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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced today that the Illinois Flag Commission will begin accepting public submissions for a new state flag design beginning Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. The commission will accept design ideas for consideration from the public – online or via mail – until Oct. 18, 2024. The commission also plans to work with schools and local libraries to inform Illinoisans about the process and encourage residents to take part. The commission was created in 2023 after Senate Bill 1818, sponsored by State Senator Doris Turner (48th District—Springfield) and State Representative Kam Buckner (26th District—Chicago) was signed into law. “I’m excited to see the creativity of Illinois residents and how they display their passion for our great state,” said Giannoulias whose office is responsible for chairing the commission. “The symbols that represent and unify our state are important and this

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Energy has awarded $483,790 to three Public Water Supply facilities – also referred to as Drinking Water Treatment Plants - through the Public Water Supply Energy Efficiency Grant Program. The selected projects will reduce each facility’s energy consumption with cost effective energy efficiency (EE) upgrades to drinking water treatment operations. Projects include lighting and control upgrades, pump or drive replacements and optimizations, and HVAC modifications. Collectively, the EE projects are estimated to save over 715,000 kWh of electricity annually. The recipients of this round of awards are: City of Aurora (Kane and DuPage Counties) - $101,790 City of Highland Park (Lake County) - $328,000 City of Springfield (Sangamon County) - $54,000 “Energy efficiency upgrades in public water facilities are not just about reducing operational costs—they’re integral to environmental

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EAST ALTON — Violet Stover, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School (EAWR), has been named a Midwest Members Athlete of the Month for East Alton-Wood River High School for her outstanding achievements in volleyball. Stover, who has been playing volleyball since the fourth grade and club volleyball since the seventh grade, has garnered this recognition through her dedication and impressive performance on the court. "I am truly honored to receive this award," Stover said. "Being named MVP during my junior year and my involvement in club volleyball have played significant roles in my development as an athlete." Stover attributes much of her success to her coach, Bethany Billingsley, as well as the unwavering support of her family. "Coach Billingsley has been instrumental in my growth, both as a player and as an individual," she stated. "I also want to thank my family for their constant encouragement and support." In addition to her athletic prowess, Stover is also focused

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GRANITE CITY/ BELLEVILLE MARYVILLE/ HILLSBORO, MO - Chestnut Health Systemsä has named Tony Coletta, M.S. as Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) effective Monday, October 7, 2024. Coletta brings more than 20 years of experience in health care, the past 18 at Carle Health and Advocate BroMenn Medical Center. He will assume most responsibilities from current Chief Operating Officer (COO) and General Counsel, Puneet Leekha, J.D. In April, Leekha was named the next Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Chestnut and will transition into that role in fall 2025. Coletta’s extensive experience in health care administration, leadership, and organizational development positions him to lead the administrative departments of employee experience, facilities, human resources, information technology, and marketing and communications, with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and efficiency. In this role, he will work closely with the leadership team to continue the company’s

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County’s Chief Assessment Office (CCAO) will be working in Foster Township for the next several months to update its file for online property images. Staff from the CCAO will be taking street-view photographs of residential and commercial properties for reassessment for the Foster Township Quadrennial. “The county’s personnel will have badges and yellow vests on, as well as driving marked county cars,” Chief County Assessor Denise Shores said. She said staff would also leave door hangers notifying the property owners about what they are doing. The information is being gathered so that it can be put into the county’s tax assessment system— DEVNET. The photo project is expected to continue through November. Shores said that once the project is completed, taxpayers would be able to view their full assessment information online, and if they need help, they can contact the CCAO at (618) 692-6270.

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EDWARDSVILLE - After being granted pretrial release twice, a homeless Edwardsville man faces new charges following a public assault and battery incident near Dewey’s Pizza in Edwardsville. Daniel Vazzana, 42, listed as homeless out of Edwardsville, was charged with aggravated battery, a Class 3 felony, and aggravated assault, a Class A misdemeanor. On Aug. 17, 2024, Vazzana allegedly “threatened to kill” an individual while “moving towards him in an aggressive manner” after reportedly pushing the same victim in the parking lot of Dewey’s Pizza at 112 E. Vandalia St. in Edwardsville. “Defendant approached the victim on a public street and pushed him, then him through a public parking lot while threatening his life,” a petition to deny Vazzana’s pretrial release states. It was noted that at the time of the incident, Vazzana was out on pretrial release from another case filed earlier this year, for which he has “repeatedly

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ST. LOUIS – Ted Drewes Jr., the man behind the iconic St. Louis frozen custard business, died at the age of 96 on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024. Drewes, a beloved figure in the St. Louis community, dedicated his life to preserving and expanding the family business, which has become a staple in St. Louis. “His dedication to keeping the St. Louis staple alive for generations is truly inspiring,” the Ted Drewes, Inc., staff said on the company's Facebook page. Ted Drewes Jr.'s contributions to the business began early, building upon the foundation laid by his father, who opened the first frozen custard shop in Florida in 1929. The Drewes family then established the first St. Louis location in 1930 at the intersection of Natural Bridge Road and Goodfellow Avenue. Throughout the years, the business expanded, with notable locations at 4224 South Grand Boulevard and 6726 Chippewa Street in St. Louis. While the Natural Bridge Road location eventually closed, the Chippewa and South

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MASCOUTAH - The St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office has announced it has charged Cale H. Dees Jr. with multiple offenses, including Aggravated Driving Under the Influence/Death (Class 2 Felony), Reckless Homicide (Class 3 Felony), and several counts of Aggravated Driving Under the Influence/Great Bodily Harm and Aggravated Reckless Driving (both Class 4 Felonies). At this time, Cale H. Dees Jr. has not been apprehended and is considered a fugitive. Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact the Mascoutah Police Department. On December 24, 2023, at approximately 3:50 p.m., the Mascoutah Police Department was dispatched to Illinois State Route 4 at Fuesser Road in response to a two-vehicle collision. Upon arrival, officers observed that a black GMC Terrain had collided head-on with a black Honda CRV in the southbound lane of State Route 4. Mascoutah Police, along with Mascoutah EMS and Fire Department, New Baden EMS, and Medstar, provided

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ST. JACOB – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that bridge repairs on Illinois 4 at U.S. 40 in Madison County will require lane closures beginning, weather permitting, Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. Temporary traffic signals will maintain two-way traffic for the duration of the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of November. 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 and detour route. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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COLLINSVILLE - Making a Difference, a long-running organization based out of Collinsville, is looking for help as they hold several outreach events in the community. Jerry Price explained that the organization serves low-income and unhoused individuals. They have monthly outreaches where they serve meals and provide items to community members. Making a Difference is looking for donations and volunteers to keep their work going. “The only goal we have is we try to help people,” Price said. “We just try to change our little corner of the world.” The organization’s main focus is its monthly outreach program at Caseyville Methodist Church in Caseyville. They also do outreach at the Community Care Center in Granite City from 12:30–2:30 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month. You can see a full schedule of their outreach programs at their website . During the outreach events, Making a Difference provides clothing, household items and nonperishable

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ALTON - An Alton man with a criminal past faces four Class X felonies and more after a search of his residence revealed multiple controlled substances and a firearm in his possession. DeMarcus L. Freeman, 43, of Alton, was charged with the following: Armed habitual criminal (Class X felony) Armed violence (Class X felony) Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance (Class X felony) Possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine (Class X felony) Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance (Class 1 felony) Descriptions of the charges state Freeman was found in possession of a Loracin 9mm handgun, which was unlawful for him to possess as a convicted felon; Freeman was previously convicted of unlawful possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance in 2007 and unlawful delivery of a controlled substance in 2020, with both cases filed in Madison County. Multiple controlled substances were also found in Freeman’s possession

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EAST ALTON, – Ronrecco Taylor, affectionately known as Rico, was a familiar face in East Alton, often seen walking around town or visiting local establishments like Subway and McDonald's. Tragically, Taylor was struck by a southbound Amtrak train on the Union Pacific Railroad tracks near the 100 block of Goulding around midnight on Wednesday. "When I first met Rico, he would always walk out in the street, and I told him, 'Man, you have to stay out of the street,'" recalled Woody Peterson, a friend of Taylor's. "It didn't click with him because of his mental disabilities, and I stuck with him for a year, helping him walk on the sidewalks. That's how we became friends." Peterson shared several stories that highlighted Taylor's character and their bond. One memorable moment involved Taylor visiting Peterson's home, noticing a football, and expressing his love for the sport. Peterson's son joined them, and they played catch together, with Taylor impressively catching the

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Tuesday, August 27, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on Brandi James, 25 years of age, of the 14000 block of Willow Bend Park, Chesterfield, MO, 63017, for two counts Statutory Sodomy or Attempted Statutory Sodomy – Deviate Sexual Intercourse and one count Child Molestation – 3rd Degree. James is being held on a $300,000 cash-only, no 10% bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: Victim's mother discovers the diary of her 13 yr. old daughter. Upon reading the diary, the mother discovers that her daughter had been sexually involved with a 22 yr. old church mentor. Information on victim's phone supports the allegation that the victim and defendant had engaged in sodomy on at least two occasions. Victim states that her and the defendant engaged in sexual contact over the clothes.

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JERSEYVILLE - 22 talented Jersey Community High School (JCHS) seniors have been recognized for their outstanding academic achievements by the College Board National Recognition Program. This program celebrates students' hard work in academic performance and showcases their strong performance on standardized tests. Criteria: GPA of 3.5 or higher and score in the top 10% on the PSAT/NMSQT assessment in the state of Illinois. Award Winners in alphabetical order: Abbigail Benz, Jaxon Brunaugh, Corah Derrick, Meredith Dougherty, Dax Goetten, Brayden Groves, Jovee Hileman, Kate Hudson, Camryn Johnson, Olivia Lamparter, Arianne Leslie, Reese Lorton, Matthew Maag, Maggie Maxeiner, Caitlyn Poletti, Peyton Schulte, Katie Schultz, Dinah Slusser, Amelia Strebel, Isaac Wargo, Annabelle Yamnitz, and Corree Yates. Principal Thomas Leslie states, "We're thrilled to celebrate our students and recognize them for their outstanding performance in the classroom and on College Board assessments. These

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O"FALLON - Before Monday evening's Oath of Office ceremony for Officer Landon Kreke, the O'Fallon community took a moment to honor the exceptional actions of its Police Officers, Telecommunicators, and Paramedics. Officer Effan, alongside several paramedics, received Lifesaving Awards for their prompt response to a medical emergency involving a 26-year-old resident who experienced sudden cardiac arrest at home. Their quick application of CPR, use of an AED, and further emergency care were pivotal in stabilizing the patient, who later made a full recovery and returned home to his wife and newborn child. MECOMM Telecommunicators Foster and Buhs, as well as Police Officers Krug, Heuser, Carter, Votrain, and Hancock, were awarded Chief's Commendations for their roles in a domestic disturbance incident. The call to O'Fallon Police came in that a young female was critically injured. Telecommunicators provided essential emergency care instructions and gathered suspect information while dispatchin

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EAST ALTON — The East Alton Police Department has identified the victim of a fatal train accident as Ronrecco V. Taylor, a 29-year-old homeless man from East Alton. Taylor was struck by a southbound Amtrak train on the Union Pacific Railroad tracks near the 100 block of Goulding around midnight. East Alton Police Chief Scott Golike confirmed that Taylor was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident is currently under investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that the death was accidental. "The death investigation, which appears to be accidental in nature, is being conducted by the East Alton Police Department, with assistance from the Madison County Coroner’s Office," Chief Golike stated. The Madison County Coroner’s Office confirmed Taylor's death at the scene. At this time, no further information has been released by the authorities.

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ALTON - K9 Odin was a 20-month-old Belgian Malinois / German Shepard mix who was born January 2023 in Hungary. In January of 2024, K9 Odin received his passport and traveled to Shallow Creek Kennels in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania. In February 2024, K9 Odin was selected by the Alton Illinois Police Department to begin his law enforcement training. K9 Odin and his handler began training at the Illinois State Police K9 Academy in Pawnee, Illinois, on February 26, 2024, and graduated on May 3rd, 2024. From May 3rd, 2024, until the morning of August 22nd, 2024, K9 Odin served the City of Alton Illinois as a working police canine. During that short time, K9 Odin assisted the members of the Alton Police Department in locating illegal drugs, stolen vehicles, and apprehending violent offenders. On the morning of August 22nd, 2024, K9 Odin and his handler were requested to assist with locating and apprehending a subject who earlier injured a female with a firearm and was a continued threat to

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ALTON – State Representative Amy Elik has proudly earned a perfect 100% voting record from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. This rating underscores Elik’s commitment to advocating for pro-business policies and fostering a favorable environment for businesses in Illinois. The NFIB and Illinois Chamber of Commerce are two leading organizations representing the interests of small businesses and the broader business community. Their annual voting ratings assess lawmakers’ support for policies that enhance the business climate. “I’m proud to be a be a legislator who understands the needs of small businesses,” said Rep. Elik. “I’m a CPA, I have worked with small businesses for over 29 years, and I know all too well the financial burden that our state’s policies put on our small businesses. With every vote I take, I carefully consider the effect that legislation wil

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Approximately 90 attendees – dressed in business attire and armed with resumes, profile pitches, hope and determination – approached the multitude of tables of employers at a Free Jobs Fair, made possible by State Rep. Kevin Schmidt , R-Millstadt, on Friday, Aug. 23. Schmidt’s legislative office held its second annual free jobs fair that was available for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center (ESLC) staff and program participants and the public in the Multipurpose Room on the Wyvetter H. Younge Higher Education Campus. “Jobs are the number one driver of economic growth,” said Schmidt. “This is why it’s important for me to bring jobs to the community, because employment can dramatically improve the area in multiple ways.” Schmidt attended SIUE for two years and received his Doctor of Chiropractic and Bachelor of Science in human biology at Logan University in Chesterfield, Mo. The unemployment

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EDWARDSVILLE - Bring the kids to the West End Service Station, 620 St. Louis St., Edwardsville, on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 and get your kicks at this Route 66 attraction with the creator of the ‘Hank the Hero’ story character and Woody, a black lab therapy dog who enjoys listening to stories about Hank. The free event takes place from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the newly refurbished Route 66 landmark. David Yates, the creator of the “Hank the Hero” and his adventures at West End Service Station through a coloring and activity book, and Donna Baardon with Woody, her therapy dog, will be on hand to meet kids and talk to them about Hank and Woody. Children will also be encouraged to read stories to Woody. Woody and Donna are a certified therapy dog team who regularly visit assisted-living facilities, libraries, schools and hospitals. Woody is a rescued black Labrador retriever mix. Donna worked as Director of Development from Lovejoy Library at SIUE before

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