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PIASA/ST. LOUIS - Southwestern School District teacher Andrea Moore has been crowned Mrs. Educator 2023. The Miss American Diamonds 3rd Annual First Responders & Educators Pageant invited teachers, police officers, firefighters, paramedics, EMTs and nurses from across the nation to compete for the crown on July 14 in St. Louis. Moore, who teaches English at Southwestern Middle School, took first in the educators’ portion and third in the talent competition. She plans to spend the prize money on supplies for her classroom. “It was just all about making us feel important and like we are meaningful in our jobs,” Moore said. “It was a neat pageant, but what was really cool about it was it was Christian-based, which was awesome. They just had a really unique way of honoring workers, so I really felt like, win or lose, that we were all there to be honored.” Contestants competed in four categories, with an introduction, interview, on-stage question and elegant

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ALTON - A new organization is working to connect people with mental health and community resources. Sacred Spaces of CARE is a nonprofit “one-stop shop” that provides information about mental health professionals and substance use programs in the Alton area. When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, it can be difficult to find the time and energy needed to seek out local resources; even knowing where to start can be a daunting task. Sacred Spaces of CARE aims to make it easier. “Our systems are very hard to navigate, and when people are in crisis, they’re even more difficult. So how do we reduce those barriers? We can’t eliminate them, but how do we help?” Executive Director Megan Tyler said. “I just kind of looked at the community and tried to see…where are some gaps that we could potentially fill? And really, the biggest was just kind of being like a connector organization, like a network. Not a provider of services,

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ALTON - The Alton High School Class of 1963 will celebrate their 60th and final class reunion this weekend with two events: a mixer on Friday, Aug. 18 and a reunion buffet dinner on Saturday, Aug. 19. Both will be held at Alton VFW Post 1308, located at 4445 N. Alby St. in Alton. While early registration has closed, those able to attend one or both of the reunion events who did not register previously can contact Joanne Metcalfe at 618-830-4466 or ahs1963@outlook.com . Classmates from the AHS Class of 1963 have spread far and wide around the country and the rest of the world since graduation. According to their official class website , the majority of them now live in 41 different states. One lives in France, while another lives in Mexico. Most of the 60-year graduates still live in Illinois (166 people), followed by Missouri (35), Texas (18), Florida (15), and California (10) to round out the top five. The full list is also available on the class website. The Class

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ALTON - The Alton High School Class of 1973 is marking a major milestone at their 50th Class Reunion later this fall. To celebrate, a four-day Reunion Weekend from Oct. 11-15 jam-packed with activities has been planned with the reunion itself taking place on Saturday, Oct. 14. Classmates will reflect and catch up from 5 to 11 p.m. at The Commons on the campus of Lewis & Clark Community College in Godfrey. “This is the BIG ONE! The Golden Anniversary of our High School Graduation,” event organizers wrote in a press release. “It’s definitely time to reconnect, reminisce, and ‘catch up’ on those 50 years. “The committee has been working hard to plan an exciting and fun weekend for all of us. We are planning a 4-day celebration to commemorate this momentous occasion.” Events planned for Reunion Weekend include the following: Sunset Cruises in Grafton Morning Walk on Thursday, Oct. 12 Thursday Night Mixer Friday Night

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ALTON - Challenge Unlimited (CU), a national nonprofit organization headquartered in Alton, announced the appointment of two new members to its Board of Directors. Alton resident Bruce Malone, a highly regarded leader in education and the community, was appointed to the CU board of directors in March for a three-year term. Malone, a retired educator, his leadership experience includes a ten-year term as the vice president of the board of the Illinois Federation of Teachers and was an elected County Board member for Madison County. Malone was a board member of the Alton Housing Authority and also served as president of the Staunton Federation of Teachers. As a parent of a daughter with Down Syndrome, Malone has an affinity for Challenge Unlimited’s mission. “I certainly understand first-hand the struggles faced by people with disabilities,” he says. “I envision a period of growth for Challenge and am excited to be part of that process.” Geri Lynn Arrindell,

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EAST ST. LOUIS – In July 2023, the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office (SCCSAO) filed 28 charges in Illinois State Police Zone 6 Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) cases, 23 felony and five misdemeanor charges. PSEG is a joint effort between the Illinois State Police and the East St. Louis Police Department for violent crime investigations within the city of East St. Louis. FELONY CHARGES : On July 27, 2022, PSEG agents conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in East St. Louis, which fled from officers and was later stopped. Officers found a loaded firearm inside. On July 27, 2023, the SCCSAO charged 40-year-old Harrison Smith of East St. Louis with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon and Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Police Officer (misdemeanor). Bond was set at $30,000. On October 7, 2022, PSEG agents investigated a report of a male with a firearm during a business check in the 2400 block of State Street in East St. Louis. O

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - One of the deceased victims in what police describe as a "probable double homicide" that occurred on Monday in the 2900 block of Old Hanley Road in St. Louis County has been identified. The victim has been identified as Jason Bowdy, 43 years of age, of the 2900 block of Old Hanley Road in St. Louis, MO., 63114. St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating the situation that resulted in the death of two adult males. At 1:50 a.m. on August 14, 2023, St. Louis County police officers from the Central County Precinct responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 2900 block of Old Hanley Road. Arriving officers located two individuals suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Both were pronounced deceased on the scene. A preliminary investigation has revealed an exchange of gunfire occurred inside a residence. One male subject was shot by the suspect. A third individual fired a weapon, striking the suspect. The investigation

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EAST ST. LOUIS – U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe praised police officers who are working to deter the prevalence of gun violence and remove offenders in a comment about an East St. Louis man's sentence announced today. A U.S. District judge sentenced an East St. Louis man to five years in federal prison after he admitted to possessing firearms as a convicted felon. Devonte T. Franklin, 30, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm by a felon. In addition to the prison sentence, he will serve three years of supervised release and was ordered to pay a $100 fine and $100 in special assessments. Crowe made this statement about the police work and sentence in regard to the Franklin decision: "This case serves as proof of police officers working courageously to deter the prevalence of gun violence and remove those offenders." “The Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group continues to get illegal guns off the streets and out of the hands of criminals

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ALTON - In the span of a few months in 2014, Christina Stanford-Harvey retired after 20 years in the military, graduated from culinary school and had a baby. What was the next step after such a monumental, stressful year? She started a business, of course. But the risk clearly paid off. Nine years after Christina began her catering service, she’s the proud owner of C-Rations Grub Hub Food Truck, a Riverbend favorite. Alongside her husband Hoover and their children, Christina’s business is doing better than ever and giving back to the Alton community. “It’s good to see the fruits of your labor after a while,” Christina said. “I’ve been able to keep it a family business. It’s been really good.” The family bought the food truck in February 2019. They were still fixing it up when the COVID-19 Pandemic hit, which brought the entire business to a standstill. Both Christina and Hoover are 20-year veterans, so they’re

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WOOD RIVER - Madison County Coroner Stephen P. Nonn has identified the victim who died as a result of a single-vehicle motorcycle crash occurring in Alton on Saturday, August 12, 2023, as Larry M. Patton, 33, of Wood River. "Per witness statements and evidence examined at the scene, the decedent was eastbound on Broadway traveling at a high rate of speed when his 2005 Harley Davidson Road King motorcycle left the roadway to the south and struck a yellow pole causing him to be ejected," Nonn said. "His body came to rest near a wall on the Ardent Mills property. "Coroner’s Office Investigator Kelsey M. Jones, DSN 1579 pronounced his death at the scene at 6:10 p.m., August 12, 2023. The preliminary cause of death appears to be from blunt head trauma. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. Routine toxicology testing for the presence of drugs and alcohol remains pending. A final cause of death will not be issued until all reports are complete." The case remains under

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Letter to the editor: Imagine a husband who applies for a credit card – without telling his wife. In some states and circumstances, she will be liable for the debt, even if she didn’t know. But she finds out – before he gets the loan – and she notifies the credit card company that she needs a say in the matter. That’s what just happened between the East Alton-Wood River High School district and its taxpayers. Last week, petitions with more than 1,100 signatures were submitted to the EA-WR district office, in response to its July 12 “backdoor referendum” that gave citizens 30 days to gather 832 signatures to put a $2.4 million bond issue on the March 19, 2024 ballot. Going door to door, I gathered 300 of these signatures myself. Without the signatures, the district could issue the bonds without voter approval – with taxpayers none the wiser – until their tax bills arrive in the mail. How many people read the legal notices?

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EDWARDSVILLE - Walter D. Williams was recognized for his leadership and accomplishments, and a new president - Traci S. Daniels, MSL, was announced at a special meeting of the NAACP Edwardsville Branch. Williams recently resigned as branch president after accepting a position with the City of Racine, Wisc. Traci S. Daniels, MSL, has served as 1st Vice President of the NAACP Edwardsville Branch for three years. She is the assistant pastor of Anchored In Truth Ministries in Edwardsville and now will assume a new role. Daniels is also an Ambassador for the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce and a devoted wife. “I am ready to take on the responsibilities and challenges that come with this esteemed position," Daniels said. "I am committed to continuing the vital work of the NAACP in advocating for equality, justice, and civil rights for all. "With the support of our dedicated members and the community, I am confident that we can make a significant impact and create positive

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PIASA - Southwestern football head coach Pat Keith has a couple options for his team's starting quarterback this season. One option is his son, senior Logan Keith, the other is sophomore Blake Rimbey. Both could be seen in a practice last Friday acting as the QB in offensive drills as the two are seemingly fighting for the starting spot. Regardless of what happens, one thing is for sure, Blake's heading into the new season confident in himself and his team. "I feel like we've got some guys that are going to do some pretty good things. I feel like we can get a pretty good season going." Blake is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Athlete of the Month for Southwestern. He believes his team has what it takes to get back to the playoffs and is just looking forward to having fun this season. "We don't have any doubts," he said about being able to make the playoffs. "We lost some pretty good guys, but I feel like we got better at catching balls, got better at blocking." T

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LITCHFIELD - Registration is open for art and craft vendor booth space at the final 2023 Litchfield Pickers Market on October 8. This market will feature juried vintage, antique and refurbished items, and also the wares of talented artisans and crafters, creating a unique shopping experience in one convenient and fun location. The City of Litchfield hosts the Litchfield Pickers Market on the second Sunday of each month, May through October, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in downtown Litchfield. During the market, the streets are filled with around 100 vendors specializing in items from prior to 1985. During the October 8 market, a section will be allocated to contemporary art and craft items. All items must be handcrafted by participants, and no buy/sell or retail mass marketed merchandise is allowed. Registration information can be found at visitlitchfield.com, and is also available at 120 East Ryder Street in Litchfield. Call the Litchfield Tourism Office at 217-324-8147 with any questions.

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EAST ALTON – Community members, legislators, Girl Scouts and staff from the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) gathered Tuesday, Aug. 8, at the Jerry F. Costello Field Station to celebrate female leadership in policy and science. Among the speakers was Rep. Amy Elik, District 111, who gave the Scouts some advice. “Try new things to open your eyes to new experiences,” she said. “Even if it is something you may not be good at." Also in attendance was Rep. Katie Stuart, District 112, who told the girls what she likes best about her position. “Knowing what I do benefits people in a positive way,” she said. Everyone enjoyed pizza and s'mores while learning about Girl Scout Troop 325's community and nature-based projects, how to create seed-balls for spreading native plants and about the important research happening at the station. The event concluded with a female leadership discussion panel, which was led by Girl Scout

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with seven attorneys general, is urging a federal court to strengthen a private, consumer class-action settlement with Hyundai and Kia by requiring the companies to recall or buy back the theft-prone vehicles and equip them with engine-immobilizer technology. In a letter to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Raoul and the coalition argue that the current proposed settlement requirements are insufficient and will not resolve the ongoing Hyundai and Kia thefts that continue to jeopardize public safety in Illinois and across the country. While Illinois is not part of this settlement, Raoul signed onto the letter because in 2022, there were over 7,000 Hyundai and Kia thefts in Chicago, which account for 10% of all registered Kia vehicles and 7% of all registered Hyundai vehicles in the city. “I am urging the court to strengthen its current settlement with Hyundai and Kia to ensure consumers’ vehicles

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CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement regarding the indictment of former President Donald Trump by a Georgia grand jury for his alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election: “In America, every person indicted or accused of a crime is entitled to a presumption of innocence and the full spectrum of rights under due process. Former President Donald J. Trump deserves no less. “But this is not routine political fare or just another day in American politics as former President Trump would have us believe. Donald Trump stands accused of some of the most serious charges ever leveled against an American public figure. “Former President Trump is accused of concealing top secret intelligence documents; destroying evidence; provoking a mob to storm the Capitol building and subvert the counting of votes in a Presidential election; and attempting

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Band is proud to announce its upcoming "The High Seas" concert, scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 17, at 8 p.m. The performance will be held at the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand located in City Park. Under the baton of co-conductor, Dr. Rubén Darío Gómez, the Edwardsville Municipal Band will immerse listeners in a musical journey inspired by the vast oceans and waterways. The performance will feature a repertoire of music composed with water, particularly the ocean in mind and will include pieces such as "Of Sailors and Whales," "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End," and "Sailing Songs," among others. Concessions available during the event will directly benefit the Main Street Community Center. Admission to the concert is free of charge, and all are welcome to bring their lawn chairs and blankets for a relaxing and memorable musical experience. For more information about the Edwardsville Municipal Band

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ALTON - Let it never be said that Emily Vandygriff backs down from a dare. This Alton nurse enjoyed making art privately in her free time. But when a friend dared her to share her paintings and drawings with the world, Vandygriff couldn’t say no. Now, the casual hobby she once used to manage stress has made Vandygriff the August Artist of the Month at Milton Schoolhouse . “I work nights as a nurse, and it kind of became like a way for me to cope,” Vandygriff said about painting and drawing. “Sometimes when I get done, I can just breathe a little better with certain things in my life…So it just kind of went from there. I was submitting to galleries, and I started getting in. That also became a little challenge to the drive of, okay, we’re making art to feel better, but people want to see it.” The themes of Vandygriff’s work can vary. She loves horror, so she enjoys painting pictures of her 7-year-old son as a zombie to make

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KAMPSVILLE - In a continued crackdown at 10:08 p.m. on August 11, 2023, law enforcement officials from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conservation Police executed a court-authorized search warrant on Fourth Street in Kampsville in reference to an on-going methamphetamine investigation. The Calhoun County Sheriff's Office said subsequent to the execution of said search warrant, methamphetamine, methamphetamine-related drug paraphernalia, baggies, and scales were located and seized. Roy C. Connell, age 50, of Kamspville, was arrested on the following charges: Unlawful Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substances, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Connell was arrested without incident and is lodged in the Greene County Jail. "This arrest stems from the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office's continued and ongoing proactive enforcement

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