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PONTOON BEACH - The Pontoon Beach Party at The Beach had remarkable attendance and was a great time for those who attended, officials said in the summary statement Monday. The 11th Annual Party was held Friday and Saturday in Pontoon Beach. The event featured carnival rides, games, food vendors, cold beverages and entertainment. On Friday, entertainers Dake White and Gary Allan appeared. Saturday the Long Lake Fire Department had a corn hole tournament. KSHE 95's Street Team and Sweetmeat were there at 5 p.m. Saturday. The Anthology, featuring the music of the Allman Brothers took place at 7 p.m., then the Marshall Tucker Band appeared at 9 p.m. and was well-received as the final main act of the weekend. This was the comment by the Pontoon Beach officials: "The Village of Pontoon Beach administration, Board members and Police Department would like to thank all that came out to Party at the Beach 2023. We hope you all had a great time. We work very hard to put this on every year

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that repairs on southbound Interstate 55 between New Douglas Road and Illinois 4 will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 11. One southbound lane on I-55 will remain open at all times. Simultaneously, the ramp from northbound I-55 to Illinois 143 will be closed. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m., Monday, Aug. 14. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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SPRINGFIELD – Today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, met with Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director Christopher Wray and other FBI officials to discuss a range of matters. Among other topics, Durbin and Wray discussed the reauthorization and reform of Section 702, children’s online safety, the fentanyl crisis and online drug trafficking, and border security. In June, Durbin and the Senate Judiciary Committee held an oversight hearing on Section 702, which is set to expire at the end of this year. “Today’s meeting with FBI Director Wray in Springfield was productive. As I’ve said before and reiterated to Director Wray today, I will only support the reauthorization of Section 702 if there are significant reforms addressing the warrantless surveillance of Americans. The FBI plays an integral part in our government’s responsibility to keep Americans safe from a wide range of threats,

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ALTON - The Alton branch of the NAACP will focus on increasing job opportunities, homeownership and entrepreneurship in the Black community with Leon Smallwood Bey as the organization’s new president. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is an activist organization that advocates for civil rights and social justice for Black people across the U.S. The local branch embodies these ideas and also plans to develop youth-specific programs for Alton residents. “We know it takes a village to raise up a community. It takes unity, and we want to be the vehicle that tries to spearhead the unity in our community,” Smallwood Bey said. “We want to be a part of showing people that we will fight against injustice, discrimination and racial inequality anywhere that it occurs.” To increase community involvement, the group hopes to form more connections with local businesses, schools and politicians. One of Smallwood Bey’s

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GRAFTON - Ron and Mary Jo Cote, owners of the Grafton Pub, continue to show their appreciation of the Grafton Police Department. On Thursday, August 3, 2023, Ron and Mary Jo Cote, owners of the Grafton Pub, donated $2,000 to the Grafton Police Department. Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow said this was the second year they expressed their strong support of Grafton’s policemen and women with a cash gift. “We really appreciate everything that the police do; they do a fantastic job,” Ron said. The check was presented to Chief Eric Spanton by Justin Cote, Ron and Mary Jo’s son. Justin is well known in town as “The Mayor’s Assistant” and he has the T-shirt to prove it. The presentation was made during a lively family fun event at the Pub in support of individuals like Justin with Down Syndrome. Chief Spanton accepted the generous donation on behalf of the police department. “These funds will be used to update equipment and we are most appreciative,”

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COTTAGE HILLS - The 10th annual Foodstock food drive is returning to Cottage Hills VFW Post 7678 on Saturday, Sept. 9 from 1 to 10 p.m. With two live bands, a Cornhole Tournament paying out up to $1,250, a “Stack Off” Competition, axe throwing, and much more, Foodstock 2023 is set to be more than just a typical food drive. The cost is just $5 to enter, and all proceeds will benefit the Community Hope Center, Oasis Shelter for Women, a local cancer patient, and the VFW. The full list of activities includes but is not limited to the following: Late4Work (Band) - 1 to 4 p.m. Owlz Band - 7 to 10 p.m. Cornhole Tournament paying out up to $1,250 Stack Off Food Drive competition Axe throwing Food Raffles Karate demo by Piasa Martial Arts Cake Walk Last year’s event saw over $16,000 in cash donations and seven tons of food donations raised with over 600 attendees. An $8,500 donation to Oasis was matched by an anonymous donor. This year’s

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RIVERBEND - Today, Aug. 8, is National Pickleball Day, and to celebrate, local players are hitting the courts while the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum unveils their first pickleball bobbleheads. Bob Biarkis, a local pickleball player, remembers the day he stumbled upon a pickleball game. He was immediately fascinated by the game and how people of all ages could play. “The thing that was so obvious to me was everybody was having fun, because everybody was laughing and having a great time,” Biarkis said. “I was hooked. And that’s one thing you will learn about playing pickleball: It’s addicting. Once you play it, you want to play it all the time.” Pickleball has been identified as the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. The National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum , located in Milwaukee, has recognized this with their new pickleball bobbleheads. The museum has a wide collection of bobbleheads available for purchase. This

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EDWARDSVILLE – With school starting right around the corner, 14 regional high school teachers are prepared to implement their newly learned skills in rocketry thanks to a professional development session held at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville earlier this summer. “The objective of the professional development session was to train the teachers on single-stage rocket kit and how to implement the project in their own classes,” said Michael Denn, PhD, instructor in the Department of Mechanical Mechatronics in the School of Engineering. “Our goal is for the single-stage rocket class to generate interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM),” Denn added. “Specifically, we encourage interest in space-related technologies by having students participate in a rocketry project that combines theory with hands-on experience.” Denn along with SIUE’s Jeffrey Sabby, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Physics

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VANDALIA – Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a Vandalia, Illinois couple was sentenced today to prison for their role in a child pornography ring operating in Fayette County. Today’s sentencing 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. Andrew Wehrle, 39, was sentenced to 26 years in prison after pleading guilty in May to two counts of dissemination of child pornography and one count of production of child pornography. Amber Wehrle, 38, was sentenced to 13 years in prison after pleading guilty in May to two counts of possession of child pornography and one count of indecent solicitation of an adult. Fayette County Circuit Court Judge Christopher Matoush handed down the sentences. “Child pornography is a heinous crime that re-victimizes survivors each time an image or video is downloaded

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COLLINSVILLE – Madison County Conservative Caucus is pleased to announce the appointment of Pastor Myles Holmes to its esteemed Board of Advisors. Pastor Holmes' extensive background in ministry, community engagement, and advocacy for conservative principles will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective and valuable insights to the Caucus's mission of promoting and upholding conservative values across the nation. Pastor Myles Holmes, a well-respected figure in the realm of ministry and public discourse, has now extended his dedication to serving his community by joining the Board of Advisors for Madison County’s Conservative Caucus. As a pastor, author, and speaker, Pastor Holmes has demonstrated his ability to inspire and lead, and his commitment to conservative ideals aligns seamlessly with the Caucus's objectives. In his role as a member of the Board of Advisors, Pastor Myles Holmes will play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the Conservative Caucus. His extensive

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today a full closure on Illinois Avenue (Martin Luther King Bridge) from the Interstate 55/64/70 exit ramps to the MLK bridge and Third Street in Missouri starting, weather permitting, Friday, Aug. 11, at 9 p.m. The closure is necessary to accommodate deck sealing work and is anticipated to be completed by 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 14. Motorists will have to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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GLEN CARBON – Walmart customers in Glen Carbon were welcomed inside the newly transformed Supercenter at 400 Junction Drive Friday morning as the much-anticipated project is now complete. The store’s associates marked the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony, community celebration and unveiling of a community inspired mural by local artist, Steve Hartman. The event was attended by various local Edwardsville and Glen Carbon nonprofit organizations who were recipients of $9,000 in grants. Friday’s event featured an official ribbon cutting with the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce and Ernestine Hardin, Glen Carbon Walmart’s longest tenured associate of more than 40 years. Guests also enjoyed refreshments, vendor samples, food trucks, a live DJ, balloon animal artist, special appearances from the Cocoa Puffs bird and a Prairie Farms live cow and calf, and more. During the re-grand opening celebration, Walmart Store Manager Skip Sponeman highlighted

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TROY - The City of Troy plans to unveil its new Serenade Park later this summer. The City has built Serenade Park on the property adjacent to Tri-Township Park, which is managed by the Tri-Township Park District. This new park will offer a splash pad and playground. “I think it’s a nice addition to the property that the Tri-Township Park already maintains and manages,” said Troy City Administrator Jay Keeven. “We have a great park system within the City of Troy that all of our residents enjoy, and this will just be a feature that the City can bring that makes it even nicer.” Keeven explained that Serenade Park will have a “dry feature” that includes the playground, sidewalks and a pavilion with restrooms. He added that a trailhead there marks the beginning of a trail that runs through Tri-Township Park, so Serenade Park will have ample parking. The “wet feature” is a shallow splash pad with a unique twist. “It’s

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Band is proud to announce its upcoming "Musical Potpourri" concert, scheduled to take place on Thursday, August 10, 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 delight the audience with a blend of timeless compositions from some of the most prolific composers in wind band history. Concessions available during the event will directly benefit the St. Boniface Group. For those who are unable to attend on Thursday, fear not! The band will be performing the same exhilarating program once more on Sunday, August 13, at 4 p.m. in the serene Le Claire Park in Edwardsville. Concessions available during the event will directly benefit the Friends of Le Claire. Admission to both concerts is free of charge, and all are welcome to bring their lawn chairs and blankets for a relaxing and memorable

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CHICAGO - Over the weekend, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee and U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee—departed for a Congressional Delegation to the Indo-Pacific region that she arranged in her continuing efforts to strengthen ties and reinforce support between Southeast Asia and the United States. Building on her successful trip to the region earlier this year , Duckworth will be visiting Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines to meet with government and business leaders and discuss opportunities that would increase cooperation in areas of mutual interest, such as economic investments, regional stability and national security. As part of this trip, the Senator will also discuss the economic and emissions reduction benefits that expanding ethanol imports could have in the region. “Since I arrived in the Senate, I’ve been focused on making sure our partners across the Indo-Pacific kno

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QUINCY – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today led every member of the Illinois Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to President Biden urging the White House to grant Governor J.B. Pritzker’s request for federal assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) for Illinois, to help Cook County recover from storm damage. From late June to early July, severe storms passed through Illinois producing heavy rainfall, flash flooding, hail, tornadoes, and straight-line winds. “We write in support of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s request for federal assistance for the State of Illinois, to help Cook County recover from storm damage that occurred from late June to early July,” wrote the lawmakers. “Governor Pritzker has indicated that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that an effective response is beyond the capabilities

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced the winners of the 2023 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest , which provides an opportunity for young photographers to share their vision of agriculture in our state. Students who won first, second or third place in each age category will be awarded Bright Start scholarships. “Thank you to all the young photographers who shared their talents by participating in this year’s contest. We’re impressed with everyone’s creativity in capturing the beauty of Illinois agriculture,” Frerichs said. “Congratulations to the winners, who will be awarded Bright Start scholarships that they can use for qualified expenses related to their post-secondary education.” A cake reception will be held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 11 at the Illinois State Fair to celebrate the 11 th year of the Cream of the Crop Photo Contest and to honor the young photographers who won first, second or third place

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SPRINGFIELD – Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed SB 2195, also known as the “So Kids Can Move” initiative, which will allow thousands of children and youth with limb loss or limb difference to afford prosthetic care that enables them to participate in physical activities. This legislation makes Illinois just the fourth state in the nation to pass this act. “Our children deserve quality healthcare and today we take another step to make that a reality,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m proud to sign this legislation into law that will provide thousands of children with the appropriate prosthetic care they need to participate in physical activities—ensuring they can remain active and healthy.” “The So Kids Can Move Initiative expands pathways to equitable healthcare by providing children and their families access to prosthetic care — and it is a critical step in the mission to ensure every child has access to the care an

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ALTON - On Aug. 8, Millennium Temple Church of God in Christ (COGIC) welcomed religious leaders for a week of worship to mark the 69th State Women’s Convention of the Southern Illinois Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. Mother Alberta Porter and Assistant State Supervisor Missionary Yolanda Joiner will lead conversations with women in the Millennium Temple COGIC congregation. Church member Sarah Porter explained that the State Women’s Convention is a chance for women to come together and worship. “They’re connecting together,” Sarah Porter said. “They’re having a worship. They are having Sunday School for the little kids. And we try to get everybody involved.” The week kicks off on Tuesday, Aug. 8 with a morning session led by Mother Alberta Porter, the supervisor of the Department of Women in the Southern Illinois Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. Joiner will lead the session at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. Thursday’s Queen Court Night will

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ALTON - Linda Petterson of Safe Food Specialist appeared on an episode of Our Daily Show! for the latest installment of the show’s Food For Thought segment. She discussed her series of upcoming Food Safety Manager Certification classes, her path to becoming a food safety instructor, and much more. “In my class, I tell stories, and that’s how people remember - I’ve got a lot of stories,” Petterson said. “People remember my stories - they’ll be taking the test and they’ll go, ‘Oh yeah, I remember her talking about her girl friend having celiac disease.’” Petterson will be hosting several upcoming food safety classes to help food industry professionals receive their Food Safety Manager Certification. The next class is on August 14 at the VFW in Staunton, and each class takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Future classes will be held everywhere from Casino Queen in East St. Louis to Johnson’s Corner in Alton and more.

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