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GODFREY - Lewis and Clark Community College (LCCC) had a full house for their Martin Luther KIng Jr. Celebration on Jan. 25, 2024. The event, themed “Equity in Education,” included music by Blancas led by Brenda Lancaster and student recitations from Jamese Morrissette, Kamiah Newby, Brandon Hayes Jr. and Madi Bouillon. Al Womack Jr., the Director of the Alton Boys and Girls Club, was the keynote speaker. He gave a speech titled “Are We There Yet?” and spoke about systemic racism in education. “I do believe that our education system is built on racism,” Womack said. “They didn’t include Blacks when they first established the education system. Policies and practices perpetuate racial inequities and disparities in educational opportunities and outcomes. This form of racism is embedded in the system itself, impacting students, teachers and administrators at various levels.” Womack said that the end of affirmative action would

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GLEN CARBON - Emily Johnson, a senior forward for the Father McGivney Catholic girls basketball team, is off to a great start this season. Johnson scored 12 points in the opening win over the Lancers and 15 points against the Eagles in the Columbia Tip-Off Classic, and at that time, she felt that the preseason practices and the off-season work went very well for herself and her teammates. Recently in January 2024, Johnson had 13 points, five rebounds and three steals in a lopsided win over Valmeyer. Johnson is averaging close to 9 points a game and 3.2 rebounds per game. She has been an integral part of the Griffins' 17 wins so far this season. In a post-game interview earlier in the season, Johnson said, "I'm having a lot of fun and I am really excited for what's after everything else. We worked so hard in the summer and fall." Johnson feels that she brings many positives to the Griffins' table, which will help the team down the road. Johnson said the team's aggression is one of

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ALTON - Senior Meredith Zigrang is concluding her career in a Marquette Catholic girls varsity uniform in style with excellent play throughout the 2023-2024 season, her head coach Whitney Sykes said. Zigrang is also a softball standout and plays multiple positions from outfield to catcher roles. Zigrang has provided substantial leadership to a young Explorers girls' basketball team this season, her coach explained. Meredith is a Tucker's Automotive Repair and Tire Female Athlete of the Month for the Explorers. "Senior Meredith Zigrang is a two-guard for us and has earned her way to the starting lineup," Coach Sykes said. "She provides tons of energy on the defensive end and is one of our best rebounders even though she is sometimes the smallest player on the court." In a recent game against Metro East Lutheran, Meredith converted two fast breaks for scores with her speed and agility. She is always one of the leaders on defense and is constantly at the boards pulling down rebounds

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EDWARDSVILLE - Kris Crosby, a senior forward with the Edwardsville High boys basketball team, is providing the Tigers with senior leadership and experience as the Tigers head into the final month of the regular season. Currently, the Tigers are 15-8, following their 54-52 overtime win over Mascoutah on Jan. 23, with Crosby scoring seven points in the game, and also making key plays defensively to help the Tigers score the win. He's currently averaging 6.1 points and 4.3 rebounds-per-game, along with having five assists and three steals. His defensive acumen, along with his hustle and willingness to work hard, is a big plus for the team. Crosby is a Johnston Law Firm Female Athlete of the Month for Edwardsville. In his postgame interview following the win over the Indians, Crosby felt he played well, but could have done better. Still, he and the Tigers were very happy with the win in a tough, hard-fought and scrappy contest. "I'm feeling good," Crosby said. "I feel like we could have

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GLEN CARBON - The village of Glen Carbon recently welcomed two new officers to its Police Department after they were officially sworn in at the Village Board meeting on Tuesday. Officers Tawanna Knighten and Blake Takmajian were sworn in by Mayor Bob Marcus and congratulated by the department, which announced the addition of their two newest members on their Facebook page . “Glen Carbon Police would like to officially welcome Officer Tawanna Knighten and Officer Blake Takmajian,” they announced on Tuesday. “Tonight both officers were sworn in by Mayor Marcus surrounded by family, friends, and co-workers. “We are beyond proud of our two newest officers for all their hard work in the academy and in their training and look forward to all they will accomplish in their careers.” Officer Knighten was assigned badge number G66, while Officer Takmajian was assigned badge number G67. For the full announcement and photos from the Glen Carbon Police

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ALTON/GLEN CARBON - Caritas Family Solutions will host their 11th annual Heart and Soul Gala to raise money for their services, from foster care and family interventions to residential treatment programs and an emergency shelter. On Feb. 3, 2024, attendees will enjoy the gala at The Regency in O’Fallon. While the registration deadline has passed, community members can still support Caritas through a live auction on their website or by donating online . All of the money raised by Caritas goes back to the services they provide for families throughout the Metro East and Southern Illinois areas. “We use those proceeds to help us advance the mission of Caritas. And our mission is really simple, right? We want to take care of the social and emotional wellbeing of families,” explained CEO Gary Huelsmann. “We want to create healthy relationships. And then really when that happens, we can create loving homes, and if we can have loving homes, then we have

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CARLINVILLE - A local children’s author will make a return appearance at the Carlinville Public Library with a new book. Lee LoBue will read from his newest work, Hungry Dinosaur and the Bad Case of the Tummy Growl." LoBue, a Carlinville resident, also appeared at the library in November 2021 with an earlier book, Sleepy Dinosaur and the Bad Case of the Bedtime Roars , which was well-received by area readers. Like LoBue’s first book, Hungry Dinosaur features colorful visuals and fun, quirky characters that provide an engaging reading experience. A discussion and coloring activities will also be offered in conjunction with the reading. For more information on the reading or LoBue’s book, contact the Carlinville Public Library at 217-854-3505 or ilcivilwar@yahoo.com .

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SPRINGFIELD - In a letter obtained exclusively by CBS News, Democratic Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, demanded that the Federal Aviation Administration reject Boeing's request for a safety waiver on the so far uncertified 737 Max 7, the smallest of the four 737 Max variants. "Boeing forfeited the benefit of the doubt long ago when it comes to trusting its promises about the safety of 737 MAX, and the FAA must reject its brazen request to cut corners in rushing yet another 737 MAX variant into service," she wrote in the letter sent late Wednesday to FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker. The letter was penned on the same day that Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with legislators in the wake of an incident earlier this month in which the door panel of a 737 Max 9 blew off during an Alaska Airlines flight . The FAA has grounded all 171 Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft since the event, but announced Wednesday

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced $3.5 million in available grant funding for local grocers through the Equipment Upgrades Program as part of the Illinois Grocery Initiative. These grants will provide funding for energy-efficient equipment upgrades for existing grocery stores, with priority given to those located in food insecure communities across the state. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Local grocery stores are the backbone of food-secure and healthy communities, and investing in upgrades for these local pillars grants them the stability needed to continue serving local needs and ensuring access to fresh food,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This grant program will help offset energy costs and form a greener infrastructure, a win-win that makes our state stronger and battles food deserts in the communities mos

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ALTON - A man from Alton has been charged with forgery, meth possession, and resisting an officer resulting in injury to the officer, according to Madison County court documents released last week. Joey L. Holoman, 34, of Alton, was charged by the Alton Police Department with unlawful possession of methamphetamine, forgery, and resisting or obstructing a peace officer on Nov. 18, 2023. Court documents allege Holoman possessed less than five grams of methamphetamine in addition to a fraudulent document “purported to have been made by … the U.S. Treasury” consisting of “various denominations of fake U.S. currency.” Holoman was additionally charged with resisting or obstructing a peace officer after allegedly pulling his arms away from the officer arresting him, which court documents state caused an injury to the officer, specifically “a laceration to the officer’s hand.” In total, Holoman faces two Class 3 felonies for possession

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WOOD RIVER - Madison County Coroner Stephen P. Nonn is identifying a Wood River female who died as a result of a structure fire in the 800 block of State Street, Wood River, Illinois on Wednesday morning, Jan. 24, 2024. The initial call was dispatched at 5:14 a.m. The victim is identified as one: Donna W. Nance, 81, female/white – DOB: 08/27/1942, Wood River. An autopsy examination has been completed and positive identification was made from an implanted surgical medical device. Preliminary findings are that the decedent suffered from probable smoke inhalation and significant heart and lung disease. A final cause of death will be issued upon completion of routine toxicology testing along with carbon monoxide testing. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Wood River Police Department, Illinois State Fire Marshal's Office, Madison County Coroner’s Office, and the Wood River Fire Department. Funeral arrangements are pending with Elias, Kallal and Schaaf

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MOUNT VERNON – The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Patrol Troop 10 has announced the arrest of 48-year old Mikhail V. Subbotin of Lawrenceville, GA for Possession of Cannabis – More than 5,000 grams, Cannabis Trafficking, and Possession with Intent to Deliver Cannabis. On January 17, 2024, at approximately 11:41 a.m., a trooper patrolling in the area of Interstate 64 eastbound near milepost 71 observed a vehicle driving at speeds above the posted speed limit and initiated a traffic stop. The Trooper spoke with the driver, now identified as Subbotin. The smell of cannabis emitted from the vehicle and a consensual search of the vehicle revealed several boxes filled with suspected cannabis. With assistance from ISP Southern Illinois Drug Task Force, over 400 pounds of cannabis was removed from the vehicle. The case was presented to the Jefferson County State’s Attorney’s Office and the above-mentioned charges were approved. Subbotin is in custod

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey County announced on Wednesday that the elevator at the County Courthouse is closed temporarily for repairs. “Parts have been ordered and we are waiting for their arrival,” Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns said. “Arrangements have been made for court hearings and anyone who needs accommodation.” Contact the Jersey County Circuit Clerk’s Office at (618) 498-5571, extension 120 for assistance. “We apologize for any additional hardship or inconvenience,” Manns said.

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EDWARDSVILLE - A wide variety of charges including damaging a gravestone, attempting to elude police, and “deceptive practices” have been filed in Madison County, according to court documents released last week. Demontez L. Spruill, 22, of Maryland Heights, Mo., was charged by the Alton Police Department with unlawfully causing damage to a gravestone on Jan. 14, 2024. According to court documents, Spruill “willfully and knowingly defaced, vandalized, injured, or removed a gravestone or other memorial, monument, or marker commemorating a deceased person or group of persons.” Specifically, Spruill reportedly knocked over the gravestone of someone buried at Upper Alton Cemetery. Spruill faces a Class 4 felony charge and was released upon his signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Release Order. James M. Long, 34, of Collinsville, was charged with aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer on June 10, 2023. Court documents allege Long “knowingly

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ALTON - The Riverbend CEO program will host a trivia night fundraiser on Feb. 17, 2024. Proceeds will support the students’ businesses. Starting at 6 p.m. at the Best Western Premier in Alton, attendees can enjoy eight rounds of general trivia, a cash bar and mini games. The fundraiser benefits the Riverbend CEO program, which helps 15 high school students develop a business plan and start their own businesses by the end of the school year. “I don’t think we would’ve gotten the opportunity if we would’ve taken another class,” said Sam, one student who will be starting a yoga business. Other students are hoping to start a photography business, a power-washing business and a candle-making business. One student plans to buy and sell gym equipment, and another hopes to restore old cars. Parker wants to sell puzzles of Alton monuments, and Derrell, who snagged a gold sponsor for the trivia night, has an idea to create a vending machine that

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and 47 of their Senate colleagues in announcing plans to file an amendment to the forthcoming national security supplemental package that reiterates longstanding U.S. policy in support of a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. “Establishing a Palestinian nation-state alongside Israel is the only viable path to lasting peace,” said Duckworth. “A two-state solution will help keep Israelis and Palestinians safe and secure in the future, and I’m proud to join Senator Schatz in introducing this amendment. I remain committed to doing everything I can to bring about a de-escalation of tensions in the region that ultimately brings about a two-state future that strengthens the safety of Israel, eliminates the threat posed by Hamas, stops the mounting death toll and finally ends the prolonged and continuin

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today charged a Lake County man with multiple felonies for allegedly orchestrating an internet scam that advertised puppies for sale to lure in its victims. Attorney General Raoul charged Mondum Hycenth, 41, of Round Lake, Illinois, with one count of theft, a Class 3 felony punishable by up to five years in prison; one count of wire fraud, a Class 3 felony punishable by up to five years in prison; seven counts of burglary, Class 2 felonies each punishable by up to seven years in prison; and seven counts of forgery, Class 3 felonies each punishable by up to five years in prison. Hycenth pleaded not guilty, and his next court date is March 12. “People trying to add a pet to their families or find a furry friend for companionship instead fell prey to a scam. I encourage consumers to thoroughly research online sellers and be wary of sending payments through nontraditional methods, such as money transfers and peer-to-peer payment services,”

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ALTON - The Three Rivers Project of Sierra Club Illinois, Alton YWCA, and Milton Schoolhouse Gardens are hosting two Seed Swaps this winter to provide community members with a sociable space to swap and share quality seeds, cuttings, and bulbs. Join fellow farmers and gardeners in celebration of the start of the spring gardening season at this community event, which is free and open to all. The first seed swap will be held at the Alton YWCA on Sunday, February 4 from noon to 2 p.m. To register for the first Seed Swap at the Alton YWCA, visit fb.me/e/4e7pMM96X . The second seed swap will be held at the Milton Schoolhouse in Alton on Saturday, March 9 from noon to 2 p.m. To register for the Seed Swap at the Milton Schoolhouse, visit fb.me/e/3wvF60MU9 . If you are sharing self collected seeds, please label the homegrown seeds with the common or species name, year, and your name. If you are sharing commercial seed packets, there is no need to label the packets. “Seed swaps

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today urged the bipartisan leadership of the Senate Appropriations Committee to provide significant additional federal support to interior cities, including the City of Chicago, to help these cities more effectively address the ongoing migrant crisis. In today’s letter, the Senators expressed strong support for fulfilling the urgent request of interior cities to invest at least $5 billion in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Shelter and Services Program to ensure these communities are able to continue receiving, processing and caring for arriving families, particularly vulnerable children, in a safe and humane manner. “We write to express strong support for fulfilling the request of interior city Mayors, including the Honorable Brandon Johnson, Mayor of the City of Chicago, to appropriate $5 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with child care advocacy groups to discuss a path forward for legislation supporting children, working families, and child care providers. During their meeting, Durbin spoke about his support for child care tax incentives to improve child care accessibility and support working families in covering the costs, as well as his support to provide increased wages for child care workers. Durbin has repeatedly pushed for increased funding for child care programs, including financial support for Head Start and Child Care and Development Block Grants. He is also a cosponsor of the Child Care for Working Families Act , which would help make child care more affordable and provide pay parity with elementary school teachers for similarly credentialed child care educators. While the average annual cost of child care in Illinois is $14,184 for infants and $12,192 for toddlers, child care workers in Illinois only receive

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