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GRANITE CITY - The employees of GCS Credit Union recently made their United Way pledge for 2023. This year, GCS went above and beyond expectations. Employees pledged a total of $17,236.10. As always, the Board of Directors will match the pledged amount and GCS will make a total donation of $34,472.20. The United Way’s mission myGCScu.com is to, “improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good.” With support from the community, United way can help families and individuals put food on the table, stay safe in their homes, get connected to mental health resources and so much more. GCS supports numerous charitable organizations each year, which include The Make-A-Wish Foundation, Partners for Pets, and The Greater St. Louis Honor Flight. To find out more about GCS, visit myGCScu.com or call 618-797-7993.

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City's Dylan Boyd recently won his 100th match in a dual confrontation with Alton High School. He is the 43rd wrestler in Granite City High School’s long 89-year wrestling history to achieve 100 wins. Coach John Venne said Dylan has led the team in wins each of the past three years and is wrestling so far at 145 pounds. He is a two-time regional champion and two-time state qualifier at both the Springfield Joe Bee Memorial and Francis Howell North Tournaments. He has been ranked as high as No. 6 in his weight class in Illinois. Dylan Boyd is a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month for the Warriors. He started the season with a 14-3 overall mark and appears to be one of the area’s finest wrestlers for the season. “Dylan is a young man who is working hard in the room and has been very helpful this year with helping out a lot of our newer wrestlers this year helping to teach them how to wrestle,” Coach Venne said. “Dylan

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JERSEYVILLE - Jerseyville Police have a suspect in custody who has been charged with attempted murder after a shooting at a residence located in the 700 block of North Liberty Street. The suspect is Donald R. Jones, 29, who was arrested on the evening of December 27, 2022. Jones is currently incarcerated at the Jersey County Jail. Tyler E. Howland, 19, was also arrested on the evening of December 27, 2022. Howland is currently incarcerated at the Jersey County Jail and charged with felony obstructing justice. The case continues to be an ongoing investigation and additional charges are pending on both subjects. At 8:15 p.m. on December 25, 2022, Jerseyville Police officers responded to a report of a shooting at a residence located in the 700 block of North Liberty Street. Upon arrival, officers located a victim who had been shot one time while inside his residence. Jerseyville Police Chief Brad Blackorby said the victim was transported from the scene by EMS. The bullet was fired from

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City High School Principal Daren DePew announced that 539 students earned Honor Roll accolades for the first semester of the 2022-23 school year. Students who obtained a grade point average of 5.0 or higher during the first semester earned high honors, while students with a 4.2-4.999 GPA with no D earned was named to the honor roll. All GPAs are based on the current semester GPA (not cumulative). To view the complete list of honorees, click below: https://www.gcsd9.net/

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois minimum wage is set to increase another dollar on Sunday, January 1, 2023, making the new required minimum wage $13 an hour. Minimum wage workers are encouraged to keep a close eye on their paychecks in the new year as any time worked in 2023 must reflect the new $ 13-an-hour minimum wage. There have been five increases in the state minimum wage since Governor JB Pritzker signed historic legislation in 2019 that establishes a schedule of wage increases, putting Illinois on the path to a $ 15-an-hour minimum wage by 2025. Prior to the first of these minimum wage increases in 2020, the last time workers in Illinois received an increase in the minimum wage was more than a decade ago in 2010. “Illinois workers deserve a minimum wage that keeps up with the rising costs of living,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “That’s why, during my first year as Governor, we raised the minimum wage with a gradual ramp to $15 an hour. Starting January

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CHRISTOPHER - Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Agents are investigating a fatal stabbing at a residence in Christopher, IL at the request of the Christopher Police Department (CPD). The incident occurred on December 25, 2022, at approximately 4:30 p.m. in the 200 block of West 15 th Street in Christopher. Preliminary information indicates that CPD was called to the residence for a family domestic dispute. Jeffery Brown, a 37-year-old male from Christopher, was located inside the residence and had suffered a stab wound. Brown was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The circumstances surrounding the stabbing are under investigation. This open and ongoing investigation is being led by ISP DCI and no additional information is being released at this time.

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS - The Major Case Squad Of Greater St. Louis is investigating an incident where a 17-year-old male was shot and killed in Cahokia Heights on Christmas Eve. The Major Case Squad was called by Cahokia Heights Police to assist just before noon on Saturday, December 24, 2022, about a deceased individual. When they arrived they identified 17-year-old LaShawn Bell, who had been shot and killed. The law enforcement group said anyone with information or a doorbell video from the area is asked to call the Major Case Squad at (618) 332-4277.

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SPRINGFIELD – Eligible older adults and persons with disabilities will see their annual license plate renewal fee reduced by more than half in the new year, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) announced Wednesday. Under Public Act 102-0807 , which takes effect Jan. 1, drivers who qualify for IDoA’s Benefit Access Program will pay only $10 for their license plate stickers, a decrease from $24 currently. “During this time of high inflation, many older adults are finding it increasingly difficult to cover everyday expenses,” said Illinois Department on Aging Director Paula Basta. “This income-based discount on license plate renewals is welcome news for older drivers, helping them save money and keep their vehicle registration current.” “The lower annual license plate renewal fee for qualifying seniors will help them keep more of their hard-earned money in their bank accounts to spend on other things, such as prescription medicine,” sai

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred in the 12400 block of Kendelwood Drive which resulted in the death of an adult male. On December 27, 2022, at 3:12 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service regarding persons shot in the 12400 block of Kendelwood Drive. Arriving officers located an adult female and an adult male in a vehicle in the parking lot suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The female was transported to an area hospital with a non-life-threatening injury. The male victim was pronounced deceased at the scene. The deceased has been identified as Byrom Donald; 19 years of age, of the 9500 block of Riddle Court in St. Louis, Missouri 63132. St. Louis County Police Department’s Crimes Against Persons detectives are conducting the investigation. The investigation is very active at this time. Additional information will be disseminated

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COLLINSVILLE - Junior point guard Trevon Bond is one of the key players for the Granite City boys' basketball team. Bond is one of Granite's most important players, running the offense as the point guard, scoring as much as possible, and also setting up his teammates, making sure they get the ball in good positions to hit their shots as well. He's very much a team player who works hard and helps his team out in any way possible. For his efforts both on and off the court, Bond has been selected as a Stillwater Senior Living male Athlete of the Month for the Warriors. Bond feels he's played well in helping the Warriors go out to a 5-4 start, but also knows there are always ways to improve and get better. He sees his main job as getting his teammates involved as much as possible. "I feel like I'm playing well," Bond said, "trying to get everybody involved. Just got to knock down more jump shots, because I take too many to keep missing like that." That's how Bond feels his game is -

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SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies throughout the state are reminding motorists to drive sober this holiday season. The annual “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign to keep alcohol- and drug-impaired drivers off Illinois roads will run through Jan. 2. In addition to impaired driving and seat belt offenders, law enforcement also will show zero tolerance for speeding, distracted driving and other traffic violations. “The holiday season should be a time for celebrating and making memories, not a time of tragedy and loss,” said Cynthia Watters, IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Too often, alcohol at holiday events contributes to the number of impaired drivers on our roads. Help us spread the message that driving impaired not only is illegal, but also can have fatal consequences.” Data from IDOT’s Bureau of Data Collection shows th

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ALTON - Alexander Graham Bell once said, “When one door closes another one opens.” While the name, “Riverbender Community Center” has ended, the mission continues to thrive in the form of the “iMerge Community Center,” a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Daniel Nosce, Assistant Director says, “We are proud to open our doors once again to the families and youth of the Riverbend area. With the help of Brigit Holt, her family, and the community, the legacy of the center can continue to flourish.” The grand opening of the iMerge Community Center is set for 6:30 p.m. Friday, December 30, 2022, to help ring in the New Year. There will be activities, music, a balloon drop, and much more. Tickets can be purchased online here: https://imergecommunitycenter.org/ When you pre-purchase a ticket online you will be immediately emailed a printable voucher with a unique barcode. "Sometimes our email may end up in your spam folder so make sure yo

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ST. LOUIS - Four prominent St. Louis business leaders, an Independence Center member, and their professional dance instructors will dance the night away at the 15 th annual Dancing with the St. Louis Stars, a benefit for Independence Center on January 14 at the Ritz-Carlton in Clayton. The event will benefit Independence Center, a St. Louis nonprofit committed to restoring the lives of adults with severe and persistent mental illness. “Dancing with the St. Louis Stars is such an important event for our organization because it not only helps us raise essential funds but it also shines a light on some of the mental health issues happening right in our community,” said Independence Center Executive Director Trish Holmes. “It’s estimated that one out of every four people will deal with mental illness at some point in their lives so it truly affects almost everyone. Independence Center’s success relies on the proceeds raised at this event so we hope people wil

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JERSEYVILLE - A Jerseyville resident was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, while a Dow resident was charged with four counts of drug-related offenses, according to a recent felony filing report from the Jersey County Circuit Clerk’s Office. James M. Markham, 59, of Jerseyville, was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon on December 13, 2022. According to the report, Markham was in possession of both an ASM black powder .44 caliber revolver and a Buckhorn Magnum .50 caliber black powder rifle. Markham was charged with a Super Class 3 felony, carrying a sentence of 2-10 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) and/or a fine of up to $25,000. A warrant was issued for his arrest on December 16, 2022, and his bail was set at $25,000. Courtney C. Smith, 36, of Dow, was charged with four separate counts of drug-related offenses on Dec. 14, 2022. Count 1 was unlawful possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. This

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CHICAGO – A life-changing amount of money is up for grabs to close out the year. The Mega Millions jackpot is now at a whopping $565 million for tonight’s drawing. If won, it would be the second-highest Mega Millions jackpot of the year and the sixth largest in the game’s history. Just five months ago, a $1.34 billion Mega Millions jackpot, the third largest lottery prize ever in U.S. history, was won with a single ticket purchased at the Speedway gas station in Des Plaines, Illinois. In addition to the historic billion dollar prize win, nine other Illinois players have won prizes of $1 million or more with Mega Millions this year. Mega Millions is played every Tuesday and Friday night with the next draw taking place tonight, December 27 at 10 p.m. Tickets are $2 each, and can be purchased in-store at any one of over 7,000 retailers across the State or online via the Illinois Lottery website or mobile app. About the Illinois Lottery: Founded in 1974, th

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ALTON - For the past several years, the Alton Police Department and its union, PBPA Unit #14 have purchased Christmas dinner items for Oasis Women's Center in Alton. "The items are then prepared by Oasis staff for the Center’s Christmas dinner," Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said."It is our small way of helping support the Oasis Women’s Center." Earlier in the month, the Police Benevolent and Protective Association Alton Unit 14 Annual Shop With A Cop event also left many area children with smiles and hope for Christmas.

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ALTON - A disturbance was reported to the Alton Police Department at 1 a.m. Monday, December 26, 2022, at Danny's Lounge in the 100 block of West Fourth Street. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said when officers arrived where they discovered that patrons had detained one male subject outside the business after he created a disturbance inside and struck an employee before exiting. "The male subject was taken into custody and brought to the Alton Jail," the chief said. "No serious injuries occurred."

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Tuesday, December 20, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Joseph Gutowski, 40 years of age, of the 1200 block of Moncoeur Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63146, for Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Possession of Child Pornography, and Promoting Child Pornography - Second Degree. A booking photo of Gutowski is attached. Gutowski is being held on $250,000 cash only, no 10%, bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: Between 2017 and 2020, the Defendant was a teacher in the Rockwood School District (Lafayette High School). The Victim, who was 16 years of age, was an exchange student from a different country and was staying with the Defendant. At this time, detectives have no evidence to suggest any current students are victims of the Defendant. St. Louis County Police Crimes Against

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CHICAGO – With families across Illinois and the nation gathering to celebrate the holiday season this weekend and COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses circulating at concerning levels, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding the public to celebrate the holidays safely and take action to protect their most vulnerable loved ones, including the elderly and the very young. IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra is urging those who are feeling ill to take a COVID-19 test and to stay home if they test positive to avoid spreading the virus to friends and family, especially those vulnerable to serious outcomes. IDPH also announced today that as of the end this year, it will follow the lead of the CDC and shift from daily reporting of new COVID-19 cases and deaths to a weekly cadence for reporting that data. Daily case and death data will no longer be reported as of January 1, 2023. Following that date, IDPH will report weekly data on Wednesday of each week for the

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ALTON - The Alton City Council passed several resolutions and approved several ordinances at their last regularly scheduled meeting of 2022. Among the items passed were a lease renewal agreement with Chez Marilyn, the disbursement of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for the City of Alton, and many more. Alderman Nate Keener and Alderwoman Stephanie Elliott were both absent from the meeting. The council unanimously approved the disbursement of ARPA funds for “emergency priority projects within the City of Alton.” Later on in the meeting, during the “Public Forum,” an Alton Overnight Warming Center volunteer suggested part of these ARPA funds be used to address rising homelessness in Alton. A “lease renewal agreement” between the City of Alton and Chez Marilyn, Inc. was also approved unanimously by the City Council. The council also voted unanimously to grant a Special Use Permit at 301 West Elm St. to allow the operation of a “cat

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