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RIVERBEND - Ameren Illinois has introduced a new program to recycle power poles. In 2022, Ameren Illinois partnered with Blackwood Solutions. This company picks up broken or decommissioned poles and recycles the wooden poles by giving them to farmers for fence posts, turning them into parking blocks, or shredding them into woodchips. Brian Bretsch, a spokesperson for Ameren Illinois, explained that this has been a great way to improve Ameren’s environmental footprint. “We’re just doing what we can to be good environmental stewards by diverting as much wood waste as possible,” Bretsch said. “With this partnership, since 2022, we’re diverting literally tons of wood waste every year.” Ameren Illinois and Ameren Missouri replace an average of 24,000 poles in both states every year. Poles must be replaced if they’re involved in an accident and cannot be repaired. Poles are also often damaged in storms, or a pole might simply reach

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GRAFTON - The National Memorial of Military Ascent is one step closer to completion. On Monday, May 12, 2025, elected officials, community members and veterans gathered at the Grafton Visitor Center for the unveiling of the memorial’s first bronze statue. The memorial is modeled after Point du Hoc in Normandy, where Allied forces landed during D-Day. The completed memorial will feature 12 statues climbing the bluffs at the site of the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA). “‘Ascent’ can have two meanings,” said David Schock, documentarian, who emceed the ceremony. “The first is spelled ‘ascent,’ and it means to rise or climb, exactly what the Second Army Rangers did. The second ‘assent’ means to give approval or agreement, to concur. Point du Hoc brought together both these meanings. Those soldiers climbed, but before they did that, they gave their assent by offering their lives in the service to this country.”

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EDWARDSVILLE — On the first day of National Police Week, Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor announced plans for a new memorial honoring officers killed in the line of duty. The memorial will be constructed at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and funded entirely through private donations. At a press conference held Monday, Connors revealed that the effort has raised $58,663 toward a $500,000 goal. Korte Construction, based in Highland, has been contracted to build the memorial. During the event, several local organizations presented checks to support the project. Contributions included $20,000 from Simmons Law Firm and Gori Law Firm, $10,000 each from U.S. Steele and Hepler Broom, $7,500 from Patterson Tire, $5,000 each from Pizza World and Apex Physical Therapy, $2,500 from Gateway Regional Hospital, $2,000 from Tyler Timmins Foundation, and $1,000 from Insurance Brokers. The Madison County Fallen Officers Memorial Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, emphasized

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TROY — The second installment of the First Friday in Troy series is set to take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025, in downtown Troy. The event will transform Main Street, between Clay and Market Streets, into a lively pedestrian zone featuring local businesses, artisan vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. Shotgun Creek will provide the featured entertainment during the event. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, which can be stored securely in a tent while they explore the downtown area. Organizers plan to close the street to vehicle traffic, encouraging attendees to enjoy a variety of food options, including offerings from the Troy VFW fish fry, the Time Out Menu, and several food trucks located in the Jarvis Township parking lot. Participants are welcome to bring their own food and beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, to enjoy along Main Street. Parking is available at Troy City Hall, Spencer Park, and various street locations. Additiona

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted a violent crime suppression detail on May 6-8, 2025, in St. Clair and Madison counties, focusing its efforts on East St. Louis and neighboring Metro East communities. ? The operation utilized intelligence and technology to target known high-crime areas, violent offenders, and structured criminal groups in the communities of the Metro East. Detail Results Arrests 36 Felony Charges 45 Criminal Charges 67 Firearm Related Charges 33 Firearms Seized 20 Controlled Substance Seized 13 grams Stolen Vehicles Recovered 1 There were several notable events and arrests during the detail. On May 6, 2025, troopers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for Illinois Vehicle Code (IVC) violations. A probable cause search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a firearm and a large amount of illegal cannabis. Two subjects were taken into custody. Charges

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Illinois State Police Troop 8 responded to a three-vehicle crash involving a school bus on I-64 eastbound near 25th Street in East St. Louis at approximately 12:24 p.m. Monday, May 12, 2025. ISP said the bus, carrying 22 elementary school children, was involved in the collision at milepost 4. Multiple ambulances were dispatched to evaluate the occupants of the bus. According to preliminary ISP reports, no serious injuries have been reported. Authorities have since moved the crash scene off the interstate. ISP said the investigation remains ongoing, and no further details have been released at this time.

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GREENE COUNTY - Illinois State Police Troop 8 responded to a fatal head-on collision on US-67 near Berdan Road, about two miles north of Carrollton in Greene County, at 1:02 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025. According to a preliminary investigation, ISP said a black Ford Fiesta crossed the center lane markings and collided head-on with a truck-tractor semi-trailer. The driver of the Ford Fiesta was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the driver of the semi-trailer reported no injuries. The roadway was closed for several hours to allow for investigation and vehicle recovery. All lanes reopened at approximately 6:56 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025. There is no further information available at this time.

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WASHINGTON PARK — A shooting outside the Club Compound on the 2200 block of Kingshighway in Washington Park, St. Clair County, early Monday, May 12, 2025, resulted in one death and a suspect being hospitalized, according to the Illinois State Police. At approximately 3:41 a.m. on May 12, 2025, the Washington Park Police Department requested assistance from the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 to investigate the incident. ISP said preliminary information indicates a male victim was shot outside the club by a suspect. An off-duty Washington Park Police officer, who was working armed security at the club at the time, responded by shooting the suspect. The officer then secured the suspect until the Washington Park Police arrived. The suspect was transported to a local hospital for treatment, ISP said. ISP added that the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and no further details will be released at

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ALTON - For a unique and successful blend of talents in band, theater and engineering, our most recent Remarkable Redbird, junior Wesley LeBrun, will be leading the way. Wesley said during a recent interview that "Alton High is a great school and he is proud to attend." Wesley has been a member of the Marching Band, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and also the Marching 100 at Alton High. He has played a number of different percussion instruments including the snare drum, xylophone, kettle drum and marimba during his three years at Alton High. To participate in the Illinois Music Educators Association contest, Wesley submitted a video performance at a District Festival for a chance to perform with the top high school percussionists in the state of Illinois which he did during a contest in Peoria earlier this year. He was a member of the pit orchestra for the musicals his first two years at Alton High in playing for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and also Annie, but

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ALTON — Gregory D. Aulabaugh, 53, of Alton was charged Monday, May 12, 2025, with multiple felonies following a domestic standoff at an apartment complex in the 2400 block of Mills Avenue on Saturday. At approximately 11:56 a.m. May 10, 2025, the Alton Police Department responded to reports that a female had been battered by a male and was being held against her will. Officers initially found no response at the apartment door and attempted to make contact with the occupants. Due to the potential for a domestic hostage situation, police requested tactical assistance from the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS). Before executing a court-authorized search warrant, the female victim safely exited the residence. The male suspect later surrendered without incident and was taken into custody. Following the search warrant execution, authorities confirmed the suspect’s identity as Gregory D. Aulabaugh. Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced charges agains

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RIVERBEND - Ameren is urging residents to celebrate thoughtfully this summer to mitigate power outages. Brian Bretsch, a spokesperson for Ameren Illinois, shared that the company often sees power outages due to released balloons. Though Bretsch emphasized that Ameren wants people to celebrate and have fun, they’re asking folks to dispose of balloons properly and avoid releasing them. “Ameren is not the balloon police,” Bretsch joked. “We do want you to celebrate. We just want you to properly dispose of your balloons, especially the Mylar ones. The issue with the Mylar balloons is there’s a metallic coating on the balloons. When they’re released, if they come in contact with the power lines or anywhere on a substation, that metal property on the balloon can come in contact with an energized area. It can go around the balloon, spark, and then if it pops and the debris goes into our system, then it can cause an outage.” Bretsch noted

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation is asking the public to provide feedback on the state's transportation system and the agency’s overall performance by taking the annual Traveler Opinion Survey. Conducted through May 30, the survey is available online at https://go.uis.edu/traveler2025 or visiting by idot.illinois.gov . Done in partnership with the University of Illinois Springfield, the survey is an opportunity for people who live in Illinois to provide feedback on a wide range of topics, giving IDOT valuable insight and information to continue being a national leader in transportation services. This year’s survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and asks for input on commuting habits, passenger rail, ice and snow removal, planning priorities, electric vehicles and more. In 2024, more than 1,700 responses were received. The Traveler Opinion Survey has been a staple of IDOT since 2001. Copies of previous surveys and results can be

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Specialist Maria White Burton recognized that Kiyara Conrad, a teacher at Dr. Katie Harper-Wright Elementary School in East St Louis School District 189, has been saluted for her dedication to student growth and professional excellence in the district. During Teacher Appreciation Week, East St. Louis School District 189 highlighted educators who positively impact student outcomes. Research indicates that students with access to high-quality teachers are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college, regardless of their background. Ms. Conrad exemplifies this standard through her student-centered approach, setting high expectations and encouraging students to reach their full potential, Burton said. “Ms. Conrad is a student-centered educator at Dr. Katie Harper-Wright Elementary School in East St. Louis who consistently prioritizes the academic and personal growth of her students,” Burton said. “She sets high expectations and encourages

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EDWARDSVILLE — The City of Edwardsville’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee marked the completion of the second week of its Bike Bus initiative on Friday, May 9, 2025, encouraging students to bike or walk to school in groups rather than relying on cars or traditional bus transportation. On that morning, 18 students participated on the Columbus Elementary route, 10 students joined from Woodland Elementary, and additional riders from Cassens Elementary and several Walk Bus participants from Columbus participated. The event, which has been held for several years each spring and fall, aims to promote active transportation among schoolchildren while fostering a sense of community. The committee noted that the strong participation has led them to describe the program more as a “Bike Train” than a Bike Bus. The final session for this spring is scheduled for Friday, May 16, 2025. The Bike Bus and Walk Bus programs have grown in popularity nationwide,

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services (SASC) and Veterans’ Affairs Committees (SVAC)—and U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney (D-MD-06) and James Moylan (R-GU-AL) introduced legislation to modernize the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in order to help ensure that military caregiver benefits are available to more people who selflessly care for their servicemember or Veteran family member in medical need. The Making it Likely for Families of the Military to Live with Leave Access (MIL FMLA) Act would expand FMLA leave benefits for military family members who aren’t currently covered under the FMLA. “It’s long overdue that Congress expands leave benefits for the selfless Americans who care for their servicemember or Veteran loved ones—who often have complex and unique medical needs as a result of their service,” said Senator Duckworth

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SPRINGFIELD – With warmer weather comes “tick season” and the annual observance of National Lyme Disease Awareness Month throughout the month of May. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is urging the public to learn how to protect themselves from ticks and Lyme disease. “Lyme disease is a serious bacterial infection transmitted through the bite of infected ticks,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Lyme Disease is the most common vector-borne illness in the United States affecting more than 500,000 people nationally each year. As the summer approaches, I encourage our residents to learn to ‘Fight the Bite’ and protect yourself and your loved ones from tickborne illnesses. If you have been in wooded or high grassy areas and are experiencing symptoms – fever, fatigue, headache and a circular rash – see your health care provider immediately.” IDPH has created Pocket Cards , a Tick Defense Knowledge

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) is providing notification to the owners and operators of ten Community Water Systems (CWS) that have been identified as having an emergency connection to a CWS that was previously notified of the detection of one or more Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) at levels exceeding newly enacted groundwater quality standards. The ten CWS only utilize the emergency connection in the event of a water emergency. A list of the ten systems is included with this notification. Illinois Right-to-Know laws require CWSs to notify all end users if groundwater contamination poses a threat of exposure to the public above the Class I groundwater quality standards. This law establishes methods of notification and strict time frames for providing notice. Groundwater routinely utilized by the ten CWS specified in this release does not exceed the newly adopted groundwater quality standards; however, the systems are authorized

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CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker announced that the State of Illinois received the necessary assurances from the federal government to move toward completion of the Brandon Road Interbasin Project. This afternoon, the Trump Administration issued a memorandum expressing their support for continuation of the project, which aims to prevent invasive carp from infiltrating the Great Lakes. After months of uncertainty around the withholding of federal infrastructure funding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), the Administration has reversed course and given the certainty required for the State of Illinois to continue as previously planned. “I am glad that the Trump Administration heard our calls about the importance of delivering federal funds for the Brandon Road Project and decided to finally meet their obligations to the State of Illinois and the Great Lakes region,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I have made clear that – in the interest

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EDWARDSVILLE — A reported incident involving a suspicious individual on a bike trail near Illinois Highway 157 and Commerce Drive in Edwardsville has prompted Edwardsville Police to remind residents to remain vigilant while using local trails. The incident occurred on Thursday, May 8, 2025, when a woman walking on the trail reported feeling uneasy after encountering a man. Edwardsville Police Chief Mike Fillback said the man did not physically touch her, but she came forward to share that she had “a strange feeling about it.” The male was reported to have encroached on the woman's space while she was on the trail for 10 or 15 minutes this past Thursday. Authorities have not yet identified or spoken with the individual involved. Chief Fillback urged trail users to carry cell phones and to contact police immediately if they experience any unusual encounters. “We encourage people to be mindful of their surroundings, always,” Fillback said. “This typ

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SPRINGFIELD - Madison County has been issued a final property assessment equalization factor of 1.0000, according to David Harris, director of the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR). The property assessment equalization factor, often called the "multiplier," is the method used to achieve uniform property assessments among counties, as required by law. This equalization is particularly important because some of the state's 6,600 local taxing districts overlap into two or more counties (e.g., school districts, junior college districts, fire protection districts). If there was no equalization among counties, substantial inequities among taxpayers with comparable properties would result. Under a law passed in 1975, property in Illinois should be assessed at one-third (1/3) of its market value. Farm property is assessed differently with farm homesites and dwellings subject to regular assessing and equalization procedures. Farmland is assessed at one-third of its agriculture economic

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