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City of Granite City Council meetings. You can view the meetings live or watch past meetings.
The Council Meeting for
March 11,2025 is ready for viewing by following the linked image.
Senator Harriss Announces Internship Opportunity for Undergraduate Students
State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is offering an exciting opportunity for undergraduate students to gain hands-on experience in government, and public affairs through a Legislative Internship at her district office in Edwardsville.
“This is a great opportunity for students who are passionate about public service and want to make a difference in their community,” said Senator Harriss. “Interns will play a vital role in engaging with constituents and ensuring everyone’s voices are heard in the 56th District.”
This paid internship will allow students to connect directly with constituents through various forms of community outreach. Interns will develop valuable communication and problem-solving skills while gaining insight into the legislative process.
Students may also apply for academic credit based on their university’s guidelines. Those interested in applying or seeking more information should contact Haden Jones, District Operations Specialist, at hjones@sgop.ilga.gov or call 217-782-5247.
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A Blood Moon Total Eclipse is Happening Soon
A Blood Moon total lunar eclipse is happening soon, on the night of March 13-14, 2025. During this time, the Moon will have a red appearance because Earth’s shadow will block most of the sunlight, leaving only red light to shine on it.
The whole event lasts about six hours, but the most amazing part—called totality—will last for 65 minutes. This is when the Moon is fully covered by Earth’s shadow and this event gives the appearance of a brilliant red color.
The eclipse starts at 11:57 PM EDT and ends at 6:00 AM EDT. It’s totally safe to watch, and if you use binoculars or a telescope, you’ll see it even better. This is the first eclipse like this in a few years, so don’t miss it! Find a good spot, hope for clear skies, and enjoy this delightful show in the sky.
A Hometown Career Opportunity at the City of Granite City
Hot off the presses or in this case, Facebook, the City Clerk’s Office of Granite City just announced an employment opportunity working in the Building and Zoning Department of city hall.
The entry level position offers competitive pay with great benefits
11 paid holidays
Sick Leave – accrued at a rate of 8 hours per month
Vacation – 2 weeks after 1 year
Personal Days – 5 days after 1 year
Clothing Allowance – annually
Education Incentive
Qualifications
Requires high school diploma or its equivalent
Requires working knowledge of modern office practices, procedures and equipment.
Requires skill in word processing and accurate data entry
Requires ability to follow oral and written directions
Requires ability to maintain moderately complex clerical records and to prepare reports from such records and to check for accuracy.
Requires ability to use coding and filing systems
Requires ability to apply interpersonal skills with other employees and the public.
Requires City of Granite City residency
You can pick up an application from city hall or download the application and fill it out online and email it or deliver it to city hall. Tap the link for the downloadable application. APPLICATION HERE
Senator Erica Harriss Introduces Key Legislation to Provide Property Tax Relief for Homeowners and Seniors
State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is taking action to address one of the most pressing concerns for Illinois families. Standing alongside her colleagues at the Capitol, Senator Harriss emphasized the urgent need for property tax relief and introduced legislation aimed at easing the financial burden on homeowners and seniors.
“If you ask my constituents what’s on their minds, the answer is almost always the same—property taxes,” said Senator Harriss. “Families across Illinois are feeling the weight of rising costs, and it’s important that we provide meaningful solutions to help keep people in their homes.”
As an advocate for lower taxes, Senator Harriss has filed legislation to bring tax relief to Illinois families.
Senate Bill 2086: this bill raises the income eligibility for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption to $75,000 and ties future increases to inflation.
Senate Bill 2093: This legislation seeks to make the Illinois Property Tax Credit refundable. Currently, homeowners can reduce their state income tax by 5% of the property taxes paid on their primary residence, but any excess credit is lost if it exceeds the tax owed. Under SB 2093, taxpayers would receive a refund for any excess credit, providing financial relief—especially for those with lower incomes.
Senate Bill 2095: would increase the general homestead exemption to $10,000 for tax year 2025 in all counties. Starting in 2026 and beyond, the exemption will automatically adjust each year based on inflation, increasing by the lesser of 5% or the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increase. This ensures homeowners receive ongoing property tax relief that keeps pace with rising costs.
Senator Harriss emphasized that these policies would put money back into the pockets of hardworking Illinois families, creating a positive ripple effect across communities.
“Illinois families deserve better, and my colleagues and I are proud to stand here today offering real solutions,” she said.
SB 2086 & SB 2095 have been assigned to the Senate Revenue Committee, where Senator Harriss hopes to present them soon.
Community Clean-Up Initiative in Madison County, IL
Madison County Board Chairman
Pride Clean-Up Trailer
Madison County, IL, is making significant strides in environmental conservation through its Clean Community Program. Under the leadership of County Chairman Chris Slusser, this initiative aims to involve residents in community clean-up efforts, sparking a sense of pride in shared public spaces. Launched in 2020, the Clean Community Program encourages individuals and groups to participate in removing trash and debris from various areas within the county.
Building on the success of these efforts, Madison County has introduced the Clean Communities Litter Grant, offering $25,000 in funding to support municipalities, townships, park districts, and other partners in their endeavors to combat litter. Chris Slusser, who has a long history of community involvement, is passionate about this program’s potential to make a positive impact. The grant provides up to $2,500 in matching funds for eligible applicants, promoting environmental responsibility and encouraging residents to take pride in their surroundings.
The program is overseen by the Building and Zoning Department, with a focus on fostering a county-wide team of action-oriented individuals dedicated to the health and well-being of their communities. This initiative has already shown promising results, with more residents joining the cause and actively participating in clean-up activities. For more information on the Clean Community Program and details on how to apply for the grant, residents can visit the Madison County website.
The Nostalgia of Kmart: Family Fun in a Bygone Era
In a time before the hustle and bustle of modern life, Kmart was more than just a department store. For many families, it was a cornerstone of their weekly routines, a place where shopping trips became cherished family outings filled with excitement and bonding.
One of the most iconic aspects of Kmart was the legendary “Blue Light Special.” Families would eagerly chase the blue light cart, with anticipation as they waited for the announcement over the P.A. system. The thrill of the hunt, the promise of unbeatable bargains, and the spontaneity of the sales turned a simple shopping trip into an adventurous treasure hunt.
But it wasn’t just about shopping. The K Cafe was a beloved pit stop, where families could take a break and enjoy a meal together. Whether it was a quick lunch or a leisurely dinner, the K Cafe provided a cozy space to relax and refuel. And no visit to Kmart was complete without a stop by the mini deli, where the famous submarine sandwiches were a must-have. Pairing it with a frozen Coke to go was the perfect way to cap off the outing.
These moments of leisurely shopping, with no pressing schedules or time demands, are fondly remembered by those who experienced them. The simple joy of spending time together, finding deals, and indulging in tasty treats is something that feels increasingly rare in our fast-paced, digitally driven world.
Gone are the days when a trip to Kmart was an event in itself, a blend of excitement, relaxation, and togetherness. While the stores may be missing from our streets, the memories live on in the hearts of those who grew up with them, reminding us of a time when shopping was about more than just the items we brought home. It was about the experiences we shared and the joy we found in the little things.
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We thank you for visiting GraniteCityGossip.com, celebrating over seventeen years of service to our community, August 2006 – March 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 March 11, 2025