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Did you know that approximately 92% of people fail to achieve their New Year’s resolutions? This striking statistic sheds light on a common dilemma faced by individuals: the struggle to set and attain meaningful personal goals. While many may embark on a quest for self-improvement, the underlying question remains: How do we craft personal goals that resonate deeply and lead to genuine fulfillment? Understanding the Importance of Meaningful Goals Setting personal goals is not merely about creating a checklist of achievements; it’s about aligning our aspirations with our values and passions. Goals serve as beacons that guide us through life’s complexities, influencing our decisions, actions, and overall satisfaction. However, many individuals rush into goal-setting without diving into what truly matters to them. For instance, consider the story of Jennifer, a marketing executive who, for years, pursued promotions and salary increases, believing these milestones

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January 29th has witnessed a variety of significant events throughout history, impacting politics, culture, and science across the globe. In 1845, one of the most influential poems in American literature was published. Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" first appeared in the New York Evening Mirror, captivating readers with its haunting refrain and melancholic themes. This poem not only solidified Poe's reputation as a master of macabre but also paved the way for future generations of writers to explore darker themes in their work. The impact of "The Raven" resonates to this day, influencing countless authors and artists. Fast forward to 1861, when Kansas was admitted as the 34th state of the United States. This moment marked a significant step in the westward expansion of the United States and reflected the ongoing struggle over slavery in the nation. Kansas, a battleground during the conflict between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions, became a symbol of the larger national debate

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ALTON — The Alton Fire Department responded to a fire at a duplex in the 700 block of Alby Street late Tuesday night, Jan. 28, 2025, around 11:40 p.m. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy black smoke coming from the structure. Alton requested a box alarm in response to the situation, prompting the Godfrey Fire Department to provide additional manpower. Firefighters were able to get the fire under control quickly. Fortunately, all occupants of the duplex were able to evacuate safely, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and further details have not yet been released.

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ALTON — The Alton Police Department and Fire Department responded to a shooting incident Tuesday night, Jan. 28, 2025, in the vicinity of State Street and Miller Street. First responders arrived at the scene and located a victim in the area suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. The victim was subsequently transported to an area hospital for treatment. In the aftermath of the shooting, officers cordoned off State Street in Alton to conduct an investigation and search for evidence. As of now, the description of the suspect remains unknown. A witness reported seeing a K9 unit deployed in the area as part of the search efforts. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released further details regarding the incident.

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GLEN CARBON – The future Dutch Bros Coffee location in Glen Carbon is moving forward with unanimous Village Board approval. Trustees on Tuesday voted 5-0 to approve a site plan for a 950 square-foot Dutch Bros drive-thru facility in Orchard Town Center. Mayor Bob Marcus added the Glen Carbon location will also feature a walk-up order window and parking spaces. The site plan itself states there will be 19 standard parking spaces, one Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant parking space, and three bicycle parking spaces. The chain’s first-ever Illinois location will occupy Outparcel 12B in Orchard Town Center. This would place the future coffee spot in the far southeastern corner of the development, near the AT&T store at the intersection of Troy Road and Center Grove Road. In November of 2024 , the Village Board approved a re-subdivision of Outparcel 12 into lots 12A and 12B; t he tenant for lot 12A has not yet been publicly announced. Edin Coralic,

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The deceased has been identified as Aubreeyonna Muex, 4 years of age, of the 10500 block of Castle Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63136. This was the previous report by St. Louis County Police about the child's death: St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 10500 block of Castle Drive. Officers located a child suffering from an apparent gunshot injury. Officers rendered aid and transported the child to an area hospital where she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased. The investigation is ongoing. 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 any information regarding this incident. To remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward, please contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

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CARROLLTON - The Greene County Economic Development Group (GCEDG) is excited to announce that the Greene County Broadband Project is moving forward in partnership with Frontier Communications. The Illinois Office of Broadband completed grant agreements with Frontier to support four fiber broadband projects in rural Greene County. In February of this year, GCEDG announced Frontier would receive $24.7 million in funding from the Connect Illinois Program for four projects to bring high-speed, reliable fiber internet to over 2700 locations covering the vast majority of rural Greene County. In addition to the state funded grant eligible areas, Frontier recently built fiber in and around Carrollton and will expand access to its fiber internet to homes and businesses in White Hall and Roodhouse early next year. When all the projects are completed, over 500 miles of fiber will provide available service to over 4,500 locations across Greene County. This new broadband service is expected to b

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ST. LOUIS, MO. – Today, Governor Mike Kehoe gave his State of the State address to the Missouri State Legislature. In the speech, the Governor took aim at the City of St. Louis, emphasizing his passion for taking away local control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD), despite the continued decline in crime in the City under the leadership of Mayor Jones and Chief Robert Tracy, and against the will of the overwhelming majority of Missourians, who voted for local control in 2012 by a 28 point margin. Mayor Jones issued the following statement in response: “Taking away local control of SLMPD will not make the City of St. Louis safer, will not help increase our population, and will not help to grow the revenue of our City, which is the economic engine for our state,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “This attempt at state takeover is pure politics, driven by elected officials who do not live in our City and the special interests that funded their

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ALTON – The YWCA Southwestern Illinois would like to remind the community that the nomination period for the 2025 Women of Distinction (WOD) program is open through Friday, February 7, 2025. Nomination materials can be accessed online at www.ywcaswil.org or by calling YWCA at 618.465.7774. Each year, YWCA’s Women of Distinction program honors some of the most remarkable women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and achievement in their professional, civic, and personal lives. To date, the WOD Academy has grown to include more than 300 dynamic women whose accomplishments and contributions represent a wide range of industries and community efforts. YWCA urges the community to take this opportunity to nominate extraordinary women who are driving meaningful change and making a difference in the lives of others. Nomination packets are available at the YWCA office, online at www.ywcaswil.org , by email at info@ywcaswil.org , or by calling (618) 465-7774. Completed

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O'FALLON — A 49-year-old man has been charged with burglary following an incident at Prime Service Cleaners in O'Fallon, where police say he was caught on surveillance footage. The St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office charged Shawn T. Rawlings on Friday, Jan. 24, 2025, for his alleged involvement in the crime, which took place on the evening of Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. The incident was reported to the O'Fallon Police Department the next morning. Authorities identified Rawlings as a suspect after reviewing video surveillance from the area. He was apprehended in Granite City, shortly thereafter. A search warrant executed at his home led to the recovery of items connected to the burglary. Rawlings is currently being held at the St. Clair County Jail while awaiting court proceedings.

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Wildey Theatre will welcome Blind Boys of Alabama, a GRAMMY Award-winning gospel group, to perform in Edwardsville. At 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025, community members are invited to The Wildey Theatre for an evening that spans traditional gospel music and contemporary favorites. Ricky McKinnie, percussionist and manager of the band, expressed his excitement to come to Edwardsville and share the group’s music with the Riverbend. “It is going to be a night that you’re going to remember because we’re going to give it all we've got,” McKinnie said. “We’re going to have a wonderful time because no town is too large or too small for Blind Boys to come and do what we do. We realize that people need people. We enjoy singing our music. It’ll be a night of great song. If you like songs that’ll make you feel good, it’s the place to be.” The founding members of Blind Boys got their start as The Happy

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SPRINGFIELD — Today, C ongresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement on the Trump Administration’s order to federal agencies to freeze grant and loan payments beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025.press "This announcement is a blatant dismissal of Congress' constitutional authority over the power of the purse. Federal grant funding isn’t wasteful spending—it’s essential assistance that millions of Americans depend on,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’ve heard from countless people in our district—farmers who rely on USDA loans, families using Medicaid, and local leaders waiting for updates on infrastructure projects. Workforce development programs, which provide critical job training and skills to our communities, are also at risk. The people of Central and Southern Illinois need answers and I intend to get them.” Prior to this most recent announcement, Congresswoman Budzinski joined mor

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - Charges have been filed against 54-year-old Jose Ramon, Jr. of Edwardsville, following allegations of serious sexual offenses. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, that Ramon faces multiple charges, including first-degree rape, two counts of first-degree sodomy, first-degree sexual abuse, and second-degree domestic assault. He is currently being held without bond. According to the probable cause statement, Ramon and the victim had previously been in a relationship but ended it in October 2024. The incident in question occurred on January 2, 2025, when Ramon allegedly confronted the victim at her workplace, demanding sexual relations. When she refused, he is accused of using physical force, pinning her against a wall, and attempting to engage in sexual acts against her will. The statement details that he also inflicted physical harm, including bruising, and attempted to strangle her on three occasions. After

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ALTON - Members of the Alton Police Department were recognized for their exemplary service at the 32nd Annual SILEC/SIPCA Awards Banquet held recently. The event celebrated the dedication of law enforcement personnel and community initiatives that contribute to public safety. Officer Averbeck and K9 Odin received the Medal of Valor for their exceptional courage and bravery while on duty. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford accepted the award on behalf of K9 Odin, highlighting the significant role that service animals play in law enforcement. The Unit Award was presented to Lieutenant James Siatos, Sergeant Patrick Bennett, and Detective Stedmann Middlebrook for their essential contributions to the Madison County Sheriff's Enforcement Team. Their collective efforts in ensuring community safety were acknowledged as vital to the department's mission. Additionally, the Outstanding Citizens Award was given to the leaders of MustacheMarch4PD, a community initiative that has raised over $500,000

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EDWARDSVILLE - Area law enforcement officers were honored for their exemplary service at the SILEC/SIPCA Annual Awards Banquet recently. Among those recognized were several members of the Madison County Sheriff's Office for their outstanding contributions to public safety. Communications Officer Cynthia Tweedy received the Telecommunications Award for her nearly two decades of service in public safety. Tweedy has managed 911 calls and coordinated dispatch for multiple jurisdictions, including EMS, fire, and police. She also serves as the LEADS Coordinator for the Madison County Sheriff's Office, playing a crucial role in the agency's compliance requirements. Deputy Blake Johnson and Deputy Ryan Fry were awarded the Certificate of Merit for their heroic actions during a rollover crash. The deputies physically lifted a vehicle off an individual who had been pinned beneath it, enabling EMS personnel to provide medical assistance to the victim. Sergeant Cade Koelker and Deputy Jacob Quad

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ALTON - Hayner Public Library District has several events scheduled for the month of February. Executive Director Mary Cordes explained the library aims to offer a variety of programs that appeal to patrons of all ages and interests. With many upcoming events outlined in their recent newsletter , she hopes to see a lot of new and familiar faces at their programs in the coming weeks. “We’ve always got something going on,” Cordes said. “We’re trying to take a look at who our patrons are and what people have asked us for, and we’re trying to build programs on what we think and what we hope, by talking to people, people are interested in.” Cordes is especially looking forward to the Winter Reading Retreat, a quarterly social event that invites community members to the Alton Square Mall library for an evening of reading, snacking, crafting and socializing. From 6–7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, people are invited to stop by

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GODFREY - Godfrey Fire Protection District responded to a small brush fire early Tuesday morning, Jan. 28, 2025, in the 2700 block of West Delmar. Assistant Chief Ben Hamberg and Probationary Firefighter Taul were dispatched to the scene, where their prompt action was crucial in extinguishing the fire quickly. The incident occurred shortly after sunrise, and firefighters were able to contain the blaze before it spread to nearby areas. "Thanks to their quick response and teamwork, the fire was extinguished swiftly, preventing multiple exposures from catching fire," the fire officials said. Following the successful operation, Brush Unit 1472 was expected to return to service within the hour. No injuries were reported, and the cause of the brush fire remains under investigation.

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SPRINGFIELD — Today, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) announced $6.5 million is available in competitive funding for the Officer Recruitment and Retention Grant . This grant aims to increase the quantity and quality of police officer recruitment programs across the State while also offering incentives to support officer retention. Units of local government, public institutions of higher education, and qualified nonprofit entities may apply for this funding. “ILETSB remains committed to supporting law enforcement agencies as they build strong, effective teams,” said Keith Calloway, Executive Director of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. “This grant addresses recruitment challenges and invests in retaining experienced officers who are essential to community safety, and we strongly encourage all eligible entities to apply for this funding.” For many law enforcement agencies, the costs of

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GLEN CARBON – It’s officially Girl Scout Cookie season in Southern Illinois! Girl Scouts throughout the area will hold cookie booths, visit customers door-to-door, and sell to friends and family online as they unbox their futures through the world’s largest entrepreneurial program for girls. During this highly anticipated time of the year, girls flex their entrepreneurial muscles and acquire five important life skills – goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. All proceeds from cookie sales stay local to power Girl Scouts’ amazing experiences year-round. This year’s Girl Scout Cookie Program theme, Unbox the Future, aims to remove social barriers that often keep girls boxed in. When bold, goal-getting Girl Scouts sell a package of cookies, they’re doing much more than what’s seen at face value. Every box of cookies sold provides invaluable experiences for Girl Scouts such as service projects,

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BELLEVILLE — Sarah Herzing, the administrative supervisor of the Belleville Police Department, was honored with the Blue Light Award during the recent 32nd Annual SILEC/SIPCA Awards Banquet. The award recognizes Herzing’s significant contributions to the department, where she oversees a team of four staff members responsible for supporting the operational effectiveness of police officers. Herzing’s responsibilities include managing invoicing, handling memorandums of understanding, overseeing departmental finances, and reporting statistics. She also tracks officer leave and education, manages asset forfeiture funding and serves as the primary contact for Freedom of Information Act requests and subpoenas. Herzing's leadership and dedication have made her a crucial figure within the department. “Sarah is not only a manager but is seen as a mentor, a leader, and a pillar of reliability,” said the Belleville Police Department in a statement. The Blue Light

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