Ivy Lyons
Washington, D.C.
PhD candidate at @merrillcollege • Weekend reporter @kmoxnews • projects @wwknpod • prior @wtop @altontelegraph
Articles by Ivy Lyons
Marsia Geldert-Murphey reports major donations in bid to unseat Erica Harriss
A composite photo of Illinois State Senator Erica Harriss and challenger Marsie Geldert-Murphey. Courtesy, Marsieforillinois.info/Scott Cousins, The Telegraph Marsia Geldert-Murphey’s campaign reported a series of contributions of $1,000 during the second and third quarters of 2026 following Geldert-Murphey's primary election victory. Her contributions include large transfers from political action committees and organizations based outside the Metro East.
Bethalto's Warty Toad to host beginner-friendly wisteria painting class
A photo of the flyer for Wisteria Tree Painting courses. Courtesy of The Warty Toad The Warty Toad LLC will host a beginner-friendly Wisteria Tree Painting Class on Thursday, Oct. 1. The class runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Warty Toad, 128 W. Central Street, Bethalto. Participants will learn to create a wisteria tree scene, starting with a blended twilight background in warm sunset tones, then painting a textured trunk and cascading purple blossoms.
Nature Institute to host Little Chickadee & Me play lab in Godfrey
The Nature Institute invites families with kids between 2 and 5 years of age to its outdoor adventure. Courtesy of The Nature Institute The Nature Institute will host Little Chickadee & Me: Nature Play Lab on Wednesday, Sept. 30, for young children and their caregivers. The program runs from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at The Nature Institute, 2213 South Levis Lane in Godfrey.
Bethalto seminar will help Riverbend residents understand Medicare Original
The "Medicare Made Easy" event is not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. Courtesy of Bill Kinkel Coordinated Financial Planning Riverbend residents can learn more about Medicare during a free educational seminar on Tuesday, Sept. 29, at the Bethalto Senior Citizens Center. The “Medicare Made Clear” seminar will be held at 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the center, 100 E. Central Avenue, Bethalto. Each session will last about one hour.
Alton City Council approves 2 festival micro grants
Alton City Council member Martha Pfister at the Alton Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025. Dylan Suttles/The Telegraph Alton City Council members approved two Festival and Event Micro Grant applications Wednesday, completing the first full grant cycle since launching the program earlier this summer. The reimbursement program provides up to $1,000 to support local festivals and events.
East Alton block sale to aid family after fatal house fire
Grilled hot dogs with mustard and relish. Getty Images A benefit block sale will be held this weekend in East Alton to raise money for a family affected by a recent house fire. The sale will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, and 8 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Sept. 27, on Fourth Street between Monroe Street and Broadway in East Alton. Article continues below this ad Organizers said all proceeds will go directly toward helping the family with its needs.
Alton public works strike begins, draws honks and a warning: 'This is a serious situation'
Carl Riffey, 49, of Alton, shop steward for the Alton Public Works Department's street maintenance crew, stands outside the department's building Friday, Sept. 25, 2026, with fellow Teamsters Local 525 members Mark Cox, 61, of Alton, left, and Tyrone Davis, 58, of Alton. Steve Whitworth/The Telegraph Alton Public Works employees use a heavy vibrating machine to compact hot patch asphalt on Main Street in February 2024.
Alton public works employees begin strike at midnight after talks stall
Alton public works employees represented by Teamsters Local 525 will begin a strike Thursday evening after months of stalled contract negotiations. The strike begins Thursday night at midnight and continues into Friday morning. Public works employees have been working under an expired contract since March 31. The union said negotiations broke down over wages and health insurance, prompting members to unanimously authorize a strike.
Alton Art Expo 2 will pair regional art with mental health advocacy Original
Alton Art Expo opens its "groundbreaking exhibition and community gathering" on Saturday, Sept. 26. Courtesy of Angie Lavin/Mooneyham Art Mooneyham Art, Old Bakery Beer Company and Centerstone will bring art and mental health advocacy together during Alton Art Expo 2 on Sept. 26-27. The free event will run from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 27, at Old Bakery Beer Company, 400 Landmarks Boulevard in downtown Alton.
Alton City Council presses for answers as Greg Caffey unexpectedly misses meeting Original
Mayor David Goins listens to questions during the Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026. Ivy Lyons/The Telegraph The Alton City Council spent much of Wednesday’s meeting asking questions normally directed to Building and Zoning Director Greg Caffey. However, Caffey was not present. Article continues below this ad The discussion centered on delayed Tax Increment Financing (TIF) reports, annual reporting requirements, and the status of the River’s Edge Redevelopment project.
Edwardsville Art Fair to bring nearly 100 artists to City Park
The Edwardsville Art Fair returns in to City Park starting Friday. Courtesy of Edwardsville Arts Center The 2026 Edwardsville Art Fair will return to City Park Sept. 25-27 for a three-day celebration featuring nearly 100 juried artists, live performances, demonstrations, food, and drinks. The free outdoor event will be held at City Park, 101 S. Buchanan St. in Edwardsville.
Glen Carbon Library to host Mama Bear Support Group Original
The Mama Bears Support Group meets one Thursday each month starting at 10 a.m. Courtesy of Glen Carbon Centennial Library The Glen Carbon Library will host a Mama Bear Support Group at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24. The group will meet at the library, 198 South Main Street in Glen Carbon, and will offer moms and guardians an accepting environment to share feelings, concerns, and experiences.
Alton advances $20,000 payment to Rodney Caffey amid lawsuit
(From left) Alderman Chris Bohn, Alderwoman Martha Pfister, and Alderman Michael Velloff review bill listings during the Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026. Ivy Lyons/The Telegraph Mayor David Goins listens to questions during the Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, Sept. 21, 2026.
Edwardsville line dance lessons are held weekly on Wednesdays at The Hall
Line Dance Lessons continue every Wednesday at The Hall in Edwardsville. Courtesy of Little Cactus Line Dancing Edwardsville Line Dance Lessons are held weekly on Wednesdays at The Hall. The lessons run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at The Hall, 7132 Marine Road in Edwardsville.
Roll-n-Read returns to Wood River with stories and open gym play
Roll-n-Read returns Sept. 8 at the Wood River Recreation Center. Courtesy of Wood River Public Library Roll-n-Read returns in September with weekly stories and open gym play in Wood River. Sessions run from 9 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Wood River Recreation Center. Miss Lindsey will lead the program each Tuesday morning. Article continues below this ad The free event is open to children ages 5 and younger with a caregiver. No registration is required.
Heroic Adventures to host trading card bedazzling event in Edwardsville
Heroic Adventures has shared this flyer for its bedazzling event. Courtesy of Heroic Adventures Heroic Adventures will host a Trading Card Bedazzling Event at 2 p.m. on Sunday. The event costs $20 to participate and will be held at Heroic Adventures, 1005 Century Drive in Edwardsville. Participants can decorate trading card game cards with flat-backed gems, adding as much sparkle as they want. Article continues below this ad Guests can bring a TCG card from home or purchase one at Heroic Adventures.
Alton paid former comptroller $85 an hour for part-time work
Alton City Council members Patty Ford, Stephanie Elliott, John Meehan, and Rosie Brown with Treasurer Elizabeth "Betsy" Allen at the meeting on March 25, 2026. Ivy Lyons/The Telegraph The City of Alton paid former Comptroller Debbie Dunlap an average of $85 per hour for part-time work in the comptroller’s office, nearly twice the hourly equivalent of the comptroller’s annual salary, according to city documents.
Mississippi Earthtones Festival marks 20 years in downtown Alton
This year's Mississippi Earthtones Festival is "Rooted in Rhythm" starting Saturday at noon. Courtesy of Mississippi Earthtones Festival The Mississippi Earthtones Festival is gearing up to celebrate 20 years of art, music, and conservation in downtown Alton on Saturday, Sept. 19. The free, family-friendly festival is held every third Saturday in September and is presented by Alton Main Street, the Sierra Club, and Jacoby Arts Center.
U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski seeks coalition leadership while addressing local crises
U.S. Representative Nikki Budzinski stops by The Telegraph on Aug. 24, 2026, to discuss recent achievements and challenges in Illinois' 13th Congressional District. Steve Whitworth/The Telegraph U.S. Rep. Nikki Budzinski covered gun violence, healthcare breakdowns, economic development, and her growing national leadership ambitions in a recent interview with The Telegraph.
St. Ambrose Applefest brings food, games and music to Godfrey
The St. Ambrose Applefest is set to begin this Friday with activities continuing through Sunday afternoon. Courtesy of St. Ambrose St. Ambrose Catholic Church is hosting its annual Applefest fundraiser beginning Friday, Sept. 18, bringing the community together for a weekend of food, music, games, and fellowship. St. Ambrose Catholic Church is located at 820 W. Homer Adams Parkway in Godfrey.
City of Alton says fraudulent permit emails are targeting residents
Alton officials provided an example of a fake permit invoice sent to residents for payment. Courtesy of the City of Alton The City of Alton is warning residents about a recent scam involving fraudulent messages requesting payment for city permits. A scam notice posted Tuesday afternoon identified the issue and included an image of the communication sent to a resident.
Party On Broadway to host public doormat workshop in Alton
Party On Broadway owner Vickie Hopkins inside her shop. David Blanchette/For The Telegraph Party On Broadway will host a public doormat workshop at its Alton studio on Thursday at 7 p.m. The workshop will be held at 605 E. Broadway in Alton. Participants will design their own doormat using a word and fall-themed accessories. Article continues below this ad Available shapes will include ghosts, fall leaves, pumpkins, mushrooms, sunflowers, and other seasonal designs.
Off-duty Staunton police officer dies after motorcycle crash near Grafton Original
Police car with bright sirens and the city in the background Carrastock/Getty Images An off-duty Staunton police officer died Saturday following a motorcycle-car crash outside Grafton, according to the Staunton Police Department. In a Monday release, the department said it was notified of the death of full-time Officer Ethan Hoese on Sept. 12.
Alton, Teamsters clash over strike notice as contract talks stall Original
About three dozen members and supporters of Teamsters Local 525 hold a practice picket outside of Alton City Hall on Aug 26, 2026. The union, which represents Public Works employees, could go on strike at any time. Scott Cousins/The Telegraph The City of Alton said Friday it has not received notice of a strike from Teamsters Local 525, amid stalled negotiations at City Hall.
St. Francis statue stolen from Alton church garden as reward grows to $2,000 Original
St. Paul Church at 10 E. Third St. in Alton is offering a reward for the safe return of a beloved St. Francis statue stolen from its gardens. Courtesy of The Episcopal Parish of Alton A piece of the Episcopal Parish of Alton’s history has been taken from the church’s garden, and parishioners are hoping an emotional appeal — and a $2,000 reward — will bring it home. The St. Francis statue that stood watch over St. Paul’s Garden for decades was recently stolen, according to the church.
East Alton Public Library to host free Nintendo Switch play event Original
Switch freeplay events are hosted by the East Alton Public Library on Wednesdays. Courtesy of East Alton Public Library East Alton Public Library will host Switch Freeplay from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16. The free weekly program will be held at the library's 250 Washington Ave. location in East Alton. Children of all ages can take part in Nintendo Switch games throughout the free play event. Article continues below this ad This library event is open to children 17 and younger.
Edwardsville Children's Museum to host back-to-school messy day
Edwardsville Children's Museum will host a back-to-school-themed messy day for children. The two-hour event will be held at the museum, 722 Holyoake Road in Edwardsville. Organizers said the museum's monthly messy days are popular with young children and give families a chance to enjoy hands-on activities without handling cleanup. The event is free for museum members and included with paid admission for non-members.
Edwardsville Children’s Museum to host back-to-school messy day
Edwardsville Children's Museum welcomes community members to a monthly mess on Sept. 14. Courtesy of Edwardsville Children's Museum Edwardsville Children’s Museum will host a back-to-school-themed messy day for children. The two-hour event will be held at the museum, 722 Holyoake Road in Edwardsville. Organizers said the museum’s monthly messy days are popular with young children and give families a chance to enjoy hands-on activities without handling cleanup.
Alton City Council approves utility billing change, amphitheater funding Original
A photo of Alton City Hall taken on July 29, 2026. Ivy Lyons/The Telegraph Alton City Council members approved several financial items this week intended to improve local events and utility payments across the city. Council members moved to suspend the rules and unanimously pass an ordinance removing the connection between water and garbage payments.
Alton Public Works strike threat raises questions over city events Original
About three dozen members and supporters of Teamsters Local 525 hold a practice picket outside of Alton City Hall on Aug. 26, 2026. The union, which represents Public Works employees, could go on strike at any time. Scott Cousins/The Telegraph ALTON - The City of Alton has roughly two weeks left to finalize a contract with Public Works employees represented by Teamsters Local 525. If they cannot come to an agreement, union leaders say there will be a strike.
Javapalooza 2026 invites coffee lovers to sip through Great Rivers and Routes region Original
Barista Matt Caldieraro works behind the coffee bar at Maeva’s on Milton Road in Alton, where he’s been an employee for two years. Caldieraro said he fell in love with making coffee while obtaining his industrial technology degree. Jeanie Stephens|The Telegraph It's a great weekend for coffee lovers in the Great Rivers and Routes region during Javapalooza 2026. The three-month celebration runs through Nov.
Hearing in Alton mayor’s case shifted out of Madison County
Corporate Counselor Heidi Eckert pulls Mayor David Goins aside to discuss an issue off microphone at the Alton City Council meeting on July 22, 2026. Scott Cousins/The Telegraph ALTON - The case between the City of Alton and Mayor David Goins will no longer be heard in Madison County. As of Friday, Sept. 11, Madison County court records show the case is set for 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, at the Bond County Courthouse before Third Judicial Circuit Judge Christopher Bauer.
Alton Pride Festival returns to Belle Street with music, drag and family-friendly fun
ALTON - The fifth annual Alton Pride Festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, along Belle Street in downtown Alton. The free, family-friendly festival runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in front of Bubby & Sissy's. The event will feature vendor booths, food trucks, beverage tents, live music, drag performances, a DJ and karaoke. The main stage schedule begins at 11 a.m. with welcome announcements and a pet parade featuring dogs available for adoption from Hope Animal Rescue.
Alton Pride Festival returns to Belle Street with music, drag and family-friendly fun
This year's Pride Festival is set for Saturday, September 12. Courtesy of Alton Pride ALTON - The fifth annual Alton Pride Festival will be held Saturday, Sept. 12, along Belle Street in downtown Alton. The free, family-friendly festival runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. in front of Bubby & Sissy’s. The event will feature vendor booths, food trucks, beverage tents, live music, drag performances, a DJ and karaoke.
Seniors care for stray cats and hope they find homes
Every day by 8 a.m., senior residents at Skyline Towers Apartments are outside with plates of homemade food for the cats that have gathered near the grassy area by the Farm & Home parking lot. Linda Scheffel brought The Telegraph to the spot this summer, saying in July that nine cats have found their way to the area. She said senior living community members continue to feed them because it is the right thing to do.
Alton weighs challenges of homecoming parade staffing as strike threat looms
ALTON - The Alton City Council's Committee of the Whole spent much of Tuesday night navigating two intertwined challenges: how to safely staff the Alton School District's homecoming parade later this month, and how to prepare for a potential Public Works strike that could leave the city shorthanded. The parade request-seeking permission to close streets on Wednesday, Sept. 30, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.-quickly became a test case for the city's strained labor force.
High Point Residence in Jerseyville to host blood drive on Sept. 11 Original
Female nurse drawing blood sample from woman in medical office MoMo Productions/Getty Images High Point Residence in Jerseyville will host a blood drive on Friday, Sept. 11. The business’s fourth blood drive is set to begin at 1 p.m. on Friday at High Point Residence, 1210 East Fairgrounds Ave. in Jerseyville. The drive will continue throughout the afternoon.
Glen Carbon Heritage Museum offers free genealogy presentation
Glen Carbon Heritage Museum invites you to a presentation on new strategies for researching your family history. Courtesy of Glen Carbon Heritage Museum The Glen Carbon Heritage Museum invites family history researchers to "discover new strategies for tracing your ancestors" on Thursday. Its upcoming free presentation, Beyond the Basics of Genealogy, begins at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public.
Wood River Public Library to host Toddler Tales with Miss Lindsey Original
Wood River Public Library will host Toddler Tales on Sept. 9 with themed stories, activities and crafts for toddlers. Courtesy of Wood River Public Library Wood River Public Library will host Toddler Tales with Miss Lindsey at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 9. The free program will be held at the library, 326 East Ferguson Avenue in Wood River. Toddler Tales includes themed stories, activities, and crafts and is best for ages 18 to 36 months.
Godfrey Walmart prepares to launch drone delivery for online orders
Godfrey Walmart shoppers may be seeing their online orders delivered by robots in the not-too-distant future. Walmart confirmed several drone-delivery expansions this year as part of a partnership with Wing, a drone-delivery service owned by California-based Alphabet, which also owns Google and several other subsidiaries. Documents submitted to the Godfrey Building and Zoning Department did not indicate when the drones would begin deliveries.
Illinois EPA rejects Anzu Power permit application in Alton
Keeley Construction Group workers and vehicles continue building and developing the area at 10 Cut St. in Alton, Illinois, on March 26, 2026. The actual address is 8 Cut St. Ivy Lyons/The Telegraph Keeley Construction Group workers and vehicles continue building and developing the area at 8 Cut St. in Alton, Illinois, on March 26, 2026.
Bethalto Homecoming returns to City Park with rides, music over Labor Day weekend
Bethalto Homecoming will stretch through Labor Day weekend at City Park. Courtesy of Village of Bethalto The 107th Bethalto Homecoming will return to Bethalto City Park over Labor Day weekend. The celebration will run Friday, Sept. 4, through Monday, Sept. 7. Carnival gates open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday with Two-For-One Night, allowing two people to ride for the price of one.
Godfrey Walmart prepares to launch drone delivery for online orders
A drone carries a Walmart package called a hextote, shown at the launch event for its new drone delivery service with Wing in Houston on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. Melissa Phillip/Houston Chronicle Godfrey Walmart shoppers may be seeing their online orders delivered by robots in the not-too-distant future.
Jersey County to cap America 250 celebration with Jubilee on Saturday, Sept. 5
Jersey County is capping off America's 250th celebration throughout Labor Day weekend. Courtesy of Jersey County Business Association Jersey County will cap off its America 250 celebration with Jersey County’s 250th Jubilee on Saturday, Sept. 5. The daylong celebration will include a color run, a pickleball tournament, food, music, family activities, and Jerseyville’s first watermelon-eating contest. Article continues below this ad The day begins at 7 a.m. with a Color Run at Wock Lake.
Alton Amphitheater to launch September Sunset Series with Matt 'The Rattlesnake' Lesch
The Alton Amphitheatre is kicking off September Sunset Series with Matt “The Rattlesnake” Lesch, an award-winning St. Louis blues musician. Courtesy of Alton Amphitheatre The Alton Amphitheater will launch its September Sunset Series on Friday, Sept. 4, with Matt “The Rattlesnake” Lesch. The event will run from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Alton Amphitheater, 1 Riverfront Drive. The new series will continue on Fridays, Sept. 11 and Sept. 25.
Hearing set in Mayor David Goins case against City of Alton with 2 new plaintiffs
Alton Mayor David Goins speaks at the grand opening of the Sunnybrook Housing Development at 767 Washington Ave. in Alton on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. John Badman/The Telegraph The next hearing date in the case of Mayor David Goins v. the City of Alton has been set and now includes two additional plaintiffs. Bond County Judge Christopher Bauer is set to hear the City of Alton's motion to dissolve the temporary restraining order and Goins' motion for a preliminary injunction.
Main Street Community Center to host free writing class on Thursdays in September
Main Street Community Center will host its regular writing workshops at 10:30 a.m. on Thursdays in September. Courtesy of Main Street Community Center Main Street Community Center will host its Write Your Own Story class every Thursday this September. The free class meets at 10:30 a.m. at the center, 1003 N. Main Street in Edwardsville, and is led by retired SIUE English professor Jeffrey Skoblow.
Bubby & Sissy’s to host Mikey’s Yahtzee Challenge in downtown Alton
Bubby & Sissy's will play Yahtzee with Mikey during this week's Wednesday Game Nights. Courtesy of Bubby & Sissy’s Game nights are back in action in downtown Alton this Wednesday. Bubby & Sissy's will welcome patrons to Mikey's Yahtzee Challenge this Wednesday at 7 p.m. Article continues below this ad The evening event is free to attend, and host Mikey "will probably play" the game with visitors.
Why Alton says David Goins' own signature undermines his case against city ordinances Original
Alton Mayor David Goins listens to bar owners and employees talk about the effects on their businesses in response to a proposed ordinance amendment in the Alton City Council chambers on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025. John Badman/The Telegraph In court documents, the City of Alton recently made its first argument against Mayor David Goins’ request for a temporary restraining order, arguing that court intervention in the dispute is “not only unnecessary, but unconstitutional.” A filing on Aug.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Ivy
Contact Ivy, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack