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ALTON - Student disciplinary hearings will begin this week for students who were involved in last month’s altercations at Alton High School. On Aug. 30, Alton High School was put on soft lockdown following multiple student fights on school grounds. School officials implemented virtual learning for a few days and placed restrictions on student attendance at athletic events. When students returned to in-person classes on Sept. 6, they were met with new policies and procedures , including concealed weapons detection systems and an increased law enforcement presence on campus. Today, Sept. 18, the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education will begin disciplinary hearings for students who were involved in the altercations. Several Special Board of Education Meetings are scheduled this week “to conduct closed sessions for the purpose of student discipline hearings,” according to a public notice. Each meeting will begin in open session with

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The hugely popular Edwardsville Art Fair will return to City Park in Edwardsville for three days of festival fun Sept. 22–24. More than 90 artists from around the U.S. will be showcasing their work. This free family-friendly event local performing arts, a children’s art gallery, and children-friendly activities. These are some of the artists who will have displays. Look for additional profiles as the week continues. Artist #1 Name: Kristin McDonough Location: Saint Louis MO Medium: Textiles Artist's Statement: "I craft leather handbags and accessories that seamlessly blend form and function. Utilizing time-honored leather working techniques, and high-quality U.S. hides, each piece is carefully hand-cut and stitched. With a focus on showcasing the natural beauty of leather, I use minimalist designs that highlight the material's unique characteristics." Artist #2 Name: William and Susan Pasetti Location: Cortland IL Medium: Glass Artist's Statement

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is thrilled to announce the fusion of two beloved traditions, Homecoming and Family Weekend, that promises to captivate alumni, families and community members alike. Under the theme "Cougar State of Mind," this year's celebration will take place Wednesday-Sunday, Oct. 11-15. “The traditions surrounding Homecoming at SIUE are continuing to grow,” said Maggie Krumwiede, PharmD, board president of the SIUE Alumni Association. “This year, more than ever, it gives legacy families the opportunity to not only celebrate their students during Family Weekend, but to also engage in spirited Homecoming activities, while reflecting on time spent at SIUE and reconnecting with other fellow alums.” “Homecoming and Family Weekend provides the opportunity for SIUE alumni, parents and families to come together with current students for a weekend packed with more than 20 exciting events,” said Miriam

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ALTON - Office Depot at 303 East Homer Adams Parkway in Alton has announced it will close its doors. A sign on the Office Depot doors said the closing is for the Alton location only. Alton Mayor David Goins said it is "disappointing to hear that Office Depot is closing." "My hope is that space will not sit vacant long and be occupied soon by another retail establishment," he added. The store remains open in Alton with clearance sales on items. Office Depot is closing its Alton store permanently on Nov. 11, 2023.

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ALTON - This weekend, the 17th annual Mississippi Earthtones Festival celebrated the Mississippi River with a day of live music, art and conservation education. Attendees flooded the Alton Amphitheater from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16. They could enjoy eco-friendly craft vendors and art exhibits while learning about the river and ways to help the environment. The many family-friendly activities and interactive art booths attracted a big crowd. “Our goal is to bring locals and tourists alike to Downtown Alton to celebrate life on the Mississippi River and learn about ways that we can all be good stewards of our environment,” explained the festival’s webpage . The Mississippi Earthtones Festival was presented by Alton Main Street , an organization that aims to revitalize downtown Alton, as well as Jacoby Arts Center and the Sierra Club . Local bands rocked the riverfront from 2–10 p.m. Jason “Gordo” Gordon , Mattie

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CHICAGO - The Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA) has awarded the John C. McAndrews Pro Bono Service Award to the Madison County Bar Association (MCBA). John Hanson, MCBA president, accepted the award on behalf of MCBA on Thursday during the ISBA Member Appreciation and Recognition Reception, which was held in Chicago. The McAndrews Award includes a charitable gift given by the ISBA to provide free legal services on behalf of the award recipient. MCBA chose the Land of Lincoln Legal Aid as the recipient of their gift. Land of Lincoln Legal Aid provides pro bono legal assistance with civil issues (including family law, housing, and elder law matters) in Metro-East, southern, and western Illinois. Hanson announced that MCBA would make a matching gift to support the Public Interest Law Initiative, a group advancing equal access to justice by connecting members of the legal community with those in need of legal assistance throughout Illinois. The John C. McAndrews Pro Bono Service

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ALTON - Centerstone, a national leader in behavioral health care, will host a free, virtual Secondary Trauma training on September 27 from 10-11:30 a.m. CT. Objectives of the training include: Develop a deeper understanding of what secondary trauma is and how it affects your professional and personal life Learn various conditions related to secondary trauma Reflect on your own experiences and how to manage your own stress Reflect on your own organizations and how to establish a trauma sensitive culture “Secondary trauma can be very harmful,” said Hannah Chapman, Centerstone Trauma Treatment and Training grant coordinator. “During this time of COVID, social unrest, isolation, uncertainty, and so many other stressors, it’s important to realize that you matter and learn self-care strategies.” The presenter of the training will be Rachel Chruszczyk, prevention specialist with Prevent Child Abuse Illinois. This training has 1.5 hours of continuing

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CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed September 18-24, 2023, Rail Safety Week in Illinois, marking the 10th year of the statewide awareness initiative. In recognition, the Illinois Commerce Commission and Operation Lifesaver, a national rail safety non-profit, will be conducting a week-long safety blitz across the state to share rail safety facts, tips, and resources to keep motorists and pedestrians safe around railroad tracks. “As Governor, there’s nothing more important than keeping Illinoisans safe,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This Rail Safety Week, my administration and the Illinois Commerce Commission are proud to partner with Operation Lifesaver to raise awareness about rail safety throughout the state—from Cook County and Sangamon County to Dupage County and Kane County—so that motorists, pedestrians, and train passengers alike have the information and resources they need to keep themselves and their families safe.” “Track

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WASHINGTON DC - Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with U.S. Representative Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17) today applauded the Air National Guard’s decision in selecting Peoria’s 182 nd Airlift Wing as one of four preferred locations for new C-130J aircraft to replace the aging C-130H models. This announcement ensures the mission of the182 nd Airlift Wing is safeguarded, protecting the jobs of 1,200 Airmen and approximately 370 full-time employees. The consistent exceptional performance of the 182 nd Airlift Wing helped boost its competitiveness and led to its ultimate selection. “C-130s are so essential to the National Guard in carrying out work both at home and abroad,” Duckworth said. “They bring Americans into combat, provide humanitarian relief around the globe and support domestic responses throughout the nation—and have done so reliably for more than 50 years,” Duckwort

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As children head back to school, doctor’s offices are always filled with kids needing check-ups, immunizations, and in some cases, heart screenings. This is particularly the case for athletes, according to Frank Han, MD, pediatric cardiologist with OSF HealthCare. “Every time people go back to school, there is a need for heart screenings to help look for heart problems in children,” Dr. Han says. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) conducted a 10-year review of sudden death during sporting activities. The objective was to characterize the demographics and causes of sudden cardiac death during sports played in Australia. Nearly 20,000 autopsies were conducted between 2006 and 2015. Most deaths were from adults. The findings showed the small number of children who died from heart conditions either were arrhythmogenic or presumed arrhythmogenic, producing or tending to produce cardiac arrhythmia. Or the kids had inherited cardiomyopathies, an acquired or hereditary

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ALTON - Work on the new “Alton Flyway Mural” started this week at 136 Front Street in Alton. The organization Alton Main Street commissioned Robert Fishbone and On the Wall Productions to create a mural recreation of a painting by local artist James K. Schmidt. On Friday morning, Sept. 15, Fishbone was hard at work applying the first prime coat to the wall. “Every mural brings life to its location, each one differently,” Fishbone said at the recent “What’s Up Downtown” information exchange in late August. During the meeting, Fishbone shared his plans for the mural and photos of the nearly 200 murals he has painted in his 50-year career. On the Wall Productions has already devoted a day to cleaning the wall at 136 Front Street. After they complete two prime coats, Fishbone and his daughter will lay out the design and apply two coats of paint to recreate Schmidt’s painting. For more information about the mural, check

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ST. LOUIS - The Great Forest Park Balloon Race included two days of food, music, fireworks and hot air balloons. On Friday, Sept. 15, visitors stopped by Emerson Central Fields in Forest Park for a festival and balloon glow. The pilots inflated the hot air balloons with fire, which made the balloons “glow,” and attendees walked around, chatted with the pilots and checked out the balloons up close. Saturday concluded the event with more live music and activities before the big hot air balloon race. “This free event brings families and friends together for two days of outdoor fun, ‘wow’ moments, new experiences and memories to last a lifetime,” The Great Forest Park Balloon Race organization said. “The Great Forest Park Balloon Race is one of the longest-running hot air balloon races in the country, and one of the few that takes place in a large metropolitan city.” Emerson Central Fields atendees enjoyed food trucks, inflatables, game

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MADISON COUNTY - The Illinois State Police District 8 announced three died in a two-vehicle accident at 3:44 a.m. on Sept. 15, 2023, on Illinois Route 4, just north of Old State Route 4 in Madison County. Chase Bowles, a 21-year-old male from Alton, was one of the victims. Emily K. Norton, a 21-year-old female from Nixa, Mo., and Jayda N. Fulkerson, a 21-year-old female from Marine, also died in the crash in another vehicle. Illinois State Police issued this preliminary report: "The preliminary investigation indicates the following: One unit was traveling southbound on Illinois Route 4 just north of Old State Route 4 in Madison County. Another unit was traveling northbound at the same location. "For unknown reasons, one unit crossed the center line, causing a head-on collision with the other unit. All occupants were pronounced deceased at the scene. No further information is available at this time." All subjects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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RIVERBEND - Sometimes you have a bad day, and other times that bad day can build into a crisis where you feel like you need immediate help. That’s a scary thought, but there are some local leaders in the mental health community who are redefining what it means to be in crisis and what the community response looks like. They take us through what a crisis is, what local resources are available and what happens when you ask for help. “Crisis is a scary word, and I get that. It’s a very scary word,” David Hunter, a counselor with Centerstone, said. “But I look at it as an opportunity. It’s an opportunity for things to get better. It’s hitting that point where, okay, enough is enough. I need help. And there’s no shame in wanting to get out. There’s no shame in advocating for yourself.” Centerstone offers a variety of behavioral health services at their Alton location. Hunter works specifically with their Crisis Response Team

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ALTON - Danny Jones’s art is incredibly personal, and that’s what makes it relatable. Jones, a barista who formerly worked at Maeva’s Coffee, has returned to Milton Schoolhouse as the September Artist of the Month. Their paintings and collages take on different subjects and styles, but each one is colored by Jones’s experiences. Still, there’s an honesty that every viewer can relate to. “Art is this way to get a message across to where people can interpret it in different ways,” Jones said. “Throughout time, different generations can extract different meanings from it, and that’s all very valid even if it’s not the artist’s original intent. I always think it’s important, especially for queer artists, to get out there and be seen.” True to their word, Jones was excited to display their multimedia art at Milton Schoolhouse, though they admit it’s “intimidating” to have so much of themself

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GODFREY - The Great Godfrey Maze is off to an exciting start today, Sept. 15. This year’s theme is “Family Game Night.” In addition to the maze, there are activities for kids of all ages. Festivities will continue every Friday and Saturday through Oct. 28 at Robert E. Glazebrook Park in Godfrey. “It’s all worth it when you see families come out and have fun,” said Chris Logan, Godfrey Parks and Recreation Director. The crowd was picking up as the sun set on Friday night. Several bounce houses and other inflatables were set up near the maze. Younger kids could also enjoy a ride on the cow train in a cart painted to look like a Scrabble tile. A hay wagon ride was set to take off soon, and the Corn Crib was open for anyone who wanted to play in the corn. Concessions will be available for purchase every weekend. Local food trucks are also scheduled to stop by throughout the next month, and Ray’s Soul Touching Tacos was on the scene Friday

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ST. JACOB - Illinois State Police reported that three died in a two-vehicle accident early Friday near St. Jacob. The crash occurred on Illinois Route 4 and U.S. Route 40 around 3:15 a.m. Illinois State Police have been called to investigate a fatal crash on Route 4 at US Route 40. Three people are dead after a head-on collision between two vehicles. Police said a vehicle crossed the center line and struck a car going northbound. Two women in one car died and another passenger in the second car was also pronounced deceased. ISP says the accident is still under investigation and victim identities have not yet been released.

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EDWARDSVILLE - A new fast-casual southwestern restaurant is coming to Edwardsville when Moe’s Southwest Grill hosts its grand opening on Friday, Sept. 22, at 10 a.m., and the first 25 people in line will get free burritos for a year. Moe’s is celebrating their grand opening with a Free Burritos for a Year giveaway, which entitles the first 25 people in line on opening day to one free burrito or bowl per week for 52 consecutive weeks. There will also be a “prize wheel” at the event where visitors can try their luck to win various prizes, according to a press release from Moe’s. “We are thrilled to open our first Moe’s Southwest Grill in the vibrant community of Edwardsville,” Owner and Franchisee Steve Patel said. “We look forward to celebrating with the locals and rolling the best burritos in town!” The menu at Moe’s Southwest Grill includes burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and “ stacks .” They also

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ALTON - Alton Police Department officers responded to a report of gunshots fired in the 1200 block of West 9th Street in Alton at 1:08 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. "Officers immediately responded and determined no one in the area was injured," Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said. "Officers and detectives conducted an extensive search of the area for involved parties. They did not locate any involved parties at that time but many leads were developed. Those leads suggest this was not a random act of violence and the involved parties are known to one another." Chief Ford said nearby West Elementary School was briefly placed on lockdown out of an abundance of caution. "There was never any known threat to the school, staff, or students," he said. "The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call the Alton Police Department at 618-463-3505."

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EDWARDSVILLE - Megan Kalb is a natural leader. As an Edwardsville High School senior, she already has several leadership roles and an impressive work ethic. For those reasons, Megan Kalb is a Gerard Fisher Student of the Month for Edwardsville High School. Clearly, Kalb’s classmates agree that she has what it takes; they’ve elected her to represent them multiple times. For the past four years, she has been a consistent asset to the Student Council. She currently serves as the president of the National Honor Society, and she was recently selected as an officer for the National English Honor Society as well. But though these academic accomplishments are impressive, Kalb might be most proud of her success on her field hockey team. She’s been playing for seven years and received honorable mentions for the St. Louis Suburban Conference in field hockey two years in a row. "I’m now the Varsity Captain as of this year,” she added. As if these activitie

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