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GRAFTON - The large piece of machinery, what can best be described as a large boat hoist, has been sitting idle in a parking lot in Lockhaven since the 1960s according to some reports. The hoist is still believed to be fully operational and is being moved to a new location where it can continue to be used. It was towed over to Grafton where it was then loaded onto a ferry to its final resting place at the Longshot Marina in Portage De Sioux. Ambition Towing based out of St. Louis was in charge of the towing operation. Below are pictures of the tow truck and hitch setup. Scott Mandrell, the man who was spearheading this operation Thursday morning (July 21) said that "it's a really unusual load." The machine easily takes up both lanes as it went down Route 100 into Grafton, which required a little assistance from the authorities. A State Police Officer gave the tow truck and other men an escort into Grafton to ensure everyone's safety. The hoist was going to be scrapped afte

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EDWARDSVILLE – Nearly 100 years after Route 66 first made its mark on the way Americans travel, it’s leaving another mark — this time on a blank wall in downtown Edwardsville. A St. Louis County artist has begun turning a building wall on the southeast corner of East Vandalia and South Main streets into one of 11 murals highlighting Route 66 in southern Illinois towns. The hand-painted project is expected to take about a week to complete. Daniel Ricketts of St. Louis Sign & Mural began working on the Edwardsville mural, the second of 11 that will be installed, on Thursday. It’s part of a Mural Trail being created to highlight Route 66 in an effort led by the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. Route 66, the so-called Mother Road that spanned at least 2,400 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles, turns 100 in 2026. In May, the tourism bureau received a $919,000 Route 66 state grant to fund the murals and a series of other projects highlighting the historic highway.

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CHICAGO – The Mega Millions jackpot has now been raised to $660 million for tomorrow night's drawing. If won, this would be the third largest Mega Millions jackpot ever won in the history of the game. The first Mega Millions drawing was on May 17, 2002, and Illinois was one of the first lotteries to start playing this multi-state game. Now it is offered by 47 lotteries across the U.S. In the 20-year history of the game, 221 players have scooped the Mega Millions jackpot. Mega Millions is played every Tuesday and Friday night, with the next draw taking place on Friday, July 22 at 10 p.m. (CT). Mega Millions tickets are $2 each, and players can add the Megaplier for an additional $1 for the chance to multiply non-jackpot prizes. Background Top five Mega Millions jackpots won: $1.5 billion - South Carolina, October 2018 $1 billion - Michigan, January 2021 $646 million - Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, March 2012 $648 million - California, Georgia, December 2013 $543 million

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The deceased has been identified as Travone Mister, Jr., 6 years of age, of the 4300 block of Seibert Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri, 63123. St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a drowning at the Kennedy Recreation Complex Pool located at 6050 Wells Road which resulted in the death of a child. On July 20, 2022, at 1:31 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the Affton Southwest Precinct responded to a call for service for a sick case at the Kennedy Recreation Complex Pool. Arriving officers located an unresponsive 6-year-old male child. The child was transported to an area hospital for life-saving treatment but was pronounced deceased. A preliminary investigation has revealed the child was found in the pool unresponsive. CPR was initiated by those on the scene. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available.

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ST. LOUIS – Today, at a groundbreaking mayoral summit regarding gun violence prevention and holding the gun industry accountable, City of St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas, co-chairs of Mayors Against Illegal Guns, released new data on the manufacturers of guns used in crimes in Kansas City and St. Louis and called on their fellow mayors across the country to do the same. The summit was hosted by Mayors Against Illegal Guns Co-Chair New York Mayor Eric Adams, in partnership with the African American Mayors Association. “Gun violence is devastating St. Louis and cities across the country, and for too long, gun manufacturers have profited with zero accountability,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “We convened this summit to send a strong message to reckless actors in the gun industry: your days operating in the shadows are coming to a close.” “Just like how Big Tobacco needed to be held accountable for its role

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WASHINGTON DC – Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, led a majority of the CBC in a letter to Federal Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Robert Califf expressing strong support for the FDA’s proposed rule to remove menthol cigarettes from the market. “After decades of the tobacco industry’s targeting of our children and our communities with pervasive marketing campaigns and price discounts, use of menthol cigarettes skyrocketed among Black Americans. As of 2020, menthol cigarettes accounted for 37% of all cigarette sales —the highest proportion since major tobacco companies were required to report the domestic market share of menthol and non-menthol cigarettes,” wrote the members. “The net result of these predatory marketing strategies is the Black community is suffering unfairly and disproportionately from tobacco-related diseases.” In 2019, approximately 85% of

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee today unanimously voted to advance U.S. Representative Mike Bost’s (IL-12) Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act to the full House for approval. The bill would set aside existing U.S. Department of Transportation funding to address a critical shortage in available parking for semis and large commercial trucks. “Growing up in a family trucking business, I am all too familiar with the struggle our nation’s truckers face as they push the extra mile to find somewhere safe to park,” said Bost. “Expanding access to parking options for truckers will not only help ensure their safety and the safety of all on the road but will also help address our supply chain crisis by ensuring they aren’t spending precious time searching for somewhere to park. I’m grateful to my colleagues for supporting my bill today and hope that it will quickly be brought up for a vote on the House floor

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WASHINGTON D.C. - Following the preventable, horrific Highland Park massacre that claimed the lives of seven Illinoisans on the Fourth of July, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) delivered impassioned opening remarks to a U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee hearing focused on protecting our communities from mass shootings this morning. The Senator, a mother of two young daughters, emphasized that our nation’s gun violence epidemic is now the leading cause of death for young Americans and implored her colleagues to support additional commonsense gun safety reforms like reinstating the assault weapons ban to get weapons of war off our streets and protect our nation’s children from senseless gun violence. Key quotes: “Now, I want to be clear – restoring the assault weapons ban would not prevent sportsmen from continuing to access more than 2,000 models of powerful hunting rifles. We are not talking about your .30-06s – no mass shooter is going to grab

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BALLWIN, MO. -On Wednesday, July 20th, wish kid Conner, who is battling a nervous system disorder, was sworn in as Metro West Fire Protection District Station 2’s newest firefighter. The 11-year-old’s one-true wish to be a firefighter came to life with the help of Make-A-Wish and Metro West’s firefighters. “It’s a miracle to see all these people rally their support around Conner,” Conner’s Mother, Tanya said. “We believe God doesn’t give our family anything we can’t handle. Conner has such a strong support network in his corner.” Traveling from Fort Dodge, Iowa, Conner and his family are staying in St. Louis for a week so he can take in the sights of St. Louis and experience being a firefighter. Conner will be accompanied by his mother, grandparents, and two older brothers. While in town, Conner will also have the opportunity to visit St. Louis’ best attractions such as the St. Louis Zoo, the Science Center, an

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ALTON - The Alton Municipal Band’s 132nd concert series continues this week with “Leading Ladies,” a celebration of women’s roles in music, stage, and screen. The concert features music sung or performed by prominent women such as the Andrews Sisters and Judy Garland. Under the direction of Jennifer Shenberger, the band will also feature vocal soloist Willa Stine, a recent high school graduate, whose powerful voice will shine as she performs songs from both the jazz and musical theatre traditions. On Sunday, concertgoers are invited to have a “frozen treat to beat the heat,” as the Mobile Tropical Sno will be on-site at Haskell Park, selling Hawaiian Shaved Ice in a variety of flavors. This unique cart has made appearances around the Alton area and is always a hit no matter where they turn up. Patrons can purchase a snow cone with cash, credit/debit, or Apple Pay. Admission to the concert is free. It will be presented again on Sunday, July

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GODFREY - Kreative Kids Learning Center announced with great excitement on Wednesday the purchase of the former Alvereita Beauty College facility at 3050 Godfrey Road to serve as their new location in fall 2022. Kreative Kids Learning Center, currently located at 121 West Elm St., Alton, has provided quality early childhood education and care for children and families in the Riverbend region for 52 years. Looking forward to the next 50 years, the Center’s new property will undergo extensive renovations to become a state-of-the-art childcare facility under the direction of general contractor Brad Jun, Jun Construction. "This is a pretty exciting day in our history," Keith Neuber of Kreative Kids said. "We have been blessed to be at a couple different locations. The Alton School District housed us for several years and we are thankful. For the past five years, we have been searching for a place to call our own. It has been a long struggle, it is hard to find an existing space

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ALTON - Alton comedian SyRok Foxx will be performing a comedy show at Hiram’s Bar at 219 W. 3rd St. in downtown Alton this Saturday, July 23. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the show starting at 8 p.m.; attendees must be 21 or older, as there will be drink specials all night. Promoter Marvia Lawrence with Hands On Entertainment said admission is $10 at the door, but there is a $5 pre-sale going on up until the day of the show. Call or text 618-973-6783 for more information and to be put on the guest list at the pre-sale price. Lawrence described Foxx’s style of comedy as adult-oriented and Kat-Williams-esque. He also said this will be the first in a series of comedy shows coming to Alton to help build up the area’s comedy scene. “This won’t be the last one, it’s just a series of testing to see how everybody would like comedy down here, because I know we don’t really have too much comedy going on around here,” Lawrence said. Lawrence

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WOOD RIVER - Riverbend residents have another reason to get excited about the food scene in Illinois. The Good River Collective, a new Commissary Kitchen and base of operations for Food Trucks, based in the heart of Downtown Wood River will open later this year. Opening on 11 W. Ferguson Avenue, The Good River Collective will be throwing open its doors to the community in the late Fall of 2022, serving food entrepreneurs, food trucks, caterers, and other food and beverage-based businesses. Launching with the mission to deliver a space for food entrepreneurs to create, grow and establish their businesses in a certified kitchen space alongside fellow food professionals. But what also distinguishes The Good River Collective from other kitchens is the project’s ownership. Working with fellow entrepreneurs, Tom and Vickie Maxwell, who own Liberty Blueberry Farm in Farmington, Missouri, and Fitness and Fun in Bethalto, Illinois, married duo Matt and Amy Herren have already built u

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ST. LOUIS - A female quick-change robbery suspect, Anastacia Washington, 35, of the 4900 block of Lilburn Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri, faces charges of Robbery First Degree. Washington is being held on $100,000 cash only, no 10% bond. Sgt. Tracy Panus said the robbery occurred at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12. The probable cause statement released by St. Louis County Police reads as follows: "Upon investigation, it was determined that suspect, Anastacia Washington, entered the U.S. Bank at 11100 Larimore Road in Spanish Lake, St. Louis County, and passed a threatening note announcing a robbery and made off with approximately $6,000. "The suspect was seen on surveillance leaving the bank, entering a Dirt Cheap store, and exiting the Dirt Cheap store after changing her clothing. A tip from a co-worker of the suspect led detectives to identify Anastacia Washington as a person of interest. "Law enforcement recovered clothing discarded by the suspect outside of the Dirt Cheap store.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Rae Dorsey, owner of Rae Marcel Studios in Edwardsville, said she is so excited to share space in her new area with not only her clients but her family and others for creative opportunities at 301 N. Main St. in Edwardsville. The grand opening for Rae Marcel Studios was held on July 9. "This is for Rae Marcel Photography, but also for those who need creative space," she said. "We specialize in wedding, family photography, and newborns photography. I just needed a space to come home. Now, we have really put our feet in Edwardsville, we love the neighborhood. This ribbon cutting was just a mark of an amazing journey that started five years ago. I can't wait to see what comes through here. I am also excited it was an art space before and we are going to keep art alive here." Rae said she started her photography journey in high school. "I loved it so much that I took it for my art class all four years," she said. "I stayed in the darkroom seeing what I could come up with

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River Police released an announcement on Wednesday morning, that it is trying to identify the owners of each of the two above pictured vehicles in an ongoing investigation." "If you can help, we certainly appreciate it," the Wood River Police said. "Thank you in advance." Contact the Wood River Police at (618) 251-3114 with any information about the vehicles.

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ALTON - Alton Fire Department located a non-responsive female in the parking lot of First Presbyterian Church at 400 Alby St. in Alton, at approximately 10:18 a.m. on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. The female was determined to be deceased. She has been identified as Christine K. Stoner, 53, of Alton. The Madison County Coroner’s Office was requested and responded to further the investigation. While the investigation by the Alton Police Department and Madison County Coroner’s Office continues, preliminary information does not suggest any foul play to be involved in Christine’s death," Alton Police Department Deputy Chief Jarrett Ford said Wednesday morning.

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GRAFTON - The Grafton Police Chief Eric Spanton and Mayor Mike Morrow both expressed thanks for a unanimous Grafton City Council approval of an adjusted pay raise for police and municipal workers at the Tuesday meeting. The vote followed the adoption of Grafton Ordinance #756 which accepted the results of the June 28, 2022, General Primary Election. The question on the ballot asked the residents of Grafton to vote on increasing the Non-Home Rule Sales Tax from ½% to 1%. The citizens voted 71.08% in favor of the increase, with the additional funds to be used for police and municipal operations. The sales tax increase and pay adjustments will become effective on January 1, 2023. “On behalf of Chief Spanton and me, I want to thank the citizens of Grafton for voting to support our police and municipal workers,” said Mayor Morrow. “The Chief would have been here with us tonight, but he is in the hospital this evening recovering from a preventive surgery. He and hi

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EDWARDSVILLE - Members of the Junior Service Club of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon presented Mayor Art Risavy with a check for nearly $112,000 for the R.P. Lumber Center’s teen facility at the City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 19. The check is the culmination of more than three years of fundraising in support of The Garage, a teen center at the City’s recently opened ice rink and community recreational facility, the R.P. Lumber Center. “This inviting center wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication of the Junior Service members,” Risavy said. “We offer our sincere thanks on behalf of the City, and the families and students who will reap the benefits of this generous labor of love for years to come.” Junior Service Club members were involved in most aspects of creating The Garage, from the overall theme and furnishings to its laid-back “coffee house” vibe. Located near Edwardsville High School and Metro East Lutheran

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ULLIN - Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 7 are investigating an in-custody death of an inmate at the Pulaski County Jail in Ullin at the request of the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. During the morning hours of July 14, 2022, Pulaski County Correctional Officers located a 47-year-old female of St. Louis, Missouri unresponsive in her jail cell. The female was transported by ambulance to an area hospital and later transferred to a hospital located in Mt. Vernon. On July 18, 2022, the female was pronounced deceased at the hospital. An autopsy is pending and the cause of death is unknown at this time. The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office is assisting in the investigation. The investigation is ongoing and no additional information is being released at this time.

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