Hamel
GOVERNMENT
County Board rejects Bethalto man's concert permit request
The Madison County Board’s July meeting didn’t have many heated discussions. Much of the time was spent sifting through nine appointments made by chair Kurt Prenzler to boards and commissions. Members approved five and turned-down four. They also voted against the county issuing a special use permit for...
When a Monster Tornado Destroyed 4 Illinois Towns, Took 60 Lives
March 19, 1948 should have been like any typical morning in these Illinois communities. An incoming storm system had other plans. By the time most would wake that morning, a monster tornado had nearly wiped away 4 Illinois towns completely and took 60 lives. That terrible March morning in 1948...
Madison County Fair starts Tuesday
The Madison County Fair starts Tuesday in Highland at the Madison County Fairgrounds. There will be nearly a week’s worth of activities, and a full slate of motorized events in the arena, which doubles as the race track the rest of the year. 4-H activities will dominate Senior Day...
I-270 Bridge Deck Repairs Work Near Granite City Begin July 26
GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that deck sealing on the bridges carrying Interstate 270 over the Chain of Rocks Canal just west of the I-270/Illinois 3 interchange in Madison County will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, July 26, 2024. One lane will remain open in each direction. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, July 29.
Troy Fire District Board Appointments Shot Down
Appointments of two men to serve on the board of trustees for the Troy Fire Protection District which were brought forward by Madison County Board Chairman Kurt Prenzler, first considered in May then postponed until this month, have failed to move forward due to a lack of a majority vote of support.
Marine Increases Water Rates Aug. 1
MARINE — The Marine Village Board held a lengthy discussion about how best to adjust water rates after Bond Madison announced it is increasing its rates to municipalities by $0.55 per 1,000 gallons starting Aug. 1. The Village bypassed increasing rates on June 1 as allowed by ordinance knowing...
Illinois Officials Question Alton Mine Collapse and Future Safety Plans
The collapse of a mine on June 26, 2024, in Gordon Moore Park, Alton, Illinois, has alarmed local officials and residents. The falling apart resulted in a large sinkhole in the park’s soccer fields. With dimensions nearly 200 feet wide and 50 feet deep, the hole kept growing after several rains disrupted sports events and camps scheduled for the summer.
Madison County Circuit Clerk’s Office gets 100% rating for its passport services
The U.S. Department of State recently recognized the Madison County Clerk’s Office for meeting its annual inspection requirements for managing passport applications. “Our Passport Services division received a special certificate of achievement proclaiming a 100 percent rating with zero penalties or deductions on the inspections, Circuit Clerk Tom McRae said.
Global IT Outage Causes Tech Disruptions in Madison Count
The latest worldwide technology disruptions have led to broad chaos, affecting airlines, banks, companies and emergency services. In the local area, problems arising from this shutdown were reported by Madison County, Glen Carbon and BJC Health. The Reaction from Madison County. “We faced some problems with our computers shutting down...
Roe Watts memorialized by dove release, community
A moving scene took over the Alton Amphitheater Saturday afternoon as the community gathered to remember Roadecker “Roe” Watts, who was affectionately known as the “event planner” for his knack of remembering birthdays and special dates, among the many attributes of his warm, kind legacy. Watts was also known for his sharp style and lending it to patrons of JC Penneys for the last 20 years.
Bethalto Superintendent Addresses Staff Changes, Trust in District
BETHALTO - Following recent resignations and the induction of two new Board of Education members, Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 Superintendent Dr. Jill Griffin sent a letter to the community on July 19, 2024. In her letter, Griffin addressed these resignations. She noted that she legally cannot comment on...
New USDA Rural Development State Director from Bunker Hill
The new State Director for USDA Rural Development is on the job. Pam Monetti is from Bunker Hill in Macoupin County. She was in Carterville late last week visiting, Food Works, which received a $168,000 grant to help purchase a food truck to serve as a mobile farmers’ market.
7th Annual Cardboard Boat Race This Weekend At Meridian Village
GLEN CARBON - The annual cardboard boat race at Meridian Village in Glen Carbon is sailing into its seventh year this weekend on Friday, July 26, 2024. The race will be held in the indoor pool at Meridian Village, a Lutheran Senior Services Life Plan Community in Glen Carbon, with doors opening at 1:30 p.m. and races starting at 2 p.m.
Unit Two Board Personnel Action
At its recent meeting, the Bond County Community Unit 2 Board of Education took action on several personnel items. Six resignations were accepted. They were from Miranda Smith as high school math teacher, James Bryant as Pocahontas physical education teacher, Melissa Peck as a Pre-K paraprofessional at Mulberry Grove, Ruth Hanebrink as high school cross country and girls track coach, Cody Heckman as assistant high school boys soccer coach, and Amber Pruitt as Greenville Junior High yearbook sponsor.
Meet New Bethalto School Board Member Dana Aronin
BETHALTO - There are two new members of the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 Board of Education, and new member Dana Aronin looks forward to using her expertise to contribute to the Board. Sign in to hide this notification. Get The Latest News!. Don't miss our top stories and...
St. Jacob Village Board Hears Request for Sidewalk Extension
ST. JACOB — The St. Jacob Village Board met on July 17 for a meeting with much discussion. The issue from the July 3 meeting brought up during public comment by Scott Rose regarding his fence being too tall according to a new 2020 ordinance was put on the agenda, but Rose was unable to attend. Village attorney James Craney said to rewrite the ordinance to be clearer instead of having residents ask for variances and spending money on public hearings before the zoning board.
Renovations for CUSD 10 facilities to take place beginning this summer
COLLINSVILLE — During the regular Board of Education meeting for the Collinsville Community Unit School District 10, Board members approved all items on the agenda including renovations, contract agreements. On July 15, CUSD 10 held their monthly district school board meeting where staff advocated for the approval of several...
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