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GRANITE CITY - A man from Granite City was recently charged with domestic and aggravated battery of a pregnant woman, according to recent Madison County court filings. Dustin M. Hale, 32, of Granite City, was charged with one count of aggravated battery and one count of domestic battery, both committed against the same victim on Jan. 9, 2024. Hale committed these offenses while “knowing to be pregnant, in that said defendant punched and kicked about the body causing pain,” according to court documents. Hale was charged with a Class 3 felony for aggravated battery and a Class A misdemeanor for domestic battery. Court documents indicate he was remanded to be held in jail until his initial court appearance. 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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ALTON - Alton Community Service League (ACSL) and the Loyal Order of the Moose have a coveted Valentine's Day Wine-Tasting event planned from 3 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, 2024, at the Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #1349, 730 Wesley Drive in Wood River. Tickets are $20 and can be obtained by contacting the Moose or Cathy Droste at (618) 971-9191 or Cora Miller at (618) 444-7011. It is important to note that tickets for the wine-tasting will not be sold at the door. Wine selections will be top-notch and handled by Republic National Distribution Company of Illinois. There will be a raffle of a Valentine's Day gift basket and a 50-50 drawing included in the night's activities. Proceeds from the event will benefit Alton/Godfrey area charities through the ACSL grant program. ACSL donates 40 percent of funds raised to beautification and landscaping projects in the area and 60 percent to projects that benefit the community in many ways, including food banks and warming centers. ACSL

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GODFREY - Jim Lewis, the Village of Godfrey’s Director of Maintenance, has a few tips on how to navigate snow plows and salt trucks during this weekend’s winter storm. As a cold snap approaches, Lewis and the rest of the department will be out on Friday afternoon, Jan. 12, 2024, to put down salt to prevent freezing on the roads. He doesn’t anticipate a lot of snow, but he warns that cars should be aware of ice as the temperature drops. He asks drivers to give the trucks plenty of room on the roadways. “What we do is we try to be preemptive as far as getting salt down on the roads in front of it,” Lewis explained. “Example, today, this rain is supposed to pretty well cut off by noon and right after that we’ll start putting salt down on the whole town because we’re worried about a flash freeze later, and hopefully that will combat it. When you get down to zero, that salt’s not going to do any good for you. But right now, it’

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ALTON - Madison County Coroner Stephen P. Nonn on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, identified an Alton area woman who lost her life following a residential structure fire occurring on Grandview Avenue in the City of Alton on January 11, 2024. Tragically, the investigation, spearheaded by the Alton Police Department, has shown that the victim in this case called 9-1-1 to report that her house was on fire and she was succumbing to the smoke. 9-1-1 was called at 1:38 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, and officers with the police department and firefighters from the Alton Fire Department were immediately dispatched to the scene. Upon their arrival, heavy fire was present from the front of the residence. "Firefighters later located the victim inside the home and subsequent notification was made to the Office of Coroner and Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office," Coroner Nonn said. "The victim was identified as one: Tina Marie Price, 56, of Alton. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene

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Dear Editor: Every day, I drive to work between Wood River and Edwardsville on Highway 143, and as I pass 255, I begin to see all of the trash along the roadway. This continues on, all the way until Bender Hill Road, which leads back to the landfill. The trash along 255 between I-270 and Route 143 is also a major eye-sore in our community. Sadly, our County Board Chairman has decided to place his own political interests ahead of actually solving this problem. The public deserves to know the full story, which, as has become all too common, involves a politician (Kurt Prenzler) with conflicts of interests accepting donations from interested parties and then doing nothing. Enough is enough. There have been citizen complaints (including complaints from me) for a few years now. There is a small, but vocal group, led by citizens Rusty Wheat and Mike Wever, who have attended County Board Meetings, and have complained to surrounding municipalities, elected officials, state legislators, IDOT

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GRANITE CITY - The Granite City teachers union, formally The Granite City Federation of Teachers, has officially changed their name. In an effort to recognize all of the hard working professionals in Granite City Community Unit School District #9, Local 743 has voted to change their official name to The Granite City Federation of Educational Professionals. The 100-year old local represents social workers, guidance counselors, nurses, school psychologists, speech pathologists, in addition to teachers. "Our 400+ membership realizes that there are a multitude of professionals that are here to service all of the students in the Granite City School District. It is important to us that our organization is a reflection of all of our members, including our local's official name," said Chuck Noud, Local 743 President. “As the needs of students grow, the role of all professionals in education must expand to make sure that all necessary supports are in place to ensure student success.

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael W. Frerichs is warning about the dangers of a potential federal government shutdown if the U.S. House and Senate cannot meet the looming government funding deadlines. Treasurer Frerichs believes a shutdown threatens the well-being of Illinois families, workers, businesses, and the entire U.S. economy. “A federal government shutdown will needlessly harm families fighting to pay bills, recklessly damage the business community which needs certainty to plan, and threaten our economy,” Treasurer Frerichs said. “Congress must stop the name-calling, work together to find a compromise, and stop kicking the can down the road.” Congress faces two government shutdown deadlines following stopgap legislation passed in November 2023. In a shutdown, federal agencies must stop all non-essential discretionary functions until new funding legislation is passed and signed into law. Spending authority for an array of high-profile

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AMES, Iowa - More than 1,700 graduates received degrees from Iowa State University this fall. Graduate and undergraduate ceremonies were held Dec. 15-16 at Hilton Coliseum. Of the 1,705 students who graduated this semester, a total of 1,742 degrees were awarded (1,431 undergraduate, 311 graduate) with some students earning multiple degrees. Following are graduates from your area: Alton, IL Jason Godi, Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering Edwardsville, IL Kurt Brase, Bachelor of Science, Agricultural Engineering, Summa Cum Laude

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with 19 attorneys general, called on the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention to investigate recent reports that a federally funded contractor has produced military-grade ammunition for sale to civilians, including to perpetrators of horrific recent mass shootings. In their letter , Raoul and the coalition are calling on the White House office to investigate how a facility overseen by the U.S. Army – the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant (Lake City) – produced billions of rounds of ammunition that were sold on the civilian market. Raoul and the coalition are also asking the office to ensure that future military production contracts prohibit the sale of military-subsidized weapons and ammunition to civilians. “Military-grade weapons and ammunition have no place in our communities,” Raoul said. “I will continue to advocate for commonsense gun safety measures to prevent the kind of horrific mass

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EAST ST. LOUIS — In an effort to lift the spirits of seniors in the 57 th District, State Senator Christopher Belt invites residents of all ages to get creative and donate homemade or store-bought valentines. “Our seniors have contributed so much to our community, and it’s important we show them love and appreciation when we can,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “A small gesture like making a Valentine’s Day card can make a significant difference in brightening someone’s day and letting them know they are valued.” Belt is encouraging community members in the area to write Valentine’s Day cards, which can be dropped off or mailed to his district office. Once all the cards have been collected, they will be delivered to various senior facilities in the 57 th District. The collection of Valentine’s Day cards will run through Friday, Feb. 9. Those wishing to participate can drop off cards at one of Belt’s district offices or mai

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ST. LOUIS, MO. – The United Way of Greater St. Louis’ annual community campaign raised over $67 million dollars to help neighbors across our 16-county region, providing vital funding and support to over 160 local nonprofit partner agencies. The success of the community campaign was announced at the Victory Celebration on Tuesday, November 28 th at CityPark Stadium. Campaign Chair Martin J. Lyons Jr., Chairman, President and CEO of Ameren Corporation, and Co-Chair Scott Hartwig, Regions Commercial Banking leader and market executive for Greater St. Louis, were in attendance as well as other corporate and community leaders who supported the campaign. United Way board member and KMOX host Mike Claiborne kicked off the celebration as the master of ceremonies with keynote addresses coming from United Way President and CEO, Michelle Tucker, Lyons and Hartwig. United Way’s annual community campaign brings together thousands of individuals, companies, unions, and foundations

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) is encouraging local governments, community-based nonprofit organizations, and institutions of higher education to pursue an unprecedented federal funding opportunity to address climate challenges and reduce pollution. The Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grant Program ( Community Change Grants ), created by the Inflation Reduction Act and administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), offers $2 billion in grants in two tracks of funding. Track I, Community-Driven Investments for Change, is expected to award approximately $1.96 billion for 150 projects for $10-20 million each. Track II, Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance, is expected to award approximately $40 million for 20 projects for $1-3 million each. Community Change Grants from U.S. EPA may be used for the following types of activities: • Climate resiliency and adaptation. • Mitigating

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SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released grant funding to national gas station companies to support their Illinois locations in increasing the availability of domestic biofuel. The funding, awarded from the Higher Blends Infrastructure Incentive Program (HBIIP), was made possible by the Inflation Reduction Act —of which not a single Congressional Republican voted for. “The Inflation Reduction Act provided $500 million to install more dispensers and storage tanks at gas stations so that more drivers can get biofuels locally,” said Durbin. “Ethanol blends reduce carbon emissions and fuel costs. It’s good for Illinois farmers, and it’s good for rural jobs.” “At a time when Big Oil has been profiting off of hardworking Americans, increasing the availability

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced $5 million in available grant funding through the Back to Business (B2B) Local Chambers program. Following state recovery programming for businesses totaling $1.5 billion, the latest American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)-funded opportunity is designed to provide additional support for local chambers of commerce that experienced negative economic impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. “Local chambers of commerce support the small business infrastructure that makes so many Illinois communities great—but like everyone in the small business space, they were hit hard by the effects of the pandemic,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These grant awards will support entrepreneurs who took a risk to establish a business in uncertain times and deserve a fair shot at contributing to our growing economic recovery.” Local chambers of commerce play a vital

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ALTON - Community members gathered at The Lovejoy for the Alton Main Street appreciation party on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. Alton Main Street is an organization that promotes small business and growth in the Alton community. The party recognized volunteers and community partners who have contributed to the organization’s mission. “These supporters have a shared vision for our small business community and make Alton a wonderful place to live, work and visit,” said Chris Miller, a community advocate. Sara McGibany, Alton Main Street’s executive director, thanked attendees for their contributions to Alton. She introduced a few award winners that Alton Main Street chose to recognize for their service and commitment to the community. Robert Hellrung won the Extra Mile Award for the time he spends picking up litter, pulling weeds and championing Alton. Debbie Monroe was named Volunteer of the Year for her community service through Alton Main Street at the

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ALTON - As winter continues, iMerge Community Center encourages people to come out and enjoy their various classes and open play nights. Located at 200 W. 3rd Street in Alton, iMerge offers open play nights from 6:30–10 p.m. every Friday night. Kids in fifth through eighth grade can come play for $12. The center also recently introduced classes for all ages, including dance and chocolatiering classes, and they are planning to start an eSports team for kids to compete with other clubs throughout the area. “It’s a community center, and so we would really like to share it with the community,” said Brigit Holt, iMerge executive director. “ keeping in the spirit of a safe space for children, but it’s such a great space. We really think that the whole community should be able to utilize it.” Holt explained that the open play nights encourage kids to get out of the house and spend time together. The center has a rock-climbing wall, karaoke,

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CARROLLTON - Obstructing justice, illegal possession of fireworks, and several drug charges have been filed against four individuals in Greene County since the beginning of the year. Brooke R. Johnson, 33, of Beardstown, was charged with obstructing justice, illegal possession of fireworks, adult use of cannabis in a motor vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, and driving on a license that had been suspended/revoked. She was arrested and taken into custody by the White Hall Police Department on Jan. 5, 2024 before being transferred to another facility. Christopher M. Cherry, 38, of Carrollton, was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia on Jan. 2, 2024. He was arrested by the White Hall Police Department and has since been released under the pretrial release conditions of the Illinois Pretrial Fairness Act. Adam J. Shasteen, 40, homeless, was charged with possession of methamphetamine and arrested by the Roodhouse Police Department

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CARROLLTON - Four individuals have been charged with various forms of battery in Greene County so far in 2024, according to the latest Jail Booking Report from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. Brandon L. Catchers, 30, from Illinois (no city listed), was charged with aggravated battery of a nurse and aggravated battery by strangulation. He was arrested by the Carrollton Police Department on Jan. 7, 2024, and court documents indicate he remains in custody. Cody E. Leonard, 26, of Carrollton, was charged with one count of domestic battery and was arrested by the Roodhouse Police Department on Jan. 7, 2024 before being given a Notice To Appear in court. Jamie R. Lake-Boyd, 44, of Brussels, was charged with one count of domestic battery and one count of aggravated domestic battery. She was arrested by the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department on Jan. 6, 2024 before being given a Notice To Appear in court. Melinda J. Calvin, 50, of White Hall, was charged with one

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EAST ALTON - An Alton man faces a variety of charges after the East Alton Police Department investigated a hit-and-run accident that occurred at 7:12 p.m. on Jan. 2, 2024, in the 600 block of Powder Mill Road that resulted in the death of an East Alton pedestrian John Gleason. Jonathon V. Knox, 32, of Alton, faces these charges below, East Alton Police Chief Scott Golike said today. Count I: Failure To Report Accident Resulting In Death (Class 1 Felony) Count II: Leaving The Scene Of An Accident Involving Death (Class 4 Felony) Count III: Operating An Uninsured Motor Vehicle Causing Bodily Harm (Class A Misdemeanor) Count IV: Driving While License Revoked (Class A Misdemeanor) Knox was booked and released on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024. On Jan. 11, 2024, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office met with the East Alton Police investigators and charged Knox.

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Joe Cunningham, the National Director of centrist political organization No Labels and a former U.S Congressman, recently announced the movement continues to gain traction as they have now secured a spot on the ballot in 13 states and counting for the 2024 presidential election. No Labels, an organization dedicated to offering voters a third option this election, is currently forming a “ Unity Ticket ” for 2024. The organization is prepared to possibly offer their ballot line to a presidential ticket “under the proper environmental conditions,” according to their website . Cunningham recently appeared on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com after returning from Maine, the 13th state in which No Labels is on the ballot. “I think it's further along at this point in the election than any other third party or third line item has ever been,” Cunningham said of the movement. “We're hitting the new year running, we’ve

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