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ALTON - A series of serious felonies have been filed against an Alton man accused of home invasion, domestic battery, and more. Clarence L. McCray Jr., 41, of Alton, was charged on Oct. 1, 2024 with home invasion (a Class X felony), aggravated domestic battery (a Class 2 felony), and theft (a Class 3 felony). A petition was filed to deny McCray’s pretrial release. It describes the incident, which occurred on Sept. 30, 2024, as follows: “Victim reported that her ex-boyfriend entered her apartment without permission and damaged her property,” the petition states. “He then struck her face and threw her to the ground, strangling her. Defendant then fled, taking the victim's cell phone.” The petition adds McCray has “a long history of domestic violence” including three prior Madison County criminal cases. McCray committed his latest domestic battery offense while on conditional pretrial release for battery of the same victim. McCray’s

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ALTON - Get your tickets now for the first-ever Great Rivers & Routes Craft Beverage Festival celebrating local craft beverage producers on Saturday, Nov. 2 from Noon to 4 p.m. at Old Bakery Beer Co, 400 Landmarks Blvd., Alton. A limited number of tickets are available for the festival which features signature pours from craft beer, wine and spirits producers based in southwest Illinois. Tickets are $25 and include a commemorative glass, drinks paired with food from local restaurants. There are $10 tickets available for designated drivers which includes a glass, non-alcoholic drinks and food. Purchase tickets online at: https://www.riversandroutes.com/things-to-do/buy-tickets/ “We have a wide range of craft beverage producers in the Great Rivers & Routes region who put a lot of time, energy and talent into their signature pours,” Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau says. “They deserve a festival dedicated to showcasing their craftsmanshi

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SPRINGFIELD – Today, the Illinois Education Association (IEA), the largest education organization in Illinois, will release data from a Red for Ed membership poll showing nearly 60% of teachers, higher education professors and education support staff are considering leaving the profession. This news comes amid a critical teacher and support staff shortage both in Illinois and nationwide. “This data should set off massive alarm bells for parents, students and community members. We are in a dire situation with teacher and support staff shortages. We know districts cannot attract and retain enough talented adults to work with our students,” IEA President Al Llorens said. The data show: 94% of IEA members work additional hours outside their contractual workday. 97% spend their own money on supplies for their students and classrooms, with one in four educators spending at least $500 on things like pencils, furniture and hygiene products. 59% are considering

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City High School congratulates four graduates who are entering the GCHS Wall of Fame Class of 2024. Thomas Miner Jr. (Class of 1990), James V. Rooney (Class of 1996), Cory L. Simpson, Md, PhD (Class of 1999) and Sharon (Koesterer) Van Meter, W.M.C.S. (Class of 1975 North) will be honored on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024 during induction ceremonies in the GCHS atrium. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 6 p.m., followed by the induction ceremony at 7 p.m. To reserve a table of eight seats for $200, please email GCHS Wall of Fame Chair Daren DePew: depewdaren1@gmail.com Thomas Miner Jr. - Class of 1990 Thomas Miner Jr. is a former Colonel in the United States Air Force (USAF), a position he held until his retirement in 2020. While in the USAF he served as the commander of five organizations. He had the honor and privilege of leading the air forces’ premier global airborne contingency response unit, nuclear security for the nation’s largest

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Welcome to another edition of This Day in History! Today, we take a look at October 9th, a date that has witnessed a remarkable array of historical milestones across the globe. In 1967, the revolutionary figure Che Guevara was executed in Bolivia. Guevara, an Argentine Marxist revolutionary, was instrumental in the Cuban Revolution alongside Fidel Castro. His legacy continues to spark debate and admiration, representing a symbol of rebellion and the fight against imperialism. His death on this day marked the end of an era for many who viewed him as a beacon of hope for oppressed people worldwide. Another significant event occurred on October 9th, 1986, when the American singer and songwriter John Lennon was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Lennon, a member of the legendary band The Beatles, was a cultural icon whose music and activism left an indelible mark on the music industry and society at large. His induction into the Hall of Fame was a recognition

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ALTON — Fast Eddie's Bon Air in Alton has welcomed new co-owners Ross and Dawn Laux, for the popular establishment known for its vibrant atmosphere and community engagement. Ross Laux expressed his excitement about the new venture, stating, "I’m thrilled to share that we’ve officially purchased half of Fast Eddie's Bon Air and have taken over the day-to-day operations." He emphasized his commitment to continuing the legacy established by the Sholar family, who previously owned the venue. "My mission is to continue making this place the greatest bar in the world while pushing it forward," he said. The Lauxes have a history of setting and achieving goals, which Ross described as his "driving force." He reflected on the lessons learned throughout his journey, stating, "Every goal has taught me valuable lessons — through the highs and lows — and each one has shaped who I am today." He aims to connect with employees and customers to understand how to evolve

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COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 unveiled design plans Wednesday morning, Oct. 9, 2024, for the upcoming Collinsville Area Vocational Center expansion. The architectural plans and renderings were shared publicly for the first time at the future site of the new facility at the intersection of South Morrison and Caseyville Roads in Collinsville. The property is located across the road from the existing facility and Collinsville High School campus. Representative Katie Stuart was among the guests who got the first look at the vision for the new CAVC. She was an early and strong advocate for this project which aligns with the State of Illinois' focus on Career and Technical Education (CTE). “Representative Stuart was instrumental in securing the appropriation and allocation for CAVC to serve as a workforce pipeline in our area and provide career opportunities for students from ten school districts in the metro-east,” said Collinsville CUSD Superintendent

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GLEN CARBON - Glen Carbon Police Chief Todd Link was honored on Tuesday night for building up the GCPD and its morale over his three decades of law enforcement service. Mayor Bob Marcus presented Chief Link with the Meritorious Service Award at this week’s Village Board meeting. Officers from multiple police departments, including his own, submitted 35 letters in support of Link. Among the many attendees were Retired Chief Scott Penny from the Fairmont City Police Department and John Cunningham, former NAACP president and personal friend of the chief. From boosted morale to equipment upgrades , new officer hires , a $1 million expansion of the GCPD Dispatch Center , and more, Public Safety Administrative Supervisor Coleen Schaller said Chief Link’s “true leadership” has ushered in a new era for the department. “The Glen Carbon Police Department has not always been great,” Schaller said. “10 years ago, Chief Link did not inherit

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College enrollment continues to trend upward, closing out the Fall 2024 enrollment period with 4,606 total students – up 9.77 percent over Fall 2023 – taking a total of 36,883.5 credit hours, also up more than 5 percent over last year. Ethnicity Asian 1.24% Black or African American 9.25 % Hispanic 4.52% Two or More Races 3.54% Unknown 3.58% White 77.50% Gender Female 57.17% Male 42.83 % Age 17 and Under 40.47% 18 - 19 24.23% 20 - 24 19.82% 25 - 29 5.08% 30 - 34 3.56% 35 - 39 2.41% 40 - 44 1.91% 45 - 49 1.15% 50 - 54 0.52% 55 - 59 0.26% 60 and Over 0.59% Residence In-district 94.62% Out-of-district 4.39% International 1% " v:shapes="_x0000_s1026" style="width: 3.3333in; height: 6.052in;">“The Lewis and Clark team of faculty and staff is doing excellent work to advance the college,” said President Ken Trzaska. “I am proud of our efforts. Enrollment continuing to trend in a positive manner is a reflection

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MADISON COUNTY – The Salvation Army Madison County Corps Advisory Council announced today that John and Cathy Keller will lead the 2024 Red Kettle Campaign, which aims to raise $422,000 to support local families in need. This goal marks a 20% increase from the previous year’s fundraising efforts. John Keller, who has served as president of the RiverBend Growth Association since 2017, emphasized the importance of community involvement. “I’ve always been a believer in giving back locally,” he said. “Whether it’s through volunteerism or donations, giving increases personal pride in your community. By volunteering to ring or donating to the kettle, you’re helping those in need, right here in the Riverbend.” The campaign will run from November 29 to December 24 at participating area businesses. Due to a shortened season, bell ringing will begin early on November 18 at Dierbergs locations. The Salvation Army also expressed gratitude

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ALTON - As a teacher, Amy Green knows the importance of being there for her students. In fact, she’s there for them even seven years after they were in her class. Every year, Green sends a lucky penny and a note to the graduating Alton High School seniors who were in her fifth grade class. It’s a powerful reminder to the students that she is still rooting for them, and it means a lot to Green, too. “Sometimes I do long for the small-town feel, and I feel like this gives me that because then I get to hear back from the students,” she said. “It’s a little bit of community.” Green collects pennies from the current year so she can send them to her students when they become seniors at Alton High School. She got the idea from her mother, a teacher in Jerseyville who used to do the same thing. Green started sending the pennies when her first fifth grade class became seniors, about three years ago. This year, she was pleased to receive several

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ALTON - The City of Alton is moving forward with a plan to give 350 laptops to “low-income, unconnected” households in Alton with the help of Alton Forward , the nonprofit arm of AltonWorks . Alton Forward President Mark Carlie said at Monday's Commitee of the Whole meeting that these laptops are essential for maximizing the impact of AltonWorks’ $20 million fiber optic network project , which he estimates will bring high-speed internet to 95% of Alton residents. “Just because we have internet everywhere doesn’t mean we have it able to be used,” Carlie said. “We need two more things for each user - they need the internet, they need a device, and they need to safely know how to use it to its maximum advantage - and that’s where Alton Forward comes in.” Carlie said Alton Forward formed a “Digital Equity and Inclusion Task Force” to find ways to make the upgraded network accessible to more Alton residents.

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ALTON - St. Mary’s Catholic Church and School will host its annual Oktoberfest this weekend. This community staple includes fun for adults and kids of all ages. Starting at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, 2024, with a 5K run and one-mile fun run, families can also enjoy games, inflatables, live music, a silent auction, adult gaming, food and drinks until 11 p.m. on Friday. The fun continues from 1–11 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12 and 12–8 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. “The community gets together and has a good time,” said Carolyn Simansky, one of the organizers of Oktoberfest. “It means a lot. This is our biggest fundraiser all year long. It helps our school. It helps our parish.” The weekend’s festivities kick off at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11, with the 5K and fun run . St. Mary’s is also sponsoring a “Beer Dash,” where participants have to keep a full cup of beer from spilling as they maneuver around a course

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ALTON - The president of Alton Forward outlined the nonprofit’s plan to bring high-speed internet to an estimate of over “95% of the homes in Alton” at Monday’s Committee of the Whole meeting . Alton Forward is “the nonprofit arm of AltonWorks ,” according to its website . According to a 2023 legislative agenda for AltonWorks, the company received $20 million from the Illinois Capital Development Board to construct a fiber optic network throughout the City of Alton. The broadband program, termed “AltonWorks FiberNet,” will start in the downtown business district before expanding throughout the city, eventually bringing high-speed internet and free Wi-Fi to the entire area. “AltonWorks will construct a fiber optic network throughout Alton that will deliver symmetrical, ten gigabit-speed, enterprise-level service to Alton residents and businesses,” the agenda states. “All users will be connected

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WASHINGTON, MO. - The Collinsville High School Marching Kahoks showcased their musical talents at the Washington High School Gene Hunt Marching Band Invitational in Washington, Mo., on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, where they achieved significant recognition. Competing against various bands, the Marching Kahoks placed second in Class 4A and received the award for Outstanding General Effect during the preliminary competition. The event, held at Washington High School, featured multiple performances, culminating in a finals round where the Marching Kahoks continued to impress the judges. After their finals performance, the band secured second place overall and received additional accolades for Outstanding Visual and Outstanding Percussion. The achievements highlight the dedication and hard work of the Marching Kahoks, contributing to the school's reputation in competitive marching band performances.

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CHICAGO – U.S. Senator and combat Veteran Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who serves on the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, issued the following statement recognizing the one-year anniversary of Hamas’s terror attacks against Israel on October 7th, 2023: “One year ago, Hamas committed the single deadliest atrocity against Jews since the Holocaust, killing nearly 1,200 innocents and taking hundreds more hostage—nearly 100 of whom remain in captivity to this day. My thoughts are with them, and with their loved ones, today and every day. “My heart breaks for those who lost loved ones during the attacks, for the families of tens of thousands of innocent Palestinian civilians killed in the days since, for those who suffered the unique torture of having their hopes of ever seeing their captive loved ones again so heartlessly dashed—like the parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin—and for the millions in Gaza who are still suffering

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SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Acting Director James Jennings today announced a $27 million Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the replacement of existing public transit buses with new all-electric transit options. Grant awards will cover 75% of the eligible cost per electric transit bus and any necessary charging infrastructure, with a minimum award amount of $300,000. Madison and St. Clair counties will receive funding for the replacement of existing public transit vehicles. Eligible applicants include government and transit agencies that own and operate public transit buses in any of the three priority areas outlined in the Volkswagen Beneficiary Mitigation Plan (BMP) and further described below. This funding opportunity will remain open until funding is depleted with grants awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis. As outlined in Illinois’ BMP for the Volkswagen diesel emissions settlement, and as specified in the

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—co-founder of the U.S. Senate Lead Task Force and the U.S. Senate Environmental Justice Caucus—and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today lauded the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to finalize the Biden Administration’s proposed Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI), which would lower the lead action level to better protect human health and require water systems to replace old and deteriorating lead pipes within a decade. In addition to the LCRI, EPA also announced that Illinois will receive $75,558,000 in newly available drinking water infrastructure funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to support lead-related activities, including lead pipe replacement projects. The finalized rule comes ahead of the October 16th finalization deadline to not only help ensure these important improvements are implemented as quickly as possible, but also prevent water

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MARYVILLE - Anderson Hospital Foundation accepted a generous contribution from Allison’s Friends of Hope! Their 2024 Golf Tournament was “a huge success”, raising funds and resulting in a $12,500 donation towards Anderson Friends of Hope Breast Diagnostic Center. This center was named after Allison Cassens, who unfortunately lost her life due to colon cancer. We are beyond grateful for the support of Allison’s Friends of Hope and their remarkable efforts in cancer research. Their unwavering commitment to this cause has managed to raise more than $1 million since 2004, and we could not be more thankful for their dedication. Allison’s Friends of Hope truly embodies the spirit of generosity and kindness, and we are honored to have them as part of our community.

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EDWARDSVILLE – A short segment of East Franklin Avenue between West Lake Drive and Gerber Road will be closed for roadwork from Thursday, October 10, 2024, through the end of the day Friday, October 11, 2024. Anyone who lives within the impacted area will have access to their homes, but that section of road will be closed to through traffic. The City’s Public Works Department is in communication about the closure with school transportation officials. The work was scheduled for a two-day period when school is in session for only one of those days in an effort to minimize disruptions to bus transportation. The Edwardsville School District will not be in session on Friday, October 11. The closure will allow Public Works crews to perform needed patching in that area of East Franklin Avenue. While the closure is in place, the roadwork may be extended a bit farther east on East Franklin toward Circle Drive, as time allows. The work is anticipated to get underway early Thursday.

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