest warrants. The department cautions that these criminals may demand immediate payment of back taxes to the I.R.S. or ask for bond money, often requesting payments electronically. “The Sheriff’s Department will not call you and promise to arrest you if you don’t submit back taxes to the I.R.S. immediately by telephone,” the department said in a statement. They also stressed that officers will not contact residents by phone to demand payment for warrants. Numerous scammers have been reported using the names of actual officers to lend credibility to their calls. The department advises anyone uncertain about the legitimacy of such a call to visit the sheriff’s office in person

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BELLEVILLE — Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Knapp officially retired from the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department on Thursday, July 31, 2025, after 38 years of service, marking the end of a long and distinguished law enforcement career. Knapp began his career with the department as a correctional officer on Nov. 17, 1986. Over almost four decades, he held nearly every position within the agency, including booking officer, sergeant, administrative sergeant, lieutenant, captain, superintendent of the jail, major, lieutenant colonel, and executive deputy. Throughout his tenure, Knapp received multiple awards recognizing his performance and dedication. Notably, he earned a commendation from the U.S. Department of Justice for apprehending an escaped inmate in 1990. He was also honored by the Governor of Kentucky, the National Sheriff’s Association and was named Correctional Officer of the Year in 1991. The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department expressed gratitude

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EDWARDSVILLE - These are three profiles of artists set to appear at the Edwardsville Arts Faire, held at Edwardsville City Park on September 26-28. Today's trio is Felicia Olin, Jeff Bohnert and Aron Kapembeza. Artist #1: Felicia Olin Medium: Painting Artist Statement: "My work is a reflection of my interest in fairy tales, nature, and fantasy art. I like to paint portraits of characters who live in my whimsical world." - Olin said. Artist #2: Jeff Bohnert Medium: Photography Artist Statement: "My photography captures the beauty and intricate details of landscapes, wildlife, nature, and architecture, with a focus on the connection between humans and the natural world. Through my lens, I aim to highlight the often-overlooked moments and textures that reveal the complexity and harmony of our surroundings. Each image is crafted to evoke emotion and inspire a deeper appreciation for both the man-made and natural environments. "My intention is

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ALTON - The Alton-based artist Itchy? has a unique name and an even more unique style, and he wouldn’t have it any other way. As the August Artist of the Month, Itchy? currently has his work on display at Milton Schoolhouse in his first solo gallery. He joked that his work is “definitely strange,” but it comes from a deeply passionate place and has been a major source of healing as he perfects his style. “I don’t paint trees and houses because I can’t draw,” he laughed. “All I can do is paint me.” The journey to art wasn’t linear for Itchy? He began his career as a professional wrestler and suffered a few brain injuries. When he retired, he quickly realized he “wasn’t a part of normal society” and experienced “a series of nervous breakdowns” that eventually led to a diagnosis of borderline personality disorder. Art became his solace. After every therapy session, Itchy? would paint whatever

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ALTON - The Alton High School Marching 100 band is preparing for another great season. On Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, invited community members and performers’ families could watch the Marching 100 perform their halftime show ahead of the 2025–2026 season. Matt Chesner, the new director of the Marching 100, expressed his gratitude for the band and his excitement to share their hard work with the community. “It’s been a joy. It’s been so fun,” Chesner said. “Especially because I am new to , to have them be willing to let a stranger help them and work with them and become a part of their traditions, I’ve really felt welcomed and honored to be a part of that.” The Marching 100 is a storied tradition at Alton High School. Students come together to perform at halftime shows, parades and competitions throughout the region. The Aug. 1 performance marked the end of the 2025 band camp. Chesner shared that the band and color guard spent

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SPRINGFIELD – Fairgoers are in for a special treat at the 2025 Illinois State Fair: Country music powerhouse Randy Houser will take the Grandstand stage for a FREE concert on Monday, August 11. “The Illinois State Fair is a celebration of our state’s people, agriculture, and traditions,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m proud that we can provide opportunities like this free concert, giving families from across Illinois the chance to come together, enjoy entertainment at the Fair, and make lasting summer memories.” With an inimitable voice, Houser has become one of country music’s most celebrated vocalists. His chart-topping album How Country Feels delivered smash hits including “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight,” “Goodnight Kiss,” and CMA Song of the Year nominee “Like A Cowboy.” Houser has since added more No. 1 hits to his catalog, including “We Went,” and continues to wow audiences

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SPRINGFIELD – As preparations ramp up for the 2025 Illinois State Fair, inspectors with the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) are on site ensuring that every amusement ride is thoroughly examined and approved for operation before the Midway opens to the public. “Public safety is our top priority,” said IDOL Amusement Ride and Attraction Safety Division Manager Brian Fox. “Each ride is carefully inspected to make sure it meets all safety and structural standards. If you see the IDOL permit sticker, the ride is approved for use.” The State Fair represents IDOL’s second largest annual inspection effort, following only the inspection of rides at Six Flags Great America. For the fair, IDOL deploys a team of six experienced inspectors to examine rides and attractions—not just at setup, but throughout the event to ensure continued compliance. To help families prepare, IDOL encourages parents and guardians to review ride safety tips with

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HARDIN — Country music fans can look forward to a lively night at the Calhoun County Fair on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025, when Jake Maurer takes the stage at the fairgrounds. The concert, beginning at 7:30 p.m. with gates opening at 5 p.m., will feature a blend of modern country and down-home storytelling, promising an engaging experience for attendees. Jake Maurer, a native of Metamora, has been a fixture in Nashville’s music scene since 2007, regularly headlining at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Raised in the Midwest with influences including Garth Brooks and Texas “Red Dirt” country, Maurer combines his background as a former college football player and teacher with his passion for music. He is known for his high-energy performances and ability to connect with audiences through humor and heartfelt songs. Maurer also tours extensively, performing at festivals such as Regina’s Hawgarama and fundraising events in Ontario and Montana. Opening the evening wil

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I recently backed into a fence with my car. If you’re a faithful reader, you might be thinking, “But wait, didn’t you also hit a deer not too long ago?” Short answer, yes, that also happened. I’d like to remind you that THE DEER HIT ME, but technically I also had a run-in with a deer. And now a fence. One of the things you need to know about me is that I am a bad driver. I get where I’m going and I get home — thank God — but the in-between time is not that seamless. My own insecurities are my greatest downfall. A few weeks ago, I honked at an Amazon driver that was backing into the road because they almost hit me. I was just trying to alert them that I was there, and it worked: The driver pulled forward and I was able to squeeze by. But immediately, I felt terrible. I tried to justify it in my head. I didn’t want to get hit, and I did what I had to do to avoid that. It was better for both me and the driver, who

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Did you know that children are most likely to experience boredom when left without structured activities for more than three consecutive days? This statistic underscores a common challenge parents and caregivers face during extended periods when school is out: keeping kids engaged, stimulated, and happy. Finding creative ways to entertain children not only alleviates restlessness but also fosters learning, growth, and family bonding. Here are inventive strategies to transform what could be idle time into memorable and enriching experiences. Transforming Everyday Spaces into Adventure Zones One of the simplest yet most effective ways to captivate children’s attention is by reimagining their immediate environment. Turning familiar spaces into themed adventure zones encourages imagination and physical activity without requiring extravagant resources. Examples: Indoor Treasure Hunts: Design a scavenger hunt with clues hidden around the house or backyard. Incorporate puzzles

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Did you know that just 30 minutes of walking each morning can significantly boost your mental clarity and energy levels for the entire day? This simple activity, often overlooked in the hustle of daily routines, holds remarkable potential, especially during the summer months. Morning walks are more than just a form of exercise—they are a multifaceted practice that nurtures the body, sharpens the mind, and enhances overall well-being. Enhancing Physical Health with Morning Walks Walking is a low-impact, accessible form of exercise that supports cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and improves endurance. During summer, early morning walks offer a unique advantage: the cooler temperatures reduce the risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration, making physical activity safer and more enjoyable. Research indicates that regular walking can lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. For instance, a study

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What if a simple scoop of ice cream could transform a neighborhood? Beyond its role as a sweet treat, ice cream has an uncanny ability to bring people together, sparking conversations and creating memories. Hosting an ice cream social offers a unique opportunity to strengthen community ties, foster new friendships, and create a welcoming atmosphere for neighbors of all ages. The Power of an Ice Cream Social Social isolation remains a growing concern in many communities. According to a 2023 survey by the Pew Research Center, nearly 36% of Americans report feeling isolated from their neighbors. Events like ice cream socials can counteract this trend by providing informal, enjoyable settings for people to connect. Unlike formal meetings or structured events, an ice cream social's casual nature lowers social barriers and encourages spontaneous interaction. Planning Your Ice Cream Social: Key Considerations 1. Choosing the Right Venue The venue sets the tone for your event. Common

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August 4th has long been a date marked by moments that have shaped the course of history across the globe. One of the most impactful events associated with this date happened during World War I. On August 4, 1914, the United Kingdom declared war on Germany, officially entering the conflict that would engulf much of the world. This declaration came just days after Germany’s invasion of Belgium, breaching Belgium’s neutrality and prompting Britain’s involvement under treaty obligations. This marked a turning point in the war, signaling the expansion of hostilities and the beginning of a prolonged and devastating global conflict. The impact of Britain's entry into World War I had profound consequences for the geopolitical landscape, influencing the eventual outcome of the war and setting the stage for major political changes in Europe and beyond. Going further back, August 4, 1776, holds a special place in American history. Though the United States celebrates Independence

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Today's high will reach 79 degrees with a low near 65. Expect partly sunny skies with more humidity building through the afternoon. A thunderstorm is likely in spots this afternoon and evening, so keep an eye to the sky if you're planning outdoor activities. The allergy index shows moderate mold levels and low grass, ragweed, and tree pollen counts. The UV index is very high, so don't forget your sunscreen. Tomorrow's outlook calls for a high of 82 and a low of 65. It will be humid with partial sunshine and a stray afternoon thunderstorm possible. Morning fog may linger early on, so drive carefully. If you're out and about today, be prepared for a few showers and possible thunder. Stay hydrated and consider bringing a light raincoat or umbrella just in case. For sun protection, wear sunscreen and sunglasses. For more details, visit https://riverbender.com/weather .

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CALHOUN COUNTY — Premium parking spots near the arenas for the Tractor and Truck Pulls and Demolition Derby at the 2025 Calhoun County Fair are now available through an online auction, fair officials announced. The auction offers attendees a chance to secure reserved parking for three of the fair’s biggest events, scheduled for September 5, 6, and 7. The reserved spots will be located just steps from the arenas, allowing visitors to avoid the usual search for parking and arrive close to the action. Bidding for the parking spaces ends at 7 p.m. on August 24, 2025. The auction is hosted online at https://hanoldauctioneering.hibid.com/ , where interested bidders can find the available spots and place their bids. Proceeds from the auction will support the fairgrounds and events. “This is your chance to upgrade your night at the fair,” organizers said, emphasizing that the premium parking offers guaranteed proximity to the shows and contributes to supporting the

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ALTON, Ill. — Treiden Schleicher, a 20-year-old powerboat racer and recent competitor at the Alton Midwest Nationals Powerboat Championships, died Tuesday morning, July 29, 2025, in a boating accident at Champions Park Lake in Springfield, Ohio. Schleicher, a fan favorite who raced in the Formula Lite division along the Mississippi River in Alton just weeks earlier on July 19 and 20, lost control of his powerboat during the 2025 Stock, Mod, and Junior Nationals racing event. Officials reported that he experienced problems that caused his boat to become tangled, leading to the crash. At the Alton event, Schleicher had placed second behind Shelby Love, who is also his girlfriend. Known for his passion for speed and competition both on land and water, Schleicher was admired for his adventurous spirit. When not racing, he enjoyed fishing, a pastime that brought him peace and created lasting memories. Clover Construction, Schleicher’s race team, "On behalf of Clover Racing,

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EAST ALTON — The 7th annual back-to-school event took place Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025, at the East Alton Keasler Complex, providing East Alton children with free school supplies, clothing, and other essentials ahead of the new academic year. Organizers offered a range of items, including haircuts, new clothing, hygiene products, backpacks filled with grade-appropriate supplies, tennis shoes, socks, underwear, coats, jackets, and laundry soap. East Alton school teachers and volunteers assisted children as they selected items, all at no cost to families. “We have many organizations and businesses that came together to help supply and support the needs for these children,” said Robin Carlton, an event organizer. After shopping, children and their families enjoyed activities such as a bounce house, snow cones, and lunch outside the East Alton Recreation Department. Numerous community groups and individuals contributed to the event’s success, including House of Victory

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