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Violent Storm Leaves Trail of Destruction in
Pontoon Beach and Granite City
GraniteCityGossip.com May 16th, 2025
A powerful storm tore through Pontoon Beach and Granite City, Illinois, on the afternoon of Friday, May 16, leaving widespread damage in its wake. The National Weather Service reported that the storm struck just before 3 p.m., bringing intense winds and heavy rain.
One of the most significant impacts was at Prather Elementary School, where the gymnasium roof was ripped off. Wilson Park also suffered extensive damage, with several old trees uprooted and crashing onto park benches, picnic tables, and fences.
Throughout both towns, homes sustained damage from flying debris and fallen trees, with many rooftops crushed under the weight of toppled trunks. The storm also knocked down power lines, plunging much of the area into darkness.
Stoplights were out across Granite City, adding to the chaos. Cleanup efforts began immediately, but officials warned that restoring normalcy could take days. Residents and emergency crews worked tirelessly to clear debris from streets, parks, and neighborhoods. The National Weather Service assured that the region would remain free of severe weather for the rest of the night, allowing recovery efforts to proceed uninterrupted.
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Granite City and Pontoon Beach Residents Receive
Opt-Out Letters for Homefield Energy Switch
GraniteCityGossip.com May, 12, 2025
Residents of Granite City and Pontoon Beach, Illinois, should be on the lookout for an important letter regarding their electricity provider. The cities have renewed their municipal electricity aggregation program with Homefield Energy, offering a new fixed rate for electricity.
The letter, which will be mailed to all eligible residents provides details about the switch from Ameren to Homefield Energy. Residents who wish to remain with Ameren must actively opt out of the program by returning the notice, calling Homefield Energy, or visiting the website referenced in the letter. If no action is taken, the resident will be automatically enrolled in the aggregation program, at the negotiated rate.
Although the new rate aims to provide cost savings and stability amid fluctuating energy prices, there is no guarantee that it will be the lowest available option. Over the past year, Ameren’s rates have proven to be the best value, offering lower prices than the selected aggregate company.
Residents should carefully review the details before making a decision.
For more information, residents can review the details by contacting Homefield Energy directly by calling 1-(833)-200-9834
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
State Senator Erica Harriss (56th–Glen Carbon) is pleased to announce that House Bill 1237, the proposed School Mascot Ban, has failed to advance in the Illinois Senate following Friday’s Senate committee procedural deadline for moving House bills out of committee.
“This is a great win for schools across Illinois that were faced with the uncertainty of having to erase longstanding traditions and absorb yet another unfunded mandate from out-of-touch Chicago politicians,” said Senator Harriss.
House Bill 1237 would have required schools to prohibit the use of names, logos, and mascots referencing Native American tribes or terms such as “Braves,” “Chiefs,” “Chieftains,” “Tribe,” “Indians,” or any similar terminology. The bill also sought to ban imagery depicting Native Americans, including feathered headdresses, tomahawks, and arrowheads.
Under the bill, any school wishing to retain a mascot referencing Native American culture would have been required to obtain written consent from a federally recognized tribe. This consent would have needed to be renewed every five years and could have been revoked at any time. Schools in Collinsville and Granite City, which use the Kahok and Warrior mascots, would have been impacted by the legislation, as neither mascot is affiliated with a federally recognized tribe.
Senator Harriss actively opposed the bill by launching a School Mascot Ban petition and joining local advocacy efforts to defend the right to preserve longstanding community traditions.
“I want to thank everyone who took the time to engage on this issue and signed my petition,” said Senator Harriss. “This was a grassroots effort, and I am proud of the work we’ve done to prevent this legislation from advancing.”
Senator Harriss encourages Illinois residents to remain vigilant, noting that legislation can move quickly in Springfield and that the Majority Party could suspend the rules and bring the bill back for a vote at a later date.
A Nostalgic Escape Always Included Summer
Vacations in Small-Town USA at Lake of the Ozarks
Before sprawling resorts and all-inclusive getaways, summer vacations in small-town America had a simple, wholesome charm. In the 1960s and 1970s, families seeking a break from daily life packed up their station wagons and headed to places like Bagnell Dam at Lake of the Ozarks, where adventure meant fishing from the shoreline, indulging in homemade fudge, and picking up souvenirs that would hold memories for a lifetime.
The journey itself was part of the excitement. Families wound their way along scenic highways, passing quirky roadside attractions and taking well-earned breaks at beloved Stuckey’s stops, where pecan logs and cold sodas were a staple. Once they arrived at the lake, a picnic under the shade of towering trees and a leisurely day of fishing were the main events—no high-priced theme parks required.
Main Street was the heart of the town, bustling with families strolling in and out of mom-and-pop shops and arcades. Children raced to bumper cars, while parents browsed souvenir stands filled with handcrafted Native American moccasins and famous walnut bowls. Dog Patch, with its maze and charming shops, was a must-visit destination for many travelers.
As the sun dipped behind the hills, nightlife took on a family-friendly glow. Lee Mace’s Ozark Opry became the place where laughter, music, and entertainment created lasting memories. Whether it was country tunes or folk melodies filling the air, the atmosphere was one of togetherness and joy.
These vacations weren’t about luxury or grand experiences—they were about family, fun, and the simple pleasures of summer. A dip in the lake, an ice cream cone on a warm evening, or the thrill of finding the perfect souvenir made these trips unforgettable. In the glow of nostalgia, these summer vacations remind us that sometimes, the best moments come from the simplest joys.
Honoring Shari Grim: A Legacy of Dedication in Granite City
GraniteCityGossip.com, April 30, 2025
After nearly two decades of dedicated service, Shari Grim is retiring from her role as City Treasurer of Granite City. Since joining the city’s financial team in 2005, Grim has played a vital role in maintaining fiscal responsibility and ensuring the smooth operation of municipal finances.
Grim began her career as Deputy Treasurer, working closely with former Treasurer Gail Valle. Over the years, her commitment and expertise helped modernize the city’s financial structure, supporting initiatives to transition Granite City toward a full-time finance director.
Her leadership has been instrumental in maintaining financial stability, assisting with bond issues, and overseeing pension funds for the city’s fire and police departments. As she steps away from public service, Grim leaves behind a legacy of integrity, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the community she has served so well.
Granite City extends its deepest gratitude to Shari Grim for her years of service and wishes her the very best in her well-earned retirement.
Granite City Hosts Community Conversation on Recovery
GraniteCityGossip.com, April 22, 2025
On May 28, 2025, The Mill Event Center in Granite City will open its doors for a powerful and candid evening of dialogue on treatment, resources, and recovery. This event promises to inspire hope and shed light on the possibility of recovery for everyone.
The highlight of the evening will be guest speaker Mari Beth, who will courageously share her life story. Beginning at just 12 years old, her journey took a turn into addiction, leading her down a path of difficult decisions and dark experiences. However, her story is one of resilience and redemption, showcasing how even the most unlikely relationships and encounters can pave the way to recovery.
Mari Beth’s history includes numerous interactions with law enforcement, including former Granite City Police officer and current mayor, Mike Parkinson, and Lt. Jeremy Hunter of the Granite City Police Department. These encounters, though difficult at the time, eventually became stepping stones toward her recovery. Mari Beth recalls, “Looking back, with every encounter and every arrest involving Parkinson and Jeremy Hunter, I now realize was a desperate attempt to save my life.”
Her journey to sobriety was neither quick nor easy. Spanning multiple arrests, prison sentences, and a stint in drug court, it took more than two years of dedicated effort to reclaim her life. Today, she gives heartfelt thanks to organizations like Chestnut, Celebrate Recovery, Narcotics Anonymous, and her recovery coach, Jade, for playing crucial roles in her transformation.
A pivotal moment in Mari Beth’s story occurred on July 17, 2013, when she overdosed on heroin. It was the life-saving actions of Parkinson and Hunter that brought her back from the brink, granting her a second chance to be the mother and person she had always hoped to become. While she carries regrets about the lost time during her years of addiction, she now lives with gratitude for the opportunities to rebuild her relationships and embrace life’s blessings.
This community event will feature Mari Beth and other guest speakers who have walked the challenging path of addiction, sharing their raw and personal experiences of struggle and survival. Its goal is to spark conversation and understanding, provide valuable resources, and inspire hope within the community.
Join this evening of engagement and enlightenment on May 28, 2025, at The Mill Event Center, and witness the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Together, Granite City is proving that recovery is not just possible—it’s achievable for everyone.
Revity and the Granite City Park District
Announce “Movie Under the Stars” 2025 Schedule
GraniteCityGossip.com, April 19, 2025
Grab your lawn chairs, your blanket, your cooler and grab the kids too – it’s almost time for “Movie Under the Stars” at Wilson Park. Revity Credit Union and the Granite City Park District have announced the movie schedule for this summer. Come out and enjoy these free movie events at Syke’s Field in Wilson Park. We have saved these dates to our Community Calendar so remember to check often for these and other events.
Spring Breathes New Life Into Wilson Park
GraniteCityGossip.com, April 18, 2025
Images courtesy of the Granite City Park District
Spring has once again worked its magic on Wilson Park in Granite City, Illinois, transforming it into a vibrant haven of beauty and activity. The tulips, in their radiant hues, are in full bloom, blanketing the park with bursts of color that signal the season’s renewal. As the trees shake off their winter barrenness, their branches are now lush with vibrant, green leaves, creating a canopy of life that invites visitors to stroll beneath them.
The park is teeming with energy, with squirrels darting and exploring the grounds, adding to the lively atmosphere. Their playful antics serve as a reminder that spring awakens not just the flora but also the fauna that call the park home.
Wilson Park’s transformation is a celebration of nature’s resilience and a testament to the community’s enjoyment with this cherished local space. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment among the tulips or watching the squirrels’ adventures, the park’s springtime revival is a sight to behold.
Pontoon Beach Announces 2025 Acoustic in the
Park Concert Series!
GraniteCityGossip.com, April 12, 2025
Get ready for a season of great music and community fun! The Village of Pontoon Beach has officially announced the lineup for its 2025 “Acoustic in the Park” concert series. The event kicks off on Thursday, May 22 and will take place once a month through October at Randall D. Dalton Veteran’s Park, located at 5111 Highway 111 in Pontoon Beach.
May 22 – Scott Marlin & Carry Joy
June 19 – Well Hungarians Stripped
July 17 – Scott & Mechelle
August 1 – The Devon Allman Project with special guest Clapton Chronicles (Party at the Beach)
August 2 – LOCASH with special guest Shotgun Creek (Party at the Beach)
August 21 – McCready-Logan Project
September 18 – Rogers & Nienhaus
October 9 – Comparato Trio
Best of all, the concerts are free to the public! Attendees are encouraged to bring coolers, blankets, and lawn chairs to enjoy a relaxed evening of live acoustic performances. In addition to the music, WonderDogs will be on-site offering delicious food for purchase.
This popular event continues to bring together Pontoon Beach residents, as well as music lovers from Granite City and surrounding communities. Don’t miss out on a fantastic opportunity to celebrate local talent and connect with neighbors in a vibrant outdoor setting. And as always, all concerts are listed on our GraniteCityGossip.com Community Calendar.
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We thank you for visiting GraniteCityGossip.com, celebrating over eighteen years of service to our community, August 2006 – May 2025
We will update as we receive new information just as we always have, so remember to send your announcements, fund raisers, birthday wishes to granitecitygossip@yahoo.com so we can include them on our page. Here is to another seventeen years Granite City!
Website last updated May 16, 2025