On March 14th, 2025, a powerful storm swept through the Metro East area, bringing high winds and the threat of tornadoes. While many communities faced significant challenges, Granite City was fortunate to escape major destruction. The city experienced some uprooted trees, damaged fences, and signs, but no severe damage was reported.
As tornado sirens sounded, many residents took shelter, prioritizing safety during the storm. The GraniteCityGossip.com Facebook group became a hub of activity, with residents sharing real-time updates, images, and conversations. This sense of community helped many navigate the dangerous weather, bringing everyone a sense of connection and comradery.
The storm served as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and the strength of community bonds in times of uncertainty. Granite City’s ability to weather the storm with minimal damage is a testament to both its luck and the vigilance of its residents.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Granite City boasts a delightful array of coffee houses that cater to every kind of caffeine enthusiast. Among these, Scooter’s Coffee stands out as a local favorite, thanks to its convenient drive-thru service that adds a dash of efficiency to your coffee run.
Scooter’s Coffee has carved out a niche for itself in the hearts of Granite City residents. The ease of grabbing a delicious cup of coffee without stepping out of your car is a luxury that busy locals deeply appreciate. Whether you’re rushing to work, running errands, or simply craving a quick caffeine fix, Scooter’s Coffee offers a seamless experience that blends quality with convenience.
In addition to Scooter’s, Granite City is home to a variety of other coffee spots, each with its unique charm and offerings. From cozy, independent cafes that serve artisanal brews to popular chains that provide a reliable cup of joe, the coffee scene here is as diverse as it is vibrant.
Next time you find yourself with a caffeine craving, make sure to explore the local coffee houses and see why Scooter’s Coffee has become a go-to for many residents. Whether you’re a dedicated coffee connoisseur or just someone in need of a quick pick-me-up, Granite City’s coffee culture has something to offer for everyone. Located at 1511 Johnson Road, just off of Nameoki Road.
State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is inviting residents across the 56th District to register for her Free Constituent Resource Card as a way to explore more than a dozen Illinois Museums and Parks in the greater Chicagoland area.
“This is one of the many benefits my office can help provide to the residents we serve,” said Senator Harriss. “While Chicago may seem far away to some, this free museum pass is a great way to explore our state’s parks and museums with complimentary admission.”
The pass is provided to Senator Harriss’ office by the Museums in the Park Organization. One group of up to four (4) can reserve the pass at a time.
For those interested in reserving the pass please visit the link. https://senatorericaharriss.com/museum-pass-request/ or by calling 618-307-5789.
The Illinois Museums and Parks for 2025 include:
Adler Planetarium
The Art Institute of Chicago
Brookfield Zoo Chicago
Chicago Botanic Garden
Chicago Children’s Museum
Chicago History Museum
DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center
The Field Museum
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center
Lincoln Park Zoo
Museum of Contemporary Art
National Museum of Mexican Art
National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture
Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
John G. Shedd Aquarium