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EDWARDSVILLE — New Sheriff Jeff Connor promised to “faithfully” serve the residents of Madison County today in a ceremony at the courthouse. Connor became the 47 th sheriff of Madison County as former Third Judicial Circuit Judge James Hackett administered his oath of office. Jeff's wife, Elizabeth, stood beside him. Retired Sheriff John Lakin presented him with a new badge. “I am humbled to serve you,” Connor said. “The county has come a long way in the last 220 years since the first sheriff was elected in 1812. I expect the sheriff’s office here today to continue being one of the finest law enforcement agencies in this region.” The new sheriff said he never thought about being a police officer when he was young, but then someone approached him about it and he was hired at age 23. Connor said his childhood dream wasn’t to go into law enforcement, but rather to follow in his father's and grandfather's footsteps and become a steelworker.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Senior running back Jordan Bush played well in what turned out to be his final game as a Tiger, running for a touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Tigers' 49-21 loss to Wilmette Loyola Academy in their IHSA Class 8A second-round playoff football game Nov. 5 at Tiger Stadium. Bush is recognized today as an iCAN Clinic Male Athlete of the Month for the Tigers for his efforts on the gridiron this past season. Although the Ramblers dominated play, especially in the first half in building a 35-0 lead at halftime, the Tigers displayed their trademark determination and never gave up until the end, a characteristic of Edwardsville football teams. In his postgame interview, Bush had many mixed emotions following the game. "Honestly, it's kind of heartbreaking that our season's over," Bush said that day, "but gotta stay positive, honestly, because we did what we could to get here. And honestly, it's a good feeling knowing I had my brothers behind my back. That's mainly what

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(Pictured above: JCHS students in the school’s Career and Technical Education program, including Welding, Auto, Machines, and Drafting courses. The JCHS Workforce Development Program is looking to connect skilled/talented students such as these with local businesses/stakeholders for internships that will help them prepare for after graduation). JERSEYVILLE - If you’re a local business owner or stakeholder in need of some interns, the JCHS Workforce Development program has you covered. Their program aims to help students plan for their future after graduation by giving them real-world experience, and they are seeking paid internships for their students to help achieve this goal. “We are aiming to be able to have meaningful internship opportunities available to any qualifying senior who wants field experience while earning high school credit - and ideally, a paycheck too,” Workforce Development Coordinator Erica Heitzig said. “We have talented kids,

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a pedestrian struck on Chambers Road near Green Valley Drive that resulted in the death of an adult male. The deceased has been identified as Demonte Rucker, 29 years of age, of the 300 block of Millman Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63135. On November 29, 2022, at 6:18 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service for a person struck near the intersection of Chambers Road and Green Valley Drive. Responding officers located an adult male who had been struck by a motor vehicle. The male was pronounced deceased at the scene. Preliminary investigation has revealed a vehicle was traveling westbound on Chambers Road approaching Green Valley Drive when a male entered the roadway and was struck. The driver remained on scene. No other injuries were reported. This is an active investigation. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes

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ST. LOUIS - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide that occurred in the 200 block of Northport Hills Drive which resulted in the death of a child. On November 12, 2022, at 2:22 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for a sick case in the 200 block of Northport Hills Drive. Responding officers located an unconscious female child. The victim was transported to an area hospital for life saving treatment but later succumbed to her injuries. The victim has been identified as LilinnaLeak, 21 months of age, of the 200 block of Northport Hills Drive in Florissant, Missouri, 63033. On Wednesday, November 16, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Amanda Tufts, 35 years of age, of the 200 block of Northport Hills Drive in Florissant, Missouri 63033, for one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child - First Degree - Death of a Child and one count

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County Treasurer Chris Slusser is reminding taxpayers that the final installment of their tax bill is coming due. “With the due date quickly approaching, I want to remind everyone that the fourth and final tax installment will be due Wed, Dec. 7,” Slusser said. “Remember, there are many ways to pay including the option of paying by phone at 1-844-919-4300.” Slusser reminds taxpayers of payment options: at one of the participating collector banks or credit unions throughout the county, by mail, through your financial institution’s online bill pay service, the Treasurer’s website at www.madcotreasurer.org, or in person at the Treasurer’s Office in Edwardsville. “No penalty will be applied for payments mailed and postmarked by the due date,” he said. “I would encourage taxpayers to take a payment inside the post office to have it postmarked if they are planning to mail it on the actual due date. Mai

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jerseyville City Council moved one step closer to amending part of the city code regarding the sale of drug paraphernalia at their meeting on Tuesday night. Before Tuesday’s meeting, the Jerseyville City Code strictly prohibited the sale of all drug paraphernalia. This local law has somewhat conflicted with Illinois state law ever since recreational cannabis became legalized in the state. A new business opening in Jerseyville is seeking to sell paraphernalia from their shop and was planning to sue the city if the code had not been amended. The amendment in pamphlet form received a motion and a second, but the actual city code will not change until the amendment has been officially published on Dec. 9. Additional ordinances are also being worked out to continue prohibiting the sale of synthetic cannabis and regulating other items. Lots of discussion preceded the council’s decision to advance this amendment. A question was raised as to whether thi

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JERSEY - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced the Attorney General’s office has charged a Brighton man with the alleged dissemination of child pornography. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child pornography online. Raoul’s office charged Jerry Newby Jr., 24, in the Jersey County Circuit Court with five counts of dissemination of child pornography, Class X felonies, each punishable by up to six to 30 years in prison and up to $100,000 in fines. Newby’s bond was set at $1 million and he is scheduled to appear in court on Dec. 1. Newby currently resides in Wood River in Madison County. “Perpetrators who exploit innocent children must be held accountable, which helps prevent further abuse and can be critical to helping abused children and their families heal,” Raoul said. “The

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ST. LOUIS - The HAP Foundation has strengthened its pediatric program by incorporating the Greater Illinois Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition (GIPPCC) and Missing Pieces resources under its operations. In an effort to support more seriously ill children and families coping with the loss of a child, The HAP Foundation has expanded its reach by encompassing these vital collaborations within the pediatric care community. The HAP Foundation, an independent nonprofit, continues to provide education, advocacy, workforce development, and research around hospice, palliative care, and grief support for children and adults. “The HAP Foundation will build on the Greater Illinois Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition and Missing Pieces’ groundwork and leverage relationships to sustain a place to support seriously ill children and their families following a loss,” said Joseph Matty, President of The HAP Foundation. “We commend their past leaders and their work as w

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CHICAGO - This holiday season, the Illinois Lottery is teaming up with the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling (ICPG) to remind players that lottery games are not for kids with the Gift Responsibly Campaign. The annual holiday campaign, spearheaded by the National Council on Problem Gambling , is designed to increase public awareness of the impact and inappropriateness of giving lottery products as gifts to minors. “For many, playing the lottery can be a fun and exciting holiday tradition but only if played responsibly - with players who are 18 and older,” said Harold Mays, Illinois Lottery Director. “We are proud to once again join this campaign to help promote responsible play and gift-giving during this holiday season and beyond.” More than 80 lotteries and community organizations around the globe are participating in the Gift Responsibly campaign this holiday season to raise awareness about the risks of youth gambling and the dangers of buying lotter

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ALTON - YWCA Southwestern Illinois is pleased to announce the 2023 Josephine Marley Beckwith Future Leader (JMBFL) Scholarship applications are available. The scholarship is open to senior girls attending high schools located in Madison County. YWCA, primarily through support from the Women of Distinction Academy, offers $1,000 renewable scholarships to deserving young women in honor of Josephine Marley Beckwith, Woman of Distinction class of 2002. “The JMBFL scholarship is a passport to help the selected recipient enhance her opportunity to become tomorrow’s leader,” said Erica Bratton, YWCA Board Member and JMBFL Scholarship Committee Chair. JMBFL applications are available at YWCA, 304 E. Third St., Alton by calling 618.465.7774, at www.altonywca.com or at your local guidance counselor’s offices. The JMBFL Scholarship is unique as the Committee is looking for well-rounded students who are actively involved in their school and community. These female

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) are holding town hall meetings to explain flooding disaster assistance and encourage survivors to attend and ask questions. “We want every flooding disaster survivor to take advantage of every bit of assistance that is available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), IEMA and the community organizations,” said Herb Simmons, Director of the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency. “Survivors are encouraged to pursue SBA loans because if the loan application is denied, the doors are opened for other funding opportunities with FEMA.” So far, more than $18 million has already been approved for survivors, which includes assistance with flood insurance. “Financial assistance is still available to survivors, but they must start the process by applying for FEMA’s

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a pedestrian struck on Chambers Road near Green Valley Drive that resulted in the death of an adult male. On November 29, 2022, at 6:18 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service for a person struck near the intersection of Chambers Road and Green Valley Drive. Responding officers located an adult male who had been struck by a motor vehicle. The male was pronounced deceased at the scene. Preliminary investigation has revealed a vehicle was traveling westbound on Chambers Road approaching Green Valley Drive when a male entered the roadway and was struck. The driver remained on scene. No other injuries were reported. This is an active investigation. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators if you have

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JERSEYVILLE - In any sport, it is rare for a 14-year-old to appear on the world stage. However, Jersey Community High School's Josselyn Allen will do just that this weekend in the World Axe Throwing Championships presented by Signarama at Fox Cities Exhibition Center in Downtown Appleton, Wisc. The tournament runs from Friday through Sunday. Allen will perform with her coach Dan Brynildsen , owner of Riverbend Axe Throwing locations in both Jerseyville and East Alton, and Dan's wife. Brynildsen is currently ranked at the top of the world rankings in multiple categories. ESPN will tape the world championships and air sometime next week. Allen has already captured significant attention with an appearance on ESPN. Brynildsen is renowned in the sport. Josselyn's specialty is big axe throwing. Brynildsen said axe throwing is one of those sports that a person can do that doesn’t require a lot of strength. "It is about precision and technique and Josselyn has both in her throws," h

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GRAFTON - The Wayland-Hill American Legion Post # 648 Commander Bruce Olmsted and Auxiliary Treasurer Lula Flowers each presented a $500 check to Mrs. Christine Robertsen, Vice President of the Omaha Beach Bedford Association who has been visiting Grafton from France. The monies were given as a token of gratitude for the work Mrs. Robertsen does for our soldiers buried in France at the Normandy American Cemetery on the cliffs overlooking Omaha Beach. “I am so deeply touched by this donation,” said Mrs. Robertsen during the small ceremony at City Hall. “The French people—we never forget what you have done for us; we love you and we will never forget.” She spoke to the Grafton Veteran’s Committee and Legion members at the Legion hall several weeks ago. She told them that she was only nine years old when the Germans invaded. She related stories of what it was like to live in occupied France in WWII. She also told them what a feeling of joy it was to

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JERSEY - Dan Brynildsen and his wife, Erika, have put axe throwing for this region on the map nationwide and worldwide with their locations in both Jerseyville and East Alton. This weekend, Dan will compete in the World Championships again in Appleton Wisc., Friday through Sunday. Dan Brynildsen's axe-throwing odyssey began when he celebrated his birthday in December 2018. That night Dan and his wife thoroughly enjoyed themselves and he was hooked. "It was a lot of fun, and I'm an active person anyway. It's kind of like bowling, it's active, it's social and it's fun. It's like darts or steroids, we now say at the shop." Shortly after Riverbend Axe Throwing opened at East Gate Plaza in East Alton, the fan base started. Dan has always had unbelievable enthusiasm for the sport and for spreading that love to others. He has been on the pro circuit for some time now and competed in the world championships last year. Dan said axe-throwing is good for everyone from age eight all the way t

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SPRINGFIELD – On November 29, 2022, the Illinois State Police (ISP) issued citations in three separate traffic crashes involving move-over law violations, (otherwise known as “Scotts Law”) violations. Two of the three crashes involved Illinois Department of Transportation vehicles. The first crash occurred on Interstate 70 eastbound near milepost 64, near Vandalia (Fayette county) in District 12. The second crash occurred on Interstate 94 northbound near 142 nd Street (Cook county) in District Chicago. The third crash involved vehicles belonging to a private contractor performing roadway work on US 67 northbound at US 34 (Warren county) in District 14. Injuries were reported in two of the three crashes. The at-fault drivers in all three crashes were cited for violating Scotts Law. ISP is reminding the public of the requirements of Scott’s Law. When approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with its emergency or hazard lights activated, drivers are

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Tuesday, November 29, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspect Christopher Gonzalez, 43 years of age, of the 10000 block of Concord School Court in St. Louis, Missouri 63128, for one count of Interference With Custody – Removed from State or Concealed. A booking photo for Gonzalez is not available. Gonzalez is being held on $20,000.00 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: On November 28, 2022, the Defendant contacted his daughter on her cellular phone around 3:15 p.m. in violation of a court order prohibiting him from contacting his children. By 5:20 p.m., the children were reported missing from their home by their mother. Police in the city of Alberta Lea, Minnesota located both children with the Defendant on November 29, 2022. St. Louis County detectives

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ALTON - The Mira Piano Quartet, a group of talented area musicians, had their minds on the people of Ukraine this holiday season. After some deep reflection, the four decided to have a benefit concert during the holidays with proceeds to benefit a relief effort in Ukraine. The concert is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Jacoby Arts Center’s East Gallery/Event Space. There is also a Brown Bag event that will feature the quartet presented by the Lewis and Clark Community College Music Department at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, in the Ringhausen Music Building. The quartet consists of four renowned area musicians - Vera Parkin, on piano, Sister Marie-Therese Swiezynski on violin, Christine Banks on viola, and Justine Liu Aldridge on cello and piano. Specifically, the proceeds from the Sunday concert will go toward the purchase of a new ambulance to be used in Ukraine. Hospitals, ambulances, and other healthcare facilities in Ukraine have been attacked during

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ALTON - The Christmas Eve Middletown Neighbors Luminaries event is returning to the Middletown Historic District of Alton for its 21st year. This year’s event will be held on Christmas Eve, with luminary lanterns being placed and lit at 4:30 p.m. The longstanding community tradition is marking its return with over 5,000 luminary lanterns, which will be placed all throughout Middletown, said event chairperson Shannon Sholar. It marks the perfect opportunity to drive or stroll through the historic district. “The drive-through or walkable illumination has become a Christmas tradition and destination for many families,” Sholar said. “Block captains organize and set up each block and are instrumental in making it all happen!” In addition to “block captains,” the event is made possible through bag donations from Duke Bakery, Middletown Neighbors, and support from the community. “We are very fortunate to have Duke Bakery donate all o

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