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SWANSEA - While dozens of multi-family and industrial projects are happening across the region right now, several local K-12 schools are also getting a face-lift or a completely new facility. Holland Construction Services is currently managing four K-12 construction projects in the Metro East, with several others that wrapped within the last two years. Over the last 36 years, the company has managed 50 K-12 projects in the region, totaling more than $400 million in total renovation and construction costs. The construction company is currently handling a new construction project for Caseyville Elementary, as well as renovation projects for Sparta, Collinsville, and Redbud school districts, in addition to a project for Southwestern Illinois College in Belleville. Several of the projects include features such as multi-purpose rooms, storm shelters, therapy rooms, upgraded building security and increased ADA accessibility. Holland Project Executive Ryan Savage said of the 50 school projects

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ALTON - The City of Alton recently signed an energy aggregation agreement with a new energy supplier, Constellation NewEnergy, Inc. - but what does that mean for Alton residents and their energy prices? Energy prices in general are set to go up nationwide for the winter months, but after December - but how much they go up in Alton depends on which electric supplier residents choose. Section 1-92 of the Illinois Power Agency Act allows local governments to participate in a municipal electricity aggregation program to negotiate the price of electricity for residents and local businesses. Since this became law in 2007, Ward 7 Alderman Nate Keener said Alton residents have been able to choose where they get their energy from. “In the case of Alton, our local government negotiated on the electric market for a supplier of that electricity,” he continued. “Now that we’ve passed that, Alton residents will get to choose whether they want Ameren to deliver th

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced he has reached a settlement with Walmart to resolve allegations that the company contributed to the opioid addiction crisis by failing to appropriately oversee the dispensing of opioids at its stores. The settlement provides more than $3 billion nationally and requires significant improvements to how Walmart’s pharmacies handle opioids. Seventeen state attorneys general on the executive committee, attorneys representing local governments and Walmart have agreed to this settlement, which has been sent to other states for review and approval. The settlement is effective upon approval by 43 states and a population representing 85% of local government units. “Too many families have lost loved ones to the opioid epidemic, and too many people have lost years of their lives to addiction,” Raoul said. “The companies that created and fueled this crisis must be held accountable for providing treatment and recover

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ELSAH - Green Tree Inn announced it has been recognized by Tripadvisor as a 2022 Travelers’ Choice award winner for bed and breakfast inns. The award celebrates businesses that have received great traveler reviews from travelers around the globe on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months. As challenging as the past year was, Green Tree Inn stood out by consistently delivering positive experiences to travelers. “This is the third year in a row we have received this award and we consider it a great honor,” owners Connie and Gary Davis said. “Congratulations to the 2022 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Winners,” said Kanika Soni, Chief Commercial Officer at Tripadvisor. “The Travelers’ Choice Awards recognize the best in tourism and hospitality, according to those who matter most: your guests. Ranking among the Travelers’ Choice winners is always tough — but never more so than this year as we emerge from the pandemic. Whether it's

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SWANSEA - While Belleville Area Humane Society’s board president, Shelly Korves, was preparing for the annual Glo Bingo she received an urgent call from Swansea Police Officer, Erin Huff. Officer Huff and Shelly had previously worked together to try and save an injured kitten. Officer Huff had started feeding a cat in Clinton Hills Park about 3 weeks prior when she closed down the park bathrooms as part of her nightly police duties. Huff believed the feline was pregnant and contacted Shelly for immediate help. Unfortunately, when arriving at Clinton Hills Park the momma cat was nowhere to be found. About 3 days later, on a windy Wednesday, Officer Huff called to say that Fletcher’s Kitchen and Tap successfully trapped the momma cat that Officer Huff saw days prior. When Shelly arrived at the scene she was concerned that the mama had already given birth. Officer Huff and Shelly Korves went through the park and looked all over for her babies, and even crawled around under

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EDWARDSVILLE - Linda Andreas said she is excited about the opportunity to serve as Madison County's new County Clerk. Andreas defeated the incumbent County Clerk Debbie Mendoza in the election on Nov. 8. In her first year, Andreas said she wants to improve the voter rolls and engage more people to participate in the election processes in the county. Judges and volunteers are always needed at the voting locations and for the office, she said. She said she believes her diverse background was something that helped her get elected. "I was a nurse at one point and I also worked in direct sales among other things," she said. "It is cool to see all these pieces of my life come together. I think it will make me ideal to lead the clerk's office." Andreas, a Republican, said Madison County is changing in regard to government officials and the Republican party has become much more successful in elections. Linda also said it is great "we live in a country that enables voters to make decisions

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SPRINGFIELD – An original, handwritten edition of the Gettysburg Address is going on display at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, which will offer free admission Nov. 19, the anniversary of Lincoln’s historic speech. The presidential library’s copy of the Gettysburg Address will be exhibited Nov. 18 through Nov. 28. After that, it returns to a climate-controlled vault for safekeeping. To give more people the opportunity to appreciate this powerful document, admission to the museum will be free on Nov. 19, the 159 th anniversary of Lincoln delivering the speech at a military cemetery in Gettysburg, Pa. The Gettysburg Address is not just Abraham Lincoln’s most famous speech, it’s one of the most famous speeches ever given. Its stirring prose and historic impact have been studied by everyone from schoolchildren to scholars. “In 272 powerful words, Abraham Lincoln captured the pain of the Civil War and the truth of what was at

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GODFREY - Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick announced today that the Village of Godfrey has been made aware that there are teams of solicitors going door-to-door attempting to enroll residents in programs with alternative electrical suppliers. "While these solicitors are not in violation of any laws and have secured the required solicitation permits, I would like to encourage residents to do your diligence before electing to sign up for this program," the mayor said. "If you would like to participate in the electrical aggregation program, it is not necessary for you to do anything. The new energy supplier with the aggregation program, Constellation Energy, will be sending an introductory letter to Village residents in the coming weeks and their new rates will begin in January. Their rate is 12.1%, or .121 cents, per kilowatt. This rate is locked in for two years and will not be subject to the anticipated fluctuation of Ameren." McCormick continued and said: “As with any door-to-door

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul led a bipartisan coalition of 23 attorneys general filing an amicus brief in support of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) efforts to combat alleged illegal debt collection practices in the student loan industry. The CFPB filed a lawsuit alleging that 15 trusts purchased student loan debt and then engaged in illegal debt collection practices in an attempt to collect on that debt. The CFPB’s complaint describes how collections agencies hired by the trusts submitted false and misleading affidavits and testimony in support of nearly 100,000 debt collection actions brought by the trusts. Additionally, the trusts are alleged to have filed hundreds of lawsuits against consumers for debt that was time-barred or missing critical supporting documentation. Raoul and the coalition argue that the trusts should be held liable for these misdeeds under the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010. “Unlawful conduct that

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ALTON - On Friday, November 18 th Alton Main Street will host an event that’s sure to get you into the holiday spirit. The 28 th Annual Community Tree Lighting at Lincoln-Douglas Square will begin with the arrival of Santa Claus on the trolley at 6:00. The free festivities including caroling, cookies, and hot cocoa will continue until 6:45 when Mayor David Goins flips the lights on the beautiful tree, which is provided by the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club. Families are encouraged to bring their cameras to take pictures with Santa and costumed holiday characters. Songs will fill the air throughout the evening provided by area Girl Scout Troops and the Great Rivers Choral Society. Brother Joshua Adams will bless the tree, and other speakers include Rotary Club President Antione Williams, and Salvation Army Captain Cassy Grey, who will be kicking off the “Tree of Lights” campaign with 2022 Chairpeople Dr. John and Barb Hoelscher. Families are welcome to create holiday craft

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EAST ALTON — United Way’s annual Community Christmas kicked off this month with more than 60 boxes at participating businesses, churches, schools and organizations throughout the Riverbend area. The program collects money and items through early December for local people in need this holiday season. A list of participating locations hosting a box is available at HelpingPeople.org/CommunityChristmas This year, the top needs in the community are for blankets, household and personal care items, new coats and other clothing items. Other items needed by local agencies include non-perishable food, new toys for kids of all ages, baby formula and diapers, and new socks, hats, gloves and scarves. All of the items collected will be distributed to the following agencies to help people in the community during the holiday season and beyond: 100 Black Men – Alton Branch Beverly Farms Boys and Girls Club of Alton Caritas family Solutions Catholic Children’s Home Centerston

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ALTON - Emphasizing the analogy used by Comptroller Debbie Dunlap of emergency air masks dropping from the ceiling in an airplane, Alton Mayor David Goins said that Alton must take care of itself first, just like when these masks drop in an airplane.” Goins said, “Airline staff will tell you, that if these oxygen masks drop, take care of yourself first, then assist others”. This analogy was used at the two public meetings held on November 14 at Alton’s City Hall to reiterate the need for ARPA funds to assist the City’s operational and financial needs. Goins said that the City must use these funds to continue improving "our financial and operational management positions and to recover the lost revenues to the City because of the pandemic." The forums provided an opportunity for Mayor Goins and his administration to share the priority proposals for the use of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds provided to the City of Alton in federal legislation passed

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WOOD RIVER - Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Eagles of the Month” program at Civic Memorial High School. Senior students are selected each month by members of the Civic Memorial faculty to represent each department. All students are awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. Two Seniors (1 female student and 1 male student) that were selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $500.00 “Eagles of the Year” scholarship each at the end of the school year. 2022 October’s Eagles of the Month winners: Math – Kyli Collman Fine Arts – Justice Eldridge Social Studies - Elijah Gruen PE/Health - Logan Gaertner Choir - Shelby Quick Band - Emily Bonnell Science - Zachary Fitzgerald English - Haylee Janssen C.T.E. - Travis Tendick Teacher of the Month winner: - C.T.E. - Angie Neilson Congratulations to all the Civic Memorial “Eagles of the Month” an

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GODFREY - The Godfrey Village Board of Trustees held their regular meeting on Tuesday night and passed several ordinances, delayed two others, discussed the 2023 Tax Levy, and announced a cleanup event along Tolley Lane. Trustee Virginia Woulfe-Beile announced that the Sustainability Commission will be hosting an Adopt-A-Highway cleanup on Tolley Lane between Humbert Road and Godfrey Road in lieu of their regular meeting. That event is open to the public and will be held this Thursday, Nov. 17 at noon, and she said there will be “plenty of supplies, and maybe some hot cider and donuts or something.” The board unanimously approved an ordinance amending Chapter 74 of the Revised Code of Ordinances for the Village Of Godfrey, Illinois regarding traffic. Over the years, the village has acquired roads in certain subdivisions that have been transferred from the county, and in this case, a resident of the Summerfield subdivision was asking why there weren’t stop signs

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PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Former President Donald Trump on Tuesday launched his third campaign for the White House. “In order to make America great and glorious again, I am tonight announcing my candidacy for president of the United States,” Trump said before an audience of several hundred supporters in a chandeliered ballroom at his Mar-a-Lago club, where he stood flanked by American flags and banners bearing his “Make America Great Again” slogan. “America’s comeback starts right now," he said, formally beginning the 2024 Republican primary. “We are a nation in decline,” he said. “We are here tonight to declare that it does not have to be this way.” Donald’s daughter Ivanka, released a statement after the announcement, saying that she does not plan to be involved in his campaign. “While I will always love and support my father, going forward I will do so outside the political arena,” she said in a

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GODFREY – Bethalto Superintendent Jill Griffin is the newest member of the Lewis and Clark Community College Board of Trustees. Griffin was sworn in during the Board’s regular meeting, Tuesday, Nov. 15, and will finish out the term of former chairperson David Heyen, which runs through April 2023. Griffin plans to run in the April election to maintain her position on the Board. “I have a genuine passion and enthusiasm for this work, as I’ve seen the power of education and its ability to transform lives,” Griffin said. “My education has opened doors for me that I never thought possible, and I believe in providing the same access and opportunity for all students interested in a post-secondary pathway. I am excited to be a part of the vision and opportunity that I believe exists at Lewis and Clark Community College. I want to assist in moving that vision forward on behalf of all L&C students.” Griffin has served the Bethalto School District a

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville girls soccer star Olivia Bacca made one of her dreams come true this past week on National Signing Day when she signed a letter of intent to attend Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. Olivia said she was so excited to attend Xavier on a soccer scholarship next season. “It is like a dream come true,” she said. “It means a lot to me. I have been working for this since I was a little girl and it is really an exciting moment for me.” Olivia’s head coach Abbie Federmann said Olivia will be great at her next level. “Olivia had a break-out season last year scoring-wise and led us to as far as we have gotten in the last 10 years in the post-season,” the coach said. “She is just a force out there and is a very pleasant player to coach. I am a Cincinnati girl, so I am glad she is going to Xavier.” Amy Cotton, Lucas Cotton and Brian Bacca, her parents, all expressed pride in her decision. “She has put

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ALTON - Joseph Brangenberg of Marquette Catholic High School and Madison Ingram of Alton High School were honored as Students of the Month of November at a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Alton-Godfrey held at Gentelin’s Restaurant. Joseph Brangenberg is a senior at Marquette Catholic High School. He is the son of Rod and Julie Brangenberg. He has an older brother, Jack, and a younger sister, Rose. His Academic Achievements include National Honor Society, being inducted in his junior year, and High Honor Roll all years at MCHS. He carries a 4.1 GPA. Joe’s extracurricular activities include Marquette Boys Varsity Tennis and Varsity Soccer for three years. He also plays Alton Irish Soccer and indoor soccer with his friends. Joe and his doubles partner Stetson won the Alton Junior Open and Riverbend Open last summer. Some of Joe’s hobbies include weightlifting, snow skiing, water sports, golf, hunting, fishing, and playing the piano. He is in three clubs at Marquette,

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GRANITE CITY - GCS Credit Union’s President and CEO, Keith Burton, was recently awarded the Illinois Credit Union League 2022 Hall of Fame Leadership Award. The Hall of Fame Leadership Award recognizes an individual’s contribution to the credit union movement in Illinois at the state and/or national level. Keith traveled to Chicago in early November to attend the Illinois Credit Union League’s Annual Convention where he was presented with his award during the Celebration Luncheon. Keith is the type of leader who encourages others to bring their own creativity, initiative, and persistence toward team goals. He is so passionate about encouraging the staff of GCS Credit Union that he instilled this into the core values of GCS. Mr. Burton is very active in the community. He volunteers for community events and civic committees. He is a proud volunteer, board member, and previous Executive Board Chair for the United Way. Also, a Granite City Area Community Foundation

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GODFREY - The Annual Cookies and Cocoa for Community Christmas sponsored by Freer Auto Body will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 6, 2022. Those who attend are encouraged to stop by with donations of money, toys, or coats for the United Way’s Community Christmas campaign. Margaret Freer of Freer Auto Body, said they are excited about having the Cookies and Cocoa event in more of a pre-COVID-19 sense after a few years of the pandemic. Please come and enjoy fresh baked cookies and homemade cocoa and drop off a toy or coat for Community Christmas!," Margaret said. "All items collected stay for local families!" Margaret explained they were excited to have the event return to a sense of normalcy. “We will have an event where everybody collects and sorts and more people can be together,” she said. “Working together the last few years with the COVID Pandemic, sometimes all people wanted to do is give a gift card or money. We are also hoping people can brin

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