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BELLEVILLE — Belleville East High School Honor Society recently hosted its first annual Letters to Santa event, engaging over 50 children in festive activities. The event featured a variety of holiday-themed activities, including Christmas stories, crafts, and coloring. The Belleville East English Honor Society members facilitated the event, helping children write letters to Santa and take pictures with the jolly figure. The success of the event was attributed to the collaborative efforts of the library staff, student members, custodial staff, and others who contributed to its planning and execution. The English Honor Society expressed gratitude for the support that made the event possible.

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EDWARDSVILLE - EXO Lounge, Edwardsville’s newest “utopia” complete with a nail bar, med spa and cocktail lounge, will host a Christmas party for all to enjoy. From 4–10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, community members are invited to EXO for a fun-filled Christmas party. All of EXO’s services will be available, and attendees can also enjoy photos with the Grinch, music by DJ Spicy, and over $3,000 worth of giveaways. “It’s everything Christmas,” said EXO owner Gina Gamblin. Located at 2157 Center in Edwardsville, EXO opened in 2019 but was destroyed in a fire in 2021. The lounge reopened earlier this year and Gamblin said they are “off to a good start.” “I am so proud of EXO and where we are today,” she added. “The brand has been through a lot, and I appreciate all the support and love from the community.” EXO previously hosted a variety of special events, and Gamblin is eager to bring these

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EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis Senior High School student Paishynce Prude has been selected to participate in the Girls Lead 2025 program, an initiative of the Illinois Council on Women and Girls, as announced by Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. This program aims to empower young women by providing them with valuable leadership experiences and insights into state government. The Girls Lead 2025 program is designed to offer participants a transformative experience, which includes shadowing a female leader in state government for at least three days. In addition to this hands-on experience, participants like Prude will engage in workshops and "fireside chats" with prominent women leaders from across Illinois. As part of her involvement in the program, Prude will work alongside her assigned office to explore an ongoing policy issue. She will conduct research and develop a paper presenting her personal recommendations for potential solutions. The initiative seeks to

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and author of the All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) Act —issued the following statement after the full committee voted to advance David Capozzi to serve on Amtrak’s Board of Directors. Capozzi would serve in the designated disability advocate seat on the board, which was created by a provision Duckworth authored and successfully included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. If confirmed, Capozzi would help ensure the senior Amtrak leadership hears the voices of individuals with disabilities who have demonstrated histories or experience with accessibility, mobility and inclusive transportation in passenger rail or commuter rail. His nomination now heads to the Senate floor for final confirmation. “I worked hard to create this position on Amtrak’s Board of Directors because it is important

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CHICAGO – An Illinois Lottery player is bringing home more than just the bacon after they purchased a jackpot-winning $700,000 Lucky Day Lotto ticket at Jewel-Osco. “Occasionally when I go to the grocery store, I add a Quick Pick lottery ticket as part of my shopping list,” laughed the lucky winner. “I didn’t even find out I won until a week or so after the drawing. That’s when I went to a Lottery machine to check if my ticket had won, and the machine said ‘Congratulations, You Won’ but I didn’t know what the prize was.” The ticket was purchased for the Sunday, November 10 evening drawing at Jewel-Osco, located at 4660 West Irving Park Road, in Chicago’s Irving Park neighborhood. “Once I realized the prize was $700,000, I couldn’t believe it. I was in complete shock,” shared the Lucky Day Lotto winner. “I kept looking at my ticket to double check my numbers with the winning numbers.

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CHICAGO - The Illinois Gaming Board has issued a new casino owners' license to Wind Creek IL LLC, of Wind Creek, Chicago Southland, in the final meeting of 2024. “Wind Creek is Illinois’ 16th casino,” said IGB Administrator Marcus D. Fruchter. “This is the sixth casino license the IGB has issued since enactment of the 2019 landmark gaming expansion legislation that authorized six new casino licenses. The IGB has collected more than $386 million in upfront gaming fees from those new casino operators since the first of the new casinos opened in Rockford in November 2021. These fees have been deposited into the Rebuild Illinois fund for critical infrastructure projects across our State.” The IGB granted Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort, LLC, a Master Sports Wagering License and granted a Management Services Provider License to Hillside (Illinois) LLC d/b/a bet365. Licensure will permit Walker’s Bluff and bet365 to work together to operate the

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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. 13. One lane will remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Dec. 16. 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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WOOD RIVER - Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Oiler of the Month” program at EAWR High School. A Senior student is selected each month by members of EAWR faculty. Each student is awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. The Seniors selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $1,000.00 “Oiler of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. November's winner is Jack Gould. Jack is a senior at EAWR and is involved in Cross Country, Track and Field, Drama Club and Band. Jack has received honors with the National Honor Society and the Illinois State Scholar. In Jack's free time, he enjoys volunteering at the Soap Box Derby, cleaning the First United Methodist Church, helping at Hayner Public Library and helping run Cross Country and Track meets for the school. After graduation, Jack is planning on attending Illinois College in Jacksonville to become a Nurse and then after some time working his way into becoming

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BETHALTO – Midwest Members Credit Union has announced its sponsorship of the “Eagles of the Month” program at Civic Memorial High School, recognizing outstanding senior students for their achievements. Each month, faculty members at the high school select students from various departments to receive this honor. The program awards certificates and Subway gift cards to the selected students, with two seniors—one male and one female—chosen each month to compete for a $500 “Eagles of the Year” scholarship at the end of the academic year. For November 2024, the winners of the “Eagles of the Month” program include: Math: Braxten Niedert Visual Arts: Isla Schilling Social Studies: Sara Aiello PE/Health: Kayla Godar Choir: Abigail Saboff Band: August Frankford Science: Jayden Valez Ortiz English: Laila Barney Additionally, the program recognizes the contributions of teachers with the “Teacher of the Month” awards,

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ALTON - A violent altercation at Roper’s Regal Beagle in Godfrey last month has led to multiple felony charges against a man from Alton. Jason B. Carlie, 33, of Alton, was charged on Dec. 4, 2024 with two counts of aggravated battery, both Class 3 felonies. Court documents state that on Nov. 27, 2024, while at the Regal Beagle, Carlie allegedly struck an individual about the head and face, causing abrasions. He also reportedly bit another victim’s hand, “breaking the skin.” A petition was filed to deny Carlie’s pretrial release, describing him as the “aggressor in a bar fight.” “Defendant was identified as the aggressor in a bar fight,” the petition states. “During the scuffle, he struck a male victim about the face, and bit the hand of a female victim, breaking the skin.” At the time of this incident, Carlie was on electronic monitoring from another Madison County felony case filed earlier this year. In that

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ALTON - On December 14, 1924, the Franklin W. Olin Jr. memorial organ was dedicated at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Alton. The Estey Organ Company installed the organ, which had fourteen stops and was electrically operated. Rev. Frederick D. Butler officiated a blessing of the organ at morning services, and the church organist, George A. Rieder, gave an organ recital at 4:30 p.m. Three vocalists, Mildred Dixon McDow, Reven DeJarnette, and Herbert S. Heil, accompanied him. McDow “charmed everyone who heard her,” especially in her performance of “The Penitent,” by composer Beardsley Van de Water. DeJarnett sang the song “It Is Enough,” by Felix Mendelssohn, “with great power.” Heil sang “The Lord is My Light,” by Francis Allitsen. According to the Alton Evening Telegraph article reporting on the dedication, “only the time, the occasion, and the place prevented applause to express the appreciation of the audience.”

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MADISON COUNTY — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has announced the addition of Deputy Jacob Propes to its Patrol Division, effective Dec. 2, 2024. Previously serving in the Corrections Division, Deputy Propes is set to further his training by attending the Police Academy in the near future. The Sheriff’s Office officials expressed optimism about Deputy Propes's transition, stating, "We look forward to what he will contribute to our office and wish him a safe career." The appointment marks a significant step in Deputy Propes's law enforcement career as he prepares to take on new responsibilities within the department.

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O'FALLON - During a recent O'Fallon City Council meeting, the O'Fallon Police Department (OPD) received recognition from the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police for successfully completing the Illinois Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (ILEAP). This marks a significant achievement for the department, which was first accredited in 2018 under former Chief Eric VanHook. Kirk Brueggeman is the O'Fallon Director of Public Safety. The recognition was presented by Kenny Winslow, Executive Director of the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, and 2nd Vice President Dan Ryan. Winslow emphasized the importance of this accomplishment, noting that only 65 departments in the state of Illinois are accredited at any level, representing less than 5 percent of law enforcement agencies in the state. “Accreditation is a way to recognize those departments who are embracing best practices, going above and beyond, and setting the standard for professionalism,” Winslow said. Brueggeman

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MARINE - At a business meeting held two days ago, the Marine Community Fire Protection District recognized firefighter Jared Korte as the Firefighter of the Year. Chief Darren Kessinger presented the award during the gathering, highlighting Korte's dedication and willingness to assist others. "Jared is always helpful and willing to learn," Chief Kessinger said during the presentation. The award serves to honor Korte's contributions to the fire department and the community it serves. The Marine Community Fire Protection District continues to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of its personnel, with this recognition aimed at encouraging excellence within the team.

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SPRINGFIELD - Stuck on what to get a child or grandchild for the holidays? Investing in their future is a great gift, and it’s easier than ever to contribute to their Bright Start 529 college savings account. You can even do it on your phone. Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs is encouraging family members and friends to give the future gift of college or vocational school this year by making a contribution to a loved one’s Bright Start 529 college saving account. Bright Start 529 recently introduced a new phone app, so giving and requesting gifts is easier than ever. “Giving the gift of a Bright Start contribution is a great way to show a young person the importance of a college education, set high expectations for them, and avoid waiting in line with holiday shoppers,” Frerichs said. “Parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles can boost a college savings account and reduce the amount of money a family might have to borrow later.” Bright Star

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SPRINGFIELD – The Brandon Road Interbasin Project on the Illinois River near Joliet took a significant step forward with the first construction contract awarded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District, on Nov. 27, 2024. The $15.5 million contract was awarded to Miami Marine Services for site preparation and riverbed rock removal for the engineered channel. Miami Marine will partner with Michels Construction of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for completion of this contract. Brandon Road is a federal project, and together Illinois and Michigan serve as the non-federal sponsors. This initial construction contract is for the first of three construction increments for the estimated $1.15 billion project designed to prevent the upstream movement of invasive carp into the Great Lakes. “Awarding the first construction contract is an exciting and important step forward for this long-anticipated project,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The Great Lakes are a priceless

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Gori Law Firm recently welcomed Arthur “A.J.” Risavy as its new associate attorney. Risavy joins the firm’s asbestos litigation team, helping clients and families injured by asbestos receive the compensation they deserve. Risavy is a recent graduate of Saint Louis University School of Law. Throughout law school, he worked as a law clerk in The Gori Law Firm’s Edwardsville office, where he learned the complexities of personal injury litigation. In the fall of 2024, Risavy became licensed to practice law in Illinois. "A.J. has been an invaluable asset to our firm since his tenure as a law clerk, and we are excited to see him take on this new role with our team," said Sara Salger, managing partner of The Gori Law Firm. "His dedication and talent have already made a significant impact, and we look forward to watching him grow within our practice.” Risavy was born and raised in Edwardsville, Illinois. He received his undergraduate

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS/EAST ST. LOUIS - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) in announcing significant action to address chronic failures of the sanitary sewer systems in Cahokia Heights and East St. Louis. “For too long, the neglected and aging sewer systems in Cahokia Heights and East St. Louis have forced local residents to deal with raw sewage in their basements, in their streets and in local waterways,” Attorney General Kwame Raoul said. “I am proud of my office’s collaboration with the Department of Justice and local and state entities as we work toward a solution to solve this real environmental and public health threat. I will continue to partner with all levels of government to enforce Illinois’ environmental laws and protect our communities.” Raoul and the DOJ filed the lawsuit and consent decree to

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ALTON - On a recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust, Larry Bell spoke about God’s forgiveness. Bell shared that he has gone through dark times when he felt completely alone. He realizes now that God was with him always, and He helped Bell through these challenges. Bell acknowledged that he is far from perfect, and God has forgiven him for every mistake he makes. “I’m not this super Christian,” Bell said. “I’m just a sinner that is still trying to walk and ask God for forgiveness on a daily basis for Him to help me to be a better person and to live my life for Christ.” Bell comes from a long line of pastors, and his son, Justin Bell , is currently a pastor at Block Church in East Alton. But when Bell himself decided to enroll in Bible School, he quickly realized that pastorship was not for him. He explained that he never enjoyed tests and schoolwork, and he disliked these elements of his Bible education.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Chicago District Commander Colonel Kenneth Rockwell to discuss a number of issues, including updates on their flood risk management, ecosystem restoration and invasive species protection efforts throughout Northeastern Illinois. Photos from the meeting are available on the Senator’s website. “Protecting and strengthening our inland waterways is critical to growing our local economies and protecting the health and safety of our communities,” Duckworth said. “I was glad to meet with Colonel Rockwell to discuss the importance of water infrastructure and the ongoing projects throughout Northeastern Illinois. I look forward to continuing to work with USACE to help protect our environment, modernize our water infrastructure and grow good-paying, local jobs for the region.” As a leading voice on water infrastructure and environmental justice, Duckworth

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