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ALTON — Eric Sykes officially began his role as the new theater director for the Alton Little Theater on January 1, 2025. His appointment comes with significant support, as local entrepreneur Eddie Sholar and the Village Dispensary announced on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, that they have made a substantial donation to the theater . The unexpected donation from Sholar and the Village Dispensary company has provided a crucial lifeline for the theater during a major plumbing issue . Village Dispensary and Sholar have donated the full amount needed to repair the sewer problems. “We are just beyond blessed by our community which is helping us through this tough time,” Sykes said. He described Sholar and his staff as a “godsend” and commended the Village Dispensary for their commitment to supporting the local arts. “Eddie walked in and saved us,” Sykes added, highlighting the positive impact of the donation on the theater’s future. Sykes has bee

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ALTON — Eddie Sholar, an owner of the Village Dispensary in Godfrey, emphasizes the importance of community engagement and support as the cannabis industry continues to evolve in Alton. On Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, Sholar announced the Village Dispensary's biggest community service project since it opened for business at 110 Northport Drive in Godfrey, and this time, it involves the Alton Little Theater. Alton Little Theater at 2450 Henry Street in Alton announced recently it needed $50,000 to repair a major plumbing issue . When Sholar and his staff spotted the news about the theater's sewer issues, they knew it was an opportunity for them to step in and make a difference. Village Dispensary and Sholar have donated the full amount needed to repair the sewer problems. Sholar said the sewer issue was a tremendous catastrophe for ALT, but now the organization can look for bright things ahead. He said the Village Dispensary staff was looking for a big way to give back to the region

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COLLINSVILLE — The Madison County Coroner Nick Novacich identified a 26-year-old man from St. Louis, who died early Thursday after being struck by a tractor-trailer on Interstate 55 in Collinsville. The Madison County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Devin C. Smart. The coroner said the incident occurred shortly before midnight on Jan. 1, 2025, when Smart exited his vehicle and entered the southbound lanes of the interstate. He was hit by an oncoming tractor-trailer. Madison County Coroner’s Office Investigator Kelsey Jones pronounced Smart dead at the scene at 12:14 a.m., Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025. Emergency services received a report of the crash at 11:11 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025. The accident took place near the 8.2-mile marker of Interstate 55. Coroner Novacich said preliminary findings indicate that Smart died from blunt neck trauma, though a final cause of death will be determined following routine toxicology tests. The Illinois State Police and

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ALTON - President Leon Smallwood-Bey, the 2025 Dr. King Committee, and the Executive Committee of the Alton Branch National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) announce their 46th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration will be Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025. The event will be held at Alton’s Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 2621 Amelia St., and is set to begin at 3 p.m. The 2025 theme is “Don’t Give Up on the Dream!” People will gather to honor Dr. King’s faith, love, and courage through song, community recognition, and the keynote address. The Riverbend Choir will offer musical selections. Alton’s NAACP Youth Council will attend, and the NAACP will present the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award to a Pastor of one of the oldest churches in Alton. Leah Becoat and members of Three Purple Coats Theater Company will do an “I Have Dream” Presentation. East St. Louis Monitor Newspaper Journalist Reginald

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COLLINSVILLE — A fatal crash involving a pedestrian and a truck-tractor semi-trailer occurred late Wednesday night, Jan. 1, 2024, on Interstate 55 southbound near milepost 8, just outside Collinsville in Madison County. According to preliminary information from Illinois State Police Troop 8, the incident took place at approximately 11:11 p.m. on Wednesday. For reasons that remain unclear, the 26-year-old male pedestrian from St. Louis entered the roadway from the shoulder and was subsequently struck by the semi-trailer. Emergency responders pronounced the pedestrian deceased at the scene. The Madison County Coroner's office has been notified, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash is ongoing. As of now, authorities have not released further details regarding the incident.

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GODFREY/COLLINSVILLE - Hope Animal Rescues will host their 19th annual trivia event to raise money for their dog rescue mission. On Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, community members are invited to Madison County Fireman’s Hall at 9510 Collinsville Road in Collinsville for a retro 50s-themed trivia night. The evening will include a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, grab bags, prizes and more, and all proceeds will go to Hope Animal Rescues. “We have a blast,” said Jackie Spiker, director of Hope. “It’s one of our biggest fundraisers of the whole year, so it really helps us with our mission each year to be able to pay for the vetting of the rescue dogs that we take in. It’s a great event. Every year we have a lot of fun.” Hope rescues dogs from animal control facilities on the day they are scheduled to be euthanized. The organization pays to get the dogs spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated. They also handle any additional veterinarian

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GODFREY/JERSEYVILLE - Riverbend Dental has opened a new office in Jerseyville, and they welcome Dr. Ryan Schmidlkofer to their team. The dental business previously had offices in Alton and Godfrey. They welcome new and returning patients to their Godfrey office at 5209 Mae Drive and their new Jerseyville office at 105 South State Street. Amy Sikes, Director of Lab Operations, noted the business’s eagerness to expand and introduce additional doctors to the community. “Honestly, the timing just all fell into place,” Sikes said. “We’re very excited that this move worked out. I know both of our dental office teams are super excited.” Riverbend Dental decided to close their Alton office and open in Jerseyville when Dr. Randall Toppmeyer, a dentist based in Jerseyville, reached out wanting to sell his practice and retire soon after. Riverbend Dental realized that many of their patients were traveling from Jerseyville (and surrounding towns) to

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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District has a busy new year ahead. Mary Cordes, Hayner’s executive director, outlined some of the upcoming programs and events that the library will offer in the next few months. She encourages people to come by the library and enjoy all of the activities they have planned. “It has been a very good year,” Cordes said. “We’ve got a lot coming up in January, and we hope to see everybody there.” Starting in January, community members are invited to a three-part series on dementia that the library is sponsoring in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association. Caregivers can attend “Building Foundations of Caregiving and Supporting Independence” from 6–7:30 p.m. on Jan. 16, 2025. This will be followed by “Communicating Effectively and Responding to Dementia-Related Behaviors” on Feb. 20 and “Exploring Care and Support Services” on March 13. “There

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GRANITE CITY - A local sex offender remains in custody after failing to register and repeatedly failing to comply with court orders. Bryon G. Rodgers, 58, listed as homeless out of Granite City, was charged with failure to register with local authorities on a weekly basis, as is legally required for sex offenders with no fixed address. A petition to deny his pretrial release states Rodgers was seen by officers in a CVS shortly before he was arrested for failing to register. The petition notes Rodgers has not registered since September of 2024 and has since “picked up two prior charges for failure to register, for which he is on conditions of release.” He also reportedly failed to appear in court for two other criminal cases against him, both of which were filed in Madison County within the past year. At the time of the petition’s writing, Rodgers had still not registered as a sex offender. Rodgers faces a Class 3 felony in his latest case, which was presented

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Driving in winter conditions can be challenging and dangerous if you’re not properly prepared. Snow, ice, and reduced visibility require extra caution and preparation. Use this checklist to ensure you and your vehicle are ready for winter roads. 1. Prepare Your Vehicle Ensuring your car is ready for winter conditions can make all the difference in staying safe. Inspect Tires : Check the tread depth on your tires or consider switching to snow tires for better traction. Properly inflated tires also improve handling in icy conditions. Check Battery Health : Cold weather can weaken your car battery. Ensure it’s fully charged and in good condition. Top Off Fluids : Keep windshield washer fluid full with a winter-grade solution to prevent freezing. Check your oil and antifreeze levels as well. Replace Wiper Blades : Worn-out wipers can’t handle heavy snow or ice. Install winter-grade blades for optimal performance. Carry Chains or Traction Aids : For areas wit

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When a major snowstorm is on the horizon, preparation is key to staying safe and comfortable. Use these practical tips to ensure you're ready for the worst while making the experience more manageable. 1. Stock Up on Essentials Even if a snowstorm is expected to last only a couple of days, the aftermath can bring extended challenges. Food and Water : Roads may remain hazardous or blocked even after the storm stops, delaying grocery restocks and deliveries. Power outages could spoil perishable foods in your fridge, making it essential to have shelf-stable options like canned goods, granola bars, and dried fruits. Ensure at least one gallon of water per person per day to account for drinking, cooking, and basic hygiene needs. Medications : Pharmacies might close or face delays, so having a full supply of essential prescriptions is critical, especially for chronic conditions. Household Items : Essentials like toilet paper, pet food, and baby supplies can run out quickly if you’re

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ALTON - With a winter storm predicted for this weekend, local grocery stores are preparing for an influx of customers. People are encouraged to make their grocery trips as soon as possible and remain patient with employees. Managers at Schwegel’s and Schnucks in Alton said they have ordered more staple foods like bread and milk, and they are working to support their employees through the busy shopping days leading up to the storm. “We try to have fun with it. That way we don’t cry,” said Karen Flowers-Raymond, customer service manager at Alton’s Schnucks location. “Just be patient. We are on a holiday week, and we’re doing the best we can.” Flowers-Raymond said that Schnucks management came together on New Year’s Eve to assess their schedule for the next few days. Though many of their employees are off for the holidays, they worked to bring in as many employees as possible. They also noted which employees live farthest awa

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HARDIN - The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office would like to introduce our newest Deputy Sheriff, Zach Smith. On Dec. 17, 2024, Deputy Smith raised his right hand and was sworn in by the Honorable Judge Charles HW Burch. Deputy Smith was hired during the fall of 2024 and attended the Southwestern Illinois Police Academy; graduating on Dec. 6, 2024. Deputy Smith is a native of Calhoun County; and a lifelong resident, currently living in Hardin. He is a graduate of Calhoun High School, and John Wood Community College. Prior to joining the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, he served as a Corrections Officer with the Pike County Sheriff’s Department. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office is excited to welcome Deputy Smith to our team. Deputy Smith is excited to make a positive impact, and to serve the community in which he has spent his entire life; and where he is raising his family.

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In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving work environment, technical skills and knowledge are often not enough to guarantee success. Increasingly, employers are recognizing the importance of emotional intelligence (EI), a set of skills that help individuals manage their own emotions and understand the emotions of others. This article explores the concept of emotional intelligence, its key components, its significance in the workplace, and practical ways to cultivate it. Understanding Emotional Intelligence Emotional intelligence, a term popularized by psychologist Daniel Goleman, is defined as the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as the ability to recognize, understand, and influence the emotions of others. EI is typically broken down into five key components: Self-Awareness : The ability to recognize one’s own emotions and their impact on thoughts and behavior. Self-aware individuals can assess their strengths and weaknesses accurately.

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January 2nd has seen its fair share of significant events throughout history, shaping the political, cultural, and social landscapes of nations across the globe. In 1492, a significant moment took place when the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile, formally completed the Reconquista with the capture of Granada, the last Muslim stronghold in Spain. This event not only marked the end of centuries of Islamic rule in the Iberian Peninsula but also paved the way for the unification of Spain under Christian rule. This unification would later influence Spain's expansive exploration and colonization efforts in the Americas, fundamentally altering the course of history for both Europe and the New World. In the realm of science and technology, January 2, 1913, is remembered for the first public demonstration of the use of the modern assembly line by Henry Ford at his factory in Highland Park, Michigan. This revolutionary production method drastically changed

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GLEN CARBON — Multiple fire agencies responded to a significant fire early Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025, on Butternut Lane in Glen Carbon. The initial call reporting the fire was received around 7:15 a.m., prompting a swift response from local firefighters. Shortly after 8 a.m. Thursday, the fire was controlled, although crews remained on-site to address the aftermath of the incident. Firefighters from Glen Carbon, Maryville, Collinsville, and Edwardsville worked collaboratively to manage the situation. Authorities indicated that more information would be released as it becomes available.

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BELLEVILLE - Belleville Books , southern Illinois's newest independent bookstore, is pleased to announce today its 2024 Book of the Year, Kazuko: Sixth Grade in World War II Hiroshima, A Memoir, written by O'Fallon, Illinois resident Kazuko Blake with Sandra Vega. Kazuko is the memoir of a Hiroshima atomic bomb survivor. It is the story of a young Japanese girl's experience living through the world's first atomic bomb and its aftermath. Kazuko Blake, now in her 90s, is one of few remaining survivors of that event. The atomic bomb was dropped while she was in 6th grade, and she remembers the events clearly. Here she describes the relatively carefree days before the war, the increased tempo of war through her elementary school days, and August 6, 1945, the day the bomb fell. The chaos and disruption are palpable as she describes the following days of uncertainty and confusion during evacuation, surrender, and occupation of her home country. In time, she met some of those victors,

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Elmer Noland, a Jerseyville balloonist, was arrested on New Year’s Day 1925 by Sheriff Frank D. Sowell for violating the Prohibition Act. Noland’s arrest was due to information reported by an alleged customer who claimed that Noland sold him intoxicants. Noland denied the claims but pleaded guilty to protect the guilty party. He was arraigned before Justice Arthur Thatcher and assessed a fine of $100 plus costs, for a total of $108 ($1,980 in 2024 money). William Elmer Noland grew up in Jersey County and worked as a clown in the Harris Nickle Plate Circus of Chicago. His most famous act was with Hezekiah, the trick mule. After leaving the circus, Noland played the parts as a “heavy” (antagonist or villain) in a traveling stage show company. When nickelodeon and film shows put stage shows out of business, Noland started training under balloonist Mac McKinney, “one of the outstanding trapeze artists of the old days.” Noland helped develop the three-parachute

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CHICAGO – Illinoisans seeking to file a charge of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation will soon have more time to file with the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) after the date of the incident, in most cases. Effective January 1, 2025, a new law expands the statute of limitations on non-housing cases from 300 days to 2 years. “Here in Illinois, we’re committed to ensuring that everyone has a chance to seek justice when facing discrimination, harassment, or retaliation,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “By extending the deadline to file a charge, we’re empowering individuals with more time to take action and make their voices heard.” “This legislative change is about giving survivors the time and support they need to come forward,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton . “We recognize that healing is not linear, and extending the statute of limitations reflects our commitment to empowering those seeking accountability

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today highlighted four new laws initiated by his office that will go into effect Jan. 1. “My office has continued to work with the General Assembly to develop legislation to protect children, increase access to state services and advocate for the rights of workers and marginalized communities,” Raoul said. “I look forward to our continued collaboration with law enforcement, legislators and various stakeholders to enact policies that protect residents and communities around Illinois.” House Bill 4623 builds on the work being done by Attorney General Raoul’s office to crack down on child sexual abuse images throughout Illinois by prohibiting the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to create child sexual abuse images that either involve real children or obscene imagery. Raoul introduced the legislation, which was sponsored in the General Assembly by Sen. Mary Edly-Allen and Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz.

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