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CASEYVILLE — A vehicular hijacking incident early on Monday, November 25, 2024, in Caseyville led to a police response that resulted in the identification and arrest of a suspect. At approximately 2:24 a.m. on Nov. 25, 2024, Caseyville Police Department officers were dispatched to a local motel following reports of shots fired during an attempted hijacking. Upon arrival, officers found the victim who reported that an unknown suspect had attempted to take their vehicle. During the encounter, an occupant of the vehicle retrieved a firearm and fired at the suspect, who then fled on foot. Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene, deploying police canines and drones in an effort to locate the suspect, but initial attempts were unsuccessful. The Caseyville Police Department, in collaboration with the Metro East Auto Theft Task Force, gathered surveillance footage from nearby businesses, which proved instrumental in identifying the suspect. Authorities later determined

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The St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s broadcast station, KSD, presented a special Thanksgiving week program on Monday, November 24, 1924, and the offerings were impressive. The Alton Evening Telegraph printed radio schedules in the newspaper so Altonians could plan to tune in. The 7:00 p.m. show was broadcast from the Missouri Theater (sometimes spelled Theatre) at 626 N. Grand Blvd. in St. Louis. It is no longer a theater, but a section of it still exists as the Angad Arts Hotel. The building is between The Fabulous Fox and Powell Hall (which was originally the St. Louis Theatre). Here is the program, with further explanation of each piece when information was available. Organ solo by Milton Slosser – “Dreamer of Dreams,” music by Ted Fiorito. The Missouri Theatre was equipped with a Wurlitzer Hope-Jones Unit Orchestra organ which had 4 Manuals, 32 Ranks. Vocal Duet by tenor Henry Klotz (often listed as Heinie Klotz) and soprano Peggy Nash. Klotz and Nash were

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HARTFORD — A man was rescued early Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2024, after becoming trapped inside a garbage truck’s compactor, prompting a response from the Hartford Fire Department and assistance from the Roxana Fire Department. At approximately 4 a.m. on Nov. 27, emergency services were alerted to the situation. The initial call did not specify injuries or the exact location of the man, but upon arrival, firefighters discovered he was stuck inside the truck. The driver of the vehicle reported seeing the man on the truck's camera, waving his arms for help. Firefighters set up ladders to access the truck and reached the man, who complained of severe leg pain and was unable to move. An ambulance was requested, and additional manpower was called in from the Roxana Fire Department. An initial assessment revealed no broken bones or other abnormalities, but concerns about potential internal injuries arose after it was determined the truck had compacted trash while the man was inside.

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COLLINSVILLE — The Collinsville Fire Department honored Lieutenant Frank Arnold for his more than 24 years of dedicated service during a City Council meeting on Tuesday evening, Nov. 26, 2024. Arnold, a lifelong resident of Collinsville, is retiring from his position as a Licensed Paramedic and Advanced Firefighter Technician. Fire Chief John Bailot acknowledged Arnold's extensive contributions to the department, stating, "He's just an all-around good guy. I just really can't explain how much he's done for the department. It's just an enormous amount." In addition to his firefighting credentials, Arnold is also a HAZMAT Technician and a member of the MABAS 35 HAZMAT Team, underscoring his commitment to public safety and emergency response. Mayor Jeff Stehman joined Chief Bailot in expressing gratitude for Arnold's service, marking the occasion as a significant moment for the community.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Four felony charges have been filed against an Edwardsville man for attacking two victims over 60 years of age at the Edwardsville Culver’s restaurant. Chadwick B. Grimm, 50, of Edwardsville, was charged with four counts of aggravated battery, each Class 3 felonies. All four charges were filed in connection to an incident at the Culver’s location in Edwardsville. Court documents state that while at the restaurant, Grimm forcefully pulled on a victim’s seatbelt, causing it to choke her. He was additionally charged with smacking the hand of another victim, causing her to drop her cell phone. Descriptions of the charges state both victims in this case were 60 years of age or older. The Edwardsville Police Department presented the case against Grimm, who was ordered remanded to jail for his initial court appearance. Madison County Sheriff’s Office records indicate Grimm has since been granted pretrial release from custody. The issuance

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WOOD RIVER - One man from Wood River and another from St. Louis have been accused of mob action after “acting together” to attack a victim. Justin J. West, 32, of Wood River, and Gerald L. Bradford Jr., 30, of St. Louis, were each charged with one count of mob action, both Class 4 felonies. On Sept. 22, 2024, both individuals allegedly acted together in striking a victim “about the head and body,” according to Madison County court documents. The Wood River Police Department presented both cases against West and Bradford, who were each granted pretrial release from custody. This marks the region’s second recent case of mob action; three Granite City individuals were charged last week in connection to a mob action incident in Granite City. More details on that case are available in this story on Riverbender.com . The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects charged with criminal

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O'FALLON - Donald W. Harris III has been apprehended without incident and charged with one count of Robbery and one count of Theft From Person. At 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, O'Fallon Police Officers responded to a call regarding an elderly male found lying on the sidewalk in the 300 block of West Third in O'Fallon. Upon arrival, officers identified the individual as an 89-year-old O’Fallon resident who had been robbed while walking home from the MetroBus Stop on West State near Oak. While walking along South Oak, the resident was approached from behind by an unknown male suspect who attempted to steal his wallet from his coat pocket, O'Fallon Police said. "The suspect succeeded in stealing the wallet, causing the resident to fall to the ground," police added. "The suspect then fled the scene. The resident was able to get up and continue walking until he fell again, when he was located by passersby who called police." O’Fallon Police Officers and Detectives

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BELLEVILLE - Margaritas West, a local restaurant located at 108 E. A Street in Belleville, has officially closed its doors. The announcement was made on social media, where the owners expressed their gratitude to patrons for their support over the past eight years. In their statement, the owners said, "Dear beloved customers, unfortunately, we must close down our restaurant on West Main Street. This will also be our last post as well. We are sorry for delivering this sad news at such short notice since we were notified on short notice." The closure comes as a surprise to many in the community, as the restaurant had been a staple in the area, known for its vibrant atmosphere and dedication to customer service. The owners thanked their customers for "wonderful comments, support, kindness, memories and love," indicating a deep connection with the local community. While the specific reasons for the closure were not disclosed, the owners expressed hope for a future reunion with their patrons

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BETHALTO - Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 has five “commendable” schools, according to the Illinois School Report Card. During the Board of Education’s regular meeting on Nov. 26, 2024, Director of Teaching and Learning Alyssa Smith analyzed the scores on the Illinois School Report Card. These scores measure how school districts compare throughout the State of Illinois. All five of Bethalto’s schools received “commendable” designations. “It is extremely impressive,” Smith said. “This is a thrill to see.” Civic Memorial High School received a score of 90.77. The “exemplary” designation is 91.26, meaning Civic Memorial was .49 points away from an “exemplary” score. Smith and Civic Memorial Principal Justin Newell requested a meeting with the state before the official scores were released to contest this, but the meeting was rescheduled for December. During that December meeting, the

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County Board Chairman-elect Chris Slusser selected his successor for Treasurer. Slusser picked County Board member Mike Babcock of Bethalto to fill the seat being left vacant after he being elected to his new role as chairman. His appointment will go for a vote at 5 p.m., Monday, Dec. 2 during the County Board’s Reorganization meeting. “I believe Mike has the integrity and background necessary to safeguard the taxpayers’ money,” Slusser said. “I’ve known him for more than 15 years, plus he has experience in county government as well as managing investments.” Slusser held the position of treasurer for the past eight years. Babcock has served District 14 of the County Board since 2020. Babcock also serves as the Wood River Township supervisor, a position he’s held the past 15 years, and will continue to hold until the Spring 2025 election. With the help of his township board, Babcock balanced the budget an

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Thanksgiving is a cherished holiday filled with family gatherings, festive meals, and expressions of gratitude. However, the preparation for this festive occasion can often feel overwhelming. From grocery shopping to cooking, decorating, and coordinating schedules, it’s easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle. Staying organized during Thanksgiving prep not only alleviates stress but also allows you to enjoy the holiday to its fullest. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you maintain order amidst the chaos. Create a Detailed Plan Set a Menu Early Start by planning your Thanksgiving menu well in advance—ideally, a few weeks before the holiday. Consider the traditional dishes you want to prepare, as well as any new recipes you might want to try. Once you’ve settled on the menu, create a master grocery list that includes all the ingredients needed for each dish. This will not only streamline your shopping but also ensure you don’t forget any essential

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As we look back at November 27th throughout history, we find ourselves reflecting on a tapestry of events that have shaped our world in remarkable ways. One of the most significant events to occur on November 27th took place in 1939, when the renowned physicist Albert Einstein sent a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. In this correspondence, Einstein warned about the potential development of “extremely powerful bombs of a new type” — a reference to nuclear weapons. This letter ultimately played a crucial role in the initiation of the Manhattan Project, which aimed to develop atomic bombs during World War II. The implications of this letter reached far beyond its time, leading to the creation of weapons that would end the war and usher in the nuclear age, forever altering international relations and military strategy. Fast forward to 1942, and we find another pivotal moment in history. On this day, the United States began its first significant military

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JERSEYVILLE - Sgt. Mitch Reynolds has officially retired from the Jerseyville Police Department, capping off a law enforcement career of over 25 years as he transitions to a new role as Jersey County Circuit Clerk. Reynolds was honored at Tuesday’s Jerseyville City Council meeting, where council members approved his retirement letter after Mayor Kevin Stork read it aloud. In the letter, Reynolds reflected on the longevity and impact of his law enforcement career, which began on June 21, 1999. “It has been my privilege to work for and in my hometown,” Reynolds wrote in his retirement letter. “I have worked under seven different mayors and three different chiefs of police. I have trained 25 different probationary police officers during my 20 years of ranking as sergeant.” Reynolds also thanked his community, adding he feels “honored to be a small part of the history of Jerseyville,” as well as his family for their continued support. &ldqu

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ALTON - Mrs. Mary C. Donahue of Alton & Jeffrey E. Donahue, of Alton are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Felicia Anne-Marie Donahue to Allen Bernard Brooks, Jr. Allen is the son of the late Allen Brooks Sr., and Dawn Walton, of Florissant, MO. Felicia & Allen were members of the 2018 graduating class of Marquette Catholic High School in Alton and that is where they first met.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY — Detectives from the St. Louis County Police Department are investigating a homicide that occurred in the 1400 block of Cedar Bluff Drive, resulting in the death of an adult male. Police officers from the West County Precinct responded to a welfare check at 1:11 p.m. on Tuesday. Upon arrival, they discovered the male victim suffering from injuries inside the residence. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have a person of interest in custody as part of the investigation, which remains ongoing. Additional details will be released as they become available. The St. Louis County Police Department encourages anyone with information about the incident to contact them at 636-529-8210. Individuals wishing to remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward can reach out to CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

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BELLEVILLE – Daryl S. Muhammad, a 48-year-old resident of Marietta, Ga., has been convicted for his role in a shooting and armed robbery that occurred at the Casino Queen in 2017. Following a week-long trial that concluded on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, Muhammad was found guilty of multiple charges, including Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon. The incident took place on Sept. 17, 2017, when three men armed with rifles entered the Casino Queen around 2:55 a.m. During the robbery, an unarmed security guard was shot, and the assailants made off with over $47,000. The Illinois State Police (ISP) launched an extensive investigation that ultimately led them to Muhammad in Cobb County, Georgia. He was charged and arrested in January 2019. ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly emphasized the gravity of Muhammad's actions, stating, “The defendant’s egregious actions show a complete lack of respect for life and the law.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Owen Mahler, a central midfield defender for the Edwardsville boys soccer team. closed his career with an appearance in the IHSA Class 3A State Boys Soccer Tournament final four recently. He had a goal in a shootout against Naperville Central in the super-sectional where the Tigers won the shootout to head to state. Mahler is a Spencer Homes Male Athlete of the Month. Mahler assumed a leadership role for the Tigers for the 2024 season. "I saw myself as a leader," he said. "I played varsity last year, and I felt like I should take a step up, and not just be here to play, but be here to help lead other people." Mahler's expectations for the team were very solid and high all season. The Edwardsville player was very excited to play in the final four matchups of the state tournament. In the end, Edwardsville was one of the premier teams in Southern Illinois, catching fire late in the season. Edwardsville lost to Chicago Lane 3-2 and Hinsdale Central 3-1 in the third-place

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GRANITE CITY — Senior linebacker and defensive back Alex Poston emerged as a key player for Granite City's football team this season, playing a pivotal role in the Warriors' defensive efforts. His contributions have earned him recognition as the Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month. Under the guidance of new head coach Steve Roustio, Poston and his teammates were focused on improving the program. "We were just being a better team altogether this season," Poston said, reflecting on the positive culture changes brought by Roustio. "He's made a big difference. He's a better coach for the kids." Poston accepted a leadership role, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and focus among his peers. "I was one of the leaders," he noted. "My goals were just getting the team together, letting people know what they were supposed to do, and staying focused." Throughout the season, Poston consistently contributed to the Warriors' defensive efforts. In games against O'Fallon,

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Michael Duncan, 39 years of age, of the 1400 block of Coachway Lane in Hazelwood, Missouri 63042, for three counts of Stealing $750 or more. A booking photo of Duncan is attached. Duncan is being held on a $30,000 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: Defendant went into the Menards store located in the 14000 block of Manchester Road on November 14,18, and 20 and took multiple miscellaneous power tools each day walking past all points of sale not paying for any of the items. The value of the items on each day was in excess of $750 dollars. Defendant was captured on store surveillance. An officer familiar with the Defendant recognized Defendant from the photos of Defendant when he took the merchandise

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ALTON — Henry Neely capped off his high school golf career with a standout performance, helping to solidify Alton High School's boys' golf team as a formidable competitor in the fall of 2024. Neely, alongside teammate Sam Ottwell, emerged as leaders of the Redbirds golf squad, showcasing their skills throughout the season. A highlight of Neely's season came at the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) Regional held in Collinsville, where he recorded an impressive score of 79 over 18 holes. According to Redbirds' Head Boys Golf Coach Dylan Dudley, Neely's performance would have allowed him to advance past every other regional competition in the state. "I am so proud of his effort throughout the season," Dudley said. Neely's journey in golf has been marked by significant improvement. Dudley noted that in his first varsity tournament, Neely scored a 117, making his recent achievement all the more remarkable. "To see him shoot a 79 was outstanding," the coach added. In recognition

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