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ALTON — Duke Bakery in the Middletown Historic District again commemorated the holiday season with a special event on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2024, featuring Santa Claus and his reindeer. The festivities were scheduled for Christmas Eve from 10 a.m. to noon, and the bakery encouraged families to capture the moment with photographs. Amy Hollis, one of the bakery's owners, described the event as a beloved tradition that has grown in popularity over the years. "It has become a tradition here and grown every year," she said. "We had kids showing up, Christmas mamas, a lot of dogs — it really has become a sight to see." Hollis emphasized the bakery's commitment to the community, stating, "This is something we feel we can give back to the community that supports us all year. It shows our appreciation." The bakery was fully stocked for last-minute holiday needs, offering a variety of baked goods including rolls, pies, cakes, decorated cookies, and breakfast items for Christmas

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GODFREY - On Christmas Day, emergency responders from the Godfrey Fire District celebrated a remarkable moment as they assisted in the delivery of a baby, marking a highlight in their challenging work. The incident occurred while Assistant Chief Shawn Bloemker and the team were on duty, bringing joy to a day typically filled with family gatherings and holiday cheer. At approximately 11:22 a.m., on Christmas Day, Dec. 25, 2024, Bloemker, along with Firefighter/EMT-B Aaron Blackford, Captain/EMT-B Chris Stratton, and Firefighter/EMT-B Payne Hubbs, responded to a call regarding a patient in labor. Initially, the team believed the patient would need to be transported to the hospital without delivering the baby, as there was no crowning observed. However, as they arrived and prepared to move her, contractions intensified, and the baby was delivered on-site. "It was an amazing day for us, a real highlight for everybody on shift," Bloemker said. "Christmas meant a little bit more this year."

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Illinois State Police (ISP) Statewide Anti-Violence Enforcement South group conducted a violent crime suppression detail December16-19, 2024 in St. Clair and Madison counties, focusing its efforts on East St. Louis and neighboring Metro East communities. The operation utilized intelligence and technology to target known high crime areas, violent offenders, and structured criminal groups in the communities of the Metro East. Detail Results Arrests 24 Felony Charges 36 Criminal Charges 48 Firearm Related Charges 18 Firearms Seized 9 Controlled Substance Seized 28.3 grams Stolen Vehicles Recovered 1 There were several notable events and arrests during the detail. On December 16, 2024, troopers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle for an Illinois Vehicle Code violation (IVC). The vehicle fled the traffic. A short while later, troopers located the vehicle parked and the driver

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Wednesday, December 25, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Mahkya Anderson, 25 years of age, of the 4600 block of Whisper Lane, St. Louis, Missouri 63136, for Assault First Degree, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, and Burglary First Degree. Anderson is being held without bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation, and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: On Tuesday, December 24, 2024, the Defendant and her boyfriend, co-defendant, and a third individual broke into victim's apartment. The third individual, not yet identified, was armed with a firearm. After the three made entry by breaking in the front door, the defendant and boyfriend attacked the victims inside the apartment. While Defendant was fighting with victim, Co­ defendant grabbed the hair of two other victims, causing them pain, to restrain them

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SPRINGFIELD – Youth between the ages of 10-17 can apply now for the youth wingshooting clinic and pheasant hunt opportunities scheduled at two Illinois state parks, including Pere Marquette State Park in Jersey County on March 1 and the World Shooting and Recreational Complex (WSRC) in Randolph County on March 15. Young hunters will participate in a wingshooting clinic in the morning taught by National Sporting Clays Association and Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) certified instructors. Participants will practice safe shotgun handling and operation while advancing their wingshooting skills. A pheasant hunt will take place in the afternoon. Participants must have successfully completed an approved hunter safety course and have a valid hunting license. Permits for these wingshooting clinics and youth pheasant hunts are available through the IDNR’s Controlled Pheasant Hunting online reservation system. Select “Click here for applications”

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Welcome to another fascinating edition of "This Day in History!" Today, we take a stroll through time and explore significant events that have shaped our world on December 26. 1. The Birth of the Modern Boxing Day (1860) One of the most recognized traditions associated with December 26 is Boxing Day, celebrated primarily in the UK and other Commonwealth nations. This day has its roots in the 19th century when it became a day for the upper classes to give gifts to their servants and tradespeople. On this day in 1860, the tradition was officially recognized, and it quickly evolved into a day of sports, shopping, and family gatherings. Today, Boxing Day is synonymous with major sporting events, particularly football matches, and massive retail sales. It serves as a reminder of the importance of generosity and community during the holiday season. 2. The First Kwanzaa Celebration (1966) On December 26, 1966, the first Kwanzaa celebration took place in Los Angeles, California,

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COTTAGE HILLS — Kimberly Mills, a long-time truck driver, is seeking community support through a GoFundMe campaign to raise $2,500 for essential repairs to her car, which has been out of service for eight months. The vehicle, currently located in Gainesville, Mo., is critical for Mills to regain her independence and secure employment. She said she needs her vehicle to get back and forth to work. Mills, who has been housebound without a vehicle, expressed her urgent need for help in a heartfelt message on her fundraising page. “Help me get back to work so I can pay my bills by getting my car repaired,” she wrote. “I can’t get a job, been trying. I am not receiving any financial aid. Please help me to get my car repaired so I can work again.” The repairs needed for her vehicle include a fuel tank flush, a new battery, and potential wiring repairs due to damage from mice. Mills estimated that the cost of the repairs could be around $600 for the flush

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ILLINOIS - Ameren Illinois has a few tips to keep you safe this winter. With colder weather approaching and gas furnaces turning on, Ameren spokesperson Brian Bretsch and technician Jake Dukett stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello to talk about natural gas safety and other important reminders. Bretsch and Dukett encourage people to have their furnaces checked every year and change out their filters once a month. “We want to educate everybody on making sure we have those things checked out every year,” Dukett said. “We just want to ask to have all of our natural gas piping and appliances inspected, and they’ll go through operational checks on those and make sure that they’re operating properly.” Dukett encourages people to call their HVAC technician to inspect their furnace and pipes as soon as the weather starts turning colder. He said that furnaces are designed to “run on and off all the time,” as a

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O’FALLON, Ill. — Two people died early Christmas morning, Dec. 25, 2024, following a head-on collision on Interstate 64 near O'Fallon, IL., prompting the closure of the eastbound lanes at mile marker 19. The crash occurred at approximately 3:23 a.m. on Wednesday, according to Illinois State Police. Illinois State Police reported that a Lexus driven by Quincy Jones, 41, of St. Louis, was traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes when it collided with a Ford driven by Christopher M. Sahs, 34, of New Baden. Sahs was pronounced dead at the scene, while Jones was transported to HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, where he was pronounced dead at 4:45 a.m., according to St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. Emergency responders were required to extricate at least two victims from the wreckage. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, and authorities indicated that dense fog may have been a contributing factor. The eastbound lanes of Interstate 64 were

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As the holiday season approaches, the air becomes crisp and the days shorter, creating the perfect backdrop for cozy movie nights. Whether you’re looking for heartwarming tales, festive comedies, or classic winter dramas, there’s a wealth of winter-themed films that can enhance your Christmas spirit. Here’s a comprehensive guide to some of the best winter movies to watch this Christmas, ensuring you and your loved ones create unforgettable memories around the screen. The Magic of Classic Christmas Films It’s a Wonderful Life (1946) Often hailed as one of the greatest Christmas films of all time, It’s a Wonderful Life tells the story of George Bailey, a man who sacrifices his own dreams for the good of others. When he contemplates suicide on Christmas Eve, an angel shows him what life would be like without him. This classic captures the essence of hope, redemption, and the importance of community, making it a must-watch during the holiday season.

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On December 25, it's easy to forget that this date holds a wealth of significant historical events. From pivotal shifts in cultural practices to groundbreaking political changes, the day has seen its fair share of history. Let’s unwrap this day and explore the notable events that have shaped our world. One of the most impactful events associated with December 25 is undoubtedly the celebration of Christmas. This day, recognized as the birth of Jesus Christ, has evolved over centuries into a global holiday that blends religious significance with cultural traditions. The origins of Christmas date back to the early Christian church, which officially designated December 25 as the date of Christ's birth in the 4th century AD. The choice of this date was likely influenced by existing pagan festivals that celebrated the winter solstice. Over time, Christmas has transformed into a rich tapestry of customs, featuring everything from gift-giving and elaborate feasts to festive decorations

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RIVERBEND - Local kids in the foster care system will receive all the presents they asked for this Christmas, thanks to the community’s help. The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) works with Dream Home Charities out of Wood River to provide toys, clothing, hygiene products and more to local foster families across five counties every year. But after an accident on Dec. 12, 2024, left them a few hundred gifts short, the organizations put out a plea to the community to help them make up the lost gifts — and the community responded. “It was definitely a Christmas miracle,” said Sherry Gilleland. “Everyone’s going to have a Merry Christmas tomorrow.” Gilleland, owner of Dream Home Realty Centre and founder of Dream Home Charities, has provided Christmas gifts to 25 families and 85 foster kids every year for 15 years. This year, she was transporting the gifts when she realized she left the tailgate down on her truck, and

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ALTON - Santa Claus stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello to talk about his experience leading up to Christmas. Local community member Steve Doering told Santa about the Bethalto Christmas Village, and Santa has been happy to visit this event every weekend since Thanksgiving, in addition to his other stops around the Riverbend. He is eager to share the true meaning of Christmas with everyone he meets this holiday season. “To me, the meaning of Christmas is always going to be love,” Santa said. “It’s always going to be grace. It’s always going to be forgiveness, acceptance. We want to make sure that people understand the real meaning of Christmas. It’s peace on Earth, goodwill to men. It’s about the birth of the savior, Jesus.” Santa and Mrs. Claus have been busy preparing for Christmas. They are training new reindeer in addition to Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blitzen and Rudolph.

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust, Deacon Herbert McGee shared his story of becoming a deacon and sharing God’s love with others. McGee noted that people come to church with different problems and experiences. He acknowledged that everyone has their own story, but God welcomes them with open arms and will guide them through their storms. “For everybody, it’s a different walk,” McGee said. “Believe me, it’s a different walk when you have Him in your life.” McGee shared that he was raised in the church, but he decided to become a deacon later in his life. He is thankful for “a great pastor” who believed in him and the others who joined him in the deaconship. He believes his life has changed for the better since becoming a deacon. Not only is his life different, but McGee himself is different. The change is noticeable to his loved ones, who see more light and peace in

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COLLINSVILLE - The City of Collinsville, Illinois, has issued a boil order for water customers in specific locations due to a water main repair. The order, effective immediately and lasting until further notice, affects residents at 832 Bond Avenue, 410 St. Louis Road, and 400 and 409 South Jefferson Avenue in Collinsville. Residents are advised to bring water intended for drinking or cooking to a full rolling boil for at least five minutes before use. Additionally, residents are instructed to turn off their ice makers and discard any ice produced during this time. For further inquiries, residents can contact Troy Turner, Director of Public Works, at 618-346-5211 or Michael Crawford, Chief Operator, at 618-346-5219 ext. 3. This notice was dated December 24, 2024.

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ALTON — On Christmas Eve, while many families prepare for festive celebrations, one family in Alton is facing a challenging holiday season. Molly McCray, a single mother of ten children, has reached out for assistance as she navigates the difficulties of starting anew in a different city after losing her home. McCray, who recently relocated to Alton from East St. Louis after a difficult time there, is currently living at Alton Acres with her children, who range in age from 3 to 19. She has struggled to provide for her family this Christmas, stating, “I’m not able to do anything for Christmas... I have a Christmas tree, but I can't get gifts right now.” Charlene Edwards, an ASL interpreter and friend of McCray, is trying to raise awareness of the family's situation. Edwards emphasized the importance of community during difficult times. “When people are having a hard time, it is about coming together and giving each other hope,” she said. McCray

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ALTON - The Middletown Luminaries will once again be lit on Christmas Eve night. At 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 24, 2024, community members are invited to Middletown in Alton to see the luminaries throughout the neighborhood. The neighbors come together to light the luminaries every year, and they are eager to share the Christmas spirit with the community once again. “It’s a beautiful sight to behold,” said Shannon, who chairs the luminary event. “If you take a while to get in the Christmas spirit, drive through Middletown and see the beautiful luminaries.” Shannon and Molly, who oversee Middletown Neighbors, explained that the neighborhood is divided into blocks. One person organizes their block’s luminary efforts every year. For example, Molly hosts a block party where all the neighbors are invited to help prepare the luminaries on Christmas Eve afternoon. As an organization, Middletown Neighbors covers the cost of the candles from Catholic Suppl

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Andrew Hade was diagnosed with diabetes a year ago. While the Rockford, Illinois, resident was surprised, he was more shocked when he later found out he also has diabetic retinopathy. “Retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the back of the eye and can cause vision loss, blurry vision and other complications,” says Pamela Garcia, a nurse practitioner for OSF HealthCare. Garcia adds that early symptoms of retinopathy include floaters, blurriness, dark areas of vision and difficulty perceiving colors. Mild cases may be treated with diabetes management and more serious cases could require surgery. It's important for people with diabetes to schedule a thorough eye exam at least once a year. That’s because most patients, like Hade, display no symptoms of diabetic retinopathy until it’s too late. “I initially was dismissive about the eye test, because, I had no symptoms,” he says. “It's hard to think of something being wrong that's

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MARYVILLE — A coyote sighting near Kensington Drive in Maryville has prompted warnings for residents to take precautions with their pets. The sighting occurred a couple of days ago and has raised concerns among local homeowners. Residents are advised to keep their dogs and other pets indoors unless they are being walked on a leash. Experts note that coyotes may occasionally prey on small, unattended pets and can pose a threat to larger dogs if they perceive them as intruders in their territory. To minimize risks, experts recommend two simple measures: keeping pets inside unless they are under direct supervision and feeding pets indoors. These precautions aim to ensure the safety of pets in the neighborhood amid the presence of wildlife.

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JOLIET – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 1 arrested 69-year-old John Fleet of Wilmington, IL for Scott’s Law (Class 4 Felony) after a fatal crash last night involving Trooper Clay M. Carns. Around 9:42 p.m. on Monday, December 23, 2024, Trooper Carns observed debris in a lane on southbound I-55 just north of Blodgett Road near Channahon, and he initiated his emergency lights, pulling over to the right shoulder. Trooper Carns exited his vehicle and was standing in the lane grabbing the debris when a Chevrolet Silverado struck Trooper Carns. The driver of the Chevrolet was identified as John Fleet. Trooper Carns was taken to St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, where at approximately 10:45 p.m., he succumbed to his injuries. Fleet was not injured and remained on scene. “This is a sad day for the Illinois State Police as we mourn the death of Trooper Clay M. Carns who was killed while serving the people of Illinois and working to keep

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