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EAST ST. LOUIS – Linda J. Johnson, a 58-year-old woman from Waterloo, was sentenced to 15 months on charges of embezzling over $135,000 from Dupo Community Unit School District #196. The sentencing, which took place in federal court, includes three months in the Federal Bureau of Prisons followed by 12 months in community confinement. Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a federally funded program, which stemmed from her role as an administrative support employee in the superintendent's office from 2016 to 2022. During this time, she was tasked with managing deposits for the district’s activities account, which supported various student programs, including athletics and clubs. Court documents reveal that Johnson embezzled funds by stealing cash donations and money raised for activities such as yearbook production, cheerleading, and science clubs. To hide her actions, she prepared fraudulent deposit slips that misrepresented the actual amounts deposited, ensuring

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Letter To The Editor: ALTON - I am appalled and shocked by the senseless shootings that have recently occurred in the 1200 block of Central Street, incidents that have put the lives of innocent people in jeopardy. While I am grateful that no one has been hurt or killed during these shootings, we must recognize that this kind of violence cannot be tolerated in our community, and it must stop. These incidents are not random acts of violence; rather, they indicate a troubling trend that undermines the safety and security we cherish in Alton. This kind of senseless behavior is not a way to resolve conflicts or disputes, and it is imperative that we come together as a community to stand against it. I want to assure our residents that the Alton Police Department will use every resource at their disposal to bring these offenders to justice. We are committed to the safety of all residents and visitors who come to Alton. We will not rest until those responsible for these crimes are apprehended

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BETHALTO – Residents of Brighton and Granite City were charged in a Madison County burglary case in which tools were stolen from a residence and listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace. On Feb. 18, 2025, Michael D. Skiff, 45, of Brighton and Aaron D. Rowe, 39, of Granite City, were both charged with Class 2 felony counts of burglary in separate but related cases. Both are accused of unlawfully entering a building in the 700 block of Dugger Street in Bethalto with the intent to commit a felony. Petitions were filed to deny both Skiff and Rowe’s pretrial release. According to both petitions, the Bethalto Police Department arrived at the residence in response to a theft. The homeowner, who was working on the house but not living there, told officers that tools and other items worth about $1,810 were stolen from the residence. “A neighbor of the residence saw a maroon Ford F-150 drive by the residence and drive around the block several times,” the petition states.

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ALTON – Two Wood River residents face felony charges for stealing extension cords and allegedly intending to break into an Alton building, while another faces theft and burglary charges in a separate case. Cody L. Harper, 42, and Heather L. Brown, 34, both of Wood River, were each charged on Feb. 21, 2025 with Class 3 felony counts of theft and Class 4 felony counts of possession of burglary tools. The two reportedly stole “several 100-foot extension cords” worth over $500 which were property of BSI Constructors on Nov. 24, 2024. They were also charged with possessing a set of 18-inch bolt cutters, with the intent to break into a property in the 600 Block of East Broadway in Alton. The Alton Police Department presented both cases against Harper and Brown, who were each granted pretrial release from custody. In a similar but unrelated case, Cody L. Harper, 42, also of Wood River, was charged with theft and burglary, both Class 3 felonies. On Jan. 21, 2025, Harper

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EDWARDSVILLE - Kaleb Turney is a junior forward for the Metro-East Lutheran boys basketball team, and he's made very valuable contributions to the Knights this season. Currently, Metro-East stands at 19-11. as the Knights have won their first two IHSA Class 1A playoff games, over Mt. Olive 65-18, and Raymond Lincolnwood 57-34, going into the Lincolnwood regional final on Feb. 28 against Hardin Calhoun. In the first two games, Turney had scored eight and five points, respectively, and for the season, averages 5.2 points and 2.8 rebounds-per-game, going along with 16 assists and 16 steals. He's valuable coming off the bench to help his team with a spark when they need it most. He is a BJ's Printables Male Athlete of the Month for MELHS. After the win over Mt. Olive on Feb. 24, felt very strong about his efforts, and how the team performed, going out to a big lead and not looking back. "I'm feeling good," Turney said. "We came into this game thinking we were going to win, and that's

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A 31-year-old man has been sentenced in U.S. District Court to 20 years in prison for an armed robbery that occurred at a convenience store in East St. Louis. Vernelle E. Hines, who was arrested in Houston, Texas, pleaded guilty to charges of interference with commerce by robbery and carrying and using a firearm during a crime of violence. The incident took place on Oct. 31, 2023, when Hines brandished a firearm at a clerk at the Mega Supermarket. According to court documents, he demanded two bottles of tequila and, upon the clerk's refusal, assaulted the clerk, discharged his firearm into the ceiling, and forcibly took the tequila along with several hundred dollars. Hines was wearing a mask to conceal his identity during the robbery, which resulted in serious and permanent injuries to the store clerk. “This 20-year sentence of a convicted felon who committed a brutal robbery is evidence of the Illinois State Police’s commitment to making communities

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PERE MARQUETTE - The Prairie State Conservation Coalition (PSCC) is set to hold its annual conference at Pere Marquette State Park from March 5 to March 7, 2025, marking the first time the event will take place at this location. The PSCC, an Illinois nonprofit organization comprising various land conservation groups, focuses on protecting and restoring the state's diverse landscapes, which range from lakefronts and river bluffs to prairies and forests. Alley Ringhausen, Executive Director of Great Rivers Land Trust, has been a long-time attendee of the PSCC conference and advocated for the venue change. "I suggested the group come to Southern Illinois and see all the amazing sights and venues we have to offer," Ringhausen said. The event is expected to attract around 150 participants from conservation organizations across the state. In addition to its significance for the conservation community, the conference is anticipated to have positive economic impacts on the local business

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BELLEVILLE - Belleville Township High School District 201 has announced the selection of Dr. Marshaun Warren as its next superintendent, effective July 1, 2025. Dr. Warren, who has over 20 years of experience in education and administration, is currently serving as the district's Assistant Superintendent. In this role, she has been instrumental in recruiting high-quality educators and promoting educational excellence within the district. In a statement, Dr. Warren expressed her commitment to preparing students for success in various paths, including the workforce, college, or military service. She emphasized the importance of strong community engagement and responsible financial management as part of her vision for the district. Dr. Warren and her family reside in Belleville, where she said she looks forward to continuing her work in building a strong, innovative, and inclusive educational environment.

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COLLINSVILLE – Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 Commander, Captain Casey Faro, announces the ISP will conduct Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols in Madison and St. Clair counties during March. ACE patrols allow the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to violations associated with impaired driving and illegal transportation or consumption of alcohol or drugs. The ISP has zero tolerance for impaired driving in Illinois. Officers working the detail will be watchful for motorists who show signs of impaired driving, operating vehicles in an unsafe manner, driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, and transporting open alcoholic beverages, as well as improper seatbelt and child restraint usage, distracted driving, and other Illinois Vehicle Code violations. Alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be a factor in more than 47% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-related

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ALTON - Alton Main Street hosted its quarterly “What’s Up Downtown” meeting on Feb. 26, 2025, to share information about businesses and happenings in downtown Alton. Stakeholders spoke about plans for their businesses and organizations. Alderwoman Betsy Allen invited the community to a flood mitigation meeting to take place at Alton City Hall on Feb. 27, 2025. Chantel Morrigan shared an update on Jacoby Arts Center’s new location at 208 State Street. Megan Tyler spoke about her organization Sacred Spaces of CARE and their work in the community. Julie Harper introduced her new artist collective, Bluff City Bazaar. Father Garron Daniels shared more about the happenings at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Joan Meier from Wisdom Qigong Meditation introduced her practice at Radiance Yoga. Betsy Allen said that the flood mitigation meeting will inform community members about proposed flooding solutions in the City of Alton, including a floodwall. She said

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EDWARDSVILLE — A group of talented students from Edwardsville High School has earned recognition by being selected for the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-State ensembles. The festival will take place from January 30 to February 1, culminating in a performance at the Peoria Civic Center. The selected students include Liv Warner (Soprano I), Henry Winslow (Tenor I), Owen Zuercher (Bass I), and several others who excelled in their respective categories. The full list of students includes: David Maloney (Bb Clarinet) August Meiser (Double Bass) Daniel Tossey (Bb Clarinet) Mark Hill (Bass I) Savannah Kohlmiller (Alto II) Lucy Schapman (Soprano I) Alan Chen (Violin) Karis Chen (Violin) Adam Cundiff (Cello) Lyla Hahn (Cello) Gwen Harkey (Violin) Ian Kim (Viola) Luci Klingensmith (Oboe) Addie Lingafelter (Violin) Lily Reynolds (Cello) Miko Shimizu (Viola) Maya Taylor (Viola) Ben Waymire (Double Bass) Amelia Zhang (Viola) Students who score at the

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PEORIA — Alton High School announced the recognition of several students in the 2025 Illinois Music Educators Association (ILMEA) All-State Festival held recently in Peoria. The Alton High School Students honored were as follows: Wesley LeBrun, percussion, All-State Honors Band Nadja Kapetanovich, All-State Honors Choir Norah Hardin, 1st violin, All-State Orchestra Makayla Burns, 2nd violin, All-State Orchestra Erick Humphrey, cello, All-State Orchestra Maya Miller, cello, All-State Orchestra Joseph Hicks, bass, All-State Honors Orchestra Austin Koller, bass, All-State Honors Orchestra Madalyn Schrumpf, Future Music Educators Seminar The selection process began in October when over 12,000 students from more than 500 high schools across Illinois auditioned for placement in their regional district band, orchestra, or chorus festival held in November 2024. From this competitive pool, the top 1,000 students were selected for the All-State Music Festival. Laura Plummer

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SPRINGFIELD – When anglers purchase an Illinois fishing license, they’re paying for more than fishing privileges for the year. They’re investing in conservation, education, and economic activity all over the state. Illinois fishing licenses – among the most affordable in the nation – go on sale March 1 for the 2025 season. Fishing license purchases help enhance the outdoor experience for everyone and ensure future generations can enjoy Illinois’ vast aquatic resources. “The successful management of quality fishing opportunities relies on the commitment and support of anglers, and that starts with buying a fishing license,” said IDNR chief of fisheries Mike McClelland . “By purchasing a fishing license, anglers are ensuring sport fishing, hatchery production, and habitat enhancements are here for current and future generations to enjoy in communities throughout Illinois.” The Illinois Department of Natural Resources division

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Letter To The Editor: ALTON - The safety of Alton’s children and families must be our highest priority. Last night’s shooting near a school bus is yet another unacceptable act of violence that puts our entire community at risk. While we are grateful that no one was injured, the fact remains that gunfire erupted as students were simply trying to get home. My heart is with the students, families, and every individual who had to witness this senseless act, and who now have to grapple with the trauma of this terrible act of violence. I would also like to commend the bus driver, whose attentiveness kept the children safe, and our police department for their quick response. Incidents of gun violence have become far too common in our community in recent years, and we must take proactive measures to ensure the safety of our neighborhoods. During my administration, we focused on community policing to combat crime at its roots. We worked to build trust between law enforcement

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ALTON – The Heart Center at OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center has impeccable timing when it comes to announcing multiple first-ever procedures its conducted in less than a month’s time – especially with February recognized as American Heart Month. First, the Heart Center recently successfully conducted its first-ever cardioMEMS HF system procedure - a new implantable, wireless monitoring sensor, the size of a small paperclip, to manage heart failure (HF). Now, just weeks later, the Heart Center is touting seamless completion of its first-ever implantation of the world’s smallest leadless pacemaker in the treatment of bradycardia - a condition in which the heart beats too slowly. Mission Partners from the hospital’s cardiology services specialty program implanted Medtronic’s Micra™ leadless pacemaker – which is the world’s smallest pacemaker — leaving no bump under the skin, no chest scar, and requiring

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INDIANAPOLIS, IND. — A legislative proposal in Indiana that seeks to establish a commission for absorbing 33 Illinois counties that have expressed interest in secession has advanced in the Indiana statehouse, but experts caution that significant challenges lie ahead. House Bill 1008, sponsored by Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, passed its initial legislative hurdle recently. The bill aims to create an Indiana-Illinois boundary adjustment commission to facilitate the potential transition of the counties. Huston, a Republican from Fishers, said, “Instead of forming a new state, the counties that voted to pursue secession should join us in a state that shares their values and economic interests.” Despite the bill's progress, the effort faces skepticism. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has publicly opposed the notion of these counties leaving Illinois, asserting that such a move would not be impossible. He emphasized that Illinois offers higher wages and essential

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Letter To The Editor: ALTON – Ray Strebel, Ward 3 Alderman and candidate for Mayor, released the following statement in response to another shooting in our community: “I am outraged by the school bus shooting that occurred last night — my thoughts and prayers are with the family and victim involved. This has gone on far too long. For over a decade, we have endured unacceptable crime rates. We have good people living in our neighborhoods, and they should not have to live with the fear of their neighborhood becoming a shooting gallery. As your mayor, I am committed to building up our community, and with the partnership of our police force and stakeholders in the community, I will form a coalition to put an end to these incidents of violence, especially youth violence. We need a focused approach on prevention to ensure the safety and well-being of our youth and all residents. Leadership must come from the mayor to drive these efforts forward.” About

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Dr. Jay Gambetta, Vice President of IBM Quantum, to discuss Illinois’ position as a leader in quantum computing. During their meeting, Durbin received an update on IBM’s plans to join the Illinois Quantum Microelectronics Park (IQMP) on the South Side of Chicago. IBM plans to build a commercial quantum computer at the park and train the needed quantum workforce through the National Quantum Algorithms Center. Illinois has invested $500 million to scale-up quantum computing and microelectronics research and development (R&D) by attracting companies, researchers, suppliers, and users to IQMP. The quantum park is currently anchored by PsiQuantum, with plans for the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency to join the site soon. Durbin and Dr. Gambetta also strategized about a path forward for Durbin’s bipartisan Department of Energy (DOE) Quantum Leadership Act . The legislation, whic

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with members of the Illinois Municipal Electric/Utilities Association (IMEA/IMUA) to discuss clean energy tax credits and addressing the supply chain issues that have led to a shortage of transformers, which are an essential component of electrical infrastructure that adjusts the voltage of currents moving through electrical wires. Due to a sluggish supply chain, building sectors and utilities are grappling with an unprecedented shortage of transformers. Consequently, there have been significant delays on a number of clean energy projects and reconstruction efforts following the 176 tornadoes that struck Illinois last year. The shortage has also harmed the country’s ability to upgrade the electric grid to accommodate increased demand for electric vehicles and other clean energy technologies. They also discussed the importance of preserving the clean energy tax credits Democrats created in the Inflation

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ALTON – The Alton Police Department is investigating a shooting incident that occurred at 6:42 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, in the 1200 block of Central Avenue. The department received multiple calls reporting gunfire as an Alton School District bus was dropping off night school students in the area. Preliminary reports indicate that as a student exited the bus, multiple individuals began shooting in the direction of the student. Fortunately, neither the bus nor any individuals were struck by the gunfire. The bus driver responded quickly, moving to a safe location and following established safety protocols to protect the remaining students on board. Evidence was collected at the scene, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have determined that the shooting was not a random act, with indications that the suspects specifically targeted the individual involved. The police have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the general public. Alton Police Chief Jarrett

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