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EDWARDSVILLE - Bring the kids to the West End Service Station, 620 St. Louis St., Edwardsville, on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 and get your kicks at this Route 66 attraction with the creator of the ‘Hank the Hero’ story character and Woody, a black lab therapy dog who enjoys listening to stories about Hank. The free event takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the newly refurbished Route 66 landmark. David Yates, the creator of the “Hank the Hero” and his adventures at West End Service Station through a coloring and activity book, and Donna Baardon with Woody, her therapy dog, will be on hand to meet kids and talk to them about Hank and Woody. Children will also be encouraged to read stories to Woody. Woody and Donna are a certified therapy dog team who regularly visit assisted-living facilities, libraries, schools and hospitals. Woody is a rescued black Labrador retriever mix. Donna worked as Director of Development from Lovejoy Library at SIUE before

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Interim Director James Jennings today announced a grant opportunity with $5 million in funding for projects that will improve water quality in Illinois. The Green Infrastructure Grant Opportunities (GIGO) Program has been made possible by Governor Pritzker’s bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan. The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is posted at https://il.amplifund.com/Public/Opportunities/Details/45aeb4c5-055a-4441-aeb8-d49eae66772b . “The green infrastructure projects funded through the GIGO program will protect Illinois rivers, streams, and lakes by reducing stormwater runoff,” said Interim Director Jennings. “The dedicated funding for this program will reduce the frequency and duration of localized and riverine flooding which improves water quality in Illinois waterways.” The GIGO Program seeks proposals for projects containing green infrastructure best management practices (BMPs) that

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As we look back on August 28, we are reminded of the significant events that have shaped our world, painting a rich tapestry of human endeavor, conflict, and triumph. 1963: Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I Have a Dream' Speech Undoubtedly one of the most significant events in American history, August 28, 1963, saw Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. deliver his iconic 'I Have a Dream' speech. Standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, King spoke to a crowd of over 250,000 people. His speech called for an end to racism and for civil and economic rights, becoming a defining moment in the American Civil Rights Movement. King's powerful words and the massive turnout highlighted the urgent need for change and resonated deeply, not just in the United States, but around the world. 1914: Battle of Heligoland Bight During World War I, on August 28, 1914, the Battle of Heligoland Bight took place. This naval battle marked the first major engagemen

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ALTON/EAST ALTON - In the most recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust , Pastor Justin Bell spoke about repentance, following the Word of God and finding purpose through Christ. Bell, a pastor at Block Church in East Alton, explained that the best action one can take is to give oneself over to God. While this can be difficult, Bell noted that it’s an important part of building a relationship with God and learning from Him. “The best ability that you will ever have is simply just saying yes to God. Saying, ‘Yes, God, I’m here, what is it that you want from me?’” Bell said. “How many times have I failed God, failed to trust Him and maybe turned and went my own way? But God didn’t give up on me. So in turn, when I go out into the world, I’m not to give up on people. I’m to love them in the way God loved me.” Bell relies on the scripture Romans 2:4 NLT — “Don’t

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GLEN CARBON - As the Glen Carbon Police Department prepares to answer 911 calls for additional local agencies, the Village Board approved purchases of new dispatch center equipment and a new police vehicle on Tuesday night. As part of an ongoing Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) consolidation project, the Glen Carbon Police Department will soon be tasked with answering calls from the Pontoon Beach Police and Fire Departments, as well as the Mitchell and Long Lake Fire Departments. Police Chief Todd Link estimates the consolidation could lead to 6,000 additional 911 calls per year. To prepare for the increased workload, the board approved hiring an additional dispatcher earlier this summer . Two items approved on Tuesday concern new equipment for an additional dispatch desk. Among the equipment approved is a fourth dispatch console from Watson Systems at a cost of $31,390.83 and a fourth radio console for $90,129.75. Link said these would be funded from the village’s

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EAST ALTON - A pedestrian was struck and killed by a train early Wednesday morning near Silver and Goulding in East Alton. The incident occurred around midnight, and the East Alton Police Department and East Alton Fire Department responded to the scene. A body was discovered in the vicinity, and an Amtrak train was halted nearby. "At this time police are not releasing the male’s identity. It appears to be accidental at this time under investigation," East Alton Police Chief Scott Golike said. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing. Further details have yet to be disclosed by the authorities.

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Veterans’ Homes at LaSalle, Manteno, and Quincy are experiencing an increase in COVID-19 cases among its veterans and staff, and the overwhelming majority of cases have presented mild symptoms. As of Aug. 27, 2024, 36 people tested positive with COVID-19: LaSalle: three residents and nine staff Manteno: two residents and one staff Quincy: nine residents and 12 staff “Illinois’ five Veterans’ Homes have consistently monitored its staff and residents for symptoms of COVID-19 and all infectious diseases,” said IDVA Director Terry. “There is a nationwide increase in COVID-19 cases, and IDVA’s robust testing and infection control efforts have minimized the spread and ensured the safety of the veterans in our care and our staff.” “IDPH is happy to support IDVA in their efforts to respond to and contain disease outbreaks in Illinois veterans’ homes,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “IDPH

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BUFFALO GROVE - Ymer Technology, a manufacturer of electric vehicle (EV) components for the heavy equipment industry, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), Lake County Partners, and the Village of Buffalo Grove, announced the grand opening of its new U.S. headquarters in Buffalo Grove. The company’s $5.7 million investment, bolstered by a Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) agreement, will enable Ymer Technology to produce cooling technology and thermal management systems for EVs while supporting Illinois’ clean energy economy. “Illinois’ future is electric, and we’re leading the charge and open for business,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m proud to welcome Ymer Technology to our great state. Their cooling technology and thermal management systems will not only enhance our EV supply chain, they will help us make EVs more affordable, create good jobs, and grow our clean energy economy.”

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BELLEVILLE - Caritas Family Solutions is proud to announce they have received an Employer Appreciation Award from the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis in honor of their partnership with the Save Our Sons and Sisters Program (SOS Program). The nonprofit human service agency has been working with the Urban League since 2017 and started its partnership with the SOS program in the Fall of 2023 to help connect members of the organization with job opportunities. The SOS Program seeks to help economically disadvantaged African American men living in the St. Louis region find jobs and have the opportunity to earn livable wages. The Urban League has hosted two hiring events for Caritas Family Solutions within the past year. The program works with a variety of organizations to connect people with the resources they need to find employment opportunities. “We love our partnership with Caritas Family Solutions,” said Charles Hamilton, Job Developer with the Urban League

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CHICAGO - As the new school year gets underway, the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is reminding eligible taxpayers that they may claim back-to-school expenses for their K-12 students on their 2024 Illinois individual income tax returns. “Both teachers and parents spend a lot of money in preparation for each school year and that is why I encourage them to utilize valuable savings offered through both the Illinois Educational Expense Credit (for parents) and the Instructional Materials and Supply Credit (for teachers)," explained IDOR Director David Harris. "It is important they keep receipts for all qualifying purchases in a safe place so they can be accessed when it is time to file their taxes.” The Illinois Education Expense Credit allows parents or legal guardians of a full-time K-12 student under the age of 21, to take a 25% tax credit on qualified education expenses over $250 this year. The total credit may not exceed $750, regardless of the number of qualifying

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ALTON - Two vehicles collided in the parking lot near Alton Square Mall Drive on Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 27, 2024, although no injuries were reported from the scene, according to local authorities. The incident coincided with a more severe accident at the intersection of Clawson and Brown in Alton . The Alton Police Department and Alton Fire Department responded to both crashes, experiencing a particularly busy 20-30-minute period. "Fortunately, the collision near Alton Square Mall Drive did not result in any injuries," said Alton Fire Battalion Chief Derrick Richardson. Emergency responders were able to manage the situation effectively, ensuring that both scenes were attended to promptly.

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey Community High School senior catcher Emily Collins was a key player for her Panthers' squad this past spring. She batted near the .400 mark for the season and was one of the area's best hitters. Emily is a Sparklight Female Athlete of the Month for the Panthers. She was capable of standing in as a catcher, but also played first base, second base and outfield as a performer for the Southern Illinois Lady Roughnecks. She committed to play softball at Marian University in Indianapolis, Ind. Emily's head coach Chelsea Crnokrak was so proud of Emily for her performance this past season for the Panthers. "Emily was an offensive and defensive threat as our leadoff hitter and catcher," the coach said. "Very few runners have attempted to steal, as she has a quick reaction time and a strong arm. Our team is very young this year, and Emily has stepped up to be a leader in all aspects of the game." Again, congrats to Emily on her Sparklight Female Athlete of the Month honor

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ALTON - Two vehicles collided on Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 27, 2024, resulting in one car crashing into Kinder Auto Repair at Clawson and Brown Street in Alton and another landed in a nearby front yard. Alton Fire Department Battalion Chief Derrick Richardson reported that no injuries required transportation to medical facilities. "The other vehicle ended up in a sod lot of a house," Richardson said. "Thankfully no one had to be transported." Kinder Auto Repair's garage sustained significant damage from the impact, Richardson said. The extent of the damage has yet to be fully assessed. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by the Alton Police Department.

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JERSEYVILLE – Zach Weiner, a standout athlete from Jersey Community High School, will continue his baseball career at Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey. Weiner, who stands 6-foot-3 and weighs 200 pounds, was a leading hitter and an excellent first baseman for the Panthers during the 2024 season. Weiner is a Sparklight Male Athlete of the Month for Jersey Community High School for his efforts in the spring 2024 season. Weiner's athletic prowess was not confined to the baseball diamond. He also played as a tight end and defensive end for the Panthers football team, recording six tackles in a game against Waterloo last season. Jersey head baseball coach Darren Perdue praised Weiner's dedication and work ethic. "Zach worked hard to achieve that goal," Perdue said. "He would always get his reps in and he led by example. He will be missed." Weiner's performance as a first baseman and pitcher made him a formidable opponent, according to Perdue. His commitment to the sport

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ALTON - The Alton Amphitheater is hosting their famous Jazz and Wine Festival this Saturday, and you could win up to a four-person reserved table to enjoy the evening. From 6–10 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, the Alton Amphitheater will transform into an outdoors jazz club complete with live music and a wide selection of wines. The festival will feature music from the Alton Jazz Confluence, which includes select Alton and Godfrey student musicians, followed by Left of West. Headliner Jim Manley will then take the stage for an hour-long set. “It has become an evening where people can go on a date. I like to say it’s a very classy event,” said Dan Herkert, amphitheater commission chair. “If people haven’t been there, they don’t realize, you really can set up a jazz club outdoors on our stage. It is an intimate setting where you are up close and personal with the musicians.” There are up to four free tickets available. The winner

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced the first 2024 death of an Illinois resident with West Nile virus (WNV). The individual, who was in their 80’s and lived in Lake County, had an onset of symptoms of WNV in mid-August and died soon after. IDPH is also reporting nine non-fatal cases of WNV confirmed to date this year. “Sadly, Illinois is reporting our first death of the year attributed to West Nile virus,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “This death – and the six that occurred last year in Illinois - are a stark reminder that West Nile virus poses a serious risk, especially to older people and those with weakened immune systems. This is why while warm weather continues and mosquitoes are breeding, we should all take steps to ‘Fight the Bite.’ Please protect yourself and your loved ones by reducing exposures, repelling insects with clothing and repellents, and reporting locations at high risk for

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BETHALTO/CASEYVILLE — Earlier this year, a resident of Bethalto fell victim to a sophisticated online scam, losing nearly $93,000. In a calculated move, the perpetrators sent an individual to the victim's home under false pretenses to secure some of the funds, which were subsequently converted into cryptocurrencies to conceal the illicit gains. Upon receiving the complaint, officers from the Bethalto Police Department swiftly gathered and preserved critical digital evidence. Recognizing the complexity of the case, they enlisted the help of a sergeant from the Caseyville Police Department, who has extensive training in cryptocurrency fraud and scams. Together, the Caseyville sergeant and two sergeants from the Bethalto Police Department collaborated to trace the stolen funds, secure the cryptocurrency wallets where the funds were held, and seize the contents. The team worked closely with the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office to obtain the necessary search

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MASCOUTAH – State Representative Kevin Schmidt (R-Cahokia Heights) has announced another Coffee Talk, this time in Mascoutah. This event offers constituents an opportunity to engage with Rep. Schmidt in a relaxed and personal setting. The Coffee Talk is free and open to the public. Details are as follows: Friday, August 30 from 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM LEU Civic Center’s Education Resource Room (2nd Floor) 213 N. Market Street Mascoutah, Illinois “In order to best represent you, I need to hear about what issues matter to you,” said Schmidt. “I’ve hosted many events like this, and at each one I get to hear new stories about important issues to folks across my district. If you’ve never come to a Coffee Talk, or if you’ve came to all of them, I encourage you to come out and let’s chat about how to straighten up Illinois.” Representative Kevin Schmidt represents the 114th District, which includes a portion of

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WOO RIVER - Isaac Thornton, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, has been recognized for his exceptional contributions to the school's football team. Thornton, who has been playing football for only three years, has quickly risen to become a captain and a role model for his teammates. Isaac is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of Month for the Oilers. "I try to be a leader, but I feel like giving my teammates someone they know they can look up to is just as important," Thornton said. His commitment to both leadership and academics has distinguished him among his peers. Thornton credits much of his success to his coach, Garry Herron. "I’d like to thank my coaches for making me into who I am today," Thornton said. "They took a chance on a kid who didn’t even know the rules of football or had even played a sport until high school and developed me into the student-athlete I am today." In addition to football, Thornton has participated in golf, wrestling,

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HECKER – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that lane closures on Illinois 156 between Illinois 159 and Illinois 13 in St. Clair County began Tuesday, Aug. 27, for crack and joint sealing. Flaggers will maintain two-way traffic. 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. The work is expected to be completed by the end of September. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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