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ALTON - Illinois State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) is collecting “Valentines for Veterans” again for the fourth year in a row at her district office in Alton. Representative Elik is encouraging students and residents to make valentine cards with a special thank you, including well-wishes to veterans who served our nation in the U.S. Armed Forces. According to Rep. Elik, “Sending a valentine to a veteran for Valentine’s Day shows that we appreciate their service to our country and that we have not forgotten about their love for our nation. I enjoy delivering these each year to our veterans and seeing the joy and smiles the valentines bring to their faces. I appreciate the support from our community each year that help make this program successful.” All ages are invited to create a valentine’s card or drawing. Cards should be delivered to Rep. Eliks’ office, located at 192 Alton Square Mall Dr., Suite C in Alton by February 9. Please

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ST. LOUIS - The deceased has been identified in a fatal crash in St. Louis County as Mohamed Barud, 27 years of age, of the 4600 block of S. Broadway Street in St. Louis, Missouri 63111. St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives and the Accident Reconstruction Unit are investigating a fatal motor vehicle crash in the area of New Halls Ferry Road and Dunn Road that resulted in the death of an adult male. St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service for a motor vehicle crash in the area of New Halls Ferry Road and Dunn Road. Arriving officers located two motor vehicles involved in a crash at the intersection. Preliminary investigation has revealed a Toyota Corolla was southbound on New Halls Ferry Road. A Ford F-250 was northbound on New Halls Ferry Road turning west onto Dunn Road. The two vehicles struck in the intersection. The driver of the Toyota was transported to an area hospital but succumbed

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County Clerk’s Office, The United States Election Assistance Commission (EAC) has designated January 30, 2024, as Help America Vote Day. This day of action is meant to assist election judge recruitment efforts in communities across the country. Madison County is actively recruiting election judges for the upcoming March 19, 2024, General Primary Election and beyond. Election Judges’ duties include setting up and preparing polling locations, including setting up voting equipment, signing in and processing voters, demonstrating voting procedures, assisting voters, closing the polls, canvassing, and reporting election results back to the counting center at the night's end. To be an Election Judge in Illinois, you must meet the following requirements: Be a US Citizen Be able to speak, read, and write the English language Reside in the precinct where selected to serve as a judge Not be a candidate for any office in the election Not be a sex offender

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ALTON - Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, located at 2390 Homer M. Adams Parkway in Alton, is open after a “minor” fire. Doug King, Madison County Health Department Public Health Administrator, said it was a minor oven fire that caused no damage to the food. “None of the fire extinguisher equipment went off,” he added. “They actually used a handheld fire extinguisher to put it out.” The Madison County Health Department completed a routine inspection following the fire and approved the restaurant to reopen.

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ROXANA - One of the leaders on the hardwood for the Roxana Shells this basketball season has been sophomore forward Sean Maberry. Maberry has stepped up as a primary scorer on the Shells basketball program, and the team is reaping the rewards. When Sean Maberry’s on, it’s likely Roxana is firing on all cylinders as well. The Shells have won eight of ten games where Maberry has scored in the double digits. Not just a scorer, Sean takes pride in using his talents to set up his teammates. “I just try to get my team buckets whenever they need it.” said Maberry after a big win for his Shells against Bunker Hill. For his contributions, Maberry is a Midwest Members Credit Union Athlete of the Month for the Shells. Maberry is just a sophomore, but so important in the Shells basketball setup, and he credits his growth this season. “I feel like in my freshman year, I was just a little timid,” Sean said after a big 21-point game against Bunker Hill

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WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees—met with Swedish National Security Advisor Henrik Landerholm to discuss shared priorities in mitigating the risks that climate change poses to our national security as well as NATO-backed efforts to push back against Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In their meeting, the group also discussed how Sweden’s world-renowned waste management system serves as an innovative solution to curbing climate change while supporting a circular economy, expanding their energy supply, reducing plastic waste in landfills and helping business. Photos of the Senator’s meeting can be found using the link here . “For years, I’ve warned that climate change is a both a national and global security threat—and I’m committed to doing everything I can to mitigate its impact before it’s too late,” said Duckworth.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Region 4 leaders of United Auto Workers (UAW) to discuss the union’s priorities, including protecting workers and ensuring that union members are supported as automakers transition to electric vehicle production. Durbin spoke about the reopening of the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Belvidere, Illinois, that was secured in the historic labor contract signed by the UAW and the Big Three automakers—Ford, Stellantis, and General Motors—last year. UAW leaders also thanked Durbin for his role in supporting UAW workers and in visiting two picket lines in Chicago and in Bolingbrook, Illinois. “Labor unions built this country. Along the way, unions, including UAW, have offered protections for their members and strengthened industries while holding employers accountable for workplace conditions,” said Durbin. “In my meeting with labor leaders today, I reiterated my support for

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced his office will host two virtual Technology Procurement Summits within the next month to raise awareness and share information about future opportunities as the office continues its technological transformation. Since taking office a year ago, Giannoulias has made modernization a top priority, laying out a clear vision for overhauling the Secretary of State’s archaic technology systems with the goal of making the office more customer-centric while providing a more efficient, secure technology solution for the State of Illinois. As part of this effort, Giannoulias is seeking vendors and partners to provide technological solutions and assist with the implementation of various technological projects. “We’ve been working hard developing the roadmap to modernize our technology, data, cybersecurity and digital user experience,” Giannoulias said. “Now, we can begin showcasing opportunities

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today released the following statement after the Senate confirmed Normal, Illinois, Mayor Chris Koos to serve on the Amtrak Board of Directors: “Mayor Koos has a long history as a powerful, positive voice in Illinois’ transportation sector. He understands the importance of passenger rail to communities in Illinois, the Midwest, and nationwide. His nomination, which we strongly recommended to President Biden, was well deserved. We voted for his confirmation today with the confidence that he will grow and protect Amtrak’s national network. “We’d also like to commend former Mayor Tom Carper of Macomb, Illinois, for his service on the Amtrak Board of Directors since 2008, including as its Chairman from 2009 to 2013. During his tenure, Mayor Carper ensured that Amtrak was valued as a national passenger rail system that offered valuable connections an

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with leaders and members from United Auto Workers Region 4 following the historic wins UAW secured in their new contracts with the “Big 3” automakers last year—wins that included 25% wage increases, cost-of-living adjustments, $5,000 ratification bonuses and other benefits for workers. Duckworth and the members also discussed the importance of protecting dislocated workers and communities and ensuring they are positioned to benefit from emerging technology as the automotive industry moves away from fossil fuel use. A photo from today’s meeting is available on the Senator’s website . “Last year’s historic agreement showed just how powerful workers can be when they come together and collectively bargain for better wages and benefits, while also proving there’s a roadmap for labor and industry to work together to help modern businesses compete, grow profits and succeed.”

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WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, called on his colleagues to reach a deal on immigration reform to restore order at the southern border while also enforcing these laws in a humane and fair way. During his remarks, Durbin slammed Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) for his continued inhumane practice when migrants reach the Texas border. Durbin said, “We must restore order at our southern border and enforce our immigration laws in a fair and humane way—that’s why the Senate has been engaged in bipartisan talks on a path forward for weeks. The Republican Governor of Texas takes a different view. He has implemented cruel and ineffective immigration policies that sow chaos, risk lives, and prevent federal border officials from doing their jobs.” Durbin cited various ways the Texas Governor has created chaos around this crisis. Through his Operation Lonestar,

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ALTON - Illinois American Water’s work to separate the Alton combined sewer system and install new sanitary sewers continues. Below is information about upcoming/current road closures – Jan. 23, 2024 Elm Street is closing to traffic, near the intersection of Hardy Street, on the morning of Wednesday, January 24th, 2024. Please avoid this area and utilize Mather Street to the south E. Delmar Ave to the north for any east-west travel in this area. The work will progress easterly down Elm Street to the intersection of Kohler Street. Safety: These closures are necessary for investments to the wastewater system to be completed in a safe manner. At Illinois American Water our team and our contractors work as quickly as possible to minimize inconvenience to our customers. We do our best to minimize the length of construction, but our #1 priority is safety. At times, road and sidewalk closures may be extended to support our commitment to safety. Contact: Customers should call 800-422-278

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SPRINGFIELD - In a push to ensure that Illinoisans eat safer, healthier food, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, State Senator Willie Preston (D-Chicago) and State Representative Anne Stava-Murray (D-Downers Grove) have initiated legislation to ban harmful chemicals in candy, soda and other ultra-processed, packaged foods sold here. The Illinois Food Safety Act – or Senate Bill 2637 – calls for prohibiting the use of brominated vegetable oil, potassium bromate, propylparaben, Red Dye No. 3 and titanium dioxide – all of which have been linked to serious health problems, including hyperactivity, nervous system damage, reproductive issues, hormonal damage and increased risk of cancer. Because of health concerns, the use of these chemicals in food items is already prohibited in the European Union and several other countries. Last fall, California enacted a law that banned four of the five additives, which takes effect in 2027, and New York is considering similar legislation

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ALTON - From Bluey to Blippi to Mickey Mouse, “We Like to PARTY” has a variety of characters who can make your party even more fun. After Whitney Bilan struggled to find a Peppa Pig costume to celebrate her daughter’s birthday, she decided she would start her own company to provide characters for parties, home visits and other events in the Riverbend area. A few months later, Bilan’s company has grown to include several costumes and hundreds of excited kids who love to hang out with their favorite characters. “It’s just very fulfilling to know that these kids are so excited,” Bilan said. “I want to do something that I enjoy. This is something that I’ve put my heart into. I know how much kids enjoy seeing a character and making them smile. It’s just great.” Bilan’s best friend, nieces and 16-year-old daughter are usually the people in the costumes. She said the business has been a fun way to bring joy

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HARDIN - A Fieldon woman - Loren K. Dale - faces multiple charges after a traffic stop in Calhoun County. The Calhoun County Sheriff's report reads as follows: On January 5, 2024, at approximately 9:05 p.m., deputies with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office observed a silver 1999 GMC strike the side of the Joe Page Bridge, and continue eastbound towards Greene County. Calhoun County Deputy Sheriff Austin Phillips and Sergeant Zach Hardin immediately began an attempt to stop the fleeing vehicle, which continued eastbound across the Bridge. "After continuing eastbound, the vehicle turned north onto Sand Ridge Road and finally pulled over." Dale, 54, was arrested for the following offenses: Aggravated Driving Under the Influence (Four or More Previous), Leaving the Scene of an Accident, Fleeing / Attempt to Elude a Peace Officer, Operating Uninsured Motor Vehicle, Dale was arrested without incident and transported to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. As is now required under

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A district judge sentenced a semitrailer driver to 12 years in federal prison after he admitted to hauling nearly 40 kilograms of heroin, fentanyl, meth and cocaine through Southern Illinois. Ledaniel Russell, 50, of Fort Worth, Texas, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance: heroin, fentanyl, meth and cocaine. “Heroin, fentanyl, meth and cocaine all have a dangerous history of infecting individuals and causing harm in communities due to the war on drugs,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I commend the Illinois State Police for interrupting this drug trafficking operation and having the training to detect semitrailer drivers with illegitimate agendas.” Troopers with the Illinois State Police conducted a traffic stop on a semitrailer driven by Russell along Interstate 70 in Madison County on Sept. 15, 2022. Following a search of Russell’s trailer, troopers located two larg

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GRAFTON - Pere Marquette State Park boasts several new programs in the new year, including a special night hike event planned for Feb. 3, 2024. Lev Smolianski, Pere Marquette’s new Natural Resource Coordinator , explained that the night hike will start at 8 p.m. and run for two hours as the group takes a 2.5-mile hike through the park. “It’s just different at that time of day. It’s the same but different. So I think it really brings people out of their comfort zones,” Smolianski said. “It’s not something that people go out and get to do. When you go hiking, you go from sunrise to sunset. I think that when you go into the woods at night, it’s a completely different ballgame. I think it’s going to be a really unique experience and I think people are going to really enjoy it.” He pointed out that attendees will be able to see different wildlife, including bobcats and raccoons, as well as city lights from St. Louis

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Pat McCroy, the national co-chair of No Labels and former governor of North Carolina, recently announced the organization has called for a Department of Justice investigation into threats made against members of No Labels. No Labels recently held a press conference to announce the investigation request, which McCroy explained in further detail on an episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . “We had the press conference to announce that we’re asking the U.S. Justice Department to investigate groups, coordinated groups that are working we think allegedly in an illegal manner to stop No Labels - and frankly, other groups - from having a chance to give voters an opportunity to have another choice on the ballot,” McCroy said. “We think this is as important as taking away someone’s right to vote … what they’re trying to do is deny access to a ballot verbally and threatening not only people associated with No Labels,

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GRANITE CITY - Joseph J. Nappier, 24, of Granite City, was charged with one count of domestic battery after attacking a household or family member with a knife on Jan. 12, 2024. Nappier has previously been convicted of violating orders of protection, according to Madison County court documents. According to a petition to deny Nappier’s pretrial release, the victim reported Nappier “became intoxicated and aggressive” before he pushed them into a wall, causing them to cut their head. A witness reported “attempting to intervene in the attack and the defendant brandishing a knife. She was cut on the hand trying to stop the defendant from attacking .” The victim in this case also told officers she was concerned Nappier “is going to kill her.” “Bethalto PD reports multiple calls to this residence for OP violations, disorderly conduct and disturbances involving the defendant,” the petition states, adding Nappier is currently on

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Madison County Chief Assessment Office is announcing that property tax-saving exemption renewal applications for the 2024 tax year are now available. Chief County Assessment Officer Denise Shores is reminding property owners to fill out their renewal forms, which include: Persons with Disabilities Standard Homestead for Veterans with Disabilities Low-Income Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption Exemptions are savings that contribute to lowering a homeowner’s property tax bill. If homeowners are unsure of their existing exemptions, they can check by reviewing their exemption history under the Real Estate Assessment/Tax Information Look-up. The information shows when the property owner requested the exemption, when it was first granted and the renewal date. Applications for those who need to reapply or new homeowners or first-time applicants are available on Madison County’s website at https://www.madisoncountyil.gov/departments/chief_county_assesment_office/available_exemptions.php

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