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JERSEYVILLE — The Jersey County Sheriff’s Office is seeking assistance in locating Kaila M. Vatole, who has been missing for two years. Vatole was last seen walking away from a residence on Little Piasa Road in rural Dow on Jan. 8, 2023. Despite extensive searches and investigations, authorities have been unable to find any trace of the 40-year-old woman. The sheriff’s office reported that her family continues to experience deep concern for her welfare and whereabouts. Kaila Vatole is described as 5 feet 3 inches tall, weighing approximately 110 pounds, with multiple tattoos, including a prominent one on her neck. She has a medical condition that requires a colostomy and has previously faced challenges related to homelessness. The sheriff's office noted that she has lived in various communities, including Carlinville, Wood River, East Alton, and Alton. In an effort to gather more information, the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office has urged farmers and hunters

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College's longest-running trustee, Robert L. Watson, died Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, surrounded by his family, at the age of 87. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m., Tuesday, January 14, at Anderson Family Funeral Home in Brighton, Illinois. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, January 15, at Anderson Family Funeral Home, followed by a burial at Brighton Cemetery. Watson, of Brighton, served on the college’s Board of Trustees for 44 years, and as its chairman from 1983-2019. He attended his last meeting as trustee in April 2021. “The entire Lewis and Clark community is saddened by the passing of Mr. Watson,” said L&C President Ken Trzaska. “He was instrumental in the growth and development of not just the college, but our students, team members and the entire community. Lewis and Clark is deeply indebted to Mr. Watson’s leadership. He was an original Trailblazer who exemplified our mission

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ALTON - Madison County Coroner Nicholas P. Novacich has identified an Alton male who died on Friday, Jan. 10, 2025, after being mauled by a dog inside his residence. The victim is identified as Robert W. Echols, 53, Lovejoy Lane, Alton. Echols resided at the residence with his brother. The coroner said Echols was outside and when he tried to enter the residence, the dog attempted to attack him. The decedent’s brother was able to exit the residence and contacted a neighbor who allowed him to use his phone to call 911 for help. The 911 call was reported at 4:53 p.m., Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. The coroner said Echols was pronounced deceased at 6:18 p.m., Jan. 10, 2025, by Madison County Coroner’s Office Investigator Kelsey Jones. "An autopsy examination was conducted, and preliminary findings noted the injuries seen with the body were consistent with animal bites," Novacich said. "A final cause of death will be issued upon completion of a routine toxicology test and further

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ALTON - Chez Marilyn, a well-known establishment in downtown Alton, is set to reopen under new ownership. The announcement was made via the restaurant's Facebook page, where the new owners expressed their enthusiasm for serving the greater Alton area and indicated that new hours and an opening date would be shared soon. Sara McGibany, executive director of Alton Main Street, expressed her excitement about the upcoming changes. “We are very excited to learn that there are plans in the works to breathe new life into this wonderful property, which offers one of the best outdoor patios that downtown Alton has to offer,” McGibany said. She noted that Chez Marilyn played a significant role in the downtown area's revival and that its reopening would be a positive development for the district, which will benefit from “great food and live music at 119 W. 3rd Street in Alton once again.” Further details regarding the restaurant's new hours and opening date are anticipated

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EDWARDSVILLE - It might be cold, but that’s not stopping Tropical Sno & Lotus Energy in Edwardsville from sharing their sweet treats with the community. Tropical Sno & Lotus Energy, located at 2323 Plum Street in Edwardsville, sells Tropical Sno snow cones, Lotus Energy drinks, homemade s’mores and, starting sometime in the next few weeks, Dippin’ Dots. David and Melody explained that they love creating new drinks and flavors for their customers to enjoy, and they are looking forward to introducing Dippin’ Dots to their lineup. “I’ve always wanted a big, year-round drink shop,” David said. “We really do have something for everybody.” According to David, the idea behind the shop was to bring together brands and share their products with the Edwardsville community. Tropical Sno and Lotus Energy are national brands, and the shop sells their products in one location. “I don’t want to create brands,” David

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EARTH CITY, MO. - Late last week, ImpactLife facilitated a crucial shipment of blood components to a hospital in California, responding to a request for assistance amid disruptions caused by wildfires in the region. The organization’s IMD team successfully delivered red blood cells and platelets to Los Angeles, marking the second time this year that ImpactLife has provided support to a hospital outside its local area during a crisis. The shipment was prompted by local collection challenges faced by the California hospital due to the ongoing wildfires in southern California. ImpactLife expressed gratitude for its role in aiding patient needs during such emergencies and highlighted the importance of being part of a national network of blood providers. “This effort demonstrates our commitment to supporting healthcare facilities in times of need,” said Murisa Diaz, an account manager at ImpactLife. “We are glad to be able to step forward when called upon.”

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ALTON - St. Mary's Catholic School has announced its high honor roll and honor roll students for the second quarter. These are the students who have earned the recognition: High Honors: Eighth Grade Avery Conrad Elaina Cowan James Fischer Katherine Fitzgerald Tucker Hamilton Eli Heidschmidt Joseph Henesey Parker Hough Caleb Kasten Kainan Kelly Colette Manns Lucia Pulido Jenna Redman Caden Roth William Roth Caden Shewmake Olivia Smith Claire Stephens William Waters Brendan White Seventh Grade Lauren Elliott Ava Holt Jay Klunk Ryan Lopez Alena Manns Eva Martin Charlie Marshall Brody McLeod Joey Root Connor Von Southen Genevieve Stendeback Leena Walker Sophia Waters Abigail Widman Sixth Grade Wyatt Bennett Reese Curry Daniel Fitzgerald Jaxson Foersterling Jude Frost Kelton Grizzle Adam Jacobs Henley Janek Louie Keller James Klockenkemper Katie O'Neill William Roberts Nolan Strack Stone Walker Isla Woodward Honor Roll Eighth

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CASEYVILLE - The Caseyville Police Department is actively investigating a series of thefts that took place on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. Authorities have identified one suspect involved in the incidents but are still seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a second individual captured in surveillance images. The department has urged anyone with information regarding the suspects to contact the Caseyville Police Detectives Division at (618) 344-2151 ext. 142. Individuals can leave a voicemail and remain anonymous. Additionally, tips can be submitted via email at tips@caseyville.org . The investigation is ongoing as police work to gather more information related to the thefts.

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VENICE — On Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) visited the former Dow Chemical Company factory to raise awareness around the urgent need for residents to be compensated for health impacts relating to decades long radiation exposure. Budzinski was joined by Venice, Illinois, Mayor Tyrone Echols, Alderman Phillip White, and local activists passionate about this issue. Congresswoman Budzinski speaks to members of the press on the need to reauthorize RECA and expand local eligibility. From the late 1950s to early 1960s, the factory — owned by Dow Chemical Co. at the time—processed uranium and thorium for the nation’s nuclear weapons program. As a result, the site became a 1,400-acre dumping ground for radioactive materials. Despite this, the area has never qualified for assistance through the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA), leaving residents without necessary support for the lasting effects of exposure. “For decades,

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JERSEYVILLE - A 40-year-old Jerseyville resident remains in custody after grooming a 14-year-old victim and sending them explicit photos of himself. Leif J. Roady, 40, of the 200 block of W. Prairie St. in Jerseyville, was charged on Jan. 10, 2025 with grooming, a Class 4 felony, and distribution of harmful/explicit content to a minor, a Class A misdemeanor. The day prior on Jan. 9, 2025, Leif allegedly sent explicit photos of himself to a 14-year-old child. He also reportedly “attempted to seduce, solicit, lure, or entice a minor child, who was 14 years of age, to come to his residence and engage in unlawful sexual conduct,” according to the grooming charge. A petition was filed to deny Roady’s pretrial release, stating his release would pose a “real and present threat” to the community’s safety. Jersey County Sheriff’s Office records indicate he currently remains in custody. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable

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EDWARDSVILLE - For his impressive and impactful research, teaching and mentoring in the area of enzyme mimetic chemistry, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Yun Lu, PhD , professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Chemistry, has been promoted to the rank of Distinguished Research Professor of Chemistry. “I am thrilled to have been awarded the title of Distinguished Research Professor,” said Lu, “My first thought was to share this news with my students, as their dedication and hard work in the laboratory have been instrumental in this achievement. I appreciate their efforts, which have made this honor possible. I believe that this recognition is a testament to their contributions and commitment to our research.” “I am also proud to note that our research group is the first and only one to use solution-based reactions to study the physical aspects of enzyme catalysis,” emphasized Lu. “The role of enzyme’s

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EDWARDSVILLE — A sensor issue triggered fire alarms at Edwardsville High School (EHS) shortly after 7:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, prompting an immediate evacuation of students and staff. Edwardsville School District 7 said: "In line with established safety protocols, all individuals in the building exited as the Edwardsville Fire Department conducted an inspection. The incident concluded without any reported danger to those present. “Please be assured that at no time was there any danger to students or staff. Following the inspection, students and staff were allowed to return to the building." School administrators expressed appreciation for the cooperation and patience of the EHS community during the incident. The administrators noted that students and teachers displayed impressive flexibility and adaptability in maintaining safety throughout the evacuation process.

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BRIGHTON - The Village of Brighton will host its eighth annual Daddy/Daughter Dance. From 5:30–8 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at Crossroads Community Church in Brighton, father figures and daughters are invited to enjoy dancing, a photo booth, balloon animals, and more. Tickets cost $20 a person and must be purchased ahead of time at the Brighton Municipal Building. “It's a night out for the daddies and daughters,” said John Bramley, Brighton’s Park Chairman. “We’re selling 150 tickets. They will sell out quick, so hopefully everybody gets their tickets this year. We look forward to a beautiful evening.” This year’s theme is “A Night to Remember,” and Bramley said attendees can expect a DJ, finger foods and desserts. He is especially looking forward to the balloon specialist, who will make “all kinds of creations for the girls.” Tickets will not be available at the door. Bramley encourages everyone

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ALTON – Lauren Wilson, current Deputy Clerk for the City of Alton, is excited to announce her candidacy for Alton City Clerk in the upcoming April 1, 2025, election. "With over four years of experience working in the City Clerk’s office, I have developed a deep understanding of the responsibilities and duties required of this important position. During my tenure as Deputy Clerk, I have also served as Acting City Clerk. During my time as Acting City Clerk, approximately a year and a half, I gained invaluable experience in managing city ordinances, filing sensitive data, preparing official reports, and ensuring compliance with local and state regulations. In addition, I prepared and attended Council meetings, Committee meetings, Executive Sessions and staff meetings. "I am running for City Clerk because I believe in Alton’s potential and the value of effective local governance, and I am committed to bringing efficiency, transparency, and exceptional customer service

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BRIGHTON — Robert "Bob" Laverne Watson, an influential attorney and long-serving member of the Lewis and Clark Community College Board, died on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the age of 87. He was born on Oct. 13, 1937, in Jerseyville. Watson lost his sight at the age of six. He attended the Illinois Braille and Sight Saving School, now known as the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired, in Jacksonville. He later graduated with a Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois. He served as an inspiration for many others in the area who were blind. Watson began his legal career working for the State Department in Washington, D.C., before returning to Illinois to work for the Illinois Attorney General. In 1972, he opened his own law office in Brighton, later establishing a branch in Bunker Hill. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he served as the Village of Brighton’s attorney for 51 years and was a member of the Lewis and Clark Community College Board of Trustees

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department has publicly acknowledged the contributions of Illinois State Representative Amy Elik for her support of law enforcement and her efforts to commemorate the service of K9 Odin. This recognition comes following the passage of House Resolution 886, which honors the K9 officer's dedication and sacrifice. Odin was killed in the line of duty on Aug. 22, 2024. K9 Odin served as a protector and teammate within the Alton Police Department, leaving a lasting impact on both the police force and the community it serves. The resolution was presented to Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford, highlighting Odin's legacy and the essential role that K9 officers play in maintaining public safety. "Through House Resolution 886, Representative Elik has ensured that K9 Odin’s service, loyalty, and sacrifice will never be forgotten," the department stated in a recent communication. This gesture underscores the ongoing partnership between law enforcement and community

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In an era marked by economic fluctuations, technological advancements, and a rapidly changing job market, financial literacy has emerged as a critical skill for individuals and families alike. Understanding how to manage personal finances, invest wisely, and navigate the complexities of the financial world can lead to improved economic stability and enhanced quality of life. This article explores the importance of financial literacy, its key components, and practical strategies for improving financial knowledge. What is Financial Literacy? Financial literacy refers to the ability to understand and effectively use various financial skills, including personal finance management, budgeting, investing, and understanding financial products. It encompasses a range of knowledge areas, such as how to save, borrow, and plan for the future. A financially literate person is equipped to make informed and effective decisions regarding their financial resources. The Importance of Financial Literacy

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GODFREY - Eclipse Car Wash is set to open in Godfrey in the next two months, and they’re looking for employees. The car wash, located at 2811 Godfrey Road, has been under construction for a few years since Eclipse bought the property in 2021. They plan to open in the next six to eight weeks, and they will be hiring around 20 workers. “We’re excited to be involved in the Godfrey community,” said Alexandra Ricke, general manager of Eclipse. “Preparing to open is obviously super exciting.” Ricke said that Eclipse built a “state-of-the-art facility” that stands out from other car washes. The facility can accommodate dually trucks, which is rare for a car wash, and there are four dedicated lanes with 36 vacuum bays available. With another location in Edwardsville, Eclipse is eager to implement new technology at the Godfrey car wash. Ricke added that owner Jarrett Hanson is passionate about creating the best experience for customers.

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Welcome to our exploration of January 13th, a day that has witnessed some of the most significant events in history. Turning our gaze to the world of politics, January 13, 1986, marked the beginning of the “Dawn of the New Era” in the Philippines. This day was pivotal in the fight against the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos. Activists and citizens began to mobilize in greater numbers, leading to a series of protests that would culminate in the People Power Revolution in 1986. This peaceful uprising would eventually restore democracy in the Philippines, showcasing the power of collective action and the resilience of the human spirit. On January 13, 2012, a significant event in the world of technology unfolded with the announcement of the first successful demonstration of quantum teleportation of information. Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China achieved this groundbreaking feat, which is considered a major step towards the development of quantu

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WOOD RIVER — Wood River Police responded to a reported robbery on Whitelaw Avenue at approximately 5:25 PM on Sunday. The incident involved two individuals who had arranged to meet another person for an exchange of property, which had been organized through social media. Upon their arrival at the designated location, the two individuals were confronted by three suspects who forcibly took the property before fleeing the scene on foot. Fortunately, no injuries were reported as a result of the encounter. Thanks to the rapid response of the Wood River Police, two suspects were apprehended shortly after the incident, with the third taken into custody a short time later. All three suspects are now in police custody. The investigation benefited from the collaboration of several neighboring law enforcement agencies, including East Alton, Hartford, Roxana, South Roxana, and the Alton Police Department K-9 Unit. Authorities have classified this incident as isolated, assuring the communit

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