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HIGHLAND — Ralph Korte, founder of The Korte Company and a pivotal figure in the construction industry, died on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, surrounded by family. Born in 1934 in rural Highland, Illinois, Korte built a legacy that influenced both his community and the nation’s approach to design-build construction. Korte grew up as one of 14 children on a small family farm and left formal schooling after the eighth grade. He developed a passion for building by assisting neighbors with farm projects. During boot camp in Arkansas, he earned his GED, which motivated him to continue learning. He served in the Korean War, returning with a veteran’s perspective that emphasized hard work, learning, and courage. In 1958, armed with a $79 electric saw and a simple business philosophy — “Don’t charge too much, and work hard” — Korte founded The Korte Company. What began as a side job evolved into a nationally recognized Design-Build firm known for

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BELLEVILLE - The Belleville Area Humane Society will host their annual “Wine for Whiskers” fall festival event to support animals. From 5:30–9 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025, community members can enjoy dinner, drinks, carnival games, a silent auction, raffles and more fun at The Weingarten in Belleville. Geared towards adults, this fall festival promises a fun evening to benefit local animals. “It’s just going to be a really good night,” said Chelsea Erxleben with Belleville Area Humane Society (BAHS). “The community always just wraps their arms around us and they support us so much. We couldn’t do it without our community because obviously we’re a nonprofit running on donations. We’re here because the community believes in us, and we believe in them.” Tickets to the event cost $50 each and include dinner from Tavern on Main and two drink tickets. In addition to the dinner, live music, raffles and silent

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SPRINGFIELD, IL. - Retired police K9s in Illinois may soon receive the veterinary support they deserve, thanks to a new law sponsored by Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon). “Our police K9s give everything they have to keep our communities safe,” said Senator Harriss. “After years of dangerous and demanding work, many face costly health challenges. This law makes sure they’re cared for in retirement, just as they cared for us.” House Bill 3140 creates the Care for Retired Police Dogs Grant Program, providing up to $1,500 each year to reimburse handlers or adoptive families for veterinary expenses. To qualify, a K9 must have served at least five years, or three years if injured in the line of duty. “Most retired K9s are adopted by their handlers, who already share a deep bond with them,” said Senator Harriss. “By helping cover the cost of veterinary care, this program not only eases the burden on families but also honors these

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GRANITE CITY – A Granite City man with a serious criminal past faces new charges after breaking into an apartment on Cleveland Boulevard. Deshawn L. Bell, 34, of Granite City, was charged on Aug. 21, 2025 with one count each of residential burglary (a Class 1 felony) and criminal trespass to property (a Class A misdemeanor). Bell allegedly knowingly entered a Granite City residence in the 2000 block of Cleveland Boulevard without authority, intending to commit a theft and causing less than $500 worth of damage to the victim’s property on June 13, 2025. Bell reportedly tried entering the victim’s residence earlier that day while the victim was at work before Officer James Hart of the Granite City Police Department arrived on scene. The victim had already made it clear to police that Bell “no longer resided at the apartment and had been kicked out, requiring police supervision for any entry,” according to the state’s petition to deny Bell’s

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ALHAMBRA, Ill. — The Legendary Mustang Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating wild mustangs and burros, is seeking urgent assistance after a fire damaged their home and essential supplies on Monday, Aug. 25, 2025. The fire occurred on Monday, destroying one room and causing widespread smoke damage throughout the residence. The sanctuary’s feed supply, stored in the basement, was also compromised, leaving the organization without food for its animals. “We desperately need some help! Our house caught on fire on Monday. Luckily, only 1 room was burnt. However, everything is smoke-damaged, so we have nothing until the insurance takes care of it, which we don't know how long it will take,” the sanctuary owners said in an official statement. The Legendary Mustang Sanctuary owners are requesting donations of personal items, kitchen supplies such as pots and pans, and animal feed, including dog, cat, chicken, and horse food.

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MILLSTADT - Buttercup Ranch and Creamery invites the community to join them for their annual balloon glow and CiderMan Triathlon. At 6 p.m. on Sept. 5, 2025, community members can come out to the farm for a balloon glow and concert by Scott Vignassi’s Big Little Big Band. This will be followed by the triathlon at 7 a.m. on Sept. 6, 2025. Mary MacKeen, who owns the farm, can’t wait to share the experience with people from across the Millstadt region. “We’re excited,” MacKeen said. “Of course, we’re a little frazzled, but we're getting ready. It’s looking great.” MacKeen explained that both the balloon glow and the triathlon are fun, family-friendly experiences that aim to bring the community together. MacKeen’s family started these events in honor of John Ogonowski, the pilot of Flight 11, who died on Sept. 11, 2001. Proceeds from both events will go toward the local police department and fire department in honor

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SWANSEA/O'FALLON — Authorities continue to search for Bill Crispin, who went missing after walking eastbound on Frank Scott Parkway East on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2025. The last confirmed sighting of Crispin was near Old Collinsville Road, but his whereabouts remain unknown. The Swansea Police Department, in collaboration with the O’Fallon Police Department and four other agencies, is urging residents in the area to review any security camera footage from 3:40 p.m. onward on that day. Officials specifically request that residents check cameras covering outbuildings, sheds, wooded areas, and other locations near Frank Scott Parkway East and Old Collinsville Road. Crispin is described as a taller white male last seen wearing a light grey short-sleeve t-shirt, blue jeans, and a black hat. Anyone with information or relevant video footage is asked to contact the Swansea Police Department at 618-233-8114. Video evidence can also be uploaded to the department’s website.

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MADISON COUNTY — The Madison County Coroner’s Office announced the promotion of Senior Investigator Kelsey Jones, recognizing her years of dedicated service and commitment to the community. Jones, who has been with the office since 2013, has been praised for her investigative expertise and advocacy for victims and their families. The office described Jones as “an invaluable part of our team” and noted that her promotion reflects her outstanding contributions. Officials expressed pride in having Jones as a key member of their staff.

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CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) today sent 46 letters to companies that operate online marketplaces requesting information on the implementation and enforcement of the Senators’ Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers (INFORM Consumers) Act, which went into effect on June 27, 2023. The Senators sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) inquiring about the same information last week. The Senators wrote, “We write to request information regarding your ongoing compliance with the Act and any additional steps has taken to ensure that stolen, counterfeit, or unsafe items are not being sold through your marketplace.” The legislation, which was sponsored by Durbin and Cassidy and signed into law in December 2022, combats the online sale of stolen, counterfeit, and dangerous consumer products

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GLEN CARBON – Glen Carbon trustees have officially capped the number of short-term rental properties allowed in the village at one time to 15. At the Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, Village Board meeting, trustees unanimously approved an ordinance limiting short-term rentals in the Village of Glen Carbon. The Glen Carbon Village Code defines a “short-term rental property” as “a building or portion thereof that is held out or offered for rent, for overnight lodging for non-permanent or transient guest, for a period shorter than 30 consecutive days.” Erika Heil, the village’s Director of Community Development, said the limit of 15 was formed in comparison to Edwardsville’s population and short-term rental limits. She noted Glen Carbon will only allow properties currently unoccupied by the property owners to be used as short-term rentals. “Edwardsville allows for 30 owner-occupied as well as 30 owner-unoccupied ,” Heil said. “We

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ALTON - Centerstone offers mental health and substance use disorder treatment services throughout Illinois, including an intensive outpatient program. Stacy Seitz, VP of Clinical Services, noted that Centerstone’s intensive outpatient program (IOP) is designed for individuals who are experiencing a substance use disorder. This program might be useful for people who are stepping down from a residential treatment program, or for others who could use additional support in the community. “We’ve offered IOP services for a while, but we did a revamp of the program within the last year,” Seitz explained. “I think the biggest thing that we recognize is we needed a level of support that was in-between.” Centerstone clients can participate in the residential treatment program in Anna, Illinois. This program is extremely structured, with programs “every single hour of every single day,” Seitz said. Centerstone realized that a “middle

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ALTON – Alton High School FCCLA Students earn recognition at the Alton School District school board meeting for their accomplishment of making it to FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) National Convention this past summer in Orlando, Florida with their STAR events projects. Lillian Fazio, AHS Senior, Alton FCCLA President and IL FCCLA State Officer won gold at nationals. Lilly Burns, AHS Junior, Alton FCCLA Community Service Chair won silver at nationals. Carter Stahl, AHS Junior, Alton FCCLA Vice President won bronze at nationals. They were presented certificates of achievement by the Alton School District Board and Superintendent Elaine Kane. FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) is a nonprofit national career and technical student organization for young men and women involved in Family and Consumer Sciences education, aiming to develop leadership and life skills. Founded in 1945 as the Future Homemakers of America, FCCLA provides members

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SPRINGFIELD – More than 285 south suburban residents took part in Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ second virtual Town Hall Tuesday evening to discuss the skyrocketing cost of auto insurance. Between the first two virtual Town Halls, over 500 Illinoisans have participated to learn more about the issue and share their stories. Residents shared their first-hand accounts of auto insurance rates increasing due to a recent move, a poor credit score or advanced age – reasons that have nothing to do with their driving record. This was the second of a series of virtual Town Hall meetings that the Secretary of State’s office is conducting over the next several weeks to gather feedback from Illinoisans to help inform state legislation for members of the General Assembly to consider. “As Secretary of State, I strongly believe that an individual’s driving record should serve as the primary factor that’s analyzed when setting auto insuranc

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VALMEYER, Ill. — The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department has completed its investigation into a fatal single-vehicle crash that occurred early Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025, near the intersection of Fountain Road and Levee Road, resulting in the death of a Valmeyer man. At approximately 6:18 a.m. Tuesday, deputies responded to reports of a vehicle off the roadway at the base of the levee. Upon arrival, they found a 2012 Jeep Wrangler that had left Levee Road and overturned down the embankment. The sole occupant, 46-year-old Nicholas D. Wittenbrink, was discovered unresponsive nearby. Deputies immediately began CPR and used an automated external defibrillator until Monroe County EMS arrived. Despite these efforts, Wittenbrink was pronounced dead at about 7:53 a.m. by the Monroe County Coroner’s Office. The Monroe Sheriff's Department investigation determined that extreme fog conditions contributed to the crash. According to the report, Wittenbrink’s vehicle left the

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COLUMBIA, IL. — A barricaded subject was taken into custody without injury Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 27, 2025, following an hours-long standoff at a residence on Meadow Court, the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department reported. The incident began around 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2025, when deputies responded to a report of a stolen firearm from the home in the 1800 block of Meadow Court in Columbia, IL. Upon arrival, law enforcement encountered the suspect in the basement, who refused to comply with commands, barricaded himself inside, and made threats toward officers. After several hours of negotiations, at approximately 12:05 p.m. on Wednesday, the Monroe County Sheriff's Department said the subject was safely apprehended without injury to himself or first responders. Columbia Fire and EMS personnel were on scene and evaluated the individual as a precaution before transferring him to the custody of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department. The Monroe Count

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Lincoln Middle School with a grand opening event on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025. The event, scheduled from 2 to 4 p.m. at Lincoln Middle School, 145 West Street, Edwardsville, will mark exactly 100 years since the building first opened as Edwardsville High School in 1925. The celebration will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. and guided tours led by current and former students. The district will unveil a new 60,000-square-foot addition to the school, which features a competition gym, a storm shelter/annex gym, a library/media center, a commons area, eight classrooms of varying sizes, and a multi-purpose room. This expansion was funded through an April 2023 no-tax-rate-change bond referendum and combines modern learning environments with the restoration of the building’s original 1925 floor. Parking for the event will be available in the lot adjacent to the Lucco Gymnasium.

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LITCHFIELD, Ill. — Brandon C. Malloy, 20, of Litchfield, was arrested and charged with Aggravated Fleeing following an incident on August 18, 2025, authorities said. According to the Illinois State Police, Malloy allegedly fled from a state trooper while riding a 2003 Honda motorcycle and disobeyed two traffic signals during the pursuit. The arrest and formal charges were made the following day, August 19. The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details have been released at this time. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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DWARDSVILLE — Edwardsville firefighters responded to a residential fire Tuesday evening, Aug. 26, 2025, in the 500 block of Chapman Street, where an adult female occupant was home when the blaze was discovered. The call came in at 6:23 p.m. on Aug. 26, 2025. The woman evacuated the small wood-frame residence and had a neighbor call 911, Edwardsville Fire Chief Brendan McKee said. Upon arrival, Edwardsville crews found moderate to heavy smoke coming from the second floor of the home. Fire personnel stretched a 1 3/4-inch attack line to the second floor and began fire suppression efforts, McKee said. The fire caused extensive damage to the second floor. The cause remains under investigation. Mutual aid was provided by the Wood River and Glen Carbon fire departments. Troy and Collinsville fire departments were unavailable to assist as they were responding to an EMS call at the same time.

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EDWARDSVILLE – The law firm of Mathis, Marifian & Richter, Ltd., is proud to announce that shareholders Chad J. Richter and Allyson T. Schwab have been recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America. Chad J. Richter has been ranked in the practice areas of Commercial Litigation and Trust and Estates Litigation. Allyson T. Schwab has been recognized in the practice area of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships). Established in 1983, Best Lawyers® publishes annual rankings of attorneys across a wide range of legal practice areas. Its recognitions are based on a peer review process, in which eligible lawyers evaluate the professional abilities of their colleagues. Lawyers who have been in private practice for five to nine years and demonstrated outstanding professional excellence are honored as Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, while attorneys with over nine years of experience are designated as Best Lawyers. About Chad

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GILLESPIE — Anita S. Grizzle, 49, of Gillespie, was charged Aug. 22, 2025, with aggravated battery to a police officer following an incident the previous day in Gillespie. Authorities reported that on Aug. 21, Grizzle knowingly made physical contact by kicking a Gillespie police officer in the back. The circumstances leading to Grizzle’s detention have not been disclosed. In addition to the aggravated battery charge, Grizzle has several other open cases in Macoupin County. According to court records, she is awaiting trial for possession of a controlled substance, criminal trespass to a residence, and resisting a police officer. The case remains pending. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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