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ALTON - Oasis Women’s Center has lost a force in the passing of Margarette Trushel, the center’s executive director for the last 40 years. Trushel was part of the team of women who founded the shelter in the 1970s. She worked hard all her life to protect and support survivors of domestic violence. As the center grew, so did Trushel’s devotion to the community. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness. “She was whip-smart, stubborn as a mule, but she had a big heart and she worked incredibly hard all her life for this agency and for the community,” said Marcy Jacobs. “She was really fierce in her belief in this work and her belief that victims could be safe and that our community needed to change so that victims could be safe.” Jacobs joined Oasis Women’s Center five years after Trushel. She has spent her career working with Trushel to advocate for survivors. The original Oasis Women’s Center team “worked really hard”

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O'FALLON - The O'Fallon-Shiloh EMS announced the promotion of Nick Fensom to EMS Supervisor and Officer Benjamin Callahan to Sergeant, recognizing their dedication and leadership within the organization. The announcement, made recently by O'Fallon-Shiloh EMS, highlighted Fensom’s commitment to the team and community, noting his work ethic and contributions. “We’re incredibly proud and excited to see Nick step into this well-deserved role,” the O'Fallon-EMS statement said. “Thank you, Nick, for everything you’ve already done — and we can’t wait to see the amazing things you’ll accomplish in this new chapter.” In addition, Officer Callahan received a promotion to Sergeant. The EMS expressed appreciation for his service, and said, “Your commitment to protecting and serving never goes unnoticed, and we’re proud to see you take this next step.” O'Fallon-Shiloh EMS emphasized the value of both individuals’

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CHICAGO HEIGHTS – Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza announced Thursday that the Heights Crematory of Chicago Heights has had its license permanently revoked through a consent order. “The practical effect of this order is that Heights and its owners will never operate a crematorium in the state of Illinois again,” Comptroller Mendoza said. The consent order comes in response to a complaint from the Office of Comptroller alleging that Heights misrepresented and concealed material facts, engaged in dishonorable, unethical, and unprofessional conduct of character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public, acted in an incompetent manner, and committed gross malpractice, in violation of state law. In February, the IOC was notified that Heights had bodies piled on top of each other, not in proper containers. Arriving at the crematory, our auditors confirmed they were storing bodies in inoperable refrigerated trailers and coolers, and/or were stacked in improper

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ALTON - Logan Hickman, an upcoming senior at Alton High School, has a bright future ahead as a Redbirds baseball player. Hickman, an infielder and pitcher, played a big part in the Redbirds' success this season. He was strong at the plate and in all his roles for the team and an exceptional base runner. Alton's baseball squad posted a 20-15 overall record under head coach Scott Harper in 2025. Hickman is an Auto Butler Male Athlete of the Month. He is a 6-foot-2, 190-pound prospect. "He was a junior this past year so he is coming back again for next year," coach Harper said. "I expect him to come back and play an even bigger role next year for the team."

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Madison County Democratic Party elected Andy Asadorian as its new Chair during a special election held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. Asadorian, who served as Chair of the Tri-Cities Democrats Township Committee, secured an overwhelming victory. Halfway through the vote, challenger Diana McGinness conceded due to Asadorian’s lead. Approximately 120 precinct committee people gathered to cast their votes in accordance with the organization's bylaws, which required a leadership election following the resignation of former Chair Debbie Mendoza. First Vice Chair Dean Webb has been serving as interim chair since Mendoza stepped down earlier this year; Webb did not seek election to the permanent role. Asadorian brings more than 15 years of experience with the Madison County Democratic Party, having first been elected as a precinct committee person in 2008. Over the years, he has held multiple leadership positions within the organization, contributing to candidate

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GODFREY – Beverly Farm Foundation is excited to announce that it will host its annual fireworks display on the evening of Friday, June 27, 2025, on its campus in Godfrey. The event is open to the public and promises an evening full of fun, entertainment, and patriotic celebration. Event Details : Date : Friday, June 27, 2025 Time : Arrive as early as 7:30 p.m. TLC & Co. Performance begins at 8 p.m. Quick Bite Frozen Treats ice cream truck arrives at 8:30 p.m. Fireworks display begins at approx. 9:30 p.m. Location : Beverly Farm Foundation, 6301 Humbert Rd., Godfrey, IL 62035 Admission : Free Festivities will begin at 8:00 p.m. at the Beverly Farm Pavilion with a special performance by TLC & Co., Beverly Farm’s talented resident performance group. Guests are invited to come early, bring lawn chairs or blankets, and enjoy the show and the fireworks. Following the performance, guests can treat themselves to a sweet, frosty snack from the Quick Bite Frozen

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EDWARDSVILLE - Assistant County Engineer Greg Schuette is retiring after a 39-year career in Madison County. During the regular meeting of the Madison County Board on June 18, 2025, the Board recognized Schuette for his dedication and hard work over the past few decades. County Engineer Adam Walden noted that Schuette is “a thorough engineer” who shows a deep devotion to Madison County. “Greg didn’t just work for the county. He served her citizens,” Walden said. “His leaving will be felt for a long time as he takes with him a wealth of knowledge and history.” Schuette graduated from Southern Illinois University in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Within a few weeks, he received a job with the Madison County Highway Department, where he has stayed ever since. Walden said Schuette designed and oversaw at least 25 projects over the years. He commended Schuette for his attention to detail, his passion for engineering,

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What does it truly mean to be free? The answer to this question resonates deeply within the story of Juneteenth, a day that memorializes both a historical milestone and the enduring pursuit of liberty. Often overlooked in mainstream narratives, Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in American history when the last enslaved African Americans in the United States were finally informed of their emancipation—two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. The Origins of Juneteenth: A Delayed Promise of Freedom On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and issued General Order No. 3, declaring that all enslaved people were free. This announcement came more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation took effect on January 1, 1863. The delay was due to the minimal presence of Union troops in Texas, which allowed slavery to persist longer there than in other Confederate states. This moment was

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June 19 has witnessed some of the most transformative events in world history, spanning social justice milestones, groundbreaking scientific achievements, and significant cultural moments. Let's embark on a journey through time, starting with one of the most impactful global events associated with this date: the announcement of the end of slavery in the United States, an event that resonates deeply not just in America but across the globe as a symbol of freedom and human dignity. In 1865, on June 19, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with a proclamation that would change the lives of thousands. This announcement declared that all enslaved people in Texas were free, effectively enforcing the Emancipation Proclamation that had been issued more than two years earlier by President Abraham Lincoln. This day came to be known as Juneteenth and is now celebrated annually as a powerful reminder of the long struggle for freedom and equality. The importance of Juneteenth

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ST. LOUIS - The 2026 Priority Project List , compiled for the bi-state St. Louis region by the St. Louis Regional Freightway, includes 29 projects totaling nearly $8.9 billion. The list was released at the Freightway’s annual Freight Summit on Wednesday, June 4, the signature event of FreightWeekSTL. As of May 2024, more than $560 million in projects on the list had been completed and more $2.6 billion in funding had been allocated for additional projects on the list, with many of those under construction or soon to be. The list highlights the top infrastructure needs of manufacturing and logistics industries in Eastern Missouri and Southwestern Illinois. “The numbers highlighted in this year’s report, which continue to grow year over year, underscore the tremendous commitment to improving freight infrastructure in the bi-state St. Louis region by securing funding and advancing major projects through the development pipeline,” said Mary Lamie, Executive Vic

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SPRINGFIELD - As we enter the summer, the Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) reminds Illinois boaters to be responsible and understand the dangers associated with Boating Under the Influence (BUI). Drinking while boating significantly increases the risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. The ILCC urges boaters to stay responsible and recognize the serious risks of mixing alcohol with boating. It is illegal to operate a boat with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.08 or higher, or while under the influence of drugs. The ILCC strongly encourages Illinoisans to avoid consuming alcohol while operating a boat to reduce the risk of bodily harm caused by BUI. Illinois’ rivers and lakes are beautiful, but any body of water can quickly become dangerous when alcohol is involved. Below are some important safety tips all boaters should know. Boat Safety Tips: Always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket. Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

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EAST ALTON – Unlawful weapon possession has led to felony charges in separate criminal cases filed against two from East Alton and St. Louis. Wilbur F. Lucious, 43, of East Alton, was charged on June 9, 2025 with unlawful possession of a stolen firearm (a Class 2 felony), aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm with no valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card (both Class A misdemeanors). On June 7, 2025, Lucious allegedly possessed a Ruger .22 caliber revolver which he knew was stolen. He also reportedly displayed a Smith & Wesson M&P AR-15 platform rifle “in a threatening manner” to another individual, which he also possessed without a valid FOID card. The East Alton Police Department presented the case against Lucious; while he was granted pretrial release from custody, additional conditoins have been imposed on his release. Among the conditions of his release are that he have no contact with and remain at least 500 feet away from the victim

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding the public that along with the start of summer, mosquito season is underway in Illinois. With this comes the risk of West Nile virus (WNV), which has been confirmed from environmental samples in 17 counties around the state so far this year. The reminder comes as public health officials around the country are highlighting the importance of taking action to “Fight the Bite” during National Mosquito Control Awareness Week , June 15-21. No human cases of WNV have been reported in Illinois so far this year, but in 2024, there were 69 confirmed human cases of WNV including 13 deaths, the highest number since 17 WNV-related human deaths were recorded in 2018. “With mosquito season underway in Illinois, it is now time for Illinoisans, especially seniors and those with weakened immune systems, to start taking precautions to prevent mosquito bites,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra.

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SPRINGFIELD — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced that three small businesses in Central and Southern Illinois will receive a combined $485,477 in Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Riggs Beer Company in Urbana, Quality Pontiac in Alton, and The Cubby Hole of Carlinville will use these funds to purchase and install solar arrays that will improve their energy efficiency and lower utility costs. A breakdown of the funding awarded can be found below: $107,126 to Riggs Beer Company, a beverage producer in Urbana, Illinois $287,500 to Quality Pontiac Inc., a new car dealership in Alton, Illinois $90,851 to The Cubby Hole of Carlinville, a commercial screen printing business in Carlinville, IL In total, the solar energy capacity added from this funding will generate $43,300 in energy savings per year, and the energy generated from the new installations is enough to power 43 homes. “I’m

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CARLINVILLE - Carlinville Community will host a Community Blood Drive with ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals. The blood drive will be from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 2 at 201 West Main Street, inside Elks Lodge. What: Carlinville Community Blood Drive When: Wednesday, July 2, 2025, 12-5 p.m. Where: Elks Lodge, 201 West Main Street, Carlinville, IL Appointments: To donate, please contact ImpactLife Springfield at (800) 747-5401 or visit www.bloodcenter.org and use code 60045 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested. 2801 South 10th St., Springfield, Ill., (217) 753-1530. Donor Eligibility Criteria: Potential donors must be at least 17 years of age (16 with parental permission form available through www.bloodcenter.org ) and weigh more than 110 pounds. A photo I.D. is required to donate. For questions about eligibility, please call ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401. Donors who last gave blood on or before May 7, 2025 are eligible

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ALTON - Pour Decisions has a busy few days ahead, and they invite you to come by and kick off your weekend early. Located at 204 State Street in Alton, the bar opened last year and has received acclaim for their all-day daily specials and fun events. Community members can enjoy specials and entertainment on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, for 618 Day, followed by a Juneteenth celebration on June 19, “Sipping in Sundresses” on Friday, June 20, and a comedy show and “Beachwear Bash” party on June 21. “We’re actually going to have a lot of things going on this week,” said Stacey, Pour Decisions co-owner. “If people have a vision of what they want to see downtown, let us know. If we can make it happen, we’re going to make it happen.” The fun kicks off on Wednesday, June 18, with 618 Day in the 618 region. People can enjoy breakfast and lunch specials from Savory Little Things until 4 p.m., followed by dinner specials by Beyond

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WOOD RIVER – The Wood River City Council voted on Monday to add certain exceptions to the City Code regarding Unlawful Use of Weapons. City Council members unanimously approved an ordinance amending the City Code to allow certain exceptions consistent with state law , as the city’s current weapon use laws were “overbroad in their restrictions,” according to the ordinance. Previously, the City Code made it illegal to carry “a tear gas projector or bomb, or any object containing noxious liquid gas or substances” on one’s person or in any vehicle. The recently passed ordinance adds exceptions for objects containing “a non-lethal noxious liquid gas” and substances “designed solely for personal defense carried by a person 18 years of age or older.” This would apply to substances like pepper spray, often carried for self-defense, which were technically illegal under the old City Code. Exceptions have also been added

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BELLEVILLE — A juvenile male bicyclist was struck by a vehicle Tuesday afternoon, June 17, 2025, in the 1100 block of East B Street, prompting emergency response from Belleville Police and Fire Department units. At approximately 4 p.m. on Tuesday, responders found the juvenile unconscious in the roadway. Emergency personnel immediately began life-saving measures, including CPR and the use of an automated external defibrillator. The bicyclist was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in stable condition. The driver, an 18-year-old male, stayed at the scene and is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.

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MADISON COUNTY - The Madison County Regional Superintendent, Dr. Robert W. Werden, along with Mr. Mannie Jackson and Dr. Ed Hightower, are pleased to announce the winners of the inaugural Alma Irene Aitch Scholarship for Madison County, Illinois, high school seniors. This award is given in the amount of $1,000 to ten graduating seniors from across Madison County who displayed high academic achievement, personal drive, and success, and excellence in their 4-year high school careers. The Aitch Scholarship is named after former Lincoln School teacher Alma Irene Aitch. Her leadership and encouragement helped improve the lives of her students and, over time, their successive generations. She was beloved for her love of her school and community. Through the collaborative efforts of Jackson, Hightower, and Werden, this scholarship was created to showcase the legacy of Ms. Aitch and reward current students who have worked hard to be successful. This year’s scholarship winners represent

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ALTON - Centerstone offers several treatment options for mental health and substance use disorders, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT). When engaging in MAT, the client takes a medication — Vivitrol, Suboxone or methadone — with the goal of preventing an opiate relapse. The medication curbs cravings and “retrains the brain” to minimize the individual’s desire for an illicit substance, explained clinical coordinator Ellyn Lowry. MAT is available at Centerstone’s Alton location at 2615 Edwards Street. “MAT, medication-assisted treatment, has a bias associated with it. But it has really been instrumental in saving lives,” Lowry said. “At the end of the day, that’s what we’re shooting for. We all have the ability to make changes in our lives if we still are breathing. And if a medication can assist a person’s process in doing that, then the sky’s the limit.” Lowry noted that some people

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