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BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High School ninth graders prepared for the school year with a freshmen orientation. Throughout the day on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, students could walk through the building, practice opening their lockers, and learn more about the teachers and expectations in the high school. Teacher Phil Schneider oversees the FreshMentor program, which connects freshmen students with upperclassmen mentors. He explained that the orientation and the FreshMentor program eases the transition to ninth grade. “It helps the freshmen and it helps the upperclassmen,” Schneider said. “The first day of school, no matter what grade, you always get kind of anxious, especially freshman year. We want to make it as easy as possible and kind of set them on the right path from the very beginning.” Justin Newell, Civic Memorial principal, echoed Schneider and noted that programs like the FreshMentors help students feel more comfortable. Students are able to learn

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BELLEVILLE - The Illinois Center for Autism (ICA) will host their annual Pedal for Autism fundraiser and Family Fun Fest. From 7–9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, bicyclists can ride two routes to raise money for ICA’s programs. Starting at 10 a.m., the Center will host a free festival for families and kids to enjoy. Both events will take place at the Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) campus. “Right before school really gets rolling, we thought it’d be a good way to kind of bring the summer to a close,” explained Rachel Newsome, ICA’s Communications Officer. “Although our Pedal for Autism event has been around for many years, we decided it was time to expand our event and we wanted to focus on the family. This event has something for everyone.” ICA has hosted the Pedal for Autism fundraiser for the past 15 years. Bicyclists pay $25 or $70 for a family of four, then choose one of two routes to ride on the morning of Aug. 17.

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that road repairs will require lane closures in both directions of Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9. One lane will remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 12. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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GRAFTON - An evening of family-friendly fun awaits Grafton residents and visitors for Grafton Family Fun Day 2024 this weekend on Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Red Hawk Park in Grafton. In addition to face painting, rock painting, and other activities, this year’s Family Fun Day will also include pickleball following the installation of pickleball courts at Red Hawk Park which debuted at last year’s event . Local royalty will be making an appearance this year, as Miss Jersey County and Little Miss Jersey County join the festivities on Saturday. Food and drink including hot dogs, chips, and water will be provided for attendees, who are asked to bring their own blankets and/or chairs. Family Fun Day 2024 will also see the return of local emergency vehicles, including a helicopter from Survival Flight, vehicles from the Grafton Police and Jersey County S.W.A.T., as well as QEM fire trucks and an ambulance from the Jersey Community Hospital (JCH) Ambulance

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EDWARDSVILLE - These are another of a series of profiles on artists who will have art displayed at the Edwardsville Art Fair in City Park Sept. 27-29, 2024. Artist #1 Artist Name: Rhonda Gurgone Artist Medium: Jewelry Artist Statement: " I believe that jewelry we wear should not only look beautiful but also tell a story. The antique buttons I use in my pieces are selected for their unique design and historical significance. My goal is to create jewelry that is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also meaningful and sentimental." Artist #2 Artist Name: Kara Hayes Artist Medium: Jewelry Artist Statement: " I am a dual artist. I seamlessly blend the elegance of precious metals with the luminosity of fused glass to craft captivating jewelry. Through meticulous techniques and passion for innovation, each piece I create is imbued with beauty. My ultimate goal as an artist is for my creations to resonate with the souls of others and to activate an emotion deep within."

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ALTON - An updated schedule for decorative holiday lighting on the Clark Bridge is on the agenda for the Alton Committee of the Whole’s consideration on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024. The updated schedule includes a widely expanded list of holidays from what was originally proposed earlier this summer. Alderman John Meehan previously suggested adding more dates after residents raised concern that major holidays such as Christmas were originally excluded - now, the “Christmas Season” will see the bridge adorned in red and green for an entire month from Dec. 6, 2024 to Jan. 6, 2025. Another notable addition is a red, white, and blue color scheme for July 3 in addition to the Fourth of July, seemingly to accommodate Alton’s annual “ Fireworks on the Mississippi ” event which is typically held each year on July 3. The full schedule and colors schemes to be voted on are as follows: Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birthday (Jan. 15): Red/white/blue

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COLLINSVILLE - To improve and enhance local transportation options, Madison County Transit (MCT) will launch “MCT Micro,” its first MicroTransit, service on Monday, August 12, as a pilot program, offering affordable on-demand rides in Collinsville. MCT Micro is a public transportation service that allows riders to book trips on-demand from an app on a smartphone or via phone call and ride anywhere within a pre-determined zone. (See MCT Micro Service Area Map for the Collinsville Zone). Each ride on MCT Micro is just $1.00 and all valid MCT passes, tokens, and Free Ride IDs will be accepted. Powered by technology from SpareLabs Inc. and operated (like all MCT services) by Agency for Community Transit (ACT), the MCT Micro service will utilize MCT’s smallest ADA-accessible buses and will be driven by ACT’s trained, drug-tested, and background-checked drivers. All vehicles are equipped with video surveillance and bike racks. Once launched, passengers can reques

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton has announced that high school principal Dr. Steve Stuart is stepping down from that role, effective immediately, and will assume the position of executive director of the EGHM Foundation. “During his time at EHS, Dr. Stuart has made a profound impact on the lives of students, staff, and the entire Edwardsville community,” said Shelton. “We are excited that he will continue to contribute to our community in his new role as the executive director of the EGHM Foundation.” Ron Simpson, executive director of the EGHM Foundation, has announced his retirement and will transition out of that role. “Serving as principal of Edwardsville High School has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life,” said Stuart. “I truly enjoyed coming to EHS daily and having the pleasure to work with this diverse student body and dedicated staff. I am immensel

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EDWARDSVILLE – The fast track to thrills starts at Edwardsville Children’s Museum (ECM)! Families are invited to join ECM for its FREE Ka-Chow! Cars Event on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and experience the fun of Radiator Springs and Route 66 right here in Edwardsville. Sponsored by the City of Edwardsville, Ka-Chow! includes free admission to the Museum and a meet-and-greet with Lightning McQueen himself . ECM offers racing fans young and old non-stop excitement with special activities all day long: Buckle up for your own Piston Cup series on the kid-sized speedway. Try out “Cars” themed activities throughout the Museum and enjoy story time in the Children’s Garden. Jump the day away in a bounce house. Get a front-row seat as ECM unveils its brand-new replica repair shop inside the H&F Exteriors Garage. Running out of steam? Make a pit stop and cool off with a free ice cream treat. “We’re so excited

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ALTON - The holiday transformation of Rock Spring Park in Alton will begin in early September, and new Christmas Wonderland volunteers are always needed to help put together displays to ensure the holidays sparkle in 2024. An informational meeting for volunteers is planned for 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 13 at Best Western Premier, College Ave., Alton. The Grandpa Gang, which coordinates the annual Christmas event, is looking for volunteers to help with tasks like setting up wooden displays and hanging lights throughout the park. Volunteers are able to work any time between 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday and work continues through the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Volunteers are not required to work each day of set up. Set up in the park is expected to begin Monday, Sept. 9 at 8 a.m. If interested in volunteering but unable to attend the Aug. 13 meeting, volunteers should contact Dick Alford at 618-781-2482 or Dave Davis at 618-419-1969. “We always look forward

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August 9th has been a significant date throughout history, marking notable events across various categories globally. 1965: Singapore Gains Independence - A New Nation is Born August 9, 1965, marks the day Singapore gained independence from Malaysia. Following a tumultuous period marked by racial tensions and political disagreements, Singapore's separation was a significant event in Southeast Asian history. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew, Singapore transformed from a small, resource-poor island into a thriving global financial hub. The nation's journey from independence to prosperity is often cited as a remarkable example of economic development and effective governance. 1999: Russian President Boris Yeltsin Nominates Vladimir Putin - A New Era Begins On this day in 1999, Russian President Boris Yeltsin nominated Vladimir Putin as Prime Minister, setting the stage for a major shift in Russian politics. Putin's rise to power marked the beginning

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ALTON – The third annual OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center Back-to-School Celebration drew several hundred attendees on Saturday, August 3, 2024. “For the second year in a row, our annual Back to School Celebration distributed 500 school supply bags to local students to help them get ready for the upcoming school year," OSF Public Relations & Communications Coordinator Randy T. Schorfheide said. "Now in its third year, our Back to School Celebration event has witnessed growth in attendance every year since its inception. "Last year we had an estimated crowd of 700, and for this year, we approached 800 attendees. The support from our Mission Partners, community partners, combined with the generosity of Dwight and Cheryl Werts, has made this event successful every year.” The event featured a giveaway of backpacks filled with paper, pens, pencils, and crayons to the first 500 children aged 4 to 12. Last year’s event also provided school supplies for

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SPRINGFIELD - The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), an organization that advocates for small businesses across the nation, has announced that Illinois State Senators Jason Plummer and Erica Harriss have earned a perfect 100% on the 2023-2024 legislative scorecard. “It’s an honor to be recognized again for my support of our small business community,” said State Senator Plummer (R-Edwardsville). “If we want to grow our economy and create new good-paying jobs, we have to put forward pro-growth policies that help our businesses succeed.” Rankings are based on legislator voting records on eight individual bills from the 103rd General Assembly (2023-2024) that affect small businesses in the state. Click here to read a summary of the bills included in the rankings. “From one small business owner to another, I will always be an advocate and strong supporter for small business communities,” said Senator Harriss (R-Glen Carbon).

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CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Judge Veronica Armouti of Illinois has become the first judge from the state to earn a Certificate in Judicial Executive Leadership from Harvard University Law School’s Executive Education Program. The achievement was marked during an intensive session held July 21-24, 2024, at Harvard Law School. The National Judicial College, in collaboration with Harvard Law School's Executive Education Program, aims to equip judicial leaders with the foresight, ethical grounding, and innovative leadership skills necessary to navigate today’s rapidly changing world. The program emphasizes design thinking, change management, and crisis resolution, preparing judges to lead adaptive, resilient, and responsive judiciaries. Judge Armouti participated in courses on Advanced Leadership and Management Principles, Effective Communication, and Personal Development, all tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities within the judiciary. The program is designed

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BELLEVILLE - Illinois American Water is accepting applications for its 2024 Firefighter Grant Program. Through this program, the company provides financial assistance to fire and emergency organizations throughout its service areas. According to Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water, the Firefighter Grant Program provides another opportunity to support public safety. “Our team of experienced professionals treat the water and test every fire hydrant annually to support local safety and fire protection. The Firefighter Grant program is one more way we strengthen our partnerships with local heroes and support the communities in which we live and serve.” Since 2010, Illinois American Water has awarded over $940,000 to over 945 Illinois volunteer fire departments and emergency response units. Fire departments and districts are eligible for one grant per year. Uniformed professional and volunteer fire departments serving communities throughout Illinois American

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Police (ISP) has earned Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) Law Enforcement Accreditation for the 11th time. “Integrity, Service, and Pride are at the core of ISP. They’re not just words, they’re an attitude, a lifestyle, the foundation upon which our officers build everyday as they serve their communities,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “This accreditation affirms our continued commitment to excellence and we will use all available resources, including technology and training, to better our people and serve and protect the citizens of Illinois.” CALEA is often referred to as the “Gold Standard for Public Safety Agencies.” In 1986, ISP became the first state law enforcement agency to be accredited. There are 40 CALEA accredited law enforcement agencies in Illinois. To become accredited , law enforcement agencies must complete a comprehensive two-to-three-year self-assessment,

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $5 million in tourism funding through two grant programs, the Route 66 Grant Program ($4 million) and International Tourism Grant Program ($1 million). Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Here in Illinois, our tourism industry is thriving and we’re not letting up,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With $5 million in funding through our Route 66 and International Grant programs, we’re showcasing our state’s rich history all while creating jobs and driving economic growth. I encourage all eligible entities to apply and continue making Illinois a top destination for visitors from around the world.” “These grant programs are vital to supporting the dedicated organizations that showcase Illinois' exceptional character,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “By

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GLEN CARBON - The region will likely never see a caliber distance runner like Elena Rybak, the senior Father McGivney phenom, come ever again. Rybak has won three state championships in the 1,600-meter run and appears poised for a fourth in the spring of 2025. Father McGivney Catholic High School's cross country team is set to reach its typical heights in 2024, with head coach Jim Helton expressing high expectations for standout athlete Rybak. Coach Helton praised Rybak's performance and work ethic, highlighting her as one of the most talented athletes he has ever coached. Rybak runs with grace and style and is as hard a worker as any athlete in the McGivney School. She also is a starter on the Father McGivney girls' soccer team. "We always knew she was a tremendous talent," Helton said. "Putting it together her junior year for a team state championship was nice and refreshing. She worked so hard and is a great teammate." When Rybak isn't running in track and field or at cross-country

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JERSEYVILLE - A man charged with sexually abusing a 14-year-old was granted pretrial release despite a petition to keep him detained after a series of criminal cases against him were dismissed. Kyle C. Kniffen, 28, of Jerseyville, was charged with one count of criminal sexual abuse, a Class 4 felony. Kniffen allegedly committed an act of sexual abuse against a minor who was 14 years old while Kniffen was 26 at the time of the incident on July 13, 2022. Kniffen has an extensive criminal history, including a series of cases against him spanning several years which were previously dismissed, according to a petition to deny his pretrial release. The petition states that Kniffen was previously charged with aggravated battery of a child in 2015 before the case was dismissed with leave to reinstate. An assault case against Kniffen from 2018 was reportedly dismissed at the request of the victim. A previous case of criminal sexual abuse and grooming from 2022 was also dismissed after

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GODFREY - Nancy Orrill is the latest Good Neighbor Award recipient in the Village of Godfrey following Tuesday’s Public Safety Committee meeting. Orrill was recognized among other accomplishments for her 300 hours of volunteer service and her work through the Master Gardener program. Trustee Sarah Woodman said Orrill has been gardening since she was 8 years old and became a Master Gardener after completing a 10-week training program through the University of Illinois Extension. “After working for 31 years, Nancy retired in 2010 and pursued her passion of gardening,” Woodman said. “By 2011, she was the project leader for the Village Garden - that’s the garden behind the Village Hall.” Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick commended Orrill on all her efforts and said she was a model citizen and a great example for others in her village. Orrill was previously awarded the Outstanding Master Gardener Award in 2018, and she and her team earned the

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