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ALTON - Think you’re tough? Prove it at the inaugural Tough Mudder event coming to southwest Illinois April 29-30, 2023 at World Wide Technology Raceway. Tough Mudder, a global leader in obstacle course adventures, will hold its Spring Midwest event at WWT Raceway thanks to a partnership between the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau and World Wide Technology Raceway. Tough Mudder is known nationwide for its weekend activities for adventure seekers. Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau spent several months working with officials from Tough Mudder to pinpoint the perfect location for the adventure event. Previously, Tough Mudder had been held in Wright City, MO. “This is a big win for Madison County,” Jason Troop, Sports Tourism Manager with the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau said. “From our initial conversation with Tough Mudder months ago at a conference in Texas to recent site visits in our region, the crew at Tough Mudder has been outstanding

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The deceased in a fatal motor vehicle accident where a person was struck in St. Louis County has been identified as Adam Levi, 24 years of age, of the 1500 block of Independence Street in Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63703. St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons Detectives are currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle accident involving a person struck at the intersection of Telegraph Road and Sappington Barracks Road. At 6:28 a.m. on September 30, 2022, St. Louis County Police Officers from the South County Precinct responded to a call for service for a motor vehicle accident with a person struck at the intersection of Telegraph Road and Sappington Barracks Road. Upon arrival, responding officers located an adult male lying on the ground unconscious and unresponsive. The victim was pronounced deceased on scene. Preliminary investigation has revealed the victim was walking northbound Telegraph Road prior to entering the intersection. The victim

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois State Police is investigating a fatal hit-and-run on Interstate 55 where a truck tractor semi-trailer struck a pedestrian. At 8:50 p.m. on October 1, 2022, the Illinois State Police (ISP) responded to Interstate 55 southbound at milepost 8 for a pedestrian who had been hit by a vehicle. Troopers learned the pedestrian, an adult female, was entering her disabled vehicle on the right shoulder when she was struck by a Truck tractor semi-trailer (TTST). The TTST did not stop and was last seen driving south on Interstate 55 from the scene. The pedestrian sustained life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased at an area hospital. The investigation is active and ongoing and no further information is available at this time. ISP is asking anyone with information reference this traffic crash to call ISP at 618-571-4124 or Crimestoppers at 314-725-8477 (TIPS). Witnesses can remain anonymous. The public is reminded all persons are innocent until proven

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with the Coalition to Stop the Canadian Pacific–Kansas City Southern Merger to discuss their concerns with the proposed railroad merger’s potential impact on Chicagoland passenger and freight train service. Duckworth and the group also spoke about how she can help elevate their voices from the federal level, help prevent disruptive and unsafe consequences of the proposed merger and how they all can work together to prioritize efficient and dependable rail service for Illinoisans. “Every day, folks in Chicagoland depend on commuter rail to safely and efficiently get to work, and it’s clear the Canadian Pacific–Kansas City Southern Merger would cause too many problems for our constituents,” said Duckworth. “I was glad to meet with the Coalition today to discuss how the merger, as it’s currently proposed, will negatively impact surrounding communities as well as my concerns

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LITCHFIELD – Illinois State Police (ISP) District 18 Commander, Mark Gillock, announces the ISP will conduct Special Traffic Enforcement Patrols (sTEP) in Macoupin and Montgomery Counties during November. These sTEPs allow the ISP to focus on these fatal four violations which contribute the greatest to traffic crashes and fatalities: - Driving Under the Influence (DUI); - Safety Belt and Child Restraint use; - Speeding; and, - Distracted Driving. The ISP will increase our daytime and nighttime patrols to ensure the safety of vehicle travelers through enforcement of all traffic safety laws. Impaired driving is a factor in more than 30 percent of traffic deaths in Illinois. Likewise, speeding is a factor in nearly 35 percent of fatal crashes; and, nearly 50 percent of vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes were known to not be buckled up. This project is funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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ALTON – It was a special occasion Friday evening when the Alton Fire Department decided to host their Firefighter’s Ball once again. It’s one of the only nights out of the year that all the volunteers can be in the same room with one another and their families. The department doesn’t take these opportunities for granted, so when everyone was dressed to the nines inside WOW Event Center in Upper Alton, they were sure to have a good time. Doors opened at 5 p.m. as guests had the chance to get professional photos taken. The bar was open as well to enjoy before dinner. Dinner was provided by Chef Bob’s Catering Company. Before dinner, the firemen presented the colors and said a fireman’s prayer. After that, another prayer blessed the food. Finally, guests began eating around 6:30 p.m. They ate and danced into the night and enjoyed one of the few chances they have to just relax and have some fun.

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker has instructed the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) to temporarily suspend the international fuel tax agreement (IFTA) licensing requirements for 30 days, to allow those assisting with Florida’s hurricane relief efforts to provide help without having to register and pay fuel tax in Illinois. IFTA is an agreement among U.S. states and Canadian provinces to simplify the reporting of tax due on fuel use for carriers that operate in more than one state or province. Carriers report miles driven and fuel purchased. State statute provides the Director of Revenue the authority (35 ILCS 505/13a.4), to temporarily waive the licensing requirements for up to 30 days for commercial motor vehicles that travel through Illinois or return to the state from a point outside of Illinois, for the purpose of assisting in disaster relief efforts. “To our friends in the Southeastern US: here in Illinois, we are no stranger to the devastating effects

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ALTON - The Downtown Alton Chili Cook-Off is returning to Alton from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, October 15. The cook-off will be held in the Argosy Casino parking lot, located at 1 Piasa St., and will feature live music and cash prizes. Sara McGibany, executive director of Alton Main Street, said her organization is looking forward to seeing local chefs return to the riverfront. “The Downtown Alton Chili Cook-Off is a fiery competition that encourages local chili chefs (both amateur & professional) to match their favorite recipe with others in similar categories,” McGibany said. “We are excited to bring the cook-off back to Alton's beautiful riverfront this year!” Tickets are $10 per adult or $5 for kids 12 and under, and it costs $25 to register a team for the Chili Cook-Off. The “people’s choice” winner of the Chili Cook-Off will take home the coveted “Silver Ladle,” and there are $100 cash prizes for five different

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WOOD RIVER - All year long, Sarah Hyten has captured wins against top-notch girls' high school golfers. Once again Thursday, Hyten was spectacular and she won the individual crown of the IHSA Class 1A Regional at Belk Park in Wood River. The McGivney girls' team was equally impressive with a third-place finish in the regional. Along with Hyten's winning score, the Griffins had a 96 from Paige Yasitis, Kendall Riechmann shot a 100, Amelia Hylla fired a 103 and Ava Jackson shot a 115. The Explorers won with a team score of 355, with Highland second at 364 and McGivney third, claiming the last team spot to advance to Monday's sectional. Hyten and her team are Byron, Carlson, Petri, and Kalb Female Athletes of the Month for McGivney. The advancing teams and individuals will play in the Salem sectional Monday afternoon at the Salem Country Club, with the IHSA state tournament going off next weekend, Oct. 7-8, at Red Tail Run Golf Course in Decatur. McGivney Catholic Athletic Director

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Historical Society, located at the Cheney Mansion at 601 N. State St. in Jerseyville, is hosting their fourth annual “Dearly Departed” exhibit each Saturday in October beginning on the 8th with some new additions for 2022, according to Exhibit Director Connor Ashlock. Ashlock said the exhibit tells stories of the mortuary process using local authentic historical artifacts. “The Dearly Departed exhibit explores the funerary, mourning, and embalming practices as they would’ve been observed in our area in the late 1800s to early 1900s,” he said. “We do that by setting up spaces with authentic funeral artifacts that originate from this area - so visitors not only get to learn about customs and practices of the past, they actually get to see the artifacts in real-time.” These artifacts come from the basement of the Alexander Funeral Home, built in 1864. Ashlock said that while he and funeral home proprietor Kar

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ALBERS - Wilbert Vincent “Vince” Rolves was born in Albers, Illinois, in 1924. The 98-year-old resident of Carlyle, Illinois is one of the last living WW II prisoners of war in Southern Illinois. On Sunday, October 2, Rolves will serve as Grand Marshal for the annual NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Midwest Nationals at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois. Rolves was drafted into military service in 1942. After 13 weeks of basic training, he was assigned to the U.S. Army’s 45 th Infantry Division and shipped overseas to the North African region of the European Theater. In December of 1943, Rolves was shot and wounded during a battle in L’Aquila, a mountainous region in central Italy. He and his fellow soldiers were captured by German troops and endured a 45-day march to a prison camp. They survived the march on rations of only three potatoes per day and a slice of what is referred to as “black bread,” a concoction of most unappetizing

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic girls golf star Ava Bartosiak was on a mission Thursday at the Belk Park Golf Course to honor her beloved grandmother - Betsy Bartosiak - with a team regional championship. Ava’s grandmother’s funeral was only a few days ago and the Explorers’ golfer dedicated her entire journey in the regional tournament to her. Ava scored an 84 and helped push Marquette to a team regional crown and advance to the sectional next week. Marquette Catholic Head Girls Golf Coach Deb Walsh said she could not be more proud of Ava for her efforts and all of her girls on Thursday. Marquette captured its fifth straight girls' golf title on Thursday. Walsh said Ava thought a lot about her grandmother during the tournament and knew how much it would mean to her that the team won the regional and qualified for the sectional. “It was a difficult time for Ava, but she is dedicated to the team and her sport,” Walsh explained. “She is a super competitor

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons Detectives are currently investigating a fatal motor vehicle accident involving a person struck at the intersection of Telegraph Road and Sappington Barracks Road. At 6:28 a.m. on Friday, September 30, 2022, St. Louis County Police Officers from the South County Precinct responded to a call for service for a motor vehicle accident with a person struck at the intersection of Telegraph Road and Sappington Barracks Road. Upon arrival, responding officers located an adult male lying on the ground unconscious and unresponsive. The victim was pronounced deceased on scene. Preliminary investigation has revealed the victim was walking northbound Telegraph Road prior to entering the intersection. The victim stepped from behind a pole and in front of an oncoming vehicle. The driver of the vehicle remained on scene for police arrival. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact

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HARDIN - At 7:55 p.m. on Sept. 24, 2022, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a red Chevrolet truck with a four-wheeler in the back, driving erratically and causing damage at a business located near the Mozier Junction in Mozier, Calhoun County, Illinois. The caller advised that the vehicle sped north on Illinois Route 96 at a high rate of speed. A deputy with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office observed a vehicle matching that description traveling northbound on Route 96. The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the vehicle began fleeing once the deputy activated his emergency lights and siren. The truck then continued northbound on Route 96 at a high rate of speed. The vehicle then entered Pike County. A Pike County Deputy then joined and took over as the lead in the pursuit. Due to Pleasant Hill Homecoming, the pursuit was terminated prior to entering Pleasant Hill, Illinois. The vehicle continued north, passing the Pleasant Hill High Schoo

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School senior Jonathan Stumpf has been named a 2023 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist, while fellow seniors Grace Ramsey and Selin Aktuna were named 2023 National Merit Scholarship Commended Students. Stumpf is one of 16,000 students across the country who qualified as a semifinalist based on his PSAT/NMSQT scores in the 68 th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. He will continue in the competition for some 7,250 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $28 million that will be offered next spring. To be considered for a Merit Scholarship award, a semifinalist must fulfill several requirements to advance to the finalist level of the competition. About 95 percent of the semifinalists are expected to attain a finalist standing, and approximately half of the finalists will win a National Merit Scholarship and earn the Merit Scholar title. “This means a lot in terms of achieving something outside of the normal academic classroom that

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HARDIN - At 10:21 p.m. on September 23, 2022, deputies with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Illinois Route 100, near North Side Grocery, on a black 2008 GMC truck. The driver of the truck refused to stop, increased speed, and then fled from the deputies. The truck then continued northbound on Route 100, passing the Calhoun High School at speeds near 100 miles per hour, the Calhoun Sheriff's Office said. The deputies continued to pursue the vehicle. Eventually, the vehicle came to a stop on Illinois Route 100 in Michael, Illinois. A traffic stop and subsequent investigation then resulted in the arrest of the driver, Eric D. Brown, age 20, of White Hall, Illinois, for the following offenses: • Aggravated Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer, • DUI - Alcohol, • DUI - Alcohol (Over 0.08), • Illegal Transportation of Alcoholic Beverage - Driver, • Unlawful Consumption of Alcohol Under 21 • Reckless

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ALTON - The Upper Alton Association is proud to announce the return of the Bud Summers Tribute concert. This year it will be held from 3-6 p.m. on October 9th at the Alton Amphitheater. This free concert will again have food trucks, drinks, and a 50/50 raffle. Bud Summers was a huge supporter of the Upper Alton Association and played numerous times at their yearly Rockin’ with Robert concert. After his death in 2019, many wanted to pay tribute to him. Upper Alton and his former band got together and decided to have a tribute concert in his honor. Rob McDonnell, singer and bass guitarist of the band said that “It is a privilege to honor our fellow comrade. Bud was one of the best.” Jason McAtee, singer, and guitarist, agrees, “I can’t express to you how special it is for me to get to share the stage with these great musicians to honor one of the best guitar players we knew. It’s going to be a great time.” McAtee adds, “This one’s fo

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O'FALLON — Nearly 800,000 people die by suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds, according to the World Health Organization. In addition, for each completed suicide, there are more than 20 attempts. Navigating a pandemic and national unrest may contribute to these troubling statistics, as fear and anxiety may overcome us as we’re trying to understand what’s happening around us. People of all genders, ages and ethnicities can be at risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. During September’s National Suicide Prevention Month, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital reminds everyone that if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, there are resources available. In July, a new, nationwide Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was launched: 988. You can call, text or chat this three-digit number which connects people to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline where free and confidential help is available 24/7. Local activities: St. Clair County Ou

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ALTON - A food drive is set to begin at 6 p.m. Friday at Millennium Temple Church at 801 Blair Ave. in Alton. The food drive is being done by the church with Alderwoman Rosie Brown of the Fourth Ward in Alton. Brown said in times like today "we can’t take for granted everyone is comfortable with food items, etc." She said these items should help families who are needing some assistance at this time. The items include baby formula, cereal, fruit, snacks, and many nutritional items. Brown said the food will be distributed through the evening while supplies last.

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey County Sheriff Mike Ringhausen announced early Thursday afternoon that a wanted man - Devin A. Kreuger of Jerseyville - is in U.S. Marshals' custody in St. Louis. Krueger, 26, was wanted on multiple felony warrants in Jersey, Greene, Macoupin, and Madison County. He was wanted for questioning in multiple residential burglaries and possession of a stolen vehicle. Krueger’s last address was in the 20000 block of Tuetken Road in Jerseyville. Sheriff Ringhausen said now the judicial process will begin and eventually, Krueger will be tried on this side of the river. “We are very happy U.S. Marshals got him in custody in St. Louis,” he said. “We can’t thank them enough. He seemed to have an almost ‘catch me if you can philosophy.’ People’s last hope of safety is their home and when you violate the sanctity of someone’s home, a person doesn’t feel safe anymore. It is up to us to ensure things like that don’t

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