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SPRINGFIELD - As we get ready to say goodbye to 2024, Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza is looking back at some of the highlights in her office over the past year. “We’ve made such incredible strides in Illinois, and I enjoy reflecting each year on some of our top moments,” says Comptroller Mendoza. “I’m so proud of the work my office does to help the state maintain financial stability and serve the taxpayers.” We’ll be counting down to New Year’s Eve with some of the Illinois Office of Comptroller’s highlights: #10 Giving back: For the 8th straight year, Comptroller Mendoza and staff partnered with local human service agencies and laborers in the deep southern Illinois community of Cairo to give away 150 turkeys and other Thanksgiving fixings. “I always enjoy this event and want the people of Cairo to know we love them and want to help,” said Comptroller Mendoza. “The fight local residents have for their cit

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BELLEVILLE - Next spring, Belleville is saying goodbye to a locally beloved bar as the owners behind Big Daddy’s 618 prepare to retire after 20 years in business. The closure marks a new chapter for the building itself, as the City Council recently approved an agreement to remodel it before a new business moves in. The owners of Big Daddy’s 618 announced last May that after two successful decades, their doors at 313 E. Main St. will officially close on March 31, 2025. “After two decades of business in Downtown Belleville, the owners of Big Daddy’s 618 are announcing retirement plans, with a year-long celebration,” they announced on May 13, 2024. “Big Daddy’s 618 will remain open for one more year, and plan to shut the doors on March 31, 2025.” They noted that the region’s other Big Daddy’s locations, including the original in Soulard and the Edwardsville location - will “continue to crank without interruption.”

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that repairs to eastbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require one lane to be closed starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 20. One lane will remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 23. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. 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. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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ALTON - On December 22, 1924, a Walnut Grove Dairy ad in the Alton Evening Telegraph informed readers that individual servings of Santa-Claus ice cream and Turkey ice cream were available for sale at their 809 Broadway store. This wasn’t just a one-time offering, either. There are ads for both of these flavors in December 1925 (also Corn and Husk or Horn of Plenty), and 1926 (also Candlestick), but nowhere does it actually describe the flavors of Santa-Claus, Turkey, Corn and Husk, Horn of Plenty, or Candlestick. A 1927 Thanksgiving ad even mentions the flavor Football. They were apparently not popular enough to be sold in brick form like their standard vanilla, hazelnut and vanilla, cranberry ice, or rainbow, but local citizens clearly looked forward to these specialty flavors. The ice cream must have been excellent because it even influenced local politics. In 1928, an Alton Evening Telegraph article mentioned that the East End Improvement Association elected Emil Schrimpf

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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 Board of Education honored senior Kenna Fischer at its regular monthly meeting on December 17, 2024, for her achievement in the VFW Voice of Democracy Essay Contest. Fischer secured first place in the local competition and will advance to the regional level. During the meeting, Fischer was introduced by Collinsville High School Principal Dr. Daniel Toberman. She received a certificate acknowledging her accomplishment, which was signed by Superintendent Dr. Mark B. Skertich and Board President Gary Peccola. The Voice of Democracy Contest is an annual program sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) that encourages high school students to express themselves through a patriotic-themed essay. Fischer's recognition highlights her dedication and talent in this competitive field.

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Community Colleges are helping address food insecurity on campuses across the state with a collective effort. The inaugural Feed the Need Food Drive, an initiative aimed at combating food insecurity on college campuses and supporting students in need, collected more than 91,000 individual non-perishable food items for local campus and community food banks. "Addressing the issue of food insecurity is a mission shared by all Illinois community colleges large and small. We wanted to find a way to make a collective impact through friendly competition by providing direct support to students in need at community colleges across Illinois,” said Illinois Community College Board Executive Director Brian Durham. “We applaud the efforts of every community college that participated in this inaugural effort to address this critical need and hope it continues to grow in the years to come,” said Illinois Community College Board Chair Dr. Lazaro Lopez.

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SPRINGFIELD - Hunters in Illinois took a preliminary total of 82,496 deer during the seven-day 2024 Illinois firearm deer season that concluded Dec. 8, 2024. Comparatively, hunters harvested 76,494 deer during the 2023 firearm season. The preliminary harvest for the second segment of the 2024 firearm season Dec. 5-8 was 27,835 compared with 22,883 deer harvested during the second part of the 2023 season. The preliminary harvest for the first segment of this year’s firearm season Nov. 22-24 was 54,661 deer. Remaining 2024-2025 deer hunting opportunities in Illinois include: Late-winter antlerless-only and chronic wasting disease (CWD) season, in designated counties only, Dec. 26-29 and Jan. 17-19. Archery deer season continues through Jan. 19. More information about deer hunting in Illinois can be found online . A table of preliminary 2024 firearm deer season totals by county and comparable totals for 2023 follows: County First 2024 Second 202

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC)—secured several important provisions in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed the Senate today to support our servicemembers and their families, enhance strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region, improve logistics to bolster readiness and energy resiliency as well as continue to restore American competitiveness. The legislation, which now heads to the President’s desk, also includes an historic pay raise of 14.5% for junior enlisted servicemembers and 4.5% for all servicemembers. “The brave men and women in uniform who serve our nation at home and abroad deserve to know that our country fully supports them as they and their families sacrifice to defend our country,” said Senator Duckworth. “While I do not support every

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School (STBCS), the last remaining Catholic School in East. St. Louis is excited to share their vision to help our region build graduates who are ethical, responsible, and dedicated leaders inspiring good in their community and the world. And they are ready to welcome your students now and for the 2025-2026 school year. STBCS will be hosting an Open House for all prospective and returning families on January 30, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at 8213 Church Lane, East Saint Louis, IL., 62203. Principal Michelle Ruppel shares, “Families will enjoy a tour of our updated facilities, as well as the chance to meet with faculty and staff to see first-hand what this unique school is all about. Our school also has a recruitment mindset, so future educators are always welcome to tour as well.” Event hosts plan to share the many benefits the school has to offer including all-day kindergarten, small class sizes, STEM robotics

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ALTON - A man from Godfrey was recently charged with attempted kidnapping and aggravated battery after allegedly trying to pull someone on a public Alton street towards his vehicle. Aaron R. Jackson, 41, of Godfrey, was charged on Dec. 18, 2024 with one count each of attempted kidnapping and aggravated battery, both Class 3 felonies. On Dec. 10, 2024, Jackson approached the victim “on a public street and pulled her toward his motor vehicle,” with the specific location being a sidewalk along Pearl Street in Alton, according to court documents. A petition filed to deny Jackson’s pretrial release describes how the situation unfolded and escalated. “Victim reports that the defendant suddenly stopped his truck, approached the victim on a public street and grabbed her by the arms,” the petition states. “He then pushed her to the ground and attempted to drag her back to a nearby vehicle." Speaking to authorities, the victim in this case described

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GRANITE CITY - On Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, Granite City Police Department along with Granite City Firefighters Local 253 hosted its annual 'Shop with a Hero' event. Students got to ride in a Police Car, Fire Truck or Ambulance to shop at Walmart, and then joined their family at Township Hall for a meal provided by St. John UCC Granite City. It was a special day for all! Below is a link to a video from the occasion provided by BC Photography. VIDEO: https://youtu.be/5z0ouPpfWhA

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ST. LOUIS, MO. - Spending the holiday season in a hospital wouldn’t be at the top of anyone’s list, but Shriners Children’s has made it their mission to ensure their patients still have a magical Christmas season. Laura Teague, a Senior Recreational Therapist at Shriners Children’s St. Louis, has been a part of the Child Life and Recreational Therapy Department for more than 30 years. Child life specialists and recreational therapists at the nonprofit healthcare system work with patients and their families to provide distraction and coping techniques during a patient’s treatment. They are also certified and trained to evaluate a child’s developmental and psychological needs. “We always hope people can be home for the holidays, but if not, it’s our job to make them feel as normal as possible as if they were home,” said Teague. “Year-round, our care teams make sure our kids get a gift after surgery at the end of their

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EDWARDSVILLE - Planting the wrong seed can cost farmers thousands of dollars in revenue and lead to a shortage of vital crops in the region. First Mid Ag Services (First Mid), a division of First Mid Wealth Management, started its own unbiased research on corn and soybean seed 20 years ago to help farmers and farm managers make crucial decisions on what seed to buy. First Mid recently published its 2024 third-party data to help farmers purchase seed now as they prepare for the upcoming 2025 growing season. With 12 replicated and eight strip plots in 2024 stretching throughout Illinois and into Western Indiana, First Mid tested seed from 10 participating major companies and provided yield data to farmers. The statistics gathered from the plots inform both First Mid customers and the wider community throughout the region. First Mid started doing its own research on seed in 2004, testing upward of 18 companies’ products in some cycles. The tests lead to information on how different

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EDWARDSVILLE - The surprise, smiles and squeals from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Project Success students occurred because of the kindness and generosity of the East St. Louis Fire Department (ESLFD) Local 23, the First Baptist Church of Chesterfield and surrounding organizations and members. ESLFD, in collaboration with the local non-profit organization Rescued 2 Rescue, and Alpha Upsilon Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., gifted toys to the students and First Baptist Church provided new coats during Project Success’s third annual Holiday Wishes party on Tuesday, Dec. 17, in the Multipurpose Room on the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus. “It is important to organize this event because it gives us an opportunity to think about others, spread kindness, and pay it forward,” said Program Director Tiana Montgomery. Montgomery asked each of her students to provide three wishes for the holidays. She also obtained their

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ST. LOUIS - First Mid Insurance Group (FMIG) is pleased to announce that Casey Strong, owner of the Strong Insurance Group based in St. Charles, MO, has joined its team. This partnership marks an exciting new chapter for both Strong and FMIG, offering clients expanded resources, enhanced service capabilities, and access to a broader range of insurance products. A trusted insurance advisor in the St. Louis region, Strong specializes in commercial insurance. Known for her personalized approach and outstanding customer service, she will continue to serve her valued clients while leveraging advanced tools and resources through FMIG’s growing Missouri presence. In addition, while FMIG works with most national and regional insurance carriers, the addition of the Casey Strong agency will bring new relationships with regional carriers focused on writing business specifically in the state of Missouri. “Joining the FMIG team is a natural step forward for me and my clients,”

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As the chilly winds blow and snow blankets the ground, the urge to stay indoors can be strong. However, winter presents a unique opportunity to stay active and embrace the great outdoors. Not only does exercising outside in winter provide physical benefits, but it can also enhance mental well-being. This article explores various outdoor workouts suitable for winter, offering practical advice and examples to help you stay fit during the colder months. Embrace the Chill: Benefits of Outdoor Winter Workouts Before diving into specific workouts, it's important to understand the advantages of exercising outdoors in winter. Here are a few key benefits: Boosted Mood : Exposure to natural light, even on cloudy days, can help combat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and improve overall mood. Increased Caloric Burn : Cold weather can cause your body to work harder to maintain its core temperature, potentially leading to increased calorie expenditure. Variety in Routine : Outdoor workouts

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December 19th has been a date of significant historical events that have shaped nations and influenced global dynamics. Look to December 19, 1946, and we find the establishment of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF). Founded in the aftermath of World War II, UNICEF was created to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries that had been devastated by the war. Over the years, UNICEF has evolved into a leading advocate for children's rights around the globe, working tirelessly to improve the lives of millions of children through education, health programs, and emergency assistance. This day marks not only the creation of an essential organization but also a commitment to the welfare of future generations. On December 19, 1961, the United States began its involvement in the Vietnam War by sending military advisors to assist the South Vietnamese government. This moment marked the beginning of a significant escalation in U.S. military

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ALTON - It’s official: the Alton Midwest Nationals Formula 1 (F1) Powerboat Championship races are returning to the Alton riverfront not only next year, but for the next three years. Alton City Council members on Wednesday approved an agreement for the city to host the races in 2025, 2026, and 2027. The second annual installment will be held next summer during the weekend of Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20, 2025. “The F1 Powerboat Championship is coming back to Riverfront Park for the 2nd Annual Alton Midwest Nationals Powerboat Championships,” a press release for the event states. “This event is going to be epic, with fast boats racing on the Mississippi River and tons of fun activities for everyone to enjoy.” In addition to “some of the best powerboat racers in North America,” the second annual event will also feature “vendor displays, free viewing areas, a VIP Experience, music, food, and more.” The weekend

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EAST ST. LOUIS - An East St. Louis man with a long criminal history faces new charges after allegedly breaking into someone’s home, firing a gun at multiple occupants, and fleeing from police. Daron J. Cooper, 28, of East St. Louis, was charged with the following: Armed Habitual Criminal (Class X felony) Home Invasion (Class X felony) Home Invasion (Class X felony) Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Class 1 felony) Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (Class 1 felony) Unlawful Use or Possession of Weapons be a Felon (Class 2 felony) Aggravated Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Peace Officer (Class 4 felony) On Dec. 6, 2024, Cooper allegedly broke into his ex-girlfriend’s house before discharging a firearm at multiple occupants and fleeing from police, according to a petition to deny his pretrial release. “Defendant was identified as the suspect who entered his ex-girlfriend's residence by forcing entry through the front door, then discharging

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GODFREY - The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) is launching an exciting new free educational series for community learners. The SEED (Sustainable Environments for Education and Discovery) Series will kick off with a “Gearing Up for Gardens” session from 10 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025. Lewis and Clark Community College Horticulturist & Garden Designer Katie Piper will share the benefits of native plants and how to incorporate them into participants’ gardens. The event will also feature a native seed swap – every guest will receive a packet of Illinois bundleflower seeds, collected from the Field Station gardens, to take home and grow. “We are thrilled to offer this new educational opportunity to our community,” said Erica Doerr, Environmental Educator. “The SEED Series reflects our commitment to fostering a deeper understanding of environmental sustainability. The events will provide people with the tools

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