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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Sheriff’s Office recently issued a press release regarding the residential arson of a home in the 28,000 block of McClusky Road in Jersey County last week. The Sheriff’s Office said the property suffered extensive fire damage, but the suspect was identified, located, and arrested within an hour of committing the arson. The full release from the Sheriff’s Office reads as follows: “On Friday, September 29, 2023, at 3:00 p.m., the Jersey County Sheriff's Office (JCSO), QEM Fire Department, Jerseyville Fire Department, Jersey Community Hospital Ambulance, and Godfrey Fire Department responded to a house fire in rural Jersey County along McClusky Road. Upon arrival at the property, Jersey County Deputies found the house fully engulfed in flames. QEM and the assisting fire departments worked quickly to extinguish the fire and protect the surrounding property, fields, and crops. The house was unoccupied at the time. “Subsequent

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GODFREY - Godfrey trustees voted last night to approve and fund a $9,000 study to gauge the feasibility of building a hotel in the village. Economic Development Director Jim Mager first asked the board to consider approving and funding the study at their Sept. 6, 2023 meeting . At that time, he presented two options for the study at different price points - a basic study for $4,000 or a more in-depth, in-person study for $9,000. According to meeting documents, Mager spoke with the conductor of the 2017 survey, who recommended the $9,000 option for Godfrey. Mager said if the results of the new study come back positive, the village will take an “aggressive” approach to try and recruit hotels. “It’s my personal feeling, for whatever that’s worth, that this is probably something we ought to consider doing,” Mager said. “If you elect to approve this expenditure to do this study, should it come back positive - which it probably will

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OTTAWA – Pebbles, the eldest American bison at Buffalo Rock State Park, died Tuesday afternoon of natural causes. She had been under veterinary care. Pebbles was born at Buffalo Rock on April 25, 2005, and was a popular site for visitors to the park, which is managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Two bison remain at the park: Cocoa and her 3-year-old calf, Hope. Hope was born April 28, 2020, just weeks after the COVID-19 pandemic created uncertainty across the world and led to the temporary closure of non-essential businesses and services, including Illinois state parks. Buffalo Rock State Park is located at 1300 N. 27th Road in Ottawa. In addition to bison, which can be seen daily, visitors to the park can enjoy hiking, camping, picnicking, e-bike rentals, and access to the I & M Canal State Trail.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Locally-owned Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors (CBBR) is encouraging people to consider a sweet, not scary, addition to their families this Halloween. The realtor group will be hosting its 7th annual Partners for Pets event on Oct. 14, 2023. The Howl-O-Ween Open House event is open to the public and will take place from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 9136 Lower Marine Road in St. Jacob, Illinois. The event is designed to raise donations to support Partners for Pets and find adoptive homes for the animals currently in their care. “We look forward to this event all year long!” said Partners for Pets Director Erika Pratte. “We are so fortunate to have the support of Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors. The funds raised throughout the last seven years have allowed Partners for Pets to launch new community programs, make renovations to our facility, and help countless rescued dogs and cats find happy homes. We hope community members will take this opportunity

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ALTON - Alton history comes to life this month with the 22nd annual Vintage Voices tours at Alton Cemetery. “It’s a walking tour of the cemetery,” explained Kerry Miller, a director with the program. “You have reenactors at various points in the cemetery who are in costume and they will then tell the story of what we call the decedents, who are buried at or near where the actors are located.” Tours will depart every 15 minutes from noon to 2:30 p.m. on Oct. 7, 8, 14 and 15, 2023. A guide will take groups of 8–12 people through the cemetery to listen to the stories of deceased Alton residents, portrayed by local actors. The Vintage Voices program began in 2001. This year, there will be nine stops with 14 actors. The walk through Alton Cemetery lasts a little over an hour and the path can include unsteady ground, so there is also a 5 p.m. performance at the Lovejoy Event Center on Oct. 15, 2023 for those who would rather skip the walking

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This time of year, many sports are calling for our attention. From college and pro football to postseason baseball and school soccer, it’s likely a lot of us will spend hours watching a game or match – whether in person or on TV. And almost as important as watching the game is having snacks on hand while doing so, whether we’re cheering our kids from the sideline or hosting friends to watch the big weekend matchup. Unfortunately, many traditional game day snacks aren’t the healthiest choices. Foods such as chips and dip, nachos, chili, pizza and sweets may be filled with flavor but are far from ideal when it comes to nutrition. Often, they’re high in calories, sugar, salt, red and processed meat and unhealthy fats. But, of course, snacks and snacking by themselves aren’t unhealthy. In fact, they can absolutely be part of healthy eating, said Lauren Gallen, a registered dietitian at Siteman Cancer Center in St. Louis. And if we’re going for

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SPRINGFIELD – Under the federal Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), the Illinois State Police (ISP) has enhanced its coordination with all local law enforcement agencies as part of the background check process for those younger than 21 years. BSCA allows for more thorough background checks by expanding what records are being reviewed and allowing more time to look into the records if required. “Every day, ISP performs lifesaving background checks on firearms purchasers to prevent individuals who are a threat to themselves or others from obtaining a gun,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Under this federal Act, ISP has enhanced our background check process for those under 21, giving law enforcement a fuller picture of the individual seeking to buy a firearm, stopping potential tragedies. This is not theoretical – this is real interdiction that happens every day.” One of the greatest enhancements for ISP is communicating with

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program opened Oct. 2. State Senator Christopher Belt is urging eligible families to apply for this program to receive assistance with natural gas, propane and electricity bills. “LIHEAP is an excellent program the state offers for those who struggle to keep up with the high cost of energy bills,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I want everyone to be warm and safe as winter approaches, so I’m encouraging all eligible residents and families to take advantage of this program as soon as possible.” Families whose combined income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, have a household with a senior or a child under age 6, and/or a person with a disability are now eligible to receive support through LIHEAP. A chart with eligible income thresholds can be found here. Additional eligible households will be able to apply for assistance during upcoming application opening periods

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Bost Statement On House Speaker Vote WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) issued the following statement regarding the vote to vacate the speakership: "Under Kevin McCarthy’s speakership, the House has passed legislation to secure the southern border, unleash America’s energy potential, ensure parents have a say in what their children are learning in the classroom, provide for our veterans, and overturn the Biden administration’s crippling COVID mandates. Each of these conservative victories were accomplished despite the narrowest majority in history. But now, that agenda is at risk at a time we can least afford it. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: if conservatives truly want to defend our values, then we must stop fighting each other and start taking it to the liberals who voted in lockstep against Kevin McCarthy today." Statement from Rep. Robin Kelly on the Removal of Speaker McCarthy Congresswoman

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) is celebrating National Women’s Business Month throughout October by recognizing the significant contributions of women-owned businesses throughout the state. The monthlong celebration – which is designated through a proclamation – includes business resources such as virtual and in-person events, resource guides for financial and social capital, business spotlights on social media, and a social media campaign to support and elevate Illinois women-owned businesses. “This month and every month, we’re proud to continue supporting, uplifting, and celebrating women-owned businesses throughout our great state,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “For too long, women business leaders and entrepreneurs faced systemic and financial barriers when starting and growing a business -- but here in Illinois, we're making it possible for everyone to succeed through increased

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, spoke on the Senate floor on the need to pass additional funding to aid Ukraine after the 45-day bipartisan continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government failed to do so. “Keeping the lights on is a win for the American people. It used to be considered just normal procedure… I am disappointed it did not include critical funding for the war in Ukraine. It is impossible to explain to my constituency why, when the Ukrainians are in the midst of fighting and dying every day against Vladimir Putin, this Congress somehow or another managed to pass a spending bill for 45 days and not include more funding for the Ukrainian cause. The assistance is absolutely essential,” said Durbin. “A small group of isolationists and Russian sympathizers—largely MAGA extremists in the House—threatened to hold the entire country hostage over this funding,

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– Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees—joined her Democratic colleagues, retired military leaders and Veterans with VoteVets to call on Congress to pass immediate additional aid for our partner in Ukraine—funding which House Republicans refused to include in the bipartisan Continuing Resolution that Congress passed to avert a government shutdown over the weekend. In her remarks, Duckworth underscored how this continued aid is not only critical to help Ukrainians as they continue to fight for freedom, sovereignty and democratic values against Putin’s unjustified and unprovoked war of choice, but it is also important for our national security. Video of the Senator’s full remarks are available here and photos are available here . “A world with a Ukrainian victory is a safer one—and House Republicans need to recognize that,” said

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ALTON - Alton Main Street and Jacoby Arts Center are partnering to present First Fridays, a late night art and shopping experience which spans 14 locations across the Downtown Alton district. This event will be held on the First Friday of October, November and December 2023, providing you with an opportunity to check out new shops and galleries and visit familiar favorites to experience art and great specials at each business. Participants are offering a variety of discounts, refreshments, and giveaways. Everyone who has their passport stamped at a minimum of 10 locations will receive a $10 gift certificate to any participating business. Free parking is available in the lot next to Jacoby Arts Center, located at 627 E. Broadway, and a free shuttle bus will be provided from 5:00-9:00 p.m., running a continuous loop between all participating locations. On Friday, October 6 th , start your evening by picking up your First Fridays passport at Jacoby Arts Center. There you will receive

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CHICAGO – An Illinois iLottery player has hit gold - winning a jackpot worth over $392,000 playing Fast Play Twenty 20s . The lucky online player won the big jackpot on October 2. Twenty 20s is an Illinois Lottery progressive jackpot Fast Play game. The jackpot begins at $50,000 and grows with each ticket sold - in-store and online - statewide until the jackpot is won. Since the start of the month, almost 10,000 winning tickets for the Twenty 20s game have been purchased, netting Illinois Lottery players prizes of more than $800,000. In September, another lucky iLottery player won over $450,000 by striking the jackpot on a Fast Play Twenty 20s game. Fast Play is a quick and easy draw game that can be played at any time. There are no numbers to pick, no play slip to complete, no scratching, and no waiting for winning numbers. There are currently 20 Fast Play games offered at various price points and play styles. You could be next! Fast Play games can be purchased in retail,

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WOOD RIVER - The Sports Barn development close to I-255 and Illinois Route 143 continues to get closer to reality. Today, featured are extraordinary overhead views of the construction site by 618 Drone Service. The new facility will be a 37,500-square-foot structure and provide batting cages, pitching development, a turf infield, and much more inside the facility for training baseball and softball players. Now, baseball and softball players will be able to train locally at a state-of-the-art facility in Wood River, which is near Edwardsville, Alton, Roxana, Bethalto, East Alton, and all the neighboring cities. Wood River Mayor Tom Stalcup has said that the Illinois Gators and Gators Baseball Academy - a baseball and softball club for ages 6 to 18 - will be the prime occupants of the new facility. “The Sports Barn has a present location in Wentzville, Missouri,” Stalcup said previously. “The Gators are trying to expand their market and feel they have

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) announce the arrest of 27-year-old Terrell Amerson of Belleville, IL for First Degree Murder (Class M Felony), three counts of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by Felon (Class 2 Felony), and Unlawful Possession of Firearm Ammunition by Felon (Class 2 Felony). On October 1, 2023, ISP DCI PSEG was requested by the East St. Louis Police Department to conduct a death investigation in East St. Louis, IL. A male, later identified as 27-year-old Dayman Warren Jr. of Granite City, IL, was shot in the 900 block of St. Louis Avenue in East St. Louis. Warren Jr. was pronounced deceased at a St. Louis area hospital. Preliminary evidence led officers to take Amerson into custody that same day. On October 3, 2023, after a thorough investigation, the case was presented to the St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office and charges were approved. Amerson is being held a

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School senior William Wojcieszak was awarded the Excellence in Edwardsville Award at last night’s City Council meeting for his generous donation of more than one ton of food to a local food drive. Cathy Hensley, communications coordinator for the City of Edwardsville, said Wojcieszak is “driven to succeed” and driven to help those in his community. “If you want to have a successful food drive, you need to have someone on board who is driven to succeed,” Hensley said. “Fortunately for the organizers and recipients of multiple food drives in Edwardsville over the course of the past couple of years, there's an incredibly driven, compassionate, and resourceful Edwardsville High School student who has made it his mission to stock the shelves of area food pantries and subsequently, the home pantries of those in need.” Last month, she said Wojcieszak donated 2,280 pounds of food for the Tackle Hunger Foo

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GODFREY - The Great Godfrey Maze has a new spooky twist with the Horrifying Haunted Maze’s return to Glazebrook Park. The Haunted Maze is all the fun of the regular maze, but with some extra “frightening props, humanoids and goblins” to keep the “victims” on edge, according to a press release from the Village of Godfrey. “The Haunted Maze will be open every Frightening Friday and Scary Saturday starting Oct. 6 and running through Oct. 28,” the Village of Godfrey said. “The scaring starts at 0’dark hundred and closes at 10 p.m. each night.” The Great Godfrey Maze and activities are also open from 6–10 p.m. on Fridays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays until Oct. 28, 2023. But as soon as night falls, the brave can venture into the Haunted Maze for a special “spooktacular” night. “Honestly, the most fun is just to see everyone waiting in line and how nervous and scared they are. It’s

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GRANITE CITY - United to Revive Ministries is taking on Granite City this weekend with several nondenominational church services at Wilson Park. From 6–8 p.m. on Oct. 5, 6 and 7, 2023, United to Revive invites community members to join them for worship, testimonies and live music. The nonprofit travels to communities throughout the Metro East to connect with people and share their beliefs with attendees. “We just want to love on people,” organizer Justina Snyder said. “We just want to bring people together, especially those who are experiencing addiction, shame, loss of purpose, regret, guilt, depression, hopelessness. Whatever the needs are, we all have them. And we just want to know that we see them, we hear them, we love them and we want to share the truth with them.” Snyder explained that the group has been active for a few years. According to her, Granite City “is in great need,” as are many other communities in the Metro East.

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ALTON - The sixth annual Alton Cigar Event was rated as a success as it attracted more than 150 cigar enthusiasts from both sides of the river to Bluff City Grill at 424 E. Broadway Ave. in Alton on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. Derrick D. Richardson, the creator of the annual Alton Cigar Event in Alton, said the event regularly attracts over 150 cigar smokers from both sides of the river each year. Admission was free to the public. Bluff City Grill is a local restaurant/bar owned by Cathy Gross. Scott Biancardi, the owner of STL Cigars, was described as amazingly skilled in the art of cigar-rolling. He rolled the cigar of the client's choice. Brandon Shaw aka DJ Brando, a local DJ, played a mix of the oldies and the newest hits. Richardson said the event was about bonding and cigars, and more people attend every year.

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