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EDWARDSVILLE — The murder trial of Roger Dale Sutton Jr., 57, began Tuesday in Edwardsville, with opening statements and testimonies regarding the January 2013 death of Patrenia Butler-Turner, a 40-year-old woman from East St. Louis who had been missing for nearly a decade. Sutton faces two counts of first-degree murder and one count of concealment of a homicidal death in connection with Butler-Turner’s death. He was charged in February 2023, following the discovery of Butler-Turner’s remains on December 5, 2022, in a wooded area along Illinois 111 in Pontoon Beach behind the Busy Bee Storage where he worked. Her family had reported her missing on January 17, 2013. During opening statements, the prosecution alleged that Sutton punched Butler-Turner, strangled her, and then disposed of her body behind a storage facility. They also stated that Sutton's nephew, Nathan Beyer, provided crucial information to law enforcement about the incident and the location

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WOOD RIVER - After much discussion and debate, Wood River City Council members have officially voted to ban unaccompanied minors from Central Park. The park has reportedly become a “ hotbed of illegal activity ” as Police Chief Brad Wells has reported “numerous violent incidents and other illegal activity perpetrated by area youths” in recent months. The ordinance prohibits minors from being present at Central Park unless supervised by a “parent, legal guardian, or other responsible adult” over the age of 25. During the public comment portion of Monday’s City council meeting , one resident said that while illegal activity isn’t a new phenomenon at Central Park, she agreed something needs to be done about it. However, she raised concerns about a lack of transparency about these incidents and the measures that would be taken to prevent them. These concerns prompted a response from Mayor Tom Stalcup, who said the city has

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EDWARDSVILLE – Halloween is creeping up quickly in Edwardsville and there’s a fun holiday lineup, including the ever-popular downtown Halloween parade, City Parks & Recreation events and community trick-or-treating, through Thursday, October 31. The City of Edwardsville has gathered details on what you need to know to safely enjoy the fun. The Edwardsville Parks & Recreation Department will kick off the Halloween festivities early, with community events on Friday and Saturday, October 25-26. The R.P. Lumber Center, 6289 Tiger Drive, will host a “Spooky Skate” night from 6:30-8 p.m. Friday, October 25. It will include an ice skating performance, costume contest, crafts and games, candy, photo opportunities and skating. Normal skate session fees apply. On Saturday, October 26, the Parks & Recreation Department’s Halloween Party in the Park will feature a Community Candy Walk from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and the Halloween Costume Contest for multiple ages,

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MADISON COUNTY - As the community gears up for Election Day on Nov. 5, 2024, here are the candidates you can expect to see on your ballot in Madison County. For President and Vice President of the United States There are three options for president and vice president. Republican Donald Trump and his vice presidential candidate J.D. Vance are running against Democrat Kamala Harris and her vice presidential candidate Tim Walz. Independent candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and his vice presidential candidate Nicole Shannahan are also on the ballot, though Kennedy has suspended his campaign. You also have the option to write in a candidate. For Representative in Congress 13th Congressional District At the congressional level, Republican Joshua Loyd is running against incumbent Nikki Budzinski , a Democrat. You also have the option to write in a candidate. The 13th Congressional District covers Macoupin County and parts of St. Clair, Madison, Sangamon, Piatt, Macon and Champaig

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CHICAGO - On Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024, Governor JB Pritzker joined Maryville, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), elected officials, and community partners to cut the ribbon on a new temporary housing program: Maryville’s St. Catherine of Siena. This program will serve up to 10 youth in care who are ready to be discharged from intensive medical facilities but are still in need of transitional care due to their complex medical needs. “Across the state and especially here in Chicago, too many of our children and families – particularly those with urgent and complex medical needs – have to overcome significant barriers to secure the care they need. We have made it our mission to leap over those hurdles and ensure every child in Illinois receives the quality, accessible care they deserve,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I am deeply proud that support from DCFS could bring this project to life with a $1 million capital investment

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EDWARDSVILLE – Nationally recognized for representing victims of asbestos exposure, The Gori Law Firm recently announced hiring Mathias Bartlett as its latest associate attorney. Bartlett joins the firm’s asbestos litigation practice out of its office in New York City, where he provides legal guidance to individuals navigating complications and illnesses associated with asbestos exposure. Bartlett began his legal career as a public defender in Portland, Oregon, before transitioning to criminal defense firms. There, he developed a passion for family law, handling cases involving divorce, child custody, spousal support, property division and more. “Our attorneys help individuals across the country navigate legal complexities and, oftentimes, life-changing situations. With his background and experience working with families on delicate issues pertaining to family law as well as his experience as a public defender, we are happy to have Mathias as part of The

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ALTON - Alton High School's Future Farmers of America (FFA) students recently contributed to their community by raising funds for the Alton Police Department's K9 Fund in memory of fallen K9 officer Odin. The presentation of the check took place last week at the school, where students and their advisor, Scott Vernum, expressed their support for the local police force. The initiative underscores the FFA's commitment to community service and honors the legacy of K9 officer Odin, who served the Alton community. The funds raised will support the ongoing needs of the K9 unit, ensuring that the department can continue its work effectively. “This donation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our students,” said Vernum. The event highlights the importance of collaboration between local organizations and the community in supporting law enforcement efforts.

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ALTON - Two individuals from Alton face the same felony charges as the only adults among a six-person group accused of robbing two teenagers. Savion S. Holloway and Sincere T. Holloway, both 19, of Alton, were charged on Oct. 15, 2024 with two counts each of aggravated robbery, all Class 1 felonies. On Sept. 26, 2024, both Savion and Sincere allegedly stole U.S. currency from a 14-year-old victim and Nike Air Force One sneakers from a different 14-year-old victim. Descriptions of the charges against both state they indicated they were armed with a firearm during the incident. Two petitions were filed to deny Savion and Sincere’s release, which state they were the two adults among six total people involved in the robbery. “Two 14-year-old victims reported that they were approached by a group of six young men, who demanded that they empty their pockets and take off their shoes,” the petition states. “One of the six in the group indicated that he was armed

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ALTON - Mom Said No and Mississippi Hippie in Alton are hosting their first-ever “ Creepin’ It Real ” event this Saturday, featuring a food truck, live music, exclusive discounts, a costume contest, and a book signing with #1 international best-selling author Tara Hurst. “Creepin’ It Real” takes place this Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Mom Said No, located at 300 E. Broadway in Alton. On Saturday only, the shop is offering its first-ever storewide sale - everything in the store will be 10% off, but there are multiple ways you can double your discount. To get 20% off storewide, visitors can either wear a costume and tag themselves on social media with the Mom Said No shop sign or show a receipt from the day of the event showing their purchase of Hurst’s book “Still Perfectly I’Mperfect,” an inspiring collection of women’s tales of triumph while embracing their imperfections. Live music

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ALTON - Frank Gaither, a veteran from Alton, served in the U.S. Navy from 1960 to 1979, participating in the Vietnam War. Frank is now 82 years of age. Gaither held the rank of Chief Boatswain and was assigned to the 1st and 2nd Division, where he specialized as a deep-sea diver and salvage expert. Throughout his military career, Gaither earned several honors, including the Presidential Unit Citation, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. These accolades reflect Frank's commitment and contributions during a pivotal time in U.S. history. The information about Gaither was submitted by his younger brother, Dave Gaither, who expressed pride in his brother's service. The submission highlights the importance of recognizing veterans and their sacrifices. To contribute a Veteran Salute, click here.

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ALTON – To shed light on domestic violence and remember the victims and their families, Alton Memorial Hospital, the Third Judicial Family Violence Prevention Council and Oasis Women’s Center are hosting a special memorial service from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 29, 2024, in the AMH Café Meeting Rooms. One in every four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime, and anyone can be a victim regardless of gender, age, race, income, or sexual orientation. In Madison County since 1996, at least 150 people have died in domestic violence-related circumstances. Because of the prevalence of domestic violence, Alton Memorial Hospital in 2002 began screening for domestic violence for everyone 12 and older who was being assessed in the hospital. Trained staff members confidentially ask these patients if they feel safe at home or have experienced mental, physical, or sexual abuse. Alton Memorial supports a coordinated domestic violence committee that includes

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O’FALLON — Fire officials are urging residents to prioritize fire safety as they kick off National Fire Prevention Month with a press conference scheduled at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. The event will take place at the O’Fallon Fire Department Headquarters, located at 1215 Taylor Road. This year’s theme, “Smoke alarms: Make them work for you!” emphasizes the critical role of functional smoke alarms in preventing residential fire deaths. O’Fallon Fire Department Chief Brad White, Deputy Chief Doug Barron, and representatives from the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance will highlight the department's no-cost smoke alarm installation program available to O’Fallon residents. In 2023, Illinois recorded 89 residential fire deaths, with the majority occurring in homes lacking working smoke alarms. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), having a working smoke alarm can reduce

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SOUTH ROXANA - At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, there will be a colorball game night with a total payout of $4,400 over the course of 12 colorball games with four additional raffles. This night will be hosted by the South Roxana Dad’s Club, a non-profit organization where Tony Venezia, the longest-serving member, will be there. The South Roxana Dad’s Club was started by several fathers who wanted to have a little carnival for the Boy Scouts and was ultimately chartered with the state of Illinois on Sept. 11, 1948. In the early days of the club, they threw big homecomings that only got bigger throughout the 65 years they went on until homecomings started going downhill. “In 1972 we started having bingo on Saturday nights to help get income,” Venezia said. “That’s how we ended up having bingo be our sole sport. Four years ago, we opened a little pub in our clubhouse which has gaming and several pool leagues that help pay the bills so we

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EDWARDSVILLE – Metro-East Lutheran High School will host an Open House at its campus on Center Grove Road on Sunday, Oct. 27, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event will allow attendees to tour the school’s campus, meet with teachers and administrators, and find out more about the school’s academic, athletic and extracurricular offerings. MELHS has been in growth mode recently, with enrollment increasing more than 30 percent in the past six years. All families interested in learning more about this thriving community are invited to stop by anytime between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to explore the opportunities available at MELHS. Metro-East Lutheran High School has been providing academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment for more than 40 years. For more information about MELHS or the Open House, email admissions@melhs.org or go to www.melhs.org .

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A federal judge has sentenced two men for their roles in a scheme that manipulated the bidding process for construction projects at ALDI grocery stores in southern Illinois and Missouri. Louis R. Ross, Sr., a former ALDI executive, and Donald E. Schniers, a general contractor from Breese, Illinois, were ordered to repay the company more than $2.8 million in restitution. Ross, 64, of St. Louis, pleaded guilty in May to multiple counts of mail and wire fraud, as well as conspiracy to commit those crimes. He received a 24-month prison sentence and was mandated to pay restitution to ALDI. Schniers, 73, pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, mail fraud, and wire fraud. He was sentenced to three years of probation and also ordered to pay the same restitution amount. According to court documents, Ross served as the Director of Real Estate for ALDI’s O’Fallon, Missouri, Division, while Schniers owned C. Juengel Company,

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SPRINGFIELD - Kicking off national Teen Driver Safety Week, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced his office is spearheading a multi-faceted campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. The office’s “One Road. One Focus” campaign — specifically geared toward educating teen drivers about the consequences of distracted driving — includes a new requirement for teens to watch a video that details the consequences of dangerous driving behaviors during their learner’s permit phase before they receive their driver’s license. The office is also partnering with Illinois State Police (ISP) and Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to identify areas prone to crashes and designate them as Distracted Driver Corridors throughout the state. Launched by the National Highway Traffic Safety Authority (NHTSA), Teen Driver Safety Week reinforces young drivers’ understanding of the impact of their behind-the-wheel

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BELLEVILLE - In response to a surge in telephone scam calls targeting St. Clair County residents, authorities are urging community members to remain vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited phone communications. The Sheriff’s Department issued a statement outlining common scams that have recently been reported in the area. Officials emphasized that the St. Clair County and other Sheriff’s Departments will not make calls threatening arrest for unpaid taxes to the Internal Revenue Service. They also clarified that the United States Postal Service does not make phone calls regarding intercepted packages purportedly containing illegal substances addressed to individuals. Additionally, residents were warned against scams involving fake Amazon calls, where individuals are asked to verify credit card information over the phone. The department highlighted a particularly prevalent scam involving impersonated grandchildren, who claim to be in trouble abroad and request bond money.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Major League Baseball Hall of Famer and St. Louis Cardinals great Ozzie Smith will visit the Schnucks in Edwardsville, Ill. to greet fans and promote his new BackFLIP premium spirit. The Meet and Greet will be held Friday, Oct. 25, 2024 from 3-4 p.m. at Schnucks Edwardsville , 2222 Troy Road, Edwardsville, Ill. Smith will sign as many autographs as possible in the hour and will have photo cards available or customers can bring memorabilia - limit one autograph per person. Customers must be 21+ to purchase alcohol.

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MARYVILLE – Emergency Department’s, Sawyer Bricker, RN, of Anderson Hospital was recently honored with The DAISY Award ® For Extraordinary Nurses . The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. The nomination submitted read: “I waited for hours in the ED with abdominal pain and dizziness. I was then brought back to my room and my nurse (Sawyer) came in. He greeted my mom and I with the upmost respect. Sawyer listened to my concerns of what was going on and addressed the issue alongside the doctor. It was so awesome to have someone listen to me after being out of urgent care and my primary doctor the last few days. Sawyer made sure my pain was managed, checked on me, and helped advocate for me. He was so kind and made my experience at Anderson wonderful during a time of sickness and pain. Thank you Sawyer!!!” The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation is based in Glen Ellen, CA, and was

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PEORIA - OSF HealthCare is announcing that Mike Allen, chief financial officer, has submitted his resignation after accepting a position with Hackensack Meridian Health in New Jersey. Kirsten Largent, senior vice president, financial operations for OSF HealthCare, has been named his successor. Allen has served as CFO since 2015. Among his accomplishments are setting OSF on a path of improved financial performance and balance sheet stability; establishing the Capital Management Committee to evaluate and recommend strategic and market investments; and leading more than 1,600 Mission Partners (employees) in the finance division as they navigated the COVID crisis and the resulting financial challenges. “There is so much that can be said about the care OSF delivers every day to over one million people in a faith-based healing environment. I have so much respect for what our physicians, nurses and all clinical providers do for our patients every day. And I can’t wait to watch

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