Norma Vieregge, far right, talks to a family from Red Bud about American Bald Eagles as they look for the birds from the front porch of the Pierre Menard Home in Ellis Grove. At least five separate eagles were seen flying around the home with more seen down stream and a few more birds were sighted across the river. Submitted by Chuck and Pauline Happel.

Austin Schanz, 2, reads the News-Democrat. Austin is the son of Jeremy and Angie Schanz, of Mascoutah, and the grandson of Cindy Schanz. Submitted by Cindy Schanz.

St. Clair County Board member Charles Lee meets GOP lieutenant governor candidate Jason Plummer at the St. Louis Downtown Airport. Submitted by Charles Lee.

Cindy and Randy Truttman at Mary’s River Covered Bridge in Chester. Submitted by Randy Truttman.

Best buddies Jacob Rickert (left) and Will Simontin (right) enjoy their first snowboarding experience at Hidden Valley Ski Resort in Eureka, Mo. Submitted by Jennie Rickert.

Brothers Zach, 11, and Dylan, 6, walk behind Mount Hope Cemetery in Belleville.

Cousins Austin Reed and Jospeh Page clean up after an afternoon of playing in the mud. Submitted by Karen Reed.

The early bird gets the worm in this photo submitted by John Freidenberg.

The Belleville Irish Flag Ceremony was held on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. Submitted by Cassie Harrison.

This squirrel enjoys this ear of corn on a bungee feeder at the Walter Beer house in Germantown. Submitted by Carolyn Beer.