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PASADENA, CALIF. - Imagine all your favorite Illinois Route 66 photo ops packed onto one float in the legendary Rose Bowl Parade on January 1, 2024! That's exactly what happened on New Year's Day in Pasadena, California, with Illinois Route 66 icons like the Joliet Prison, Shea's Gas Station Museum, and the World's Largest Catsup Bottle (to name just a few) represented on an amazing float. Here's how it happened. In Pasadena, the theme of “Celebrating a World of Music” was chosen for the 135th Rose Bowl Parade. And in Chicago, the Illinois Office of Tourism (IOT) team pondered that theme as they thought about the state's rich musical heritage and the legacy of music associated with the greater Chicago area. Those musical thoughts, along with the IOT award-winning marketing campaign of “Middle of Everything” sparked the Enjoy Illinois float theme: “Illinois: The Middle of Beats and Blues.” “The thing is, music is a universal language, and of

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CHICAGO - Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) are encouraging Illinoisans to take advantage of savings offered by the newly expanded Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a benefit that helps low to moderate income workers get a tax break. For tax year 2023, coverage has been expanded to include taxpayers with an IRS-issued Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), as well as workers ages 18 to 24 and over 65 (without qualifying child). In addition to expanded coverage, those claiming Illinois EITC this year will see their amount of tax relief increased to a 20 percent (previously 18 percent) match of the amount given federally. To claim Illinois EITC for tax year 2023 (tax returns due in 2024), taxpayers must file an Illinois income tax return and have: worked and earned income in 2023 under $17,640 ($24,210 if married filing jointly) with no qualifying children, or $56,838 ($63,398 if married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying

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CHICAGO - Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) are encouraging Illinoisans to take advantage of savings offered by the newly expanded Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a benefit that helps low to moderate income workers get a tax break. For tax year 2023, coverage has been expanded to include taxpayers with an IRS-issued Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), as well as workers ages 18 to 24 and over 65 (without qualifying child). In addition to expanded coverage, those claiming Illinois EITC this year will see their amount of tax relief increased to a 20 percent (previously 18 percent) match of the amount given federally. To claim Illinois EITC for tax year 2023 (tax returns due in 2024), taxpayers must file an Illinois income tax return and have: worked and earned income in 2023 under $17,640 ($24,210 if married filing jointly) with no qualifying children, or $56,838 ($63,398 if married filing jointly) with three or more qualifying

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ALTON – Riverbend Head Start & Family Services is proud to announce the agency has earned its status as a Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Charity Seal Holder. After completing a thorough review process, Riverbend Head Start & Family Services has met BBB’s Standards for Charity Accountability. Standards ensure that an organization has: Proper governance and oversight; A method to measure organizational performance & effectiveness; Sound financial stewardship and practices; and Complete and accurate fundraising and informational materials. “By meeting the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability and displaying the BBB’s seal, it gives donors the confidence needed to support Riverbend Head Start & Family Service’s mission,” said Michelle Corey, BBB President & CEO. “Charities that meet these best practices go above and beyond legal requirements, putting them in an elite group.” “We are pleased to continue as a BBB

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ALTON - A local 7-year-old has raised money for the Overnight Warming Location by reading every day in January. Hayden Griffin, a first grader at St. Mary’s, was upset when he learned that some people don’t have homes to return to at night. He decided to read books to raise money for the Overnight Warming Location (OWL) , an organization in Alton and Edwardsville that provides overnight shelter for people when the temperatures drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. On Feb. 5, 2024, Hayden toured the OWL in Alton and delivered a check to a representative. “I believe in God,” Hayden said when asked why he decided to help. The idea started when Hayden saw a few unhoused community members at a North Pole attraction in December. His mother, Morgan Griffin, explained to him what it means to be unhoused. That night, when Santa Claus asked what he wanted for Christmas, Hayden said he wanted Santa to help homeless people around the world. While Santa is working

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River is one step closer to getting a Heaterz Hot Chicken location following unanimous approval from the City Council at their meeting on Monday night. City officials have agreed to help fund the renovation of the restaurant’s next home on Ferguson Avenue. City Council members unanimously approved an ordinance authorizing the execution of a Redevelopment Agreement with Heaterz Development Company LLC for TIF Financial Assistance at 11 W. Ferguson Ave., as submitted by the city’s TIF Committee. Councilman Bill Dettmers said at the meeting that Heaterz requested $30,000 per year over eight years for a total of $240,000 in TIF assistance from the city. He spoke in support of the agreement due to their strong revenue and employment projections. “I’m going to vote in favor of this tonight,” Dettmers said. “We now have some financial information … it appears that this will provide approximately $34,000 to $66,000

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department issued a reminder today, Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, reminding Super Bowl partygoers and football fans that designated drivers are the best defense against the dangers of impaired driving. The police department said if your Super Bowl celebration involves alcohol or cannabis, plan for a ride home with a sober driver. If you’re hosting the party, take care of the designated drivers. Fans don’t let fans drive drunk. “Everyone wants to have a good time on Super Bowl night, so we want our community residents and guests to plan for safe rides home,” said Lt. Brandn Whittaker. “Even one drink or hit can impair judgement. You should never put yourself or others at risk because you made the choice to drive impaired.” Whether you’re attending a party, hosting a small gathering, or going out to a bar, keep safety at the forefront of your thoughts. When it’s time to leave, make sure your designated

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Rotary Club has chosen to honor Edwardsville High School student Abigail Stacy with the Student of the Month Award for the month of January. Abigail Stacy was nominated by Science teachers Melissa Barnett and Amy Burian of Edwardsville High School. Abigail is the daughter of Michelle and Jason Stacy. She is very involved in the music department, specifically band, where she has been a member for four years, a section leader for two years, and has won two “A Game” awards. Additionally, Abigail is a member of the EHS Literary Magazine, Science National Honor Society, National English Honor Society, and National Honor Society. She also serves as a voice host for the Tiger Talk Podcast Network, EHS’s official podcast. As well as being very involved in her school and extracurricular activities, she has also been awarded the 2023 AP Scholar Award and is an Illinois State Scholar for the 2024-25 school year. In her free time, Abigail enjoys

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BUNKER HILL – The Illinois Arts Council (IAC) has awarded Bunker Hill CUSD #8 a grant of $49,600 from the Rebuild Illinois Capital Planning Fund for a one-year study about the possibility of refurbishing the gymnasium of the long-vacant Meissner School and transforming it into a functioning community performing arts center. The new community performing arts center would be for those in the Bunker Hill region. With over 100 applications requesting support of $4,500,000, the IAC awarded $500,000 in this highly competitive grant. Decisions were based on the evaluation criteria and priority focus areas as published in the application guidelines. Bunker Hill CUSD #8 is “very pleased that we received this award,” according to Superintendent Todd Dugan. “We are thrilled to put these funds to work to hopefully meet the needs of our community by providing a community school space to celebrate the arts (music, theater, etc.) We believe all students need to feel supported,

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ST. LOUIS - Get ready for a lunar celebration like no other! Drunken Fish is kicking off the Lunar New Year in style by hosting a party in honor of its 20th anniversary. Join us on Friday, February 9, 2024, from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the breathtaking VUE, located within the historic Cutlery Building at 612 North 2nd Street. VUE's fifth-level event space sets the stage for this unforgettable 20th-anniversary extravaganza. With nearly a 360-degree view of downtown St. Louis, guests will enjoy stunning vistas of the Gateway Arch, the Eads Bridge and the city skyline. Drunken Fish has an exciting lineup of events planned for the year, and what better way to start than with the Lunar New Year Party. This event is all about celebrating diversity and culture. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in the spirit of Asia through a variety of all-you-can-eat Asian cuisine and live entertainment. The night will feature a Chinese Lion Dance, live DJ, kimono shot girls, live sushi chef, cash

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ALTON – Alton Steel Inc. (ASI), a leading manufacturer of high-quality steel bars, announced the appointment of Alton native Chris Ervin as the new CEO. Ervin will succeed Chief Executive Jim Hrusovsky who announced his retirement today after more than 10 years of distinguished leadership. The two leaders will work together closely during the transition until Hrusovsky’s retirement in September. After that, Hrusovsky will remain a part of the team as a consultant. “It has been an honor to serve as CEO for ASI,” said Hrusovsky. “This is a bittersweet decision for me. I’ve worked for several companies during my 43-year career, and ASI has been the most rewarding place I’ve ever worked. The people here really care about each other, they are always focused on doing the right things for the company and our customers, and they pitch in whenever and wherever they are needed. While I will miss the people of ASI a great deal, I’m also looking

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MARION - The agenda has been released and various continuing education credits have been approved for “A Trauma-Informed Courts and Community Symposium: Creating a Culture of Belonging” on Thursday, March 21 from 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center, 800 Tower Square Plaza, Marion, IL. The symposium, hosted by Illinois First Judicial Circuit Chief Judge William J. Thurston, Access to Justice Improvement Grant, Williamson County Presiding Judge Stephen R. Green, and Centerstone, features advocate, speaker and former NFL player Gaelin Elmore as the keynote speaker. To register for this free event, visit Centerstone.org/events. “Please join us for a one-day, motivational symposium as we encourage court personnel and professional communities to commit to understanding how belonging is a key element in success,” said Brenda Sprague, Office of the Chief Judge. “Whether your work includes helping court patrons navigate the legal

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ALTON - Abundant Church’s Super Sunday event promises Super Bowl fun for the whole family on Feb. 11, 2024. The church will host games, tailgate food and giveaways throughout the morning on Feb. 11 in between services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. According to Pastor Joe Banks, the goal is to bring more people to the church and provide a fun space for young families and others to enjoy on Super Bowl Sunday. “Something really unique and really special is happening at our church,” Banks said. “We’ve grown by 150 people in just the last five months, and it’s mostly young families, young adults, millennials, and it’s super cool to see what’s happening.” Super Sunday is the perfect exemplar of the church’s growth. There will be kid-friendly services and special activities for the youngest congregation members to enjoy, as well as a Field Goal Challenge and giveaways for the adults. Banks hopes these fun activities will make

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Public Safety Enforcement Group announces the arrest of 47-year-old Jamaal A. McCray of Cahokia Heights, IL for Failure to Report an Accident Involving Death (Class 1 Felony). On January 27, 2024, ISP agents were requested by the East St. Louis Police Department to assist with a hit-and-run investigation involving a pedestrian that occurred at Market Avenue and 8 th Street in East St. Louis. The victim, 42-year-old, Mario M. Poster of Cahokia Heights, IL was transported by ambulance to an area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. On January 30, 2024, McCray was identified as a person of interest and was taken into custody. On February 1, 2024, the case was presented to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney James Gomric, and the above-mentioned charge was filed against McCray. There is no further information. ISP was assisted by the East St. Louis Police

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EDWARDSVILLE - 222 Artisan Bakery announced they will temporarily close at the end of February 2024. In a Facebook post on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, the bakery announced that their landlord decided to bring in a different business. “We signed our new lease as written by our landlord, but unfortunately they decided to go with a different business. We do understand,” the bakery said in their post. “With rent prices rising in Edwardsville, you must do what you can for your family and your family’s future. Unfortunately, we were not their choice, and we can’t hold that against them.” The bakery said they have another spot to “set up shop” but warned there may be a delay because of the time it takes to complete buildout, permits and city inspections. They added that they asked their landlord for an extension but the request was declined. “In the meantime, our biggest concern is our employees,” the bakery said. “These

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BETHALTO – 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. Congratulations to all the Civic Memorial “Eagles of the Month” and the “Teacher of the Month. "We all here at Midwest Members Credit Union wish you well in your future endeavors!" Midwest Members Credit Union has been serving your community for 89 years. To find out more information about Midwest Members Credit Union and what they are doing in your community, please visit www.midmembers.org 2024 January’s Eagles of the Month winners:

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ALTON - February is Heart Awareness Month, and Laurinda Harjai has a few tips to keep your heart healthy. Harjai, a cardiology nurse practitioner with OSF Medical Group, explained that Heart Awareness Month is a good chance to think about your health and make adjustments where needed. She encourages all patients to keep an eye on their blood pressure and cholesterol levels, to stay active, and to follow up on any concerns they might have. “I think it’s a good time to bring awareness,” Harjai said. “When was the last time I saw my primary care doctor? What has my blood pressure been? What is my cholesterol? Do I have diabetes and not know it? I think it’s really important to follow through.” Harjai explained that she always tries to get a feel for her patients’ lifestyle and family history, both of which can contribute to one’s likelihood of developing heart disease or another heart-related issue. Smoking is a major concern,

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ALTON - Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford followed up Monday, Feb. 5, 2024, with information regarding the shooting of a 13-year-old child on Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024, in the 900 block of Highland Avenue. The 13-year-old is still in critical condition, Chief Ford said. "Her family is by her side as they pray for her survival," added the chief. Chief Ford said Alton Police Department Criminal Investigation Division detectives have worked tirelessly since the shooting occurred. "They continue to follow up on active leads," he said. "They will continue to relentlessly pursue justice for the victim and her family. "I have spoken with Alton’s Mayor, David Goins, Madison County’s State Attorney, Tom Haine, several area police chiefs and sheriffs, and community leaders, all of whom have pledged their full support and resources to help us seek justice for the victim and her family. "Based on interactions with the family, I believe they know we are working extremely hard to not only

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WOOD RIVER - After much anticipation the City of Wood River and the Wood River Parks and Recreation Department are proud to announce the Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting of the new Wood River Recreation Center, on February 17, 2024. The ribbon cutting ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. and the grand opening will be held from noon until 4 p.m. “Residents are invited to the grand opening on February 17th, to participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony, tour the facility, see demo gymnastics and group fitness classes and ask any questions they may have.” Jason Woody, Park and Recreation Director stated. “We are also moving all of the offices to the new facility to better serve the residents. We are streamlining most of our registration procedures and look forward to more convenient registration and more recreation opportunities for Wood River." The 30,000 sq ft. facility boasts 4 multi use rooms, including a group fitness room, gymnastics center, walking track, basketball

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JERSEYVILLE - Two individuals have been charged in separate cases with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, possession of a stolen vehicle, and more, according to recent Jersey County court documents. Timothy G. Glenn, 25, of St. Louis, was charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon (a Super Class 3 felony), unlawful possession of stolen vehicle (a Class 2 felony), and aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer (a Class 4 felony). On Jan. 28, 2024, Glenn allegedly stole a silver 2012 Nissan Altima with a Missouri registration number. He also possessed a “loaded Glock 22 .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol with a round chambered and a 15-round magazine with an assortment of Winchester and Federal ammunition” after previously being convicted of a felony, according to court documents. Glenn was additionally charged with aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer after driving the same stolen vehicle through the front

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