Steven Spencer, Staff Writer

ALTON - After more than 50 years of business, Merle Norman Cosmetics Salon and Spa recently made the move to 110 W. Third Street in Alton, only a few steps away from where it all started. Amanda Diveley, owner of Merle Norman Cosmetics, said it was her grandmother that started the business so many...

ALTON - The winners of the 2017 Best Christmas Display Contest along Broadway were announced this week. This year's five anonymous judges awarded the first place prize of $250 to Dana Warnecke for her display on the corner of Henry and Broadway featuring her handmade snowmen and fireplace. Warnecke...

ALTON/GLEN CARBON - With cold weather taking control of the Riverbend several warming centers are opening their doors for people to take shelter from the severe temperatures. The United Way's 211helps.org website says "excessive cold indicators are: wind chill is expected to be -15 degrees or less...

EDWARDSVILLE - Patrons will say goodbye to Laurie’s Place, an Edwardsville institution, with a large-scale event Saturday at the business at 228 N. Main St. in Downtown Edwardsville. Bands are set to begin performing at 2 p.m. for a day/evening final party at Laurie's. Owner Laurie Chavez...

EDWARDSVILLE - The Wildey Theatre is closing out the year with a few laughs as stand-up comedians Tammy Pescatelli and Rocky LaPorte take the stage at 8 p.m. on Friday, December 29. General Manager, Al Canal, said this isn't the typical performance that the Wildey sees and it's exciting to bring in...

ALTON - Traffic on Milton Road will have slight detour due to a water main break at the intersection of Milton and South Rodgers causing a portion of both roads to closed. Traffic is being diverted to Edgewood off of Milton Road. Illinois American Water External Affairs Manager, Karen Cotton,...

ALTON - A new RNR (Rent-N-Roll) Tire Express/Custom Wheels store will opening soon off Homer Adams Parkway across from the Alton Schnucks store. Many passing by have likely noticed construction and revitalization of the building going on and questioned what it will be, but the answer is a new...

EDWARDSVILLE - City Council gave special recognition to City Administrator Tim Harr and Director of Public Works Eric Williams during a recent council meeting as Mayor Hal Patton presented each of them with the "Knock it out of Park" A ward. "We have had a fantastic year," Mayor Patton said before...

EDWARDSVILLE - Heading into the new year, the Bike Factory is trying to help the community keep some of their resolutions to become healthier and more environmentally-friendly with the implementation of a new a bike share program. Alec Macdonald, from the Bike Factory, said with multiple docking station...

ALTON - For over 20 years, the Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation has supported Alton Memorial Hospital's mission to improve the health o f the people and community which they serve. Through support, the foundation is able to stay current with ever changing medical technologies, provide discretionary...