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SPRINGFIELD – Area unemployment rates stayed low in the month of December 2021 in the latest statistics. Edwardsville's unemployment rate was a remarkable 2.3 percent, the lowest in the area. Madison County's unemployment rate stood at 3.3 percent, while Jersey was 3.1 percent, Macoupin County was 3.3 percent, and Calhoun and Greene County 3.4 percent. St. Clair County stood at 4.2 percent. Alton has a 4.8 percent unemployment rate for December 2021, much better than 8.9 percent in December 2020. Statewide the unemployment rate was 4.3 percent in December 2021, compared to 7.9 percent in 2020. The unemployment rate decreased over the year in all fourteen Illinois metropolitan areas in December for the ninth consecutive month according to preliminary data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES). Jobs were up in thirteen metro areas and down in one. “We are pleased to see continued positive economi

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MACOUPIN COUNTY - The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis has been activated after an unresponsive female was found at 7:40 a.m. on Monday, January 31, 2022, in the 2900 block of Wood Hill Lane, Bunker Hill. The Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department received a 9-1-1 call of an unresponsive female at that address with multiple injuries at the end of her residential driveway near the roadway. The female victim was pronounced deceased on the scene by the Macoupin County Coroner. The decedent is identified as: Nancy Blycker, 91 years of age, Bunker Hill, Illinois. The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis has been activated to investigate this matter with approximately 20 investigators from the Major Case Squad are working the investigation. Investigators are actively working leads in order to identify the person(s) responsible for Blycker’s death. The investigation is in the early stages and there is no further information to provide at this time. Anyone with information

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COLLINSVILLE – Ameren Illinois activated its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) on Tuesday morning to prepare for a winter storm which is forecasted to dump snow and ice across the Ameren Illinois service territory. The EOC is staffed around-the-clock to coordinate service restoration, crew mobilization, and communication. George Justice, vice president of Electric Operations for Ameren Illinois, said while snow may pose driving challenges for crews during a winter storm, ice and wind are the more hazardous and frequent causes of winter power outages. “Ice storms are particularly challenging from a power restoration perspective," Justice said. "Significant ice build-up combined with below freezing temperatures and strong winds can wreak havoc on our power lines, transformers and other equipment. Ice accretion of more than a quarter inch is our main concern because that's when we see tree limbs snap and fall into our equipment." Justice said activation of the EOC is the firs

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ST. LOUIS REGION – World Wide Technology Raceway’s Toyota 200 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series event today was announced as the first leg of the three-race NASCAR Triple Truck Challenge. The June 4 Toyota 200, the prelude to WWTR’s inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race, will pay an extra $50,000 to the winner if he is a Truck Series regular. If one driver sweeps the series and wins all three, he will earn $500,000. The second and third races of the Triple Truck Challenge are Nashville Superspeedway on June 24 and Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (Lexington, Ohio) on July 9. Tickets are on sale for WWTR’s 2022 NASCAR Weekend, featuring the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series Toyota 200. For tickets and additional information, please call (618) 215-8888 or visit www.WWTRaceway.com . Follow WWTR on social media (@wwtraceway) for additional information. About World Wide Technology Raceway World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) is th

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CHICAGO – Final federal numbers show that a total of 323,427 Illinoisans selected health plans on the ACA (Affordable Care Act) Health Insurance Marketplace during the Open Enrollment Period and 12,938 selected their plans during the last month of enrollment. The Biden-Harris Administration extended the deadline from December 15, 2021 to January 15, 2022, allowing consumers additional time to purchase ACA Marketplace plans.* Even without including the additional 30-day extension, a comparison to last year’s Open Enrollment Period reveals an increase of 19,274 sign-ups in Illinois. ** IDOI Acting Director Dana Popish Severinghaus said Illinoisans were also encouraged by the reduced health insurance premiums available under the American Rescue Plan. “Our ad campaign and outreach promoted the benefits of buying quality health insurance on the ACA Marketplace, made even more affordable with the ARP,” said Popish Severinghaus. “We worked hard to get the

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SPRINGFIELD - The 2022 Winter Olympics are here and to celebrate Team USA, the Illinois State Fair is giving you a chance to win. Now through February 22, when you purchase a State Fair Mega or Jumbo Pass, you will be entered into a drawing to win an admission booklet and one parking pass for the 2022 Illinois State Fair. Two winners will be drawn on February 22 or “Twosday” (2-22-22), one Mega Pass purchase winner and one Jumbo Pass purchase winner. “In the middle of a Midwest winter we all need something to look forward to,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. “With the Winter Olympics and “Twosday” falling within the same month, we thought it would be a great opportunity to do something fun to break up the ‘winter blues’ and get people looking towards warmer weather.” The Mega Pass gives you unlimited rides in the Midway and Adventure Village, while the Jumbo Pass has the bonus of unlimited trips down the Gian

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BUNKER HILL - Bunker Hill High School released its Illinois State Scholars list today. The Bunker Hill students on the Illinois State Scholars selections are Lydia Yates, Kyla Thyer, Drake Scroggins, Juliene Lefler, Karli Yotter, and Laney Bazzell. The Illinois State Scholar program is awarded to high school seniors based on ACT or SAT test scores. Each student who is designated as a state scholar receives a congratulatory letter, a certificate of achievement and statewide news media recognition.

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ST. LOUIS - As the National Weather Service (NWS) declares a Winter Storm Warning for our region from the evening of Tuesday, February 1 through the noon on Thursday, February 3, the City of St. Louis is joining the NWS to urge residents to take precautions and preventive measures to protect themselves and their families during the storm . The warning predicts accumulations of snow between 6 and 10 inches, as well as sleet and icy conditions. In the face of hazardous conditions, residents are cautioned to avoid travel and follow local media, the City’s website and City Emergency Management (CEMA) social media alerts for information, resources and updates. “We are urging everyone to take this forecast seriously and plan ahead to keep your loved ones safe,” said CEMA Commissioner Sarah Russell. “Stay alert and follow local media, the City’s website, and CEMA for important updates.” Street crews will begin their work at 12am Wednesday morning

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GODFREY – Early Bird Registration for high school seniors is back in person at Lewis and Clark Community College this spring. “For high school seniors, graduation is just around the corner, and Lewis and Clark wants to make your college transition as smooth as possible,” said L&C Recruiter Amy Bowling. “Early Bird registration puts you ahead of the game. In most cases, you can even register for classes before our current students do, and get the schedule you want.” Participants will receive a tour of L&C’s campus and take part in an orientation where they will hear from financial aid and academic advisors, learn tips and tricks for first-time college students, and register for summer and/or fall classes. Free lunch and an L&C T-shirt will be provided. Early Bird events will take place every Friday from Feb. 25 through April 22, except for when campus is closed. All events, except Edwardsville High School, will take place from 8:30 a.m. –

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GREENE COUNTY - If anyone has seen or has any information on the whereabouts of Randa (Long) Davidson, you are urged to contact the Greene County Sheriff's Office immediately. Randa's car was found in Springfield, IL., on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. She was last seen alone on foot, near the corner of Wabash Avenue and White Oaks Drive, in Springfield, late in the evening, on Tuesday, January 25, 2022. Randa is described as 5-8 and weighs 140 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. The Sheriff's Department's phone number is 217-942-6901. The Sheriff's Office and Randa's family would appreciate any assistance in locating Randa and making sure that she is safe. Randa's family phone numbers listed are (217) 491-7025 or (217) 831-0142. The Springfield Police Department and the Sangamon County Sheriff's Office are aware of Ms. Davidson being last seen in their jurisdiction and are assisting the Greene County Sheriff's Department is trying to locate her. "At this time, there is no evidence

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ALTON - The man who now coordinates snow removal for the Illinois Department of Transportation on big snowstorms and another from his neighborhood vividly remembers the massive storm of January 30-31, 1982, that extended to Feb. 1, 1982, that dropped 17 inches of snow in Madison County. Joe Monroe, an operations supervisor for IDOT, said he was fifth grade at St. Matthews School in Alton when the massive snow in 1982 hit the region. He added that the snow kept youth out of school for a week. “The forecast was not supposed to be a big storm and it turned out to be especially significant,” he explained. “It was a totally different scene back then. I lived nine houses away from the Hanlon family on Omega in Alton and I remember sledding in the neighborhood with Pat Hanlon, Jim, and Dorothy Hanlon’s son. That week was one to remember.” Julie Gonzales, Jim and Dorothy’s daughter, remembers her siblings enjoying the snow days and outside fun in 1982.

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BETHALTO - Madison County Coroner Stephen P. Nonn has identified a 22-year-old Bethalto man that tragically lost his life following a two-vehicle traffic crash occurring in the 900 Block of South Moreland Road, in Bethalto on Friday afternoon, January 28, 2022. The man is identified as Traveon W. Ward, Jr. of Bethalto. The Madison County Coroner's Office said the man died in a crash when his vehicle crossed the center line and struck a Ford F-350. 9-1-1 was notified at approximately 4:44 p.m. Friday. The victim was the sole occupant and driver of a Toyota passenger car traveling southbound on South Moreland Road. Ward was pronounced deceased at the scene by Madison County Coroner’s Office Investigator Christopher Hartman at 5:42 p.m., January 28, 2022. The preliminary investigation shows blunt head trauma as the cause of death, the coroner's office said. A final cause of death will not be issued until the results of toxicological testing are complete. A married couple from th

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Our Love Story: The Couple: Nikki and Swish from Glen Carbon Date Met/Started Dating: April 1, 2012 Briefly Describe First Date: I went to a gathering with my father and met Swish. Without my knowledge, he jokingly told my father he would marry his daughter. My dad told him “yeah right, you're nowhere near her type,” which he was not. To play a joke on my dad, we met up at his house to go on a motorcycle ride. I fell in love. Ten years, two beautiful boys, and a mortgage later, we’re still just as much in love with each other. Date Married: February 1, 2022 Name Something You Enjoy Doing Together: Taking our boys camping and boating with friends and family. Share Advice For A Happy Relationship: Always be you. Relationships grow, surroundings change. Never stop saying I love you. Understand you may not agree all the time. Be each other’s friend every day. Love what you have and want always.

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Our Love Story: The Couple: Corry & Hayley Wilton from Roxana Date Met/Started Dating: June 22, 2008 Briefly Describe First Date: Horseback Riding Date Married: September 28, 2013 Name Something You Enjoy Doing Together: Riding motorcycles, ATVs, & trail riding in the jeep. Share Advice For A Happy Relationship: Be patient and don't ever think that leaving is the better option. The grass is greener where you water it!

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ST. LOUIS —The American Red Cross of Missouri, Illinois, and Arkansas is offering safety tips ahead of the upcoming snow, ice, and frigid temperatures expected over the next few days. In addition, the Red Cross is coordinating with local emergency management officials and partners in preparation for potential local community needs. Heavy snowfall is predicted in portions of Missouri with ice accumulations and extremely cold temperatures, according to the National Weather Service. Snow and colder than usual temperatures are also expected in portions of Arkansas. Every year, hundreds of Americans are injured or killed by exposure to cold, vehicle accidents on wintry roads, and home fires caused by the improper use of heaters. American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas offers the following tips to stay safe: Assemble an emergency preparedness kit to ensure you and your family have enough bottled water, non-perishable food and other items to stay safe at home for a few days

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ST. LOUIS – On January 27, 2022, several federal charges were filed against John K. Low. The 38-year-old Chesterfield resident is accused of coercion and enticement of a minor, transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, and travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. According to the charging documents, on January 24, 2022, the Riley County Police Department, located in Manhattan, Kansas, received a report of a missing juvenile. The investigation revealed that the missing 15-year-old child left her residence without her cell phone. Her mother provided electronic devices to Riley County Police, who analyzed the devices for any information about her disappearance. The police department was able to locate conversations belonging to the missing female on a social media messaging application. Discovered in these conversations were plans between the victim and suspect which indicated the victim was to be picked up by the suspect, unbeknownst to her

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EAST ALTON-WOOD RIVER - EAWR Announces Academic Honor Rolls for First Semester. HIGH HONOR ROLL Seniors -- Jaren Benton Emmett Booker Tray’ona Breaziel Alexis Brigman Lucas Brown Clayton Bunt Grace Byron Leana Carr Lydia Davidson Addison Denton Dawson Dunse Kayla Ellison Elizabeth Feyerabend Nathanael Fisher Jameson Floyed Mackenzie Franklin Madilyn Fry Sabrina Fulkerson Elizabeth Gernon Morgan Gibbs David Goforth Elizabeth Goodnight Emily Hall Tyler Hall Jonathan Harms Aerowyn Harris Melaina Hickerson Niyah Johnson Nickolas Kelsay Chase Keshner Quinn Knight Drake Lane Kyle Malley Julian Marshall Nicholas Mason Noah Mason Caleb Maxwell Kendall May Clayton McCauley Marissa Meyer Jaymee Neathery Hannah Nelson Aaron Niemeyer Olivia Owens Linnsi Polewski Raven Pruitt Vance Puckett Valerie Quevreaux Riley Randolph Carson Reef Lydia Ruot Jason Shaw Jordan Sheets Reece Shelton Emily Shewmaker Riley Shook Ali Sidwell Hope Simmons Nathan Slimick Kage Squier Samantha Stockl Cayden Stone

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ST. LOUIS - Meteorologist Brad Charboneau said Monday the St. Louis area is expecting a large-scale winter storm to impact the region beginning today. He said rain will turn to freezing rain by Wednesday morning and sleet accumulation could be dangerous before snow hits. “The sleet and snow will impact travel throughout the area. A cold front will surge southward in the area for a period of 48 hours and in the meantime, a storm system will move up eastward and impact us with widespread participation.” Illinois Department of Transportation Operations Supervisor Joe Monroe said his staff will work 12-hour shifts during the storm. “Thursday morning looks to be the roughest of the three days, but there will probably be a lot of change between then,” he said. “We have had other challenges this winter, but so far our snow totals have been light.” Monroe stressed the snow totals will probably be vastly different throughout the region. Charboneau recommended

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COLLINSVILLE - Senior basketball player Ihzel Brown, a 6-1, 224-pounder, is one of the leaders for the Alton High team, and although the Redbirds have yet to win a game this year, Brown is one of the team's most important players and sets an example for the younger players on the team to follow. Brown was also a member of the Redbirds football team, so he is a key Alton athlete in the 2021-2022 school year. In two games played in the consolation bracket of the Prairie Farms Collinsville Holiday Classic Brown combined for 12 points a key in the Redbirds' first win. The Redbirds are now 4-17 overall but have continued to show improvement under coach Eric McCrary. For his efforts both on and off the court, Brown has been selected as the school's Auto Butler male Athlete of the Month. Brown sees himself as the team's leader, making sure the young players are doing what they're supposed to be doing and lending a helping hand in practice. "I am a leader," Brown said of what his key

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EAST ALTON – Joe Silkwood, former Mayor of East Alton, will announce his campaign to support law enforcement on what he describes as a platform to fight for working-class families of the 111th District for state representative on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at the Machinists Union Hall in East Alton. As Mayor of East Alton, Silkwood worked closely with local law enforcement to ensure they had the necessary resources to keep residents safe. Silkwood is ready to build a stronger Illinois and will stand with working-class families against right-to-work efforts. Silkwood will also work to expand job training opportunities and bring new economic development to the 111th District. WHO: Joe Silkwood, candidate for State Representative with local community leaders. WHAT: Joe Silkwood for State Representative campaign announcement. WHERE: Machinists Union Hall, 159 N. Shamrock E. Alton, IL 62024 WHEN: Tuesday, Feb. 1 10 A.M.

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