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WASHINGTON, D.C. – As 2023 comes to a close, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) highlighted several key accomplishments she secured over the last year: “From helping almost 4,000 Illinoisans recover more than $2 million the Federal Government owed them to bringing home hundreds of millions of dollars to get the lead out of children’s drinking water, and from protecting hundreds of jobs in Peoria to helping bring home Illinois hostages held abroad, I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished this year,” Duckworth said. “It’s a true honor to continue serving Illinoisans in the United States Senate and as I look forward to the year ahead, I know there’s still much work to do to help save working families money, protect and defend women’s rights, end preventable gun violence, invest in communities that have been ignored for too long, advocate for Illinois on a global stage, support our troops and make sure we keep the promises

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced today that veteran service organizations can now apply for a state charter through his office. As part of the Veteran Service Organizations State Charter Act that goes into effect Jan. 1, the Attorney General’s office will approve veteran service organizations’ (VSOs) applications for state charters. The Attorney General’s office assisted with the drafting of the act, which was sponsored by Rep. Stephanie A. Kifowit and passed earlier this year by the General Assembly as House Bill 925. The law establishes requirements that a VSO must meet before being eligible to obtain a state charter in order to ensure that veterans throughout the state are being connected to the support and services they need. Prior to the passage of HB 925, the Military Veterans Assistance Act provided that VSOs could be congressionally or state chartered, but statute did not outline a process for VSOs to become state chartered. HB 925 brings clarit

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GRANITE CITY - Revity Credit Union employees joined together to raise $2,331.00 in the month of November to benefit the Granite City American Legion through their Smile for Jeans Program. The Smile for Jeans Program is funded by Revity Credit Union employees who make monthly, monetary donations out of their own pockets to a local organization. By donating $15 or more to a specific organization, Revity employees are able to wear jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays during that month. Nothing gets better than seeing a smile on an organization’s face when Revity Credit Union presents them with a jeans donation check. Revity Credit Union’s 2023 Smile for Jeans Program focuses on supporting our local communities that we work, play and live in. During the month of November, Revity employees proudly raised $2,331 for the Granite City American Legion. Revity Credit Union’s November donation was raised through combined efforts, $1,215 was raised through the jeans

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jerseyville City Council on Tuesday passed a $250,000 grant agreement to fund the installation of the future splash pad at Lions Club Park. The agreement between the city and the American Water Charitable Foundation marks the latest step in the park’s multi-phase improvement project. Council members unanimously approved a motion to approve a $250,000 grant agreement between the American Water Charitable Foundation and the City of Jerseyville for splash pad features/controllers/equipment, related to the Lions Club Park Improvements Phase 2 project. This item essentially finalizes the paperwork needed to release the funds that were approved earlier by the Jerseyville City Council, Mayor Kevin Stork said. Parks and Recreation Director Tyler Hermens said at the previous meeting that these funds will help pre-purchase equipment while a design for the splash pad and surrounding area is finalized. “With the American Water $250,000 grant we received,

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ALTON - It took to almost to the end of December, but the Metro East Region observed its first snowflakes of the winter season on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023. National Weather Service in St. Louis Meteorologist Matt Beitscher said this was not typical of normal November and December months in this region to see snow so late. “There were two other instances where we had no measurable snow in December and one was in 1971 and the other in 2021. But in those years, we had measurable snow in November.” The forecaster said part of the reason for the lack of snowfall is the higher temperatures and also a lack of rainfall. The St. Louis meteorologist said there could be some light snow late in the afternoon or evening on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023, and early Friday, Dec. 29, 2023. The precipitation did make driving visibility more difficult in the lunch hour range around the Metro East. The precipitation mix will end on Friday morning. There may be minor accumulations of snow on gras

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SPRINGFIELD - Two new laws regarding libraries in Illinois and a third expanding voter registration for teens are just a few of several new laws set to take effect statewide at the start of the new year in 2024. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias recently announced these and several other new laws initiated by his office that will take effect at the start of the new year. The initiatives were passed earlier this year by the Illinois General Assembly and signed into law. A Ban On Book Bans In 2024, Illinois will become the first state in the nation to place a ban on book bans. Giannoulias, who also serves as the State Librarian, said this legislation aims “to prevent public and school libraries from banning books, guarding against censorship and protecting librarians.” He added that he introduced it after far-right extremist groups “targeted Illinois libraries, divided communities and harassed librarians.” “The concept of banning

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The deceased in a St. Louis County homicide case has been identified as Kelton Dukes, 24 years of age, of the 300 block of Atwater Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63135. The case is being reviewed at the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for any possible charges. St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide in the 10000 block of Sheldon Drive in the City of Riverview that resulted in the death of an adult male. At 5:57 AM, City of Riverview police officers responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 10000 block of Sheldon Drive. Responding officers located an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot injury. The male was transported to an area hospital for life saving treatment but succumbed to his injuries and was later pronounced deceased. City of Riverview Police requested St. Louis County Police Department’s Bureau of Crimes Against Persons assume responsibility for the investigation.

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BELLEVILLE - Madeleine Moreland never expected to be a welding student at the Center for Academic and Vocational Excellence (CAVE), but she couldn’t recommend the experience enough. For her hard work and dedication to learning, Madeleine Moreland is a Student of the Month for the Home Builders & Remodelers Metro East Association. Moreland is a senior at Belleville West High School, and she was excited to take part in the district’s vocational opportunities when she learned about the CAVE and its programs. Throughout her first semester, she learned the ins and outs of welding. “I actually love it, like, a lot,” Moreland said. “I’m a very hands-on person, so it’s nice to have that creative release after being in the classroom for the entire first half of the day.” Though Moreland isn’t “100% certain” what she’ll do after she graduates, she said it’s nice to know that welding is an option and she is gla

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ALTON - YWCA Southwestern Illinois Women of Distinction is pleased to announce that the nomination period for the Women of Distinction program is now open. Nomination materials may be accessed at www.ywcaswil.org or by calling YWCA at 618.465.7774. Each year, some of the most influential women have been honored at the YWCA‘s Women of Distinction (WOD) celebration. Honorees are women who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and achievement in their professional, civic and personal lives. The WOD Academy has grown into a dynamic and diverse group of over 300 women representing a wide range accomplishments and contributions. YWCA is requesting the public’s help in soliciting nominations for 2024 Women of Distinction. The community is urged to nominate exceptional women who create real change in our communities. Nomination packets are available now at YWCA, online at www.ywcaswil.org, via email at info@ywcaswil.org, or by calling (618) 465-7774. Nomination deadline

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SPRINGFIELD - Several new laws concerning vehicles and driving are taking effect in Illinois starting on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024. Here’s an overview of some of those laws regarding Zooming and driving, mirror accessories, and automatic license plate readers. No More Zooming While Driving In 2024, it will be officially illegal to attend Zoom meetings, stream your favorite show, and/or check your social media timelines while driving. If this already seems illegal to you, that might be because Illinois already has laws preventing handheld cell phone usage while driving; exceptions are made when reporting an emergency, stopped/parked on the side of the road, or when in park/neutral during a traffic obstruction. This new law expands on that existing law to specifically target video conferencing, streaming, and social media platforms in an effort to further combat distracted driving. Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias said in a press release that he drafted this

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ST. LOUIS - The City of St. Louis Department of Parks, Recreation and Forestry is offering locations throughout the City of St. Louis for residents to recycle their live Christmas trees. Trees can be dropped off at: Forest Park: Lower Muny Opera parking lot O’Fallon Park Recreation Complex (YMCA): Southwest corner of parking lot Carondelet Park: Grand and Holly Hills, area near gate next to mulch piles Trees will be accepted at these Park sites through Tuesday, January 9, 2024. The trees will be used for mulch and firewood that will be free and made available to residents at the same sites. Trees must be free of all decorations, including ornaments, tinsel, lights, and tree stands, and should not be bagged or covered. Fake or plastic trees, wreaths, and pine roping are not accepted at these sites. City residents are discouraged from placing Christmas Trees in alley dumpsters or recycling containers, however they may also be placed in the alleys for bulk pickup.

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ALTON – OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center recently bestowed its Mission Partner of the Month Award for December to Jenn Terry, Administrative Supervisor (Nursing Administration). Hospitals are 24/7/365 entities, and there’s no downtime. So whatever happens during the daylight hours certainly takes place overnight. Reading Jenn’s nomination is to deduce that 1) she is an ideal example and can attest to what happens at night and 2) she is the leader of the night at OSF Saint Anthony’s. Jenn’s nomination reads in its entirety: “While department heads are nestled in their beds, Jenn works nights and often picks up extra for coverage and in the Emergency Department. She encounters many challenging scenarios and troubleshooting opportunities with grace. She is supportive of all Mission Partners and is an excellent resource. We’re fortunate to have her here at OSF Saint Anthony’s." Winners of the Mission Partner of the Month

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EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER - Wyatt Owens is a fierce hockey player, but he has proven himself even tougher off the ice as he undergoes treatment for lymphoma. The 18-year-old player for East Alton-Wood River has received a lot of support from his team, and now they are asking the community to step up and help out. DAWG Nation Hockey Foundation is sponsoring a fundraiser for Owens, and his team is cheering him on. “Everybody’s got his back,” said James Mitchell, Owens’s coach. “We’re fighting for him. Hockey’s the best, and to see everybody come together and stuff and do this for Wyatt, it’s just been amazing.” On Dec. 19, 2023, teams from across the conference taped up their sticks in lime green to bring awareness to lymphoma and show support for Owens at the East Alton Ice Arena. The Alton, Granite City, Bethalto and Highland hockey clubs took a break from the competition to come together and welcome Owens as he joined

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SPRINGFIELD – As 2023 comes to a close, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and nearly 200 law enforcement agencies across the state are reminding the public they'll be working overtime now through the beginning of the new year in an effort to keep roads safe for everyone. “Getting behind the wheel after drinking or using impairing drugs is a criminal act that jeopardizes your safety and the safety of others,” said IDOT’s Director of Highways Project Implementation Steve Travia. “Other dangerous behaviors like not wearing a seat belt, distracted driving and speeding are also strongly addressed by our laws. These laws exist for one reason – to keep the millions of people who use our public roads safe.” This final statewide enforcement push of 2023 has one goal – to save lives. During these last days of the year, additional law enforcement will be patrolling for impaired driving, seat belt, speeding, distracted

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SPRINGFIELD – Workers in Illinois will begin earning paid time off on January 1, 2024. The new law allows workers to earn up to 40 hours of paid leave in a 12-month period. Workers will accrue one hour of leave for every 40 hours worked. Governor JB Pritzker signed the landmark legislation in March, making Illinois the third state in the nation and first in the Midwest to mandate paid leave for any reason. “Illinois is the most pro-worker state in the nation, and the Paid Leave for All Workers Act is a prime example of those values translating into action,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Starting January 1st, I couldn’t be prouder that Illinois is officially becoming the first state in the Midwest to mandate paid leave for any reason. From raising the minimum wage to enshrining the right to collective bargaining in our state constitution, my administration will continue to support and protect Illinois’ workforce at every turn.” “The

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SPRINGFIELD – If you had a baby or adopted this year, don’t forget to open a Bright Start or Bright Directions college savings account and claim your $50 seed deposit from the Illinois First Steps program, State Treasurer Michael Frerichs reminded new parents today. “We launched the Illinois First Steps program this year to help put families on a path to saving early for their child’s education,” Frerichs said. “Saving now means money will be available when your child is ready to attend a university, community college, trade school, or start an apprenticeship.” To qualify for the Illinois First Steps $50 seed deposit, parents or legal guardians must be Illinois residents at the time of birth or adoption, the beneficiary child must be born or adopted on or after Jan. 1, 2023, open an Illinois529 college savings account with Bright Start or Bright Directions, and claim the seed deposit before the child's 10th birthday. Bright Start and Bright

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ALTON - On Christmas Eve, Alton’s Middletown Historic District was once again aglow as part of their annual luminary tradition. The tradition invites neighbors to put out 5,000 candles along Henry, E. 12th and surrounding streets. While the luminary is limited to Middletown, luminary chair Shannon Sholar said she hopes to bring in more blocks next year to enjoy the tradition. “It’s a great way to kick off the season,” Sholar said. “It showcases the beautiful historic neighborhood. It is just unbelievably peaceful and calming to drive through and see that glow up and down the streets with all the bags lined up. And it’s a great way for neighbors to come out of their homes when everybody’s stuck inside and mix with their neighbors and just kick off the holiday season.” The luminary was started 22 years ago by Margaret Hopkins, but the tradition itself has remained largely the same. Sholar explained that every block has a “block

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GODFREY - The Lewis and Clark Community College Bluegrass Concert, hosted by the Harman Family Bluegrass Band, is a beloved January tradition for many people in the Riverbend region. The band will perform for their 46th year on Jan. 13, 2024. “We continued on and it kept — well, that’s one thing I can say, it didn’t get any bigger because it was a sellout the first year. It didn’t grow, it just kept going,” said patriarch Mike Harman. “Something had to go right.” Mike didn’t necessarily expect the band to grow like it did. He started the Harman Trio with his sister Lori and brother Bull several years ago, and it expanded to the Harman Family when Mike’s wife Stacy and Bull’s wife Tammy joined in. Now, Mike’s sons and nephew also play in the band, and they have several special guests who will join them on Jan. 13. While the band’s lineup has changed over the years, the show itself is consistent every

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BETHALTO - 1 st MidAmerica Credit Union Vice President of Commercial Services, Jeff Whitaker, has announced his plans to retire at the end of this year. Whitaker began working at the credit union in 2007 and was instrumental in growing the Commercial Services department at 1 st MidAmerica. Throughout his time at 1 st MidAmerica, he has been active in the community, volunteering with several community organizations. “Jeff’s dedication to assisting business members during his tenure is evident in the relationships that he has formed with the business members. He has grown the commercial services department tremendously in his time at the credit union and built it into what it is today,” said Alan Meyer, President & CEO. Brett Pont has been named the new Vice President of Commercial Services and started with 1 st MidAmerica earlier this year. Pont comes to the credit union with over 18 years of commercial and financial services experience and has spent the

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BELLEVILLE - Lots of laughs are in store at the upcoming “Comic Invasion!” show in Belleville, which will feature four comedians and be filmed for television. On Dec. 30 and 31, 2023, at Lincoln Theatre in Belleville, audiences can enjoy a stand-up show with plenty of local flair. Headliner Jeff Batts explained that the comedians travel and poke fun at the small towns where they perform. The two Lincoln Theater shows will be filmed for the nationally syndicated television show “Comic Invasion!,” which is premiering on stations across the U.S. in 2024. “We call it Comic Invasion because basically we ask the question, we pose the question, what would happen if four comedians just invaded a town? A small town in America,” Batts explained. “Every area’s got something that makes it unique, and we like to go into those towns, have some fun with the locals, and then we perform at a local theater or hotspot there in the area. And it make

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