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O'FALLON - A new pilot program utilizing the state’s public libraries to improve court access will offer guidance for Illinoisans struggling to navigate the legal system on their own. O'Fallon Public Library, which is in the 20th Judicial Court in St. Clair County, is part of the new statewide program and it was selected for this pilot program. The goal of the pilot program is to help people without lawyers — who may have limited technology capabilities or transportation challenges — more easily access legal information and assistance at their local public library. O'Fallon Library Director Ryan Johnson said there is training involved before O'Fallon Library will officially begin the assistance for individuals on court-related issues. He will have staff well-versed in various forms in the filing process and also there will be a Zoom court for people to respond to some court-related issues, among other new services. "We are excited to be selected to be part of this

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SWANSEA — With strong support from State Senator Christopher Belt, three organizations in the 57th Senate District are set to receive more than $212,000 in funding through library and literacy grant programs. “This funding has allowed libraries and literacy programs all over the state provide the best services possible,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Libraries are full of opportunity for all ages, so it’s essential we continue to support them in whatever ways we can.” The programs are administered through the Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Alexi Giannoulias, who has awarded nearly $22 million for library services and $6 million for literacy programs throughout the state. The following organizations in the 57th District will receive funding: Mascoutah Public Library - $34,840 Southwestern Illinois College - $84,384 MindsEye Radio - $93,626 The goal of the grants is to enhance online catalogues, support day-to-day operations, expand

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BELLEVILLE – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today expressed their support for Scott Air Force Base’s 126th Air Refueling Wing’s bid to become a KC-46A’s main operating base (MOB) after the Air Force announced Scott was selected as a finalist for the role. The KC-46A aircraft is the first phase in modernizing the U.S. Air Force's aging tanker fleet and selecting Scott would protect the 347 ANG positions currently overseeing the KC-135 aircrafts while adding 94 new ANG positions to support the incoming KC-46A’s— overall expanding the Metro East’s local economy as well as helping to ensure the continued success of the Base. “Scott Air Force Base (AFB) is an important driver of our state’s economy, a key piece to our country’s national security and a critical support network for the individuals who serve, along with their families,” Duckworth

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TROY - The Gateway CEO program offers entrepreneurial opportunities to high schoolers in the Collinsville, Triad, Maryville and Highland communities. At a recent festival celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce, Lisa Colon spoke about the benefits of the CEO program and how it prepares students to succeed in high school and beyond. Colon, the facilitator of Gateway CEO, noted her excitement to see the program thriving. “We’re a CEO family,” she said. “It’s an amazing program to watch grow. We made it through COVID and stabilized and we’ve just continued to grow, and it’s really exciting.” Colon explained that there are two tracks in the CEO program. On the “doing business” track, students brainstorm and collaborate to create their own businesses. They also organize a major fundraising event, which will be announced soon, Colon teased. On the learning side of

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JERSEYVILLE - A convicted felon faces new criminal charges in Jersey County after allegedly stealing telephone line and having a weapon in his possession. Timothy R. Woodrome, 44, of Olive Branch, Ill., was charged with one count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and one count of theft/unauthorized control between $500-$10,000. On Sept. 21, 2024, Woodrome allegedly possessed a set of brass knuckles after previously being convicted of a felony in Illinois. Jersey County court records show he was previously convicted of theft of over $500 in a 2011 criminal case. In his latest case, Woodrome was charged once again with theft for stealing an undisclosed amount of “600 pair telephone truck line.” The telephone line was valued at over $500 and was property of AT&T. Woodrome faces a Super Class 3 felony for the weapon charge and a Class 3 felony for the theft charge. Jersey County court records indicate he has since been granted pretrial release from custody.

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) is now available to eligible individuals in Cook, Fulton, Henry, St. Clair, Washington, Will, and Winnebago Counties who were impacted by severe storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds, and flooding in July as a result of a major disaster declaration issued by President Biden on September 20, 2024. DUA benefits are federally funded through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). St. Clair County, seriously impacted in the July funding around the Belleville area, residents are eligible to apply for these benefits. “IDES is grateful that federal disaster relief, including the availability of DUA benefits, has been authorized for individuals impacted by the severe storms and flooding during the summer,” said IDES Director Ray Marchiori. “The Department is ready to provide assistance to those affected and bring relief to the area’s

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September 30th has been a day of remarkable occurrences and significant milestones throughout history. 1969: The Birth of the Internet On September 30, 1969, the first message was sent over ARPANET, the precursor to the modern Internet. UCLA's Leonard Kleinrock and his team managed to log into a computer at the Stanford Research Institute, marking the first successful transmission of data over a network. This breakthrough laid the foundation for the interconnected world we live in today, revolutionizing communication, commerce, and daily life. 1992: The Space Shuttle Endeavour Launch This day in 1992 witnessed the launch of the Space Shuttle Endeavour on its second mission, STS-47. The mission was notable for being the first with a Japanese astronaut, Mamoru Mohri, and for its focus on life and material sciences in microgravity. The successful mission contributed significantly to our understanding of space and the effects of prolonged spaceflight on the human body. 1888:

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ALTON - A man was injured by what police described at this time as "an unknown object" while walking near Main Street and Edwards Street in Alton, prompting a response from the Alton Police Department and Alton Fire Department on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said the incident occurred when the man was crossing the street around a vehicle stopped at the intersection. According to the chief, as the man maneuvered around the vehicle, he was struck in the head by "an unidentified object." The vehicle then left the scene immediately. The chief said the man continued walking to retrieve his phone and contacted the police. Emergency medical services from the Alton Fire Department transported him to a local hospital, where he was treated for a non-life-threatening injury. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, with authorities pursuing leads. The Alton Police Department has urged anyone with information to come forward and contact them at 618-463-3505.

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ALTON - Vintage Voices will continue their tradition of sharing Alton’s history. As part of Vintage Voices, actors portray real people who are buried in the Alton Cemetery. They tell stories about each person’s life and how they impacted the community. This year, the Vintage Voices tours are scheduled for Oct. 5, 6, 12 and 13, 2024. Jody Basola, chair of the Vintage Voices committee, promises another great year for attendees. “We’re coming down to the wire here. We’re ready. We’re hoping for good weather and big crowds,” Basola said. “History is very important to our legacy, who we are. We can learn from our history. It’s so important to know who you are, where you came from, how we got there and where we’re going.” The walking tours start at 12 p.m. and run every 15 minutes until 2:30 p.m. at Alton Cemetery. This year’s walk is about a half-mile and will include walking through grass. There will also be

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CARLINVILLE - Macoupin County Safe Families is kicking off Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October with their second annual Domestic Violence Awareness Walk, set for Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Carlinville Square. Domestic Violence Advocate Juliet Wooldridge said the event’s purpose is for the community to “rally together as survivors and allies in sharing stories, victories, and comradery together.” Registration & check-in begins at 9 a.m., and the event is free to attend and participate in. “Each year, we try to participate in National Domestic Violence Awareness month to show our community that we're still here and we're still helping,” Wooldridge said. “We want to bring people together for a day to walk a mile in their shoes - literally!” The event will feature State’s Attorney Jordan J. Garrison, who will speak at 9 a.m. before the walk begins. To spotlight the personal experience of domestic violence

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) released a new report on infant mortality that shows the statewide rate decreased to 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2021, the most recent full year of data, compared to 6.5 per 1,000 in 2018. However, the report released during Infant Mortality Awareness Month also documents the historic racial disparities that have persisted nationally in the area of infant health. Governor JB Pritzker has made it a priority to address these disparities and included more than $23 million in the current state budget to improve birth outcomes. The Illinois infant mortality rate of 5.6 is slightly above the national rate of 5.4. The state has signed on to the national Healthy People 2030 framework established by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services which sets a goal for all states to reach a rate of 5.0 or lower by the year 2030. “The health of a newborn baby during their first year of life is a critical

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EDWARDSVILLE - An exhibit featuring one of the most recognizable and talented trumpeters in the world, Miles Davis, will open to the public at the St. Clair County Historical Society on October 2, from 4-6 p.m. The “Miles Davis, Modes, and Modalities, 1935-1990” exhibit offers community members the chance to learn more about the jazz legend with roots in southern Illinois. Prince Wells III, Associate Professor Emeritus of the Department of Music at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, will introduce the program, which is free for attendees. This is the second event within the Smithsonian Community Curation 2024: St. Louis event series. The Miles Davis Exhibit is part of a larger community curation project collaboratively produced by the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) and local institutions and organizations. The exhibit opening will also feature presenters from each of the collaborating parties – NMAAHC, the St. Clair County

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ALTON – On Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, 14-year-old Zachary led a mile-long run carrying a blue line flag in honor of Alton K9 Odin, who was killed by gunfire on August 22, 2024. The event was organized by Running 4 Heroes, an organization dedicated to honoring fallen first responders. Runners gathered at the Alton Police Department and followed a route down East Broadway to CPL. Christopher Belchik Memorial Expressway before returning to the starting point. Zachary, who began volunteering with Running 4 Heroes in July 2024, said the run is a meaningful way to give back to the community. “To me, it’s just one way to give back to the community,” Zachary said. “When I’m running, I think about who I’m running for and all the people that it means something to.” This weekend marked Zachary's 14th-mile run for the organization. “When it was brought to my attention, I was like, oh, wow, I think this would be great, especially

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September 28th has been a significant date in history, marked by pivotal events that have shaped the world in various ways. 1928 - Alexander Fleming Discovers Penicillin One of the most groundbreaking discoveries in medical history happened on September 28, 1928, when Scottish bacteriologist Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin. While working at St. Mary's Hospital in London, Fleming noticed that a mold called Penicillium notatum had killed a surrounding colony of bacteria. This chance observation led to the development of antibiotics, which have saved countless lives and revolutionized medicine. Fleming’s discovery marked the beginning of modern antimicrobial therapy, making it one of the most impactful events in medical history. 1941 - The Siege of Leningrad Begins During World War II, the German Army began its siege of Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) on September 28, 1941. This brutal blockade lasted for 872 days, causing immense suffering and loss of life. The

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My Fellow Godfrey Residents, While serving as Mayor of the Village of Godfrey, I have done so with great care, conscientious decision-making, and concern for residents and businesses that call Godfrey home. I take great pride in my community which, after residing in for many decades, I’m proud to call MY hometown. Upon hearing repeated requests from residents to run for another mayoral term, and after careful consideration with my lovely wife, Linda, and my team of dedicated employees, I have decided to run again for the office of Mayor of the Village of Godfrey. It gives me great happiness to see the beauty of our community. Our streets are well-maintained, our parks are treasures, our residents care about their homes and property, and our businesses are doing quite well. This is accomplished all while maintaining a very low tax levy which, over many years of my tenure, has even been reduced. Less than 2% of your property tax bill comes to the Village of Godfey. I can say

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ALTON - Students at North Elementary danced, galloped and skipped their way through a walk-a-thon to raise money for the school district. The Parent Teacher Group of Lewis and Clark and North, or the PTG, sponsored the walk-a-thon to fundraise for Lewis and Clark Elementary and North Elementary. Students collected money for the schools and then celebrated the successful fundraiser by walking a mile on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024. “We’re working on that culture of belonging and really making a welcoming place,” said Lisa Harris, principal at North. “It just makes my heart smile to see kids smile and laughing and playing, and that’s what we want, to have fun with our kids.” Harris and Jackie Cooper, who helped organize the event with the PTG, explained that they wanted to create a fundraiser in which all students could participate. All of the students at North Elementary could walk the mile and play in the gym on Sept. 27. “We wanted them t

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ST. LOUIS - A decades-long conservation effort involving the Saint Louis Zoo reached a historic milestone this month with the discovery of the first wild-born Partula snail ( Partula tohiveana ) since the species went extinct in the wild in the 1980s. In 1990, Saint Louis Zoo joined a global effort of zoos across Europe and North America dedicated to keeping the tiny, but ecologically important Partula snails from extinction. The zoos worked to reintroduce zoo-raised snails to their native island homes in French Polynesia. In early September, Saint Louis Zoo served as a U.S. hub for an annual reintroduction of Partula snails to the wild led by the Zoological Society of London. Saint Louis Zoo Invertebrate Keeper Anthony Oliveira traveled to Tahiti to help care for, release and monitor the snails. Born-in-the-wild unmarked Partula tohiveana snail observed in the wild in September 2024, meaning the species is re-established. Photo courtesy of Paul Pearce-Kelly / Zoological Societ

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GODFREY - The Godfrey Fall Festival scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, has been canceled. “Unfortunately, due to the weather, we will be canceling the Fall Festival tomorrow,” said Chris Logan, director of the Godfrey Parks and Recreation Department. Rain is expected for most of the day on Saturday due to Hurricane Helene. The Great Godfrey Maze and activities are open on Fridays from 6–10 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. To celebrate Halloween, the Haunted Maze will be open on Fridays and Saturdays from dark until 10 p.m., starting next weekend on Oct. 4, 2024. Admission to the Great Godfrey Maze costs $7 for adults ages 12 and up and $5 for kids under age 12. Children ages 5 and under are free. The Haunted Maze costs $9 for adults and $7 for kids ages 6–11. For more information about the Godfrey Parks and Recreation Department’s Great Godfrey Maze, visit their official webpage or the Great Godfrey Maze Facebook page

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FOSTERBURG — A vehicle collided with a power pole in the 4400 block of Fosterburg Road this week, initially leaving 300 customers without power. The incident occurred on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, prompting officials to remind motorists to drive cautiously. Ameren Illinois responded promptly to the scene and managed to restore power to all affected customers within two to three hours. The swift response was critical in minimizing the disruption caused by the outage. Law enforcement officials have emphasized the importance of motorists slowing down when electrical workers are performing their tasks. "Slowing down ensures the safety of the employees and facilitates the restoration process," an officer stated. As wet weather conditions persisted on Friday, authorities urged drivers to exercise additional caution to prevent similar incidents and ensure the safety of both workers and the general public.

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Edwardsville High School gymnasium was filled with more than just the usual cheers and spikes Thursday night, Sept. 26, 2024. In addition to the excitement of a girls volleyball match against Belleville West, it was also Teacher Appreciation Night, an event that brought an extra layer of community spirit to the game. Each player on the Tigers' team invited their favorite teacher to the match, recognizing the significant role educators play in their lives. The teachers were honored with gift bags and heartfelt letters of appreciation from the players, expressing their gratitude for the support and guidance provided throughout their school years. The event took place on Sept. 26, 2024, and aimed to strengthen the bond between students and teachers, highlighting the importance of educational support in extracurricular success. The gym was a scene of camaraderie as teachers and students shared smiles and stories, making the evening memorable for all involved.

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