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CASEYVILLE/ROXANA - A string of vandalism incidents targeting a local telecommunications provider's fiber optic network has led to significant disruptions in communications services across several areas, impacting both residents and critical emergency services. The incidents, occurring over the past few months, have affected St. Louis, MO.; Cahokia, Roxana, Caseyville and Madison. The vandals have repeatedly cut through fiber optic cables, causing widespread service interruptions. These acts have typically occurred during late evening hours, although a recent incident occurred in the early afternoon along a bike path with accessible utility poles. The telecommunications company is collaborating with local authorities to investigate the vandalism. In an effort to identify those responsible, the company is offering a reward in coordination with the St. Louis Regional Crime Stoppers. A Crime Stoppers Reward of up to $2,000 is available for information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators,

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PIASA - Marcus Payne, a standout pitcher for Southwestern High, concluded his 2024 season with an impressive 10-1 record on the mound and also batted .291 with 30 hits and 17 RBIs. Payne is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Piasa Birds. Payne's achievements have earned him first-team all-conference honors and a commitment to pitch for Lewis and Clark Community College. "Marcus was the heart and soul of our pitching staff," said Ryan Hanslow, Southwestern's head baseball coach. "He went 4-0 in conference games, and he also played second and third base for us." Payne's career at Southwestern includes 22 wins, making him the second-winningest pitcher in the school's history. His success is attributed to his remarkable strikeout-to-walk ratio, striking out 62 batters while walking only nine in 65 innings. His overall ERA stood at a stellar 0.75. "He pitched every big game for us and did some great things for us," Hanslow added. Again, congrats

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JERSEYVILLE - Several Jersey Community High School seniors were awarded scholarships earlier this spring at the District 100 Foundation’s 22nd Annual Scholarship Luncheon at First United Methodist Church in Jerseyville on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. 51 JCHS seniors were presented with District 100 Foundation Scholarships, while 16 other scholarships were awarded to 37 more seniors. Award recipients were joined by family members and other attendees including scholarship presenters, donors, District 100 administrators, staff and board members, as well as District 100 Foundation directors. The following scholarships were awarded to the following recipients: District 100 Foundation Scholarships (Pictured above) Clay East, Peyton Shanks-Goetten, Luke Fink, Kennedy Berghoff, Caleb Fraley, Kennedy Bizaillion, Isaac Beavers, Emily Collins, Wade Goetten, Tessa Crawford, Keegan Griffith, Skylar Crull, Khloee Hall, Erika Davis, Dagen Heafner, Katie Deist, Easton Heafner, Vivia

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GRAFTON — The Grafton Art Gallery is set to launch a series of art classes and workshops, starting with the "Rules of Abstract Art Workshop" from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, led by Tom Dailey. This inaugural session has a limited number of seats remaining for those eager to delve into the world of abstract art. The workshop aims to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of abstract art, including its historical context and practical techniques. Participants will explore a variety of topics, such as the history of Abstract Expressionism, design and composition inspiration, color and scale, and cost-saving tips and techniques. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to create up to three original works and present their creations. Tom Dailey, known for his focus on abstract expressionism, will lead the workshop. Dailey's approach emphasizes the importance of color, texture, and scale in creating contemplative pieces. "I believe that a painting

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Municipal Band is excited to present "On Screen and Stage" on Thursday, August 1, at 8:00 PM. The event will take place at the Cleaon Etzkorn Bandstand in City Park. Join us for an evening filled with musical masterpieces from both film and theater, celebrating the magic of storytelling through music. This concert will feature a variety of iconic pieces, including thrilling and adventurous works by the renowned composer John Williams. Audiences can look forward to experiencing the essence of fantasy and excitement that these scores bring to life. Concessions will be available, with proceeds benefiting the First Presbyterian Church of Edwardsville (FPCE). Come early, bring your friends and family, and enjoy a delightful night of music under the stars. Follow the Edwardsville Municipal Band on Facebook and Instagram for more information and updates.

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TROY - The Troy Police Department seeks the public’s assistance identifying two individuals captured in a surveillance video. The footage is linked to a series of vehicle burglaries and stolen automobiles. Authorities released the video early Monday morning, urging anyone who recognizes the suspects to come forward. The incidents, which have prompted increased patrols in affected neighborhoods, have raised concerns among residents. “We are attempting to identify the two subjects in this surveillance video concerning vehicle burglaries and stolen autos,” the department stated in a social media post. The police have not disclosed the specific locations or times of the incidents but emphasized the importance of community involvement in solving these crimes. Residents with any information are encouraged to contact the Troy Police Department’s Investigative Team at 618-667-6731. The department assures that all tips will be handled with confidentiality. This

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WASHINGTON, July 30, 2024 – Boar's Head Provisions Co., Inc., a Jarratt, Va., establishment, is expanding its July 26, 2024, recall of deli meat products that may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes , the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The establishment is recalling approximately 7 million additional pounds of ready-to-eat meat and poultry products. Whole genome sequencing results show that a liverwurst sample collected by the Maryland Department of Health tested positive for the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes . This expansion includes 71 products produced between May 10, 2024, and July 29, 2024, under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names. These items include meat intended for slicing at retail delis as well as some packaged meat and poultry products sold at retail locations. These products have “sell by” dates ranging from 29-JUL-2024 through 17-OCT-24. View ful

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O’FALLON — HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital recently added a new technology to help treat atrial fibrillation (AF). The FARAPULSE™ Pulsed Field Ablation System is a unique alternative to thermal ablation, the traditional treatment for AF. In a typical ablation procedure, a catheter is placed inside the heart and generates extreme temperatures – hot or cold – to destroy the areas causing abnormal heart rhythms. The FARAPULSE PFA System, however, is less invasive and uses a non-thermal electric field to disable atrial heart tissue, the tissue that is responsible for triggering atrial fibrillation, without harming surrounding structures. “With atrial fibrillation diagnoses on the rise, we’re able to use this new technology at St. Elizabeth’s to treat patients safely and effectively,” said Dr. Paban Saha, director of St. Elizabeth’s electrophysiology division. “This equipment is used effectively around the world

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BRIGHTON - Anyone who has shopped for school supplies recently has noticed the sticker shock of how much these materials cost. Knowing that high prices put much needed school supplies out of reach for some families, St. John’s UCC of Brighton, Illinois has decided to address this need and have some fun while doing it! On August 4, 2024, the church will host a free carnival on its parking lot where kids can win school supplies and other prizes. Children can compete in games such as pig races, outdoor Jenga, bean bag toss, washers, and many other fun games. Kids can win backpacks, writing supplies, folders and art supplies, and superhero masks and airplane gliders. St. John’s will host the carnival from 2-4 p.m. Free drinks and Prairie Farms ice cream products will be given away throughout the event. Pastor John Pawloski commented: “This is a way for families having a hard time affording back-to-school supplies to get the items they need without having to ask for assistance

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced today that Associate Judge Emily Johnson Nielsen has granted the State’s motion to deny pretrial release for a defendant charged with attacking a police officer. Haine’s office argued that public safety necessitated the continued detention of the defendant prior to trial. Frank H. Genovese, 48, of Granite City, faces Class 1 and Class 2 counts of aggravated battery for allegedly head-butting a Granite City officer, causing a severe laceration that required stitches, and biting the officer on the arm on July 17. Genovese is also charged with resisting or obstructing a peace officer, a Class 4 felony, in connection with the same incident. In addition, Genovese is charged with a Class 3 felony count of criminal damage to government-supported property for allegedly damaging flower pots and decorative lights at a Granite City park on July 6. The cases were investigated by the Granite City Police

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SHILOH - The St. Clair County Assistant State's Attorney Beth Nester has announced a four-count warrant against Deaundre J. Johnson, 29, of the 700 block of Ganim Drive in Shiloh. The charges include three counts of Aggravated Battery to a Private Security Officer, each classified as a Class 2 Felony, and one count of Aggravated Battery to Emergency Medical Services Personnel, classified as a Class 3 Felony. At 1:38 p.m. on June 20, 2024, the Shiloh Police Department responded to a call regarding a combative individual at Memorial Hospital Shiloh on the 1400 block of Cross Street. The suspect was subdued, and the victims sustained minor injuries. The case was later submitted to the St. Clair County State's Attorney's Office for warrant review. On July 30, 2024, St. Clair County Judge Sara Rice reviewed and signed the warrants, validating the charges. Johnson was subsequently located and arrested. He is currently being held at the St. Clair County Jail. For further information, Detective

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BETHALTO - During a special meeting on July 30, 2024, the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 Board of Education approved free admission to all athletic home games for students. Civic Memorial High School (CMHS) students will no longer be required to pay an admission fee to watch home CMHS athletic events, excluding IHSA post-season events. Justin Newell, CMHS principal, noted that the free admission aims to bring an inclusive environment to home games by allowing more students to participate. “This initiative is part of our ongoing commitment to fostering a strong, supportive, and spirited school culture,” Newell said. “By allowing free entry to games, we aim to increase student attendance and enthusiasm at our athletic events. This not only boosts the morale of our athletes, who thrive on the energy and support from their peers, but also enhances school unity. When we come together to cheer on our Eagles, we strengthen our sense of community and pride

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July 31st has been a day of significant events that have shaped history across the globe, as well as within local communities like the St. Louis Metro Area. On this day in 1498, the famed explorer Christopher Columbus, on his third voyage, became the first European to discover the island of Trinidad. This event marked a significant moment in the Age of Exploration and the subsequent European colonization of the Americas. Columbus's discovery opened new avenues for trade and cultural exchange but also set in motion the complex and often devastating impacts of colonization on indigenous populations. Fast forward to 1941, and we find ourselves in the midst of World War II. On July 31 of that year, Hermann Göring, a leading member of the Nazi regime, ordered SS General Reinhard Heydrich to prepare the “Final Solution,” a plan that would lead to the Holocaust. This horrific event stands as a somber reminder of the atrocities of war and the importance of vigilance against

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ALTON - Michael Haynes, the Alton Park and Recreation Director, has officially resigned from his position. Haynes confirmed his decision on Tuesday afternoon, July 30, 2024, stating that he has accepted a new role as Director of Operations and Special Projects at Tower Grove Park in the City of St. Louis. Haynes' resignation will be formalized at the upcoming City Council Meeting on August 14, 2024. "This is simply a career move for me and my family," Haynes said. He noted that his decision to resign had been finalized days before the recent sinkhole situation that led to the closure of Gordon Moore Park and had nothing to do with that situation. Haynes has been a key figure in Alton's park and recreation initiatives, and his departure marks a significant transition for the community. This is a letter by Michael Haynes about his career change : Dear fellow Alton residents and our surrounding communities: I am announcing my resignation as Director of Parks and Recreation effective

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BELLEVILLE – The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) announced the arrest of Robert E. Hyde Jr., 48, of Belleville, on charges of First Degree Murder, a Class M Felony. On June 12, 2024, PSEG agents were called by the East St. Louis Police Department to investigate a homicide that occurred in the 1300 block of 45th Street. The victim, identified as 42-year-old Kenyatta Brown of East St. Louis, was found deceased in the street, having suffered a gunshot wound. The following day, June 13, 2024, the case was presented to St. Clair County State’s Attorney James Gomric, who subsequently filed the First Degree Murder charge against Hyde. On July 29, 2024, the United States Marshals Service apprehended Hyde in Caseyville. He is currently being held at the St. Clair County Jail. Authorities have not released further information regarding the case.

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SOUTH ROXANA – South Roxana prepares for a much-anticipated back-to-school event. From 1 to 5 p.m. on August 10, 2024, the Village of South Roxana and the American Legion will join forces at 417 Sinclair Ave to provide book bags and school supplies to children from South Roxana and Hartford. The event aims to alleviate families' financial burdens during the back-to-school season, ensuring that every child starts the school year with the necessary tools for success. Mayor TJ Callahan shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming event. "This back-to-school event is a wonderful opportunity for our community to unite and support our children. It's about more than just providing supplies; it's about showing our kids that we care about their education and future." American Legion Commander Mike Barton expressed his gratitude for the collaborative effort, stating, "It's truly rewarding to work with the Village of South Roxana to help out our community. When we approached the village about

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TROY – The Goshen Theatre Project is set to captivate audiences with its upcoming production of Disney’s "The Hunchback of Notre Dame." This adaptation, based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, will be performed outdoors at Silver Creek Elementary School from August 2 to August 4, each evening at 7:30 p.m. Directed by Terry Pattison, the musical features the renowned music of Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. "We are incredibly excited to bring this powerful story to the stage," Pattison said. "Our cast and crew have poured their hearts and souls into this show, and we can’t wait to share it with our community." The production delves into the lives of several characters, including a devoted Archdeacon, a cavalier officer, an esoteric gypsy dancer, and the compassionate bell ringer, Quasimodo. The musical adaptation promises to explore themes of compassion, tolerance, and the triumph of the human spirit, offering a moving experience for audiences of al

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JERSEYVILLE – Cameron Judkins is poised to make significant strides for the Jersey Community High School boys track and field team. A standout member of the 4x100, 4x200, and 4x400 relays, Judkins has been named a Sparklight Male Athlete of the Month for Jersey. "He will be the number one sprinter for Jersey coming into the 2025 season," Head Coach Harold Landon said. "He will replace Casey Borkowski, who graduated, next season. He will be able to run the 100, 200, and 400." Judkins has already demonstrated his potential, securing second place in both the 100 and 200 meters at the Mississippi Valley Conference Freshman-Sophomore Meet. His best time in the 200 meters this season was 24.04 seconds. Again, congrats to Judkins on his Sparklight Male Athlete of the Month honor for Jersey.

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WOOD RIVER - Three individuals from Detroit, Mich. face retail theft charges in Madison County after allegedly stealing items from the Wood River Walmart. Isaiah A. Burnley, 43, Kennedy Miller, 42, and Tramell Miller, 18, all of Detroit, Mich., were charged with one count each of retail theft over $300, each Class 3 felonies. According to Madison County court documents, on July 2, 2024, the three allegedly stole two air conditioner units and a generator with a combined value over $300 from the Walmart located at 610 Wesley Drive in Wood River. The Wood River Police Department presented the cases against all three individuals, who have since been granted pretrial release. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects charged with criminal offenses are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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GODFREY – With the fall semester just weeks away, Lewis and Clark Community College is buzzing with activity in anticipation of another academic year, blazing new trails in higher education. As new projects get underway and the campus calendar fills with events, one woman remains steadfast, serving as a beacon of calm in all the excitement. She’s Sue Keener, executive secretary to the President and Board of Trustees and the newest recipient of the college’s highest honor, the Pantone 286 Award. “Sue is one of our most outstanding team members, who fully embodies the Trailblazer spirit and works diligently behind the scenes supporting the entire team on this campus,” President Ken Trzaska said. “She is not only true Pantone 286 blue; she is also the glue that holds everything and everyone on this campus together.” The prize, named for the Pantone Color System identifier for Lewis and Clark’s “Trailblazer blue,”

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