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CHICAGO- The State of Illinois’ Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program has relieved more than $72 million worth of medical debt for 52,745 Illinois residents from across the state. This debt abolishment is the first effort as part of the State’s commitment to erase roughly $1 billion in medical debt across Illinois. Beginning next week, individuals benefitting from medical debt relief will receive letters notifying them that their debts have been eliminated. The average amount of debt abolished per person is $1,349 and the maximum debt abolished for one individual is $242,136. In order to implement the pilot program, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) engaged Undue Medical Debt as a partner. Undue Medical Debt, a national nonprofit, works with governmental entities across the country on similar debt forgiveness programs, including in Cook County, by helping to facilitate the sale and relief of qualifying medical debt portfolios. “Earlier

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine met with representatives from Metro East Every Survivor Counts on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, to discuss the vital services this and other organizationsprovide to survivors of violence. Haine emphasized the importance of community support for such organizations through donations and volunteer opportunities, which are essential for sustaining their work with victims of sexual violence. “Organizations like Metro East Every Survivor Counts play an invaluable role in our community, and it was a pleasure to meet with them and hear what they do and what they plan to do,” Haine said. “This and other similar organizations completement the efforts of our Victim Advocates at the State’s Attorney’s Office and the ongoing work of our Child Advocacy Center. They go the extra mile to offer survivors of violence a safe space, additional resources, and a broader supportive network to help them regain stability

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SPRINGFIELD – Turkey hunters in Illinois harvested 292 wild turkeys during the 2024 fall firearm season Oct. 19-27, up 10% from the previous year’s harvest. A total of nine wild turkeys were harvested in Madison County, while six were taken in Calhoun County and Macoupin County and one in Greene County. Three were harvested in Jersey County. The record harvest was set in 2005 when 1,218 birds were harvested. This year, 1,756 regular fall firearm season permits were sold compared to 1,771 last year. The largest number of permits sold was in 2007 when hunters purchased 4,968 permits. Fall firearm turkey hunting was open in 56 of Illinois’ 102 counties. The top counties for harvest this year were Jefferson, 17; Jasper, 16; Marion, 16; Jo Daviess, 13; and Cass, 12. Preliminary data show 57% of the harvest were female birds, while 43% were male. The table below includes the preliminary 2024 county-by-county fall gun turkey harvest results with comparable totals for 2023

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JERSEYVILLE - A Grand Re-Opening event is in the works for the renovated Susnig Center in Jerseyville. At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Tyler Hermens said the department is working towards hosting a “dedication event” or Grand Re-Opening ceremony for the Susnig Center. While the estimated date is Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, he said more details would be made public soon. The Susnig Center, which also houses the Jerseyville Parks & Recreation Department and the Illinois Valley Senior Center, underwent a major renovation last year. The facility is located at 401 Mound St. in Jerseyville. Among the upgrades were the installation of new gym flooring, replacement roofing, new ADA-compliant bleachers, retractable batting nets, new restroom facilities, and more. These improvements were made possible by a $450,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources PARC program, according to a city press release from 2023. The Susni

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COLLINSVILLE - A man from St. Louis faces seven felony charges after police found illegal weapons and drugs in a Collinsville hotel room following a domestic battery incident. Anthony Milton, 39, of St. Louis, was charged with the following: Armed Violence (Class X felony) Unlawful Use of Weapons - Machine Gun (Class 2 felony) Aggravated Domestic Battery (Class 2 felony) Possession of Weapons by a Felon (Class 3 felony) Aggravated Battery (Class 3 felony) Possession of Cannabis with the Intent to Deliver (Class 3 felony) Domestic Battery (2nd or subsequent) (Class 4 felony) On Nov. 6, 2024, Milton was allegedly seen on video and by multiple witnesses “throwing the victim to the ground and then stomping on her head,” according to a petition to deny his pretrial release. The incident reportedly occurred in a public place, the La Quinta Inn in Collinsville. “Victim suffered a severe laceration to her forehead,” the petition states. “Officers

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ALTON — My Just Desserts, a local eatery in Alton, reaffirmed its operational status on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, amid construction work near its location at 31 E. Broadway. The statement was prompted by ongoing street work outside the building next to the old Telegraph building, which has resulted in the temporary closure of a section of Broadway. In a message to patrons, My Just Desserts encouraged customers to visit, stating, "You can access us if you go down Alby or up Broadway. Don't let this stop you from a hearty warm meal and delicious dessert." The business remains committed to serving its community despite the disruptions caused by the construction. For more information, customers can contact My Just Desserts at (618) 462-5881.

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O’FALLON — The O’Fallon Police Department has expressed its condolences following the death of William Kuzma, Jr., an influential community member and Army veteran, who died on Nov. 7, 2024, at the age of 87. Kuzma, who served in the U.S. Army from Nov. 28, 1956, to Nov. 21, 1958, was known for his significant contributions to the community. Along with his wife, Emily, he founded Natural Enrichment Industries in Southern Illinois, an organization dedicated to providing employment opportunities and supporting the U.S. AID Feed the World program. His work with the organization took him around the globe on various missions. In addition to his professional endeavors, Kuzma was actively involved in local governance and community service. He served on the Zoning Board of Appeals and was a member of both the Police and Fire Pension Boards. In recognition of his service, the O’Fallon City Council honored him with a proclamation declaring Aug. 7, 2017, as Bill Kuzma

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November 14 has been a date marked by significant events throughout history, from groundbreaking scientific discoveries to political upheavals and cultural milestones. Moving back in time, on November 14, 1889, American journalist Nellie Bly embarked on an ambitious journey around the globe in an attempt to beat the fictional record set by Phileas Fogg in Jules Verne's novel, "Around the World in Eighty Days." Bly's journey was not just a publicity stunt; it was a groundbreaking endeavor that showcased the capabilities of women in journalism and travel at a time when such pursuits were often discouraged. She completed her journey in just 72 days, 6 hours, and 11 minutes, thereby not only achieving her goal but also becoming a celebrated figure in the world of journalism and inspiring future generations of female adventurers. On the political front, November 14, 1922, marked the birth of the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation). The BBC was established as a public service broadcaster

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As the vibrant hues of autumn unfold and the temperatures begin to drop, pet owners must adapt their care routines to ensure their furry companions remain happy and healthy. While cooler weather can be a welcome change for both pets and their humans, it also brings unique challenges and considerations. This article outlines essential fall pet care tips to help you navigate the season effectively while prioritizing your pet’s well-being. Adjusting Outdoor Activities As the days shorten and the air cools, pet owners may find themselves spending more time outdoors with their pets. However, it’s essential to adjust your outdoor activities to accommodate the changing weather. Monitor Temperature Changes While many pets enjoy the brisk air, not all animals handle cooler temperatures the same way. Breeds with thinner coats, like Greyhounds and Chihuahuas, may need sweaters or jackets for outdoor outings. Conversely, thicker-coated breeds, such as Huskies and Malamutes, may

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SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is inviting fifth and sixth grade writers and artists from around Illinois to participate in this year’s Poster, Poetry, and Prose Contest. The 2025 theme How Can You Slash Your Trash ? invites students to think creatively about how to reduce the amount of waste they produce. This could include buying fewer single-use products, diverting food waste, repairing broken items instead of replacing or buying new, and recycling responsibly. Educators are encouraged to introduce the Illinois EPA’s curricula units on waste management and food waste (available for free at: https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/education.html ). These units, which are aligned to Next Generation Science Standards, offer lesson plans and activities to help students understand the amount of waste thrown away individually and collectively, why that causes problems, and how waste reduction can positively impact the environment. Additional

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SPRINGFIELD - Kathryn Harris has been welcomed as the new Chair of the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coali-tion, which is the coordinating entity for the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. Her two-year term began in fall 2024, replacing the outgoing board president Colin Hitt. Ms Harris is well known in the Central Illinois area, having been active in education, historic re-enactments, and community service. Harris earned her degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and a master’s in library science from the University of Illinois. She began her career working at Springfield’s Lincoln Library, and eventually libraries at the University of Illinois Spring-field and SIU School of Medicine. Later, she became director at the Illinois State Historical Library. In 2015, he retired as division manager for library services at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. During her career, she has been involved in many statewide and local organizations. Ms Harris

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ST. LOUIS - Regional employment within aerospace manufacturing in the St. Louis area grew by more than 1,800 new jobs, or 11.9 percent, over the last five years. This represents a growth rate 10-times faster than the national growth rate of only 1.1% since 2019. Those statistics were among the new numbers shared at the 3rd Annual Take Flight Forum held on November 8 hosted by the St. Louis Regional Freightway. The data affirms that the St. Louis region continues to strengthen as an aerospace and aviation hub and underscores the importance of the bi-state effort underway to grow the talent pipeline for this vibrant ecosystem. The event brought together representatives of some of the region’s most significant aerospace manufacturing and service companies and the education institutions they are collaborating with to prepare for future growth, as well as participants in programs providing a pipeline to family sustaining careers in the growing aerospace sector. Fueling the

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BELLEVILLE - With nearly 2 million couples in the U.S. waiting to adopt, Caritas Family Solutions, a nonprofit human services agency, is educating people during Adoption Awareness Month in November. The agency is shedding light on what the prospect of adoption means for local couples like Adam and Kristy, a Southern Illinois couple in the process of getting matched with a birth family. “Our adoption journey has been a long one and we are continuing to trust and hope that one day, we will become parents,” said Kristy. “Adoption has always been on our hearts even before we realized it could be our only option at having a family. We started this adoption process in 2017 and have experienced being nearly selected by birth parents twice, which came with a lot of emotions. We know this can be a really difficult decision for birth moms and we are aware of what a great act of love it is for a parent to make this choice.” The couple said the advice they would give t

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ALTON - Bianca Jackson has resigned as Chief of Staff to Alton Mayor David Goins. The lack of public information surrounding her resignation led to a somewhat tense exchange between Alton Mayor David Goins and Alderman and mayoral candidate Raymond Strebel at this week’s City Council meeting. On Wednesday’s agenda was the resignation of “Bianca Jackson from the position of Chief of Staff.” The exchange occurred after Strebel questioned why Jackson left the position. City Attorney Tonya Genovese replied that it was a “personnel issue,” the details of which are not to be discussed in a public forum. Strebel, who described the circumstances as “suspicious,” said he was seeking to clarify rumors surrounding the resignation. “I’ve heard a lot of accusations about why she left,” Strebel said. “I’m not going to ask about the criminality of anything that might be involved, but what I am asking is tha

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ALTON – The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced lane closures on northbound US 67, starting Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 7:30 a.m. The closures are necessary for emergency bridge deck patching on the Clark Bridge, with the right lane being closed during this time. The work is expected to be completed by 3:30 p.m. on Friday, November 15, 2024, weather permitting. Motorists traveling through this area should anticipate delays and are encouraged to allow additional time for their journeys. IDOT advises drivers to consider using alternate routes when feasible to avoid the work zone. It is important for drivers to remain vigilant, adhering to changed conditions and posted signs, while also obeying speed limits and avoiding the use of mobile devices in the area. For further updates from IDOT District 8, residents can follow their social media account on X at @IDOTDistrict8 or check the IDOT traveler information map at GettingAroundIllinois.com for details

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Annual Edwardsville Veterans Day Parade took place on Monday, Nov. 11, 2024, honoring those who have served in the military with a lively procession through the city. The parade route began on Main Street in Edwardsville, turned west onto Vandalia Street, continued down St. Louis Street, and concluded at Lincoln School. The event drew a significant turnout, showcasing strong community support for veterans. Doug Thompson, commander of the Edwardsville American Legion, a key sponsor of the parade, expressed appreciation for the participation. “We loved it. The weather was perfect for November. We had a great turnout and loved the support that came from everybody,” Thompson said. He noted that this year featured the most entries of any Veterans Day Parade in recent memory in Edwardsville. Thompson emphasized the importance of recognizing veterans, stating, “It is great to see the support on Veterans Day and celebrate all sacrifices, big

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JERSEYVILLE - A proposed adult education and workforce training facility near the Susnig Center in Jerseyville led City Council members to amend the City Code on Tuesday. City Attorney William Strang said the Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation (IVEDC) has been hosting its Head Start program in the Susnig Center. While they aim to keep the program there, IVEDC wants to expand into a new building for its adult education and workforce training programs. Strang added the new building would be located on June Street near the Susnig Center on a property totaling six to eight acres. “They’re interested in buying land and building a building, and we did not have any classification that would cover adult education and training,” Strang said. The item on Tuesday’s City Council agenda called for an amendment to the City Code section on zoning classifications for Business Districts. Council members voted unanimously to add “a new B-3 Business

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EDWARDSVILLE - Scout Jackson, a junior for Edwardsville's girls' swimming team, had herself a big day at the IHSA sectional meet, held Nov. 9, 2024, at the Chuck Fruit Aquatic Center. Jackson qualified individually for the state swimming meet in Westmont by winning the 100-yard backstroke at 55.07 seconds, and the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 56.32 seconds, and was also a part of the 200-yard medley relay team that qualified at 1:43.39, and the 200-yard freestyle relay, coming in at 1:35.41 - both pool records. Scout Jackson is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete Of The Month for Edwardsville. On top of that, Jackson's time of 55.07 in the 100 backstroke qualified her for the USA Swimming Speedo Winter Junior Championship meet, coming Dec. 13-14 in Austin, Tex. On top of that, the Tigers won their 11th consecutive sectional championship with 330 points, far outdistancing second-place Chatham Glenwood, who had 190 points, and third place O'Fallon, with 153 points. In a post-meet

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ALTON/GODFREY - The Alton Youth Symphony will perform its Fall Concert under new director Rebecca Pantano. At 2 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, at Hatheway Hall on the Lewis and Clark Community College campus, the symphony will perform four pieces alongside the Alton Junior Youth Symphony and the Chamber Ensemble. The concert is free to attend. Pantano said she has enjoyed working with the Alton Youth Symphony (AYS) in the past few months, and she looks forward to watching them perform this weekend. “The goal for me is just to plant that seed that music is something that they can have in their life all the time, even if they don’t major in it,” Pantano said. “They’ll always have their instrument. Just knowing that there’s no boundaries, that anything’s possible with hard work and dedication.” Pantano teaches middle school in a school district in Missouri, where she has conducted several choirs and orchestras. She also operates

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POCOHONTAS – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Pocahontas, Illinois man with possessing child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office charged, Kyle A Bradbury, 43, in Bond County Circuit Court with 10 counts of possessing child pornography, each Class 1 felonies punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Raoul’s office also charged Bradbury with one count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, a Class 3 felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and one count of failure to register as a sex offender, a Class 3 felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. Bradbury is currently detained in the Bond County Jail. “Those who prey upon and exploit

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