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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt will serve as the chair of the Senate Appropriations-Public Safety and Infrastructure Committee for the 104th General Assembly. “My number one focus is to hold the line on funding for law enforcement and gun violence prevention,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “We need to make public safety a priority, and I will advocate for state spending to reflect that.” Prior to serving in the Illinois Senate, Belt enjoyed an 18-year career as a law enforcement officer. He spent 16 years with the St. Clair County Probation and Detention Center and two years as the regional deputy administrator of aftercare for the central and southern regions of Illinois. Since taking office, Belt has passed laws to advance public safety, develop pre-apprenticeship programs across the state and secure funding to upgrade roads and bridges. Under Belt’s leadership, the Illinois State Police saw historic funding to hire and train 200 new

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EDWARDSVILLE - Donzaleigh Abernathy , acclaimed activist and author, goddaughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., delivered a heartfelt keynote at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s 42nd annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Luncheon on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. The celebration included the presentation of SIUE’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards, moving performances by the SIUE Gospel Choir, the SIUE East St. Louis Performing Arts Program, and the SIUE Black Theatre Workshop. Student Body President Barrett Larkin and Black Student Union President Peyton Gamble helped host the event, introducing speakers and award presentations. Abernathy’s poignant childhood memories of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and her parents, Rev. Dr. Ralph David Abernathy and Juanita Jones Abernathy, brought the audience closer in time to the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement. An award ceremony took place before Abernathy’s address. The annual Dr. Martin Luther Kin

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ALTON - As the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education gears up for the consolidated election on April 1, 2025, Board of Education candidate Jason Harrison shared more about his goals if elected. There are four Board of Education seats up for grabs in ACUSD11. Harrison and five other candidates are hoping to fill those seats. In a recent interview on “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello , Harrison explained that his first goal is to advocate for those who need it. “One of the main things, I want to be a voice to those who feel like they don’t have a voice, whether that’s educators, whether that’s parents or whether even that’s students,” he explained. “I want to bring some innovation to the team. I’m familiar with AI. I’m familiar with STEAM, science, technology, engineering, arts, math. It’s so relevant to where we are now and to where jobs are going to be.” As a business

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JERSEYVILLE - February is Library Lovers Month and what better way to show YOUR love than to participate in the Friends of the Library’s Disney Trivia Night Fundraiser? The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Jerseyville. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with Trivia starting at 6:30 p.m. Tables are $200 (with room for up to 10 people per table) and you are welcome to bring your own food with drinks available in-house. There will be basket raffles, 50/50 and Heads or Tails. Children are welcome if they are part of a team. If you have any questions, or would like to register, call Chris Maness at 618-946-3005. Space is limited. No registrations will be accepted at the Library or on Facebook. All proceeds will go to the Children’s Discovery Zone as part of the Library expansion. It is not required, but you are welcome to dress up in your Disney finest, just for fun! The StoryWalk® book has been changed out for February and all ar

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O’FALLON - Schnuck Markets, Inc. announced that starting next week a total store remodel will begin at its Seven Hills store located at 970 East Highway 50 in O’Fallon, Illinois (62269). Highlights of the remodel will include: ? New Starbucks coffee shop with updated outdoor seating area ? Relocated and renovated meat and seafood departments ? New fresh sushi area ? Renovated and expanded deli and produce departments ? New specialty cheese shop ? New Picadeli salad bar ? Relocated and renovated floral department ? Updated bakery displays ? New décor additions throughout the store “We’re anxious to bring our customers a better and brighter grocery shopping experience,” said Schnucks Seven Hills Store Manager Matt Bruhn. “During the remodel, our team is committed to delivering the same top level of customer service that our shoppers have come to expect from Seven Hills teammates over the years.” Schnucks acquired the 60,000-square-foot

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ALTON - New Frontiers Home & Garden Furnishings Company will celebrate its 47th anniversary with a major sale starting Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, and running through the month. Located at 101 W. 3rd Street in Alton, New Frontiers is a full-line furniture store that has had quite a history over the past 47 years. Owner Ed Benz said it feels good to celebrate this milestone, and he is proud of how the business has grown over the decades. “A lot of customers can’t believe that this is the same store, the same owners. It’s pretty rewarding when you talk to people and they bought stuff years and years ago,” Benz said. “We’ve got a loyal customer base. The anniversary sale is just our way of thanking everybody in the community because we could have never done it without them.” When New Frontiers started in 1978, it was an unfinished wood furniture store. They eventually broadened their offerings to finished pieces and soft goods like sofas. Th

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A reflection from David C. Guth, Jr., Centerstone CEO: "Each year, I have the distinct pleasure of reflecting on our organization’s accomplishments and the opportunities that lie before us. This is a time to honor our dedicated team of professionals and express gratitude to our patients for trusting us with their care. We are truly at an inflection point within the behavioral health profession – enjoying bipartisan support, a tremendous reduction in stigma, and an unbelievable increase in demand for care, while also facing the impact of epidemics regarding opioid addiction and deaths by suicide. I’m immensely grateful to our teams who have effectively and compassionately navigated this past year, in which we have experienced more demand for mental health services than ever before. This ever-increasing demand, coupled with a challenging labor market, has created a tough situation for our industry, yet our staff has pulled together and supported patients and each

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DU QUOIN – Looking for a way to brighten dull winter days and create some excitement for summer? Look no further than the Du Quoin State Fair. Carnival wristbands, which offer one full day of unlimited rides, are on sale now through August 21, 2025, for only $25. Once the fair begins on August 22, wristbands will sell for $30 for weekdays and $35 for weekends. “The Du Quoin State Fair is a fun and affordable way to make memories with your family,” said Luke Davison, Du Quoin State Fair Manager. “Stock up now and treat the kids to unlimited rides and quality family time this summer.” Purchase Online : authentigate.tickets/store/NAME/1185 Purchase In Person: Starting Monday, January 27, wristbands will be available for purchase in person at the Du Quoin State Fair administrative office (655 Executive Drive) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Questions? Please call (618) 542-1515. The 2025 Du Quoin State Fair will take place August 22

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ALTON - Senior Services Plus has several events coming up for older adults to enjoy. Located at 2603 North Rodgers Avenue in Alton, SSP offers many fitness classes, personal training options, assistance programs and more. They have a special panel discussion about scams planned for 12 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, followed by their annual Speed Connections event scheduled for 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 7, 2025. The Consumer Fraud Panel, sponsored by AARP Illinois, will discuss common scams to watch out for. Marsha Griffin, Community Outreach Liaison for Office of the Illinois Attorney General, and Scott Verseman, Fraud & Corruption Section Chief for the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Illinois, will be on hand at SSP to answer questions and provide information about common consumer scams. “They’re going to come in, give you advice, what to avoid, what to watch out for,” explained Leslie, a representative with SSP. “They’ve

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GLEN CARBON – Glen Carbon residents will have a new “freaky fast” food option in the near future, as the village welcomes a future Jimmy John's location to Meridian Plaza. The new sub stop will serve as a core tenant occupying the corner space of a multi-business building slated for development in Meridian Plaza. In addition to drive-thru and pickup windows for Jimmy John's, renderings of the building show spaces for two smaller retail stores, though exactly which businesses will occupy them has not yet been announced. The multi-business building will be constructed in Lot 7 towards the northwestern corner of Meridian Plaza, near the intersection of North Meridian Road and Magnolia Drive. Community Development Director Erika Heil wrote in a memo to Mayor Bob Marcus and Village Administrator Jamie Bowden that MKSK Holdings will oversee construction of the 5,700 square-foot building. 33 new parking spaces, including two spaces compliant with the Americans with Disabilitie

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Greg Chamberlain has been recognized with the Outstanding Citizen Award for his exceptional contributions to the Fairview Heights Police Department (FHPD) through the SILEC/SIPCA program. The award was presented in acknowledgment of Chamberlain's dedication to community service and law enforcement engagement. Chamberlain is a definite Difference Maker in his community. Chamberlain's involvement with the Fairview Heights Police began in 2021 when he participated in a Stop the Bleed class taught by the department. His enthusiasm for community engagement was evident from the start, leading him to enroll in the Citizen's Police Academy shortly after. Upon graduating from the academy, he quickly joined the agency's Volunteers in Policing program, where he has since made a significant impact. Fairview Heights Police officials said Chamberlain is a familiar presence at department events and training sessions, consistently offering assistance with a positive demeanor. His

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ALTON — Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford confirmed a 16-year-old male was shot in Alton on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, prompting an immediate response from local law enforcement and emergency services. At approximately 8:11 p.m. Tuesday, the Alton Police Department received a report of a shooting in the 2100 block of State Street. Chief Ford said officers arrived on the scene and found the teenager suffering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. He received initial treatment from the Alton Fire Department before being transported to an area hospital. Ford added that subsequently, the injured teen was transferred to a hospital in St. Louis for further care. "Preliminary investigations indicate that the individuals involved in the incident are known to each other and that this was not a random act of violence," Ford said. Authorities have identified the suspect but have not yet located him. Ford also stated there was no ongoing threat to the public because of the shooting. T

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CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker directed agencies to report on potential impacts of President Trump’s illegal and unconstitutional federal funding cuts for Illinois’ most vulnerable communities and people. While the State will continue fighting these illegal actions, there are several areas of urgent concern the State will continue monitoring: Access Issues for Federal Funding Portals Despite official information from the federal government stating that programs that provide assistance directly to individuals will not be impacted, state agencies and partner organizations reported issues accessing payment systems throughout the day on January 28. Federal officials have not responded to requests for more clarity or on the status of payments and the systems, further adding to the uncertainty. Illinois officials experienced issues with the following systems: Payment Management System (PMS) portal operated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

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ST. LOUIS – Late last night, a memo went out from the Trump Administration ordering federal agencies to pause the disbursement of federal grants, loans, and other financial assistance to state, local, and tribal governments. In response, Mayor Jones issued the following statement: “This vague and legally questionable memorandum from the White House raises more questions than it answers,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “Federal funds support law enforcement, seniors, flood mitigation, affordable housing, and so many other necessary investments in our day-to-day lives. For President Trump to gamble with that shows a serious lack of leadership from this White House. Multiple City departments and offices have been activated to understand and mitigate the potential impacts and, with or without the president, the City of St. Louis will continue to work day and night to build up our community in every way we can.” Further context: It is unclear where the Whit

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Did you know that approximately 92% of people fail to achieve their New Year’s resolutions? This striking statistic sheds light on a common dilemma faced by individuals: the struggle to set and attain meaningful personal goals. While many may embark on a quest for self-improvement, the underlying question remains: How do we craft personal goals that resonate deeply and lead to genuine fulfillment? Understanding the Importance of Meaningful Goals Setting personal goals is not merely about creating a checklist of achievements; it’s about aligning our aspirations with our values and passions. Goals serve as beacons that guide us through life’s complexities, influencing our decisions, actions, and overall satisfaction. However, many individuals rush into goal-setting without diving into what truly matters to them. For instance, consider the story of Jennifer, a marketing executive who, for years, pursued promotions and salary increases, believing these milestones

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January 29th has witnessed a variety of significant events throughout history, impacting politics, culture, and science across the globe. In 1845, one of the most influential poems in American literature was published. Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven" first appeared in the New York Evening Mirror, captivating readers with its haunting refrain and melancholic themes. This poem not only solidified Poe's reputation as a master of macabre but also paved the way for future generations of writers to explore darker themes in their work. The impact of "The Raven" resonates to this day, influencing countless authors and artists. Fast forward to 1861, when Kansas was admitted as the 34th state of the United States. This moment marked a significant step in the westward expansion of the United States and reflected the ongoing struggle over slavery in the nation. Kansas, a battleground during the conflict between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions, became a symbol of the larger national debate

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ALTON — The Alton Fire Department responded to a fire at a duplex in the 700 block of Alby Street late Tuesday night, Jan. 28, 2025, around 11:40 p.m. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy black smoke coming from the structure. Alton requested a box alarm in response to the situation, prompting the Godfrey Fire Department to provide additional manpower. Firefighters were able to get the fire under control quickly. Fortunately, all occupants of the duplex were able to evacuate safely, and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and further details have not yet been released.

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ALTON — The Alton Police Department and Fire Department responded to a shooting incident Tuesday night, Jan. 28, 2025, in the vicinity of State Street and Miller Street. First responders arrived at the scene and located a victim in the area suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. The victim was subsequently transported to an area hospital for treatment. In the aftermath of the shooting, officers cordoned off State Street in Alton to conduct an investigation and search for evidence. As of now, the description of the suspect remains unknown. A witness reported seeing a K9 unit deployed in the area as part of the search efforts. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released further details regarding the incident.

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GLEN CARBON – The future Dutch Bros Coffee location in Glen Carbon is moving forward with unanimous Village Board approval. Trustees on Tuesday voted 5-0 to approve a site plan for a 950 square-foot Dutch Bros drive-thru facility in Orchard Town Center. Mayor Bob Marcus added the Glen Carbon location will also feature a walk-up order window and parking spaces. The site plan itself states there will be 19 standard parking spaces, one Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant parking space, and three bicycle parking spaces. The chain’s first-ever Illinois location will occupy Outparcel 12B in Orchard Town Center. This would place the future coffee spot in the far southeastern corner of the development, near the AT&T store at the intersection of Troy Road and Center Grove Road. In November of 2024 , the Village Board approved a re-subdivision of Outparcel 12 into lots 12A and 12B; t he tenant for lot 12A has not yet been publicly announced. Edin Coralic,

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The deceased has been identified as Aubreeyonna Muex, 4 years of age, of the 10500 block of Castle Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63136. This was the previous report by St. Louis County Police about the child's death: St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 10500 block of Castle Drive. Officers located a child suffering from an apparent gunshot injury. Officers rendered aid and transported the child to an area hospital where she succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased. The investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators if you have any information regarding this incident. To remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward, please contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

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