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GRAFTON – The Grafton Chamber of Commerce and local businesses are excited to announce the "3rd Thursday" event, a monthly celebration of the vibrant spirit of Main Street Grafton. Held on the third Thursday of each month from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, this community gathering promises to be an exciting evening filled with late-night shopping, live entertainment, and special offers from local vendors. What to Expect: Late Night Shopping : Explore Grafton’s charming boutiques and stores after hours with exclusive sales and giveaways. Live Music : Enjoy the tunes of local musicians as you stroll down Main Street. Food & Drink Specials : Savor delicious offerings from Grafton’s renowned restaurants and bars, all providing special deals for the evening. Sales & Product Demos : Take advantage of unique promotions and product demonstrations at participating businesses. There will be many businesses participating including: Pajarito Grafton Fudge and Ice Cream

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced her support for the bipartisan Pharmacists Fight Back Act which would prohibit large Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) from manipulating drug prices and restricting network access and patient choice in federal healthcare plans. Under the current system, PBMs act as middlemen between manufacturers, insurers and pharmacies - inflating drug prices at the expense of patients, community pharmacies and American taxpayers. PBMs frequently require patients to get brand-name medications even when a cheaper generic version is available. The Pharmacists Fight Back Act cracks down on these predatory practices by implementing a transparent pharmacy reimbursement model using market-based pricing. It also removes the ability of PBMs to restrict patient choice through network exclusions and protects community pharmacists by prohibiting PBMs from steering patients toward PBM-affiliated pharmacies. “For

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EDWARDSVILLE/MARINE - The Madison County Board has approved a truck stop to be built at 2977 State Route 4 in Marine. The proposal was originally denied by the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Building and Zoning Committee then voted to deny the board’s denial, thereby voting to recommend that the Madison County Board approve the proposal. At their regular meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, the Madison County Board voted to approve a special use permit that will allow the truck stop to be built. During the public comments portion of the meeting, six people spoke in opposition to the truck stop and four people spoke in favor of the truck stop. Those in favor included John Wortman, the owner of Jack Flash and Wortman Development, which filed the special use permit. “I am a good person,” Wortman said. “We run a clean business, and I promise you that if you had the opportunity to talk to these neighbors a year after we get this built and ran, they’ll

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COLLINSVILLE — Eric Sullivan, 54, has been missing since early Thursday morning, with his family expressing deep concern over his sudden disappearance. Sullivan was last seen at the FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing Track dorms in Collinsville, Illinois, at approximately 2:30 a.m. He reportedly went to his car to retrieve something and did not return, according to his paramour. Sullivan's vehicle, a gold 2009 Chevrolet Malibu belonging to his grandmother, was also found to be missing. Family members have stated that Sullivan has not been in contact with them or his children since his disappearance, which they describe as highly unusual and alarming. Local authorities, including the Collinsville Police Department, Illinois State Police, and Franklin County Sheriff's Department, have been notified and are actively investigating the case. Family members have also been on-site at the track, inquiring about potential surveillance footage that could provide clues to Sullivan's

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JACKSONVILLE - State Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer (R-Murrayville) announced the winners of the third and final round of his photo contest for 2024. The top photographs were taken by Rebecca Kitson of Jerseyville and Lily Wilson of Winchester. "It is not surprising to me that both of the winners have an agricultural subject matter because our top industry in the district and state is farming,” said Rep. Davidsmeyer. “Rebecca’s picture captures a single cow grazing through the light fog of a beautiful morning sunrise while Lily’s photo focuses in on the beginning of the lifecycle of ‘America’s Crop’--a soybean sprout.” Constituents of all ages in the 100th District were invited to participate in the photo contest to capture the beauty and diversity of this west-central Illinois district. They were encouraged to show off their skills and take a picture of a local landmark, wildlife, or an event in the 100th District and submit it to the Representative.

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Video of the event will be posted here : https://cms.illinois.gov/agency/media/video/videos.html Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today hosted a celebration to commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, honoring the work of community leaders from throughout the state. The event was an opportunity to reflect on the great achievements of Hispanics and present awards to eight Latino leaders, including the associate head coach of the University of Illinois men’s basketball team, a Chicago Public Schools educator, a leader in organized labor, and an artist/entrepreneur. “Today, we are formally recognizing the contributions of some of our Hispanic and Latino neighbors,” Frerichs said at the event held at the state government building at 555 W. Monroe St in Chicago. “We thank them for their longtime dedication and celebrate their work in making our communities better places to live, work, and raise families.” Hispanic Heritage Month is a national observance

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ALTON - Success is an annual occurrence for Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation’s Duck Pluckers, Deer Skinners and Fish Hookers Ball. The 15th edition held Sept. 14 raised more than $206,000. Funds will go toward the purchase of another Alton Memorial Hospital ambulance equipped with $125,000 worth of life-saving equipment. “The support we receive at this event from our community each year has been spectacular,” says AMH president Dave Braasch. “This year was no exception. The unwavering support from our community allows us to keep our hospital-based ambulance fleet equipped with the latest technology and road-ready. I’d like to shout out a big ‘Thank You’ to the people who sponsored the event, worked at the event, and came and donated at the event.?Your contributions in maintaining and enhancing Emergency Medical Services in our region are commendable.” AMH is the largest hospital-based ambulance service in the area, covering nearl

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ALTON - One lucky community member will win $50,000 this weekend at Marquette Catholic High School’s Mega Raffle. A long-standing community tradition, the raffle aims to raise around $120,000. Marquette will then give away $62,000 in prizes at their Homecoming Block Party on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in front of Marquette Catholic High School (MCHS) in Alton. The rest of the proceeds will go directly to the school to help fund resources and scholarships. “The Marquette family is familiar with the Mega Raffle, and they look forward to it every year,” said Director of Development Mary Hough. “It really just started with a group of Marquette parents and board members who wanted to get a fun fundraiser going for the school. It’s been alive since then and going strong.” The raffle’s grand prize is $50,000, but there are several other cash prizes available. During the block party, MCHS will also draw two $250 prizes, one $500 prize, and

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ST. LOUIS, MO. – Today, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones announced that the demolition of most buildings at the former Medium Security Institution known as the Workhouse will begin by December 16, 2024. “The unacceptable and inhumane conditions that many detainees at the Workhouse suffered cannot be forgotten,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “One of the first things I did as Mayor was close this jail. Our community deserves better than to see the facility continue to stand as it did, so I am pleased that we can now move forward with the demolition.” Mayor Tishaura O. Jones ordered the Workhouse closed shortly after taking office in 2021, and the facility is empty of detainees. The vast majority of structures, including guard towers and former women’s housing facilities, will be included in this demolition. The fence will remain in order to secure the ground. Re-envisioning the Workhouse is happening in phases. During phase one, the Administration is committed

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CARLYLE – Attorney General Kwame Raoul charged a Carlyle, Illinois man with the possession and reproduction of child sexual abuse material. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child sexual abuse material online. The Attorney General’s office charged Mickail S. Cranford, 24, in Clinton County Circuit Court with five counts of reproduction of child pornography, Class X felonies each punishable by up to 30 years in prison; and 10 counts of possession of child pornography, Class 2 felonies each punishable by up to seven years in prison. Sentences are ultimately determined by the court. Cranford is detained at the Clinton County Jail, and his next court date is scheduled for Oct. 9. “Child exploitation can cause trauma to survivors and their families that can lead to a lifetime of physical and

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Mike Bost (IL-12) and Ann Wagner (MO-2) led efforts today calling on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to move forward with critical improvements at the John Cochran VA Medical Center in St. Louis. In a letter to VA Secretary Denis McDonough, Bost and Wagner emphasized the urgent need to fund the replacement of the hospital's aging bed tower and modernize clinical services to ensure veterans from across Missouri and Southern Illinois receive the high-quality care they have earned. The letter, also signed by U.S. Reps. Sam Graves (MO-6), Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-3), and Jason Smith (MO-8), comes after repeated delays despite longstanding recognition that upgrades are needed for the medical center. "For far too long, St. Louis and Metro East Illinois veterans served by the John A. Cochran VA Hospital have been waiting for improved medical facilities," said Bost. "The VA has recognized for well over a decade that the hospital’s bed tower

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that repairs to westbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require one lane to be closed starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20. One lane will remain open. All lanes will reopen by 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. 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. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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ALTON - Alton Main Street , the Sierra Club Illinois ’ Three Rivers Project and Jacoby Arts Center are announcing the return of the Mississippi Earthtones Festival to Alton’s Riverfront Amphitheater on Saturday, September 21st from noon until 10:00 p.m. This 18th annual free event boasts 25 environmental education exhibits, 95 eco-friendly artists and makers, and 10 culinary vendors. The popular festival attracts approximately 5,000 community members and tourists to Downtown Alton to celebrate our river through art, music, and conservation every third Saturday in September. The theme of this year’s MEF is ‘Emerge and Be Heard’, and Alton’s riverfront will be filled with art that interprets this subject. Local artists have been commissioned to build large installations that will enhance the festival grounds and delight festival goers. The Riverbend Yarn Bombers are knitting & crocheting a fantastical walk-through yarn cottage and garden, whic

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) – the region’s transit advocacy organization – recognized five “Champions of Transit” at its 40th Annual Meeting, held in downtown St. Louis on Sept. 13. During the event, CMT presented the 2024 Chairman’s Award to its General Counsel Larry Katzenstein ; the 2024 New Initiatives Award to the City of Fairview Heights and 2024 Service Awards to Ten Toe Express® walk leader Mary Fran Balmer and longtime Metro Transit employees Eddie Cooley and Bruce Williams . CMT’s “Champions of Transit” awards are given on an annual basis and designed to celebrate the efforts of organizations, municipalities and individuals advocating for a safe and effective transit system in the St. Louis region. Katzenstein , of the Central West End, who received the 2024 Chairman’s Award, has voluntarily served as CMT’s general counsel for more than three decades. Over

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EDWARDSVILLE — In a unique twist to a workplace grooming policy, the Edwardsville Police Department has found a charitable outlet for its "no beard" rule. Officers who wish to sport facial hair can do so by paying for the privilege, with the funds raised being donated to various local organizations. Today, the Metro East Humane Society received a donation of $1,560 from the department. Officers gathered to present the check to the society. The initiative allows department employees to vote each quarter on where the collected funds will be directed. Previous recipients have included the Madison County Juvenile Diversion Program, Junior Service Club of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon, Glen-Ed Pantry, Edwardsville Neighbors, Main Street Community Center, and The Stork Foundation for Infertility. This quarterly practice not only fosters community support but also brings a personal touch to the department's charitable efforts.

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PESOTUM, Ill. – A swift response from the Illinois State Police (ISP) led to the arrest of a suspect involved in a road rage shooting on Interstate 57 in Champaign County. LeJoshua C. Smith, 40, of East St. Louis, has been charged with Attempted Murder and multiple other criminal offenses following the incident on September 12, 2024. ISP Troop 7 received a report of shots fired on I-57 northbound near milepost 223. ISP said the confrontation began with a minor crash between two vehicles, escalating into a road rage situation where Smith allegedly fired a weapon at the victim's vehicle. While the vehicle sustained damage, the victim was unharmed. Within minutes of the report, ISP officers located Smith's vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. Smith fled, prompting a pursuit that continued northbound on I-57 through Ford County and into Iroquois County. The chase concluded near milepost 285 in Gilman, IL., after ISP Troop 5 officers deployed stop sticks, forcing Smith's vehicle

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MADISON COUNTY — Illinois State Police Troop 8 responded to a significant traffic incident on Interstate 270 westbound at milepost 5 at 5:58 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024. ISP provided additional details about the accident and said the preliminary investigation revealed that a Truck Tractor Semi-Trailer (TTST) caught fire, leading to a chain reaction crash involving multiple vehicles. According to the ISP report, the initial incident began when a TTST caught fire on the westbound side of I-270. A second TTST stopped directly behind the burning vehicle, followed by two passenger vehicles. Subsequently, a third TTST failed to stop, resulting in a rear-end collision that involved all the stationary vehicles. ISP said three individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The incident prompted the closure of all eastbound and westbound lanes of I-270 on Tuesday, causing significant traffic delays in the area. Authorities

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that pavement repairs on southbound Interstate 255 between Illinois 15 and Illinois 157 in St. Clair County will require lane closures over several weekends. Throughout construction, at least one lane will remain open at all times. Starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 20, weather permitting, the two left lanes of southbound I-255 between Illinois 15 and Illinois 157 will be closed. One of the southbound lanes will reopen by 6 a.m. Monday, Sept. 23. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. 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. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map o

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RIVERBEND - Observers might have noticed that the moon appeared a little more spectacular than normal on Tuesday night, Sept. 17, 2024. Tuesday’s moon was the harvest moon, a supermoon and a partial lunar eclipse. The odds of all three astronomical events occurring at the same time are slim. The supermoon occurs when a full moon is at the closest point to Earth in its orbit. On Tuesday, the moon was only about 226,000 miles away from Earth. To the casual observer, the result is a full moon that appears brighter and bigger than normal. Tuesday’s supermoon was especially exciting because there was also a partial lunar eclipse visible in Europe and many parts of North America, South America, Asia and Africa. The peak of the eclipse occurred at 9:44 p.m. But that’s not all. The harvest moon occurs near or on the fall equinox every year. This year’s harvest moon reached its peak on Tuesday, Sept. 17 around 9:30 p.m. Harvest moons are typically brighter and

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ALTON – Jimmie Johnson, co-owner of the beloved Johnson's Corner in Alton, died overnight at his home, leaving the community in mourning. Johnson's Corner, a staple in Alton, has been a family-run establishment for decades, first owned by Jimmie’s father, Bob Johnson. Pat Taulbee, a long-time friend of the Johnson family, said she was "heartbroken" over the loss of Jimmie. "My birthday was on the same day as Jimmie's dad," she said. "We would always celebrate our birthdays together at Johnson's Corner. I went there last night after my granddaughter's tennis match and saw Jimmie. He walked me to my car. He was that kind of wonderful person. He will be very missed in the community. Jimmie and his wife are like family to me." Steve Schwartz, a long-time patron, reminisced about the role Johnson’s Corner played in the community. "Johnson’s Corner has been a cornerstone for years and years. Jimmie’s father, Bob, had it, and it is a sad situation he passed

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