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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost announced today that the National Personnel Records Center in St. Louis, the central repository for personnel records for the military and government civilian employees, has eliminated a backlog of record requests that left veterans waiting over a year-and-a-half for the documentation they needed to obtain benefits, medals, and other services. “America’s veterans served their nation proudly, and they shouldn’t get bogged down in bottlenecks and backlogs to get the benefits they deserve,” said Bost. “That’s why I led a coalition of over 100 House members in asking for answers on when these delays would be resolved. I couldn’t be happier to hear that the backlog has been cleared and our veterans can get back to receiving their records in a timely manner.” Following COVID, the backlog in veterans’ record requests swelled to 600,000. Bost originally appealed for answers on the delays in

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Gori Law firm announced today its recipients of the 2024 Super Lawyers distinction. This year, seven attorneys were recognized, including Owner and Principal Partner Beth Gori-Gregory, Managing Partner Sara Salger, Partners Jason Steinmeyer, Chris Layloff, David Aubry, and Bob Marcus, and attorney Samira Bode. Super Lawyers published the annual list on January 25, 2024. Each year, Super Lawyers recognizes outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas for their high level of peer recognition and professional advancements. Only five percent of attorneys in Illinois have the honor of being named Super Lawyers. Over the years, several attorneys from The Gori Law Firm have received Super Lawyer distinctions, and the list continues to grow as the years go on. Attorneys have also received consecutive recognition. Salger, in particular, has been named a Super Lawyer for eight years. “We’re extremely proud to see several of our attorneys awarded this

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today met with NCAA President Charlie Baker to discuss proposals to modernize Division I (D-I) athletics in the age of name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights for college athletes. These proposals, including provisions to allow schools to enter into NIL contracts directly with college athletes and the ability to offer direct financial compensation, would require additional accountability as any school entering a contract must abide by Title IX. “College sports is a big business that generates even bigger profits, yet little of this money makes its way to the athletes who made these record-breaking profits possible. Further, despite being used in a plethora of promotional campaigns by universities, college athletes are prohibited from being compensated for the use of their name, image, and likeness,” said Durbin. “As I discussed with NCAA President Charlie Baker

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EDWARDSVILLE - Reckless discharge of a firearm, unlawful possession of weapons by felons, burglary, and more charges have been filed in Madison County since December, according to Madison County court documents. Benjamin D. Gross, 25, of Alton, was charged with reckless discharge of a firearm and unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office on Dec. 11, 2023. According to court documents, Gross was illegally carrying a black 9mm semi-automatic handgun after previously being convicted of burglary. Court documents state Gross “discharged a firearm in a reckless manner” in a residential area, “which endangered the bodily safety of an individual.” He was charged with a Class 4 felony for reckless discharge of a weapon and a Class 3 felony for unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. He was released upon his signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Release Order. Ronald D. Adams, 40, of East St. Louis, was charged

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BELLEVILLE – Illinois American Water filed a rate request today with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) reflecting $557 million in water and wastewater system investments to be made through 2025 to continue providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable service. The request reinforces the company’s commitment to investing in its water and wastewater systems to replace aging infrastructure, provide reliable service, enhance water quality and comply with environmental regulations. “We carefully plan and invest in the infrastructure of our water and wastewater systems to provide safe, clean, and reliable service to nearly 1.3 million Illinoisians in more than 140 communities across the state,” said Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water. “By making prudent, ongoing investments, Illinois American Water is committed to protecting public health and safety in the communities we serve. At the same time, we remain committed to addressing the needs

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Township will be moving back to its permanent office located at 300 West Park Street starting Friday, January 26, 2024. With a soft opening back at 300 West Park on Monday, January 29, 2024. If you need immediate help in the next few days from the Township or Assessor, please call 618-656-0292 before coming to the office. “We are excited to move back into our renovated offices,” said Supervisor Kevin Hall. “We thank Millennium Construction and Henderson Associates for all their hard work on the Township Hall.” Edwardsville Township is comprised of the City of Edwardsville, Village of Glen Carbon and unincorporated areas just outside of these two municipalities. The Township Supervisor’s office is located at 300 West Park in Edwardsville and is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday and can be reached at 618-656-0292.

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ALTON - The 7th Happy Trails Music & Arts Festival Winter Jam is scheduled for this weekend, and the lineup includes several local and St. Louis bands over two days. On Friday, Jan. 26 and Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024, attendees can enjoy eight bands and nearly 20 arts and crafts vendors at Jacoby Arts Center in Alton. Aaron Kamm & The One Drops, Colt Ball & Friends and more will play throughout the two days. “I’m just trying to throw a fun party for my friends and the community,” said organizer Marshall Ingrassia. “It started just to basically throw a party, bring some music in. In the wintertime, there’s not a lot going on. I like going to summer music festivals and I’m trying to bring that vibe to Alton in the wintertime to give everybody something to do.” Doors open at 5 p.m. on Friday and bands begin playing at 6:05 p.m., starting with Sandwich Bros. Band, Darry Garcia’s Lonesome Blues, and Joshua Grassle & Friends and ending with

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jerseyville Police Department recently announced they’re seeking assistance from the public with identifying the subject of an ongoing investigation. The department made the announcement Thursday afternoon on their Facebook page , attaching two pictures of the female subject they aim to identify. “The Jerseyville Police Department is seeking information and attempting to identify this female subject in regards to an ongoing police investigation,” the department announced. Both photos appear to be taken about an hour apart from ATM surveillance camera footage. Further details about the ongoing investigation were not yet made publicly available. Those able to identify the individual are asked to contact the Jerseyville Police Department at 618-498-2131 and speak with Deputy Chief Scott Woelfel.

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EDWARDSVILLE - In addition to possession of methamphetamine, three individuals have been charged with theft, retail theft, and trespassing in cases outlined in Madison County felony court filings. Travis R. Stevenson, 36, of Granite City, was charged with retail theft under $300 (second or subsequent offense) and unlawful possession of methamphetamine on Nov. 18, 2023. According to court documents, Stevenson stole less than $300 worth of clothing items from Rural King located at 9525 Collinsville Road in Collinsville and had less than five grams of methamphetamine in his possession. Court documents indicate Stevenson had previously been convicted of burglary in Madison County, elevating his retail theft charge to a Class 4 felony. This most recent case was presented by the Collinsville Police Department. Stevenson also faces a Class 3 felony for meth possession and was released upon his signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Release Order. Kathleen E. Mielke, 45, of Godfrey,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Individuals from around the region are facing charges in Madison County for unlawful possession of drugs including fentanyl and cannabis, according to felony filings released last week. Andrew P. McCoy, 29, of Dow, was charged with possession of a controlled substance on Nov. 16, 2023 in a case presented by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Court documents allege McCoy possessed an undisclosed amount of a substance containing fentanyl. He faces a Class 4 felony and court documents indicate he was released upon his signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Release Order. Gregory J. Beile II, 42, of Staunton, was charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance on Nov. 15, 2023 in a case presented by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. Court documents allege Beile possessed an undisclosed amount of a substance containing fentanyl. Beile was charged with a Class 4 felony and was released upon his signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Release

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EDWARDSVILLE - Several individuals have been charged with meth possession around Madison County, according to felony court filings released last week by the county. Adam W. Cline, 42, of Collinsville, was also charged with possession of less than five grams of a substance containing methamphetamine by the Collinsville Police Department in a case they presented from Nov. 27, 2023. Court documents state Cline faces a Class 3 felony and was released upon his signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Release Order. Richard D. Trimm, 57, of Alton, was charged with possession of less than five grams of a substance containing methamphetamine in a case presented by the East Alton Police Department on Nov. 25, 2023. Trimm faces a Class 3 felony and was released upon his signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Release Order. Justin L. Baker, 36, of Collinsville, was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine on Nov. 24, 2023 in a case presented by the Collinsville Police Department.

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GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic senior Noah Garner has been a dynamic leader for his Griffins' boys squad this season. The Griffins have a young team this year and Garner has been a top-notch scorer, averaging 8.3 points a game. He has been very tough on the boards with 6.3 rebounds per contest and averaged 2.0 assists and 1.4 steals per game. Each game, Garner has been at the top or close to that for rebounds in the Griffins' stat book. McGivney head coach Cory Clauser said Garner has been "an amazing leader" for his Griffins. Garner is a Byron, Carlson, Petri and Kalb Male Athlete of the Month for Father McGivney Catholic High School. At 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, Garner is extremely strong under the basket on both the offensive and defensive sides of the court. Garner has been a rebound leader on a team that was inexperienced to start the season and has offered instruction to many of the underclassmen in their development. He is also a strong defensive player, Coach Clauser

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GODFREY - Lewis and Clark Community College (LCCC) had a full house for their Martin Luther KIng Jr. Celebration on Jan. 25, 2024. The event, themed “Equity in Education,” included music by Blancas led by Brenda Lancaster and student recitations from Jamese Morrissette, Kamiah Newby, Brandon Hayes Jr. and Madi Bouillon. Al Womack Jr., the Director of the Alton Boys and Girls Club, was the keynote speaker. He gave a speech titled “Are We There Yet?” and spoke about systemic racism in education. “I do believe that our education system is built on racism,” Womack said. “They didn’t include Blacks when they first established the education system. Policies and practices perpetuate racial inequities and disparities in educational opportunities and outcomes. This form of racism is embedded in the system itself, impacting students, teachers and administrators at various levels.” Womack said that the end of affirmative action would

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GLEN CARBON - Emily Johnson, a senior forward for the Father McGivney Catholic girls basketball team, is off to a great start this season. Johnson scored 12 points in the opening win over the Lancers and 15 points against the Eagles in the Columbia Tip-Off Classic, and at that time, she felt that the preseason practices and the off-season work went very well for herself and her teammates. Recently in January 2024, Johnson had 13 points, five rebounds and three steals in a lopsided win over Valmeyer. Johnson is averaging close to 9 points a game and 3.2 rebounds per game. She has been an integral part of the Griffins' 17 wins so far this season. In a post-game interview earlier in the season, Johnson said, "I'm having a lot of fun and I am really excited for what's after everything else. We worked so hard in the summer and fall." Johnson feels that she brings many positives to the Griffins' table, which will help the team down the road. Johnson said the team's aggression is one of

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ALTON - Senior Meredith Zigrang is concluding her career in a Marquette Catholic girls varsity uniform in style with excellent play throughout the 2023-2024 season, her head coach Whitney Sykes said. Zigrang is also a softball standout and plays multiple positions from outfield to catcher roles. Zigrang has provided substantial leadership to a young Explorers girls' basketball team this season, her coach explained. Meredith is a Tucker's Automotive Repair and Tire Female Athlete of the Month for the Explorers. "Senior Meredith Zigrang is a two-guard for us and has earned her way to the starting lineup," Coach Sykes said. "She provides tons of energy on the defensive end and is one of our best rebounders even though she is sometimes the smallest player on the court." In a recent game against Metro East Lutheran, Meredith converted two fast breaks for scores with her speed and agility. She is always one of the leaders on defense and is constantly at the boards pulling down rebounds

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EDWARDSVILLE - Kris Crosby, a senior forward with the Edwardsville High boys basketball team, is providing the Tigers with senior leadership and experience as the Tigers head into the final month of the regular season. Currently, the Tigers are 15-8, following their 54-52 overtime win over Mascoutah on Jan. 23, with Crosby scoring seven points in the game, and also making key plays defensively to help the Tigers score the win. He's currently averaging 6.1 points and 4.3 rebounds-per-game, along with having five assists and three steals. His defensive acumen, along with his hustle and willingness to work hard, is a big plus for the team. Crosby is a Johnston Law Firm Female Athlete of the Month for Edwardsville. In his postgame interview following the win over the Indians, Crosby felt he played well, but could have done better. Still, he and the Tigers were very happy with the win in a tough, hard-fought and scrappy contest. "I'm feeling good," Crosby said. "I feel like we could have

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GLEN CARBON - The village of Glen Carbon recently welcomed two new officers to its Police Department after they were officially sworn in at the Village Board meeting on Tuesday. Officers Tawanna Knighten and Blake Takmajian were sworn in by Mayor Bob Marcus and congratulated by the department, which announced the addition of their two newest members on their Facebook page . “Glen Carbon Police would like to officially welcome Officer Tawanna Knighten and Officer Blake Takmajian,” they announced on Tuesday. “Tonight both officers were sworn in by Mayor Marcus surrounded by family, friends, and co-workers. “We are beyond proud of our two newest officers for all their hard work in the academy and in their training and look forward to all they will accomplish in their careers.” Officer Knighten was assigned badge number G66, while Officer Takmajian was assigned badge number G67. For the full announcement and photos from the Glen Carbon Police

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ALTON/GLEN CARBON - Caritas Family Solutions will host their 11th annual Heart and Soul Gala to raise money for their services, from foster care and family interventions to residential treatment programs and an emergency shelter. On Feb. 3, 2024, attendees will enjoy the gala at The Regency in O’Fallon. While the registration deadline has passed, community members can still support Caritas through a live auction on their website or by donating online . All of the money raised by Caritas goes back to the services they provide for families throughout the Metro East and Southern Illinois areas. “We use those proceeds to help us advance the mission of Caritas. And our mission is really simple, right? We want to take care of the social and emotional wellbeing of families,” explained CEO Gary Huelsmann. “We want to create healthy relationships. And then really when that happens, we can create loving homes, and if we can have loving homes, then we have

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CARLINVILLE - A local children’s author will make a return appearance at the Carlinville Public Library with a new book. Lee LoBue will read from his newest work, Hungry Dinosaur and the Bad Case of the Tummy Growl." LoBue, a Carlinville resident, also appeared at the library in November 2021 with an earlier book, Sleepy Dinosaur and the Bad Case of the Bedtime Roars , which was well-received by area readers. Like LoBue’s first book, Hungry Dinosaur features colorful visuals and fun, quirky characters that provide an engaging reading experience. A discussion and coloring activities will also be offered in conjunction with the reading. For more information on the reading or LoBue’s book, contact the Carlinville Public Library at 217-854-3505 or ilcivilwar@yahoo.com .

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SPRINGFIELD - In a letter obtained exclusively by CBS News, Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, demanded that the Federal Aviation Administration reject Boeing's request for a safety waiver on the so far uncertified 737 Max 7, the smallest of the four 737 Max variants. "Boeing forfeited the benefit of the doubt long ago when it comes to trusting its promises about the safety of 737 MAX, and the FAA must reject its brazen request to cut corners in rushing yet another 737 MAX variant into service," she wrote in the letter sent late Wednesday to FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker. The letter was penned on the same day that Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with legislators in the wake of an incident earlier this month in which the door panel of a 737 Max 9 blew off during an Alaska Airlines flight . The FAA has grounded all 171 Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft since the event, but announced Wednesday

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