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EDWARDSVILLE — The Madison County Finance and Government Operations Committee on Monday approved a proposed $182.6 million fiscal year 2023 budget, along with a $30.8 million property tax levy. The committee voted on Thursday to send the proposed FY2023 budget and zero-growth tax levy to the County Board at 5 p.m. on Nov. 16. The new fiscal year starts on Dec. 1. “Once again the county balanced the budget and kept its property tax levy flat,” Chairman Kurt Prenzler said. “It’s been the County Board’s priority to reduce reliance on property taxes.” In 2017, the board lowered the tax levy by $1.8 mill to $30.8 million and it’s remained at that level. County Board member and Finance Committee Chair Chris Guy said the administration met with department heads and elected officials to put together a balanced spending plan. “We got a budget that does not increase taxes,” Guy said. “It also supports public safety in a time

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La SALLE – On October 27, 2022, at approximately 8 p.m., Illinois State Police (ISP) responded to a report of an interstate shooting on I-39 northbound near Hope Township at milepost 40 in LaSalle County. With a general description of the suspected vehicle, ISP officers located the vehicle and began following it on I-39 near LaSalle at milepost 57. Around Mendota at milepost 75, a passenger in the vehicle fired multiple shots toward the ISP squad car, hitting the car. Fortunately, the ISP officer was not injured. ISP continued to follow the vehicle further north, and after briefly losing sight of it, located it again on I-39 northbound near Monroe at milepost 112. At that time, ISP Air Operations had the vehicle in sight and ISP officers on the ground initiated a pursuit, which continued into Wisconsin. ISP provided information to the Clinton Police Department in Wisconsin, enabling them to deploy stop sticks. Ultimately, the vehicle ran out of gas and the three suspect

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives and the Accident Reconstruction Unit are investigating a fatal motor crash near the intersection of West Florissant Avenue and Buzz Westfall Road which resulted in the death of an adult female. On October 27, 2022, at 6:00 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the Jennings precinct responded to a call for service for a motor vehicle accident near the intersection of West Florissant Avenue and Buzz Westfall Road. Arriving officers located two motor vehicles involved in a motor vehicle crash. Preliminary investigation has revealed a Saturn Ion was traveling southbound on West Florissant Avenue. The Saturn made a left turn into oncoming traffic onto Buzz Westfall Road when it was struck on the passenger side by a Ford transit van. The driver of the Saturn, a 74-year-old female, was conveyed to an area hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries but succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased.

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) officials have issued a request to the public for any information regarding the death investigation of Andrew Long. On October 10, 2017, Andrew Long was found lying in the street near Manchester Park in Manchester, Illinois, with a head injury. Long was hospitalized and ultimately died from his injuries on October 19, 2017. Because of the questionable nature of Long’s death, ISP DCI Zone 4 Investigators are continuing to actively pursue any leads which could provide information regarding the circumstances of Long’s injuries and how he came to be at the location he was found. Anyone with information concerning this case is asked to contact ISP Zone 4 Investigations at (217)782-4750 Crime Stoppers of Morgan & Scott County online at morganscottcrimestoppers.webs.com or (217) 243-7300. Tips also may be submitted by texting 274637 (CRIMES) with the first word of the tip being “payout”.

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EDWARDSVILLE - The 13th annual Edwardsville Turkey Trot 5k will take place this Thanksgiving in both in-person and virtual formats for 2022. Hosted by Edwardsville Neighbors, proceeds from the event will help local families in need. This year’s in-person 5k will be held on Thursday, Nov. 24 (Thanksgiving Day), from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. There will also be an in-person Kids Fun Run for ages 12 and under that will take place earlier that morning from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Both in-person runs will start at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) Parking Lot F. More information about the route can be found at this link . There is also a Virtual 5k option taking place at any time from Nov. 24-30. As of this writing, the registration cost for both the in-person and virtual 5k is $30, and the cost for the Kids Fun Run is $15 - but those prices are set to increase on Nov. 1, so interested readers should register soon at this link . Chad Opel, co-founder of Edwardsville

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ALTON - Riverbender Radio is once again celebrating Halloween weekend with a spooky soundtrack of traditional Halloween favorites and music from classic horror films and tv for the residents of the River Bend and beyond. Special programming will run on The Bridge station only from 3 p.m. to midnight today, Oct. 28th through Halloween. Halloween has always been an important holiday for Riverbender.com since the site launched on Halloween day in 2005. The business has since participated in Alton's Annual Halloween Parade and other area parades on many occasions. This is The Bridge station's second year providing special Halloween programming. And, leading up to Christmas, The Bridge will once again shift its sound to seasonal favorites. This weekend you can expect popular songs I Put A Spell On You by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Monster Mash by Bobby Pickett, This Is Halloween by Michel Elias, Thriller, and Ghosts by Michael Jackson, Abracadabra by Steve Miller Band, Somebody's Watchin

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GLEN CARBON - After eight years of work, the Edwardsville Township Board voted Wednesday evening 5-0 approving the bid to move forward with the renovation and expansion of Edwardsville Township Hall at 300 West Park Street in Edwardsville. At the bid opening on Tuesday, three bids were submitted with the approved low bidder being Millenium Construction for $1,385,000. “Since being elected to the Township Board in 2017, this project has been a weight around the Township's neck,” said Kevin Hall, Edwardsville Township Supervisor. “To finally be moving forward and seeing an end in sight; a date where we can better serve the taxpayers of Edwardsville Township with an accessible, modern office is a relief.” The project will bring many improvements and upgrades to the building from the late 1980s. It will include an increase in space, updating to ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) requirements, upgraded HVAC, plumbing, electrical, lighting and more modern standards.

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ALTON - The National Great Rivers Research & Education Center (NGRREC) held a celebration to commemorate the organization's 20th Anniversary Thursday afternoon in front of their research building. The celebration included some keynote speakers including NGRREC Executive Director Dr. Gary Rolfe, Dr. Dale Chapman, and Dr. Ellen Gilinsky. Each of them talked about where and how NGRREC started, what they're doing now, and their extensive plans for the future. "It's truly a milestone in our development and I think over the last 20 years we've grown dramatically," Rolfe said during the event's opening remarks. "We've developed a comprehensive program and we're just really excited about how we're positioned today," he said. "I think our entire NGRREC team believes that we've laid the foundation to be a strong voice in policy issues and management issues related to water quality, interaction between water and land, and human interactions within those systems. That's been our mission sinc

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Name: Jimmie Carrol Denton, Sr. Branch: Army Wars: Korean War Submitted By: Daphne Gvillo

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ALTON - With winter approaching, ice-cold milk on ice-cold days may not sound as appealing as it does in the heat of the summer. Surprisingly, milk sales actually increase throughout the winter months. Milk is a staple in many comfort dishes created for the long nights of winter. So while drinking ice-cold milk may not be a current seasonal choice, enjoying milk in hot winter beverages is still showing to be an American favorite. All dairy milk, whether served warm or cold, contains 13 essential nutrients the body needs. These nutrients include calcium, vitamin D and potassium, all of which are nutrients of concern within American diets. “The dairy case has something for everyone. There are many varieties of milk, including low-fat and fat-free, as well as lactose-free options,” explains registered dietitian Maggie Cimarolli. “Adding milk to a favorite hot beverage is a simple way to work these 13 essential nutrients into a busy day.” Coffee has proven

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WOOD RIVER - Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Oiler of the Month” program at EAWR High School. A Senior student is selected each month by members of the EAWR faculty. Each student is awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. The Seniors selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $1,000.00 “Oiler of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. October’s winner is Tyler Robinson. Tyler is a Senior at EAWR and is involved with varsity basketball, football, baseball, soccer, golf, the National Honor Society, and Spirit Club. Tyler has received honors for the National Honor Society, varsity football, basketball, baseball, golf, and soccer. After graduation Tyler plans to obtain a degree in Business at Illinois State University. Congratulations Tyler and we all wish you good luck in your future! Midwest Members Credit Union has been serving your community for over 87 years. To find out more information

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BUZZ MAGAZINE - The 1953 edition of the Illinois football team had plenty to offer. Not only did the Illini win a Big Ten title, but they also had their own anthem singer. Peter Palmer, a senior tackle, delivered “The Star-Spangled Banner” before every home that season while wearing his football uniform. It was a sign of things to come, as Palmer went on to become a star of the stage and screen. Palmer was part of the original Broadway cast of Li’l Abner, one of the stage hits of the decade, and reprised his role in the Hollywood version. He later was credited with forty television and movie roles. Born on Sept. 20, 1931, in Milwaukee, Palmer spent most of his youth in St. Louis. He later earned a football scholarship to Illinois and played on Big Ten championship teams in both 1951 and 1953. However, the gridiron was not Palmer’s primary reason for choosing Illinois. Though he was offered scholarships by multiple football programs, he selected Illinois

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ALTON - Mac’s Downtown has had many innovations over the past year and its newest adventure is breakfast. A small breakfast menu is now available on Friday and Saturday from 7-11 a.m. The Mac’s brunch will continue on Sundays. Rob Lenhardt, one of Mac’s owners, said there aren’t as many places in the Downtown Alton area for breakfast and he thinks it might fill a niche. “We are going to ease into and try it for six to eight weeks and see how it goes,” he said. “We will have a smaller niche menu and listen to the community’s feedback. If they want it to continue we could add a few more days after the trial." The Mac’s Sunday Brunch has been extremely successful. Rob said staff will come in at 5:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday and by 7 a.m. will start serving customers. He said in the beginning there will be a limited menu with 8 items, Lump Crab Eggs Benedict, Steak and Eggs, Biscuits and Gravy, Bacon Breakfast Sandwich, Southwest

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ALTON - After a successful 2022 season on the Alton Riverfront, the Alton Amphitheater Commission has begun planning for 2023. As part of that planning process, the Commission, at its meeting on October 19, 2022, approved the release of Requests for Proposals for both the venue naming rights and for production services to begin in 2023. Interested parties may download one or both of the Requests for Proposals from the City of Alton’s website at https://www.cityofaltonil.com/bidsandrfp/ Parties interested in production services for the amphitheater should submit eight copies of their proposal in a sealed envelope to the Alton Park & Recreation office at 2 Emma Kaus Lane, Alton, Illinois 62002 no later than 12:00pm on Monday, November 21, 2022. All proposals will be opened by the Amphitheater Commission in the lunch room on the second floor of Alton City Hall at its regular meeting on Monday, November 21, 2022 at 4:30pm. Any interested persons may be present and those making submission

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HARDIN - On September 13, 2022, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of Theft and Forgery. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office began conducting an investigation. Subsequent to the investigation, on Friday, October 21st the Calhoun County State's Attorney's Office issued charges and requested a warrant to be issued for Adam J. Webster, age 33, of Hamburg, Illinois for the offenses of Theft, and Forgery. On October 23, 2022, Webster was arrested by the Jersey County Sheriff's Department. Webster posted bond on the aforementioned charges, and was released on bond with a court date at the Calhoun County Courthouse in Hardin, Illinois. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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ALTON – Alton Main Street is pleased to announce being awarded The Lieutenant Governor Award for Excellence in Revitalization, recognizing the Untold Black Stories of Alton project. The award is one of the most notable recognitions for Illinois Main Street communities to achieve for their work in bringing economic prosperity to their communities. The awards highlight projects, activities and events focused around The Main Street Approach™ (Design, Organization, Economic Vitality and Promotion), as well as outstanding volunteers and board members. “Revitalization is about using talent, resources, new ideas, and paths of collaboration for positive change,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “I am so proud of this year’s award recipients for their amazing work strengthening Main Street communities after the challenges caused by the pandemic. Because of their efforts, our main streets will continue to provide goods, services, economic opportunities,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine on Thursday filed felony theft charges against the treasurer of a local softball organization. Heather S. Sullivan, 37, of Roodhouse, is charged with stealing approximately $64,200 from Esprit Metro Fast Pitch. The theft is alleged to have occurred between Aug. 1, 2021, and March 7, 2022. Associate Judge Janet Heflin set the defendant’s bail at $80,000. The case was investigated by Glen Carbon Police and Assistant State’s Attorney Bruce Reppert. This charge, as well as the statements made herein, are based upon probable cause. The defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

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Dear Editor, As the sheriff in Madison County, my job is to protect the public’s safety. In this role, it’s vital to have strong partners in elected officials who share my commitment to making the right decision when it comes to protecting the public and our men and women in law enforcement. That’s why I am supporting Katie Stuart for State Representative. As State Representative, Katie has supported and fought for laws to make our communities safer and that protect our men and women who put their lives in danger each day to help keep the public safe. Katie is fighting for safer communities by delivering millions in new funding to put more police on our streets and for new high-tech resources and collaboration to solve violent crimes, carjackings, and home burglaries. That’s why Katie is the only candidate for State Representative endorsed by the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, Sheriffs of Illinois PAC, and the Illinois Troopers Lodge #41 Fraternal Order

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ALTON - The Alton City Council discussed a resolution for a permanent response to the issues of flooding - a five-foot tall, 1,000-foot wall from the Greater Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau Office on Piasa Street to William Street. Alderman Nate Keener told the council members that originally the plan was to suspend the rules and approve the wall proposition with the State of Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the City of Alton in an immediate fashion, but now the thought was to receive some public input and have it go directly through Alton Committee of the Whole. He explained that time is of the essence to approve the measure to receive the IEMA funding to match with city funds. “We want to take advantage of federal funds to mitigate flood damage,” he said. “But we would like to see more public input and transparency around the project. I would like to just read it and refer it to the Committee of the Whole.” Keener said there is still time

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Thursday that a 25-year-old Madison man has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in connection with a fatal shooting in Venice. Gerrin L. Massie pleaded guilty to firing a shot that killed Kenneth Stanley Jr., 30, on May 12, 2020. Private surveillance video showed Massie exiting a vehicle on Market Street in Venice, then walking down the street to the rear of a vehicle occupied by Stanley and two others. Massie fired 15 rounds into the back of the car, but only one bullet struck a person - Stanley. Stanley died of a gunshot to the back of his head. The maximum sentence available under the plea agreement is 40 years in prison, while the minimum sentence for first-degree murder is 20 years. Massie’s sentencing hearing is set for Dec. 9. “We intend to ask for the maximum available sentence of 40 years,” Haine said. “Violent crime has to be met with an appropriate measure of justice,

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