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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Community Unit School District #9 launched a new tutoring program with Varsity Tutors for middle and high school students. GCSD9 developed the program in partnership with Varsity Tutors, a leading platform for live online learning, whose breakthrough products offer personalized live instruction via a customizable, all-in-one platform. The new program will enable students to access on-demand academic support 24/7 as well as 1-on-1 live tutoring for students who need additional support. "We want to continue provide our students with the tools and resources they need to help them thrive academically and set them up for future success,” said GCSD9 Superintendent Stephanie M. Cann . “Providing a comprehensive online learning tool will give our students extra support all year long at all hours of the day. ” The offerings made available today to support GCSD9 middle and high school students include: On-Demand Tutoring: Providing 24/7

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BELLEVILLE - Caritas Family Solutions is proud to announce that this year’s 10th annual Heart & Soul Gala raised nearly $280,000, a record amount to support the nonprofit’s mission work. The gala was held at The Regency in O’Fallon, Illinois on February 4, 2023, and was also a celebration of Caritas’ 75th Anniversary as a nonprofit organization. “It’s incredible to look back at how our organization has grown over the years and to see the impact we have made in people’s lives,” said Caritas CEO Gary Huelsmann. “Caritas touches the lives of more than 7,000 people each year through our services, including 1,700 foster children. That work wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support from businesses and caring individuals in our community. We’re so proud of what we’ve been able to accomplish and we’re excited to continue finding new ways to make an impact in the communities we serve.” Caritas Family

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced that the Department of Education has awarded $1,341,279 in Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence Programs grants to National Louis University (NLU) in Chicago. NLU is among the first universities and colleges to receive federal funds dedicated to the Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence Programs. The federal funding will be used to implement three multi-pathway residency programs that are designed to increase the access, participation, and success of diverse, multilingual school paraprofessionals. The programs will incorporate culturally responsive teaching and learning standards, an evidence-based learning community, and multilingual supports for academic and licensure success. “Investing in our educators is an investment in the next generation. As we look to recruit and train more diverse teachers to enter the profession, we must ensure that w

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GODFREY - Ground broke Thursday morning at the new Godfrey Firehouse site located at 3023 Godfrey Road. The $6.5 million project will feature drive-thru apparatus bays, medical and other supplies space, and training and administrative areas such as meeting spaces, offices, and living quarters. This new 15,000-square-foot facility will replace the two current Godfrey firehouses, centralizing them into one location and allowing for better and more efficient manpower allocation during emergency response. The owner’s representative is Northstar Management and the architect is FGM Architects. S. M. Wilson & Co. has been selected to serve as the Construction Manager. Construction on the site has begun since the demolition of the former Hi-Way House Motel that previously sat on the property. It's estimated that the new firehouse will be completed around the end of 2023.

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MADISON COUNTY - A man charged with one of the most gruesome murders in recent years in the region - Deundrea S. Holloway, of Litchfield, has been ruled fit to stand trial. Holloway is accused of the death of 22-year-old Liese Dodd and her unborn child in the 3400 block of Bolivar Street in Alton on June 9, 2022. Dodd was beheaded and was pregnant at the time of her death at her home. Holloway was 22 at the time of the murder. Judge Neil Schroeder made the ruling after an investigation into Holloway's mental health. Judge Schroeder evaluated elaborate information from the Department of Human Services to make his decision. Holloway is charged with first-degree murder, dismembering a human body, intentional homicide of an unborn child, concealment of a homicidal death, and other motor vehicle offenses. The Alton Police Department Investigations Division started investigating the case as soon as it was called to the scene at 12:59 p.m. Thursday, June 9, 2022, in the 3400 block of

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ALTON - At 7:48 p.m. on Feb. 14, 2023, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office assisted several law enforcement agencies with attempting to locate a black passenger vehicle that was reportedly shooting at another vehicle, while traveling southbound on Illinois Route 3, in the area of Hartford. Area law enforcement agencies were initially unable to locate the suspect and the vehicle but continued searching the area. There were no reported injuries during this incident. At approximately 9:26 p.m., Madison County deputies responded to the Budget Motel, located in the 3200 block of West Chain of Rocks Road, regarding an armed robbery that just occurred. Preliminary investigation revealed that a victim was robbed at gunpoint and struck in the face several times. The suspect had fled the scene prior to the arrival of Madison County deputies. This victim did sustain injuries but declined medical attention while on scene. As this investigation progressed, it was also revealed that the suspect

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EDWARDSVILLE – The installation of new water meters is continuing as part of the City of Edwardsville's transition to an upgraded meter system that will provide more efficient monitoring and improved capabilities to quickly identify costly leaks. The new meters are being installed in phases across the City; more than 1,400 have been upgraded over the past few months. Letters started going out in the fall to some residents with instructions to set up an appointment to switch out their meter. If you receive the letter, please contact the contractor listed to arrange a meter swap as soon as possible. This is a mandatory and necessary upgrade for everyone who is on the City’s water supply system. Areas where the upgrades are now taking place are outlined on this map. Mideastern Plumbing has been authorized to perform the installations. Appointments will be available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Some Saturday appointments will be available. Residents will have

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ALTON - Senior Anna Landuyt has been named the Art Fahrner-Edward Jones Alton High School Remarkable Redbird of the Month Anna has been class president for the past four years for her class at Alton High. She ran unopposed as a freshman and has been serving in that role each year for the class of 2023. Anna said that she had a great opportunity to meet many members and business owners of the community by serving in her current role. Anna also enjoys serving the community and her fellow students. She and the officers of the student council recently worked together to organize and set up a blood drive. In describing the planning, Anna shared that many local businesses (such as Mister Donut, Duke's Bakery, Panera Bread, Schwegel's, Little Caesars, Jimmy John's, and the Cookie Factory) have donated items to support the students participating in the event. Anna also added that another event called Treats for Troops allowed for over 100 pounds of leftover Halloween candy to be collected

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ALTON - Mark Hackworth, who resides in the 600 block of Summit Street in Alton, captured a bobcat between two houses on Saturday, February 11, 2023. He also saw a bobcat the following day in the backyard. "The bobcat had a red squirrel in its jaws," Hackworth said when he saw it the first time. "On Sunday, February 12, I saw it lounging in the backyard. I got my camera and was fortunate enough to get a few shots. It ran a short distance then just stopped, sat down, and looked around. I thought some people might be interested in this sighting." Bobcats Facts Size: Adult males average 25 pounds, while adult females average 15. Home range: Adult males occupy a 36-square-mile territory, while adult females live in a 12-square-mile area. Breeding: Two to four kittens are born in dens in caves, hollow trees, or barns. Kittens are reared by their mother. Male kittens between the ages of 1 and 2 venture off to stake out their own territories. Diet: Bobcats mainly hunt mice, moles,

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ALTON - Kathryn Saenz, daughter of Kristen and Brian Saenz, is an Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club February’s Rotary Student of the Month. Saenz joins Jenna Dean as a Co-Student of the Month. Dean is a Marquette Catholic student from Jerseyville. The Rotary said Saenz was chosen because of hard work and lots of late nights studying, she is an honors student, an Illinois State Scholar, and Platinum Alpha recipient. Saenz’s GPA is currently at 4.667 and she is ranked sixth in the senior class. With these grades, she has earned membership in the National Honor Society and in Mu Alpha Theta. Kathryn enjoyed the clubs and organizations that she had joined at Alton High. This list includes: the Physics team, Redbird Nest, the Math team, Multi-Media Club, FCA, and the Tennis team. Through these groups, as well as her 4-H group, she learned that she loves teaching, as well as learning from her peers. Volunteering opportunities are one of the advantages that these clubs provide. With M

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ALTON - Jenna Dean of Marquette Catholic High School was recognized as one of the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club as a Student of the Month with Kathryn Saenz of Alton High. Dean and Saenz were honored as Students of the Month of February at a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Alton-Godfrey held at Gentelin’s on Broadway Restaurant. Jenna Dean is the daughter of Tim and Jessica Dean of Jerseyville, IL. She is a senior at Marquette Catholic High School, and plans to continue her education at Lindenwood University, studying Business with a focus in Entrepreneurial Studies. Jenna has been on the Marquette girls' golf team for four years and her team won their regional championship this year. Jenna is a member of the National Honor Society, Campus Ministry, Breast Cancer Awareness Club, Yearbook and she is the Student Council Treasurer. She is in the Riverbend CEO (Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities) program this year and she is currently working on creating her personal

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Tuesday, February 14, 2023, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Eric Anderson, 19 years of age, of the 1800 block of Dyer Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri 63114, for Murder First Degree, three counts of Armed Criminal Action, Assault First Degree, and Attempted Robbery First Degree. Anderson was arrested on February 14, 2023. A booking photo of Anderson is attached. Anderson is being held on $500,000 cash only, no 10%, bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: Victim, Byrom Donald, is directed to the Kendelwood Apartments by “EJ” to sell EJ marijuana. Byrom Donald is directed to a specific area of the parking lot. EJ appears, produces a gun and eventually shoots Byrom Donald after demanding that Byrom Donald give EJ a firearm that EJ had traded to Byrom Donald a few weeks prior

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CARLINVILLE - Blackburn College has announced its Dean's List for the fall 2022 semester. Students named to the Dean's list must earn a grade point average of 3.6 or higher for the semester. Several area students below are honored on the Dean's List. Area students include: Founded in 1837, Blackburn College is a four-year, Presbyterian-related, co-educational liberal arts college located in Carlinville, IL. One of only ten federally-recognized Work Colleges, Blackburn has the only program in the nation fully managed by students. Balancing academic rigor and experiential learning, each student at Blackburn gains tangible experience and develops critical skills by contributing to their community, all while building a resume and earning their degree. U.S. News & World Report recognized Blackburn College as one of the top Liberal Arts Colleges in the Nation for Social Mobility in their Best Colleges lists for 2020, 2021, and 2022. The Center for Education & the Workforce at Georgetown

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SPRINGFIELD – Building on what he describes as four years of fiscal progress, Governor Pritzker’s fifth balanced budget proposal will make transformative, generational investments in early childhood education and childcare, the teacher pipeline, higher education, and efforts to fight poverty. Please see below for links to the proposed FY24 budget as well as the Governor’s remarks as prepared for delivery. Fiscal Year 2024 Operating Budget Fiscal Year 2024 Capital Budget Fiscal Year 2024 Budget in Brief State of the State and Budget Address Wednesday, February 15 th , 2023 *Remarks As Prepared For Delivery* Mr. Speaker, Mr. President, Leader McCombie, Leader Curran, Lieutenant Governor Stratton, our Constitutional Officers, members of the General Assembly, Justices of the Illinois Supreme Court, Cabinet Members, First Lady MK Pritzker, Second Gentleman Bryan Echols, esteemed guests — it’s a distinct honor to come before

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SPRINGFIELD - One of the top budget negotiators for the House Republican Caucus, State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) issued a statement following Governor Pritzker’s Budget Address/State of the State before members of the Illinois General Assembly: “Illinois’ budgeting process over the past four years has been conducted behind closed doors and filled with broken promises. This year I want to see a process that is transparent. "Now that a budget has been proposed by the Governor, I will work with my colleagues to advocate for a budget that is balanced without any tax increases.”

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STEVENS POINT, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point honored more than 2,350 undergraduate students for attaining high-grade point averages during the fall semester of the 2022-2023 academic year. Full-time undergraduates who earned grade points of 3.90 to 4.0 (4.0 equals straight A) are given the highest honors designation. High honor citations go to those with grade point averages from 3.75 to 3.89 and honor recognition is accorded to those with grade point averages from 3.50 to 3.74. Personalized certificates of scholastic achievement are sent to those who earned highest honors distinction. Students who received honors include: HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, HONOR Edwardsville, IL Madison Ruklic, High Honor

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O’FALLON — In recognition of February being National Canned Food Month, HSHS Home Care Illinois is holding their annual “Cram the Car” food drive this month for the Catholic Urban Program food pantry to help those struggling with food insecurity. Community members are invited to “cram” a Home Care car by donating non-perishable items. On Friday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a HSHS Home Care Illinois branded car will be parked on the HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital campus at the main entrance canopy (blue “Hospital” sign) accepting donations of items or monetary contributions. Some non-perishable items that the food pantry could use are: Boxed meals (Hamburger Helper, Rice-a-Roni) Pancake mix and syrup Jelly Canned fruit Pasta sauce Cereal Granola Sugar free canned fruit Low salt canned vegetables Large boxes of oatmeal …as well as any other non-perishable items. When donating, please check the expiration dat

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ALTON - Betty Davis drove 70 miles round trip, five days per week for five weeks, to receive radiation treatment. That’s 25 times between her home in Greenfield, Ill., and Alton Memorial Hospital when gas averaged $5 per gallon. On top of the stress of a cancer diagnosis and the effects of radiation, Betty and her husband, Everett, needed help to pay for gas so she could continue to receive life-saving treatment. “We live on a fixed income,” Betty said. “My husband was the first to find out about the Extra Mile program and then he told me about it.” Because of gifts from the community to Alton Memorial Health Service Foundation’s Ribbon of Strength project, the couple did not have to choose between paying for essentials and battling cancer. The Foundation provided them with a gas card to continue to drive to treatment. “There were times we didn’t know how we could pay for the gas to get back and forth,” Betty said. “The

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EDWARDSVILLE — State’s Attorney Tom Haine and Sheriff Jeff Connor are asking the public to join them in supporting the Madison County Child Advocacy Center’s upcoming fundraising event. The Child Advocacy Center’s Trivia Night is on Feb. 25 at the Madison County Fireman’s Hall, 9510 Collinsville Road in Collinsville. The CAC is accepting registration for participants and is seeking sponsors and donations for a silent auction. Haine said the CAC plays a vital role in the successful prosecution of offenders who abuse or neglect children. “In a case involving physical or sexual abuse of a child, the child’s account of what happened is a key component of the prosecution’s case,” Haine said. “The CAC provides a safe, comforting environment where child victims can talk with specially-trained interviewers about what happened,” Connor said interviews of child victims during an investigation have the potential to re-traumatize

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Lottery Grandstand will be rocking when REO Speedwagon returns to the Illinois State Fair on Tuesday, August 15. The group, which was loosely formed in the late 1960’s at the University of Illinois, has been a constant in the rock world over the last five decades. From their chart-topping rock love ballads “I Can’t Fight This Feeling Anymore” and “Keep On Loving You” to rock classics like “Ridin’ the Storm Out” and “Keep Pushin,” REO will bring a catalog of songs that span generations. “REO Speedwagon always bring everything they have to the stage,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. “In the over 50 years they have been together, there has not been a year where REO Speedwagon didn’t perform live. This will be one of those performances where we will be able to hear the crowd singing along throughout the whole fairgrounds.” Their 2023 stop will

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