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JERSEYVILLE – Jersey County Treasurer Katie Abbey is currently under investigation for allegedly misappropriating public funds, though few details are publicly available. Jersey County Board Chairman Gary Krueger read the following statement at the last Jersey County Board meeting on Jan. 14, 2025: “In late summer of 2024, the Jersey County Sheriff received allegations that the Jersey County Treasurer was misappropriating public funds. Due to obvious conflicts, an outside law enforcement agency and forensic examiner were brought in to investigate. A criminal investigation is ongoing at this time. “As with any ongoing investigation, confidentiality is critical and often required by law to ensure the integrity of the investigation and evidence collected. All of us understand the importance of transparency in government, but we are respectfully asking the public to be patient and respect the investigative and judicial process in this matter. When appropriate to do

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GRANITE CITY – Ameren Illinois customers driving in and around Illinois Route 203 from World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison to Granite City near U.S. Steel facilities in Madison County will see energy at work now and throughout July as the company upgrades a major natural gas transmission pipeline to comply with enhanced federal transmission pipeline regulations established in 2019. Ameren Illinois is replacing 1960s era pipeline along a six-mile stretch with new steel pipeline, while adding three new regulator stations and two new control valve stations as part of the Ameren Illinois' multi-year plan for all of its gas transmission pipelines to comply with the U.S. Department of Transportation's 2035 deadline for overall completion. Ameren Illinois is working with IDOT and Madison County to control traffic near the construction area. Weather permitting, this project should be completed by early July. "These proactive steps will ensure the continued safe, reliable deliver

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ST. LOUIS — The National Museum of Transportation was vandalized early Friday morning, Jan. 10, 2025, causing an estimated $20,000 in damage to two historic trolley artifacts. The incident occurred at approximately 6 a.m. on Jan. 10, and involved graffiti being painted on the trolleys, which are integral to the museum's operations during its operating season. The National Museum Of Transportation is located at 2933 Barrett Station Road, St. Louis. National Museum Of Transportation Executive Director Terri McEachern expressed her dismay over the incident, stating, "We are heartbroken by this careless, selfish, and senseless act. Our volunteers work extremely hard to restore these priceless artifacts and return them to operating conditions for our guests to enjoy." The trolleys affected are the 1914 St. Louis Waterworks Railway #10 and the 1947 Southern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority #2740. The museum, a non-profit organization, relies on community support for its preservation

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's Alumni Association and Athletics joined forces for an extraordinary evening of recognition and celebration for the 2025 Hall of Fame induction on Friday, Jan. 10. The event, held as part of the 2025 Alumni Weekend, highlighted the remarkable achievements of distinguished alumni and outstanding athletes, bringing together the SIUE community in a spirit of pride and camaraderie. The 2025 Hall of Fame Ceremony was segmented after dinner with two halves of presentations. Joe Pott, director of athletics communication and broadcasting, served as the evening’s master of ceremonies, welcoming attendees to a night that showcased the profound impact of SIUE’s alumni and athletics programs. Recipients were given an award to keep and their names engraved on a plaque to be displayed on campus. Each inductee delivered heartfelt remarks, reflecting on the role SIUE played in their success. Maggie Krumwiede, ’05, ’09,

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GLEN CARBON - Christine Young is organizing a fundraiser to support Bill Decker, who is facing significant challenges following the sudden passing of his wife, Cynthia Becker, of Glen Carbon. "Cynthia, a beloved wife and mother known for her psychic abilities, passed away recently after a long battle with a debilitating neurological disorder that confined her to a wheelchair," Christine Young said. The fundraiser aims to help Bill cover immediate expenses related to arrangements and to assist with the loss of the business they built together, which relied heavily on Cynthia’s gifts. Cynthia's death has left a profound impact on those who knew her. For many years, she fought bravely against her condition, never allowing it to define her. Despite the physical limitations she faced, Cynthia continued to connect with and support countless individuals through her psychic work. "Bill, her husband, was a steadfast source of support throughout her struggles, dedicating himself to

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MASCOUTAH - I llinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced his office will hold a REAL ID enrollment “pop-up” event at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. The appointment-only event for Illinois residents is part of the Secretary of State’s statewide effort encouraging residents to “Get Real” prior to the federal deadline. The office hosted similar events last month at airports in Quincy and Bloomington and Peoria. Effective May 7, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security will require airline passengers to present a REAL ID to board a domestic flight or enter federal buildings such as military bases and federal courts. Travelers will also have the option of using a valid passport to board flights. “Partnering with airports like MidAmerica allows our office to provide REAL ID services at a convenient location for frequent travelers,” Giannoulias said. “With the REAL ID deadline fast approaching, we

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) met with Han Kuo-yu, the Speaker of Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, and a delegation from the Legislative Yuan yesterday to discuss how the United States can best continue to support Taiwan amidst threats from the People’s Republic of China (PRC), help Taiwan strengthen their national security and further enhance our bilateral economic ties. Photos of the meeting can be found on the Senator’s website . “If America wants to remain a global leader, we have to show up and support our friends like Taiwan who is facing escalating threats from the PRC as they work to strengthen their own democracy,” said Senator Duckworth. “In recent years, I’ve worked across the aisle to help the people of Taiwan strengthen their civil defense, deliver desperately-needed COVID vaccines in the height of the pandemic and deepen our trade ties on everything from chip manufacturing to agricultural investments. I’m

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DEERFIELD – Today, Governor JB Pritzker, Fortune Brands Innovations and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced new investments in the company’s expanded headquarters in Deerfield. Fortune Brands Innovations’ significant investment in capital expenditures, bolstered by an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement, will enable the company to expand its headquarters to increase its operations and position the company and its brands for long-term growth. “Fortune Brands Innovations’ decision to establish its global headquarters in Deerfield is a testament to Illinois’ talented workforce, dynamic business ecosystem, and culture of innovation,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Supported by the EDGE program, this significant investment will generate hundreds of new jobs and further solidify Illinois as the premier state to live, work, and do business.” An industry-leading innovation

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker announced a $38.6 million investment from the U.S. Department of Transportation towards Amtrak’s Borealis Intercity Passenger Rail Service Line, which began service in May 2024. Borealis service runs from Chicago to Minneapolis with an additional Illinois stop in Glenview. In September, Governor Pritzker joined Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers in a coordinated bid between their states to deliver this expanded commuter rail service in the Borealis corridor. The funding will support six years of operations for the Borealis service. “As Governor, I’m always working to improve transportation options for the people of Illinois and in our surrounding region,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m thankful to the Biden-Harris administration for their ongoing support of Amtrak’s Borealis Service, which connects Chicago to our northern neighbors in Wisconsin and Minnesota. More rail connections

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For the thousands of people who have asthma (a chronic lung disease that impacts your airways), the thought of vigorous exercise may be daunting. They may think, “What if I’m working out alone and find myself short of breath or worse?” Enter Brittany Delaney, an athletic trainer at OSF HealthCare who works with young athletes on a variety of conditions, including asthma. She says workout warriors and their parents need not be afraid. You can work up a sweat with asthma if you know your body and prepare for possible problems. “Actually, we like that exercise a lot because it will help maintain a healthy weight. It also strengthens the lung muscles,” Delaney says. “It's very important for athletes to know how to manage their symptoms when they’re in sports. That way, we can reduce the likelihood of an asthma attack,” she adds. Signs to watch for include shortness of breath, hyperventilation (where you breathe fast and deep), dizziness,

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker commended Stellantis, the United Autoworkers (UAW), and other partners who helped secure an investment for the Stellantis manufacturing facility in Belvidere. The company’s announcement includes hiring back 1,500 union jobs to aid in the production of a new mid-size truck at the plant, beginning in 2027. “We commend Stellantis on its investment in Belvidere that will put 1,500 Illinoisans back to work in good-paying union jobs and grow the automotive industry in Illinois. This would not be possible without proactive collaboration and coordination between the State of Illinois, Stellantis, UAW, the Biden-Harris Administration, and our champions in Congress, including Senator Durbin, Senator Duckworth, Representative Bill Foster, and Representative Eric Sorensen,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “My administration has worked tirelessly with our partners to secure this investment and we are excited to see it come to fruition. We

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SPRINGFIELD – Since the Illinois State Police (ISP) began conducting inspections of Federal Firearms License (FFL) dealers, the number of guns stolen from dealers has decreased. In 2024, the number of firearms stolen from FFL dealers in Illinois dropped almost 80% compared to 2023, and 92% compared to 2022. “Five years ago, I signed a bipartisan law to combat illegal gun trafficking—and the data ISP released today demonstrates that state oversight works,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Too many Illinoisans know the pain of gun violence and the added security measures enforced by ISP are ensuring that guns don’t fall into the wrong hands.” “Stemming the flow of stolen guns used in crime is one way we are fighting gun violence,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Inspections, which ensure firearm dealers have security measures in place, reduces the number of guns stolen often later used to commit violence, and this effort

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Did you know that over 60% of travelers begin planning their trips months in advance? This statistic highlights the importance of thoughtful travel planning, especially when it comes to optimizing experiences and maximizing enjoyment. As spring approaches, many travelers are on the lookout for destinations that offer unique experiences, breathtaking scenery, and cultural richness. In this article, we will explore some of the top destinations that should be on every travel planner's radar this spring, providing insights and tips to help you make the most of your journey. Enchanting European Escapes 1. The Tulip Fields of the Netherlands One of the most iconic springtime images is that of tulip fields in full bloom across the Netherlands. The Keukenhof Gardens, located in Lisse, is the largest flower garden in the world, showcasing millions of tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. The best time to visit is from mid-March to mid-May, when the flowers are at their peak. In addition to

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WOOD RIVER - The Alton Community Service League will host a Speakeasy: Swing Dance and Concert event to raise funds for their grant program. On Friday, Feb. 21, 2025, community members are invited to the Wood River Moose to enjoy a swing dance lesson, a concert by the Granite City Swing Band, raffles, specialty cocktails and more. Tickets cost $35 or $50 for VIP tickets, and all proceeds go to the Alton Community Service League (ACSL) grant program to support nonprofits in the Riverbend community. “It will be an experience, taking you back to the days of a speakeasy and Prohibition and that sound of a swing concert,” said Jill Moon, one of the fundraiser’s organizers. “It’s immersive and interactive.” Ticket prices include a complimentary dance lesson from Norma Kelly, who will teach attendees how to swing dance from 5–5:45 p.m. Following this, the Granite City Swing Band will provide music until 9 p.m. under the direction of Music

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January 23rd has witnessed significant events across various domains—from politics to science, and culture to sports. On January 23, 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman to receive a medical degree in the United States. Graduating from Geneva Medical College in New York, Blackwell faced immense challenges in a male-dominated field. Her determination not only paved the way for women in medicine but also inspired countless individuals to pursue careers in areas previously thought to be inaccessible. Today, Blackwell is remembered as a pioneer who broke barriers and championed the importance of women’s health. Fast forward to January 23, 1919, when the United States experienced a significant shift in its legal landscape with the establishment of Prohibition through the 18th Amendment. This amendment made the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages illegal. While the intention was to reduce crime and corruption, Prohibition led to the rise

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GRANITE CITY – The Granite City Fire Department responded to a commercial structure fire Thursday morning, Jan. 23, 2025, at the Chen Laser Institute, located at 4168 Nameoki Road. Firefighters arrived to find smoke coming from the building and quickly located the fire in the attic. Firefighters encountered delays in accessing water from a nearby fire hydrant but were able to utilize water from their trucks to initiate firefighting efforts until the hydrant was operational. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and no injuries have been reported. The Chen Laser Institute, founded by Dr. William H. Chen, DMD, is known for its pioneering work in laser dentistry, including the development of techniques for laser root canal therapy and bone applications. According to the institute's website, it is the only international organization dedicated to training and education in the Waterlase and LaserSmile wavelengths.

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(EDITOR'S NOTE: Mental Health Awareness Day is Jan. 23, 2025. This is a story reflecting on that day from an OSF-certified nurse midwife). As the stigma around mental health continues to improve, people are more likely to seek treatment. A woman who has just learned she’s pregnant may wonder: should I stop taking medicines like Zoloft or Prozac? Will they hurt my baby? Sarah Shoemaker , a certified nurse midwife at OSF HealthCare, says first of all, you’re not alone. She says around one in five women experience a mental health concern during pregnancy, and many of those women are taking medication for things like anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder. Shoemaker says most of the time, you can and should stay on your medication. But it’s a conversation you should have with your health care team. Shoemaker implores women to talk about medication with their provider early Ideally, it’s before they conceive. Shoemaker says don’t change or stop your medicin

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ALTON – With unanimous City Council approval, Alton is applying for federal funding for multiple street improvement projects throughout the city. The following sections of the following streets are set to be improved under the Illinois Highway Code: 0.32 miles of Milton Road from Edgewood Avenue to Hillcrest Avenue 0.9 miles of Belle Street from Rozier Street to 20th Street 0.5 miles of Fosterburg Road from IL Route 140/111 to Alton Commerce Parkway 0.19 miles Brown Street Sidewalk from Vernie Avenue to Rock Springs Drive The resolution approved on Wednesday involves the allocation of $27,000 in Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds for the city to pay application fees to the East West Gateway Council of Governments, as Alton is seeking $5.4 million in federal funds for these projects. This fee amount represents 0.5% of the federal funding requested. If no federal funding is awarded for any of the street projects, the city will be reimbursed the full $27,000. More details and

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COLLINSVILLE — The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis is seeking the public's assistance in identifying a suspect in a shooting that left a 32-year-old woman dead on Tuesday morning. Portia L. Rowland was shot around 6 a.m. on January 21, 2025, while she was warming her car in the 1300 block of Olive Street. Police believe the incident was a targeted attack, prompting the Collinsville Police Department to enlist the help of the Major Case Squad for the ongoing investigation. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the suspect remains unidentified. Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the shooting or the suspect to contact the Major Case Squad at 618-344-2131 Ext. 5924. Individuals may also provide anonymous tips through CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477.

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ALTON - After six months of robust community input, Alton Main Street is announcing its new Transformation Strategy of Fostering an Entrepreneurial and Collaborative Ecosystem. The organization is embarking on a bold new plan to continue the progress in Downtown Alton, with key initiatives including Supporting Small Businesses & Startups, Enhancing Active & Affordable Living, and Developing District Assets. Main Street America was founded in 1980 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation in response to the decline of downtown areas across the nation. The program has expanded to include 1,600 communities, helping generate billions in local investment, create jobs, and improve quality of life. Alton became an accredited Main Street™ community in 1995, which was spearheaded by the City of Alton and the River Bend Growth Association, the area’s chamber of commerce. The rise of shopping malls, strip malls and suburban development was eroding traditional “city centers”

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