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LEBANON – State Representative Kevin Schmidt donated his pay raise for the month of October to Lebanon Matthew 25:40 Ministries (LMM), which is the umbrella organization for the Lebanon Food Pantry, in the form of a food donation. Schmidt has donated every month’s pay raise to a different local food pantry or non-profit organization throughout his district since voting against the pay raise for legislators last year. “Our local food pantries need our help,” said Schmidt. “As promised, I donate back my personal pay raise each month to a local food pantry or community organization. I’m putting my money where my mouth is.” The Lebanon Matthew 25:40 Ministries was established by the Lebanon Area Ministerial Council of Churches for the purpose of serving those in need in the communities of Lebanon and Summerfield, Illinois. The LMM is financially supported by several local churches, businesses, and private individuals and is the umbrella organization

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — James Jablonski Jr., a 43-year-old resident of the 5400 block of Sunshine Drive in St. Louis, faces charges of resisting arrest and fourth-degree assault following an incident at a gas station on October 1, 2024. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced the charges on October 11. According to the probable cause statement, police were dispatched to a gas station in the 4100 block of Telegraph Road at approximately 9:06 p.m. after receiving a report of a driver who appeared to be slumped over at the wheel. Upon arrival, officers found Jablonski seemingly asleep or unconscious in his vehicle. When awakened, he was instructed to exit the vehicle but allegedly did not comply. Instead, he reportedly accelerated the vehicle while an officer was attempting to reach inside, resulting in the officer falling to the ground and injuring his knee. Jablonski is currently being held without bond. The St. Louis County Police Department’s

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ALTON — Alton Police are investigating a series of incidents that began early Thursday morning, October 17, 2024, when officers were dispatched to the 3500 block of Coronado Drive at approximately 2:01 a.m. in response to reports of a suspect possibly attempting to force open a door of a residence. Shortly after that, a second report indicated that a door had indeed been forced open at a home in the 3700 block of Berkeley Avenue. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with either incident. As officers gathered information, they developed a description of a possible suspect vehicle and the suspect involved. An officer soon spotted a vehicle matching the description in the vicinity and initiated a stop. However, the driver and passenger fled the scene before the stop could be completed. Officers briefly pursued the vehicle until both suspects exited and fled on foot. During the foot chase, one of the suspects discharged a firearm, but, thankfully, no injuries

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – The St. Clair County Health Department has given the green light for the LongHorn Steakhouse in Fairview Heights to reopen following a closure linked to a Shigellosis outbreak that affected numerous diners. The Fairview Heights restaurant voluntarily shut its doors on Oct. 2, 2024, as health officials initiated an investigation into the spike in bacterial infections. LongHorn Steakhouse has cooperated and worked with the St. Clair County Health Department officials in an investigation this issue was completely rectified. As of Oct. 17, 2024, the health department reported that 26 individuals tested positive for Shigella, with an additional 66 cases exhibiting symptoms consistent with Shigellosis after dining at the LongHorn Steakhouse establishment between Sept. 19, 2024, and Oct. 2, 2024. The health department said the outbreak has resulted in 12 hospitalizations, with affected individuals ranging in age from 12 to 84. Symptoms of Shigellosis typically manifest

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ALTON - On October 18, 1924, 67,000 people, including 500 Altonians, attended the Illinois-Michigan football game in Urbana. Included in the Alton group at the game were John E. MacWherter, Alton High coach, several members of the Alton High football team, and Frank Garetson, coach at Western Military Academy. The Shurtleff College Pioneers football team and the Shurtleff director of athletics, William Graham, also attended. In addition to the game, the weekend events included Illini Homecoming and the formal dedication of the Illinois Memorial Stadium. The University of Michigan Wolverines hasn’t lost a game in two years. But University of Illinois Fighting Illini star Harold “Red” Grange, the Galloping Ghost of the Gridiron, was up for the challenge. On the very first kickoff, Grange scooped up the ball on the Illinois five-yard line and raced 95 yards through the Michigan players for a touchdown. This happened less than ten seconds after the starting whistle

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ALTON - An Alton man faces multiple charges after invading a Ridge Street home and committing battery against a 16-year-old victim. Aaron T. Perry, 38, of Alton, was charged with home invasion (a Class X felony) and battery (a Class A misdemeanor). On Sept. 9, 2024, Perry allegedly entered a residence in the 600 block of Ridge Street in Alton without authority, knowing the residence was occupied. He was additionally charged for striking a 16-year-old victim “in the mouth with a closed fist,” according to court documents. A petition to deny Perry’s pretrial release states the altercation stemmed from a previous domestic dispute. “Victim and witnesses reported that the defendant forced his way into victim's home due to a prior conflict between victim and defendant's children,” the petition states. “After forcing his way in, Defendant swung his fist, striking juvenile in the mouth. Defendant was then pushed back by victim and witnesses, fallin

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. - On Thursday, October 17, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Deshawn Johnson, 26 years of age, of the 14300 block of Summerfield Lane in Florissant, Mo., 63033, for Murder Second Degree and Delivery of a Controlled Substance. Johnson is being held on a $300,000, cash-only, no 10%, bond. The probable cause statement reads: On July 8, 2024, the Defendant, acting with another, helped facilitate the meeting of Unice Hobby and Dennis Cooperwood to sell narcotics. Defendant negotiated the terms of the sale, During the sale of the narcotics, Unice Hobby shot and killed Dennis Cooperwood. St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives are leading this investigation. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office had already issued charges on suspect Unice Hobby IV, 25 years of age, of the 100 block of Carlyle East in Belleville, 62221, for Murder First Degree and Armed

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JERSEY COUNTY - Several residents and their representatives have expressed opposition to an AltonWorks plan to establish a Great Rivers National Park, which includes land from Madison, Jersey, and Calhoun counties. AltonWorks first announced their plans for the park in a November 2023 press release which emphasizes the projected economic benefits of a national park in the Riverbend region. Underscoring the local economic boost would be an increase in tourism to the area, which is now one of many concerns among locals. Residents React To AltonWorks Update In an Oct. 10, 2024 Facebook post , AltonWorks announced they had met with the Alton Riverfront Commission about the project after reportedly meeting with “hundreds of people from across the region” over the previous nine months. The optimistic tone of the company’s post stands in stark contrast to its comments section, where several Jersey and Calhoun residents overwhelmingly state they do not want

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ALTON - Adelia Sandifer, a senior at Alton High School, has earned one of two recognitions in October for Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club Student of the Month. Adelia would first like to thank the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club, for choosing her as one of October Students of the Month. She feels so honored and so blessed to be receiving this award from so many kind and intelligent people. She also wants to thank her high school teachers, peers, and staff because many of her accomplishments would not have been possible without the resources and guidance that Alton High gave her. She wants to, of course, thank her parents, Tim and Susie Sandifer. They’ve been constantly supportive of everything she has done. The main objective of Rotary is service in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world. She resonates personally with this mission, as she has worked throughout high school to serve the Alton-Godfrey community specifically. Adelia’s academics and her community service

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ALTON - Rodger Zawodniak is humbled to have the opportunity to represent his school and community as one of two Rotary Students of the Month for October. A senior at Marquette Catholic High School, Rodger has made a significant impact through community service, leadership roles, and a myriad of extracurricular activities. He has been a vital member of the Marquette Interact Club, serving as President during both junior and senior years. Rodger led numerous community service projects, including a resource drive for the Oasis Women’s Shelter, which yielded over 1,500 donated items. Among other initiatives, he organized a school-wide basketball tournament to raise money for Missions International. His involvement spans a wide range of activities to include over 400 hours of community service. Rodger is active in the Student Council, having served as both Treasurer and Class President. He is also the Service Officer of the National Honor Society, President of Campus Ministry, School

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WOOD RIVER - Kelsey Moore, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the school’s volleyball team. A dedicated athlete, Moore has played volleyball since the third grade and cites the strong connections she has made with her teammates as one of her favorite aspects of the sport. Moore credits her success in volleyball to the unwavering support of her family. “My mother and my sister are always pushing me to do my best while still believing in me and trusting in me with each game,” she said. She also expressed gratitude to her father, who she described as her biggest supporter and an enduring inspiration. Kelsey is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete Of The Month. Under the guidance of her coach, Bethany Billingsley, Moore has demonstrated resilience throughout her high school career. “I have just kept pushing even through everything that has gone on in my life,” Moore said. “I

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Letter To The Editor: For over two and a half decades Jay Keeven served us as a member of the Illinois State Police, starting as a patrol officer and retiring as Major of Operation Services Command. His skills as an officer were only superseded by his professionalism and compassion. One example of this would be his appointment as a liaison to a metro-east family who tragically lost two family members in a crash with a patrolman. Jay was there for them 24 hours a day seven days a week. After retiring, Jay was highly recommended to serve as Chief of Police for the City of Edwardsville by Mayor Gary Niebur and City Administrator Ben Dickmann. During my eight years as mayor, he received unanimous support from the city council for his reappointment. Jay was always supportive of his officers and advocated for their needs and those of his growing department in a fiscally responsible manner. He managed our largest city department while overseeing the construction of the new police/fire building,

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When I first went to Springfield two years ago, I promised our veterans I would fight for them. It seemed the state was giving Illinois veterans a raw deal, and I knew we could do better. I haven’t been in Springfield long but wanted to fill you in on what I’ve accomplished so far. I’ve worked to pass legislation to protect veterans from scams (SB 3479), improve the pipeline for sheriff’s offices to hire veterans (SB 2778), and to break down barriers for disabled veterans to improve their homes (SB 2751). While this is a great start, there’s still work to be done. I’ve proposed legislation to give veterans a paid day off for Veteran’s Day (HB 4128), waive vehicle registration fees for active-duty military personnel (HB 1563), and create a Veterans’ Licensure and Workforce Task Force (HB 1217). While we did some good work for veterans, the budget missed the mark. There is no part of Illinois’ budget that provided direct

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GRANITE CITY — On Friday, October 18th, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) and State Representative Katie Stuart will visit with the United Steelworkers Local 1899 to discuss the continued failure of Nippon to justify the acquisition of U.S. Steel’s Granite City Works facility and ways to continue to support workers. The meeting will be closed to members of the media, but Budzinski will be available to the press for questions following the visit. During her first term, Congresswoman Budzinski has advocated for Granite City steelworkers – urging U.S. Steel to maintain operations at Granite City Works. Following news of an acquisition by Nippon Steel, Budzinski called on the Biden Administration to ensure a comprehensive regulatory review and has supported President Biden’s decision to block the sale.

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ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE - The Overnight Warming Locations will once again open to support unhoused community members through winter weather. The OWLs are pop-up emergency shelters that activate whenever overnight temperatures drop below 20 degrees. The Alton OWL is located at Deliverance Temple in Alton and the Edwardsville OWL is housed at First Baptist Church in Edwardsville. There are several ways to support the OWLs, from volunteering to stopping by their first annual trivia night on Nov. 2, 2024. “The problem’s not getting any better. We’re seeing more and more people just trying to survive the cold,” said Tyler Dreith, operations director. “We have the privilege of kicking on the thermostat and turning on the heat. It just makes you be mindful of our friends out there.” Last year, Dreith said that between the two OWL locations, they saw 148 unique guests, including 45 people in one night in Alton. They are looking for volunteers, donations

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ALTON - There’s a new mural coming to Alton with a techno twist. Peat Eyez, a famous stencil artist known for their augmented reality murals, is working on a mural of Miles Davis at Hiram’s Bar in Alton. The mural will feature Davis playing the trumpet. On Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, the mural was nearing completion as Eyez painted in a suit. They explained that they tried to dress like Davis, complete with a trumpet and instrument case carrying spray paint. “I normally don’t paint murals wearing a suit, but I thought today this would be very appropriate,” Eyez said. “My medium is stencils. I work in stencils and spray paint. I’m not a graffiti artist. A lot of people think that because I use spray paint, but my motivation is really to beautify, not to vandalize. I’ve always been a huge Miles Davis fan.” Eyez is one of the frontrunners in augmented reality art. They completed the first augmented reality mural in Kansas

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JERSEYVILLE – Starting National Fire Prevention Week (October 7-11), Illinois American Water is repainting more than 500 fire hydrants in its Jerseyville and Hardin service areas this fall. Fire hydrants are being repainted orange by a local union contractor. Painting began last week (October 7) in the City of Jerseyville where 446 fire hydrants are being painted during October and November. Painting in the Village of Hardin will start in November once hydrant painting is completed in Jerseyville. There are 67 fire hydrants in Hardin. Illinois American Water owns and maintains fire hydrants in its direct service communities. The company’s local operation teams work closely with local fire departments to provide reliable, strong fire protection systems. Illinois American Water checks, maintains and flushes all fire hydrants annually.

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GODFREY - State Representative Amy Elik has received the endorsement from several groups who represent first responders. The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois, Sheriffs of Illinois PAC, and Chicago Fire Fighters Union Local 2 have come together to enthusiastically support Elik. These groups represent thousands of first responders across Illinois, and their endorsements recognize Elik’s dedication to the well being of police, firefighters, and other emergency personnel. Her consistent advocacy for public safety resources and support for first responders has made a tangible difference in their ability to protect and serve communities. “I’m honored to receive the endorsements from our first responders for my work in Springfield,” said Elik. “As Chicago politicians try to weaken our police and first responders, I’ve been a constant voice of support. First responders put their lives on the line for us every

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SPRINGFIELD – Falling temperatures bring colorful foliage, flannel shirts and pumpkin-flavored treats. Unfortunately, cooler weather also brings stink bugs. These shield-shaped invasive pests – officially named brown marmorated stink bugs – are native to China and first made their debut in the US in the late 90s. They feed on the Midwestern landscape, munching everything from residential landscaping to agriculture like soybeans, apples and pears. “The ‘stink’ is a defense mechanism. So don’t smash them and avoid disturbing them too much,” said Scott Schirmer, Nursery and Northern Field Office Section Manager with the Illinois Department of Agriculture. “They are a nuisance, but stink bugs will not kill indoor plants or harm anything else indoors. Chances are you don’t even notice most of them that make their way inside.” So where do they come from? “In the summer, they are living in and eating many fruits

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ST. LOUIS, MO. – Starting today, small businesses in St. Louis will have a much easier time applying for a liquor license, allowing them to focus on operating and promoting their business rather than going through a lengthy signature-gathering process. Earlier this year, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones signed BB 60, sponsored by Alderman Bret Narayan, which allows the City to streamline the process for restaurant/bars, microbreweries, brewpubs and taproom breweries. Under the new process, which went live today, these establishments can obtain a temporary 90-day license without having to first obtain a large number of signatures from neighborhood property owners, residents, and businesses. “I opened a restaurant in the ‘90s, so I know firsthand how much work it takes to run a small business and how much time we spent going door to door collecting the signatures we needed to get a liquor license. I am thrilled that this new process will stop wasting small business owners’

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