618 Precious Metals Hosting One‑Day Buying Event in Alton
Residents who have gold, silver, or platinum items tucked away at home will have a chance to turn those valuables into cash during a one‑day buying event on September 26th.
The event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, 2008 Homer M Adams Parkway in Alton.
618 Precious Metals, a local private buyer with experience in numismatics and precious metals, will be on site evaluating a wide range of items, including fine jewelry, coins, bullion, flatware, watches, and even damaged or scrap pieces. They state they consistently pay more than jewelry stores, pawn shops, or traveling road shows.
There’s also a little added perk for anyone planning to stop by, bring a friend, and both of you will get an extra $20 at the end of your transaction.
This temporary notice will remain on the Gazette’s front page through September 27th for anyone who may want to take advantage of the event.
Illinois American Water Expands Metro East Wastewater Footprint
With Venice Purchase
GraniteCityGazette.com, September 17, 2026
Illinois American Water has completed its purchase of the City of Venice wastewater collection system for $770,000, adding approximately 500 customers to the company’s growing Metro East wastewater operations.
The acquisition was approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission on June 24. Illinois American Water says it plans to invest approximately $2.6 million in the Venice system over the next five years, including rehabilitation or replacement of …tap to read full article and to share.
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GraniteCityGazette.com, September 16, 2026
There has been a lot of talk lately about the possibility of a data center in Granite City, and I understand why people have questions. I want to explain where things stand and what would have to happen before any project could move forward.
The first step is the Port Board’s vote on whether to sell the land. I serve on the Port Board, but when that sale comes up for a vote, I will recuse myself. I committed to that from the beginning, and I’m keeping that commitment. If the Port Board approves the sale, that does not mean a data center has been approved.
It means the developer can take the next step and submit a zoning application to Granite City. From there, the project has a long way to go and a rigorous review process to get through.
The city cannot simply refuse to consider an application. If one is filed, we are legally required to review it against the standards already in place.
That is exactly why we did not wait for a developer to come to us before deciding what those standards should be. We did our homework, looked at what other communities experienced and put strong protections in place before there was a specific project on the table.
That preparation matters. We know what to look for, what questions to ask and what standards must be met. It will be up to the developer to prove the project meets them. We will also bring in independent experts selected by and working for the city to review the proposal from every angle. We want to understand the potential impacts, identify problems and get answers to your questions before any decisions are made. Nothing gets a rubber stamp, and nothing gets a free pass.
At the same time, if someone wants to make a major investment in our community, we should expect that investment to benefit the people who live and work here. New tax revenue from putting vacant land to work should be the starting point. We should also push for investments in our community that can make a lasting difference for Granite City and the surrounding area.
If the project ultimately clears the high bar we have set and is approved by the City Council, I want to know we protected our residents and got the best deal possible for Granite City. If we receive an application, transparency will be a priority.
We’ve already created a transparency portal on the City’s website, where we will post the application, expert reports and other important documents as they become available.
Residents will be able to see the information and follow the process every step of the way.
Ultimately, the final decision rests with the City Council. There’s a lot of work to do before we get to that point. We will follow the legal process, hold the developer to our standards and make sure Granite City’s voices are heard and ensure our interests come first.
Sincerely,
Mayor Mike Parkinson
Crow’s feet? Scowl lines? Frown line or forehead wrinkles?
Look no further than Regenerative Health and Chiropractic, LTD, right here in Granite City. Schedule a visit today! 618-931-2050
As Traditional Newsrooms Shrink, Community Journalism Becomes Essential
GraniteCityGazette.com, September 12, 2026
The recent layoffs at the Belleville News‑Democrat, reducing the paper’s newsroom to only an executive editor and two reporters mark another step in the long decline of corporate‑owned newspapers. The BND, once a familiar name in the Metro East, has faced years of financial strain, ownership changes, reduced print schedules, and shrinking staff. Now, with McClatchy cutting more than 90 journalists nationwide, the paper’s ability to cover local life will inevitably… Tap the link to read the full article.
Madison County Adds Employee Safety Tools Through Emergency Alert System
For Immediate Release, September 9, 2026
EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County is adding another layer of safety to its Everbridge notification system with tools designed to alert county employees and allow them to summon assistance when needed.
The county recently switched from CodeRED to Everbridge to provide residents with local emergency notifications and other public safety information.
George Koryani, interim coordinator for Madison County Emergency Management, told the Public Safety Committee on Tuesday that EMA is testing an Everbridge SOS program for use within county government.
The program will include an application on county computers that can display notifications directly on employees’ desktops.
“If there’s an active shooter…. tap to read full article and to share.
Metro East Businesses Tighten Youth Policies as Behavior Issues Rise, Not Just a Granite City Problem
GraniteCityGazette.com, September 7, 2026
The decision by the Granite City Dairy Queen on Nameoki Road to restrict unsupervised student entry between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. has sparked conversation across the Metro East, but the situation unfolding here is far from isolated. Similar policies have already appeared in surrounding towns, and national chains like Chick‑fil‑A have implemented comparable rules in response to disruptive …Tap the link to read the full article.
Historic Address, Modern Living,
A New Chapter Begins at the Ralph Building
GraniteCityGazette.com, September 2, 2026
There is something appealing about living where the city is happening just outside your front door. That is the idea beginning to take shape inside Granite City’s historic Ralph Building, where renovations are transforming the upper floor of one of downtown’s familiar buildings into just nine loft style studio apartments.
Located at 19th Street and Niedringhaus Avenue, the apartments will offer something relatively uncommon in Granite City: modern, market rate downtown living inside a …Tap the link for more images and to read the full article.
The “Ber” Months Have Arrived in Granite City
GraniteCityGazette.com, September 1, 2026
September has arrived, and with it comes the beginning of what many people consider the best stretch of the year. The “Ber” months, September, October, November and December, seem to have a personality all their own. Pumpkin spice begins appearing just about everywhere, fall decorations start sneaking onto front porches, and even though Granite City may still be waiting for …Tap to read the full article.
Senator Harriss Secures State Dollars for Pontoon Beach Road Improvements
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 31, 2026
PONTOON BEACH, Ill. – State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) announced $40,000 in state funding for the Village of Pontoon Beach to support improvements along Engineers Road.
“Good roads are something our communities depend on every day,” said Senator Harriss. “I’m glad we were able to bring this funding back to Pontoon Beach and help with improvements along Engineers Road.”
The funding will help the village complete needed road work while reducing the amount local taxpayers have to cover.
“We appreciate Senator Harriss working with us to bring these dollars back to Pontoon Beach,” said Mayor Mike Pagano. “Engineers Road sees a lot of traffic, and this funding will help us make needed improvements for our residents and everyone who travels through our community.”
Senator Harriss said she will continue working with local leaders to identify projects and priorities throughout the 56th Senate District.
Heated and Growing, Four More Candidates Enter Granite City’s 2027 Council Race
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 31, 2026
Granite City’s 2027 City Council race continues to grow at an extraordinary pace, with four more residents announcing their intention to run for alderman. Although the election is still months away, and candidates only became eligible to begin gathering petition signatures on August 25, 2026, the number of early declarations is unusually high for this stage of the process. Tap to read full article and to share.
Granite City Township Seniors Enjoy a Day of Discovery at the St. Louis Aquarium
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 30, 2026
Granite City Township seniors spent Thursday, August 27, enjoying a full day at the St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station, an outing that blended learning, relaxation, and community connection. The trip, open to Granite City Township residents aged 55 and older, offered participants a chance to explore the Aquarium’s exhibits, take in the sights of Union Station, and…tap to read full article, for additional photos and to share.
A Colorful Start to the Year as GCHS Seniors Paint Their Parking Spots
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 29, 2026
Granite City High School kicked off the school year with a burst of color and creativity as seniors gathered for the first ever Senior Parking Lot Painting Event, hosted by GCHS Renaissance in partnership with Sherwin‑Williams Granite City.
By early morning, the lot was buzzing with students transforming their spaces into …Tap the link to read the full article and for more images.
163 Children Recovered in Florida Operation,
So Why Isn’t This National News?
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 28, 2026
Florida authorities recently completed what they describe as the largest child‑recovery operation in the state’s history. Over five days, agencies across multiple counties located 163 missing children, from infants just two months old to teenagers nearing adulthood. Every one of them is now safe. The details were confirmed directly by the Florida Attorney General’s Office and reported by …Tap the link to read the full article.
Madison County Clerk’s Office Clarifies Vote-by-Mail Procedures
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 27, 2026
EDWARDSVILLE, IL — August 27, 2026 — The Madison County Clerk’s Office is responding to recent public questions and social-media claims concerning vote-by-mail ballots for the November 3, 2026 General Election.
There has been no change to Madison County’s current vote-by-mail procedures, and the Clerk’s Office is not holding back vote-by-mail ballots.
Under Illinois law, election authorities may begin mailing regular vote-by-mail ballots…tap to read full press release and to share.
Dr. Christy Darin Continues Her Strong Support for Oakbridge Development Center
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 26, 2026
The Oakbridge Development Center received another meaningful boost this week thanks to the continued generosity of Dr. Christy Darin and Regenerative Health & Chiropractic. Dr. Darin shared that all new‑patient fees at her practice are donated to local causes, charities, and community events and over the past year, she has made Oakbridge her primary mission.
That commitment culminated in a major contribution this week. After accounting for smaller donations and community expenditures throughout the year, Dr. Darin presented Oakbridge with a check totaling $15,267.98, reflecting the collective support generated through her practice’s new‑patient program.
Dr. Darin’s dedication underscores…tap too read full article and to share.
Near Total Lunar Eclipse Will Be Visible Over Granite City Thursday Night
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 25, 2026
Sky watchers in Granite City will have a remarkable view Thursday night as a deep partial lunar eclipse unfolds across the entire Metro East. Although dramatic in appearance, this event is not considered a true Blood Moon because the Moon never becomes fully immersed in Earth’s shadow. Even so, the deep red coloring near maximum eclipse will make for a beautiful and unusual sight that residents can enjoy without any special equipment.
The eclipse begins quietly at 8:23 PM Thursday when the penumbral phase starts. This early shading is subtle and may be difficult to notice at first. By 9:33 PM, ...tap to read entire article and to share.
Juneau Associates Marks New Chapter With Move to Pontoon Road Headquarters
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 23, 2026
Juneau Associates, Inc., P.C., one of Granite City’s most enduring and influential engineering firms, has entered a new era with the opening of its corporate headquarters at 2450 Pontoon Road.
Founded in 1980 by Ed and Charlie Juneau, the company began as a small, locally rooted engineering and land surveying firm. Over the decades, it grew into a regional leader whose work can be found in nearly every corner of Madison County and the Metro East. Tap to read full article, for additional photos and to share.
Granite City’s 2027 City Council Race Opens with a Surge of Candidate Announcements Across Multiple Wards
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 20, 2026
Granite City’s 2027 City Council race is off to an unusually active start, with a wave of residents announcing their candidacies almost simultaneously for the upcoming Consolidated General Election on Tuesday, April 6, 2027. What is typically a quiet early season has quickly become one of the most dynamic and fluid election cycles in recent memory.
Ward 4 has seen the most movement…tap to read full article and to share.
Madison County Fallen Officers Memorial Begins New Chapter,
A Community’s Promise to Never Forget
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 18, 2026
Madison County is preparing to take a meaningful step toward honoring the men and women in blue who gave their lives protecting our communities. Sheriff Jeff Connor shared an important update announcing that construction on the newly designed Madison County Fallen Officers Memorial will begin on September 8, 2026. The announcement reflects years of planning, collaboration, and dedication from the Memorial Fund board, local law enforcement leaders, and community supporters.
Late last week, the Memorial Fund board met with Sheriff Connor…tap to read full article, for additional photo and to share.
Community Beyond Borders, Lines on a Map,
Neighbors When It Matters Most
GraniteCityGazette.com, August 11, 2026
Granite City, Pontoon Beach, Mitchell and Madison may have their own boundaries, governments and identities, but together they make up something much larger, a community.
On a map, lines tell us where Granite City ends, where the Village of Pontoon Beach begins, and …Tap the link to read the full article.
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