There is a New Area Code in Southern Illinois
If you sign up for telephone service in southern Illinois, don’t be surprised if your new phone number doesn’t begin with the traditional 618 area code.
Starting July 7, a new 730 area code became part of the region’s identity. The Illinois Commerce Commission approved the implementation of the new 730 area code to overlay the existing 618 area code region in December.
The ICC states that the new telephone customers should know about the new area code’s implementation. the overlay does not affect prices of calls, coverage area or other rates and services. Customers receiving the 730 area code will be required to dial 10 digits including the area code and phone number; 911 and 988, along with 211, 311, 411, 511, 611, 711 or 811 can still be dialed by customers if those are currently available in their community.
The 618 area code serves all or part of 37 counties.
Courtesy “Talk Around Town” Madison County Newsletter
Granite City Township Takes a Day Trip to the St. Louis Aquarium
Area residents of Granite City Township gathered for a day at the St. Louis Aquarium. With transportation provided, local residents aged 55 and up who signed up for the trip, got to spend the afternoon at the aquarium with their friends for some underwater adventures.
Fun was not in short supply when the visitors gathered around the sting ray tank getting to pet the underwater creatures. If you’re interested in being part of the township’s next adventure, make sure to check the Community Calendar on the GraniteCityGossip.com website to get your name on the list.
The Surprise Squad from News Channel 4, Honors Jim Koelker, Employee of the Granite City High School
KMOV4 and the Surprise Squad along with an auditorium full of students and faculty surprised Jim Koelker (custodian) for the Granite City High School with an “Unsung Hero” award. School staff employees praised Jim about his never ending efforts and enthusiasm when interacting with students every day. With daily fist bumps and a smile, Jim reaches out to every student possible making sure everyone knows they are appreciated and special.
Social Studies teacher Linda Aimes said, “He is just an amazing custodian and person, and that’s the most important thing”. With words of praise like “He’s a legend” and a person who will do anything for anybody from the Director of Bands, Wyatt Roberds, all were in agreement that the world could use more Jim Koelkers and we at GraniteCityGossip.com could not agree more. Congratulations Jim! View video here…
111 Salvage Yard Burns into the Late Night Hours
Area residents were a buzz after a large plume of black smoke could be seen for miles around in Pontoon Beach, Granite City and Madison and Collinsville areas. Mutual aid from several fire departments were called in to help battle the massive fire.
Special air conditioning units were requested for the scene to bring much needed relief for the fire fighters who were fighting the fire in these dangerously high temperatures. No injuries have been reported at this time.
GCHS Marching Warrior Anna Forbes Represents Granite City
“Congratulations to GCHS Marching Warrior, Anna Forbes for representing Illinois at the American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls Nation in Washington, D.C. on July 22-29. Forbes is one of 94 high school seniors selected to attend American Legion Auxiliary (ALA) Girls Nation July 22-29 in Washington, D.C. The weeklong program, founded in 1947, has provided exceptional civic education to thousands of students, teaching them about how the federal government works.”
Article and photos from the Granite City Marching Warriors Facebook
Summer Wraps Up with Largest Supermoon of 2023, a “Blue Moon” to Add
As summer wraps up, the end of August will set the night sky with the largest supermoon for 2023. Not only is this lunar event the closest moon to Earth this year she also takes the name as a Blue Moon, which occurs only every two to three years. Hence the phrase “once in a blue moon.” This month’s supermoon will reach peak illumination on Aug. 30 at 9:35 p.m. EST, according to NASA.
There are two definitions of blue moons. The more common definition is when two full moons, such as this month’s blue moon, occur in the same month. The second definition of a blue moon relates to having an extra full moon during a season. When a season has four full moons, the third full moon is also called a blue moon or a seasonal blue moon.
That said, the next monthly blue moon after the August 2023 full moon is not until May 31, 2026, EarthSky reported. In addition, the next time a supermoon will be as close to Earth as the moon, this month won’t be until Nov. 5, 2025, meaning that this month’s lunar event will be the biggest, brightest, and closest moon to Earth, not only this year but will hold the title for two years until 2025.
The moon orbits around the Earth every 29.5 days, and in August, the second full moon will be the largest supermoon for 2023 since it will be the closest to Earth at 357,344 km, to be exact, EarthSky stated.