Letter from the editor: Metro Independent temporarily ceasing operations
Dear Readers The Metro Independent is temporarily halting operations. As many of this digital newspaper’s wonderful supporters know, the Metro Independent has essentially been a one-man operation since its inception in July 2013. I have been aided by amazing support from the communities the paper serves and many people have kindly provided pictures and content. […]
Read More →Caseyville Police seeking Christmas Eve armed robbers
Two men reportedly broke into a Caseyville home at about 8:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve and robbed the occupants at gunpoint. Four people were at the home in the 2000 block of Webster Circle when the suspects forced their way into the residence, Caseyville Police reported. The two African-American male suspects used semi-automatic handguns, wore […]
Read More →Former Police Chief Alvarez not guilty on two misdemeanor charges
St. Clair County Associate Judge Chris Kolker on Tuesday found former Caseyville Police Chief Jose Alvarez not guilty on two misdemeanor charges brought by a special prosecutor. Alvarez was charged with disorderly conduct and battery following a Feb. 19 Caseyville Village Board meeting in which Alvarez raised his voice and gestured angrily at Mayor Leonard […]
Read More →Caseyville and St. Clair County announce increased traffic enforcement
The St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department and Caseyville Police Department recently announced they have started increased impaired driving and seat belt enforcement and will continue through Jan. 4, 2015. Caseyville Police are participating in the Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program, funded by a grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation. STEP is focused on specific times […]
Read More →Caseyville mayor appoints twice-bankrupt resident as village treasurer
Undeterred by a 4-2 vote Wednesday by the Board of Trustees against his choice for Caseyville Treasurer, Mayor Leonard Black appointed a resident to the post who has twice filed for bankruptcy. Black appointed Lola Cline as interim treasurer, which he can do without Board approval. Reached for comment Thursday, Black called the votes against […]
Read More →Collinsville woman charged with three counts of bank burglary
A woman who was referred to a religious organization for help during an aborted bank robbery was charged with three counts of bank burglary in a complaint filed in federal court Friday. Easter O. Jimison, 37, of the 1200 block of Ridge Avenue in Collinsville, allegedly robbed the FCB Banks Caseyville branch on Nov. 7 […]
Read More →Maryville bank robbed, Collinsville woman in custody
Maryville Police were called to the FCB Maryville Bank at about 5:18 p.m. Wednesday following the report of a robbery. The robber showed the teller a note and was given an undisclosed amount of money, Maryville Police said. The robber fled the scene in a small, silver vehicle with no license plates, traveling south on […]
Read More →Keene is Collinsville Unit 10’s Teacher of the Month
A school-wide assembly, a special guest, a surprised recipient of the Teacher of the Month award; the scene is quickly becoming a welcome Collinsville tradition. Jennifer Keene, the Twin Echo Elementary School reading specialist, was the teacher who shook her head in surprise Friday after hearing her name called by special guest Rick Kincheloe, the […]
Read More →Collinsville High School student winner in national scholarship contest
An essay submitted by Collinsville High School senior Kaitlin Carlson to a national contest earned her a college scholarship and a trip to Philadelphia. Carlson’s essay about equal pay for equal work was one of six winners in the 17th Annual NFWL/NRA Bill of Rights Essay Scholarship Contest. The National Foundation for Women Legislators partnered […]
Read More →17.5 percent tax hike for Caseyville unanimously approved
The Caseyville Board of Trustees on Wednesday unanimously approved a 17.5 percent property tax increase. According the hearing notice posted on the town’s official website, the increase will represent a $111,174.29 increase in tax revenue. That amounts to about $26.35 for each of the Villages’ 4,219 residents. Prior to the meeting Wednesday, Brenda Williams, chairperson […]
Read More →Caseyville to hold public hearing Wednesday on 17.5 percent property tax increase
The Village of Caseyville scheduled a 15-minute public hearing for Wednesday at 6 p.m. to give residents an opportunity to question the need for a 17.5 percent property tax increase. At about 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, the Board of Trustees will vote on the proposed increase. The hearing is legally required because the Board is proposing […]
Read More →Collinsville High School honors students of the month
The October and November students and athletes of the month at Collinsville High School were announced Monday. Seniors of the Month October – Kaitlin Carlson Kaitlin won the National NFWL/NRA Scholarship Contest. The National Foundation for Women Legislators partnered with the National Rifle Association to present the contest. Kaitlin was one of six winners in the […]
Read More →Caseyville man charged with stealing lawn care equipment
A Caseyville man was charged Thursday with felony theft of metal, lawn care equipment and construction material. Caseyville police were called to the 7000 block of Forest Boulevard on Nov. 9 about the stolen equipment. Larry G. Rhew Jr, 41, of the 300 block of Lockner Lane was later identified as a suspect and charges […]
Read More →Concern for missing Collinsville man
A Collinsville man left home Thursday morning, went to a doctor’s office and, just before noon, made a transaction at a Fairview Heights bank. He has not been seen since. David A. McAdams, 69, of the 500 block of S. Mulberry Road, has no history of similar actions and no known medical conditions that could […]
Read More →Billy named Collinsville Unit 10 November Teacher of the Month
The students of Kreitner Elementary School, gathered for their sunrise assembly Friday morning, were treated to a special surprise. After leading students and teachers in the Pledge of Allegiance and the Kreitner Pledge, Principal Todd Pettit welcomed Rick Kincheloe of Edward Jones to the stage. When Kincheloe announced that 2nd grade teacher Lori Billy was […]
Read More →Collinsville and Caseyville women charged with heroin possession
Two local women face felony charges for possession of heroin. Rachel H. Hood, 26, of Collinsville, and Kristen G. Miller, 21, of Caseyville, were charged Thursday for possession of a less than 15 grams of a substance containing heroin, a Class 4 felony. Miller was also charged on Oct. 14 for possession of a controlled […]
Read More →IDPH encourages flu vaccines during Vaccinate Illinois Week
Submitted content The Illinois Department of Public Health announced today that it is encouraging everyone 6 months old and older to get a flu vaccine during Vaccinate Illinois Week, Dec. 7-13. Vaccinate Illinois Week coincides with National Influenza Vaccination Week, a national observance established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination and encourage more […]
Read More →CHS announces November Character Education Students of the Month
The winners of the November Character Education Students of the Month award at Collinsville High School were recently announced. The character trait for the month was, “Be cooperative, work together with others.” The winners were Kayla Cole, Matthew Crooker, Mya Davis, Amanda Hoyt, Mat Votoupal, Heather Wingate and Elizabeth Wyatt Kyla Cole Kyla is always […]
Read More →Ameren offers tips for natural gas safety in the home
Submitted content With the home heating season underway, Ameren Illinois is reminding customers to take immediate action if they smell natural gas. “A customer should never smell natural gas in or around their home or business. If they do, they need to leave the premises immediately and call us,” said Richard J. Mark, president and […]
Read More →Michael Brown grand jury results coming Monday, Collinsville schools prepared
The St. Louis County grand jury has reached a decision on whether to indicate officer Darren Wilson in the Aug. 9 shooting death of Michael Brown. The St. Louis County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney has confirmed that the decision will be announced later Monday. The area has been making preparations for weeks in anticipation […]
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