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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) joined the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in announcing funding that will bring 60 clean school buses to communities throughout Central and Southern Illinois. The funding comes through the agency’s first Clean School Bus Program Grants Competition. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law has brought millions of Americans safer roads, bridges and neighborhood crosswalks. Now, it’s delivering better buses for our students and our environment,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “I’m excited to announce that the Environmental Protection Agency has selected applicants in Cahokia Heights, Decatur and East St. Louis and Granite City as recipients of their Clean School Bus Program, bringing essential funding to upgrade and replace 60 buses across Central and Southern Illinois. This investment is only the start of our work to reduce air pollution, save money for our school districts and

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ILLINOIS - State Representative Amy Elik helped pass several bipartisan bills in 2023, and she has plans to do more in 2024. Elik is a Republican who represents the 111th District in Illinois with a homebase in Alton. From Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) cards to sexual misconduct in schools, Elik has multiple bills in the works that she hopes to pass this year after she returns to Springfield on Jan. 16, 2024. “I’m really proud, especially of the bills that I passed in 2023. I have a whole host of additional bills for 2024 that I’m working on,” Elik said. “I know that I'm looking forward to going back. I’m excited to work on the bills and things that I’ve been working on these last few months sort of behind the scenes…Honestly, my bills come from constituents that bring issues to me and I go, ‘Well, that’s not right. We can fix that.’” Elik is currently working on a bill that aims to lower

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ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE - Another winter storm is on track to hit the St. Louis region on Tuesday morning and the forecast appears changeable depending on the area. Lydia Jaja, a St. Louis National Weather Service meteorologist, said some snow/rainfall will arrive in the Alton region around 5 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, and continue through the night. "The snow or rainfall will continue through the night," Jaja said. "Right now we are forecasting a high-end total of about an inch for St. Louis and not expecting a lot of accumulation. The highest totals will be further north of the Alton area. Jerseyville could receive anywhere from a trace to 2 inches. It is right in the gradient." Later in the week, temps will drop and be in the teens, she said. Jaja said there could be some additional snowfall coming Friday, but right now it is uncertain whether it will be rain or snow. The rain and snow that starts tonight will likely continue until Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, afternoon. Friday

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JERSEYVILLE - Two people have been charged with stealing a trailer and a John Deere Compact Track Loader from Midwest Tractor Sales in Jerseyville, according to recent Jersey County court filings. Cody A. Jones, 36, of Oquawka, Ill. and Shaelee L. Harkey, 21, of Viola, Ill. were both charged with theft of property valued between $100,000 to $500,000. Court documents state that on or about Dec. 19, 2023, Jones and Harkey stole property from Midwest Tractor sales, specifically a John Deere 325G Compact Track Loader and a “T-Man” trailer with forks. Both Jones and Harkey were charged with Class 1 felonies. Court documents indicate they are currently being held without pretrial release conditions in the custody of the Jersey County Sheriff until their 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

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Business Association recently announced the next installment of their “Business After Hours” series with a “New Year’s Resolution” theme is coming up from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024. The event is open to the public and allows visitors to learn more about local businesses. The “New Year’s Resolution” theme will also help attendees start the New Year off right by learning exercise tips, good cleaning habits, and more. “Learn from some of Jerseyville's best cleaners and organizers about easy cleaning habits, and meet some of our local gyms to get you fired up about excerising in 2024,” the JCBA announced . “Enjoy some refreshments and meet some new people! We hope you see you there and starting off 2024 with a bang!” The upcoming Business After Hours will be held at Royal Banks of Jerseyville, located at 117 S. State St. Participating businesses include th

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MURPHYSBORO - U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced that his 2024 re-election campaign has been endorsed by former senior advisor to President Donald J. Trump, U.S. Representative Max Miller (R-Ohio). “Mike Bost is a proven leader with the experience and commitment to move the America First agenda forward. He is working hard to keep our country safe, defend our constitutional rights, and ensure our veterans receive the best care possible,” said Miller. “I am happy to endorse my friend, Mike Bost, for Congress.” “After serving in the Marine Corps Reserve, Max Miller spent four years fighting to Make America Great Again as Director of Presidential Advance and as a senior advisor to President Trump,” said Bost. “I am very grateful to have Max’s support and friendship; and I am excited to continue working with him in Congress to advance the America First Agenda.” Miller’s endorsement adds to the growing list

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ST. LOUIS - 2023 marked continued growth at St. Louis Downtown Airport. The airport, located in St. Clair County, Illinois, is credited with helping generate more than $422 million in economic impact for the bi-state region. This is due, in large part, to the completion of new infrastructure, increased flight operations and continued expansion by largest tenant. Momentum is expected to continue into 2024 as business aviation steadily rebounds and tenants expand their employee rosters, adding to the more than 1,500 full-time and part-time jobs already supported by St. Louis Downtown Airport tenants and operations. The airport is the third busiest general aviation airport in Illinois and features a variety of long-term existing tenants who are contributing to the growth and are committed to expanding their operations. In August 2023, St. Louis Downtown Airport completed construction of a new $5.4 million ground engine run-up and compass calibration pad to help support its tenants’

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SPRINGFIELD – With the first blast of winter potentially arriving next week, the Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding the public to visit and bookmark GettingAroundIllinois.com for continually updated information on road conditions. Weather can change quickly in Illinois, so whether you’re driving a short distance or several miles, GettingAroundIllinois.com is an essential resource to keep you updated 24/7/365 on road conditions throughout the state all winter long. “While IDOT is ready for whatever winter has in store, preparation and planning always are your best protection in keeping you and your family safe during snow-and-ice season,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Winter weather can impact travel at any time, with severe events requiring several days before roads return to being completely clear of snow and ice. This winter, please make it a habit to check GettingAroundIllinois.com before you drive anywhere

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CHICAGO – As Illinois’ overall respiratory illness level has increased from Moderate to High in the past week and more than half the counties in the state are at an elevated level for COVID-19 hospitalizations, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding the public to stay up-to-date on all respiratory illness vaccines and to stay home and seek treatment if you are sick. This health guidance is being offered as seasonal respiratory viruses - including COVID-19, flu and RSV - are circulating widely and the CDC is reporting that 61 Illinois counties are at either High or Medium level for COVID-19 hospital admissions, according to the CDC’s national COVID Data Tracker , as of the week ending December 23. A total of 18 counties in Illinois are listed at High level for COVID-19 hospitalizations (compared to 14 counties in the week prior) and 43 are at a Medium level in the latest week (compared to 50 counties in the week prior), including Cook,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High junior boys basketball player Iose Epenesa scored six points, and contributed to a great defensive effort that held the top three players on Collinsville to a combined 31 points as the Tigers dealt the Kahoks their first loss of the season 42-38 on Jan. 5 at Lucco-Jackson Gym. Edwardsville broke a three-game losing skid with the win and also broke Collinsville's 17-game winning streak to start the season, with the Kahoks tied for number two in the state with Homewood-Flossmoor in this week's Illinois Associated Press Class 4A poll, behind top-ranked Chicago Curie. For the season, Epenesa's made a significant contribution to the team, averaging 6.5 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, adding on 18 assists, four steals and two blocked shots as the Tigers improved to 11-6 with the win. Epenesa is a Johnston Law Firm Male Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. "I'm feeling really excited, and I don't even know what to say," Epenesa said in his postgame interview

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GLEN CARBON - Father McGivney Catholic High School recently released its fall semester honor roll lists. They go as follows: High Honor Roll is awarded to students with a 3.60 or greater weighted GPA. 12 th grade : Joseph Chouinard, Grace Deakos, Melanie Dempsey, Lane Goodwin, Katherine Greer, Christopher Grotefendt, Brianna Guetterman, Thomas Halbrook, Kaitlyn Hatley, Anna Henke, Joseph Hyten, Elaina Jansen, Rylie Joelner, Ryker Keller, Olivia Klusas, Riley Knobeloch, Emily Landoll, Nathan MacLaughlin, Liana Miller, Logan Miller, Colin Moore, Gerold Myatt, Sophia Novosel, Samantha Oller, Meaghan Pamatot, Mayelin Rios, Molly Ronzo, Lindsey Schrage, Christian Spiroff, Samuel Strack, Siena Strehl, Nathan Terhaar, Samantha Viliocco, Drew Villhard, Luke Welser, Jaiden Zook, Jada Zumwalt 11 th grade : Tyler Ahring, Madison Autry, Kylie Becker, Julia Behrmann, Lyle Biermann, Liam Boeving, David Carroll, Jane Cummins, Madeline Day, Aidan Deist, Lincoln Duffy, Joseph Feldhaus, Molly

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ST. LOUIS - Twenty ideas for the Rams Settlement Funds have been selected to move forward to a public vote. Over 700 ideas have been submitted by residents on the CitizenLab portal since its launch in August of 2023. In December 2023, the Board of Aldermen passed Board Resolution 159 to share their priorities for the Rams Settlement, informed by resident input through a citywide survey and multiple public hearings. Those priorities include upgrading water infrastructure, improving city services by attracting and retaining city workers, increasing public safety, improving city finances, catalyzing downtown reinvestment, increasing community mobility, and increasing access to affordable childcare. President Green’s policy team, led by Policy Director Cristina Garmendia, reviewed all ideas submitted by residents and identified 101 ideas that address the Board’s priority challenges. From November 17 through December 31, 2023, residents were given the opportunity to provide

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EDWARDSVILLE - As a way to honor area seniors , State Senator Erica Harriss (56 th -Glen Carbon) and Senator Jason Plummer (55-Edwardsville) will host their annual Valentines for Seniors Card Drive through February 5, 2024. “I often hear of people in the community looking for ways to help others. This is an opportunity people can show our seniors love and support this Valentine’s Day,” said Senator Harriss. “We have several nursing homes and long-term care facilities across the district, and I want to make sure these residents don’t feel unloved or forgotten about on a day focused on love.” Both Senators are asking students, scout groups, churches, families, and other groups to consider creating homemade cards that will be delivered to nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and other long-term care facilities throughout each Senate District. “This is a chance to make sure people know that we care and are thinking about them,” sai

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Republican Central Committee is hosting their annual Lincoln Day Dinner once again starting at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2024 at American Legion Post #492 in Jerseyville. This year’s event will feature keynote speaker Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lisa Holder White, who also visited Jersey Community High School last November . The Lincoln Day Dinner will begin with cocktails at 5 p.m. followed by dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 each at the door, the cost of which includes a catered dinner with gourmet desserts, water or tea, as well as admission to see the guest speakers. In addition to the speakers and dinner, the evening will also see a Silent Auction, raffle, and 50/50 drawing take place, giving attendees plenty of chances to win lots of great items. American Legion Post #492 is located at 300 Veterans Memorial Parkway and West Fairgrounds Avenue in Jerseyville. For additional information, visit jerseycountygop.com

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On Christmas Eve 2021, Jessica Tilton saw a little TikTok video that inspired her to dream big. A young woman wearing a ruby red evening gown climbed the steps of an academic building. The onscreen text read: “Competing in pageants to help pay for medical school.” The woman passed behind a column and emerged on the other side, now in a white coat and blue scrubs. The text changed to: “Becoming a doctor thanks to Miss America.” Three weeks later, Tilton was walking onstage with the contestants in the Miss Central Illinois competition. And on January 14, 2024, she will represent the state of Illinois in the Miss America competition, broadcast live from Orlando. She has had an exciting and busy two years. And as thrilling as her achievement is, Jessica has another, larger goal. She is halfway through her first year at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Carbondale. According to plan, scholarships from the Miss America Opportunity have indeed

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GODFREY - The Alton High School Class of 1986 hosted their second “Freezing for Funds” event and raised nearly $7,000 for the YWCA. On Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, roughly 20 people waded into the lake at Glazebrook Park to raise money for charity. “Freezing for Funds” started in 2022 and raised $3,500. After a hiatus in 2023, the event returned in 2024 and had double the donations and participation this year. “A lot of you guys came back to us and said, ‘Could you please do it again?’” committee member Craig Lombardi told the crowd. “And we did and you, we're probably gonna make this double. We're probably going to have double of what we made last year, and that’s because of you guys.” The Alton High School Class of 1986 organized the event with committee members Lombardi, Cami Beaber Giertz, Tawnya Hooper, Trisha Conreux Perks, Shane Calhoon, Mindy Myer and Mark Haynes. Participants donated to the fundraiser

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GRAFTON - A new local business is off to a strong start as the official merchandise supplier of Grafton’s veteran’s memorial. Seed to Sewn, a direct-to-film garment printing company, has partnered with the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) to provide merchandise for the new veteran’s museum and memorial to be built in Grafton . A percentage of the proceeds for every shirt purchased will go toward NMMA to help fund the memorial. “We’re honored, blessed. It’s been an exciting road for us inside of doing business for our company Seed to Sewn, and this is some involvement that we never expected,” said Joellen Sudmeier, owner of Seed to Sewn. “Special shoutout to the mayor Mike Morrow in Grafton and his lovely wife Lynn. Really, everybody that we’ve met in Grafton. This is huge for us, and we are honored to be able to do this for them.” Sudmeier started the business with her friend Chris Grigsby after the

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jerseyville Public Library has a busy January jam-packed with fun community events for all ages scheduled this month, and invites the public to attend with no library card needed to participate in any programs or events they have planned. This month’s activities kick off with the monthly LEGO Club for kids in Kindergarten through seventh grade, held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024. No registration is required, and the LEGOs will be provided. Each of the masterpieces created during the event will be displayed at the library all month long. For those looking for more of an informative night in, call the library at 618-498-9514 to receive a Zoom link to watch the latest Illinois Libraries Present: Speculating About Our AI Future from the comfort of your own home. The virtual event will feature three best-selling science fiction writers discussing the promise, perils, and possible impacts that AI will have on our future. On Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024,

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EDWARDSVILLE — A Ferguson, Mo., man was charged Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, in the death of a Maryland Heights, Mo., man after a body was discovered in Alton in a wooded area on Lincoln Avenue. Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine and Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford announced Friday that a 44-year-old Ferguson, Missouri, man - Antonio M. Baker - has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of a man whose body was discovered in a wooded area of Alton. The 34-year-old victim found in the wooded area was Andre T. Hawkins of Maryland Heights, Mo. Alton Police took Baker into custody Thursday night in Missouri, less than 48 hours after the discovery of the victim’s body. A municipal worker discovered the body of Hawkins shortly after noon Wednesday in a wooded area along Lincoln Avenue. Hawkins suffered numerous gunshots. Baker was being held Friday afternoon at the St. Louis County Jail, pending extradition to Madison County. Haine’s office

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PIASA - Sophomore Vivian Zuehide is a remarkable athlete and she is showing it this winter on the basketball court for the Piasa Birds. Vivian's coach Darren Mosley said she has had a double-double with scoring and rebounding in multiple games this season and is extremely productive on the court. Vivian is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athlete of Month for her efforts on the basketball court. "Vivian has significantly improved her play from last season in all facets of the game," Coach Mosley said. "Vivian has to fill a number of roles for our team. Vivian plays both as a guard and as a post for our team. "Vivian has been both the leading scorer and rebounder for our team. She plays with a passion and is very competitive. She has a desire to win and that shows on the basketball court." Again congrats to Vivian for her recognition as an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for her girls' basketball efforts. Vivian is also a

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