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EAST ST. LOUIS – A 36-year-old Chilean national, Maryorie Fernandez-Ormeno, also known as Guadalupe Maldanado Salinas, is facing multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft, after allegedly using a stolen credit card to purchase gift cards at a Sam’s Club in Glen Carbon. The charges stem from an incident on February 18, 2024, when Fernandez-Ormeno is accused of stealing a credit card from another woman’s purse while shopping at a Schnucks grocery store in Edwardsville. Following the theft, she reportedly used the stolen credit card to buy $2,684.24 in gift cards at Sam’s Club and attempted to make an additional purchase of $2,477.76 at the same location. Fernandez-Ormeno was previously deported from the United States on October 2, 2023, and now faces a charge for illegal reentry. She was arrested by the U.S. Marshals Service in Philadelphia. A co-conspirator is also facing charges related to

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JERSEYVILLE – A man from Highland faces a felony after attacking an elderly victim in Jersey County. Loren J. Chassels, 53, of Highland, was charged on March 18, 2025 with one count of aggravated battery, a Class 2 felony. On March 12, 2025, Chassels allegedly caused bodily harm to an elderly victim who was 60 years of age at the time of the incident. Charging documents state Chassels struck the victim in the face with a closed fist. Chassels has since been granted pretrial release from custody and issued a summons to appear in court. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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JERSEYVILLE – A Jerseyville woman accused of transporting over 300 grams of methamphetamine across state lines faces a major felony charge. Dawn M. Wells, also known as Dawn M. Phillips or Dawn M. Day, 45, of Jerseyville, was charged on March 19, 2025 with a Class X felony count of methamphetamine trafficking. Wells allegedly attempted to bring approximately 329.8 grams of methamphetamine from the state of Missouri into the state of Illinois on March 17, 2025. A petition filed to deny Wells’ pretrial release notes she has an “extensive criminal history dating back to at least 2007. At the time of this incident, she was on probation for charges of theft and criminal damage to property, both also filed in Jersey County. Wells had been previously arrested for manufacturing/delivery of a controlled substance in Jersey County, which was plead down to a possession charge. She had also been charged with manufacturing methamphetamine in a criminal case from Kentucky, bu

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City police initiated a traffic stop at 2:20 a.m. early Saturday morning, March 24, 2025, that escalated into a pursuit ending in St. Louis City. Granite City Police Major Charles Bremer said officers attempted to pull over a vehicle on Iowa Street at 14th Street in Granite City at 2:20 a.m on March 24. The driver, however, refused to comply and fled the scene. The Granite City Police Department pursued the vehicle, leading to an incident in St. Louis City where shots were fired. According to Major Charles Bremer of the Granite City Police Department, no officers were struck by gunfire, and there were no reported injuries to the suspect or any members of the public during the pursuit. The St. Louis City District Six Detective Bureau is currently investigating the incident. Major Bremer stated that no further information would be released at this time.

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ALTON - Kirstan Gray wants to see a new brand for Alton. In a recent conversation on “Our Daily Show!” with CJ Nasello , Gray, a candidate for Alton’s 6th Ward alderperson seat, shared his vision for the ward and the city. He believes Alton needs a new advocate and a decisive, united City Council. “I found out that Alton’s brand is damaged, and I want to help rebuild that,” he said. “I want to be part of rebuilding that.” Gray is a DJ and business owner in Alton. He has worked with Olin’s IT department for 37 years. He believes Alton should be a “visionary place” with more development and a better “image.” He said he speaks with many people who are concerned about crime and the roads in Alton, and the city’s positives go unnoticed. He wants to see a new “headline” that advocates for Alton and encourages people to come to the city. Gray has questions about how Alton’s

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EDWARDSVILLE — EXO Lounge hosted a car show on Saturday, March 22, 2025, that attracted a diverse crowd and showcased 42 vehicles, including some rare models. Gina Gamblin, the owner of EXO Lounge, described the event as having "a fantastic turnout," and said the show brought together both car enthusiasts and families. Among the standout vehicles was a Ferrari SF90 Stradale that was once owned by model Kendall Jenner. Gamblin highlighted the car as "one of a kind" and a significant draw for attendees. Kendall Jenner is an American model and socialite. She is known for her role in the "Keeping Up With the Kardashians" television show. Another popular vehicle at the show was an Aston Martin DB-11 AMR, owned by a member of the Carbon Members Club. The DB-11 model has a 630-horsepower twin-turbo V12 engine and a 0-62 mph time in 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 208 mph. Gamblin expressed her enthusiasm for the event, and she emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming atmospher

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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Area Vocational Center (CAVC) is set to break ground on a $25 million expansion and renovation project, aimed at enhancing workforce training for students across the region. The ceremonial event will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at the construction site located at the intersection of South Morrison and Caseyville Roads in Collinsville, directly across from the existing CAVC building and Collinsville High School campus. Officials from the Collinsville Community Unit School District #10, along with members of the design and construction team, local business leaders, trade unions, professional organizations, and representatives from the State of Illinois are expected to attend the ceremony. The upgraded facility will serve 10 area Metro East school districts, including Civic Memorial, Dupo, East Alton-Wood River, Edwardsville, Highland, Lebanon, Mascoutah, Roxana, and Triad high schools. The new CAVC is designed to create a more

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul and New York Attorney General Letitia James today led a coalition of 16 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief supporting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) parole pathways for certain vulnerable immigrants fleeing dangerous conditions in their home countries. On Jan. 20, the Trump administration issued an executive ordering directing DHS to terminate humanitarian parole programs. As a result, DHS stopped processing new applications for parole pathways and barred current parolees from applying for other forms of temporary or permanent immigration status. In their amicus brief, Raoul and the coalition urge the court to grant a preliminary injunction to halt the Trump administration’s actions, which have upended the lives of tens of thousands of legal immigrants and threaten to tear communities and families apart. “I am the proud son of Haitian immigrants who, like so many immigrants, worked diligently to

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SPRINGFIELD - Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced the start of the 2025 Congressional Art Competition for high school students in Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. The winning submission will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol Building for one year alongside artwork from congressional districts across the country. “I always love seeing the artistic talent and creativity of students in Central and Southern Illinois and I’m excited to launch the Congressional Art Competition for 2025,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “This contest gives high school students across the country the chance to display their work on the national stage, with the goal of recognizing and encouraging young artists. Last year, I was so impressed by the incredible artwork that came from students in the 13th district – and I can’t wait to see what they have in store this year.” The Congressional Art Competition, first held in 1982, is a nationwide

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined 51 other attorneys general in filing an amicus brief before the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims in support of two military veterans and their families who were unlawfully denied their full G.I. Bill education benefits by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). In this case, a U.S. Army lieutenant colonel veteran and a U.S. Air Force colonel veteran were denied crucial education benefits to which they are clearly entitled. Raoul and the bipartisan coalition argue in the brief that the VA has taken a restrictive interpretation of the G.I. Bill that contradicts the Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Rudisill v. McDonough, which confirmed veterans whose length of service separately qualifies them under both the Montgomery and Post-9/11 G.I. Bills are entitled to a full 48 months of education benefits. Despite the clear precedent, the VA has continued to limit benefits based on an erroneous reading of the ruling,

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Letter To The Editor: The future of the City of Alton and the Village of Godfrey are directly tied to the upcoming April 1 Municipal elections. Resident voters will have the opportunity to elect a Mayor and Alderman/Board members whose responsibility it will be to progressively lead their communities for the next four years. Each community is faced with an issue over which they have little control, that being an out-migration of residents driven by the second highest total tax base in the nation, with the possibility of yet another State Income Tax increase in support of the thirst for spending by our elected officials. Madison County's unemployment rate is higher than the State's average suggesting the need for more competitive paying jobs within our business component. Affordable and attractive housing is of necessity to drive families to the area and the available housing stock is reasonably priced. Strong leadership must evolve from the upcoming election. Elected leaders must

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BELLEVILLE — The Belleville Police and Fire Departments faced off in a spirited basketball game at Belleville West High School, all in support of the Special Olympics Unified Schools program. The event, known as the Battle of the Badges, drew community members and local first responders together for a night of competition and camaraderie. Proceeds from ticket sales directly benefit the Special Olympics Unified Schools, which aims to promote inclusion and support for students with intellectual disabilities through sports and activities. “We’d like to thank everyone that came out on Friday night to Belleville West for the Battle of the Badges game and donated to the Special Olympics Unified Schools,” the Belleville Police Department said in a statement following the event. The friendly rivalry between the police and fire departments not only showcased athletic skills but also emphasized community spirit and support for a meaningful cause.

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ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis region ranks second in the United States for minerals and ores exports, primarily including metals and metal products. The availability of economically viable rare earth elements coupled with unparalleled transportation access and skilled workforce, is credited with attracting investment and contributing to the 39.3% increase in iron and steel mill employment experienced in the last five years. The St. Louis region is home to major employers such as Wieland, Alton Steel, Inc. (ASI), U.S. Steel, Roberson Machine Company, Alro Steel, Heintz Steel and Manufacturing Co., Arch Metals, and Samuel Missouri Metals. Much of the industry is growing as some of these companies continue to make significant investments in the bi-state area, while others are beefing up and stabilizing their workforce as operations continue to rebound from the COVID-19 dip and other economic factors. Wieland, a leading global supplier of high-quality copper and copper alloy solutions, i

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ST. LOUIS - The following statement is attributable to Interim Corrections Commissioner Doug Burris: “A male detainee from the City Justice Center was pronounced dead at Barnes-Jewish Hospital this morning, March 23, 2025. The detainee was taken to St. Louis University Hospital (SLUH) yesterday, March 22, after CJC staff found him on the floor at the jail. A toxicology report showed that the incident was not drug related and seizures were suspected. After being treated by staff at SLUH, the detainee was discharged and returned to the City Justice Center. He was quickly brought to Barnes-Jewish Hospital this morning after CJC staff found him unresponsive. More details will be forthcoming upon the completion of the medical examiners report.” --

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Did you know that 92% of people who set New Year’s goals never actually achieve them? This staggering statistic reveals a fundamental truth about ambition and the human experience: merely setting goals is often not enough. For meaningful personal growth, visualization and intentionality are key components that can transform aspirations into reality. One effective tool in this endeavor is the vision board—a powerful visual representation of your goals and dreams. What is a Vision Board? A vision board is a collection of images, words, and quotations that represent your aspirations and desired outcomes. It serves as a tangible reminder of what you want to achieve, helping to keep your goals front and center in your daily life. This creative process can be both inspiring and motivating, allowing you to visualize your future while fostering a sense of accountability. The Psychological Basis: Why Vision Boards Work The effectiveness of vision boards can be traced back to the

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Welcome to This Day in History! March 24 has witnessed a myriad of significant events that have shaped our world. Sports History: The First NCAA Basketball Championship (1939) Sports enthusiasts will recognize March 24, 1939, as the date of the first-ever NCAA basketball championship. This inaugural tournament, held in Evanston, Illinois, featured eight teams and culminated in a thrilling championship game between the University of Oregon and Ohio State University. Oregon emerged victorious, securing a place in sports history. The NCAA tournament has since grown into a nationwide phenomenon, captivating millions of fans every March. Known for its excitement and unpredictability, the tournament has produced countless memorable moments and legendary players, making it a cherished tradition in American sports. Technological Advances: The Introduction of the First Mobile Phone (1973) On March 24, 1973, Martin Cooper, a Motorola executive, made the first-ever mobile phone

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Letter To The Editor: Dear Residents of Godfrey, I am writing to express my strong endorsement of Mayor Michael McCormick as he seeks re-election. Over the years, Mayor McCormick has demonstrated exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of the Village of Godfrey. His collaborative approach with law enforcement has been instrumental in reducing crime rates and enhancing the quality of life in Godfrey. Mayor McCormick's dedication to public safety, economic development, and community engagement is truly commendable. I have full confidence that under his continued leadership, Godfrey will thrive as a safe and prosperous community. I urge you to support Mayor Michael McCormick in the upcoming election. Sincerely, Madison County Sheriff Jeff C. Connor

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BETHALTO - Dr. Natalie Langenfeld-McCoy wants to help. Langenfeld-McCoy, one of nine candidates running for a seat on the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 Board of Education, shared more about who she is and what she stands for. After filling one of the vacancies on the school board last summer, she hopes to earn another four years to serve the Bethalto community and the students. “I just wanted to help because I really care about the school district,” she said. “I’ve got a lot of kids in the district and I want them to have the best education, but really, I was just motivated to help because I didn’t like seeing what was happening. Right now, I think that we have a lot of great candidates that want to help, and they all have differing experiences and qualifications. I think that, really, our community has a lot of great options to get somebody in there, whoever they want in there, to lead the school on the right path.” Langenfeld-McCoy

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SWANSEA - TWM, Inc., one of the top engineering and geospatial firms in the greater St. Louis area, is proud to announce that Derek Twente, PLS, EI, has been awarded the Albert H. “Pat” Patterson Surveyor of the Year Award by IPLSA. This recognition highlights Derek’s dedication, expertise, and contributions to the surveying profession. As COO and Director of Geospatial Services, Derek has over 20 years of experience in surveying and has played a vital role in shaping successful projects at TWM. Through his leadership, he has built one of the largest and most innovative surveying teams in the Midwest. Derek has been an active member in IPLSA for 17 years serving in numerous roles, including as Secretary and President of the Southwest Chapter. He has also been part of the Membership Committee and a delegate on the state board before moving to the Executive Committee where he worked through the ranks as Secretary, Treasurer, President Elect, and President. Additionally,

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BELLEVILLE — A Georgia man has been sentenced to 49 years in prison following his conviction for an armed robbery that occurred at the Casino Queen in 2017. Daryl S. Muhammad, 48, of Marietta, Georgia, was found guilty of armed robbery and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon by a jury in November 2024. On March 21, 2025, a St. Clair County judge sentenced Muhammad to 44 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for the armed robbery charge, requiring him to serve 85% of that sentence. He received an additional five-year sentence for unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. The robbery took place on September 17, 2017, at approximately 2:55 a.m., when three men armed with rifles entered the Casino Queen. During the incident, an unarmed security guard was shot, and more than $47,000 was stolen. Following a thorough investigation, the Illinois State Police identified Muhammad in Cobb County, Georgia, leading to his arrest in January 2019. St. Clair County State’s

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