Michael Batchelor - For Upper Alton

Been a while since Ive used this page. Firstly, thank you to those who entrusted me with their 9th GOP Precinct Committeeman vote again. Thanks to you, I am the NEW Chairman of the Alton-Godfrey-Foster Township Republicans. Been quite some time since anybody close to my age has held leadership in Madison County.

Next I want to address the Funding of flowers around Alton. Last year, as a newly appointed Vice President, I was tasked by the Upper Alton Association to find a new revenue stream via online donations. This year as an elected VP, I'm proud to say the Zeffy online tool has helped us raise funds for concerts, flowers, and helps create a renewal option for our members to pay their dues yearly, and the website will have them renew instead of a Treasurer being bogged down weekly by who owes what and when.

The flowers for 2026 have been ordered, and the final payment for them will be given upon delivery in just a few weeks. They are more pink than purple this year, and already blooming well from reports. All of the funds were raised through donations. By you and your families, local businesses, or several politicians and stakeholders.

Recently, the City decided to spend $11,800 on 25 self watering flower pots on Broadway from Market to Ridge. Groups like Main Street, PRIDE Inc, and Great Rivers and Routes have already undertaken many beautification roles in this corridor. While the city helping is commendable, it comes at an odd time and merits questions. The council complains of funding crisis for projects but views it necessary to spend this money from Food and Beverages taxes.

Im hopeful after the plans have been postponed then reintroduced and amended that EVENTUALLY Other regions of our city will benefit from either more planters like these, or help in the hanging baskets in North or Upper Alton. I will continue to fight for fairness to see that Upper Alton isnt left on the drawing room floor once again for another Broadway project.

-Thank you

Tomorrow (Tuesday the 29th) is our LAST CONCERT OF THE YEAR! Porch Cafe closes out the season beginning at 6pm. Gonna be a warm evening, so bring in water or soda if you like, and get those last minute entries in for our nearly $1000 gift card raffle!

Don't forget we have tickets for our Gift Card Basket raffle. $10 each. Over $900 worth of cards! Drawing will be July 15 and you DO NOT need to be present to win! Let us know if you are interested!

Today is the day! Be sure to swing by BreadCo (or if you MUST be different you can call it Panera) and use our code to give a portion of proceeds to help fund our Rockin With Robert Concert Series!

Mark your calendar and help us raise funds to continue our Rockin' with Robert concerts, displaying the flags on holidays and maintaining the hanging baskets! Hope to see you at our fundraiser!

Nearly a decade ago, Charlie came up to me and asked "Why do you sit in the front row every week, is someone up here your parent or something?"... When I explained I was there to keep informed and keep our officials honest, he invited me to his house for Fazolis and a beer. One turned into several, and it turned into a great friendship. Despite being opponents on a ballot, he was still one of my biggest cheerleaders. Today we laid him to rest, and while I never got to meet her, I got to hear all about his beloved Patty over the years. I take great comfort in knowing that he is with her again. God speed, and God bless Charlie. -Mikey

Charlie exemplified what it was to be a public servant. He became one of my mentors, most gracious political opponent, and a really great friend. Today is a sad day for Alton. Rest easy Charlie.

Charles Brake, One Of Alton's Longest-Standing Aldermen, Dies ALTON - Alton's Charles W. Brake, a longtime public servant and respected community member, died at 8:35 a.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at Jerseyville