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ALTON — The public boat launch ramps at Alton Marina have been closed effective July 15, 2025, due to low water levels on Pool 26 of the Upper Mississippi River Basin, marina officials announced on Tuesday. The current river level at Alton Marina is 413 feet above sea level, resulting in approximately four feet of water within the harbor. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ latest forecast, water levels are expected to reach Maximum Drawdown within the next seven days, prompting the closure of the launch ramps to all vessels during this period. Rob Honke, operator and general manager of Alton Marina, said the marina is closely monitoring river conditions and will provide updates as they become available. “Please refer to the USACE forecast data for the most up-to-date information, keeping in mind that conditions may change with rainfall in the upper river basin,” Honke said. Boaters and visitors are encouraged to check Alton Marina’s Facebook

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ST. LOUIS, MO. - It doesn’t matter if you’re a Republican, a Democrat or somewhere in between, you’re sure to enjoy Soulard Art Gallery’s upcoming “Politically Incorrect” show, which opens on Friday, August 8, 2025. St. Louis Mayor Kara Spencer will judge the exhibit at St. Louis’ number one gallery, located at 2028 S. 12th St. “Whether you’re on the left side of the fence, the right side of the fence, or just straddling the middle, we are interested in your artwork and your point of view,” says curator and resident artist, Claudia Ruth Burris. “Make a statement, express a viewpoint, illustrate your side of the story… Whatever your political beliefs, this show is for you.” This show is something different for the Soulard Art Gallery, which exhibits work from artists all over the bi-state region in rotating shows which change every six weeks. “Instead of the typical art subjects featured in our gallery,

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Band continues its summer season with a free concert on Thursday, July 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand in City Park. This week’s performance, titled “A Musical Potpourri,” offers a lively mix of pieces that reflect the range and interests of the band’s musicians. The program features a blend of concert classics and stage favorites, including Holst’s Second Suite in F, the lively Amparito Roca, and Mancini Magic. Broadway medleys from Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music, and Man of La Mancha round out the evening with familiar and beloved melodies. Concessions for the evening will be provided by Glen Ed Pantry, a local nonprofit serving families in Edwardsville, Glen Carbon, and nearby communities. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy a relaxed evening of music in the park. Follow the Edwardsville Municipal Band on Facebook and

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ST. LOUIS, Mo. – As St. Louis continues to recover from the May 16th severe storms and tornadoes, two local organizations, Evolution Festival and the United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL), have partnered to provide further relief for those in urgent need. This year, proceeds from all ticket, concession, merchandise and parking sales at Evolution Festival will directly benefit the UWGSL disaster recovery efforts. The funds will be used to help local families and neighbors rebuild in the wake of the devastating storm. Evolution Festival has pledged a minimum, guaranteed donation of $100,000 to UWGSL for this crucial initiative. “Evolution Festival is about more than just music, it’s about community. Coming together to support our neighbors in need is what truly defines us,” said Steve Schankman, Evolution Festival Founder and Executive Producer. “This partnership shows the power of community in action; every ticket, beverage and t-shirt sold

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ALTON - Senior Services Plus, Inc. will host a community blood drive with the American Red Cross on Monday, July 21st, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2603 North Rodgers Avenue in Alton. Blood donations are needed year-round, especially during emergency blood shortages. Right now, hospital demands continue to outpace donations and organizations like the American Red Cross are reaching out for the community’s assistance and are especially calling on those with Type O to donate. As an incentive, the American Red Cross is gifting donors a Fandango Movie Ticket by email (up to $15 ticket price and fees). For more information or to make an appointment to donate, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter code ‘SPP’. Walk-ins are also welcome, although appointments are encouraged to help manage donor flow.

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MARYVILLE – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) has teamed up with the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office to host an ICASH event this Thursday at the East Alton Municipal Building. Constituents are encouraged to stop by to check if they are owed unclaimed property and receive assistance filing a claim. ICASH Event Details Who: Senator Erica Harriss; Illinois State Treasurer’s Office When: Thursday, July 17, 2025, from 9AM-12PM Where: East Alton Municipal Building, 119 West Main Street, East Alton, IL 62024 ICASH events help residents across Illinois locate and reclaim unclaimed property. Since 2015, more than $2 billion in assets have been returned to Illinoisans. Unclaimed property can include everything from forgotten bank accounts and uncashed checks to insurance payments, stocks, and even the contents of safe deposit boxes.

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ALTON – Simmons Hanly Conroy , a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families, is pleased to announce that the SHC Foundation Golf Tournament had its most successful year ever, raising $40,000 on June 6 to benefit Annie’s Hope and Overnight Warming Locations (OWLs). Each organization received $20,000 from the tournament held at the Spencer T. Olin Golf Course in Alton. Over the last 18 years, the annual event has raised more than $357,000, benefiting area organizations and charities. “We are thrilled that the SHC Foundation Golf Tournament had its biggest fundraising success ever,” said SHC Foundation Director Tamara Jesse. “We want to offer our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported or participated in the event that enhances the amazing work that Annie’s Hope and Overnight Warming Locations do in our community. We also are grateful to the Spencer T. Olin Golf Course for hosting the tournament

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has released the 2025 prevailing wage rates for construction trades for all counties in the State. The updated rates, which took effect Tuesday, July 15, are the result of IDOL’s annual statewide survey conducted under the Illinois Prevailing Wage Act . The Act requires that workers on publicly funded construction and infrastructure projects be paid wages consistent with local standards. This ensures taxpayer dollars stay in the Illinois economy—supporting local workers, promoting quality jobs, and fostering fair competition among contractors. Each June, IDOL determines the prevailing wage rates by reviewing compensation—defined as hourly base pay plus annualized fringe benefits—commonly paid to workers performing similar jobs on public works in each locality. “Illinois continues to invest in its workforce and communities through strong prevailing wage protections,” said Illinois Department

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ALTON - Riverbend Head Start is one of 17 agencies that receives assistance through Community Christmas, and the organization encourages people to support the initiative so their families can enjoy the holiday. Community Christmas is an annual initiative sponsored by United Way. Freer Auto Body in Godfrey will support Community Christmas with a Christmas in July fundraiser on Friday, July 18, 2025. Gene Howell, the president of Riverbend Head Start, emphasized that the fundraiser is a great chance to support the cause and help their families have a merry Christmas. “Community Christmas obviously is about preparing for the holidays. What better time to start than now for our families?” Howell said. “For a lot of our families, the biggest thing is they get the message from the community that, hey, we care about you and your kids. The kids, the message they get is they get something for Christmas that’s not used. It’s brand new, and that’s

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The World Literacy Foundation announced today that Caryn Jones will be a Youth Ambassador for 2025. She will serve as a local advocate, aiming to increase education and community awareness about the importance of reading and writing and lift literacy rates in Missouri City and beyond. Caryn will join a global group of 15- 26-year-olds from 90 countries striving to improve literacy outcomes for disadvantaged children who struggle to read. Caryn, a 17-year-old young woman with an unwavering passion for becoming a WLF ambassador, shares, " I love to read and learn, and I want that door to be open for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances. I believe literacy is one of the most powerful tools for creating change, as it reduces inequality, empowers individuals, and opens up opportunities in every aspect of life. " Caryn is committed to ensuring everyone can access literacy resources. She feels strongly about joining a global initiative recognizing

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ALTON – The Community Hope Center Charity Golf Scramble, presented by Simmons Hanly Conroy, will take place July 18 at The Woodlands Golf Club in Alton. Proceeds from the event will help Community Hope Center provide groceries, warm meals, clothing, household items, and community navigation support to hundreds of families in the region who are facing food insecurity and other crisis situations. “Simmons Hanly Conroy is honored to be a longtime champion for Community Hope Center, and we are very proud to support its incredible work helping to provide area families with hope and basic necessities,” said John Simmons , chairman of Simmons Hanly Conroy, which is a national leader in the legal representation of mesothelioma patients and their families. “We look forward to this year’s Charity Golf Scramble and encourage all our community partners to join us for this great cause.” Registration for the Community Hope Center Charity Golf Scramble

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City Community Unit School District #9 announced its school supply lists for the upcoming 2025-26 school year, which is set to begin on Thursday, August 14. Additional items may be added by individual teachers at the start of the year. It is recommended to purchase additional basic supplies during the “Back to School” sales especially things like pencils, paper, spiral notebooks, pocket folders and crayons. GRANITE CITY HIGH SCHOOL (9th-12th Grade) - ENGLISH | SPANISH COOLIDGE JUNIOR HIGH (7th & 8th Grade) - ENGLISH | SPANISH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Kindergarten-6th Grade) - ENGLISH | SPANISH LAKE EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT SERVICES CENTER - ENGLISH | SPANISH Enrollment and registration remains open for the 2025-26 school year and GCSD9 families can register by using your SKYWARD account on a web browser. For all NEW enrollments, visit the Enrollment/Registration website for required documents prior

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that lane closures on Illinois 3 between Schaefer Road and the McKinley Bridge in Madison County, originally scheduled to begin Monday, July 14, have been postponed to Monday, July 21, weather permitting. Under the updated schedule, one lane will remain open in each direction. However, two lanes will be open between 20th Street and Broadway during the following times to reduce commuter delays: 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. southbound 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. northbound The lane closures are part of a $25.87 million pavement resurfacing project expected to be completed by mid-summer 2026. Drivers are encouraged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s

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GODFREY - Clearwave Fiber aims to support the community in Godfrey and beyond. As an internet fiber company, Clearwave Fiber works hard to provide reliable, fast internet to 5,000 homes and businesses in Godfrey, as well as throughout Illinois, Kansas, Georgia and Florida. But Shelley Hallier, Senior Vice President of Marketing, explained that their reach extends beyond the internet and into the community. “We believe that internet is no longer a luxury. Great internet is really a necessity, and we’re really excited to provide that to Godfrey,” she said. “When we come in and invest in a community like Godfrey and some of the surrounding areas in Southern Illinois, we also invest in the organizations and the youth. The real purpose is to ensure that folks in the community have access to the technology that they need to connect and thrive and pursue their dreams no matter where they live, in a small town or a small city or a big city.” To this

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ALTON – An Alton resident accused of mob action and illegal weapon possession faces multiple felony charges. Randolph L. Smith, 43, of Alton, was charged on July 8, 2025 with a Class 3 felony count of felon in possession of a weapon and a Class 4 felony count of mob action. Smith allegedly acted together “with an unidentified assailant” and struck the victim about the head and body, according to charging documents. Smith also possessed a Beretta 9mm handgun, which was illegal for him to possess given his 2024 felony conviction of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance in Madison County. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office filed a petition to deny Smith’s pretrial release from custody. According to the petition, the victim reported being approached by Smith on the street before Smith and a second assailant knocked the victim to the ground and began kicking him. “Video confirmed these events,” according to

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department has received a donation from the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Club Ice Hockey Team to support its K-9 Unit. The donation, presented at an event recognizing the partnership, was funded through proceeds from the team’s Annual Teddy Bear Toss Game and Silent Jersey Auction. Members of the SIUE Club Ice Hockey Team presented custom teddy bear-themed jerseys to four K-9 handlers and their canine partners: Officer Archer for K-9 Rico, Sergeant Morelli for K-9 Jax, Officer Averbeck for K-9 Odin, and Officer Garland for K-9 Crash. The event highlighted the team’s commitment to both athletic performance and community support. In a statement, the Alton Police Department expressed gratitude for the generosity, noting that “our K-9 handlers and their partners are honored by your support.” The department emphasized that collaborations like this “strengthen the bond between our local organizations and th

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Police Department announced the addition of Kaylee Durham as their newest telecommunicator. Durham joined the department after serving two years with the Pontoon Beach Police Department. The Granite City Police Department welcomed her to the team, highlighting her prior experience in emergency communications.

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced today that 24 more professions are now available for licensure via the Department’s new online licensing system, CORE (Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment). Today’s announcement marks the successful completion of CORE’s Phase 2.3, with the final part of Phase 2 set for completion this summer. The Department will announce when Phase 2 is completed, including which professions are added to CORE. Phase 2 focuses on adding license types to CORE that are currently exclusively available as paper applications and not through IDFPR’s legacy online licensing system , which will eliminate the need of paper applications altogether (which require longer processing times to review all submitted materials). Individuals seeking their first license and whose professions are now available on CORE should utilize IDFPR’s new licensing system to apply for licensure

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ALTON - Two upcoming vigils will honor those lost to drug overdose and suicide. From 4–8 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025, community members are invited to Russell Common Park in Alton for the second annual Drug Overdose Awareness Day Candlelight Vigil. This will be followed by the first annual Suicide Awareness Candlelight Vigil at 4 p.m. on Sept. 13, 2025, at the park. Both events are hosted by Foster’s Light in the Dark, a local nonprofit that aims to spread awareness about recovery. “We’ve been there,” said Christina Foster, who founded the organization. “It’s by the grace of God that any of us made it out of addiction alive and in recovery. We can’t forget where we came from. We help others. Every eight minutes, an addict will die in the United States from a drug overdose, and that is just sad…If they show up to our event, they will know how to get help.” In addition to the candlelight vigil and dove release b

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EDWARDSVILLE - Crews have installed a new bridge deck on Center Grove Road as part of an ongoing replacement project east of Esic Drive in Edwardsville, officials said. The construction, which involves replacing a 35-year-old bridge over the Nickel Plate Trail, is progressing well and remains on schedule for completion before mid-August 2025, before the start of the school year. Edwardsville High School, Metro East Lutheran High School, and multiple businesses are located close to the bridge work, which makes it even more important to be completed by that deadline. Keller Construction crews are working six to seven days a week to advance the project despite weather challenges. The trail beneath the bridge will be intermittently closed for safety but will remain open at times for public use. The section of Center Grove Road east of Esic Drive, just past Edwardsville Township Park, is currently closed to all traffic while work continues. The City of Edwardsville advised drivers to

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