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WOOD RIVER/ROXANA - Rusty Wheat, the one-man “Chain Gang” who picks up trash along the roads in Wood River and Edwardsville, has officially found his biggest piece of trash yet. Over the past two years, Wheat has picked up thousands of pounds of trash along Illinois Route 143. But he was always bothered by a huge Styrofoam block in the middle of a nearby field. On Feb. 11, 2025, Wheat decided he was finally going to do something about it. “It just seemed like it needed to be gone. That’s it,” he said. “It was just driving me crazy. It’s one of those things that just drives me crazy, and you see it every day. Well, I just came to the conclusion that day that I was going to go take care of it.” The field is often muddy and difficult to navigate, but on a dry day earlier this month, Wheat parked his truck, put out his normal “Chain Gang” signs, and walked to the middle of the field to survey the Styrofoam block.

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Ali M. Summers has been named the Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois. As Acting U.S. Attorney, she is the chief federal law enforcement official in the Southern District of Illinois. Acting United States Attorney Ali Summers is a career prosecutor who became an Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2012. She has prosecuted a wide variety of federal crimes for the District to include murder, armed robbery, carjacking, violent gun offenses, drug trafficking, and crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children. She has served the office as Criminal Chief since July 2018 and most recently as First Assistant. She also served as Chief of the Violent Crime Unit from July 2016 to September 2023. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Acting U.S. Attorney Summers was a law clerk to the Honorable David R. Herndon in the Southern District of Illinois. Upon completion of her two-year term judicial clerkship, she worked as a state

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Rachelle Aud Crowe, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, has officially departed from her position, effective February 18, 2025. Crowe has served as the chief federal law enforcement officer in the district since her appointment, expressing gratitude for her time in office. “It has been my honor to serve the Southern District of Illinois as the United States Attorney,” Crowe stated. “Announcing my departure accompanies many emotions, but my heart is full of gratitude.” Throughout her tenure, Crowe led a team of attorneys and legal staff, contributing to policy and management discussions as a member of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee and the Domestic Terrorism Executive Committee. She emphasized her collaboration with local, state, and federal law enforcement to seek justice for victims and enhance public safety. In addition to prosecuting hundreds of criminal cases, Crowe’s office

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JERSEYVILLE — A vehicle crash into a power pole in Jerseyville on Wednesday morning, Feb. 19, 2025, led to a power outage that initially affected 1,300 customers in that area. Ameren Illinois spokesperson Brian Bretsch reported that the damaged pole was replaced and the job was completed by 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Ameren Illinois crews responded quickly to the scene, prioritizing the restoration of service due to the frigid temperatures. By the time the repairs were completed, 13 customers remained without power. Bretsch stated that these customers had their power re-routed back to their primary source shortly after the repairs were finished. Ameren Illinois did not report any additional power outages in the region for the remainder of the day, other than those caused by the accident in Jerseyville and Kane. The utility company advises the public to contact 911 and their utility hotline at 800-755-5000 if they encounter downed power lines or witness accidents involving power

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EAST ALTON — Multiple fire agencies responded to a residential fire in the 100 block of Haller in East Alton on Thursday morning, Feb. 20, 2025, after a Box Alarm was issued. Firefighters from East Alton, Wood River, Alton Roxana, and Rosewood Heights quickly arrived on the scene, aided by a nearby hydrant, while Bethalto fire personnel manned the East Alton station. East Alton Fire Chief Tim Quigley reported that the cause of the fire remains under investigation, although the homeowner suspects a malfunctioning battery in an appliance may have been responsible. Quigley praised the firefighters for their efforts under challenging weather conditions, noting that the temperature at the time was just 1 degree above zero, with wind chills reaching minus 10 degrees. "The firefighters made a quick direct hit on the fire with a hydrant so close by," Quigley said. Upon arrival, firefighters observed smoke coming from the front door and flames visible in a window. Thanks to their rapid

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois State Police’s (ISP) urban policing model, Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG), is reducing crime and building trust with the community, leading to a 6-year low in homicides in East St. Louis, the area covered by the model. ? ISP’s combination of targeted antiviolence details, dedicated investigative resources, coordination with local law enforcement, implementation of new technology, partnerships with community organizations, and engagement in neighborhoods helped reduce homicides in 2024 by 26% compared to 2023, and non-fatal shootings by 32%. “Our state has one of the best police forces in the entire nation, and key anti-violence initiatives like their urban policing model in East St. Louis are delivering results and making our communities safer,” said Governor JB Pritzker. ? “The numbers we’re seeing today are not only a testament to ISP’s commitment to community-building, but they are also a reminder

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COLLINSVILLE - The Madison County Board voted against the building of a solar facility in Collinsville Township. Armoracia Solar applied for a special use permit to develop a commercial solar energy facility at the southeast corner of Interstate 55 and Pleasant Ridge Road in Collinsville. The property, owned by Jacob Frey and Scott Frey, is zoned as an “R-3” Single-Family Residential District. The Madison County Zoning Board of Appeals recommended that the application be denied. At the County Board meeting on Feb. 19, 2025, several people spoke in favor and in opposition of the solar facility. The County Board ultimately voted to uphold the Zoning Board of Appeal’s denial. Mick Madison, the chairman of the Building and Zoning Committee, explained that property values and concerns about the reflection off the solar panels were the main reasons why the Committee decided to deny it. “Hurting property values was one of the things that we looked at the

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EDWARDSVILLE - Every year, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) honors educators across the state, and this year, two Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 educators are among the recipients for 2025. The awards program is divided into two categories – the “Illinois Teacher of the Year” cohort and the “Those Who Excel” awards. Within “Those Who Excel” are three different awards, including the Award of Excellence, the Award of Special Recognition, and the Award of Meritorious Service. Congratulations to Lincoln Middle School instructional coach Maggie Dust and Leclaire Elementary second grade teacher Teryn Cross, who both received Special Recognition. “We are incredibly proud to see these two outstanding educators receive well-deserved recognition for their dedication and impact on students,” said Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton. “Their commitment to excellence

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today led a bipartisan coalition of 37 states and territories urging the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to take swift action against bad actors that are endangering consumers with counterfeit forms of the weight loss and diabetes drugs Mounjaro, Zepbound, Ozempic and Wegovy (GLP-1 drugs). “The usage of GLP-1 medications continues to increase as millions of Americans seek tools to help them lose weight and live healthier lifestyles. However, scammers and bad actors are attempting to take advantage of individuals looking for more affordable and convenient means of obtaining GLP-1 medications by selling them directly to consumers,” Raoul said. “Consumers who purchase what they think is a product containing the active ingredients found in name-brand GLP-1 drugs run the risk of taking a counterfeit drug that was never intended for human consumption. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan coalition calling on the FDA to use its

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, on the anniversary of Executive Order 9066 that began the horrific internment of thousands of Japanese Americans during World War II, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI) and U.S. Representative Mark Takano (D-CA-39) re-introduced the Korematsu-Takai Civil Liberties Protection Act, a bill that would establish a clear legal prohibition against un-American policies that seek to imprison individuals solely on the basis of race, religion, nationality, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity or disability. As President Donald Trump and his Administration continue their dangerous efforts to whitewash and ignore our nation’s history, passing this bill would be a first step toward recognizing this dark chapter, honoring the families impacted and safeguarding vital freedoms that are supposed to protect all Americans against arbitrary imprisonment or detention with no due process, as happened to Japanese Americans during Worl

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EDWARDSVILLE - Revity Credit Union joined together to raise $1,525.00 in the month of February to benefit Edwardsville Neighbors with the Revity Threads of Kindness Program. This program, funded by employees, allows Revity Credit Union staff to embody the credit union's philosophy of people helping people. By contributing a monthly monetary donation to a local organization, employees can enjoy wearing jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays throughout that month. In 2025, Revity Credit Union is committed to impactful giving and community support, weaving kindness into the fabric of our daily lives and ensuring that every jeans day makes a difference. The Edwardsville Neighbors was nominated as the recipient of our February Threads of Kindness donation, receiving $1,525. As a 501©3 non-profit charity organization, Edwardsville Neighbors aspires to ease the financial burdens of local families with various needs, while inspiring generosity and goodwill among the residents

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JERSEYVILLE – The City of Jerseyville issued an alert Wednesday morning that “a large portion of the city is without power,” announcing the Susnig Center and Jerseyville Public Library as public warming centers. An alert from the City of Jerseyville TextMyGov text notification system went out at approximately 10:05 a.m. stating the following: “The City is aware that a large portion of the City is without power,” the alert states. “Ameren is working to fix the problem as quickly as possible. “In this extreme cold, the Susnig Center (401 Mound St.) and Jerseyville Public Library (105 N. Liberty St.) are open indefinitely to the public as warming centers. Please remember to check on your neighbors, and utilize the warming centers as needed to stay safe and warm.” An Outage Map on the Ameren website shows most outages have been reported on the east end of the city, with 10 reported near June Street. To opt-in to text alerts from the

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BRIGHTON - With snowy weather and icy temperatures, the Village of Brighton is prepared for another night of potentially hazardous road conditions. According to Mayor Matt Kasten and Public Works Supervisor Kaleb Kahl, Brighton’s Public Works Department has been busy since 4:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025. Kasten said roads were “kind of rough starting off,” but have improved greatly as the day has gone on. “Luckily, the snow has kind of subsided for now, and everything is really decent as far as the traffic,” Kasten said. “They did salt some areas. But once again, until the sun comes out during the day, the salt really doesn't work. That's what is a real frustration, that a lot of people don't understand.” Kasten explained that when temperatures are below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, salt will not melt. Although Brighton’s Public Works Department salted the major intersections and roadways, this might not be effective until the

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ALTON/GODFREY – Test your knowledge about movies, songs and tidbits of information at the upcoming trivia night sponsored by the Rotary Club of the Riverbend Alton/Godfrey. The Time Travel-themed event is set for Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the Alton-Wood River Sportsman’s Club in Godfrey; doors open at 6 p.m., with trivia starting at 7 p.m. Tables may be reserved in advance at a discounted rate of $175; individual seats and walk-ins are $30 each. Included in the ticket price: unlimited soda, as well as draft beer from two kegs, until the kegs are depleted. No outside alcohol is allowed, however a cash bar is available. Participants are invited to bring their own snacks and decorate their tables with a Time Travel theme, such as favorite decade, etc., with prizes for the best decorated table. Proceeds from the event benefits local child safety initiatives, such as safe sleep kits, car seats, outreach and more. Trivia night registration and sponsorship opportunities are

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TROY - Get ready for the Spring Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce E-cycling/Shredding Day in Troy! The event is set for Saturday, June 7, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Triad High School (704 E. US Highway 40, Troy) – note new location. E-cycling drop-offs are free, with the exception of the slight charge by CJD E-cycling for TVs and monitors. Bring anything with a cord – no limit. You can find a list of unaccepted items on the Chamber’s website at www.troymaryvillecoc.com . There will also be free unlimited shredding with The Shred Truck shredding on site. In addition to e-cycling and shredding, you can drop off your old prescription medication, eye glasses and hearing aids on that day as well. No appointments necessary for this event. For questions, contact the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce at 618-667-8769 or email dawn@troymaryvillecoc.com . You can also visit the Chamber’s website page at www.troymaryvillecoc.com

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SPRINGFIELD - The alcohol marketplace has changed and so have the laws. Effective Jan. 1, 2025 bill SB 2625 went into effect. Alcohol-infused products such as alcoholic ice cream, whipped cream, popsicles, and other similar products are now considered alcoholic beverages regulated by the Illinois Liquor Control Act and the ILCC. This law requires product separation for retail displays of alcohol-infused products and co-branded alcoholic beverages. For small businesses that cannot meet product separation requirements, the ILCC will provide required signage clearly identifying alcohol-infused products. Key Points "Alcohol-infused products" means any frozen or unfrozen, solid, or semi-solid food in a form other than liquid, including, but not limited to, ice cream, ice pops, whipped cream, gelatin-based products, and other similar products, containing more than 0.5% alcohol by volume. Retailers with sales floor space of 2,500 square feet or less and do not physically separate

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) condemned President Trump’s appeasement to Russian President Vladimir Putin—where Trump announced key concessions to Putin regarding Ukraine, while apparently ignoring Ukraine’s key demands. Durbin began his speech by recounting history in which British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain touted the now infamous Munich Agreement as the way to stave off Hitler’s Nazi Germany. One year later, Hitler invaded Poland and triggered World War II. “Over time, Chamberlain’s name became synonymous with the term ‘appeasement.’ And for good reason. You see, while Chamberlain’s goal of peace may have been honorable, he was dangerously naïve about the human nature of a tyrant in Germany who was bent on territorial and maniacal ambitions—pursuits that could only be thwarted with strength,” said Durbin. “Well, President Trump’s

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CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) today reminded senior citizens about the availability of the Senior Citizens Real Estate Tax Deferral Program. The program, which works like a loan, allows qualified seniors to defer all or part of their property taxes and special assessment payments on their principal residences. The deadline to apply for the program this year is March 1, 2025. The maximum amount that can be deferred, including interest and lien fees, is 80 percent of the taxpayer’s equity interest in the property. The maximum deferral each year is limited to $7,500. Deferred amounts are borrowed from the state, who pays the tax bill to the county collector's office. Interest on the amount paid by the state accumulates and a lien is placed on the property for all deferred tax payments and interest. Three percent simple interest per year is payable upon death of the homeowner, at the time the home is transferred to a new owner, or sooner, if the program participant

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EDWARDSVILLE - Presence does not constitute “belonging.” Belonging is a journey. It is part of one’s narrative, and in building the conditions of belonging, it starts with honoring people’s story, according to Terrell L. Strayhorn, PhD, one of the three editors of “ Belonging in Higher Education: Perspectives and Lessons from Diverse Faculty .” Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB) hosted the book editors on Tuesday, Feb. 11. Presenting their research and data in two different lectures were book editors Nicholas D. Hartlep , PhD, Robert Charles Billings Endowed Chair in Education at Berea College in Kentucky; Fred A. Bonner II , EdD, Professor and Endowed Chair in Educational Leadership and Counseling and Founding Executive Director of the Minority Achievement, Creativity and High Ability Center at Prairie View A&M University in Texas; and Strayhorn , Professor of Education

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GLEN CARBON - Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is excited to announce that the sweetest weekend of the year is here – National Girl Scout Cookie Weekend! If you haven’t gotten your freezers stocked up yet, we have you covered! Feb. 21-23, 2025 will be the biggest weekend for the Girl Scout Cookie Program as cookie booths will be held in areas all throughout Southern Illinois. To find a cookie booth near you (for this weekend or any other weekend through March 9) – or to have cookies delivered straight to your door - visit gsofsi.org/findcookies or text COOKIES to 59618. While buying cookies for yourself, you can also purchase a box or two to donate to our Bake It Forward program. Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois will partner with local Children’s Hospitals and Ronald McDonald House as our Girl Scout Cookie donation recipients this cookie season. The 2025 national Girl Scout Cookie season theme, Unbox the Future, aims to remove social barriers that often kee

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