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JERSEYVILLE - Families are invited to the tenth annual Downtown Country Christmas Festival in Jerseyville for games, visits with Santa, a parade and more. On Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, kids of all ages and their loved ones can come out to City Center Park in Jerseyville. The festivities kick off at 1 p.m., and Santa Claus will be arriving by helicopter at 1:30 p.m. Kids can enjoy a movie, bounce houses, activities and Elf School, all for free. The event will conclude with a City of Jerseyville tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. and a parade to Dolan Park at 5:30 p.m. “We’re getting people into a small town that isn’t really on the beaten path and celebrating what it is to be a community,” said Michael Ward, one of the organizers. “We definitely try to make it the best experience possible for anyone who comes.” The games have been “revamped,” so there are new activities and bounce houses for kids to enjoy. One of the local businesses

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ALTON - The Alton Little Theater (ALT) is set to present its rendition of Charles Dickens' classic "A Christmas Carol," directed by Kevin D. Frakes, from December 13 to December 22. This production marks a significant milestone for Frakes, who has been a fixture at ALT for 54 years and has chosen this beloved holiday tale as his final directorial project. Frakes, who celebrates his birthday on December 17, has expressed gratitude to the audiences that have supported him throughout his career. He plans to enjoy a well-deserved break with family in Godfrey and Chicago after the production concludes on December 23, followed by travels across the United States, with a particular focus on visiting national parks. The cast of "A Christmas Carol" features 28 performers, including ALT veterans Hal Morgan as Ebenezer Scrooge and Alex Trepka as Bob Cratchit. Cameron Ulrich takes on the role of Charles Dickens, serving as the narrator of this multi-generational story. Knox Schell, who made his

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SAINT LOUIS - The St. Louis Museum of Illusions has partnered with STEM.org to bring STEM education to its visitors. Located at 3730 Foundry Way Suite 168 in St. Louis, the Museum of Illusions allows visitors to experience optical illusions. Through this new collaboration, educators can take advantage of K–12 lesson plans to help their students learn more about the science behind the illusions. “We wanted to make sure that we were still providing that exceptional STEM-based experience,” explained Julissa Noyola, Director of Sales and Partnerships. “A lot of our teachers have asked for more. We saw the need and we met it. Partnering with STEM.org is going to give us this opportunity to offer really tailored lesson plans that coincide or go hand-in-hand with our exhibit spaces.” STEM.org is a STEM education research and credentialing organization. They have worked with the Museum of Illusions to provide tailored lesson plans and other interactive

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Letter To The Editor: I have performed clean-up efforts in Edwardsville, Alton, East Alton, Wood River, Roxana, and Bethalto (please check my public post under Rusty Wheat on Facebook) and each time I have my Chain gang signs out for public view, I use the county issued IDOT orange bags to draw attention. Recently people have contacted Senator Harriss's office in Springfield and have even spoken out at the Wood River City Council meeting regarding the use of my not-for-profit charter name "Chain Gang" as being a racist organization and being insensitive to the plight of less fortunate individuals. People can think what they want about the name, but what it means to me and why I use it is very simple. It means "Ties to my Community" and nothing more. The Chain is my "Tie", and the Gang is "MY Community." Ties to my community, it's straightforward and nothing about it is racist, I work alone and believe in leading by example. Rusty Wheat

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US Fire Engines Working on the Frontlines in Ukraine PEORIA - As Russia continues to attack Odesa, Ukraine for a third straight day, US fire engines and ambulances are playing a key role in the emergency response. Since October of 2022, US Ambulances for Ukraine has played a key role in supplying volunteer fire fighters in Odesa with equipment, ambulances and fire engines. The Volunteer Fire Association of Ukraine in Odesa have received donated fire engines and ambulances from Illinois, California, Indiana, and Virginia. These vehicles have been working practically nonstop for the past three nights as Russia continues to indiscriminately target the port city with suicide drones. "While we continue to be horrified by the images coming from Ukraine, we are gratified to see the vehicles we have delivered to volunteer fire fighters in Odesa making a difference", said Chris Manson, founder of US Ambulances for Ukraine, an Illinois-based nonprofit organization. To date, US Ambulances

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SPRINGFIELD – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame®-inducted icons and rock music legends Def Leppard will bring their electrifying performance to the Illinois State Fair on Saturday, August 16 , for an unforgettable night of rock ‘n’ roll. Known for their timeless hits and energetic live shows, the evening will include performances from Def Leppard’s legendary catalog, including chart-topping classics hits like "Pour Some Sugar on Me," "Photograph," and "Love Bites." “Our team has worked hard to elevate the quality of musical acts at the Grandstand during the Illinois State Fair,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II . “Def Leppard has a core memory tied to every one of their songs. For me, it’s “Photograph.” I’m looking forward to taking it all in at the Illinois State Fair.” With over 110 million albums sold, two prestigious U.S. Diamond Awards, and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame®

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GRAFTON - A local photographer and miniaturist has contributed a diorama to the National Memorial of Military Ascent. Samuel Odhiambo, age 13, is known around Grafton for his dioramas. Photos of his dioramas and miniatures are on display at the Grafton Art Gallery. But Odhiambo decided to take things one step further when he created a replica of Point du Hoc, the scene upon which the National Memorial of Military Ascent will be based. “Today I am here to promote the Grafton Art Gallery, Point du Hoc and also miniature artwork,” Odhiambo explained. “I was encouraged to make this diorama by the Grafton Art Gallery because I was told by Jackie about the project and I thought it would be a good idea to make a diorama about it. I wanted to recreate Point du Hoc because I kind of got the idea to do that from people at the gallery.” Jackie Duty, NMMA board member and co-owner of the Grafton Art Gallery, encouraged Odhiambo to make his diorama as a way to promote

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GODFREY - On Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, Mayor Mike McCormick filed his petitions for re-election as the Mayor of Godfrey. “It has been my honor to serve the Village of Godfrey for the last 16 years,” stated McCormick. “Keeping the Village of Godfrey thriving and safe has been my goal since I was first elected Mayor. Mayor McCormick was first elected to his position in 2009. During his tenure, the tax levy has never been raised and, in fact, was lowered for several years. Additionally, Glazebrook Park has seen a major expansion, several new businesses have opened, roads have been improved throughout the village, including moving oil and chip roads to asphalt. Progress has been made in extending Lars Hoffman Road from Godfrey Road to Pierce Lane and upgrading Pierce Lane and bringing the F.E. Widman Bike Path to fruition. In addition, the Township and Village have been merged which results in a savings for the taxpayers, and the old Highway House that was a blight on th

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BETHALTO - The upcoming “ Keys For Kids ” fundraiser this Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024 at The Brick Hall in Bethalto will feature dueling pianos, a silent auction, and more in support of a great cause. With 100% of the proceeds supporting Riverbend Rescue to help families in need during the holiday season, the event marks an evening of entertainment while giving back to the community. Adam Marburger with Riverbend Rescue said the event will be “a really nice time” and “really, really fun,” adding there will also be food, drinks, networking opportunities, and more. Doors will open at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024. The Brick House is a private event space located at Laux Brickhouse Grille, 212 N. Prairie St. in Bethalto. Tickets are required and can be purchased online at this link for $50 each or at the door with cash or check. Riverbend Rescue has announced several items up for bid at the evening’s Silent Auction,

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GRAFTON - The National Memorial of Military Ascent hosted a fundraiser to promote their mission of establishing a memorial in Grafton. On Nov. 11, 2024, Veterans Day, community leaders gathered at Café Napoli in Clayton, Missouri, to learn more about the memorial and donate toward its construction. Veteran John Simmons, co-chair of NMMA and CEO of Simmons Hanly Conroy, shared his vision for the memorial and encouraged people to donate. “Please remember, together, we’re not just building a memorial,” he said. “We’re creating a place where our grandchildren can learn about sacrifice, service and the power of unity, a place where we can understand how ordinary Americans can come together to accomplish extraordinary things.” Simmons and his firm donated $2.5 million toward the project during the event. The memorial’s design includes 12 bronze statues, valued at $250,000 each. With Simmons’s donation, the memorial is

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GLEN CARBON - A Granite City man remains in custody following multiple cases of battery against police officers, a nurse, and more on two different occasions. Bruce E. Kelly, 70, of Granite City, was charged in two separate cases with aggravated battery of a peace officer. In one case, he was additionally charged with battery and resisting a peace officer. The charges, filed on Nov. 7, 2024, stem from two separate incidents on Oct. 30 and Nov. 3, 2024. On Oct. 30, Kelly allegedly “threw a brown liquid” on a Glen Carbon Police officer and pushed a nurse. On Nov. 3, he reportedly spit on another victim and a different Glen Carbon Police officer before resisting arrest. Kelly was remanded to jail for his initial court appearance in both cases. Madison County Sheriff’s Office records indicate he currently remains in custody. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects charged with criminal offenses

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JERSEYVILLE — The Jersey Community High School FFA Ag Sales team has earned a spot in the state competition after a strong performance at the District Agriculture Sales Career Development Event. The event took place on Oct. 29, 2024, in Springfield, Illinois, hosted by Brandt. The team, comprised of students Meredith Dougherty, Katie Cornelius, Ashlen Scott, and Clay Wadlow, secured third place in the competition following extensive preparation that included study, practice, and hands-on experience. Their achievement not only highlights their dedication but also showcases the skills they have developed through their involvement in the Future Farmers of America program. With this recent success, the team is set to travel at the end of November to compete against the top-placing teams from across Illinois in the state competition. This opportunity allows them to further demonstrate their abilities in agricultural sales and gain valuable experience in the field.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Ameren Illinois spokesperson Brian Bretsch reported that the company is currently working to reroute power from other circuits to restore service to affected customers. As of the latest update, the outage count is decreasing, and crews are optimistic about restoring power by 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Bretsch said as of 11:15 a.m. today all but 14 customers involved in the outage had power restored. The incident occurred at approximately 9:20 a.m. Tuesday, prompting immediate action from utility crews. "The 14 customers who are closest to the accident scene are still without power," Bretsch said. "Ameren Illinois is in the process of re-routing power from other circuits in the area to restore power for customers impacted by the vehicle-utility pole accident this morning at 9:20 a.m. "The outage count is going down. We hope to have customers restored by 12:45 p.m. today. "Our crews will stay on the scene near our Wanda Substation to stabilize the utility

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EDWARDSVILLE - In October, employees of Revity Credit Union came together to raise $4,562.15 for the American Cancer Society through their Revel for a Cause Jeans Program. The Revel for a Cause Jeans Program is an employee funded program that gives Revity Credit Union employees the opportunity to support the credit union philosophy of people helping people. By making a monthly, monetary donation to a local organization, Revity Credit Union employees can wear jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays during that month. At Revity Credit Union, our commitment lies in supporting our community and prioritizing our members' well-being. Revity has proudly selected the American Cancer Society as the recipient of their Revel for a Cause donation. During the month of October, Revity Credit Union proudly contributed $4,562.15 to the American Cancer Society. This generous donation resulted from collaborative efforts: $1,191 was collected through the jeans program, while $3,371.15 came

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EDWARDSVILLE - Lewis and Clark Community College’s N.O. Nelson Campus in Edwardsville will hold an Industrial Careers Open House on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. This career fair/networking event is open to both potential students and L&C alumni who would like to learn more about the careers available to them with training from L&C’s Process Operations Technology and Industrial Electricity programs. According to Assistant Professor of Process Operations Technology Paul Kuebrich, those considering an industrial career will have the chance to speak directly to professionals who are actively engaged in the industrial sector. “This will be an opportunity to ask questions, gain insights and network with individuals who have experience and knowledge,” he said. “You will be able to take a guided tour of our state-of-the-art facilities and labs, and see the environment in which you will gain hands-on skills that are in high demand by employers.” Area employer

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COLLINSVILLE — The Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 conducted Roadside Safety Checks (RSC) in Madison and St. Clair counties in October, resulting in a total of 88 citations and arrests aimed at enhancing road safety. Captain Casey Faro, the commander of ISP Troop 8, announced the results of the RSCs, which included three driving under the influence (DUI) citations and ten other alcohol or drug-related citations. In addition, law enforcement issued citations for various traffic violations, including 12 occupant restraint offenses, 32 registration offenses, 30 driver’s license offenses, and 14 insurance violations. Officers also provided 24 written warnings during the checks. According to ISP, alcohol and drug impairment contributes to over 47% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois, highlighting the importance of such safety initiatives. Nationally, there is an alcohol-related traffic fatality every 39 minutes. The RSCs are part of a broader effort to remove dangerou

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COLLINSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation is hosting a career fair Nov. 13 in Collinsville. The fair will be held from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Gateway Convention Center, 1 Gateway Drive. Representatives from the offices and bureaus who oversee both technical and administrative support responsibilities will be available to discuss current and upcoming employment opportunities at various IDOT locations. Attendees can learn how to apply for state jobs and attend breakout sessions. Partners from Central Management Services will be available to help explain the application process. The Illinois Secretary of State’s office will have staff present to answer questions on obtaining a commercial driver’s license for positions where one is required. The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs also will be available to provide guidance on programs and services for qualified veterans. While a limited number of computers will be available

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EDWARDSVILLE — A vehicle crash has left the Madison County Courthouse and Administration Building without power, affecting operations in the area. The incident report to Ameren Illinois occurred around 9:20 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, when a car struck a pole near the Wanda substation, resulting in a loss of electricity for approximately 7,700 customers in the Edwardsville area. By 11 a.m. Tuesday, all but 14 customers had their power restored. Cynthia Ellis, a spokesperson for Madison County, confirmed that while the Criminal Justice Center remains operational with generator power, the main courthouse and administration building are currently without electricity. Ellis reported that, as of 11 a.m. on Tuesday, the power at the courthouse had been restored. Brian Bretsch, a spokesperson for Ameren Illinois, stated that crews are engaged in the situation and are assessing the damage. He also confirmed that everyone should have power restored on Tuesday between 12:30 and 12:45

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CLAYTON, MO - The National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) is excited to announce that Jayne and John Simmons, along with Simmons Hanly Conroy Law Firm, have pledged a $2.5 million donation toward the completion of the NMMA. This generous contribution will support the ongoing construction of the memorial, which honors the sacrifices of U.S. military veterans, and will serve as a key funding boost in the effort to bring this monumental project to life. The announcement was presented at the NMMA’s Veterans Day Fundraiser, held at Café Napoli in Clayton, Missouri, on Monday, November 11, 2024. The event gathered community members, veterans, and supporters to pay tribute to the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces while raising additional funds for the memorial. This remarkable donation provides crucial support for the ongoing construction of the memorial, which is poised to become a landmark tribute to the U.S. Armed Forces. "This contribution

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PONTOON BEACH - Madison County Transit (MCT) is proud to announce a new partnership with Chestnut Health Systems™ (Chestnut), a private, not-for-profit organization, aimed at providing critical support to MCT bus passengers. Beginning Dec. 1, 2024, Chestnut will deploy behavioral health teams at MCT transfer stations, on MCT buses, and on MCT Trails throughout Madison County. These professionals will engage riders, conduct screenings, and link individuals to necessary services, including mental health, substance use, primary medical care, as well as community and recovery supports. “We’re finding that a growing number of individuals who ride MCT buses are in need of services that we’re not equipped to provide,” said MCT Managing Director SJ Morrison. “This partnership allows MCT to come alongside our passengers and get them the help they need.” Chestnut’s team will work with Agency for Community Transit (ACT) drivers, road supervisors,

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