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COLLINSVILLE — The U.S. District Court and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois will participate in a naturalization ceremony on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, to welcome 61 new citizens from 27 countries. The event is set to begin at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville. Candidates will take the Oath of Allegiance as part of the naturalization process. U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft highlighted the significance of the ceremony in the context of the upcoming Independence Day holiday. “As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s independence on Friday, we’re reminded of our country’s long-standing tradition of accepting immigrants from all over the world through the naturalization process,” Weinhoeft said. “It’s with great enthusiasm that we acknowledge the efforts by our friends and neighbors who have prioritized entering the U.S. legally. Together, we are bound by our shared

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ALTON - Members of the Rotary Club of Alton Godfrey and their guests met Monday, June 30, 2025, at Julia’s Banquet Center for the club’s annual banquet. Sam Stemm served as the master of ceremonies and installed the club’s 2025-26 officers and newly elected board of directors. John Rain announced two additions to the list of Paul Harris Fellows. Donna Bemis became the first in the club’s history to serve as president for two consecutive terms. During her address, she thanked members of the club for the works accomplished during the 2024-2025 Rotary year giving special mention to chairs of the club’s various committees including Ron Mayhew who chairs the Literacy Program, Students of the Month, Student of the Year Scholarship, sponsorship of Interact clubs at Alton High and Marquette Catholic High Schools, and the William E. Moyer Arts and Science Scholarship. Bemis also thanked Bill Hoagland for managing meeting programs, and other committe

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias will announce nearly $20 million in grant funding to libraries across the state that will ensure access to quality resources and programming for all Illinois residents. 639 public libraries statewide will receive nearly $18 million in per-capita grants, 88 will receive over $1 million in technology grants and 12 will receive nearly $1 million in construction grants. News of the grants comes amid federal cuts to library budgets nationwide. In March, the Trump administration signed an executive order to eliminate and defund the Institute of Museum and Library Services, which issues $180 million annually to public libraries nationwide. Illinois receives nearly $6 million annually – the sixth highest amount of any state. Giannoulias will be joined by: Prairie Trails Public Library District (Burbank) Officials and Local Officials Rene Leyva, Director of Fossil Ridge Public Library (Braidwood)

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What does it truly mean for a nation to declare its independence? Beyond the fireworks, parades, and celebrations, Independence Day marks a profound transformation—a collective assertion of identity, values, and self-determination. This day is not merely a holiday; it is a milestone that encapsulates the struggles, aspirations, and triumphs of a people striving to govern themselves. The Origins of Independence Day: A Defining Moment in History Independence Day commemorates the formal declaration of a nation’s sovereignty, often following prolonged conflict or negotiation. While many countries celebrate their own Independence Days, the concept originates from pivotal moments in history when colonies or territories broke free from imperial rule or oppressive governance. Take the United States, for example, where Independence Day is observed on July 4th. This date marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, when the thirteen American colonies proclaimed

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July 1 has long been a date marked by transformative moments across the globe. 1867: Canada Becomes a Nation Arguably the most impactful event associated with July 1 is the birth of Canada as a self-governing dominion within the British Empire. The British North America Act, now called the Constitution Act, came into effect on July 1, 1867, uniting the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia into the Dominion of Canada. This day is celebrated annually as Canada Day, marking the beginning of Canadian sovereignty and the foundation for its parliamentary democracy. The confederation was not just a political merger but a step towards nation-building, setting the stage for Canada’s expansion westward and its evolution into a multicultural society. The event also demonstrated a peaceful approach to unification, distinguishing Canada’s path from other countries’ often tumultuous formations. 1963: The United States and Canada Establish the Peace

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EDWARDSVILLE - The EHS Tiger Talk Podcast Network will receive a $1,320 grant from the Illinois Farm Bureau and the Illinois Press Foundation. The award is part of the Illinois High School Journalism Grants Program offered by the Illinois Press Foundation and financially sponsored for a third consecutive year by Illinois Farm Bureau. EHS was one of 19 recipients across the state and will use the grant money to purchase two microphones, mic stand, digital voice recorder, stream deck, capture card, webcam, green screen backdrop, and Ring light kit. The EHS Tiger Talk Podcast Network concluded a successful first season during the 2022-23 school year in which students produced two weekly podcasts, including The Jungle, the official EHS sports podcast, and Tiger Spotlight, a podcast that highlights the Tiger community. The two podcasts produced a total of 54 episodes with 1,409 plays. “With this grant, we look forward to expanding this initiative as we move into

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ALTON — On Monday, June 30, 2025, Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine’s office filed the following charges against Shaquille R. Kirkendoll relating to this investigation. • Count I: Possession of Firearm by a Repeat Offender (Class X) • Count II: Felon in Possession of a Weapon (Class 2) • Count III: Felon in Possession of a Weapon (Class 2) An arrest warrant was issued and Kirkendoll was ordered to be held at the Madison County Jail. Kirkendoll was charged Monday with multiple weapons offenses following his arrest in connection with a vehicle burglary and subsequent police pursuit in Alton last week, Madison County State’s Attorney Haine announced. The investigation began in the early hours of Thursday, June 26, when Alton Police Department officers responded to a report of a vehicle burglary at the Hampton Inn, 1904 Homer Adams Parkway. Officers observed a male matching the suspect’s description fleeing on foot toward the Kohl’s

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GODFREY – The Godfrey Village Board is set to consider a pair of new sales taxes following one village official’s plan to raise the village’s sales tax on goods and services rather than replacing the state’s expiring 1% grocery tax. Tuesday’s agenda for the Godfrey Village Board of Trustees calls for the consideration and approval of an ordinance implementing a non-home rule tax on sales of personal property and sales of service. Exceptions apply to personal property which is “titled and registered” with a state government agency, according to the ordinance. If passed by Oct. 1, 2025, both taxes would be imposed at a rate of 0.75%. The village would then begin collecting this new tax revenue effective Jan. 1, 2026. All proceeds generated by these new taxes “must be used for ‘public infrastructure’ or ‘property tax relief’” under the current language of the ordinance. Village Engineer Rich Beran previously

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - More than 4,000 members of the Daughters of the American Revolution convened this week in the nation’s capital for the 134th Continental Congress, the latest gathering of the longstanding service organization’s annual meeting. The week-long convention consisted of business sessions, committee meetings, and social functions, and was topped off with formal evening ceremonies at which national DAR award recipients were honored. In attendance were Chapter Regent Paula Mattix-Wand, Chapter Registrar Diane Waldo, Chapter Treasurer Kathy Wilson, and Carol Borner, all members of the Ninian Edwards Chapter located in Alton, Ill. At the Opening Night Ceremony, Chuck Leavell received the DAR President General’s Medallion for his musical achievements and advocacy for our nation’s forests. The National Defense Night Ceremony, celebrating our nation’s military personnel and veterans, welcomed Gina Bennett, counterterrorism expert and former CIA Analyst

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BELLEVILLE – Illinois American Water’s Pontiac District Water Treatment Plant and Streator District Water Treatment Plant have received the Partnership for Safe Water (PSW) 25-Year Directors Award for water quality excellence. The awards, which honor the efforts in continuously optimizing water treatment plant and distribution system operation and performance, were recently announced by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). “At Illinois American Water, we are pleased to be recognized in delivering safe, clean, reliable, and affordable drinking water to our customers,” said Rebecca Losli, President, Illinois American Water. “This achievement reflects the efforts of our incredible team, who are dedicated to maintaining high standards and helping to protect the health and safety of customers.” The Pontiac District Water Treatment Plant delivers water to 4,500 customers per day; The Streator District Water Treatment Plant delivers water

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GODFREY — Mike McCormick of Godfrey submitted a photograph capturing five generations of his family, highlighting a rare and intimate family moment. The photo features Lexi Rhein holding Levi James Rhein, along with Jennifer Camerer, Linda McCormick, and Nellie McCormick. The image, taken recently, showcases the continuity of family through five generations, which is a rarity.

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GODFREY - Families and friends are invited to Godfrey’s annual Family Fun Fest and fireworks. From 5–9 p.m. on July 4, 2025, community members can come out to Glazebrook Park to enjoy inflatables, vendors, food trucks, live music and more fun before the fireworks launch at 9:30 p.m. Parks and Recreation Director Chris Logan expressed his excitement to host another fun event for the community. “It’s going to be a great day,” he said. “It’s really fun to see people out in our park and in Godfrey enjoying themselves.” Inflatables, vendors, face-painting and a clown will be available throughout the night. From 5–7:30 p.m., you can sign up for the watermelon-eating contest, set to start at 8:15 p.m. Jim Mager will provide live music starting at 6:30 p.m. Kids who participated in Godfrey’s baseball program will receive a medal during the Baseball Awards at 5:35 p.m. Meanwhile, local baseball coaches will hang out in the

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Township Board of Trustees voted to continue its cooperative agreement with the Edwardsville Arts Center at its June 17, 2025 Board Meeting. Edwardsville Township is a proud supporter of the center and will once again donate $1,500.00 to the Edwardsville Arts Center to help supports its annual art fair. The Edwardsville Arts Center hosts a variety of classes, exhibits and cultural events throughout the year to help inspire inventive minds of all ages. The center is located at 340 Montclaire Ave in Edwardsville. Kids’ Summer Camps are underway now. The center operates under the leadership of Executive Director Beth Browne, who accepted the donation on their behalf. “We want to do our part to inspire the next generation of artists and creatives alike. The Edwardsville Arts Center is a vital component of our community, and we are thrilled to continue this partnership. We also have featured art on display at Township Hall for all to enjoy,”

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BETHALTO/EAST ALTON - In June 2026, over 60 women pilots and their teams will descend on the St. Louis Regional Airport for the 49th annual Air Race Classic. These teams will fly cross-country routes over a four-day period starting on June 23, 2026. As the starting airport and the host, the St. Louis Regional Airport will welcome participants and officials for pre-race preparations and the takeoff event. “We couldn't pass up the opportunity,” said Airport Director Danny Adams. “We really want to have the community come out and kind of see aviation and see all these cool pilots that are flying the race and the planes that will be participating as well and enjoy all the aspects that we enjoy about it, too.” Adams explained that all planes will take off from the St. Louis Regional Airport on June 23, 2026. He predicts one plane will take off every minute for at least an hour. The pilots then have four days to travel 2,300 miles and reach their final destination,

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GODFREY — Community Christmas is holding its Christmas In July Raffle, offering participants a chance to win a variety of prizes while supporting a local cause. Tickets are available for $10 and feature prizes ranging from cash to vacation stays. The raffle includes a $3,500 cash prize donated by Axalta Coatings, a seven-night stay in a two-bedroom, two-bath condo in Fort Morgan, Ala., donated anonymously, and a five-night stay in a three-bedroom cabin in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, donated by Monica, Melvin, and Nick Bristow. Other prizes include a seven-night cabin stay in Balltown, Colorado, donated by Anette Griebel; four Cardinal green seats for the August 11, 2025, Cardinals vs. Rockies game, donated by Jayne and John Simmons; one side of beef, donated by Shane and Tiffany Seller; and $1,000 cash donated by Freer Auto Body. Margaret Freer of Freer Auto Body said she hopes a lot more tickets will be purchased before the July 18 event. "These are great prizes and well worth

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EDWARDSVILLE - Two longtime administrators with Edwardsville School District #7 were recognized for their years of service and retirement during the recent June Board of Education meeting. Curt Schumacher, principal of Goshen Elementary, has served the district for 33 years. Dr. Vince Schlueter, assistant principal at Edwardsville High School, has dedicated 21 years to the district. Both are retiring after distinguished careers in education. The recognition took place at the district’s June board meeting, where Board President Bob Paty and Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton honored Schumacher and Schlueter for their commitment to the district. The district expressed appreciation for the administrators’ decades of leadership and contributions to the educational community.

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COLLINSVILLE – As part of one of its busiest construction seasons ever, the Illinois Department of Transportation is delivering several major projects in the Metro East, fueled by Gov. JB Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program. Eighteen major projects combined represent a total investment of nearly $895 million, improving safety and mobility while sustaining and creating good-paying jobs throughout the region. “Through Rebuild Illinois, we are making good on our promise to restore and transform our state’s infrastructure while promoting economic growth,” said Gov. J.B. Pritzker. “This summer, IDOT will continue to build on years of progress by undertaking construction projects that will create safer roads and bridges and provide jobs across the state. Through these projects, we are demonstrating what government is supposed to do and that’s investing in the people and communities we serve.”

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that $6.3 million in grant funding has been awarded to 36 grantees through three grant programs – the Route 66 Grant Program ($4 million), Tourism Attractions Grant Program ($1.7 million), and Tourism Private Sector Grant Program ($600,000) – as part of the state's continued effort to boost tourism and welcome more visitors to Illinois. "Whether you're coming from down the road or across the globe, Illinois is the perfect destination for travelers," said Governor JB Pritzker . "Through our tourism grant program, the State of Illinois is attracting more visitors than ever and channeling their impact to support economic growth, jobs, and community revitalization." “From Route 66 to world class museums, state parks, festivals, cities, and restaurants, Illinois has some of the greatest tourism attractions on the planet,” said Lt. Governo

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EDWARDSVILLE — Gary and Karen Cain of rural Edwardsville marked their 50th wedding anniversary on June 13, celebrating a milestone that began with their marriage at the Bible Center Church in Charleston, Illinois. The couple wed in 1975, with the ceremony officiated by the late Rev. Todd Taylor of Alton. Over the years, Gary Cain has built a diverse career, retiring as a counselor from Civic Memorial High School in Bethalto. He also served as a principal at Western Military Academy's Lower School in Alton and worked as an FBI special agent in New Orleans, Louisiana. He continues to substitute teach at Civic Memorial High School and participates in the Bethalto Rotary Club. Karen Cain is a retired teacher from the Alton School District. She currently serves as organist and pianist at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Hamel and Edwardsville First Baptist Church. Additionally, she is an active member of the Alton Carillon Guild and performs carillon concerts at the Gordon Moore

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EDWARDSVILLE — Nearly 100 students in grades 5 through 12 participated in the Edwardsville School District #7 Orchestra Camp last week, showcasing their skills on violin, viola, cello, and bass. The camp, held within the district, provided instruction from a team of educators that included Victoria Voumard, Missy Banker, Maggie Patton, Phil Sgambelluri, and Lindsey Wolfford. Voumard has coordinated the successful orchestra camp for students for many years in the Edwardsville School District #7. Voumard said the event aimed to enhance students' musical abilities and foster a deeper appreciation for orchestral instruments. Voumard also described the camp as "a tremendous success, reflecting strong student engagement and commitment to the program." District officials expressed pride in the students' achievements and the collaborative effort of the instructors, highlighting the camp as "a valuable opportunity for young musicians to develop their talents."

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