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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – The Fairview Heights Police Department reported that the Midwest Wingfest at St. Clair Square Mall was closed early on Saturday evening following incidents involving juveniles and subsequent arrests. As the sun set, juveniles began arriving at the event without family members and were denied entry. According to the police, some of these juveniles circumvented the barriers by jumping fences in other areas. Fights among juveniles subsequently broke out in the parking lot outside the fenced area, Fairview Heights Police said. Witnesses reported hearing several gunshots near the Firestone parking lot, prompting further concern. Officers arrested two individuals for fighting and used pepper spray to subdue several non-compliant juveniles involved in the altercations. The situation necessitated assistance from additional police agencies. Despite the disturbances, no injuries were reported. In response to the escalating situation, event management decided to close

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DUPO - The Illinois Department of Transportation announced a right lane closure will be encountered on northbound Interstate 255 near Dupo beginning Tuesday, September 3, at 9 a.m. through Friday, September 6, at 3 p.m. Weather permitting, the right lane will be closed between exit 10 and exit 13. All entrance and exit ramps will remain open. These restrictions are needed to do pavement repair work. IDOT District 8 crews will make the needed improvements. Full access will be restored as soon as possible. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment.

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Metro East Humane Society will host their annual Woofstock festival to raise $20,000 for their animals. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Triangle H Farms in Edwardsville, families can enjoy touch-a-truck, inflatables, face painting, pony rides, a margarita bar, live music and more. Moana and Elsa, two Disney princesses, will also make an appearance, and attendees can check out a vendor fair with business and craft vendors. All of the money raised through sponsorships and ticket sales will go back to the Metro East Humane Society (MEHS). “It’s just a family-friendly festival that celebrates peace, love and pets, just bringing everybody together,” explained Mady O’Reilly, MEHS development manager. “It goes without saying, but we can’t exist without the community that helps support us.” This year’s theme — “Rescued dogs are grateful dogs” — plays on the Grateful Dead

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Today is September 1st, a date etched deeply into the annals of history for a multitude of reasons. 1939: World War II Begins On September 1, 1939, the world was thrust into one of the most devastating conflicts in human history when Nazi Germany invaded Poland. This aggressive act by Adolf Hitler's regime marked the beginning of World War II, a conflict that would engulf the globe and result in unprecedented loss of life and destruction. The invasion prompted Britain and France to declare war on Germany, setting the stage for a six-year-long struggle that would reshape international relations and geopolitical boundaries forever. 1951: ANZUS Treaty Signed Jumping forward to 1951, September 1st saw the signing of the ANZUS Treaty between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. This security pact was conceived in response to the growing threat of communism in the Asia-Pacific region. The treaty has since played a crucial role in maintaining stability and fostering military

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JERSEYVILLE - A glimpse of the future now stands at the Jerseyville Public Library , where a major expansion project is well underway following a groundbreaking ceremony earlier this summer . “It’s very exciting,” Library Director Judy Pruitt said of the structure being built. “The community has been waiting for this for a long time.” Pruitt added the extension will allow the library to move certain sections and services towards the new front of the building for increased accessibility. The Adult Fiction collection will move from the second floor into the new space, and the Teen collection and Study Rooms currently in the back of the building will also move into the new area. The library’s “large print” collection and assortment of DVDs will also be housed in the expanded section, which will also feature new bathrooms and the library’s front Service Desk. SMWilson is handling construction services on the project,

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EAST ST. LOUIS - The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Police Department is welcoming back Charter High School students in East St. Louis and introducing its newest School Resource Officers, Sgt. Kasey Hoyd and Sgt. Katie Kircher. The officers will be based at the Charter High School on the East St. Louis campus. Sgt. Hoyd and Sgt. Kircher are eager to interact with the new students and staff as the academic year begins. "We hope everyone has a great and safe academic year," a representative from the SIUE Police Department said. The presence of the School Resource Officers aims to enhance safety and foster a positive environment for learning and growth. Both officers bring a wealth of experience and are committed to ensuring a secure atmosphere for the students and faculty at Charter High School.

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BUNKER HILL - Fall Fest is returning to Bunker Hill for 2024, bringing live music, fireworks, and more fun for the whole family on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., hosted by the Bunker Hill Area Chamber of Commerce . City Heat, a five-piece band including Bunker Hill resident Bill Sehlmeyer on drums, will kick off the festival with a performance from 12 to 4 p.m. The band Rock Bottom will take the stage to close out the festival from 6 to 10 p.m. The day’s activities also include a Car Show and Burnout Contest, both hosted by the Bunker Hill Speed Demons Car Club. Car Show registration opens at 8 a.m. and awards will be presented at 4 p.m. Early entries will also get some goods as goodie bags will be given to the first 100 cars that enter the show on Highway 159 at Park Street. As for the Burnout Contest, participants will start burning rubber at 5 p.m., with a cash prize and custom trophy for the lucky contestant who earns the first place ranking.

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EDWARDSVILLE - The first annual Newt Scoot will honor Newt the Trail Cat while raising money for the Metro East Humane Society. At 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, community members are invited to join the 11.5-mile bike ride on the Madison County Transit (MCT) trails around Edwardsville. The bike ride will act as a fundraiser for the Metro East Humane Society (MEHS) while also memorializing Newt, a beloved cat who was adopted from MEHS and roamed the MCT trails before he passed away in May 2024. “It’s really awesome to connect with the community on this level,” said Mady O’Reilly, development manager with MEHS. “We’re hoping that it’s the first of many to just continue Newt’s memory while also making an impact on the lives of pets who are existing in the shelter and getting their lives started at the same shelter that he originated from.” The bike ride will start at MCT Park and Ride Leclaire, near Market Basket in Edwardsville

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Letter To The Editor: Hello, my name is Noa Zimmerman, I am 17 years old. I am writing to share my thoughts on how the Convention of States can help reshape our government and stabilize my future along with the rest of my generation. Article V of the U.S. Constitution provides my generation and all Americans the opportunity to shape the future of our nation. This is an opportunity to reform our government so that it better reflects our values and priorities as Americans. I am worried about issues of government overreach, governmental accountability, and the preservation of our freedoms. The Convention of States promotes a constitutional avenue to address these concerns. For me and all my fellow citizens in Southern Illinois it is not about policy changes. COS is about ensuring a future where our voices are heard and protected. Growing up we have all seen and or experienced economic uncertainty, political gridlock, and an ever-increasing national debt. Convention of States can hel

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ALTON - The Alton City Council is taking action on bike trail connectivity and more following unanimous approval of an agreement with the Madison County Transit District (MCTD). The project aims to improve connectivity between the Confluence and Vadalabene Trails, look into lane reductions on Broadway, and more. City Council members voted unanimously on Wednesday in support of a resolution for the city to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the MCTD “to create better trail connectivity from the Confluence Trail to the Vadalabene Trail and within Alton’s Central Business District, via Alton’s Riverfront trail, with various potential improvements.” These projects will be funded with multiple grants, including a $500,000 grant the city was awarded for the implementation of its “Great Streets” plan designed in 2020. The MCTD has also previously adopted a resolution outlining its intent to commit $34,000,000 for future trail projects

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ALTON — The concluding night of Movie Night at James Killion Park is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. The event has been a weekly highlight throughout August, offering a community gathering point for residents. Shelia Goins, one of the organizers, expressed her satisfaction with the turnout and enjoyment at the Movie Night events. "It has been a great time every week in August," Goins said. However, Goins emphasized the importance of parental supervision at the upcoming event. "On this Saturday night, parents should accompany any children at the event," she stressed. Last week, several children were dropped off by parents and picked up after the event, which posed a challenge due to a shortage of volunteers. "There isn't enough volunteers to watch all the children and parents need to be involved," Goins added. Goins extended her gratitude to the volunteers and sponsors who have contributed to the success of the summer events. "I want to thank my volunteers

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HIGHLAND - With a new net metering policy hitting Ameren Illinois customers in January 2025, GRID Solar encourages people to call them now for information about solar energy. Jason Mitchell, co-owner of GRID Solar, explained that the net metering change means people with solar systems will likely see an increase in their winter power bills. However, those who already have a solar system installed will be grandfathered in for 15 years. This means your system will follow the net metering guidelines that are currently in place, where you don’t see a significant increase in your winter power bills. In order to get your solar system installed by Dec. 13, 2024, and therefore be grandfathered into the net metering guidelines, Mitchell encourages people to call GRID Solar, LLC, by Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024. After Sept. 1, the company will focus on designing systems that work for the new net metering guidelines. “We’ve got a lot of projects in the pipeline getting

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ALTON - The Alton City Council is updating language in the City Code pertaining to bicycles and designated bike trails ahead of a major bike trail improvement project also approved on Wednesday. A resolution to introduce an ordinance amending the “Bicycles” section of the City Code was approved unanimously. Among the changes made are the addition of three-wheeled tricycles, and tandem bicycles for use by two or more people, to now be included under the city’s definition of “bicycle.” The city’s definition for a “bicycle trail” would be removed and replaced with a new definition for a “bicycle path,” which reads as follows: “A separate path which is for the exclusive use of bicycles, walkers and runners. Where such trail or path forms part of a highway, it is separated from the roadway for motor vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier.” Such paths are also to be shared by other modes of transportation.

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PONTOON BEACH – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that bridge repairs on Illinois 111 between Illinois 162 and Pontoon Road in Madison County will require a full closure starting, weather permitting, at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3. During that time, motorists should follow the marked detour as follows: Illinois 111 northbound: Eastbound Illinois 162 to northbound Illinois 255 to westbound I-270 to Illinois 111. Illinois 111 southbound: Eastbound I-270 to southbound Illinois 255 to westbound Illinois 162 to Illinois 111. The project is anticipated to be completed by mid-November. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone and detour route. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Mueller Furniture & Mattress, a 4th generation family-owned business, donated hundreds of backpacks full of school supplies. The business hosted a “Backpack Give Back” event at its newest location in Fairview Heights to give away back-to-school items to families at no cost. “It is so wonderful to be able to give back and help so many families in the Metro East,” said owner and President Mark Mueller. “We know it’s not easy to be a parent with inflation and the cost of school supplies skyrocketing, so we’re hoping these backpacks will let people know we are in their corner. We are looking forward to doing more events like these in the future and are grateful for Y98 to help spread the word about the event. It is one of our core values to help support and uplift the people in our communities.” Mueller Furniture offers the largest selection of American-made furniture in the St Louis area and has specialized in providin

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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District is gearing up for a busy fall with plenty of programs and services available to the community. “We’re trying something new all the time,” said Mary Cordes, Hayner’s executive director. “We have our long-term programs that we’ve been doing that I really don’t anticipate us ever getting rid of because they work and people really, really like them. But you don’t want to just rely on what you’ve done in the past. You want to keep moving forward. So we’ve got some really fun programs coming up.” Among these programs, Cordes is looking forward to the Taps and Tomes Book Club , which meets every other month at The Old Bakery Beer Company. This month, they’re reading “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng and meeting on Sept. 5, 2024. From 6–7 p.m., participants can socialize and enjoy food and drinks. The book discussion starts at 7 p.m. Cordes sai

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SPRINGFIELD – As we approach the last unofficial weekend of summer, the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police are sending a clear message: Driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or any other impairing substance is not a game. To help keep our roads safe, more than 200 local law enforcement agencies are joining IDOT and ISP in enforcing the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” safety campaign. “A DUI arrest is a serious matter that can impact lives forever – and it’s 100% preventable,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering at IDOT. “The consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or any other impairing substance could cost you large fines, legal fees, increased insurance rates and, more importantly, your life or someone else’s.” During the campaign, which runs through the Labor Day weekend, ISP, and local

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MADISON COUNTY - Madison County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Marcos Pulido shared on Friday night, Aug. 30, 2024, that Destiny Kharsi had been located and was "safe." The chief deputy said "thank you" to all who shared the information about Kharsi leading to her discovery that she was safe and sound. Kharsi, a 48-year-old woman had been reported missing since approximately 8:30 a.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024. Kharsi is a white female with blue eyes and gray hair.

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GODFREY – On-campus dining has returned to Lewis and Clark Community College, thanks to a partnership with LaMay’s Catering. Owned and operated by LaMay’s, the Blazer Bites Café is a new dining establishment on the college’s Godfrey Campus that offers a fresh and inviting culinary experience to students, faculty, staff and visitors. Located in the old Commons Café in the McPike Math & Science Complex, Blazer Bites offers a vibrant menu featuring a variety of burgers, sandwiches, wings, salads, and more, all crafted with a focus on quality and affordability. Also on the menu are student favorites like flavored sodas, espresso drinks, and grab-and-go meals. “By design, Blazer Bites Café presents a comfortable atmosphere where everyone can gather and experience the welcoming culture of L&C,” said L&C Auxiliary Operations and Grants Manager Tina Russell. “I hope it will become a space used to study, dine, relax and enjoy

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ALTON — Madison County Transit (MCT) donated two RECON patrol bicycles to the Alton Police Department during the MCT Board meeting on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. This donation aims to enhance public safety by allowing law enforcement officials to patrol MCT Trails and local communities more efficiently. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford expressed his gratitude for the donation, calling it "an extremely generous donation." He added, "We at the Alton Police Department are very grateful. We will make good use of them at special events, concerts, parades, as well as periodic bike patrols. MCT is a great community partner. Their support and generosity are very much appreciated." Ellie Cone, Marketing Director of the Agency for Community Transit, elaborated on the purpose of the donation. "In an effort to support the evolving needs of local law enforcement and to encourage bicycle patrols on the MCT Trails and in Madison County communities, Madison County Transit (MCT) donated two RECON

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