Archives Articles May 2025
Residents should note that crews are only picking up tree debris, large items such as furniture or perishable foods will not be collected at this time. To assist with disposal, the Leaf Dump at 25th Street & Railroad Tracks is open for storm debris on weekdays from 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM and weekends from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, it will remain closed on Memorial Day.
Additionally, monitored dumpsters for perishable food only are available at the Leaf Dump during operating hours, ensuring that spoiled items are properly disposed of. While the Public Works communication tower sustained damage, temporarily affecting operations, officials urge patience as teams work to restore communications.
This united effort showcases the dedication of local leaders in swiftly addressing the storm’s impact and ensuring that Granite City residents can reclaim their community. As cleanup progresses, residents are encouraged to follow guidelines and remain patient as crews work tirelessly to restore order.
On May 28, 2025, The Mill Event Center in Granite City will open its doors for a powerful and candid evening of dialogue on treatment, resources, and recovery. This event promises to inspire hope and shed light on the possibility of recovery for everyone.
The highlight of the evening will be guest speaker Mari Beth, who will courageously share her life story. Beginning at just 12 years old, her journey took a turn into addiction, leading her down a path of difficult decisions and dark experiences. However, her story is one of resilience and redemption, showcasing how even the most unlikely relationships and encounters can pave the way to recovery.
Mari Beth’s history includes numerous interactions with law enforcement, including former Granite City Police officer and current mayor, Mike Parkinson, and Lt. Jeremy Hunter of the Granite City Police Department. These encounters, though difficult at the time, eventually became stepping stones toward her recovery. Mari Beth recalls, “Looking back, with every encounter and every arrest involving Parkinson and Jeremy Hunter, I now realize was a desperate attempt to save my life.”
Her journey to sobriety was neither quick nor easy. Spanning multiple arrests, prison sentences, and a stint in drug court, it took more than two years of dedicated effort to reclaim her life. Today, she gives heartfelt thanks to organizations like Chestnut, Celebrate Recovery, Narcotics Anonymous, and her recovery coach, Jade, for playing crucial roles in her transformation.
A pivotal moment in Mari Beth’s story occurred on July 17, 2013, when she overdosed on heroin. It was the life-saving actions of Parkinson and Hunter that brought her back from the brink, granting her a second chance to be the mother and person she had always hoped to become. While she carries regrets about the lost time during her years of addiction, she now lives with gratitude for the opportunities to rebuild her relationships and embrace life’s blessings.
This community event will feature Mari Beth and other guest speakers who have walked the challenging path of addiction, sharing their raw and personal experiences of struggle and survival. Its goal is to spark conversation and understanding, provide valuable resources, and inspire hope within the community.
Join this evening of engagement and enlightenment on May 28, 2025, at The Mill Event Center, and witness the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Together, Granite City is proving that recovery is not just possible—it’s achievable for everyone.
Before sprawling resorts and all-inclusive getaways, summer vacations in small-town America had a simple, wholesome charm. In the 1960s and 1970s, families seeking a break from daily life packed up their station wagons and headed to places like Bagnell Dam at Lake of the Ozarks, where adventure meant fishing from the shoreline, indulging in homemade fudge, and picking up souvenirs that would hold memories for a lifetime.
The journey itself was part of the excitement. Families wound their way along scenic highways, passing quirky roadside attractions and taking well-earned breaks at beloved Stuckey’s stops, where pecan logs and cold sodas were a staple. Once they arrived at the lake, a picnic under the shade of towering trees and a leisurely day of fishing were the main events—no high-priced theme parks required.
Main Street was the heart of the town, bustling with families strolling in and out of mom-and-pop shops and arcades. Children raced to bumper cars, while parents browsed souvenir stands filled with handcrafted Native American moccasins and famous walnut bowls. Dog Patch, with its maze and charming shops, was a must-visit destination for many travelers.
As the sun dipped behind the hills, nightlife took on a family-friendly glow. Lee Mace’s Ozark Opry became the place where laughter, music, and entertainment created lasting memories. Whether it was country tunes or folk melodies filling the air, the atmosphere was one of togetherness and joy.
These vacations weren’t about luxury or grand experiences—they were about family, fun, and the simple pleasures of summer. A dip in the lake, an ice cream cone on a warm evening, or the thrill of finding the perfect souvenir made these trips unforgettable. In the glow of nostalgia, these summer vacations remind us that sometimes, the best moments come from the simplest joys.
State Senator Erica Harriss (56th–Glen Carbon) is pleased to announce that House Bill 1237, the proposed School Mascot Ban, has failed to advance in the Illinois Senate following Friday’s Senate committee procedural deadline for moving House bills out of committee.
“This is a great win for schools across Illinois that were faced with the uncertainty of having to erase longstanding traditions and absorb yet another unfunded mandate from out-of-touch Chicago politicians,” said Senator Harriss.
House Bill 1237 would have required schools to prohibit the use of names, logos, and mascots referencing Native American tribes or terms such as “Braves,” “Chiefs,” “Chieftains,” “Tribe,” “Indians,” or any similar terminology. The bill also sought to ban imagery depicting Native Americans, including feathered headdresses, tomahawks, and arrowheads.
Under the bill, any school wishing to retain a mascot referencing Native American culture would have been required to obtain written consent from a federally recognized tribe. This consent would have needed to be renewed every five years and could have been revoked at any time. Schools in Collinsville and Granite City, which use the Kahok and Warrior mascots, would have been impacted by the legislation, as neither mascot is affiliated with a federally recognized tribe.
Senator Harriss actively opposed the bill by launching a School Mascot Ban petition and joining local advocacy efforts to defend the right to preserve longstanding community traditions.
“I want to thank everyone who took the time to engage on this issue and signed my petition,” said Senator Harriss. “This was a grassroots effort, and I am proud of the work we’ve done to prevent this legislation from advancing.”
Senator Harriss encourages Illinois residents to remain vigilant, noting that legislation can move quickly in Springfield and that the Majority Party could suspend the rules and bring the bill back for a vote at a later date.
A powerful storm tore through Pontoon Beach and Granite City, Illinois, on the afternoon of Friday, May 16, leaving widespread damage in its wake. The National Weather Service reported that the storm struck just before 3 p.m., bringing intense winds and heavy rain.
One of the most significant impacts was at Prather Elementary School, where the gymnasium roof was ripped off. Wilson Park also suffered extensive damage, with several old trees uprooted and crashing onto park benches, picnic tables, and fences.
Throughout both towns, homes sustained damage from flying debris and fallen trees, with many rooftops crushed under the weight of toppled trunks. The storm also knocked down power lines, plunging much of the area into darkness.
Stoplights were out across Granite City, adding to the chaos. Cleanup efforts began immediately, but officials warned that restoring normalcy could take days. Residents and emergency crews worked tirelessly to clear debris from streets, parks, and neighborhoods. The National Weather Service assured that the region would remain free of severe weather for the rest of the night, allowing recovery efforts to proceed uninterrupted.
After nearly two decades of dedicated service, Shari Grim is retiring from her role as City Treasurer of Granite City. Since joining the city’s financial team in 2005, Grim has played a vital role in maintaining fiscal responsibility and ensuring the smooth operation of municipal finances.
Grim began her career as Deputy Treasurer, working closely with former Treasurer Gail Valle. Over the years, her commitment and expertise helped modernize the city’s financial structure, supporting initiatives to transition Granite City toward a full-time finance director.
Her leadership has been instrumental in maintaining financial stability, assisting with bond issues, and overseeing pension funds for the city’s fire and police departments. As she steps away from public service, Grim leaves behind a legacy of integrity, professionalism, and unwavering dedication to the community she has served so well.
Granite City extends its deepest gratitude to Shari Grim for her years of service and wishes her the very best in her well-earned retirement.
Spring has once again worked its magic on Wilson Park in Granite City, Illinois, transforming it into a vibrant haven of beauty and activity. The tulips, in their radiant hues, are in full bloom, blanketing the park with bursts of color that signal the season’s renewal. As the trees shake off their winter barrenness, their branches are now lush with vibrant, green leaves, creating a canopy of life that invites visitors to stroll beneath them.
The park is teeming with energy, with squirrels darting and exploring the grounds, adding to the lively atmosphere. Their playful antics serve as a reminder that spring awakens not just the flora but also the fauna that call the park home.
Wilson Park’s transformation is a celebration of nature’s resilience and a testament to the community’s enjoyment with this cherished local space. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet moment among the tulips or watching the squirrels’ adventures, the park’s springtime revival is a sight to behold.
Amazon is strengthening its regional presence with the construction of a new facility in Pontoon Beach, Illinois. Known as Amazon DLI5, this warehouse will play a pivotal role in the company’s storage, packing, and shipping operations. The project, spearheaded by Contegra Construction, features two delivery stations, including one located in Pontoon Beach.
Each station spans 1.16 million square feet and boasts modern amenities such as office spaces, dock positions, and electric vehicle charging stations. These facilities align with Amazon’s commitment to efficiency and sustainability. Part of the Gateway Tradeport development, this facility is one of many contributing to the area’s economic growth.
Gateway Tradeport aims to host over 7.5 million square feet of distribution space, catering to businesses and boosting local employment opportunities. The latest addition, Gateway Tradeport VI, offers advanced features such as LED lighting, dock packages, and ample parking to support logistics operations.
The construction of Amazon’s facility marks a significant milestone for Pontoon Beach, promising new job opportunities and economic revitalization. As the project progresses, the community is set to benefit from Amazon’s investment in infrastructure and innovation.
Senator Erica Harriss Announces Over $17,000 in Library Grants
State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is proud to announce that more than $17,000 in state-funded library grants have been awarded to public school libraries throughout the 56th Senate District. These grants aim to enhance educational and research opportunities for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
“This funding is a direct investment in our students’ academic success and personal growth,” said Senator Harriss. “I’m glad to see this investment in our local schools, giving students access to the tools and technology they need to thrive in and beyond the classroom.”
The annual Library Grant Program, administered by the Illinois Secretary of State’s office, supports the development of school library services by funding resources such as books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology, and educational programs.
The following school districts in the 56th Senate District have been awarded funding:
Alton CUSD 11 – $4,514.39
Collinsville CUSD 10 – $3,145.29
Edwardsville CUSD 7 – $2,360.30
Granite City CUSD 9 – $2,924.04
Madison CUSD 12 – $850.00
Central School District 104 – $850.00
Roxana CUD 1 – $1,360.25
East Alton-Wood River CHSD 14 – $850.00
Wood River-Hartford Elementary SD 15 – $850.00
In an ambitious move to enhance safety and traffic flow, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is set to reconstruct the interchange at I-270 and Highway 111 in Pontoon Beach into a diverging diamond design. The project is slated to begin on May 1, 2025, and will necessitate a five-month closure of the interchange.
The diverging diamond interchange is an innovative solution that shifts traffic to the opposite side of the road for smoother left-turn movements onto the interstate. This design significantly reduces collision points, making it one of the safest interchange models.
During the closure, drivers will need to plan alternate routes as construction progresses. IDOT is committed to keeping travelers informed through regular updates on their website and travel information platforms.
Once completed, the revamped interchange promises improved efficiency and a modern infrastructure to accommodate the growing transportation needs of the region.
Every spring, Southern Illinois transforms into a haven for mushroom enthusiasts as the elusive morel mushrooms make their appearance. These prized fungi, known for their unique honeycomb like texture and rich, earthy flavor, draw hunters to the region’s woodlands in search of culinary treasures.
Morels thrive in specific conditions, often found in areas with alkaline soil and near certain trees like elm, maple, and cottonwood. The hunting season typically spans April through May, making springtime the perfect opportunity to explore the forests of Southern Illinois.
Foraging for morels is as much about the experience as it is about the reward. The thrill of spotting a patch of these mushrooms camouflaged on the forest floor is unmatched. However, seasoned hunters often guard their favorite spots, adding an air of mystery to the hunt.
Whether you’re a seasoned forager or a curious beginner, hunting morels in Southern Illinois offers a chance to connect with nature, enjoy the mild spring weather, and perhaps discover a hidden patch of these delectable fungi. Just remember to tread lightly and respect the environment as you embark on your adventure.
Mayor Mike Parkinson has secured a resounding victory, earning his second term as the mayor of Granite City. The municipal elections, held on April 1, 2025, saw the city council retain all its incumbents, reflecting the community’s trust in its current leadership.
At a standing-room-only watch party hosted at the Disabled American Veterans Club, Mayor Parkinson expressed heartfelt gratitude to his supporters. The event, organized by Mechelle Smith, executive assistant to the mayor, alongside City Clerk Jenna De Yong and the mayor himself, was a celebration of the collective efforts that led to this triumph.
The residents of Granite City made their voices heard through their votes, reaffirming their confidence in Parkinson’s leadership. His first term was marked by significant positive changes, and this victory signals a mandate to continue on the path of progress. Mayor Parkinson’s re-election underscores the community’s commitment to building a brighter future under his guidance.
The passing of Illinois House Bill 1237, which mandates the removal of Native American mascots from schools, has sparked significant concerns for Granite City School District #9. Home to the “Warriors” and the Granite City “Braves,” this district faces a daunting financial challenge as it navigates the implications of this legislation.
The bill requires schools to replace all materials and branding associated with Native American mascots, including sports uniforms, athletic field signage, textbooks, yearbooks, and even interior and exterior building designs. For Granite City School District #9, this means a complete overhaul of equipment and facilities, which could cost millions of dollars. The financial burden is compounded by the need to rebrand and redesign logos, purchase new uniforms, and update facilities, a process that will divert funds from other critical areas.
One of the most concerning aspects of this undertaking is its potential impact on educational resources. Funds that could have been allocated to essential programs, such as computer labs, classroom technology, and specialized learning initiatives, may instead be redirected to cover the costs of compliance with HB 1237. This shift in priorities could hinder the district’s ability to provide students with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive and digital world.
While the bill aims to honor and respect Native American communities, its financial implications for Granite City School District #9 highlight the need for additional support and funding to ensure that schools can comply without compromising their educational mission. As the district grapples with this challenge, the broader conversation about balancing cultural sensitivity with practical realities continues.
Please join us in welcoming BEC Office Products, also known as the Business Equipment Center to GraniteCityGossip.com. BEC Office Products has a rich history in Granite City. The company began in 1957 as a typewriter repair and sales business in the basement of “Typewriter” Tony Mangi’s house in Venice, Illinois. Over the years, it evolved into a full-service office supply and equipment provider, serving the St. Louis Metro area for more than 50 years.
The business remains family-owned and operated, emphasizing customer commitment as a cornerstone of its success. Today, BEC Office Products offers a wide range of services, including office supplies, furniture, and equipment, as well as copying, faxing, laminating services, shipping, scanning services and much, much more. Its location is at 2930 Madison Avenue, Granite City, IL 62040. Please take a moment to visit their advertisement by clicking their banner in our advertisement section or by clicking the photo above.
REMEMBER TO SHOP LOCAL – OUR SMALL BUSINESSES DEPEND ON OUR PATRONAGE!