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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee who served 23 years in the Reserve Forces—slammed U.S. Secretary of Defense expected nominee Pete Hegseth on his utter lack of experience and qualifications to lead the Department of Defense at his confirmation hearing. Pointing to a framed copy of the Soldier’s Creed—a copy that hangs over her desk in the Senate and hung above her bed during her recovery at Walter Reed Medical Center after the helicopter she co-piloted was shot down—Duckworth urged Mr. Hegseth to follow this Creed as our servicemembers do every day, placing the mission above personal ambition. Duckworth’s full remarks can be found on the Senator’s YouTube . “Every day, our servicemembers follow the Soldier’s Creed as we ask them to leave their families, walk into enemy fire and be ready for the mission until their very

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ALTON – Illinois State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) was reappointed to serve as the Assistant House Republican Leader by House Republican Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna). “It’s such an honor to serve again as Assistant House Republican Leader with Leader Tony McCombie,” said Rep. Amy Elik. “I do not take this responsibility lightly and am excited to use this position to present real solutions to the tough problems Illinois is facing. This is a great opportunity to drive policy that will not only benefit the people I represent in the Metro East, but all across Illinois. I am humbled Leader McCombie has chosen me to serve alongside her in the 104th General Assembly.” State Representative Amy Elik joins an accomplished group of lawmakers from across the state who will guide the House Republican caucus through the 104th General Assembly. “Amy is a tremendous asset to our caucus, and I am thrilled to have her on my leadership team,”

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ALTON/GODFREY — Community Christmas in 2024 successfully provided hundreds of toys and clothing to families in need, thanks to local efforts and generous donations. The Freer family from Freer Auto Body played a pivotal role in the campaign, which aims to support those who may otherwise go without during the holiday season. On Christmas Eve, the Freer family learned of a family of 10 that lacked clothing and toys. They worked quickly to gather the appropriate sizes for the children and find toys for the kids, embodying the precise spirit of Community Christmas. Margaret Freer, a family member and part owner of Freer Auto Body, expressed the emotional significance of the campaign, stating, “It just warms my heart each year to do the Community Christmas campaign. It was David's favorite charity, so that makes it even more special for me. The need is out there and our community never fails to come through.” David Freer, the founder of Freer Auto Body in Godfrey, died

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CHATHAM – The Board of Directors of United Community Bank (UCB) is pleased to announce that Allen Schmale has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of UCB, effective immediately. This announcement follows a highly successful tenure as Interim President and CEO, during which Schmale demonstrated exceptional leadership and a steadfast commitment to the Bank's mission. "Allen is the ideal leader for this role," said Bob Narmont, Chairman of the UCB Board. "His deep banking expertise, dedication to serving our customers and communities, and ability to engage and motivate our team have been invaluable as we continue to grow and strengthen our organization." With decades of experience in banking and finance, Schmale previously served as Chief Lending Officer at UCB, where he spearheaded initiatives that drove growth and success across our organization. His leadership will be instrumental as UCB continues to serve and support its central Illinois, northeast Missouri, and

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, that multiple charges have been filed against Delvarrion D. Harris, 30, of East St. Louis, in connection with a shooting that injured 12 people at a club in Venice. The incident occurred early on Nov. 24, 2024, at a club located in the 1400 block of Broadway in Venice. Haine said all the victims survived, although some required hospitalization for their injuries. Harris is charged with 12 counts of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, a class X felony, as well as one count of Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, a class 3 felony. The charges allege that Harris discharged a firearm, striking the victims, and that he possessed a .40-caliber handgun despite a prior felony conviction. The charges were officially filed on Dec. 20, 2024, but remained sealed until Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, following Harris's arrest. He is currently held at the St. Clair County Jail and is expected to be transferred

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GLEN CARBON - Two contracts between Glen Carbon and TWM, Inc. for street improvement projects are up for a vote at Tuesday night, Jan. 14, 2025, Glen Carbon Village Board meeting. Trustees will consider the approval of two contracts with TWM, Inc. for construction engineering services under the Street Program. Work under the first agreement totals $94,300, while the second agreement totals $44,700. According to a memo to trustees from Public Works Director Scott Slemer, the $94,300 agreement is for the Main Street Storm Sewer Replacement project, while the $44,700 agreement is for the Forest Ridge Court Reconstruction project. Main Street Storm Sewer Replacement Project limits for the Main Street Storm Sewer Replacement extend from the historic Glen Carbon covered bridge to School Street. The full scope of the work is described in the first Professional Services Agreement as follows: “All inlets and storm sewer will be replaced, and the street will be patched as necessary,&rdquo

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey Community Middle School has released their Honor Roll and High Honor Roll lists for grades 5 through 7. 7th Grade - High Honor Roll Trey N. Alich Wade R. Ball Aislynn C. Christen Emersyn J. Cole Lillie M. Cornelius Kaylee M. Cunningham Kyle A. Darr Kadence Dobson Henry D. Dohrn Ayden S. Droege Stella M. Egelhoff Addison J. Fessler Charles R. Friedel Davis J. Frost Olivia D. Funk Cadence M. Goodey Liam P. Graham Reid K. Graham Bentley W. Grasle Maci E. Gray Fallin M. Green Emmitt M. Grizzle Ruiz Aubrey A. Hargrave Joshua G. Hartley Sophia M. Herter Harper L. Hill Brody A. Hoyt Austin Huang Sullivan E. Hutchens Harmony M. Jantzen Blake J. Jones Paige M. Jones Cullan J. Kinser Kiyah B. Knoche Grace E. Latempt Bennett L. Leslie Parker M. Logan Grayson M. Mangara Kagen A. McClintock Livia B. McKinnon Christopher J. Merrell Colton T. Mueller Cjay T. Nevlin Kaylin M. Norman Haylee

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey Community High School has released their lists for 8th Grade Quarter 2 Honor Roll and 9-12th grade Honor Roll for 1st Semester. 12th Grade Semester 1 High Honor Roll Baro, Jayce C. Bellet, Jacob R. Benedict, Katreona G. Benz, Abbigail M. Bockstruck, Charlie L. Bolds, Jordan M. Brainerd, Rose L. Brunaugh, Jaxon J. Burney, Ava L. Carter, Halie M. Deist, Bradley M. Dennison, Mackenzie E. Derrick, Corah M. Dougherty, Meredith J. Eads, Jaren A. Eilerman, Michaela G. Finkes, Peyton R. Finkes, Talan W. Goetten, Dax J. Graham, Kenli K. Gray, Morgan L. Groves, Brayden T. Hansen, Angela C. Hardwick, Aiden W. Hedger, Madalyn M. Heineman, Hailey M. Herrera, Timothy S. Hileman, Jovee E. Hodges, Madison N. Hudson, Kate M. Huitt, Logan M. Hutchens, Reese M. Johnson, Camryn A. Johnson, Tyler J. Kadell, Jordan T. Kallal, Casey M. Kelly, Addison G. Kendall, Aiden W. Kiel, Joseph C. Koenig, Hunter

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O'FALLON, Ill. — The O'Fallon Community Consolidated School District #90 has mourned the loss of Edrick Ross, a beloved custodian at Moye Elementary School. Ross died recently, prompting an outpouring of tributes from staff and the school community. Ross was known not only for his role in maintaining the school but also for the deep connections he formed with students. He was described as someone who "loved and accepted all students unconditionally," embodying a spirit of kindness and support that resonated throughout the school. Staff members remembered Ross for his infectious smile and his willingness to engage with students, whether through laughter or dance. "He is truly missed," one staff member stated, reflecting the sentiment felt by many in the district. As the community comes to terms with this loss, the district encourages all to keep Ross's memory alive in their hearts.

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FULTON, Mo. - Westminster College is pleased to announce those students named to the Fall 2024 Dean's List for exemplary academic performance. The list of 235 students includes 70 freshmen, 51 sophomores, 43 juniors and 71 seniors. These are two local students named to the Dean's List: HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, CLASS YEAR East Alton, Illinois Kaleb Hinkle-Pruett, Senior Saint Louis, Missouri Eliva Flowers, Freshman The Dean's List recognizes Westminster students who excelled academically during the past semester. To be included on the Dean's List, a student must achieve a 3.60 semester grade point average with at least 12 hours completed that semester. Dr. Ingrid Ilinca, Vice President, Chief Academic Officer, Provost and Chief Student Retention Officer, recently commended the students for their exemplary academic performance. "The students on the fall Dean's List are to be commended for working extremely hard last semester," Ilinca said. "On behalf of the entire Westminster

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BELLEVILLE – The Wall Of Fame Selection Committee at Belleville West High School is now accepting nominations for its 2025 inductees, with submissions open until Feb. 28, 2025. Principal Dr. Malcom J. Hill emphasized the importance of recognizing the achievements of alumni, faculty, employees, and community members who have made significant contributions through community service, academic and athletic accomplishments, and professional success. “The Wall of Fame recognizes those individuals whose actions and contributions to society have brought distinction and honor to the Belleville West High School community,” he stated. Nominations for the Wall of Fame opened on Dec. 23, 2024. The Selection Committee, which comprises nine members — five from the school and four from the community —invites the public to submit information about individuals who have excelled in their fields or made notable contributions to the local community. Dr. Hill noted that

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College is meeting the changes and challenges in the growing real estate field by offering classes to help individuals enter that career field as brokers. An individual must pass a total of 75 hours of instruction to take the Real Estate Broker’s licensure exam. Lewis and Clark is offering three different classes of Real Estate, all of which are needed for the exam: Real Estate Brokerage (REAL 135-A60) – 7-9:40 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, Jan. 22 – March 12, Godfrey Campus Real Estate Transactions (REAL 136-01) – 9:30 – 10:45 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, Jan. 21 – May 15, Godfrey Campus (REAL 136-B60) – 7-9:40 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays, March 24- May 14, Godfrey Campus Real Estate Transaction Applications (REAL 137-B60) – 6:30 – 10 p.m., Tuesdays, March 25- May 13, Godfrey Campus All three courses will be taught by local real estate professional Kevin Botterbush

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WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today paid tribute to President Joe Biden for his service to our nation as the Biden-Harris administration comes to a close. “Over the decades I have known President Joe Biden, he has proven to be one of the finest public servants America has seen. Coming from humble beginnings, he worked hard and put himself in positions to give back to this nation that has given so much to him. When it came to making decisions of consequence on issues that mattered most to the American people, Joe Biden put America first,” Durbin said. “Through immense personal tragedy, through setbacks and obstacles, President Biden has taken the strength and wisdom he learned from his family, held steadfast onto his faith in America, and gave millions of people in the nation reasons for hope.” Durbin continued, “His record—as a Senator, while serving as Vice President under

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ST. LOUIS, MO. – Crime remains on a downward trend in the City of St. Louis under Mayor Tishaura O. Jones’ leadership, with 150 homicides in 2024, the lowest number of homicides in 11 years. Overall, crime was down 15% year-over-year. “While we have seen remarkable progress, 150 homicides in one year are still far too many, and we are committed to using every tool available to us to bring that number down much further,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “Our all-hands-on-deck approach, including close coordination with SLMPD, the Circuit Attorney’s Office, and our community partners, remains effective at continuing this downward trend.” Contributing to this progress is Chief Robert Tracy, who was appointed by Mayor Jones in 2022 as the first SLMPD chief from outside the department and has spearheaded a modern, data-driven approach to crime fighting. In 2024, SLMPD revamped its website , making it more user-friendly, while making the weekly CompStat

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ST. LOUIS - The Board of Aldermen’s Housing, Urban Development and Zoning Committee will discuss and take public comment on the TRANSFORM STL Act (Board Bill 153) on Tuesday, January 14th at 11:00 a.m. A meeting dedicated to public comment is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15th at 5:00 p.m. “We acknowledge that not every resident can make their voice heard in the middle of a work day. The discussion of these funds is critical, and it's important to me that there is a dedicated, accessible hearing where we can hear from as many community members as possible,” said 7th Ward Alderwoman and sponsor of B.B. 153, Alisha Sonnier. The Board of Aldermen engaged in a yearlong process to understand residents’ top funding priorities. That process demonstrated residents’ support in three main categories: infrastructure, development, and people. Informed by those priorities, the TRANSFORM STL Act allocates: $40 million for water system upgrades and $60 million

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SPRINGFIELD - Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has drafted bipartisan legislation in collaboration with AARP Illinois to increase the age at which Illinois drivers must take a behind-the-wheel driving test from 79 to 87 while implementing new procedures to allow immediate relatives to report unsafe drivers. Illinois is currently the only state in the nation that requires a behind-the-wheel driving test for seniors based on age. In addition, Illinois is one of only five states that do not allow immediate family members to report concerns about a relative’s driving ability. Latest statistics from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reveal that in 2023, the crash rate for drivers 75 and older is 24.61 per 1,000 drivers, which is lower than every age range of drivers between 16 and 74 years old. “As Secretary of State, my top priority is ensuring that Illinois roads are safe,” Giannoulias said. “Seniors are among the safest drivers of

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County Sheriff’s Office members took part in its Fourth Annual ImpactLife National Blue Blood Drive on Jan. 8, 2025, as part of a broader effort to address blood shortages in the region. The event, organized by ImpactLife, a non-profit community blood center, aims to provide essential blood products to states including Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, and Iowa. January is recognized as National Blood Donor Month, a designation established over 50 years ago when President Richard Nixon signed a proclamation on Dec. 31, 1969. This month-long observance honors voluntary blood donors and seeks to encourage more individuals to contribute at a time when blood donations are critically needed. “Many variables can impact our blood inventories such as weather, holidays, or tragic events,” a spokesperson from ImpactLife noted. “Every day, patients who need blood are in crisis, and you can help by volunteering to donate.” The need for blood

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EDWARDSVILLE - During the recent Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Board of Education work session, the Board learned more about Vision 2030 and priorities for school boards across Illinois. Vision 2030 lays out three priorities for the next ten years in education in Illinois: future-focused learning, shared accountability, and predictable funding. During the meeting on Jan. 13, 2025, Superintendent Dr. Shelton presented the Board with information about each of these priorities. A few months ago, local superintendents Dr. Jill Griffin of Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 and Dr. Brad Skertich of Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 represented Southwestern Illinois in a work group to finalize Vision 2030. Vision 2030 is sponsored by the Illinois Association of School Administrators, Illinois Association of School Boards, Illinois Principals Association, Illinois Association of School Business Officials, Illinois Association of Regional Superintendents

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ALTON - Alton High School has announced its Honor Roll lists for the Fall 2024 semester. "We are extremely proud of these students for their hard work, commitment, and academic accomplishments during the first semester of this school year," Guidance Counselor Secretary Emily Lacy said. Class of 2025 High Honor Roll Semester 1 Molly K. Allen Gage P. Anderson Michael G. Anderson John J. Barnard Madelyn S. Bearley Jamison L. Belcher Adeline I. Bemis Chad M. Betlach Elizabeth H. Blackmon Connor M. Bockholdt Ava M. Boley Elise H. Boyd Logan M. Branham Eric R. Braundmeier Christian A. Brown Connor J. Brown Nevaeh D. Bryant Kameron T. Burnett Keyser A. Butler Madison R. Calame Ayden C. Calvert Emily R. Carter Kristina L. Castelli Joselyn N. Chappee Berlynn J. Clayton Madeline R. Cohill Cameron B. Conwell Victoria K. Copeland Sophia D. Corby Dillan J. Cowan Julia K. Craig Wren Crawford Gentry D. Crocker Wyatt R.

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Treasurer’s Office returned nearly $299 million in missing money during 2024, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs announced today. Illinois’ missing money program — also known as I-CASH — processed 331,032 claims last year. Preliminary numbers show that $260.6 million in cash and $38 million in securities were returned last year. The average amount of a claim was $902. “Putting money back in people’s pockets helps families and our state’s economy. This money belongs with its rightful owners,” Treasurer Frerichs said. “We have made it easier to file a claim in many cases and streamlined the system with the help of state lawmakers.” I-CASH is one of the state’s oldest consumer protection initiatives. The State Treasurer is tasked with safeguarding unclaimed property, including unpaid life insurance benefits, forgotten bank accounts, unused rebate cards and the contents of overlooked

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