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JERSEY COUNTY – Jersey County State’s Attorney Ben Goetten announced on Sept. 17, 2024, that felony charges have been filed against Robert B. Kallal, 58, of Dow, and Rusty C. Young, 64, of Alton, for knowingly producing cannabis plants, a Class 2 felony. The charges stem from an investigation by the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office. According to Goetten, the investigation led to the surveillance of a cannabis field in rural Jersey County near Dow, where Kallal and Young were observed. On Sept. 14, 2024, deputies from the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office arrested the two men and seized approximately 140 cannabis plants from the field. Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns emphasized the legal restrictions surrounding cannabis cultivation in Illinois. "Growing cannabis remains illegal in Illinois except under very specific conditions involving the very small amounts set forth in Illinois statutes," Manns said. Both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty

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EDWARDSVILLE – Fire Chief James Whiteford, who has been a full-time member of the Edwardsville Fire Department for 28 years, announced on Friday, September 20, that he plans to retire next month to spend more time with his family. Whiteford’s final day on the job will be Friday, October 11. “It has been a true honor to work with such a dedicated and caring group of people,” Whiteford said. “Working for the Edwardsville Fire Department has been one of the greatest parts of my life. It’s no accident that Edwardsville has such a good fire department. Over the years, City leaders have had the foresight to make public safety a priority and this forward vision is largely responsible for the top-notch fire, rescue and emergency medical services we provide. This Fire Department has a dedicated group of hard-working people who really care about the community. These are some of the finest paramedics and firefighters in the area, and having a chance to lead the

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EDWARDSVILLE — 1818 Offshore, a popular seafood restaurant located at 210 South Buchanan in Edwardsville has announced it will close its doors this fall as its lease comes to an end. The restaurant, known for its oysters and crab dishes, has been a staple in the community, bringing joy to its patrons and providing numerous job opportunities over the years. In a heartfelt message to its patrons, the restaurant expressed deep gratitude for the support it has received. "Your unwavering presence and the laughs we shared made a world of difference," the statement read. "Your support has been instrumental in our journey, and we are deeply appreciative of it." The exact timeline for the closure is not yet finalized, but the restaurant anticipates shutting down within the next two and a half months. During this period, the 1818 Offshore family plans to say their goodbyes and cherish the memories made in their original "home" at Park Plaza. "We will miss our oyster aficionados stopping

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EDWARDSVILLE – Voters in Madison County will soon cast their ballots using a new secure paper-based voting system. Madison County selected to update their system with new Election Systems & Software (ES&S) after a comprehensive review of alternate available systems. It was determined that the ES&S system provides a fully auditable voting solution that is accurate, secure and accessible to all voters. Just as importantly, both models of equipment purchased are easy for both election judges and election officials to navigate and manage. The new scanners enhance security and improve the efficiency of the results reporting process. The new technology uses voter-verifiable paper ballots, allowing for fully auditable election results. The ExpressVote universal voting system replaces the past Automark and uses touch-screen technology to produce a paper ballot, allowing voters to review their selections and verify that their vote was recorded accurately before submitting for

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COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville Police Department Support Services Supervisor Andrea Lindauer has been honored with the Illinois Public Safety Telecommunications Association (IPSTA) Frontline Supervisor of the Year award. The announcement recognizes Lindauer for her exceptional contributions to public safety communications in her role with the Collinsville Police Department. The IPSTA award is presented to a supervisor who demonstrates high professional and moral conduct, integrity, and respect among co-workers and supervisors. The award also highlights outstanding performance, foresight, skill, and the ability to provide valuable communication services while managing public safety communications. Lindauer's recognition underscores her importance to both the department and the city. Her colleagues describe her as "a tremendous asset, acknowledging her dedication to the department, the city, and its residents." The award serves as a testament to Lindauer's commitment to excellence in

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GRANITE CITY – Alfresco Productions proudly presents Legally Blonde the Musical , coming to the stage this November for two weekends only! Audiences will be dazzled by this energetic, hilarious, and heartwarming production of the hit musical based on the beloved movie. Directed by Eric Sykes, the show promises to be a spectacular evening of theater, full of vibrant choreography, catchy songs, an empowering message, and of course, lots of PINK! Legally Blonde follows the journey of Elle Woods, a determined young woman who, after being dumped by her boyfriend, enrolls in Harvard Law School to win him back but discovers her own strength along the way. The show’s mix of humor, heart, strong female lead and a dynamic ensemble will leave audiences inspired and entertained. Eric Sykes, the director, shares his excitement: "This show is pure joy from start to finish! I’m thrilled to work with such a talented cast and to bring Elle’s story to life. We can’t wai

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O'FALLON, Ill. – Hinchcliffe Elementary School saw a robust turnout for its inaugural garden club meeting recently, with 78 children participating in the event. The gathering, part of the O'Fallon Community Consolidated School District #90, provided students with the opportunity to engage with nature in an outdoor classroom setting. The young participants spent the evening learning about various aspects of gardening, discussing different plant species, and interacting with the natural environment. The hands-on experience aimed to foster a deeper appreciation for nature among the students. The garden club is designed to provide students with practical knowledge about gardening, while also promoting teamwork and outdoor activity. The initiative is part of the school district’s broader efforts to incorporate more experiential learning opportunities into the curriculum. Parents and teachers alike expressed their satisfaction with the turnout and the level of engagement from

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FAIRMONT CITY - Molina Healthcare of Illinois (“Molina”) is partnering with PBS KIDS (WSIU) and the Fairmont City Library Center to host a fun family reading event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. “Reading with Molina” will feature story time, Hispanic Heritage Month themed activities, and craft time. Additionally, every child in attendance will receive a free book for bilingual readers and an activity to take home. While proficiency in language arts for students in Illinois has improved to 35%, proficiency remains below pre-pandemic levels. Reading proficiency statistics are even worse among Illinois’ minority and low-income students, with only 17% of Hispanic third graders reading at grade level on the Illinois Assessment of Readiness in 2023. Through this event series, Molina hopes to instill a love of reading in Illinois’ youth as part of their mission to build stronger communities, one life at a time. WHAT: Molina Healthcare

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WEST ALTON, MO – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Rivers Project Office is announcing its first Annual Deer Hunt for Mobility-Impaired Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces , in cooperation with the Olin Veterans Network and MO Vets Outdoors. The hunt will be held December 13th and 14th, 2024, with a hunt overview and meal provided on December 13th at 10 A.M. Applications are available at the Rivers Project Office and are due by October 9th, 2024. Applications may be dropped off to the Rivers Project Office at 301 Riverlands Way, West Alton, MO 63386 or submitted via by email to Josh Pierce at Joshua.D.Pierce@USACE.Army.Mil . This hunt will allow for archery antlerless-only harvest only. Permits will not be provided. Hunters must provide their own Missouri hunting permits and archery equipment to legally and ethically harvest an antlerless whitetail in the state of Missouri during the 2024/2025 archery season. Proper licensing/permitting and equipment will be inspected

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River Main Street will host its Concert in the Park and Food Truck Festival this weekend. From 6–8 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, community members can enjoy music by Trent Thrun and Matt Gadeken at the Central Park Bandstand in Wood River. The event is free and open to the public. Concessions will be available for purchase, or you can bring your own food and drinks. “It’s not a stuffy thing or anything like that. It’s just bringing a lawn chair, bringing a blanket, chill out,” said Kristen Burns, director of Wood River Main Street. “We’re really excited.” Friday’s free Concert in the Park event is the first in a series that will continue through October. Each concert will spotlight musicians who have played at Wood River’s farmers’ market this summer. Burns is especially excited for Thrun and Gadeken to perform, as they have been popular at the market these past few months. “They’re

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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has several exciting events planned for the next few weeks, including a ghost hunt in the library. Hayner will be at the Mississippi Earthtones Festival from 12–6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024. Morgan Berry and Lacy McDonald will be signing people up for library cards and helping kids complete a craft. They’ll also share a few examples from their Library of Things , including the popular ghost-hunting kit. “I’ve had lots of fun with the ghost-hunting kit, even in the library,” Berry said. She is especially looking forward to the “Haunted Hayner: History and Hauntings” event planned for 7 p.m. on Oct. 2, 2024. This event will discuss the history of Hayner and some of the hauntings that have been reported in the buildings. Hayner has partnered with Alton Odyssey Tours to co-host the event. Attendees will start in the Genealogy and Local History Library. They will use the ghost-hunting

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September 20 has been a pivotal date in history, marking significant events that have shaped the world as we know it. Magellan Sets Sail - 1519 On September 20, 1519, Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan embarked on his historic voyage to circumnavigate the globe. Commanding a fleet of five ships, Magellan sought a westward route to the Spice Islands. Although he did not survive the journey, his expedition ultimately succeeded in completing the first known circumnavigation of Earth, proving that the world was round and setting the stage for future exploration and global trade. The Battle of Alma - 1854 The Battle of Alma, fought on September 20, 1854, was one of the first major battles of the Crimean War. Allied forces, comprising British, French, and Ottoman troops, clashed with Russian forces near the Alma River in Crimea. The allies' victory at Alma marked a significant turning point in the war, demonstrating the effectiveness of their cooperation and military strategy.

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SAWYERVILLE — The Macoupin County Sheriff's Office has identified the victim in an ongoing death investigation in Sawyerville. Authorities announced that Rodney Messerly, 42, of the 300 block of Mine Road in Sawyerville, died after allegedly entering a residence as an intruder and being shot. The incident occurred in Sawyerville, where Messerly was reportedly shot after gaining entry to the home. The Macoupin County Sheriff's Office, in collaboration with the Macoupin County Coroner's Office, is spearheading the investigation. Details surrounding the circumstances of Messerly's entry and subsequent shooting remain under investigation. The Sheriff's Office has not released further information regarding potential suspects or the homeowner involved. This case continues to develop as authorities work to piece together the events that led to Messerly's death.

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GODFREY – Engines 1412 and 1422 from the Godfrey Fire Protection District have responded to a motorcycle accident at the intersection of Godfrey Road and Lageman Lane. Madison County Sheriff's Office Deputy Chief Marcos Pulido said later Friday morning, Sept. 20, 2024, that one person was in "critical condition" after the accident. Pulido said the Madison County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash that occurred in the southbound lanes of Godfrey Road and Lageman Road in Godfrey. "The operator of the motorcycle was treated on scene by emergency personnel and subsequently flown to a St. Louis area hospital," Pulido added. The incident occurred earlier today, prompting emergency crews to secure the scene and ensure the safety of those involved. Authorities have advised the public to avoid the area as firefighters and emergency personnel work to manage the situation. The Godfrey Fire Protection District issued an alert requesting cooperation from the community during thi

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TOULON – Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan F. Kelly, joined by Illinois Statewide 911 Administrator Cindy Barbera-Brelle, Stark County Sheriff Steve Sloan, and Peoria-Stark Joint Emergency Telephone System Board Chairman David Tuttle, today announced every county in Illinois now has 911 service. “This is a significant milestone for ISP’s Division of Statewide 911 and the whole state,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. ??“The agreement between these two counties means residents will see quicker response times as telecommunicators can get the appropriate first responders enroute sooner.” Stark County entered into an agreement with Peoria County to create a Joint Emergency Telephone System Board so that Stark County residents and those traveling through the area can quickly and efficiently receive emergency services. ? This marks the successful completion of a monumental mission assigned to the Illinois State Police by the General

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– Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced legislation to protect the estimated two million wild kangaroos who are needlessly killed every year for the use of their leather in commercial products. The killing of kangaroos for their leather, also known as “k-leather,” is currently the largest commercial slaughter of mammals worldwide driven by demand for their skin in certain models of soccer cleats. To help reverse this inhumane trend and safeguard the kangaroo species from commercial exploitation, the Senators’ Kangaroo Protection Act would ban the sale and manufacturing of products made from kangaroo skin, as well as the sale of kangaroo skin itself. Additionally, this legislation would empower the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with other agencies, to issue civil and criminal penalties of fines up to $10,000 and other regulations. “The mass killing of millions of kangaroos to make commercial products

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) voted Wednesday evening for a federal spending package to fund the government through March of next year and require proof of citizenship to register to vote. Due to overwhelming Democrat opposition to the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act reforms, the bill failed to pass the House. Congress must approve legislation funding the government by September 30th or risk lapses in essential services. “Congress has two urgent priorities before the end of September: funding the government and ensuring only legal ballots from U.S. citizens are cast in the election. We must accomplish both objectives but have little time to do so. That’s why I supported linking passage of the Continuing Resolution with the SAVE Act. Sadly, House Democrats – some of whom voted for the SAVE Act earlier this year – stood in near unanimous opposition to the plan, killing both bills just 12 days before a shutdown. Rest assured,

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ROXANA — Fullback Mason Crump has emerged as an offensive powerhouse for the Shells during the 2024 football season. In a recent big win against Civic Memorial, Crump scored touchdowns on runs of 6, 4 and 22 yards, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. Roxana head football coach Wade DeVries expressed confidence in Crump's abilities, noting that he has stepped up to fill the shoes of former standout Evans Wells. "I think in our system, we have a gun who runs in between tackles and is more physical," Devries said. "I think Mason fits that really well. He also has good speed." Mason is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Shells. Crump's prowess is not limited to the football field. He is equally formidable on the baseball diamond, both as a pitcher and a hitter. Roxana head baseball coach Jerry Wheaton highlighted Crump's impressive 2024 campaign, where he finished with a no-hitter and 16 strikeouts on the mound, leading the team to a regional

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BELLEVILLE - Caritas Family Solutions is proud to announce they have added four new members to its growing Board of Directors. The newest members joining the board are Dr. Theresa Anasti, Michael Schaltenbrand, Jamie Hall and Victoria Mauch. The nonprofit human services agency located in Southern Illinois has four Board Officers and a total of 21 members. “We are so thankful for each member of our Board of Directors,” said Caritas Family Solutions CEO Gary Huelsmann. “It is so exciting whenever we have the opportunity to add more members to our board, each coming with a variety of skill sets, knowledge and experience in varying industries. The more diverse our board is the better. When our board members meet, it gives us a chance to discuss our growth, strategize for how to make the agency the best it can be and focus on how to impact even more lives.” The agency serves more than 6,300 people, is the third-largest provider of foster care in the state

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GRAFTON - At the Grafton City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, Mayor Morrow presented three certificates of appreciation on behalf of the Council, the city, and the Grafton Chamber of Commerce. The Brooks family, Michael, Peg and Nickie, were honored for their hard work and another spectacular success of Grafton’s Thursday Night Music in the Park program throughout the summer. “Music in the Park wouldn’t exist as it does today without the hard work and dedication of Peg Brooks and her family team who orchestrate the events. Solid backup came from the Grafton Chamber of Commerce, (Dan Ebbing, President), that sponsored the 15 weeks of family fun and from Jake Weber and his Public Works crew who kept The Grove Memorial Park in top shape,” said Mayor Morrow. Peg researches and books the bands with Mike and Nickie’s invaluable help. Her “Go to” problem-solver is Alderman Andy Jackson, also a Chamber member. “The number of individua

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