Steven Spencer, Staff Writer

EDWARDSVILLE - Kelan Masinelli celebrated his 10th birthday nearly a year ago in July but this Saturday he revealed his gift the community, the wheelchair accessible swing at the Boundless Park in Edwardsville, Kelan’s Swing. Kelan received a Make a Wish grant which the family decided...

EDWARDSVILLE - The Farm to School Gardening Club started their gardens at Lincoln Middle School as they hauled in dirt and planted their seeds Thursday afternoon to learn the process of farming. Students not only got their hands' dirty planting but got a chance to work with their minds as they...

EDWARDSVILLE - Whitley’s Wishes will be celebrating what would have been Whitley’s 16th birthday at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 14, at the Edwardsville Moose Lodge during Whitley’s Sweet 16 Gala. The evening will be filled with live music, food, a silent auction, raffles and door prize...

ROXANA - Roxana senior Haley Milazzo signed her letter of intent to play tennis at Quincy University Thursday afternoon. Milazzo said she’s excited to be able to continue playing tennis while studying nursing. Milazzo said her family and coaches really helped her in the decision making...

ALTON - Redbirds senior Angelo Reeden signed his letter of intent to play football with DuPage Valley Community College Wednesday at Alton High School. The offensive lineman said he’s looking forward to developing himself athletically and academically during his time at DuPage Valley. “They...

EDWARDSVILLE - Mayor Hal Patton, of Edwardsville, announced his petition to start a new party, Downstate United, Tuesday afternoon in order to get his name back on the ballot for the 56th District Senate seat in November. Patton addressed a crowd of supporters in front of the Amazon distribution...

EDWARDSVILLE - Local author Jennifer Ward held a book signing and meet and greet at Afterwords Books Saturday afternoon. Ward has been the recipient of numerous awards including the New Your Public Library’s Best Informational Book of the Year, the International Literacy Association/ Children’s...

BETHALTO - The Sew Sisters of First Baptist Church of Bethalto hosted their biannual Quilt Show and raffle Saturday to help raise funds for the Community Hope Center. Members of the Sew Sisters said the group came together in 2006 and has done the quilt show over the years to raise money fo...

GLEN CARBON - The Glen Oaks Equestrian Center hosted Barnyard Day Thursday morning for local grade school students in Edwardsville School District Seven. Beverly Dew, owner of Glen Oaks, said the annual event is always a fun day for the visiting students. “Student Future Farmers of America...

EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Parks Department will be purchasing synthetic turf for the future Schwarz Street Dog Park after approval from the City Council during the latest council meeting. “The only current off-leash area for dogs is located in Joe Glik Park and many residents have expressed...