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ALTON - Alton High School's band has always been a formidable force throughout Illinois in music competitions. AHS Band Director Blake Korte said the band's wind ensemble has been selected to perform at the Illinois State Music Educators Conference for the first time in over 30 years at the end of January. "The band will be performing at the annual Illinois Music Educators Conference and we consider that a tremendous honor," Korte said. "In conjunction with seminars, educators have an opportunity to see performances of other music ensembles throughout Illinois. It is a rigorous audition and application process to be accepted. We started in February, March, and April 2022 the application performance and put together ensemble recordings with the application. "The application includes ensemble playing photos, a biography of the director and information about the school and city, plus letters of recognition. We received an email we were selected to represent the district this past summer.

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GRAFTON - At the Grafton City Council Meeting on January 17, 2023, Mayor Mike Morrow presented a Service Award on behalf of the City Council to each of seven volunteers who have donated their time, money, and resources in support of the Grafton History Museum. Many worthwhile projects have been completed through their generous efforts and expertise. “We are extremely proud of our volunteers,” said Mayor Morrow. “They have freely given of their talent and unique knowledge to improve the quality of our community, and for that we are very grateful.” Alderwoman Mary Lillesve has provided much of the guidance and assistance in organizing and writing the documents required to create a Memorandum of Understanding between the Historical Society and the City of Grafton. This memorandum clarifies the daily operations as well as the role that both parties and volunteers play in overall long-term museum operations. Grafton Contractor Kyle Bollinger provided the labo

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EDWARDSVILLE - Liberty Middle School has announced its second quarter honor roll. To view the full list click the link below: Liberty Middle Second Quarter Honor Roll.

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PIASA - Piasa Southwestern Middle School announced its second-quarter High Honor Roll and Honor Rolls lists. To view the full lists click the link below. Southwestern Middle School High Honor Roll and Honor Roll The school also announced their PBIS students of the month for December. From L to R front row: Nate Clendenen, and Landee Clark, back row: Kaidyn Rowe, Brody Gable, Dante Schmidt, Blakely Taylor, Briann Anderson, and Natalie Bowman. They were nominated according to the word of the month. Honesty. Also for being Respectful, Responsible, and Safe. They all received a Dairy Queen lunch of their choice.

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CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) will begin accepting 2022 state individual income tax returns on Monday, January 23, the same date that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) begins accepting federal individual income tax returns. “Taxpayers are encouraged to file electronically as early as possible in the tax season and choose direct deposit in order to ensure the fastest processing and issuance of any refunds,” IDOR Director David Harris said. “I encourage taxpayers to try My Tax Illinois , our free online account management program that has been recently updated and allows taxpayers to file their individual income taxes electronically. Electronic filing is also available through third party software or with most tax preparers.” MyTax Illinois has been improved this year to make filing a 2022 IL-1040 easier than ever. The electronic management system enables taxpayers to report income and claim credits and payments, pay taxes electronically

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GLEN CARBON - The sweetest season of the year is officially here…it’s the start of the Girl Scout Cookie Program! Girl Scouts throughout Southern Illinois are excited to once again bring some of America’s favorite treats to consumers. Booths are starting to pop up throughout the region; you can find one near you by visiting gsofsi.org/findcookies. While picking up some cookies for yourself, you can also purchase a box or two to donate to your local Hometown Heroes – our Gift of Caring program that supports the everyday heroes right in our own communities. “We’re very excited that Girl Scout Cookie season is here,” said Katie Grayling, Director of Product Programs for Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. “The public’s continued support every year is much appreciated. Not only are they getting delicious cookies, but they are also empowering girls to chase their dreams,” added Grayling. Every Girl Scout Cookie purchase fuels local

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SPRINGFIELD – Radon is a naturally-occurring element which is undetectable from human senses. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is urging residents to take time in January to test their home for radon as part of 2023 Radon Action Month. “This odorless, colorless, tasteless gas is found in the air we breathe in buildings, homes, offices,” said IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “If not properly addressed, high levels of radon can cause major health concerns.” It’s estimated more than 1,100 people in Illinois develop radon-related lung cancer each year. Radon tests can be purchased at most hardware and department stores. It is recommended to conduct one short-term test and one long-term test to ensure consistent readings. Should you find higher readings, you should contact IEMA for information about a licensed mitigation professional who are trained to reduce radon levels. The IEMA and the Lung Association in Illinois are announcing th

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GODFREY - Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick declared Jan. 25 “Mary P. Woodcock Day” in honor of Mary P. Woodcock celebrating her 100th birthday at the Godfrey Village Board of Trustees Jan. 17 meeting. The Village Board also passed several other items on their agenda. “Mary P. Woodcock the golden age of 100 years on Jan. 25, 2023, and whereas the kindness and generosity Mary has shown to all has been her special gift to the citizens of Godfrey … and whereas reaching a centennial anniversary of her birth is great cause for celebration … now therefore, I, Michael J. McCormick, Mayor of the Village of Godfrey proclaim Jan. 25, 2023 as Mary P. Woodcock Day in the Village of Godfrey,” he said. Before diving into official business, McCormick began Tuesday night’s meeting with a moment of silence to honor the late Paul Lauschke, the father of trustee Rick Lauschke. “The Village of Godfrey over the last couple of weeks has lost a very prominen

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CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced today that per the federal USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will return to pre-pandemic levels beginning in March 2023. These federal changes impact one million families and two million people in Illinois. Nearly half of the states across the country have already ended their SNAP emergency allotments ahead of the federal change, while Illinois will sustain benefits through February when the federal increases expire. SNAP emergency allotments have been issued since the beginning of the Covid-19 public health emergency to address food insecurity challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. These increased benefits will end after February 2023 and return to pre-pandemic levels in March. With the end of emergency benefits, SNAP participants will see benefits reduced anywhere from $95 to $25o per person per month. The reduction in SNAP benefits is a result of a federal

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EDWARDSVILLE - Kaitlyn Morningstar has been one of the most reliable and key players on the Edwardsville High girls' basketball team and has also provided valuable leadership to the Tigers this season. The Tigers are 8-11 after losing to Westminster Christian of west St. Louis County 56-47 on Jan. 17 at Lucco-Jackson Gym, but the team has shown much resolve and a fighting spirit that has kept Edwardsville in many of its games so far this season. Morningstar, for her part, has averaged 8.1 points and 7.8 rebounds per game to go along with 28 assists, 23 steals, and a blocked shot. She scored only two points on the night against the Wildcats, but helped provide her leadership during a stretch where the Tigers cut an 18-point deficit to three early in the fourth quarter before Westminster held off the comeback and went on to its win. "I thought in the fourth quarter, we had a pretty good spurt," Morningstar said in a postgame interview after the Westminster game. "It obviously wasn't

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County is set to connect persons experiencing homeless with services and goods this month. Madison County will hold its annual Project Homeless Connect from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, Jan., 27 at River of Life Church in Alton. The program counts the number of homeless persons — men, women and children — throughout the county and provides free services. David Kerr, Homeless Services Coordinator with Madison County Community Development, said the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires local agencies to conduct a survey every year to determine the number of people experiencing homelessness in each jurisdiction throughout the country. The results from this annual Point in Time Count are used to help determine grant funding for Community Development and local service providers. The Madison County Partnership to End Homelessness, which is comprised of more than 40 agencies and individuals, will provide a wide range of services t

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EDWARDSVILLE – Chris Couch received his mechanical engineering degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2019 and since then has seen great success in his career in the pumping industry. His hard work has not gone unnoticed as he was named to the “10 Pump Professionals to Watch” list by Pumps & Systems magazine. “It is a great honor to receive this recognition from Pumps & Systems magazine,” said Couch. “I am eager to continue to grow and make an impact in this industry since it is critical to society especially with its energy efficiency and sustainability.” Couch works for Nidec Motor Corporation in St. Louis as a market manager. After graduating from SIUE, Couch started with the company as an application engineer and is now transitioning to the business development side of the business. During his time at SIUE, Couch made the most of his educational experience by being thoroughly involved on campus. Couch was president

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MT. VERNON - Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) are investigating an in-custody death of an inmate at the Jefferson County Jail at the request of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. During the early morning hours of January 15, 2023, Jefferson County Correctional Officers located 31-year-old Cady Moore of Mt. Vernon unresponsive in her jail cell. Jail personnel activated EMS and performed CPR. Moore was transported by ambulance to an area hospital where she was pronounced deceased. An autopsy is pending and the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office is assisting in the investigation. The investigation is on-going and no additional information is being released at this time.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Alton High senior forward Jamion Everage is emerging as one of the key players for the Redbirds on Jan. 13 led the team with 17 points as Alton lost to Edwardsville 57-40 in a Southwestern Conference game at Lucco-Jackson Gym. Everage is among the team's leading scorers, averaging nine points per game and has also averaged 0.4 rebounds per game with five assists and a steal. He is a hard worker who encourages his teammates and is there for them during the games. "I feel good," Everage said in a postgame interview following the game against the Tigers. "I just wish would have fought harder and come out with more energy from the tip." Everage is an Auto Butler Male Athlete of the Month for the Redbirds. It has been a very difficult season for the Redbirds, who are currently 3-15 after the game against Edwardsville. The team continues to work hard in practice and persevere and Everage feels the team's spirits are up despite the adversity. "We've got guys coming back,"

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EDWARDSVILLE - Jack Rigoni, the son of Christin and Alex Rigoni of Edwardsville, recently delivered an Eagle Scout project to Edwardsville Township that will have a lasting impact. Jack constructed a concrete pad and built a bicycle repair station that is visible to bike riders. Jack’s idea came to him about four years ago when he was riding bikes at his grandparent's home in Staunton and saw a very similar project right next to the bike trail. “I thought this would be a good idea even to this day,” he said. “I finally got to the point where I wanted to do the project. The Township people and Eagle Scout Board Members were all very supportive.” The 15-year-old new Eagle Scout said he feels extremely honored to earn the new status in Scouts. “It is a huge accomplishment, and the good thing is it benefits the community," he said. At least 21 merit badges are required to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. Of those 21 badges, 14 must come from a list

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) is now accepting nominations for the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame, open to adults aged 65 and older who excel in the categories of community service, education, performance and/or graphic arts, and the labor force. “When I think about the people of Illinois, a couple of words come to mind: kindness, generosity, ingenuity, and perseverance. Each year, my administration is proud to honor four older adults who embody these values through service, education, arts, and labor by inducting them into the Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Whether you know a teacher who goes above and beyond for their students or a community member who you can always find out and about lending a hand to others, we want to hear about the seniors in your life that make Illinois, Illinois.” The Senior Illinoisan Hall of Fame was established by the General Assembly in 1994 to honor older adults’

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD, has named Saulius Drukteinis, DMD, MS, PhD, as the dean of SIU School of Dental Medicine (SDM) following a national search. The appointment is subject to final approval by the Office of Human Resources and the Board of Trustees, with Dr. Drukteinis to assume his new role at SIU SDM on Monday, Jan. 16. “Dr. Drukteinis brings great enthusiasm and commitment to the School of Dental Medicine and their mission,” said Cobb. “I look forward to partnering with him to support an even brighter future for this outstanding School. His interdisciplinary expertise, collaborative spirit and deep commitment to improving equitable access to quality dental care will be critically important as we move forward. I also want to thank the search committee members for their work and their collaboration with Greenwood Asher.” "I am excited for Dr. Drukteinis

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ALTON/JERSEYVILLE - Samuel M. Plunkett, 39, of Alton, has been charged with violating an order of protection pursuant to the Illinois Domestic Violence Act after repeatedly texting someone who filed an order of protection against him last year. Plunkett had previously been convicted of violating that same order of protection on Dec. 1, 2022, but posted bond and was released. Recent court filings state Plunkett “sent multiple text messages” to the victim on Jan. 6, 2023, in violation of the already-standing order of protection. While the first violation was a Class A misdemeanor, this second violation is a Class 4 Felony. The latest charge carries a sentence of one to three years in prison, one year of mandatory supervised release, probational discharge of up to 30 months, a fine of up to $25,0000 and/or restitution costs. His bond was set at $10,000 based on the bond of the previous charge. More information about Plunkett’s first order of protection

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EAST ALTON - Germania Brew Haus employees are in a state of mourning this week after one of its frequent patrons - area resident Steve Overlin - died. "Steve has frequented the Alton and East Alton stores for quite some time," the German Brew Haus management said in a Facebook release. "In East Alton, the team would see his truck pull in and excitedly chant his name. They didn’t even need to ask him about his order before making it. In Alton, he had the same special bond. "Sadly, we found out Steve passed away. Steve was delightful. He made our days brighter. He kept up to date with employees. He kept us in the loop with his life, too." "We all loved Steve so, so much. There are very few employees that don’t know of Steve’s warmth and kindness. His smile is something we will never forget." Alex Cole, an assistant manager at the Germania Brew Haus in East Alton, was a big fan of Steve, as were the other employees. "Steve was a regular that always came through,

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GRAFTON - The Illinois Department of Transportation announces intermittent daytime lane closures in both directions of IL 100, (the River Road) between Grafton and Lockhaven Rd. beginning on Monday, January 16, 2023, weather permitting. A minimum of one lane in each direction will remain open throughout all work on the project. This project is needed to do guardrail replacement and work at this location is scheduled to be completed by the end of April. 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. The contractor on this project is Lovewell Fencing, Inc. of Davenport, IA. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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