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Letter To The Editor: Hello, my name is Noa Zimmerman, I am 17 years old. I am writing to share my thoughts on how the Convention of States can help reshape our government and stabilize my future along with the rest of my generation. Article V of the U.S. Constitution provides my generation and all Americans the opportunity to shape the future of our nation. This is an opportunity to reform our government so that it better reflects our values and priorities as Americans. I am worried about issues of government overreach, governmental accountability, and the preservation of our freedoms. The Convention of States promotes a constitutional avenue to address these concerns. For me and all my fellow citizens in Southern Illinois it is not about policy changes. COS is about ensuring a future where our voices are heard and protected. Growing up we have all seen and or experienced economic uncertainty, political gridlock, and an ever-increasing national debt. Convention of States can hel

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ALTON - The Alton City Council is taking action on bike trail connectivity and more following unanimous approval of an agreement with the Madison County Transit District (MCTD). The project aims to improve connectivity between the Confluence and Vadalabene Trails, look into lane reductions on Broadway, and more. City Council members voted unanimously on Wednesday in support of a resolution for the city to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the MCTD “to create better trail connectivity from the Confluence Trail to the Vadalabene Trail and within Alton’s Central Business District, via Alton’s Riverfront trail, with various potential improvements.” These projects will be funded with multiple grants, including a $500,000 grant the city was awarded for the implementation of its “Great Streets” plan designed in 2020. The MCTD has also previously adopted a resolution outlining its intent to commit $34,000,000 for future trail projects

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ALTON — The concluding night of Movie Night at James Killion Park is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. The event has been a weekly highlight throughout August, offering a community gathering point for residents. Shelia Goins, one of the organizers, expressed her satisfaction with the turnout and enjoyment at the Movie Night events. "It has been a great time every week in August," Goins said. However, Goins emphasized the importance of parental supervision at the upcoming event. "On this Saturday night, parents should accompany any children at the event," she stressed. Last week, several children were dropped off by parents and picked up after the event, which posed a challenge due to a shortage of volunteers. "There isn't enough volunteers to watch all the children and parents need to be involved," Goins added. Goins extended her gratitude to the volunteers and sponsors who have contributed to the success of the summer events. "I want to thank my volunteers

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HIGHLAND - With a new net metering policy hitting Ameren Illinois customers in January 2025, GRID Solar encourages people to call them now for information about solar energy. Jason Mitchell, co-owner of GRID Solar, explained that the net metering change means people with solar systems will likely see an increase in their winter power bills. However, those who already have a solar system installed will be grandfathered in for 15 years. This means your system will follow the net metering guidelines that are currently in place, where you don’t see a significant increase in your winter power bills. In order to get your solar system installed by Dec. 13, 2024, and therefore be grandfathered into the net metering guidelines, Mitchell encourages people to call GRID Solar, LLC, by Sunday, Sept. 1, 2024. After Sept. 1, the company will focus on designing systems that work for the new net metering guidelines. “We’ve got a lot of projects in the pipeline getting

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ALTON - The Alton City Council is updating language in the City Code pertaining to bicycles and designated bike trails ahead of a major bike trail improvement project also approved on Wednesday. A resolution to introduce an ordinance amending the “Bicycles” section of the City Code was approved unanimously. Among the changes made are the addition of three-wheeled tricycles, and tandem bicycles for use by two or more people, to now be included under the city’s definition of “bicycle.” The city’s definition for a “bicycle trail” would be removed and replaced with a new definition for a “bicycle path,” which reads as follows: “A separate path which is for the exclusive use of bicycles, walkers and runners. Where such trail or path forms part of a highway, it is separated from the roadway for motor vehicular traffic by an open space or barrier.” Such paths are also to be shared by other modes of transportation.

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PONTOON BEACH – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that bridge repairs on Illinois 111 between Illinois 162 and Pontoon Road in Madison County will require a full closure starting, weather permitting, at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 3. During that time, motorists should follow the marked detour as follows: Illinois 111 northbound: Eastbound Illinois 162 to northbound Illinois 255 to westbound I-270 to Illinois 111. Illinois 111 southbound: Eastbound I-270 to southbound Illinois 255 to westbound Illinois 162 to Illinois 111. The project is anticipated to be completed by mid-November. 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 and detour route. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Mueller Furniture & Mattress, a 4th generation family-owned business, donated hundreds of backpacks full of school supplies. The business hosted a “Backpack Give Back” event at its newest location in Fairview Heights to give away back-to-school items to families at no cost. “It is so wonderful to be able to give back and help so many families in the Metro East,” said owner and President Mark Mueller. “We know it’s not easy to be a parent with inflation and the cost of school supplies skyrocketing, so we’re hoping these backpacks will let people know we are in their corner. We are looking forward to doing more events like these in the future and are grateful for Y98 to help spread the word about the event. It is one of our core values to help support and uplift the people in our communities.” Mueller Furniture offers the largest selection of American-made furniture in the St Louis area and has specialized in providin

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ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District is gearing up for a busy fall with plenty of programs and services available to the community. “We’re trying something new all the time,” said Mary Cordes, Hayner’s executive director. “We have our long-term programs that we’ve been doing that I really don’t anticipate us ever getting rid of because they work and people really, really like them. But you don’t want to just rely on what you’ve done in the past. You want to keep moving forward. So we’ve got some really fun programs coming up.” Among these programs, Cordes is looking forward to the Taps and Tomes Book Club , which meets every other month at The Old Bakery Beer Company. This month, they’re reading “Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Ng and meeting on Sept. 5, 2024. From 6–7 p.m., participants can socialize and enjoy food and drinks. The book discussion starts at 7 p.m. Cordes sai

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SPRINGFIELD – As we approach the last unofficial weekend of summer, the Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police are sending a clear message: Driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or any other impairing substance is not a game. To help keep our roads safe, more than 200 local law enforcement agencies are joining IDOT and ISP in enforcing the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” safety campaign. “A DUI arrest is a serious matter that can impact lives forever – and it’s 100% preventable,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame, bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering at IDOT. “The consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol, cannabis or any other impairing substance could cost you large fines, legal fees, increased insurance rates and, more importantly, your life or someone else’s.” During the campaign, which runs through the Labor Day weekend, ISP, and local

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MADISON COUNTY - Madison County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Marcos Pulido shared on Friday night, Aug. 30, 2024, that Destiny Kharsi had been located and was "safe." The chief deputy said "thank you" to all who shared the information about Kharsi leading to her discovery that she was safe and sound. Kharsi, a 48-year-old woman had been reported missing since approximately 8:30 a.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024. Kharsi is a white female with blue eyes and gray hair.

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GODFREY – On-campus dining has returned to Lewis and Clark Community College, thanks to a partnership with LaMay’s Catering. Owned and operated by LaMay’s, the Blazer Bites Café is a new dining establishment on the college’s Godfrey Campus that offers a fresh and inviting culinary experience to students, faculty, staff and visitors. Located in the old Commons Café in the McPike Math & Science Complex, Blazer Bites offers a vibrant menu featuring a variety of burgers, sandwiches, wings, salads, and more, all crafted with a focus on quality and affordability. Also on the menu are student favorites like flavored sodas, espresso drinks, and grab-and-go meals. “By design, Blazer Bites Café presents a comfortable atmosphere where everyone can gather and experience the welcoming culture of L&C,” said L&C Auxiliary Operations and Grants Manager Tina Russell. “I hope it will become a space used to study, dine, relax and enjoy

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ALTON — Madison County Transit (MCT) donated two RECON patrol bicycles to the Alton Police Department during the MCT Board meeting on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024. This donation aims to enhance public safety by allowing law enforcement officials to patrol MCT Trails and local communities more efficiently. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford expressed his gratitude for the donation, calling it "an extremely generous donation." He added, "We at the Alton Police Department are very grateful. We will make good use of them at special events, concerts, parades, as well as periodic bike patrols. MCT is a great community partner. Their support and generosity are very much appreciated." Ellie Cone, Marketing Director of the Agency for Community Transit, elaborated on the purpose of the donation. "In an effort to support the evolving needs of local law enforcement and to encourage bicycle patrols on the MCT Trails and in Madison County communities, Madison County Transit (MCT) donated two RECON

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BELLEVILLE — Jenny Gain Meyer, Belleville’s City Clerk and lifelong resident, has announced her candidacy for Mayor. With extensive experience in public service and a deep commitment to her hometown, Meyer aims to guide Belleville toward a future that honors its history while embracing growth and development. “As City Clerk, I have seen firsthand the potential and the challenges that Belleville faces,” Meyer said. “I am running for Mayor because I believe in our community’s strength and opportunities, and I want to work with our city leaders, organizations, businesses, employees, and residents to ensure Belleville is a city we want to call home.” Meyer has outlined several key priorities for her mayoral campaign: **Revitalizing Neighborhoods and Housing:** Recognizing that some residents struggle to maintain their homes due to health, age, or economic reasons, Meyer proposes a community outreach program. This initiative would involve collaboration

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SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker issued a Disaster Proclamation following the severe weather and flooding that affected several counties in the state July 13 through 16, 2024, including St. Clair County. Cook County, Henry County, Fulton County, Washington County, Winnebago County, and Will County were other counties included in the governor's declaration. This proclamation comes after the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), in collaboration with local governments, concluded extensive fieldwork to assess the damage and destruction caused by the storms in communities across Illinois. Based on reports received by the IEMA-OHS, local resources and capabilities have been exhausted, and state and federal resources are needed to respond to and recover from the effects of these severe storms. The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency commended Pritizker's Disaster Proclamation regarding the July 16, 2024, flooding in the county.

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Metro East has seen a range of auto thefts in recent weeks, with stolen vehicle charges filed against several individuals from around the Riverbend region. Tiffany R. Shemwell, 37, listed as homeless out of Granite City, was charged with offenses related to motor vehicles (a Class 2 felony) and unlawful possession of methamphetamine (a Class 3 felony). On Aug. 17, 2024, Shemwell was reportedly knowingly in possession of a stolen Chevrolet Avalanche, and was additionally found with less than five grams of methamphetamine in her possession. The Granite City Police Department presented the case against Shemwell, who was ordered released from custody. Timothy B. Warren, 46, of Granite City, was charged with a Class 2 felony count of offenses related to motor vehicles. On Aug. 8, 2024, Warren allegedly possessed a stolen 2018 Ford Escape while knowing the vehicle to be stolen. He was later granted pretrial release in the case presented by the Glen Carbon Police

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MADISON COUNTY. - Authorities in Madison County are seeking the public's help in locating Destiny Kharsi, a 48-year-old woman who has been missing since approximately 8:30 a.m. on Friday, August 30, 2024. Kharsi, a white female with blue eyes and gray hair, was last seen wearing a green t-shirt and black capri leggings. The Madison County Sheriff's Office is urging anyone with information regarding Kharsi's whereabouts to come forward. Concern for her safety has prompted the office to ask the community for assistance. "Any piece of information, no matter how small it may seem, could be crucial in locating Ms. Kharsi," said a representative from the Madison County Sheriff's Office. Individuals with information are encouraged to contact the Madison County Sheriff's Office at (618) 692-4433. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the anonymous tip line at (618) 296-3000.

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ROXANA - The Roxana Police Department has issued an alert for two missing individuals, Deborah Renee Reader and Bryce A. Reader, last seen in the South Roxana area on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. Deborah, 45, who also goes by Renee Davis, and her son, Bryce, 23, were last observed around 8:15 p.m. on that day. Deborah suffers from mental health and substance issues, adding to the urgency of the search, the Roxana Police Department said. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the whereabouts of Deborah and Bryce to come forward. The Roxana Police Department can be reached at (618) 254-1945, and the Wood River Police Dispatch is available at (618) 251-3114. The police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding their disappearance and are seeking the public's assistance in locating the missing mother and son.

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ALTON, IL — Senior Services Plus is excited to host its second "Speed Connections" event. This event is set to take place on Friday, Sept. 20, 2024 at 2 p.m. in the School House Grill, and we're inviting older adults ages 55 plus in our community to join in the fun! For just $10 a ticket, attendees will have the chance to participate in a series of engaging, timed conversations with fellow participants. All proceeds raised from this event benefit the United Way of Greater St. Louis. “Last year’s event provided a wonderful opportunity to bring people together in a fun and relaxed environment” said Sydney Peckham, SSP’s Development Event Coordinator. “We’re excited to bring this event back to our community and see the new connections formed this year.” With a space designed to encourage comfortable and meaningful interactions, participants can look forward to a welcoming environment. The Speed Connections event is not only a chance to

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BELLEVILLE - On Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., the fifth "Live Music Row" will be happening all throughout downtown Belleville, with numerous singers and songwriters showcasing their talents at numerous locations. Headlining this event at Venue on Main at 202 W. Main St., Belleville, Ill., from 8-11 p.m. will be Clayton Q (whose song “Drive” is featured in the latest Chevrolet Silverado commercial) as well as Randy Russell and Kristen Tuff Scott, all arriving from Nashville next weekend to showcase their talents. Other locations featuring musicians during Live Music Row from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. are COPPER FIRE - 200 E. Main Street, Bennie's Pizza Pub - 113 E. Main Street, and Papa Vito's - 318 E. Washington St. For more information about this event, please contact Conni Tilley, owner of Venue on Main at 618-920-3846.

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ALTON - Parents, administrators and teachers at Alton Community Unit School District #11 are using a new method of communication. ParentSquare, a new app that allows school districts to communicate directly with parents, is the newest tech tool adopted by ACUSD11. Superintendent Elaine Kane explained that the app aims to increase the district’s communication with parents and community stakeholders while decreasing the district’s reliance on social media. “We were relying on social media to communicate, but yet it was ineffective because people are submersed in social media and our messaging was getting blurred,” Kane said. “ParentSquare allows two-way communication with all of our followers without having people who aren’t actually connected to the district interfering with our communication platform.” Parents and community members can use ParentSquare to communicate with teachers and administrators. They can also see announcements

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