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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust, Deacon Herbert McGee shared his story of becoming a deacon and sharing God’s love with others. McGee noted that people come to church with different problems and experiences. He acknowledged that everyone has their own story, but God welcomes them with open arms and will guide them through their storms. “For everybody, it’s a different walk,” McGee said. “Believe me, it’s a different walk when you have Him in your life.” McGee shared that he was raised in the church, but he decided to become a deacon later in his life. He is thankful for “a great pastor” who believed in him and the others who joined him in the deaconship. He believes his life has changed for the better since becoming a deacon. Not only is his life different, but McGee himself is different. The change is noticeable to his loved ones, who see more light and peace in

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COLLINSVILLE - The City of Collinsville, Illinois, has issued a boil order for water customers in specific locations due to a water main repair. The order, effective immediately and lasting until further notice, affects residents at 832 Bond Avenue, 410 St. Louis Road, and 400 and 409 South Jefferson Avenue in Collinsville. Residents are advised to bring water intended for drinking or cooking to a full rolling boil for at least five minutes before use. Additionally, residents are instructed to turn off their ice makers and discard any ice produced during this time. For further inquiries, residents can contact Troy Turner, Director of Public Works, at 618-346-5211 or Michael Crawford, Chief Operator, at 618-346-5219 ext. 3. This notice was dated December 24, 2024.

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ALTON — On Christmas Eve, while many families prepare for festive celebrations, one family in Alton is facing a challenging holiday season. Molly McCray, a single mother of ten children, has reached out for assistance as she navigates the difficulties of starting anew in a different city after losing her home. McCray, who recently relocated to Alton from East St. Louis after a difficult time there, is currently living at Alton Acres with her children, who range in age from 3 to 19. She has struggled to provide for her family this Christmas, stating, “I’m not able to do anything for Christmas... I have a Christmas tree, but I can't get gifts right now.” Charlene Edwards, an ASL interpreter and friend of McCray, is trying to raise awareness of the family's situation. Edwards emphasized the importance of community during difficult times. “When people are having a hard time, it is about coming together and giving each other hope,” she said. McCray

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ALTON - The Middletown Luminaries will once again be lit on Christmas Eve night. At 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 24, 2024, community members are invited to Middletown in Alton to see the luminaries throughout the neighborhood. The neighbors come together to light the luminaries every year, and they are eager to share the Christmas spirit with the community once again. “It’s a beautiful sight to behold,” said Shannon, who chairs the luminary event. “If you take a while to get in the Christmas spirit, drive through Middletown and see the beautiful luminaries.” Shannon and Molly, who oversee Middletown Neighbors, explained that the neighborhood is divided into blocks. One person organizes their block’s luminary efforts every year. For example, Molly hosts a block party where all the neighbors are invited to help prepare the luminaries on Christmas Eve afternoon. As an organization, Middletown Neighbors covers the cost of the candles from Catholic Suppl

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Andrew Hade was diagnosed with diabetes a year ago. While the Rockford, Illinois, resident was surprised, he was more shocked when he later found out he also has diabetic retinopathy. “Retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the back of the eye and can cause vision loss, blurry vision and other complications,” says Pamela Garcia, a nurse practitioner for OSF HealthCare. Garcia adds that early symptoms of retinopathy include floaters, blurriness, dark areas of vision and difficulty perceiving colors. Mild cases may be treated with diabetes management and more serious cases could require surgery. It's important for people with diabetes to schedule a thorough eye exam at least once a year. That’s because most patients, like Hade, display no symptoms of diabetic retinopathy until it’s too late. “I initially was dismissive about the eye test, because, I had no symptoms,” he says. “It's hard to think of something being wrong that's

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MARYVILLE — A coyote sighting near Kensington Drive in Maryville has prompted warnings for residents to take precautions with their pets. The sighting occurred a couple of days ago and has raised concerns among local homeowners. Residents are advised to keep their dogs and other pets indoors unless they are being walked on a leash. Experts note that coyotes may occasionally prey on small, unattended pets and can pose a threat to larger dogs if they perceive them as intruders in their territory. To minimize risks, experts recommend two simple measures: keeping pets inside unless they are under direct supervision and feeding pets indoors. These precautions aim to ensure the safety of pets in the neighborhood amid the presence of wildlife.

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JOLIET – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 1 arrested 69-year-old John Fleet of Wilmington, IL for Scott’s Law (Class 4 Felony) after a fatal crash last night involving Trooper Clay M. Carns. Around 9:42 p.m. on Monday, December 23, 2024, Trooper Carns observed debris in a lane on southbound I-55 just north of Blodgett Road near Channahon, and he initiated his emergency lights, pulling over to the right shoulder. Trooper Carns exited his vehicle and was standing in the lane grabbing the debris when a Chevrolet Silverado struck Trooper Carns. The driver of the Chevrolet was identified as John Fleet. Trooper Carns was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, where at approximately 10:45 p.m., he succumbed to his injuries. Fleet was not injured and remained on scene. “This is a sad day for the Illinois State Police as we mourn the death of Trooper Clay M. Carns who was killed while serving the people of Illinois and working to keep

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WOOD RIVER - Tim Melton, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, has been recognized for his outstanding achievements in bowling, a sport he has dedicated five years to mastering. Under the guidance of coach Garry Herron, Melton has achieved an impressive average of over 200 pins, a testament to his hard work during the offseason. Melton credits his success to the support of his mentor, Paul Nichols, saying, "I would like to thank Paul Nichols for always being there for me." This support has been crucial as Melton balances his athletic pursuits with academic excellence, currently ranking first in his class and on track to be a co-valedictorian. Melton is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month. In addition to bowling, Melton is involved in golf, where he has advanced to sectionals for two consecutive years, and baseball, where he plays as a first and third baseman. His commitment to sports has instilled in him a sense of perseverance that he applies to all

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GRAFTON - The recent Grafton Winter Lights Parade welcomed hundreds of community members for an evening of holiday cheer in Grafton. On Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, the parade route traveled down Water Street and ended at The Loading Dock in Grafton. The parade featured over 100 entrants, from the QEM Fire Protection District to personal trucks decorated with lights. “Bundle up, bring the family out and enjoy,” said Paula Jameson, who oversees the Enjoy Grafton Facebook page and helped organize the parade. The evening started with a tribute walk for former Police Chief Eric Spanton , who passed away on Dec. 14, 2024. Jameson and Dan Ebbing, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, explained that the parade started as a joke between locals. Four years ago, a few people draped their side-by-sides in lights and went on a pub crawl throughout Grafton. But over the years, it has grown into a full-fledged parade, bringing in visitors from across the St. Louis

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December 24th is a day that carries a rich tapestry of historical significance across various cultures and nations. As we travel back in time, we find ourselves in 1800, a year that bore witness to a significant cultural development in the United States. On December 24th of that year, the first edition of the "New-York Evening Post" was published. Founded by Alexander Hamilton, this newspaper would go on to play a vital role in American journalism and public discourse. The Post gave a voice to various social and political issues of the time and helped shape public opinion, emphasizing the importance of a free press in a democratic society. Over the years, the paper has undergone numerous transformations but still stands as a testament to the enduring nature of journalism. Fast forward to 1914, during the height of World War I, a remarkable event known as the Christmas Truce occurred. On December 24th, soldiers on the Western Front engaged in an unofficial ceasefire, laying down

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The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and reflection, and music plays a vital role in enhancing the experience. Crafting the perfect holiday-themed playlist can set the mood for gatherings, family dinners, or even cozy evenings by the fire. Whether you’re looking to evoke nostalgia with classic tunes or infuse modern hits into your festivities, this guide will help you curate a playlist that resonates with the spirit of the season. Understanding the Essence of Holiday Music Before diving into the specifics of creating a holiday playlist, it’s essential to understand what makes holiday music unique. Typically, holiday songs reflect themes of love, joy, and togetherness. They often feature familiar melodies and are infused with cultural or religious significance, depending on the holiday being celebrated. Recognizing these elements will help you select tracks that resonate not just musically but emotionally as well. Define Your Holiday Theme The first step

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), secured several important provisions to support our state in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed Congress this week. Some of priorities Duckworth secured to help Illinoisans include expanding housing opportunities and surrounding infrastructure at Rock Island Arsenal, supporting school districts near military bases by helping alleviate state and local tax base funding shortfalls and expanding our military’s use of sustainable aviation fuels, which supports our Illinois farmers, protects the environment and drives economy opportunity throughout the Midwest. “The brave Illinoisans who serve our nation in uniform at home and abroad deserve to know that our country fully supports them as they and their families sacrifice to defend our country,”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) applauded the Senate passage of the bipartisan Social Security Fairness Act to ensure public sector workers and their families are able to receive full Social Security benefits after two previous statutes reduced them. The legislation—whose Senate companion Duckworth and Durbin helped cosponsor alongside U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Susan Collins (R-ME) and 58 other U.S. Senators—would repeal the Social Security Act’s Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which significantly reduced benefits for nearly 3 million Americans, many of whom are teachers, police officers and state, county and local government workers. The bill now heads to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law. Full text of the legislation can be found on the Senator’s website . “Millions of Americans have worked their entire lives, paying into

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ALTON - Alton High School will offer two classes in American Sign Language starting next year. American Sign Language I and II will teach students the basics of American Sign Language (ASL) and Deaf culture. Rene Hart, the district’s Director of Curriculum and Instruction, emphasized the importance of teaching languages like ASL at the high school level. “It’s crucial to provide students with the ability to communicate effectively in a language other than English and to foster cultural understanding,” Hart said. “Giving students the opportunity to study world languages helps to prepare them for a globalized world. Studying world languages helps develop skills in communication, cultural awareness and connections across diverse communities. So we’re really excited about the opportunity to expand into American Sign Language.” The Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education approved the ASL classes at their recent meeting

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Grocery stores are ever-changing, at times creating confusing strolls up and down the aisles. But as the products in grocery stores change, consumers can update and adjust their eating habits as well. The new year is an ideal time to review grocery store offerings and consider which foods can help support a healthy lifestyle. Packed with nutrients like protein, calcium and vitamin D, dairy foods fit the bill when it comes to providing high quality nutrition. The dairy section is where variety really comes into play, with new and exciting products regularly making appearances. Consumers can find an abundance of milk, yogurt and cheese, in addition to trending options like smoothie drinks, kefir (fermented dairy drink) and cottage cheese in the dairy aisle. Fresh Start Start creating healthy meals and snacks by pairing dairy foods with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. These quick-to-fix combinations offer a bounty of nutrients, including calcium, protein, B vitamins, vitamin D,

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EDWARDSVILLE – Main Street Community Center is thrilled to announce the culmination of a successful year with their final bingo event of the year and the celebration of reaching their Annual Fund Drive goal of $50,000 in just 50 days. This remarkable achievement underscores the unwavering support and generosity of the community. For 50 years, Main Street Community Center has been a cornerstone of support for local seniors, providing essential services such as meals, transportation, recreational activities, information and assistance, and travel programs. Thanks to the dedication of numerous sponsors, all activities and programs are offered free of charge, ensuring accessibility for all seniors in the area. "We are incredibly grateful for the community's support in helping us reach our 2024 Annual Fund Drive goal," said Jessica Johnson, Executive Director of Main Street Community Center. "This achievement allows us to continue providing vital services and enriching the lives

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RIVERBEND - It’s time to get a jump on those New Year’s resolutions! If you’re feeling the reason for the season and want to help out your community in 2025, keep reading. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities in the Riverbend region that might be a great fit for you. Alton Main Street — Alton Alton Main Street organizes several events and programs in downtown Alton. They need volunteers to help at the Alton Farmers Market, Mississippi Earthtones Festival, Downtown Chili Cookoff and other events throughout the year. Alzheimer’s Association — St. Louis The Alzheimer’s Association works to end Alzheimer’s. They need volunteers to help with events, advocate for Alzheimer’s research, and educate community members. There are in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities available. Best Buddies — St. Louis The Best Buddies program matches up people with and without developmental/intellectual

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ALTON - In the late months of 1924 and early months of 1925, the Joy Club threw dances every Wednesday night and Saturday night at The London. The London, formerly College Inn, sat at the corner of Main Street and College Avenue in Upper Alton. There were also special nights of dancing to celebrate holidays, and an ad in the Alton Evening Telegraph on December 30, 1924, invited revelers to the New Year’s Eve dance “from eight ‘till early in the morning.” Admission for gentlemen was 75 cents, but ladies got in free. Christmas Eve 1924 and Valentine’s Day 1925 were also celebrated by the Joy Club at The London, and a “sod-busters ball” mixed things up in March 1925. The dance was “said to be the first farm-yard frolic ever attempted in the city.” The Joy Club promised “something unique in the way of entertainment when the hay slingers and apple knockers meet. Persons attending have been requested to come attired in clothes

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PIASA - Through hard work and dedication, Reagan Beilsmith has earned a long list of accolades. For her accomplishments, Reagan Beilsmith is a Student of the Month for Southwestern High School. A senior at the high school, Beilsmith currently serves as the Spanish Club president and is also a member of National Honor Society and Student Government. These memberships require high grades and many hours of community service. Beilsmith participates in cross country, track and field, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She previously competed on the Scholastic Bowl team. As part of her sports, she has earned multiple leadership and MVP awards over the years. She has been a part of Southwestern’s band program for over seven years, and she has received a lot of recognition for her devotion to the band. She plays the drums and has earned Division 1 and 2 ratings for her solos at band competitions, as well as the “Outstanding Band Student Award” every year since

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ALTON - The spirit of Christmas is alive and well in Madison County thanks to the many bell ringers and donors who have contributed to the Red Kettle Campaign. A special thank you goes out to the anonymous individual(s) who placed gold coins in the kettles, making the holidays brighter for many families in our community. The first gold coin was discovered by Salvation Army volunteer Terry Steward in the Wood River Walmart kettle on Dec. 7. The second coin was found by Terry’s brother, Chuck Steward, on Dec. 20. It had been placed in the kettle at Godfrey Schnucks. Counting the kettles is a family tradition for the two brothers. As children, the brothers grew up as soldiers in The Salvation Army. Their mother, Fran Steward, counted kettles for more than 20 years. Terry has volunteered as a kettle counter for 25 years while Chuck has been counting the kettles for 12 years. "We are truly blessed by these coins, valued at $245 each for a total of $490,” said Salvation Army

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