Archive Articles and Images November 2024
Advertising is the lifeblood of small businesses, ensuring they can thrive and grow in a competitive market. GraniteCityGossip.com, a local website in publication for 18 years as of this past August, has witnessed countless businesses come and go. One of the most significant errors they’ve observed recently is the reliance on Facebook or social media platforms alone for advertising. While social media can provide a temporary boost, it often isn’t enough to sustain long term success.
Posts on platforms like Facebook can quickly get lost in the shuffle, buried under a mountain of daily updates. This leads to missed opportunities and regrets from potential customers who simply weren’t aware of events, sales, or specials. Traditional advertising mediums, such as hard copy printed newspapers, are no longer as profitable or effective. The costs associated with printing and distributing are high, and the returns are often minimal. Mailers, too, face the challenge of becoming outdated almost as soon as they are sent, often ending up in the trash without being read.
This is where digital advertising steps in as a game-changer. The GraniteCityGossip.com website that serves as a local online newspaper has been offering this service for the entirety of its 18 year history, providing the best value for advertising dollars. Digital advertisements on their website are prominently displayed on the front page, accessible 24/7 to potential customers. These ads can be updated or changed as needed, offering the flexibility that traditional methods lack. One of the most significant benefits of advertising on GraniteCityGossip.com is its established viewership. The website has built a loyal audience from Granite City and surrounding areas that include Pontoon Beach, Mitchell, Madison, Collinsville, Edwardsville, Alton, Wood River, Troy and Highland. Regular visitors know exactly where to find advertisements for local businesses, making it easy to stay informed about hours, locations and specials.
While many miss the days of newspapers landing on their lawns, digital advertising provides numerous advantages. GraniteCityGossip.com, with its long standing history and broad reach, offers businesses a platform that goes beyond the limitations of social media. By leveraging this digital presence, businesses can ensure their messages reach a wider audience and achieve lasting success. To get your customized advertisement placed on the GraniteCityGossip.com website’s front page, contact the website by calling (618) 929-0348 or email us at granitecitygossip@yahoo.com. It’s far more affordable than you may think!
Please visit helpillinoisfamilies.com during your application month to fill out and submit an online Request for Services form. The program will begin taking applications on October 1, 2024, for older adults (age 60 and older), individuals with a disability, families with children 5 years old and under, and households that are disconnected from their utilities/energy vendors, have a disconnect date within 7 days or have less than 25% in their propane tank can start applying for LIHEAP assistance.
All other income eligible households can start applying on November 1, 2024.
After your Request for Services form has been submitted, await an email or phone call from your local agency to review and confirm your eligibility and to determine the amount of your LIHEAP benefit. If you haven’t heard from your county agency regarding your request after 3 weeks, you should make direct contact with them (find your county agency here). If you have a disconnect notice with a disconnect date, and/or if you are already disconnected from your heat-related gas and/or electric, call your county agency directly.
If you need assistance with completing and submitting your Request for Services form, contact the call center at 1-833-711-0374 for live support.
Sen. Erica Harriss Hosts 56th District Mayors’ Roundtable
to Address Community Issues
Erica Harriss – State Senator | 56th District Illinois Senator (senatorericaharriss.com)
As part of her annual Mayors’ Roundtable series, State Senator Erica Harriss brought together more than a dozen mayors from across the 56th District Tuesday.
“Each year, prior to the fall veto session, my office hosts a mayors’ roundtable event that allows mayors from across the district to meet under one roof and engage in collaborative discussions on important issues in their communities,” said Senator Harriss. “It allows me the chance to update our officials on state issues, but also to gather feedback on issues important to them to take back to Springfield.”
Last year, the Mayors’ Roundtable was held in Edwardsville. This year’s event was held at the Roxana Village Hall. “We are proud to partner with Senator Harriss in cohosting this year’s mayors’ roundtable event,” said Roxana Mayor Marty Reynolds. “Bringing community leaders together and hearing about issues that are impacting or benefiting their communities is crucial in moving our towns forward. Having an open dialogue and direct connection to our state leaders is essential.”
Important topics at this year’s roundtable included infrastructure projects, homelessness, immigration, taxes, and strengthening small businesses. Senator Harriss looks forward to collaborating with local mayors on these issues and continuing discussions from the event in the future.
The Nicol Foundation celebrated its tenth-year anniversary making a significant contribution to the city by donating a memorial dedicated to first responders and military veterans. The memorial, a poignant tribute to those who have served and protected, features a stunning bald eagle sculpture at it’s pinnacle. Named Jack, the eagle represents one of the highest-ranking military officers in U.S. history-four star general Andrew Jax, a hometown hero born in Granite City in 1915.
The memorial not only honors the bravery and sacrifice of Granite City’s heroes but also serves as a symbol of the community’s deep respect and gratitude. This lasting tribute by the Nicol Foundation underscores its commitment to recognizing and supporting those who have dedicated their lives to the service of others.
GraniteCityGossip.com 10-28-2024
Chief Judge Steve Stobbs recently announced that the Granite City area docket will soon resume proceedings in the courtroom located within the City Hall of Granite City. This news comes as a welcome boost for the downtown area, where memories of a once busy court docket of years ago resulted in more customers in local establishments. Many years ago, during the Granite City court proceedings, the downtown area cafeterias and restaurants thrived with full dining rooms for a busy lunch crowd Monday through Friday.
With the return of the court docket, business owners hope it brings a similar resurgence in local business activity, as residents and visitors once again frequent the downtown area for court-related matters. The resumption of court proceedings will not only provide a much needed economic boost to local businesses but will also enhance access to justice for residents of Granite City and surrounding communities. The weekly court call will include traffic, misdemeanor, and local ordinance violations, making it easier for people to address their legal issues without having to travel to the Madison courthouse in Edwardsville.
GraniteCityGossip.com 10-24-2024
Is crime on the rise in Granite City? From vandalism and destruction of property, leaving residents or businesses with costly damages and repairs, or car break ins and petty theft, all of these crimes ranging from misdemeanor to a felony depending on the severity of the crime. There are growing concerns from the residents about the impact of the SAFE-T Act on local law enforcement’s ability to manage crime effectively. The Act that became law in 2023, has introduced changes to the criminal justice system, including the elimination of cash bail for most non-violent offenses.
One of the key questions is whether police are still making arrests for local crimes like theft and vandalism, knowing that offenders will be released without bail. This raises another concern about whether the crime rate statistics appear lower because of a lack of actual arrests being made and recorded that could potentially create a misleading and inaccurate picture of the crime situation in the city. Additionally, there is the question of whether the lack of arrests might encourage more offenses, as individuals may feel they can commit crimes without facing immediate consequences.
However, recent data and studies suggest that there is no clear evidence linking bail reform to increased crime rates, although uneasy residents question the accuracy of the statistics and data if arrests aren’t kept in line with previous years, before the Act was signed into law. No arrests on the books, no arrest records give the appearance of lower crime rates.
Constellation is Out and Homefield Energy is In for the
Granite City Municipal Electricity Aggregation Program
Since February 2023, Granite City residents and small businesses participating in the municipal electricity aggregation program have been receiving rates of $0.1210 per kilowatt hours (kWh) from their current supplier, Constellation. In the opinions of some, this was a swing and a miss that hit the residents directly in the pockets resulting in a substantial increase in their electric bills, while others claimed to not feel the impact. However, a new contract with Homefield Energy, a locally based company will soon take effect, offering a significantly lower rate of 8.954 per kWh when compared to the previous negotiated rates from Constellation.
In contrast, although a new contract and lower rates have been negotiated with Homefield Energy, the new rates offered are still slightly higher than Ameren. Ameren’s current winter rates are 8.09 per kWh for up to 800 kWh usage, with each kWh beyond that costing 7.506, beginning October 01, 2024 through May of 2025. By doing the research and considering both the cost per kilowatt hour and the rates for electric delivery, residents and small businesses can make informed decisions that may lead to long term savings. As Granite City transitions to this new electricity supplier, residents and small businesses are encouraged to review their current usage and compare rates to ensure they are getting the best deal.
Remember this change to Homefield Energy is an auto-enrollment. All customers must opt out of the aggregation program in order to stay with Ameren.
As the days grow shorter and the nights longer, we all will soon experience the end of Daylight Saving Time on Sunday, November 3rd. At 2 a.m., clocks will “fall back” one hour, granting an extra hour of sleep but also signaling the start of earlier sunsets and longer evenings. Daylight Saving Time was originally implemented to make better use of daylight during the longer days of summer. The idea was to shift an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening, thereby reducing the need for artificial lighting and saving energy. However, the effectiveness and necessity of (DST) in today’s society are increasingly being questioned.
In today’s society, the necessity of DST is a topic of debate. With advancements in technology and changes in energy consumption patterns, the original benefits of DST may no longer be as significant. Some states and countries have even opted to abolish DST altogether, citing the minimal impact on energy savings and the potential health risks. As we prepare to adjust our clocks, it’s worth considering whether the tradition of Daylight Saving Time still serves its intended purpose or if it’s time to embrace a more consistent approach to timekeeping.
The Granite City Township has had no shortage of voters as area residents line up to vote early. Trying to stay ahead of the game didn’t spare many locals the aggravation of having to wait in line. There was a steady flow of cars into the parking lots, and a not so steady flow of cars exiting. This is an exciting election with much to consider that has certainly had an impact on voter turnout.
There is a much larger area in the township building that could have been used to better accommodate the larger voting crowds, and it’s unclear why that part isn’t being utilized. So, pack a little patience and keep in mind the possible wait time even when taking advantage of the early voting opportunity. Whether voting early, or on November 05, 2024, the most important point of all is that you vote!
Township Building, 2060 Delmar Ave., Office B, Granite City.
October 21-25 – Hours: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
October 26 (Saturday) – Hours: 9:00 AM-Noon
November 2 (Saturday) – Hours: 9:00 AM-5:00 PM
October 27 and November 3 (Sundays) – Hours: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
October 28-31, November 1 and November 4 – Hours: 8:30 AM-7:00 PM
GraniteCityGossip.com 10-24-2024