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BELLEVILLE - It’s the holiday season and for some families in Southern Illinois and the Metro East area, getting gifts under a Christmas tree is not always a given. Caritas Family Solutions, a nonprofit human services agency, is encouraging people to sponsor children through its Secret Santa program, which is expected to help provide gifts for nearly 1,400 children this year. Abbey Turner, an Administrative Manager Supervisor who manages the program, has been with the agency since 2018. Her parents were foster parents during her childhood so helping youth in care has been close to her heart for a long time. She said she knows very well how valuable the support of a community is for programs like these. “We simply can't make this program happen without the generosity of people in our community,” said Turner. “Our kids receive really special gifts from people who are looking to help fill a need. By giving them the gift they want, we are providing them with a sense

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ALTON - 25 years ago, the December edition of "The Old Cathedral" Saints Peter and Paul parish newspaper was able to predict the future when it ended an article about the very first Christmas Bazaar with the following: "Before the day was over dozens of people had begun talking about the Second Annual Old Cathedral Christmas Bazaar. The thought of this becoming a tradition in our Parish, was perhaps as gratifying as the end result of the initial event." Little did they know that the tradition would carry on for 25 years. Plans are currently underway for the 25th annual Christmas Bazaar to be held at Saints Peter and Paul Church in Alton on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. With the exception of the COVID year, this marks the 25th consecutive year for the Bazaar. The Bazaar vendors, bake sell, breakfast and lunch and other activities are held in the gymnasium behind the church while the school building is used for display of the Granny’s Attic merchandise. The Bazaar

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SPRINGFIELD – With the days growing shorter and temperatures gradually getting colder, the public is being reminded that it’s time for “Winter Weather – Get it Together.” The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and Illinois Tollway are prepared for whatever snow-and-ice season has in store, but also are asking you to get ready for winter travel over the coming months. “The unseasonable weather might mean snow and ice are the furthest from your mind, but conditions will change very soon. You don’t want to be caught by surprise and unprepared,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman . “Our team at IDOT spends the entire year getting ready for winter by bringing in extra help, stocking up on materials and making sure our equipment is ready to go. By doing your part now, we can ‘Get it together’ and make this the safest winter ever on Illinois roads.” Now is a crucial time to

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ALTON, — Three individuals were shot inside a residence in the 1000 block of Tremont on Friday night, prompting a multi-agency response to assist the Alton Police Department. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victims inside the home. The Alton Fire Department provided immediate medical assistance before all three were transported to local hospitals, with at least one victim requiring airlift to a medical facility. Agencies including the Madison County Sheriff's Office,Illinois State Police, Wood River, East Alton, Hartford, and Granite City Police Departments were also present at the scene and at the hospitals, aiding in the response efforts. The Alton Police Investigation Unit is currently leading the investigation into the shooting. As of now, details regarding the number of shooters and their descriptions remain unclear. Authorities have indicated that more information will be released as it becomes available.

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated a traffic crash in East St. Louis involving an ISP squad car hit by an intoxicated driver who failed to move over. At 9:34 p.m. on Nov. 14, 2024, at approximately 9:34 p.m., an ISP trooper activated their emergency lights and parked their marked squad car on the left shoulder of Interstate 55 northbound at milepost 1.9 near East Broadway to assist with a crash that had just occurred. Around 10:05 p.m., a gray Chevrolet truck failed to move over, drove onto the left shoulder, and struck the rear of the parked squad car. Fortunately, the trooper was not inside the squad car when it was hit. Due to the extensive damage, the squad car had to be towed from the scene. The driver of the Chevrolet was identified as 40-year-old Omar Castillo Loera of Alamo, Texas. ISP issued Castillo citations for the Move Over Law – Failure to Yield to Stationary Emergency Vehicle, Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol,

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ST. LOUIS - Aerospace firm Boeing, a major employer in the St. Louis region, has begun issuing layoff notices to 111 mechanics, according to a spokesperson from the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM). The layoffs are part of a broader effort by the company to address ongoing production delays with its high-profile 777X commercial jet. The affected workers received a 60-day warning notice, which indicates that they will continue to be paid through January 17. This decision comes amid Boeing's announcement that it plans to reduce its global workforce by approximately 10% as it grapples with the challenges associated with the 777X program. IAM officials noted that most of the St. Louis-area employees facing layoffs were directly involved in the production of the 777X jet. The delays in this program have prompted the company to reassess its staffing needs in the region. Boeing has not provided specific reasons for the production delays, but the company's

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WOOD RIVER — Jayla Cartright, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, has been named a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for East Alton-Wood River High School for her outstanding contributions to the volleyball team. Cartright, recognized for her role as a middle hitter, has been playing volleyball for several years. She credits the sport with instilling in her the importance of teamwork. “The most important quality volleyball has given me is teamwork. It is important to have good relationships with your teammates for the whole team's success, and it makes it more fun,” she said. Her coach, Bethany Billingsley, has played a significant role in her athletic development, fostering an environment where players can thrive. “I would like to mention my mom; she has always been really supportive of things I want to do,” Cartright added, acknowledging the support from her family. In addition to volleyball, Cartright also plays defens

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ALTON - Rose Brangenberg, a senior at Marquette Catholic High School, has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to the girls' volleyball team. Brangenberg's accolades include being named to the All Conference - 1st Team and being honored as the Most Valuable Teammate. She has also served as co-captain throughout her high school volleyball career. Rose is a Tucker's Automotive & Repair Female Athlete of the Month for the Explorers. Brangenberg began playing volleyball at the age of 7 with her mother in their backyard, and her passion for the sport has only grown since. "I’ve always enjoyed learning how to play different positions and practicing to improve my overall game," she said. She emphasized the importance of teamwork, stating, "I value many great friendships made over the years, and being a part of a team, working together toward a common goal." Her coaches, Mark Ellebracht, Michelle Davenport, and Emma Deist, have played a significant role in her development

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SPRINGFIELD – Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton and First Lady MK Pritzker completed a series of state-run facility visits, concluding with yesterday's tour of the Cook County Jail Women's Division. These visits, which included tours of the Justice in the Community and Fox Valley Adult Transition Center, demonstrate their shared commitment to understanding issues and improving conditions for women impacted by the criminal legal system. "Strengthening support services for justice-involved women creates positive ripple effects for their children and our Illinois communities," said First Lady MK Pritzker . "Through rehabilitation programs and support services, we can help ensure every woman has the resources and opportunities needed for a successful future." The tours included meetings with key staff, facility walkthroughs, and roundtable discussions with residents to learn about the programs and services offered. Through the First Lady's office systems change work, the women's

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ST. LOUIS — A 16-year-old boy has been identified as the victim of a homicide that occurred on November 14, 2024, in South County. Logan Snyder, who resided in the 400 block of W. Ripa Avenue in St. Louis, was found unresponsive at the intersection of Regina Avenue and Horn Avenue. The St. Louis County Police Department responded to a call for service at approximately 4:53 p.m. on November 14, where officers discovered Snyder suffering from apparent life-threatening gunshot injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is ongoing, with detectives from the Bureau of Crimes Against Persons actively pursuing leads. Authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. Those wishing to remain anonymous may reach out to CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477). Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

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ALTON — The bravery and dedication of local first responders were honored at the 2024 Alton Area Optimist First Responders Award Celebration. The event recognized the exemplary service of police officers and firefighters from Alton and Godfrey, showcasing the impact these individuals have on their communities. The ceremony, organized by the Alton Area Optimists, took place in Alton, where attendees expressed gratitude and reflected on the vital roles first responders play in ensuring public safety. “We are proud to celebrate the outstanding men and women who go above and beyond to protect and serve our community every day,” said a representative from the organizing committee. Awards were presented to several honorees, including Officer Allen Averbeck from the Alton Police Department, Detective Sergeant Andy Johnson from the Madison County Sheriff's Office, and multiple members of the Alton and Godfrey fire departments. The recipients included Captain Donald

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O'FALLON — The O'Fallon Police Department is gearing up for its annual Breakfast with Santa event, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024. In preparation for the festivities, members of the Metro Alliance FC visited the department to assist with crafting items for the occasion. The collaboration underscores the community spirit that the event aims to foster. The police department expressed gratitude for the support, highlighting the importance of local partnerships in enhancing community events. As the date approaches, the department looks forward to welcoming families and creating a festive atmosphere for attendees.

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ELSAH - Members of the First Church of Christ, Scientist invite the community to join them for their Thanksgiving service. On Nov. 28, 2024, all three area First Church of Christ, Scientist locations will hold a Thanksgiving service. Located at 53 Lasalle Street in Elsah, the Elsah church will begin service at 10:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving. The Jerseyville location (1118 S. Liberty Street in Jerseyville) and the Godfrey location (1430 W. Delmar Avenue in Godfrey) will start their services at 10 a.m. “Thanksgiving as a holiday, if you look at it historically, it’s about giving gratitude to God,” Roger Gordon said. “Whatever your faith background, we would love to welcome you on Thanksgiving. Let’s give gratitude to God together.” Gordon, a fourth-generation Christian Scientist, serves as the chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life at Principia College. He said that his family loves attending the Elsah church, where his wife is a reader. H

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BELLEVILLE - Belleville Township High School District 201's Director of Technology, Curtis McKay, participated as a panelist at the Tech Leader Summit during the Illinois Education and Technology Conference. The event took place recently, bringing together education technology leaders from across the state to address current topics and challenges in the field. McKay's involvement in the summit highlights the district's commitment to integrating technology into education. The conference served as a platform for discussing advancements and best practices, with a focus on enhancing educational outcomes through innovative tech solutions. The Illinois Education and Technology Conference is a key event for educators and technology professionals, fostering collaboration and the exchange of ideas aimed at improving educational environments.

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CHICAGO – An Illinois Lottery player has a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving after cashing in a life-changing $10 million windfall. The lucky winner recently took home the second of three top prizes for the $10 Million scratch-off game. The top-prize-winning ticket was purchased at Jewel-Osco in Countryside, at 5545 South Brainard Avenue. The Illinois Lottery’s $10 Million game has three $10,000,000 top prizes, leaving one still up for grabs. In addition, this game has 15 prizes of $1 million and the best odds to win $500 on any scratch-off ticket currently available in Illinois. The first $10 Million Instant Ticket top prize was won in May 2024 by a player who purchased the ticket in Alton. This is the 48th Illinois Lottery player to win $1 million or more on a scratch-off ticket this year. For selling the winning ticket, Jewel-Osco in Countryside will receive a one percent bonus of the prize amount, or $100,000. The Illinois Lottery currently offers

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will observe U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week November 18-24, 2024. The annual event is intended to increase public knowledge about the importance of careful use of antibiotics in order to prevent antimicrobial resistance, where bacteria and other germs develop an immunity to the drugs that were designed to fight them. “Antibiotics are powerful, life-saving medications used to treat serious bacterial infections,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra . “However, overuse or misuse of these medications can cause them to no longer work, contributing to antimicrobial resistance. Antimicrobial resistance is a serious public health concern leading to drug-resistant illnesses that have fewer effective therapies. Antibiotic Awareness Week is a good reminder for Illinois residents to use antibiotics only when necessary and carefully follow your provider and pharmacist’s instructions in their use.”

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that nonfarm payrolls were down -2,400 while the unemployment rate was unchanged at 5.3 percent in September, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The September monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +7,100 to -15,800, while the revised unemployment rate was 5.3 percent, unchanged from the preliminary September unemployment rate. The October payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflect activity for the week including the 12th. In October, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job losses included: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (-1,900), Other Services (-1,000), Information (-300), and Professional and Business Services (-300). The industry sectors with monthly payroll job increases included: Leisure and Hospitality (+1,400), Manufacturing (+100), and Private Education

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JERSEY COUNTY - In conjunction with CNB Bank & Trust, J.C.H.S. has selected their “Students of the Month. The recipients for the month of October are Marley Cazier (9) and Aiden Johns (8). The selection of a “Student of the Month” is based upon the number of F.O.C.U.S. nominations, which a student receives for a given month. F.O.C.U.S. (Finding One Clearly Unique Student) is a program, which acknowledges a student each week for academic or kindness. Each week teachers may recognize students who have performed well in their classes by selecting them as F.O.C.U.S. students for that particular week. During October, Marley and Aiden received the most F.O.C.U.S. nominations. Because they received the most nominations, they were named “Students of the Month” at J.C.H.S. They are being congratulated by Mike LaTempt of CNB Bank & Trust. In conjunction with Jersey State Bank, J.C.H.S. has selected their “Student of the Month”. The recipient

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CHICAGO – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s announcement that he will nominate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): “Mr. Kennedy is entirely unqualified to lead our federal health programs. While masquerading as a crusader against corporate influence or for the concerns of children and parents, Mr. Kennedy pushes quack science that will cause more disease and death. His theories are unsubstantiated and dangerous. This position has life-and-death responsibilities. America deserves nothing less than a serious person to fill it. Mr. Kennedy is not that person.”

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EDWARDSVILLE - SIUE will welcome Maria Beaver Hussman, an Ojibwe educator, seamstress and crafter. From 12–2 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, Hussman will share stories and crafts in the Lovejoy Library at SIUE. Attendees can make dreamcatchers and listen to Hussman’s stories about Ojibwe culture. “She’s just interested in sharing her culture and Native American culture in general with people,” said Simone Williams. “It’s a way to relate the work that we do on campus with the outside community, and also just ways of expressing different ways of learning. I don’t believe that there’s one way to learn, even though we’re in an academic setting. You can take bits and pieces from these different storytellers and apply it to your life.” Williams, Diversity and Engagement Librarian and an assistant professor at SIUE, organized Hussman’s visit to Lovejoy Library. She explained that Hussman sells traditional and contemporar

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