Granite City First Responders Recognized
GraniteCityGazette.com, October 7, 2026
Mayor Mike Parkinson and city council recognized firefighters Brinson, Hodges, Travis, Roberts, Lemmon, and Langreder along with Police Officer Shellenberg and the Fire and Police Chiefs at the October 6, Council Meeting, for their combined efforts during a medical call. Lifesaving efforts were taken after Mr. Lombardi (pictured in the middle) went into cardiac arrest at a local gym. Again, great job to all involved. Our city is lucky to have such a great group of first responders.
Before Granite City Decides, What the Public Record Shows About Data Centers
GraniteCityGazette.com, October 6, 2026
The debate over data centers in Granite City has become increasingly heated, particularly on social media, where accusations of secret meetings, backroom deals and information being withheld from residents have been repeated frequently.
But there is an important part of the public record that deserves attention.
On February 5, 2026, the Granite City Planning Commission held a …Tap the link to read the full article and to share.
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Manufacturing Day Brings More Than 1,300 Students to SWIC Granite City Campus
GraniteCityGazette.com, October 5, 2026
More than 1,300 high school students from across the region attended Manufacturing Day on Friday, October 2, at Southwestern Illinois College’s Sam Wolf Granite City Campus. The event gave students an opportunity to learn about careers in manufacturing and technical fields while meeting representatives from more than 30 local manufacturers and industry partners.
Students were introduced to career paths involving…tap to read full article, for additional photos of the event and to share.
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Granite City Gears Up for Two‑Day Sizzlin’ on 66 BBQ Celebration at Civic Park
GraniteCityGazette.com, October 5, 2026
Granite City is preparing to welcome families, friends, and visitors to Historic Downtown for a weekend filled with food, music, and hometown pride as Sizzlin’ on 66 arrives on October 9 and 10. The two‑day event will take place at Civic Park and is expected to draw crowds from across the region, bringing energy to the heart of the city.
The celebration is supported by the City of Granite City, Great Rivers and Routes and sanctioned by the St. Louis BBQ Society, adding both credibility and excitement to what has quickly become …Tap to read the full article and for more images.
From the Office of Mayor Mike Parkinson, What a Season!
Released October 1, 2026
As the final notes fade on the 2026 Civic Park Concert Series, we can’t help but look back with full hearts at what an incredible summer of music, friendship, and community we shared.
From June through September, Wednesday nights in Civic Park became something special. Week after week, talented musicians took the stage and gave us shows to remember. The music filled the park, friends gathered, families brought their lawn chairs, and our faithful Wednesday …Tap to read the full statement and to see more images.
Arrest Made in Regional Fire Hydrant Tampering Case; Officials Cite Scrap Metal Theft as Likely Motive
GraniteCityGazette.com, October 1, 2026
The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department announced Thursday that a man has been arrested in connection with the recent wave of damaged fire hydrants across the city. The department stated that the arrest was made with assistance from law enforcement partners in Illinois. No additional details about the suspect have been released as the …Tap the link to read the full article.
Granite City Senior Social Club Welcomes All Area Seniors
to Their Annual Fall Dance
GraniteCityGazette.com, September 30, 2026
The Granite City Senior Social Club brought autumn to life last weekend with their lively Fall Dance & Concert, held Sunday, September 27, at the Granite City Township Hall. The celebration drew seniors from across the region, Granite City, Mitchell, Pontoon Beach, and all surrounding communities, reflecting the Club’s long‑standing commitment…tap to read full article, for additional photos and to share.
For Immediate Release, September 30, 2026
Part One of a Five Part Series
Madison County Enters Final Stretch of $52 Million ARPA Investment
EDWARDSVILLE — With a federal spending deadline approaching, Madison County is moving toward completion of infrastructure and other projects funded through more than $52 million in American Rescue Plan Act resources allocated to benefit taxpayers across the county.
County Board Chairman Chris Slusser said county leaders focused on putting the one-time funding toward long-term needs while saving local taxpayers millions in costs.
“We had an opportunity to make major infrastructure investments and pay for them without asking local taxpayers to take on decades of debt,” Slusser said. “Instead of communities having to issue bonds and pay those costs back over 15, 20 or 30 years, ARPA allowed us to partner with them and put money directly into projects that needed to get done.”
Madison County received its first ARPA payment in May 2021 after Congress approved the federal recovery program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The county’s original federal award totaled $51,078,063 and arrived in two installments.
With interest and other adjustments, the county’s ARPA resources grew to more than $52 million.
The county directed the money into five broad areas: water and sewer infrastructure, stormwater and flood mitigation, public safety, economic recovery and government modernization.
Water and sewer funding supported improvements to systems serving residents throughout the county, including major infrastructure as well as assistance to smaller water systems with limited resources for costly upgrades.
Stormwater and flood mitigation dollars went to municipalities and drainage districts throughout Madison County to address flooding, drainage and other longstanding needs.
Public safety investments include the countywide STARCOM emergency communications system, backup generators, improvements at the Juvenile Detention Center and Madison County Jail, and equipment and vehicles for local fire protection districts.
The county also partnered with local taxing districts and public entities. In all, 57 subrecipients received ARPA funding, allowing the dollars to address needs beyond county government. Continue reading…
Stink Bugs, The Annual Return of Nature’s Rudest Houseguests
GraniteCityGazette.com, September 29, 2026
It’s officially that time of year again, when the temperature drops, the leaves turn, and the stink bugs rise from whatever crypt they’ve been rotting in since spring. And of course, they don’t just exist outside like normal bugs. No. They march straight into your house with the confidence of someone who thinks …Tap this link to read the entire article.
White House Announces $15 Billion Steel Project as
Domestic Production Effort Grows
GraniteCityGazette.com, September 29, 2026
The White House on Monday highlighted a broader national effort to expand domestic manufacturing capacity and reduce reliance on foreign steel, announcing a major new project intended to increase U.S. industrial self‑sufficiency. As part of that initiative, Mesabi Metallics plans to build a roughly $15 billion integrated steel plant in Iowa, described by federal officials as the largest steel facility ever constructed in the United States. Tap the link to read the full article.
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Sept. 25, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Answering the Call: Granite City Telecommunicator Earns ETSB Scholarship
A Granite City telecommunicator will head to Springfield this fall as the first recipient of a Madison County Emergency Telephone System Board scholarship created to invest in the people behind the 911 call.
911 Director Arron Weber recognized Ruby Valenzuela of the Granite City Police Department and presented her with a certificate during the board’s monthly meeting Thursday. The scholarship covers registration and lodging for the annual 911/Illinois Public Safety Telecommunicators Association conference.
“We want to be there to help support those agencies that we can,” Weber said. “This is a great thing.”
ETSB established the scholarship earlier this year to expand training opportunities for telecommunicators who may not otherwise attend conferences because of agency budgets or staffing needs.
Applicants needed at least two years of experience, good standing with their agencies and an essay explaining why they wanted to attend and what they hoped to gain from the experience.
Six telecommunicators submitted essays.
Weber removed applicants’ names and agency references before he, longtime ETSB member George Perica and the board’s training administrator independently reviewed the submissions.
After spending about a week with the essays, the three met to compare their top choices. Each picked essay No. 2.
“We went through every single one of them, one by one,” Weber said.
The unanimous choice belonged to Valenzuela.
Weber said her essay demonstrated a passion for the 911 profession, commitment to her coworkers and a desire to strengthen her skills. Valenzuela focused on emerging technologies, training and mental health awareness among 911 professionals.
“Her focus on taking what she learns and sharing it with others is exactly the type of professional growth we hope to encourage with this scholarship,” Weber said.
Valenzuela will join Madison County 911 representatives at the conference later this year, where Weber said she will have an opportunity to gain knowledge she can bring back to her agency and fellow telecommunicators.
“We can’t wait to see you up in Springfield,” Weber said. “We’re going to have a good time, but we’re going to learn a lot.”
911 Director Arron Weber (right) presents Granite City Telecommunicator Ruby Valenzuela with the inaugural scholarship to attend the statewide 911 Illinois Public Safety Telecommunicators Association conference in October. The conference will cover all expenses for the event.
If Gateway Regional Loses Medicare Certification, Can You Still See Your Doctor?
GraniteCityGazette.com, September 26, 2026
For thousands of local residents who depend on Medicare, the possibility that Gateway Regional Medical Center could lose its Medicare certification raises a much more personal question than what happens to the hospital.
What happens to me, my doctor and the medical care I receive here in Granite City? Tap here to read full article and to share.
From a Horrible Hoard to Hope
GraniteCityGazette.com, September 26, 2026
Several dogs recently rescued from a heartbreaking hoarding situation will have a very special opportunity Wednesday evening when Granite City Animal Care and Control brings them to Civic Park in hopes of finding the loving homes they have never known.
The adoption event will be held in conjunction with the final …Tap to read the full article and to see more images.
Wood River Man Charged in Fatal Granite City Crash
GraniteCityGazette.com, September 23, 2026
Kevin Duane Johnson, 64, of Wood River, has been charged in connection with the September 12 crash in Granite City that claimed the lives of Shanna L. Burns, her 2-year-old daughter Bailey V. Humphreys, and 7-year-old Sebastian Bartlett.
Johnson faces three counts of first-degree murder, three counts of reckless homicide and four counts of aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer. The charges were filed September 14 in Madison County Circuit Court.
To read the full article, tap the link.
Senator Harriss Secures $80,000 for Granite City Street Department
For immediate release, September 22, 2026
State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) announced she has secured $80,000 in state funding for the City of Granite City to purchase a new mud jack machine for the city’s Street Department.
“When I hear from our local leaders about a need in their community, I want to do what I can to help,” said Senator Harriss. “This funding is about putting resources directly into Granite City and giving their crews another tool to keep up with the work residents count on every day.”
Mayor Mike Parkinson said the new equipment will help the city continue addressing street and infrastructure needs throughout Granite City.
“Our Public Works Department covers a lot of ground, and having dependable equipment matters,” said Mayor Parkinson. “This investment gives our crews another resource to help them do their jobs and continue serving our residents. We appreciate Senator Harriss recognizing that need and helping make it happen.”
Public Works Director Rick Daily said the new mud jack will be a useful addition to the department’s equipment.
“Our crews are constantly working throughout the city, and new equipment like this gives us another way to tackle the work in front of us,” said Daily. “We’re looking forward to getting it into service and putting it to use for Granite City.”
Since taking office, Senator Harriss has secured more than $3.5 million in state funding for first responders, infrastructure projects and social service agencies across the Metro East.
Granite City Invited to Step Inside History,
Ralph Building Open House This Wednesday
GraniteCityGazette.com, September 21, 2026
Granite City residents will have a rare chance this week to step inside one of downtown’s most storied landmarks. On Wednesday evening, The District in Granite City will host a public Open House at the historic Ralph Building, offering guided walkthroughs of the newly renovated market‑value apartments now nearing completion. The event runs from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. at 1200 Niedringhaus Avenue.
For decades, the Ralph Building has stood as a centerpiece of downtown’s architectural identity, a structure woven into the city’s commercial history, civic life, and the memories of generations who lived, worked, and gathered along Niedringhaus Avenue. Now, after extensive renovation, …tap to read full article and to share.
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