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PONTOON BEACH – Just in time for spring, Madison County Transit (MCT) and Agency for Community Transit (ACT) have welcomed four new "Trail Critter" sculptures along the MCT Trails, expanding the popular "Art on the Trails" initiative. Building on the success of the eight sculptures introduced in 2023, the latest additions bring color, creativity, and whimsy to four new areas along the MCT Trails. Produced by artist Jeffie Brewer, each sculpture is crafted from durable steel, painted vibrant colors, and thoughtfully placed along the MCT Trails throughout Madison County, transforming the trails into an interactive outdoor gallery that blends art, nature, and community engagement. The sculptures were a gift to the MCT Trails from ACT. The latest critters to join the MCT Trails family include: “Cory – The Calf at the Confluence” – Measuring an impressive 10 feet in length, this striking lilac colored bison stands proudly along the MCT Confluence Trail,

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GODFREY - Amber Dyer, the owner of Peachy Paws, took “paws” to reflect and express her appreciation for the Village of Godfrey amid a recent vote that will allow her to expand her business to a new location. On March 4, 2025, the Godfrey Village Board of Trustees voted to rezone 1610 W. Delmar Avenue from R-3 Single Family Residential to B-4 Highway Business. This rezoning will allow Dyer to open her dog grooming business, previously located at 509 Pearl Street in Godfrey, at the new location. “I got a little emotional at the meeting because of all the support I was getting from everybody,” Dyer said. “I’ve always lived in Godfrey…I’ve grown up here, I went to school here, I was raised here, and I don’t want to leave here.” Dyer thanked Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick and Building and Zoning Administrator Tony Cain, adding that they treated her “like family” throughout the process. McCormick noted how

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MARYVILLE – A Missouri man authorities say targets Madison County for his criminal activity faces new charges after breaking into a Maryville laundromat. Gage L. Wille, 29, of St. Charles, Mo., was charged with burglary, a Class 2 felony, and possession of burglary tools, a Class 4 felony. Wille allegedly broke into a Sudz Wash laundromat at 112 W. Perry St. in Maryville on Jan. 9, 2025, intending to commit a theft. He was found with an orange pry bar in his possession, which court documents describe as “suitable for use in breaking into a building.” A petition to deny his pretrial release states Wille burglarized the business before fleeing the scene. Wille previously failed to appear in court from a prior theft case and has “been in warrant status since October 2019.” “It appears this defendant has no connection to Madison County and comes here only with the intent to steal,” the petition states of Wille. The Maryville Police Department

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SPRINGFIELD - The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) announced today the recipients of the 2024 Small Equipment Grant Program. A total of $4 million was awarded to 178 fire departments/districts and EMS providers across the state. The program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 each for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. This program is an innovative approach to a problem that has long caused difficulties for fire departments and not-for profit ambulance services in Illinois, particularly those that have hardships in generating the necessary revenue for small equipment. The purpose is to allow eligible applicants the opportunity to purchase small equipment that they may otherwise not be able to purchase. The OSFM received 347 applications, requesting around $7.7 million in funding for this grant period. "Grant programs like our Small Equipment Grant Program are critical in providing fire departments and ambulance providers with

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that nonfarm payrolls were almost unchanged, down -1,100 (0.0%), while the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.9 percent in January, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The December monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +8,800 to +12,200 while the revised unemployment rate was 4.9 percent, -0.3 percentage point lower than the preliminary December unemployment rate of 5.2 percent. The January payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th. Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +36,000 jobs. The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included: Private Education and Health Services (+27,500), Government (+25,300), and Leisure and Hospitality (+5,800). The industry groups with the largest jobs decreases included:

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SPRINGFIELD – At a Capitol news conference Tuesday, Assistant Republican Leader C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) criticized the bad bills and misplaced priorities of the Democratic supermajority in the Illinois General Assembly. “Illinois is facing significant problems with our budget, with public safety, with high taxes and the high cost of living,” Rep. Davidsmeyer said. “With the State of Illinois facing a $1.2 billion budget shortfall, Democrats are pushing bad bills that will make Illinois’ budget problems even worse.” Last week, the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (CGFA), which Davidsmeyer co-chairs, released its FY 2026 Economic Forecast and Revenue Estimate and FY 2025 Revenue Update . CGFA projected a $737 million State budget shortfall for FY26 and an additional $500 million shortfall for the current fiscal year. The Auditor General recently released an audit of the taxpayer-funded healthcare program

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Poison Center (IPC), the nation’s oldest poison center, joins poison centers around the country to raise awareness about poison dangers and educate the public on ways to further protect their loved ones during National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW), which runs from March 16–22, 2025. This year’s theme is “When the unexpected happens, Poison Help is here for you.” For more than 70 years, poison centers have provided vital information and resources to families to help reduce the threat of poisoning and save lives. “Poison risks remain a constant threat to individuals of all ages,” says IPC Medical Director Michael Wahl, M.D. “Our team of pharmacists, nurses, and poison information experts are available 24/7 to answer questions, offer guidance on treatment, and help prevent harm. No concern is too big or too small, and all calls are free and confidential.” In 2024, IPC handled 72,500 cases involving

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Nefer Ojeda-Elenes, a 33-year-old man from California, was sentenced to 228 months in federal prison for his role in trafficking fentanyl to the Metro East region. The sentencing took place following Ojeda-Elenes’ guilty plea to conspiracy and distribution charges related to the powerful synthetic opioid. U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft described fentanyl as a "ruthless killer" that devastates families and communities. He emphasized the seriousness of Ojeda-Elenes' actions, and said, “This defendant conspired to bring seven kilograms of fentanyl into the Metro East region, when as few as two milligrams is lethal to most adults.” Weinhoeft asserted that the 19-year sentence reflects a commitment to justice for those affected by drug trafficking. Court documents reveal that Ojeda-Elenes was involved in a conspiracy to deliver two kilograms of fentanyl to the Metro East in April 2020. He later agreed to deliver an additional five kilograms

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GODFREY – Gov. J.B. Pritzker and other Illinois lawmakers visited Lewis and Clark Community College Monday, March 3, 2025, to propose a new community college baccalaureate program. “Community colleges like Lewis and Clark have been at the center of our economic agenda from day one of my administration,” Pritzker said. “To build an economy where every Illinoisan can get ahead, we need an education system that can meet people where they are, regardless of their age, background or zip code.” The proposed legislation, HB 3717, would amend the Public Community College Act to allow community colleges to offer baccalaureate degrees in high-demand career paths. The bill would cap the cost of the final two years of a four-year degree to 150 percent of the associate degree cost, an average of $7,500 annually. Tuition and fees at Lewis and Clark are currently around $4,500 per year for a full-time student, lower than the average paid by full-time student

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison led a coalition of 21 attorneys general today in filing an amicus brief in continued opposition to President Donald Trump’s unlawful attempt to remove Gwynne Wilcox, a member of the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). Dismissing Wilcox would leave just two members remaining on the five-member board, which cannot act without a quorum of at least three members. Last week, a federal judge ruled in Wilcox v. Trump, that Trump’s attempt to fire Wilcox was illegal and ordered that she remain on the board. The Trump administration has asked for a stay to stop the ruling from going into effect while it seeks an appeal, effectively allowing her firing to take effect. In their brief, Raoul and attorneys general urge the court to deny the administration’s request for a stay. The coalition argues that if allowed to stand, the attempt to dismiss Wilcox would undermine protections for worker

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SPRINGFIELD – The 2025 Illinois spring trout fishing season will open Saturday, April 5 at 58 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state. An early opportunity at select trout sites – the spring catch-and-release fishing season – will open Saturday, March 22. No trout may be kept during the catch-and-release period, but anglers can keep trout after the opening of the regular season beginning April 5. The daily harvest limit for each angler is five trout. The Illinois Catchable Trout Program receives funding support by those who use the program through the sale of inland trout stamps. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources stocks more than 80,000 rainbow trout each year in bodies of water where trout fishing is permitted during the spring season. An additional 80,000 trout will be stocked for the fall trout season, which begins in October. New for 2025: In McHenry County, spring trout will be stocked into Rush Creek Pond in Harvard due to ongoing constructio

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that rehabilitation of a crossing by Terminal Railroad on Illinois 3 between Packers Avenue and North First Street in St. Clair County will require a full closure beginning, weather permitting, Tuesday, March 25. A posted detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure, which is expected to conclude Thursday, March 27. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to detour signs in work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. 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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JERSEYVILLE - Amelia Strebel, a standout student-athlete from Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100, has earned a place on the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Academic All-State Honorable Mention team. The announcement was made following the selection of 76 students across the state, with each school permitted to nominate one male and one female student for the honor. Amelia Strebel is also a Sparklight Female Athlete of the Month for Jersey. The recognition comes at a time when Strebel is balancing her academic responsibilities with her participation in track and field, where she is an area standout in the shot put and discus. Jersey head girls track and field coach Kevin Strebel, who is also her father, expressed pride in her accomplishments both academically and athletically. "I am certainly proud of how she handles herself and takes care of everything the right way academically and athletically," he said. "She makes sure to prepare for any tests, and it is nice

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GLEN CARBON - Owen Kolesa, a junior forward for the boys' basketball team at Father McGivney Catholic High School, has played an important role for the Griffins this season, and will be a key factor in the success the team enjoys in the upcoming IHSA Class 1A playoffs. He averaged 7.5 points per game and 2.7 rebounds a game on the season. He is a Byron, Petri, Carlson & Kalb Male Athlete of the Month for the Griffins. On Feb. 15, 2025, Kolesa had an outstanding game against Jersey contributing 17 points. The Griffins finished with a 15-18 overall record in the 2024-2025 campaign. Kolesa was interviewed after McGivney's 38-35 win over Maryville Christian on Feb. 15. He agreed that the comeback win over Maryville helped build up the team's confidence going into the final week of the regular season and the postseason run. "It really did build some confidence," Kolesa said after that encounter. "We were down, we battled through as a team. it gave us a lot of confidence through everything."

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ALTON - Aline Russell believes in helping where she’s needed. Russell, one of six candidates for the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education, shared more about who she is and what she stands for. She expressed her excitement to potentially join the school board and create better schools for kids. “I’ve thought about someday running for school board because, with my mother and sister being public school teachers, I know about some of the challenges and joys, but also because I’m really proud of my kids who graduated from Alton High,” Russell said. “We were really happy with Alton High. I’m a real fan of the school system. Just with the possible serious challenges coming up for public schools, I wanted to get in and see if I could help, if there was a need for me.” Russell previously worked as a marriage and family therapist with an office in Alton, and she still occasionally offers her services doing interim

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Mayor Jones Issues Statement On Bill Passage To Strip St. Louis Control Of Metro Police Department ST. LOUIS – Today, the Missouri Legislature passed a bill that would strip St. Louis City of its local control over the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department. Mayor Tishaura O. Jones issued the following statement in response: “There is one thing that the bill sponsors and I agree on - that this bill is not a crime plan,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “My administration and I have spent the last four years addressing the realities of crime in our city. We continue to improve 911 response times, we’ve introduced call diversion programs, we’ve invested in community organizations that address the root causes of crime, and all this has resulted in a historic decrease in crime. All this bill does is halt and reverse our progress in service of allowing a small number of non-city-residents to pat themselves on the back because they succeeded in taking

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced a daytime ramp closure will be encountered on the ramp from westbound I-55/64 to Tudor Avenue, east of the Poplar Street Bridge. The ramp will be closed from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday & Thursday, March 12 & 13, 2025, weather permitting. During this time, westbound motorists traveling to Tudor Avenue will need to utilize alternate routes. This ramp closure is necessary to allow IDOT crews to complete routine inspections scheduled for this structure. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information

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ST. LOUIS — Dr. Bruce Vest of the Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic crew secured first place in the "Wheels" (FLOAT) section of the St. Louis Mardi Gras parade for the second consecutive year. The event took place recently in Soulard, a neighborhood known for its vibrant Mardis Gras celebration, one of the largest in the country. Dr. Vest’s float featured a striking combination of medical-themed dragons, skeletons, and a fiesta food menu, creating a lively atmosphere that resonated with attendees. This year’s parade was not only a celebration but also a tribute, as Dr. Vest dedicated the float to the memory of his son-in-law, Dr. Sanjay Patel, who recently died from lung cancer. “Sanjay always gave 100 percent effort to all endeavors,” Dr. Vest said, appreciating his work to his float projects each year. In addition to his success at the Mardi Gras parade, Dr. Vest continues to hold the first-place title in the Commercial division of the Alton Halloween

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) sent letters to five telehealth companies that have held contracts with Pfizer and Eli Lilly, inquiring about their financial relationships and possible influence on prescriptions for medications from those two pharmaceutical manufacturers. These new arrangements can use direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertisements that steer patients toward particular medications and create the potential for inappropriate prescribing that can increase spending for federal health care programs. Along with Durbin, the letters were also signed by U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT). The letters are addressed to the CEOs of 9amHealth, Thirty Madison (Cove), Form Health, Populus Health Technologies, and UpScriptHealth. “Through a partnership with , Eli Lilly/Pfizer has launched a new telehealth platform that links patients interested in receiving its medications with a health care provide

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The highly pathogenic avian influenza – commonly known as bird flu – is wreaking havoc on American agriculture. This devastating virus, carried by birds worldwide, is currently spreading among U.S. poultry and dairy cattle, with several recent human cases reported among dairy and poultry workers. Since the outbreak began in 2022, more than 162 million birds have been culled. In the past 30 days alone, bird flu has been detected in 24 states. The virus has been confirmed in poultry in all 50 states and, as of December 2024, dairy cattle infections have been reported in 16 states. The situation is worsening. Herd, flock and human infections have risen, farmers are grappling with market uncertainty, and consumer prices continue to rise. The economic impact of this outbreak is staggering, threatening farmers’ livelihoods across the country. In the last quarter alone, more than 20 million egg-laying chickens in the United States have died due to bird flu,

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