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ALTON — After a decade of devoted service, Tom Morrissey is stepping down as Chairperson of the Board of Directors for Challenge Unlimited, Inc. (CU). Morrissey, who retired after 23 years in BJC HealthCare’s Revenue Cycle Management Department, joined CU’s board in 2015 and was elected Chair in 2018. Throughout his tenure, he provided leadership to the board during a period of significant organizational growth. During these years, Challenge Unlimited expanded its operations into eight states, strengthening its ability to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities nationwide. Challenge Unlimited proudly recognizes Morrissey for his commitment and dedication. His contributions as Chair have been instrumental in strengthening CU’s mission of providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and supporting inclusive workplaces. “It has been an incredible honor and privilege to serve in this capacity,” said Morrissey. “I

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WOOD RIVER — Jersey High School’s boys soccer team is off to a strong start in the 2025 season, securing three consecutive wins without a loss. The Panthers claimed the championship at the East Alton-Wood River Invite on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, by defeating Southwestern 3-2 in a match decided by a shootout. Jersey opened the tournament with decisive victories over Roxana, 10-2, and Valmeyer, 9-0. In the final against Southwestern, the Panthers rallied in the last two minutes to tie the game before prevailing in the shootout. The Panthers have been recognized as the Sparklight Male Athletes of the Month for their performance. Key contributors for Jersey include Bradley Tueth, who leads the team with an average of 2.3 goals per match and one assist, totaling seven goals so far this season. Cooper Wilson and Justice Drainer each average one goal per game, with two goals apiece. Sophomore Colby Goetten recorded two points in the final against Southwestern, while Drainer

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ALTON — After a decade of devoted service, Tom Morrissey is stepping down as Chairperson of the Board of Directors for Challenge Unlimited, Inc. (CU). Morrissey, who retired after 23 years in BJC HealthCare’s Revenue Cycle Management Department, joined CU’s board in 2015 and was elected Chair in 2018. Throughout his tenure, he provided leadership to the board during a period of significant organizational growth. During these years, Challenge Unlimited expanded its operations into eight states, strengthening its ability to create opportunities for individuals with disabilities nationwide. Challenge Unlimited proudly recognizes Morrissey for his commitment and dedication. His contributions as Chair have been instrumental in strengthening CU’s mission of providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and supporting inclusive workplaces. “It has been an incredible honor and privilege to serve in this capacity,” said Morrissey. “I

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WOOD RIVER — Southwestern’s boys soccer team finished second at the Wood River Invite on Saturday after a 3-2 loss to Jersey in the championship match. The Piasa Birds open the season with a 2-1 overall mark and are expected to have a strong campaign in 2025. The tournament kicked off with Southwestern overwhelming host Wood River 10-1, followed by a 3-1 victory over Carlyle. Despite these strong performances, Southwestern was edged out by Jersey. The Piasa Birds soccer boys are Altonized Male Athletes of the Month. Key players for Southwestern include Bram Beuttel, who has averaged three goals per match and has scored six goals this season; Eben Makler, with a two-goal average; and Chase Kallal, who averages 1.5 goals per match with three goals this season. Goalkeeper Cole Tungett has contributed 11 saves so far this year. Southwestern’s upcoming schedule features a game against Wood River at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday at EAWR, followed by an away match at Jersey on

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ROXANA - Father McGivney Catholic's girls volleyball team captured first-place in the Roxana Invite on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025, with a 2-0 win over Jersey. The girls' squad members are Byron, Carlson, Petri and Kalb Female Athletes of the Month for McGivney. McGivney also upended Calhoun by a 2-0 margin in the semifinals on Saturday. In earlier action, McGivney defeated First Baptist Academy 2-0 and tied with Southwestern 1-1 and Civic Memorial on Aug. 25. The Griffins host Greenville 1-1 on Tuesday with a 4-0-2 mark. Mia Lieberman, a senior, had 14 kills against Jersey, a key to the victory. Elli Williams also added three kills in that matchup. Dia Villhard had 21 digs to lead the Griffins against Jersey, while Lieberman had 11 and Grace Weiser 10. Villyard had 12 service aces and Lieberman added 10. Lieberman leads the team in kills for the season and blocks, while she is also the top performer with serving aces. Emerson Isringhausen is second with serving aces. Villhard has

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GALATIA – After a thorough investigation by the Illinois State Police (ISP), the Saline County State’s Attorney’s Office is charging 21-year-old Jacob C. Ahrens (M/21) of Ridgway, IL with two counts of Aggravated Driving While Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs Involving Death (Class 2 Felony), and two counts of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs Involving Personal Injury (Class 4 Felony), in connection with a recent fatal crash. On August 8, 2025, at approximately 1:58 a.m., ISP Troopers responded to IL-34 about one mile west of Harco Road, near Galatia, in Saline County. A Chevrolet Silverado was traveling southbound on IL-34 when it drove off the roadway and into a ditch. The driver and one passenger were airlifted to a regional hospital with injuries. A second passenger, 20-year-old Mattix T. Sandifer of Ridgway, IL, was pronounced deceased on scene. These charges are not evidence against the defendant and the defendant is presumed innocent

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CARROLLTON — A new military display honoring Sergeant First Class William “Bill” Howland is now featured at the Greene County Historical Society museum, coinciding with the upcoming Greene County Days celebration on Sept. 5 and 6, 2025. Howland, an infantry soldier from Mozier in Calhoun County, served during the Korean War after being deployed to Japan. When the conflict began on June 25, 1950, he was sent to fight along the 38th parallel in central Korea. His service earned him numerous medals, including the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart, both awarded on March 9, 1953, and authorized by the President of the United States. The Bronze Star, the fourth-highest individual award for valor in the U.S. Armed Forces, recognized Howland for “heroism in ground combat.” The Purple Heart was awarded “for wounds received in action” on Sept. 23, 1950. These medals, along with other patches and honors, are displayed in a dedicated wall case at

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ST. LOUIS - As United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) kicks off its annual community campaign, it looks to inspire hope into the community and bring stability during periods of uncertainty. As the St. Louis region faces an unprecedented range of challenges, the community campaign has never been more important. Currently, 43% of households in our region are unable to meet monthly essential needs like rent, utilities, food, transportation, and medical costs. To help empower our neighbors, UWGSL is bringing together individuals, companies, unions, and foundations across Missouri and Illinois to make a positive impact through collective giving. Campaign chair and co-chair, Lal Karsanbhai, President and CEO of Emerson, and Andrew Davidson, Managing Partner for KPMG’s St. Louis Office, announced the launch together with Michelle Tucker, President and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “When I see the work that United Way is doing to bring together people from

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JERSEY — Jersey’s girls volleyball team finished second overall with a 4-1 record at the Roxana Girls Invitational, which concluded last weekend in Roxana. The Panthers secured victories over Marquette Catholic, Carrollton, Dupo, and Roxana before falling to Father McGivney in the championship match on Saturday. Jersey has emerged as one of the area's more formidable teams after the strong start in the highly competitive Roxana Tournament. The Jersey girls are coached by Abby Kurth, Madelynn Gilman, and Alli Herkert. The Jersey volleyball girls are Sparklight Female Athletes of the Month. Jersey opened the tournament on Aug. 26 with straight-set wins against Marquette Catholic (2-0), Carrollton (2-0), and Dupo (2-0). In the semifinal, the Panthers edged out host Roxana in a three-set match, 2-1, advancing to the final round. The championship match saw Jersey fall to Father McGivney in two sets, marking their only loss of the tournament. Despite the setback, the Panthers

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is sharing the following upcoming events and noteworthy items for September. Sept. 1 Youth duck and goose hunting applications available Statewide Applications are accepted Sept. 1 through Oct. 1. Go online for an application . Sept. 1 Public duck and goose hunting area permit second lottery ope ns Statewide Bobcat permit lottery is open statewide Sept. 1-15. The lottery ends Sept. 30. Go online for an application . Sept. 1 Bobcat permit lottery opens Statewide Bobcat permit lottery opens statewide beginning Sept. 1. The lottery ends Sept. 30. There is a $5 application fee. Learn more on the Hunt Illinois website. Sept. 1 Waterfowl hunting season opens Statewide Waterfowl hunting season is open Sept. 1-15. Learn more about Illinois waterfowl hunting online. Sept. 4 Tot Time: Celebrate Our State! Dickson Mounds Museum Lewistown | Fulton County Visitors will

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PALMYRA — Damian L. Pratt, 36, of Palmyra, was charged with one count of domestic battery causing bodily harm and one count of criminal trespass to a residence. Pratt allegedly struck his brother in the head with his hand, causing bodily harm. He was also charged after going to a home in Modesto despite being told by the resident that he was not allowed at the residence. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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STAUNTON — Melissa S. Bruhn, 48, of Staunton, was charged on August 25, 2025, with Aggravated Battery on a Police Officer following an incident the previous day. According to court documents, Bruhn allegedly pushed a Staunton police officer while he was performing his official duties on August 24. Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the incident. Bruhn is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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VIRDEN, Ill. — Jeffrey A. Bates, 28, of Virden, was charged with three counts of child pornography after law enforcement discovered videos on his computer in December 2024. Bates, who resides in the 100 block of Stelle Court, faces class X felony charges that allege he knowingly possessed material depicting a child under the age of 18. The charges were filed on August 26, 2025, by the Macoupin County State's Attorney's Office in conjunction with the Illinois Attorney General's Office. If convicted, Bates could face six to 30 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections and an additional three years to life on mandatory supervised release. Authorities emphasize that all individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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O'FALLON, IL. – If labor gaps are not addressed, the manufacturing industry is expected to have a shortfall of 1.9 million workers nationwide by 2033, reinforcing the critical need for innovative strategies to recruit the next generation of talent and build the aerospace manufacturing pipeline. A panel discussion – held during the inaugural Global Aerospace Summit at the Regency Conference Center in O'Fallon, Ill., on Aug. 14 – brought together workforce innovators from across Illinois to share best practices and success stories that are reshaping how students and job seekers engage with careers in both aviation and advanced manufacturing. The panel featured a slate of individuals deeply embedded in workforce development, including Mitch Dickey, State Workforce Manager for Transfr, a leading workforce education company; Tony Fuhrmann, Director of Employment and Training for Madison County, Ill.; which administers the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act funds

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ALTON — An accident occurred Sunday afternoon, Aug. 31, 2025, at the intersection of East 20th Street and Piasa Street in Alton, prompting a traffic detour and the response of the Alton Police and Fire Departments. The incident took place on Aug. 31, 2025, with pictures of the scene captured at 3:25 p.m. Traffic was rerouted away from the intersection while an ambulance was present at the scene. There did not appear to be serious injuries sustained in the crash. The photos were provided by Charlie Schlueter.

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 23 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in support of the American Federation of Government Employees’ (AFGE) lawsuit defending the right of many federal employees to collectively bargain for better wages and working conditions, and to exercise their First Amendment right to free speech. “As our nation celebrates Labor Day, I am proud to support the rights of federal workers to collectively bargain and to exercise their right to free speech,” Raoul said. “I remain committed to defending the rights of federal workers from overreach by this administration and to defending the rights of all workers, in Illinois and across the country.” On March 27, President Trump issued an executive order that purported to ban most federal employees from collective bargaining under the guise of national security concerns. At the same time, a “ Fact Sheet ” filed by the White House

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SPRINGFIELD – This Labor Day, the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) is honoring the contributions of workers across the state and highlighting the Department’s ongoing efforts to uphold workers’ rights, economic security, and safety. “On Labor Day IDOL reaffirms its commitment to workers across Illinois,” said IDOL Director Jane Flanagan. “From enforcing the minimum wage law and safeguarding children from dangerous work, to ensuring fair pay and promoting safe workplaces, our mission is clear: to protect and advance the rights of every worker in this state.” The 2025 Labor Day Report outlines the progress IDOL has made over the past year, including: Protecting Paychecks: IDOL recovered almost $3 million dollars in back wage payments and secured nearly $5 million dollars in penalties from employers who violated labor laws. Strengthening Worker Rights: Illinois’ minimum wage reached $15 per hour on January 1, 2025, and provided new

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a U.S. Court of International Trade ruling that the tariffs imposed by President Trump and challenged by Raoul and a multistate coalition are unlawful. The tariffs include both the “reciprocal” tariffs on nearly all countries worldwide as well as separate tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China that the president claimed were justified by concerns about drug trafficking. In their ruling , a majority of the Federal Circuit concluded that the federal law the president invoked – the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) – does not authorize the president to impose these tariffs. The Federal Circuit is the latest court to conclude that these tariffs are unlawful. However, the tariffs currently remain in effect. “I am pleased with the court's decision upholding a Court of International Trade ruling that the president has acted unlawfully and exceeded

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EDWARDSVILLE – A long-awaited renovation and maintenance project at the historic Leclaire water tower is about to begin the next stage: a new coat of paint and a fresh take on the wording emblazoned across the water tank. Work to refurbish the nearly century-old tower at Troy Road and Longfellow Avenue began in early August. The entire project includes painting, structural repairs and new lighting along the legs and tank catwalk that can be customized for occasions and seasons. On Tuesday, September 2, Moore Painting Co. of Alton will begin site preparations, to be followed by a thorough cleaning of the tower and then painting. To ensure the safety of the public and workers, the tower will be cordoned off, and traffic will be restricted in the immediate vicinity of the structure. For the duration of the project, the southbound lane of Troy Road next to the tower will be blocked; southbound traffic will be shifted into the middle (turn) lane. Northbound traffic will not be

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City School District #9's Chris Mitchell shared photos from the Annual Granite City Labor Day Parade held Monday, Sept. 1, 2025, in downtown Granite City. The event began at 10 a.m. at the intersection of State Street and Niedringhaus in Granite City and proceeded to Wilson Park via Madison Avenue, turning at Mr. Twist and continuing on State Street. The parade honored community members for their hard work, dedication and service, with a large turnout, as always. This year’s parade marshal was the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees (S.O.A.R). Highlights included a performance by the Granite City High School Marching Warriors. The Granite City School District expressed gratitude to all who serve the community and beyond during the annual celebration.

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