Danne Rhaesa, coordinator of the annual Elsah Photo Competition, has announced themes and details for the 2025 event. Awards total $1,250, with Best of Show winning $400 plus a night's stay at Green Tree Inn. First, Second, and Third Place receive $300, $200, and $100 respectively, plus a $50 Creative Youth Award.

A committee formed by the Elsah Trustees in June addressed speeding on Mill Street. On July 9, they decided to invest in speed humps. According to Wikicamel, speed humps are lower and longer than speed bumps, making them less aggressive and better for maintaining emergency vehicle access. This decision comes after numerous close calls and accidents. Kudos to the committee and Trustees for their swift action in improving village safety!

Green Tree Inn has been recognized by Tripadvisor as a 2024 Travelers' Choice award winner for bed and breakfast inns. This award honors businesses with excellent traveler reviews over the past year. Owners Connie and Gary Davis have created an outstanding destination for over a decade. Connie Davis said in a KMOV-TV interview, "For Gary & I, our favorite thing is sitting and having breakfast with our guests every morning." Elsah proudly celebrates this prestigious recognition from Tripadvisor.

Connie and Gary represented Elsah on the Great Day St. Louis morning show with Paige Hulsey from KMOV-TV Channel 4. This was part of the Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau's Summer 2024 kick-off on May 24th at Post Commons in Alton. Connie highlighted Elsah as a must-visit location and described the hospitality at the award-winning Green Tree Inn.

Amy Cloud of Three Rivers Community Farm in Elsah announced extended store hours for the summer season until mid-August, possibly into fall.

Many Elsah residents know that actor Robert Duvall attended Principia College, graduating in 1953. Another notable resident was Terry Melcher, son of Doris Day, who attended Principia in the early 1960s. Melcher became a pioneering music producer in L.A., shaping the sound of 1960s surf music. He produced for The Beach Boys, The Rip Chords, Wayne Newton, and more. Melcher's innovative production techniques continue to influence music today.

Elsah and Southern Illinois are experiencing a surge of periodical cicadas, nicknamed Cicadalypse. In 2024, Broods XIII and XIX emerge, the first time since 1803. Cicadas don't harm humans but can damage new shrubs and trees. They thrive in wet areas like Grafton. Cicadas are edible, with an almond-like taste, and consumed worldwide. Their calls can reach over 90 decibels, as loud as a lawnmower. Enjoy the unique sound now and the quiet autumn to come.

For local government matters, contact Village Clerk Barb Ostrowski at 618-374-1568 or elsah.clerk2@gmail.com, or Mayor Mike Pitchford at 618-616-4948 or elsah.mayor@gmail.com. The Zoning Board meets on the first Thursday of the month at 7 pm, chaired by Mark Young. Trustee meetings are on the second Tuesday of the month at 7 pm. Meetings are public, and agendas are posted at the Post Office 48 hours before.

Three Rivers Community Farm Stand opens for the season on Thursday, May 9. Regular hours are Thursday and Friday from 10 AM to 7 PM, and Saturday from 9 AM to 2 PM. Visitors can enjoy a variety of organic produce, local eggs, meats, dairy products, honey, hummus, mushrooms, fresh and frozen pasta, breads, coffee, kombucha, and of course, ice cream!

Principia College celebrated the completion of its new solar farm on April 11, enhancing its commitment to sustainability. Situated on the north side of Beltrees Road near the Cross-Country course, the solar farm spans 8 acres of the college's 2600-acre campus. Designed to blend with its surroundings, the area will be maintained as native prairie.