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MARYVILLE - The Maryville Police Department is addressing recent complaints about solicitors operating in the area, emphasizing that no active solicitation permits have been issued by the village. The police department reminds residents that authorized solicitors must display a permit on a lanyard around their neck and are allowed to solicit only between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. To obtain a solicitation permit in Maryville, individuals must pass a thorough background check, which must be completed before a permit is issued. This process is designed to protect the safety of the community. Residents are urged to contact the Maryville Police Department if they have concerns or suspicions about any solicitor. Authorities advise the public not to allow strangers into their homes or share personal information with unknown individuals. The police department underscores that community safety remains a top priority. For any additional information, contact the Maryville Police at (618) 344-8899.

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CARLINVILLE – A local health department will offer free gun safes, firearm safety tips, and more at an upcoming event aimed to help keep local firearm-owning families safe. Macoupin County Safe Families , part of the Macoupin County Public Health Department , is hosting a Firearm Safety Training event next month on Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 1 to 4 p.m. in the Bothwell Auditorium of Blackburn College at 700 College Ave. in Carlinville. In addition to valuable insights and practical safety tips, everyone who pre-registers and attends the entire training session will go home with their choice of a free gun safe, lockbox, or gun lock, with pickup available at the end of the session. To sign up by the May 23, 2025 deadline, email safefamilies@mcphd.net , call 217-854-5322, or fill out this online form . The event will also feature a lineup of notable guest speakers. Macoupin County State’s Attorney Jordan Garrison will give a presentation on Karina’s Law, followed

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ALTON — Travis L. Watley, 40, of Alton, was charged Monday, April 28, 2025, with aggravated unlawful restraint and domestic battery following a domestic disturbance reported Sunday morning, April 27, 2025, in the 2100 block of Mulberry Street in Alton. Officers from the Alton Police Department responded at approximately 9 a.m. on April 27 after a female victim reported being battered by Watley and held against her will. The woman safely exited the residence, and Watley surrendered to authorities. Subsequently, the Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division and Patrol Division executed a search warrant at the home, where they seized evidence related to the investigation. Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced the charges: aggravated unlawful restraint, a Class 3 felony, and domestic battery, classified as a fourth or subsequent offense, also a Class 3 felony. Judge Nielsen signed an arrest warrant ordering Watley to be held at the Madison

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today reintroduced the Cahokia Mounds Mississippian Culture Study Act to require the National Park Service (NPS) to conduct a Special Resources Study (SRS) on Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and its satellite sites. Durbin and Duckworth have long pushed for Cahokia Mounds to receive a National Historical Site designation from NPS, but in a congressional hearing in the 117th Congress, NPS indicated that a SRS must first be conducted on the site. If Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site were to be elevated beyond its current designation as a National Historic Landmark, the site would be given additional protections for the ancient mounds in St. Clair and Madison Counties along with Sugarloaf Mound in St. Louis – the city’s only remaining mound. “Cahokia Mounds is an important natural, archeological, and cultural landmark that represents the indigenous peoples

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SOUTH ROXANA – A Cottage Hills woman accused of damaging a Tesla is among two local residents recently charged with vehicle-related offenses. Stacy M. Frank, 37, of Cottage Hills, was charged on April 24, 2025 with one count of criminal damage to property, a Class 4 felony. On Jan. 21, 2025, Frank allegedly caused over $500 worth of damage to the windshield of a red 2019 Tesla Model 3. The case against Frank was presented by the South Roxana Police Department, and she was granted pretrial release from custody. Another local woman was charged on the same day in a separate car-related case. Elizabeth A. Hargrove, 34, of South Roxana, was charged with a Class 2 felony count of unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle. On Feb. 4, 2025, Hargrove allegedly possessed a 2000 Mitsubishi Galant with a Missouri registration number which she knew to be stolen. The South Roxana Police Department also presented the case against Frank, who was also granted pretrial release from custody

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EDWARDSVILLE - Hope Animal Rescues will host their first annual Plant Sale to benefit the 109 dogs in their care. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, 2025, community members can stop by SoCal Soul in Edwardsville to purchase a variety of plants. SoCal Soul will also donate 10% of their profits that day to the rescue. Jackie Spiker, who oversees Hope Animal Rescues, explained the Plant Sale will go a long way toward helping the animals. “Community is very important to our success, and we have a very good and loyal animal-loving community here,” she said. “It’s important for all of us to work together to help the animals and better their lives, which in turn enriches human life.” Spiker said volunteers have gathered seedlings and other plants, which were all donated for the sale. They have a wide variety, from ferns to geraniums. She believes you can find “everything for your garden to get you ready for spring and summer.” She

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EAST ALTON – Several felonies have been filed against an East Alton woman found with the personal and financial information of 14 different people. Jessica A. Wyatt, 44, of East Alton, was charged on April 21, 2025 with four Class 2 felony counts of aggravated identity theft, 10 Class 3 felony counts of identity theft, and a Class 4 felony count of deceptive practices. On Oct. 18, 2024, Wyatt allegedly stole personal identifying information from 14 different people, four of whom were 60 years of age or older. Among the information stolen were bank account numbers, social security numbers, financial account login information, driver’s license numbers, and more. Wyatt also reportedly possessed fraudulent checks which she intended to use to access the funds of another person. The East Alton Police Department presented the case against Wyatt, who was granted pretrial release from custody. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of

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O'FALLON - The O’Fallon Township High School District 203 Board of Education expressed its gratitude to Steve Dirnbeck for more than 30 years of dedicated service to the district this week. Dirnbeck has contributed to the community in multiple roles, including teacher, administrator, coach, and board member. The recognition took place during the board’s most recent meeting, where current board members gathered to honor Dirnbeck’s extensive commitment to OTHS. The district acknowledged his impact on students and staff throughout his tenure. The Board of Education’s statement highlighted their appreciation: “Thank you for your service to the OTHS Community Mr. Dirnbeck!”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement in response to the devastating car crash in Chatham, which claimed the lives of two 7-year-olds, an 8-year-old, and an 18-year-old. Six other children were hospitalized, one of whom remains in critical condition as of this morning. “The loss of these young lives is something no parent, no family, and no community should ever have to bear. To the families of these four victims and those injured, my heart aches for you. You and all those touched by this nightmare are in my constant thoughts and prayers. “I am grateful to the first responders who acted with remarkable bravery and urgency, as well as to the school staff, faith leaders, Red Cross, and volunteers who have offered their support to our community. "As the days and weeks unfold, I hope our community continues to support and uplift one another through this challenging time.”

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EDWARDSVILLE/EAST ST. LOUIS - Metro East residents received valuable information, participated in health screenings, enjoyed free haircuts, beauty services, clothing, lunch, and major door prizes during the Spring Forward Health and Wellness Fair, co-hosted by the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing’s (SON) WE CARE Clinic in East St. Louis. The WE CARE Clinic partnered with the East St. Louis (IL) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. to host their second annual health fair on Saturday, April 26, at the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus in East St. Louis. SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, a member of Kappa Alpha Psi, attended the event and helped present the WE Care clinic with a $7,000 donation from the fraternity. A total of 40 vendors from the Greater St. Louis and Metro East areas participated in the event. Organizations included Writers, Planners, & Trainers (WPT), the University of Illinois, East Side Health District,

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BELLEVILLE - Area residents are encouraged to get out and explore the MetroBikeLink System this summer through St. Clair County Transit District’s “GO TRAILing” program, being held in partnership with Citizens for Modern Transit. Program participants can earn a selection of prizes by tracking miles spent biking, walking, wheeling, running, skating or skipping along the more than 39 miles of interconnecting trails and bike paths extending from the Fairview Heights Transit Center to the Shiloh-Scott Transit Center in St. Clair County, Ill. The summerlong initiative runs from May 10 through Aug. 9 and is free and open to the public. Registration can be completed at www.scctd.org . Prizes are awarded to those who track 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 miles and include a MetroBikeLink water bottle, “GO TRAILing” brand t-shirt or hat, monthly transit pass, bike helmet and bike light. Those who track 100 miles or more over the summer months will also be entered into

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College’s Community Education division is helping to keep kids busy this summer with various multi-day College for Kids (C4K) classes. College for Kids is an academic enrichment program designed to keep young minds active as they engage, connect and learn. C4K celebrates their 36th year of enriching youth programs. Community Education Division Assistant Becky Moore said she is overjoyed to present this year’s classes to the community.“We’re thrilled to offer another summer of engaging, hands-on classes where kids can explore new interests, make friends and learn from instructors who truly love what they do,” Moore said. The 2025 Summer Camps list includes: Camp Waterschool Crayola Wild World Creative Gardener Camp Thinking Outside the Hat Balloonatics Lewis and Clark Jr. Explorer Camp Robotics 101 with LEGO WeDo Education Arithme-tricks Let’s Create an Amusement Park in LEGO Bricks Style Kids

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EAST ALTON – The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) is excited to welcome Andrya Whitten Harris, Large River Fisheries Ecologist for the Illinois Natural History Survey, as the featured guest speaker for the upcoming SEED Series event from 10 a.m. – noon, Tuesday, May 20, at the Jerry F. Costello Confluence Field Station in East Alton. This free public event offers a fascinating look into the fish communities of the Illinois River, which joins the Mississippi River just upstream from the Field Station. “We’re thrilled to host Andrya and share her work with our community,” said Environmental Educator Erica Doerr. “This event offers a rare opportunity to blend science, art, and conservation in a meaningful and memorable way.” Harris, based at the Illinois River Biological Station in Havana, Illinois, brings a wealth of expertise through her work on the Long-term Survey and Assessment of Large-River Fishes in Illinois

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JERSEY COUNTY - It’s Got Faith? weekend in Jersey County, and you have the opportunity to save big and give back. From Thursday, May 1, through Sunday, May 4, 2025, community members can wear a Got Faith? t-shirt to any participating business for deals, gifts and more. There are 98 participating businesses throughout Jerseyville, Grafton and surrounding Jersey County communities. Got Faith? founder Steve Pegram explained that the goal is to support the businesses while spreading the word about the organization’s mission. “It’s our way of giving back to the businesses,” he said. “It’s like a walking coupon with your t-shirt.” As an organization, Got Faith? provides a variety of services to community members. They have a clothes closet and a food pantry. They also sponsor 12-step support groups. For a full list of their services, visit their official website . Pegram emphasized that they want to help people in the community.

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COLLINSVILLE — Collinsville Police Officer Jeremy Moore graduated from Session 155 of the Southwestern Illinois College Police Academy this past week, marking a significant milestone in his law enforcement career. The 16-week program Moore attended included intensive instruction on Illinois law, defensive tactics, firearms training, and de-escalation techniques. Following his graduation, Officer Moore will begin a 14-week Field Training Program with the Collinsville Police Department. The department expressed enthusiasm about his progress and future contributions. “Welcome to the team, Jeremy. We are extremely excited to watch you develop and hope you have a long and successful career at CPD,” the Collinsville Police Department said in a statement.

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ALTON – Riverbend Christian Leadership Academy (RCLA) invites the Riverbend community to a powerful evening of fellowship, worship, and prayer in observance of the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, May 1, 2025, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the RCLA Gymnasium, 2009 Seminary Street in Alton, IL. This year’s event will begin with a Fellowship Reception from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., oMering attendees the opportunity to enjoy light refreshments and connect with local missions making an impact across the Riverbend. Guests can meet ministry leaders, hear their stories, and discover how God is moving through His people to bring hope and healing to our community. Participating missions include: Tigerlili Resources CEIFA International Missions Riverbend Christian Leadership Academy Salvation Army Thrive Restore Network Oasis Women's Center Following the reception, the evening will transition into a time of worship and guided prayer, led by pastors and

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GLEN CARBON — A fire broke out overnight at an apartment building under construction off Meridian Road in Glen Carbon on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, prompting multiple fire departments to respond to the scene. The blaze caused heavy fire damage to the apartments under construction. The Glen Carbon Fire Protection District believes a lightning strike may have started the fire. Fire crews remained on site Monday morning, continuing to manage the aftermath. Glen Carbon Police were rerouting traffic in the area to ensure safety and facilitate emergency response. When firefighters arrived, the flames were heavy at the scene. Authorities have not yet released further details on the investigation into the cause. Thankfully, there were no injuries in the incident.

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City Community Unit School District #9 announced a Special Meeting of the Board of Education on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 6 p.m. at the James J. Greenwald Administration Building at 3200 Maryville Road in Granite City, Ill. The purpose of this meeting is to conclude current Board of Education business and organization of the new GCSD9 School Board of Education. Roll Call and Declaration of Quorum Pledge of Allegiance Invocation Public Comment Minutes Executive Session Minutes Old Business Motion to Adjourn Sine Die Declaration of Quorum Call to Order and Roll Call Setting of the Agenda Adjournment To view the online agenda, please click HERE . For more information about Granite City School District #9, visit www.gcsd9.net .

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) in sending a letter to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. calling out the Trump administration’s direct attacks on Head Start, reminding him of his legal obligation to administer the program, and demanding the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) immediately release Head Start funding and reverse the mass firing of Head Start staff and gutting of the offices that help ensure high-quality services are available for thousands of children and families across the country. “We write to express our strong opposition to the actions you have taken to directly attack and undermine the federal Head Start program. Since day one, this Administration has taken unacceptable actions to withhold and delay funding, fire Head Start staff,

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SPRINGFIELD – Celebrating the Secretary of State’s 75th annual Vehicle Show this fall, Illinois Secretary Alexi Giannoulias is highlighting the 70th anniversary of the iconic Chrysler 300. Giannoulias also announced that the Vehicle Show will take place on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. in downtown Springfield. A limited number of commemorative license plates featuring the Chrysler 300 and promoting the Vehicle Show are now available for $35 per pair until June 10. Illinois vehicle owners who purchase the plates may display them on their vehicles for up to 60 days before the show from July 8 to September 6, 2025. “The Secretary of State’s Vehicle Show is a treasured tradition that brings families and enthusiasts together from across the Midwest,” Giannoulias said. “This year’s show celebrates 75 years of classic cars and family fun. We look forward to hosting the event in downtown Springfield so people can tak

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