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State Rep. Adam Niemerg: Court Ruling on SAFE-T Act Confirms Critics Constitutional Concerns The ruling of 21 st Judicial Circuit Chief Judge Thomas Cunnington on the SAFE-T Act confirms what State Representative Adam Niemerg (R-Dietrich) has been warning about since the legislation was first introduced. “One of the reasons I voted against this bill was because I believed it was an overreach from the legislative and executive branches of government,” Niemerg said. “We should not paint our judicial process with a broad brush because every case is different. The SAFE-T Act handcuffs the ability of judges to keep our communities safe and there is no question it is a major overreach.” Judge Cunningham’s ruling strikes down the cash bail and pre-trial release provisions of the SAFE-T Act for the 65 counties that challenged the law’s constitutionality. In his ruling, Cunningham stated that the law violates the Separation of Powers clause of the

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Every year Merriam-Webster adds new words to the dictionary, often those that have made their way into everyday language and pop culture. While it’s not officially on the list, the term “tripledemic” is certainly a strong contender. The word was coined to describe the near-simultaneous increase in COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, cases. Millions across the country have been getting sick at an alarming rate earlier than normal, particularly for flu, putting increased pressure on healthcare systems across the country. Young children, those under two years old, are particularly susceptible to RSV, as well as those with other chronic health conditions. Children typically develop anything from cold-like symptoms to a more severe cough or even trouble breathing. Dr. Keith Hanson, a pediatrician with Peoria, Illinois-based OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois, says RSV is doing what RSV has done for decades, but we have become

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced that yesterday Circuit Judge Thomas Cunnington, Chief Judge of the 21st Judicial Circuit, issued his ruling in the case of Rowe, et al., v. Pritzker, et al. Judge Cunnington ruled in favor of the Plaintiffs and held the Pre-Trial Fairness Act, specifically the bail reform and pretrial release provisions, unconstitutional. The immediate net effect of this ruling is that the pre-trial release provisions and bail reform will not go into effect in the 65 counties that were party to the lawsuit, which includes Madison County. The other provisions of the Safe-T Act, such as body cameras, training, etc., were upheld. The Plaintiffs in this lawsuit consisted of 65 counties throughout Illinois who filed suit against Governor JB Pritzker, Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Senate President Donald Harmon, and Speaker of the House Christopher Welch. Kankakee County and Will County were the first counties to file suit; thereafter,

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JERSEYVILLE - “The Cave,” a CBD, Delta 8, and vape store with locations in Alton, Fairview Heights, and Wood River, has officially opened for business in Jerseyville. The new store is located at 610 S. State St., near the intersection of highways 67 and 109. Manager Nathan Badman said the new location officially opened Wednesday, Dec. 14, and has been praised by Jerseyville residents who no longer have to drive out of town for their favorite Cave products. “The reason we wanted to put it up in Jerseyville is that nobody else was up there,” Badman said. “We figured that the people in Jerseyvile have to drive 30-35 minutes to the closest smoke shop, and so why not put one there right in the middle of Jerseyville, right? “We’ve been getting good reviews since we’ve been open - a lot of people saying that exact thing, ‘We’re so glad that you’re open up here, we don’t have to drive all the way to Alton now.’”

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Sheriff's Office and the Madison County Coroner's Office are conducting a death investigation of an adult male, that was found deceased Wednesday morning. Earlier Wednesday morning, an adult male was reported missing by a family member to the Troy Police Department. At about 10:57 a.m., on Wednesday, during the missing person investigation, additional information led area first responders, including the Madison County Sheriff's Office, to the area of the 4300 block of Schipkowski Road, unincorporated Edwardsville. The missing person was found alone and deceased near his vehicle. Although this death investigation continues, preliminary information revealed that there does not appear to be a threat to the community. The Madison County Sheriff's Office and the Madison County Coroner's Office are in contact with the family. The Madison County Sheriff's Office said nothing else will be released for now.

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine has filed charges of reckless homicide and aggravated DUI against a Grafton man in connection with a crash that claimed the life of a motorcyclist from Wood River. Charges were filed Tuesday against Steven T. Dublo, 44, alleging that he had cocaine and methamphetamine in his system at the time of the crash, which resulted in the death of motorcyclist Nicholas O. West, 32. The charge of aggravated DUI resulting in death, which is the more serious of the two, carries a possible sentence of three to 14 years in prison. The charges allege that Dublo had the drugs in his system when he drove a flatbed truck through a red light in Alton, resulting in a collision with West’s motorcycle. The date of offense is April 2, 2022. “We continue to pray for healing for the family and loved ones of Mr. West,” Haine said. “I want to remind drivers that they need to be aware of motorcyclists. And I want to war

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Ghostx and Ellle Mercurio Cherrier are doing their part to urge people to remain drug-free. Ghostx is a rapper from Ferguson, Mo., who fell into the streets and committed a violent crime. During the next decade, he says he searched for God, lost his father, and partnered with highly regarded filmmaker Mercurio-Cherrier in doing the short movie Horror Over Heroin. Mercurior-Cherier said Ghostx has countless other ways he gives back to his community. Ghostx's music recently was crowned king of hip hop here but the pride of his life lay in helping others. The rapper allows his past to be the catalyst he needed to acquire the faith to move the mountains in his life, Mercurio-Cherrier said. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Jan 28, 2022, the two will speak after the premiere of a heroin short film documentary regarding the impact that drugs and violence paths led them. It will be free for all the Florissant Valley Library Branch in St. Louis County. "Ghostx makes a difference in the music industr

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JERSEY - Jersey County State's Attorney Ben Goetten issued a statement regarding the Jerseyville Police Department arrest of Donald R. Jones, 29, for attempted murder. Jones was charged after a shooting at 8:15 p.m. on Christmas Day, December 25, 2022, at a residence located in the 700 block of North Liberty in Jerseyville. "There’s no other way to define this other than excellent police work," Goetten said. "Chief Blackorby and Deputy Chief Woelfel should be commended for their investigative efforts. Within 48 hours, a suspect was apprehended and the evidence presented to make this an overwhelmingly strong case for prosecution" Goetten also said: "My office intends to dispatch an attempt murder conviction in this case with the same vigor displayed by the Jerseyville Police Department."

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ST. LOUIS - Mayor Tishaura O. Jones announced today the signing of the Working Families Bill ( BB116 ) to support St. Louisans, recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic. Using $52 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, this legislation establishes Missouri’s first guaranteed basic income program to support public school children and their families, expands health care access for residents, and invests in public safety by creating new opportunities for youth. “St. Louis is back on the map, joining more than 20 cities across the country in piloting an innovative, forward-thinking guaranteed basic income program for city schoolchildren and their families,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “From creating better opportunities for our youth to expanding access to healthcare, this bill is an investment directly in our communities still struggling to get back on their feet. Lifting families out of poverty makes our city stronger and safer, and I am grateful

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ST. LOUIS — Following guidance from the National Park Service, a new mask mandate went into effect on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, regardless of vaccination status for anyone entering federal buildings, which include the Gateway Arch itself, at Gateway Arch National Park. According to the CDC, St. Louis City and St. Louis County are at a High (Red) level due to increased community transmission of COVID-19. All staff and visitors must wear a well-fitting, high-quality mask, defined as “a surgical mask, procedure mask, an internationally approved device (e.g., KN95s and KF94s) or respirator.” Cloth masks and similar face covers (e.g., gaiters) are not considered high-quality masks. Surgical masks are available to visitors at the Arch Information Desk free of charge. Gateway Arch visitors must enter the monument through the new west entrance, which faces Fourth Street and the Old Courthouse. The Gateway Arch legs are exits only. Please allow at least 30 minutes to go throug

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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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