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CHICAGO – This holiday will most definitely be a very jolly one for an Illinois iLottery player after playing Fast Play Twenty 20s online and winning the jackpot prize – a whopping $880,164. The lucky online player won the big jackpot on Wednesday, December 20, 2023. This is the sixth largest Fast Play Twenty 20s jackpot won so far this year. Just five months ago, another lucky online player took home the largest Fast Play Twenty 20s jackpot ever - nearly $1.25 million. Twenty 20s is an Illinois Lottery progressive jackpot Fast Play game. The jackpot begins at $50,000 and grows with each ticket sold statewide - in-store and online - until the jackpot is won. So far this month, over 80,000 winning tickets for the Fast Play Twenty 20s game have been purchased, netting Illinois Lottery players prizes of more than $4.6 million. You could be next! Fast Play is a quick and easy draw game that can be played at any time. There are no numbers to pick, no play slip to

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ALTON - Centerstone has immediate openings in its medication-assisted treatment program in both the Alton, IL clinic and the Marion, IL clinic. MAT is an essential part of comprehensive treatment for substance misuse. FDA-approved medications are used to calm overly-active areas of the brain, reduce cravings and increase your chances of long-term recovery. We offer the following options in conjunction with individual and group counseling to support in overcoming addiction: Vivitrol Suboxone Methadone Centerstone offers methadone guest dosing. For more information about Centerstone’s MAT program, call 1-877-HOPE123 (1-877-467-3123).

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville would like to welcome David Goodwin as the new chief of the SIUE Police Department. Chief Goodwin began his service Friday, December 15. Prior to his appointment, Chief Goodwin spent more than 25 years in campus law enforcement at Washington University in St. Louis. There he rose through the ranks of the Washington University Police Department to Patrol Operations Bureau Commander (Captain) in 2019 and Assistant Chief. “I am passionate about higher education law enforcement and as a result, I come to SIUE PD with a deep-seated commitment to public safety and a passion for fostering positive relationships within the diverse community we serve,” said Goodwin. Goodwin served 34 years in both the National Guard and Army Reserves. He was twice deployed to Iraq, which was “a very nerve wracking and emotional experience,” according to Goodwin. “We lost soldiers in the second deployment. But it gav

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ALTON - The City of Alton has requested planning assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study and create a comprehensive plan for the Alton riverfront. Alton City Council members on Wednesday approved a resolution authorizing Mayor David Goins to enter into negotiation with the Corps of Engineers to participate in the “ Planning Assistance to States Program .” Under the program, the Corps of Engineers helps states, local governments, and more prepare “comprehensive plans for the development, utilization, and conservation of water and related land resources.” Alton’s Riverfront Advisory Commission recommended the city pursue this partnership with the Corps of Engineers. According to the resolution, the commission’s role is to “provide suggestions, options and feedback intended to further develop the design of the riverfront that supports, enhances, and grows the facilities, programs, and services of the City of Alton in

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ALTON - The Alton City Council earlier this week approved two items related to street projects and maintenance for a combined total of over $1 million. This includes $800,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and nearly $300,000 worth of accepted material proposals from various companies. The first item approved authorizes the disbursement of ARPA funds for “the purchase of construction materials in the amount of $800,000 for streets projects, the priorities for which are established in the Public Works Strategic Plan (2024 - 2030),” according to the resolution. Also approved were proposals from several companies for materials to be used in the 2024 Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) Street Maintenance Program. Companies submitted bids for six total item groups, including everything from bituminous patching material to concrete materials and more. IDOT documents indicate the amount approved for successful bidders totals $292,321.50 for all six items, including hauling

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EDWARDSVILLE - Kamadulski Excavating is planning a closure on North Kansas at the intersection of East Union beginning Tuesday, December 26, 2023. The closure will be for the installation of a crosswalk, which should take a week, with the road to be reopened on Tuesday, January 2, 2023, assuming no delays due to weather.

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EDWARDSVILLE – Today 24 children in foster care joined their forever families as their adoptions were finalized at the Madison County Courthouse in Edwardsville during the court’s sixth annual Adoption Day celebration. Third Judicial Circuit Court Judges Amy Maher, Amy Sholar, Christopher Threlkeld, and Associate Judges Andrew Carruthers, Angela Donohoo, Martin Mengarelli, Ron Motil, Emily Nielsen, Maureen Schuette, and Justin Zimmerman presided over the adoptions. Staff from the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), Hoyleton Youth and Family Services, Brightpoint, Lutheran Child and Family Services, CASA and the Restore Network were also in attendance to make the day memorable for these new families. The finalizations began at 9 a.m. and were followed by a celebration that included a balloon arch, balloon animals, a magician and t-shirt decorating. Disney characters, superheroes and even Santa Claus made special appearances to join the festivities.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Transit Police are investigating a pursuit that ended in the City of St. Louis. At 8:26 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023, St. Louis County police officers from the Bureau of Transit Police spotted a vehicle wanted for an armed robbery out of the City of St. Charles, Mo. Officers activated their lights and sirens and attempted a traffic stop near the intersection of St. Charles Rock Road and Ferguson Avenue. The suspect vehicle failed to yield and fled from officers. A pursuit was initiated and traveled through St. Louis County into the City of St. Louis. At approximately 8:54 p.m., the pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle struck a St. Louis County Police patrol vehicle at the intersection of Hampton Avenue and Chippewa Street in the City of St. Louis. Three suspects were taken into custody. Neither the officer nor suspects were injured in the crash. The investigation is ongoing. Additional information will

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SPRINGFIELD– The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) has awarded $1.7 million in End Student Housing Insecurity (ESHI) grants to 10 institutions of higher education in Illinois. The funds will be used to support ongoing work at each of the campuses to address systemic causes of homelessness and basic-needs insecurity among students. The state’s higher education strategic plan, A Thriving Illinois, calls for closing equity gaps for students who have been left behind, in part, by addressing student support needs, including housing insecurity. “No student should have to worry about when they will have their next meal or if they will have a safe place to spend the night,” said IBHE Executive Director Ginger Ostro. “The ESHI grants will allow institutions to continue to remove barriers for housing-insecure students, so they can make the most of their undergraduate experience and focus on their goal of graduating.” HOUSE Liaisons also serve a

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate increased +0.1 percentage point to 4.7 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased +6,800 in November, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The October revised unemployment rate was 4.6 percent, unchanged from the preliminary October unemployment rate. The October monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from -15,000 to -17,100 jobs. The November unemployment rate and payroll jobs estimate reflect activity for the week including the 12th. In November, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Manufacturing (+5,400), Educational and Health Services (+3,800), and Other Services (+1,900). The industry sectors with monthly payroll job declines included: Professional and Business Services (-8,000), and Information (-100). “Today’s report

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SPRINGFIELD – Under the leadership of Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman, the Illinois Department of Transportation continued to modernize and revitalize transportation and mobility across the state in 2023. Fueled by Gov. Pritzker’s historic, bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital program, the investments in highways, transit, railroads, airports, waterways and active transportation options touched every corner and community in the state, improving quality of life, safety and reliability while creating jobs and long-term economic opportunity. Passed in 2019, Rebuild Illinois is investing $45 billion into the state's aging transportation system over a six-year span, creating jobs and promoting economic growth. As of Sept. 30, just on the highway system alone, Rebuild Illinois has made $9.6 billion in improvements statewide on 5,522 miles, 553 bridges and 814 additional safety improvements, ranging from routine maintenance projects and minor

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BUNKER HILL - There’s nothing like Christmas in your own house. For Lisa Webb, owner of Third Street Realty, helping people find their new homes is the best part of her job, and the work doesn’t stop during the holiday season. Webb speaks to a lot of people who are nervous about starting the process in the winter months, but she promises it’s still a great time to sell and buy. As long as you or your agent do their due diligence to make sure the property is right for you, Webb can help you find that dream home. “It’s December, so people always ask, ‘Is it still a good time to sell my house?’ It absolutely is still a good time,” Webb said. “Don’t wait. Don’t feel like you need to wait for spring to come. Go with it, list it and get it out on the market now.” The holiday season can be busy, and Webb encounters a lot of people who worry it’s not the right time to list their home. But she reminds

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Thursday that a grand jury has issued an indictment for first-degree murder and reckless homicide against a driver accused of fleeing from police and causing a crash that, months later, resulted in the death of another motorist. In the indictment issued Thursday, Ronnell L. Welch, 39, of St. Louis is charged with two new counts: first-degree murder and reckless homicide. Welch had previously been charged with aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer, aggravated reckless driving, possession of stolen vehicle and residential burglary. Those initial charges were filed prior to the death of the victim. On Nov. 14, 2022, Welch allegedly entered the residence of a Granite City woman with intent to commit a theft and stole her pickup. The charges allege that he then attempted to flee in the stolen pickup from Granite City Police officers. At the intersection of Illinois 3 and Rock Road, the pickup

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ALTON – The Alton Dispensary has requested the City of Alton's help in its search for a new home. At a Wednesday night meeting of the Alton City Council, President and CEO of IllinoisCannabis49, Inc., d/b/a The Alton Dispensary, Jeremy Wysocki, asked the council for its assistance in changing an ordinance to allow an adult-use cannabis dispensary to be allowed in an E-5 zone/district. Currently, the City of Alton only allows such facilities to be positioned in E-2 zones/districts. However, ownership of The Alton Dispensary has found a suitable building in an E-5 zone/district. The need to move locations comes after a Monday, Dec. 18 ruling to evict The Alton Dispensary from its current location at 1400 E. Broadway in Alton. The eviction is the latest in a line of what the dispensary considers “retaliatory efforts” from its former management company, Subsero Alton Ops, LLC and its affiliates. The building itself is owned by Subsero Alton RE, LLC. However, the cannabis

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This weekend is brimming with exciting events for people of all ages and interests! From festive celebrations to educational experiences, there's something to cater to every taste. Check out the variety of activities that you can enjoy with your friends and family, and make the most out of your weekend. For a full event listing, be sure to visit riverbender.com/events . Step into a winter wonderland at the 3rd Annual Boonies Farm Christmas event. This cherished event promises to light up your holiday season with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights, a tractor-drawn wagon ride with Santa, and an array of activities for the entire family. It's a celebration that will leave you with memories to cherish for years to come. The Holiday Cheers Market is the perfect spot for last-minute holiday shopping. Every Saturday from Thanksgiving to Christmas, the Old Bakery Beer Company transforms into a bustling marketplace featuring local artisans and growers. Whether you're on the hunt

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ALTON - Tom and Vickie Maxwell, the current owners of The Max Sports, have decided to donate generously to Amare, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Wood River, Illinois. With a rich history in the Riverbend area, Max Sports, located at 2300 N. Henry St., Alton, Illinois, has been a hub for sports and fitness enthusiasts for nearly 40 years, dating back to its original operation under Wendell and Barbara McAfoos as Metro Sports. The facility, spread across six acres, features four sand volleyball courts, a full-court basketball gymnasium, a swimming pool, dance and aerobic studios, and extensive exercise and weightlifting equipment. Since acquiring Metro Sports in 2017, the Maxwells have significantly invested in infrastructure improvements, leading to increased revenue and memberships. The property donation, valued at over $1 million by a St. Louis-based valuation firm, is a major contribution to Amare, with the transfer concluding on Dec. 29. Tom Maxwell expressed confidence

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EDWARDSVILLE - Chief Deputy Coroner Kelly Rogers added another key recognition to his wide background this week when he was elected Chairman of the St. Louis Area Regional Response System (STARRS). Rogers will serve alongside Co-Chairman Kathleen Diebold Hargrave, Director of Operations for the Office of the Regional Medical Examiner serving the counties of Franklin, Jefferson and St. Charles in Missouri. Madison County Coroner Steve Nonn was appreciative of Rogers' selection. "Kelly and Kathleen bring a phenomenal wealth of knowledge, experience, leadership, communication, and organizational skills to this very important entity that supports emergency management in our region," the coroner said. "I am sure he and Kathleen will be a dynamic force to guide STARRS to the next level of management and support of critical security needs for our region."

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EDWARDSVILLE - Miccah Butler, a sophomore forward who transferred to Edwardsville from Chaminade College Prep Catholic in Creve Coeur, Mo., has added much to the Tigers' boys basketball program, making many positive contributions this far, and on Dec. 18, he and Herbert Martin shared the lead in scoring with 1 2 points each as Edwardsville defeated Riverview Gardens of north St. Louis County 72-24. The Tiger go 7-3 overall into the Don Mauer Invitational Holiday Tournament at Mary Institute-Country Day School in Ladue, Mo., starting on Dec. 23. Before the Don Mauer tournament, Butler is currently the second leading scorer on the team, averaging 10.8 points and 1.7 rebounds per game, also contributing with seven assists and three steals. He's currently an outside shooter, hitting key threes when the Tigers need it. Butler is a Johnston's Law Firm Male Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. In the win over the Rams, Butler hit many a key shot as the Tigers bounced back very nicely from

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WEST ALTON - The Audubon Center at Riverlands celebrated the winter solstice with a silent sunrise meditation on Thursday, Dec. 21, 2023. About a dozen people came to the center, located at 301 Riverlands Way in West Alton, Missouri, to mark the first day of winter and enjoy the sunrise at 7:16 a.m. on Thursday. Ashley Lockwood is an educator at the center, which specializes in birds through the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. She noted that the winter solstice is significant to people for various reasons, but it also marks the return of many birds to the Riverbend area. “The winter solstice is especially important for us because it has a lot to do also with when the birds are returning to us,” Lockwood explained. “As a sanctuary, we see a lot of change in migration throughout the year, and so the winter solstice, not only is it signaling that the days are lengthening, but it’s also telling us that we’re actually officially entering the winter

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TROY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that U.S. 40 between Triad Lane and the Illinois 162/U.S. 40 intersection in Madison County is scheduled to reopen, weather permitting, by tomorrow evening, Thursday, Dec. 21. The $1 million project consists of bridge deck joint repairs and replacement on the Silver Creek Bridge. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment. Over the next six years , IDOT is planning to improve more than 3,000 miles of highway and nearly 10 million square feet of bridge deck as part of the Rebuild Illinois capital program, which is investing $33.2 billion into all modes of transportation. Accomplishments through Year Four of Rebuild Illinois included approximately $12.1 billion of improvements statewide on 5,339 miles of highway, 533 bridges and 762 additional safety improvements. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow

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