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NEW ATHENS – State Representative Kevin Schmidt donated his pay raise for the month of January to Church Emergency Services New Athens (CESNA), in the form of a food donation. Schmidt has donated every month’s pay raise to a different local food pantry or charity organization throughout his district since voting against the pay raise for legislators. “Our local charities need our help,” said Schmidt. “When the legislature voted themselves a pay raise last General Assembly, I promised to give the amount of the raise each month to a local organization that’s trying to help feed the hungry. When I went to Springfield, I didn’t go to serve myself, I went to serve my community.” CESNA is an ecumenical organization made up of churches in New Athens that assists people in need. More information can be found on their Facebook . Local Scouts donated a birthday bag that will be used for one of the recipients who has a birthday in February

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ALTON/GODFREY – Several domestic battery cases have been filed in Madison County in recent weeks, with most involving prior domestic battery offenders. Travis L. Watley, 40, of Alton, was charged with his fourth offense of domestic battery, a Class 3 felony, on Jan. 22, 2025. The day prior on Jan. 21, Watley allegedly struck a household or family member “about the face with a closed fist,” according to court documents. He had previously been convicted of domestic battery on two prior occasions in 2009 and aggravated battery in another prior case from 2005, each in Madison County. The latest domestic battery case against Watley was presented by the Alton Police Department. While he was granted pretrial release from custody, a motion for additional conditions on his release has been filed, citing previous attempts to threaten or perpetrate physical abuse towards the victim from this case. Brandon E. Ford, 39, of Madison, was charged with a Class 2 felony count of

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will host storm spotter training on Tuesday, February 4th, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Morris University Center (MUC) Oak/Redbud Room. The event is free and open to the public, with free parking available in Lot B starting at 6 p.m. Led by SIUE’s extreme weather expert Alan W. Black, PhD, assistant professor and Graduate Program Director in the Department of Geography and Geographic Information Sciences (GIS), the training will give students the knowledge needed to identify and report severe weather events. “Spotters provide crucial, real-time information that helps the National Weather Service issue more accurate and timely warnings,” said Black. “Their reports can make the difference in saving lives when seconds count.” Participants will learn about thunderstorm development, storm structure, and how to safely observe and report severe weather. Volunteer storm spotters play a key role

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced it has awarded $4.5 million to 12 groups across the state-funded through Governor JB Pritzker’s 2024 Birth Equity Initiative. The grants, ranging from $100,000 to $700,000, were awarded through a competitive process and are designed to support innovative, community-based efforts that have the potential to reduce inequities in populations historically at higher risk for adverse birth outcomes. The Doula Lab: The Belleville-based, BIPOC-led, non-profit organization will receive $400,000 for improving maternal and reproductive health outcomes for communities in the Metro East area. The project focuses on addressing systemic disparities in maternal health by expanding the doula workforce. “Illinois has one of the most robust birth equity initiatives in the entire nation and today’s announcement brings us closer to a state where every mother – no matter her race, economic status, or ZIP

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SPRINGFIELD - Social Security rules for public safety retirees such as police officers and firefighters have been totally re-written as a result of federal legislation passed and signed on January 5, and a newly-updated guide offers the best way to navigate those changes. The Third Edition of the IPPFA Retirement Guide adds a new section regarding the 2025 Social Security Fairness Act, the latest updates on Illinois fire and police pensions, new savings limits in Section 457 deferred compensation plans, and retirement healthcare funding. “The Social Security Fairness Act increases benefits for fire and police personnel who have pensions from work that is not covered by Social Security, and this affects the majority of downstate Illinois fire and police personnel,” said James McNamee, president of the Illinois Public Pension Fund Association (IPPFA), the guide’s publisher. “The law also repealed the Government Pension Offset that reduced or eliminated

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QUINCY - Quincy University released its Dean's List for the Fall 2024 semester. Honorees must earn a semester grade point average of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) to be included in the biannual Dean's List. In total, 416 students received the honor during the Fall 2024 semester. Several area students listed below were named to the Quincy Dean's List. Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, please visit www.quincy.edu or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or communityrelations@quincy.edu.

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SAINT LOUIS - So Hospitality Group will host their Lunar New Year party this weekend. From 6 p.m. to midnight on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, community members can enjoy a night of all-you-can-eat and all-you-can-drink refreshments, a DJ, shot girls, a lion dance and more at 612 North in St. Louis. Meredith, events and catering director, explained that 612 North, Kimchi Guys and Drunken Fish are all under the So Hospitality Group brand, and all of the businesses are looking forward to celebrating. “Lunar New Year is exciting. We celebrate it every year, obviously, because of us wanting to honor the culture behind all of the brands,” she explained. “It’s really going to be kind of a cocktail bar-style event. Come and go as much as you need to to enjoy the night. We’ve got a cultural performance from a lion dance team coming in to really celebrate the culture behind it. And then we’ve got shot girls coming in from Jack Daniels, so we’re really

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced today that a Roxana man has been charged with felony theft for allegedly stealing funds from ticket sales for a charity event. Jacob A. Sanders, 27, is charged with theft (Class 3 felony) for allegedly stealing $4,185 from ticket sales for the 2024 Guns ’N Hoses charity boxing event. The theft is alleged to have happened during the period of Aug. 1, 2024, through Nov. 27, 2024. Haine said he expects evidence to show that the defendant, a paid-on-call firefighter, was provided with advance tickets to sell for the event held Nov. 27, 2024, but did not turn in the proceeds from the sales. “Allegations of theft from charitable organizations are always disappointing,” Haine said. “Contributions to this organization are made in good faith by members of our community to support a noble cause – aiding the families and children of first-responders who have made ultimate sacrifices. Firefighters

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Letter To The Editor: In our own wonderful town of Alton, Illinois, a family received a swatting call from Border Patrol this week. As my mother and grandmother immigrated to Alton in the early 1950's (they were sponsored by The Unitarian Church of Alton until they could get their legal naturalization papers), I would never have thought I would see the day that legal immigrants would be targeted in our community. We need to protect our immigrants and their families that make up our community from unfair harassment & prejudice that is being caused by ICE raids. Are we going to allow harm to come to our neighbors? Where is love thy neighbors? This family did not deserve this. All immigrant families need to keep their naturalization papers and birth certificates on them at all times. Sad times we live in when legal immigrants are being targeted. Elizabeth Schepers Alton

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GODFREY – After nearly four years of service to the residents of Godfrey, Rick Lauschke is seeking another term as a Village Trustee in the upcoming April 1st Consolidated Election. Trustee Lauschke believes that his diligent work effort and ability to have forward thinking were the keys to his first term. He believes that his work is not done yet, because Godfrey needs to tackle some long-term planning issues and modernize some of its internal procedures to ensure future growth. “It is my sincere hope that the residents of Godfrey continue to show their faith and trust in my efforts. I would like to humbly ask for Godfrey’s vote and support on April 1. I am proud of our accomplishments over the last four years as we have expanded our recreational capabilities and worked on qualify of life issues,” Lauschke said. “Park and biking path expansions, road maintenance, and even dealing with water drainage events are just a few examples of the smaller details

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GODFREY - Village Dispensary has daily deals, with a few special promotions planned for February. “We are growing every month,” said Allison, a representative with Village Dispensary. “We’ll be running promotions in February, but we’ve got a big restock coming next week, so get all the fresh, new strains next week.” Located at 110 Northport Drive in Godfrey, the dispensary offers daily discounts, starting with “Roll Into the Week Monday” — a deal on pre-rolls — and “Tasty Tuesday” edible deals. “Waxy Wednesday” offers sales on concentrates and vapes. “Thirsty Thursday” promises 30% off select cannabis-infused drinks, and “Flower Friday” offers flower for the low price of $25. Additional discounts are available throughout the week. There’s more in store for February, including deals on Valentine’s Day weekend. Customers can expect sales on “love-oriented

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MADISON COUNTY – A collision involving a student and a school bus occurred Thursday afternoon, Jan. 30, 2025, near the entrance of Alton High School. The incident occurred when a student driving an SUV pulled out in front of the bus. The student sustained minor injuries and was transported to an area hospital for treatment. The driver of the school bus also reported injuries and was taken to a hospital, according to the Madison County Sheriff's Office. "There were no students on the bus," Madison County Chief Deputy Sheriff Marcos Pulido confirmed. The circumstances surrounding the accident are still under investigation.

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FREEBURG - A Freeburg man who was killed Tuesday night, Jan. 28, 2025, after stepping onto the roadway in the 4900 block of Illinois 13 and being struck by an oncoming vehicle has been identified. Illinois State Police identified the man as 35-year-old Dale Blanford. The incident occurred at approximately 10:29 p.m. on Tuesday. A 31-year-old Freeburg woman was the driver of the vehicle involved in the accident, but her identity has not been disclosed. Blanford was transported to Saint Louis University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation by State Police Troop 8.

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MACHESNEY PARK — A 41-year-old man from Alton, Mark Lucas, was arrested for allegedly grooming a 13-year-old girl, according to Machesney Park Police. The incident reportedly occurred on Nov. 4, 2024, when officers responded to calls about Lucas making inappropriate remarks toward the teenager in the 1000 block of Wood Avenue in Machesney Park, IL. Authorities allege that Lucas engaged in inappropriate behavior regarding a girl. Following the incident, officials attempted to contact Lucas after he returned to Alton, but he did not respond to their calls. He was ultimately taken into custody and booked into the Winnebago County Jail on Jan. 29, 2025. Lucas faces charges of grooming, and his next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 10, 2025.

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ALTON – Charges have been formally filed against an 18-year-old male in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on Jan. 28, 2025, in the 2100 block of State Street in Alton. The Alton Police Department announced today that Brandon A. Gray, a resident of Alton, has been charged with Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, classified as a Class X felony. An arrest warrant for Gray was signed by the Honorable Judge Jumper, who has ordered him to remain in custody pending a detention hearing. Gray was apprehended by law enforcement officers on the afternoon of Jan. 29, 2025. Chief Jarrett Ford praised the collaborative efforts of the police department in resolving the case swiftly. He highlighted the contributions of the initial patrol officers, the Street Crimes Unit, and the Criminal Investigations Division. “The exceptional teamwork displayed by our officers, from the first response to the follow-up investigation, ensured that this case was quickly brought to a

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ALTON - AP Cigar will continue to host their monthly AP Cigar After Hours events in 2025. Mike Weller, owner of AP Cigar, shared that the shop advocates for the community and promotes downtown Alton. Confluence Barber recently opened above the shop at 202 State Street, and Weller is excited to continue sharing Alton’s charm with tourists and cigar brand representatives who visit AP Cigar and the barbershop. “It’s amazing when people come in because most of the time they’re not even from this state, this region, this time zone sometimes,” Weller said. “It’s become its own thing. The reviews are good. Everything has been very good about this location, this town and what we’re doing.” Weller noted that many people have started coming to Confluence Barber and stopping by AP Cigar for a cigar to elevate the experience. He said that he recently had his first haircut from the barbershop and it was “amazing.” &ldquo

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WOOD RIVER - Unhoused community members and local agencies united at Project Homeless Connect. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, community members could stop by Riverbend Family Ministries in Wood River to connect with nonprofits and organizations, take showers, receive haircuts and learn about local services. Representatives from different organizations were also encouraged to engage with each other’s resources. “The hope is to just get people connected to services,” said David Kerr, Madison County’s Homeless Program Coordinator. “And then a goal was also just to have the different agencies get to know each other.” Attendees could receive wellness and vision exams, vaccines, bus tokens and showers while learning more about local assistance available to them, such as legal assistance, veteran services, and career and housing resources. Thirty-five organizations were represented at the event, including Oasis Women’s Center

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EDWARDSVILLE/ALTON - Learn about the people who made an impact on the nation’s most famous highway – Route 66 – during two speaker series events planned for Edwardsville’s iconic West End Service Station in February and March. Black History on Route 66 and Women’s History on Route 66 will be explored with guest speakers at two separate events at the refurbished Route 66 gas station that now serves as a welcome center and Route 66 museum. The West End Service Station is located at 620 St. Louis St., in Edwardsville. Both events are free and open to the public although advance registration is requested due to limited seating. Registration is available by emailing: cmatteson@riversandroutes.com Both events are sponsored by the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. Join Dr. Gina Lathan on Thursday, Feb. 27 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. as she takes attendees on Route 66 experience focused on Black History along the Mother Road. Dr. Lathan will showcase th

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) is marking a milestone year for the Illinois Child Support Services program, celebrating 50 years of helping children in the state get the financial and family support they need to thrive. The Illinois program enters its next decade with a mission that has evolved since its inception to focus more holistically and comprehensively on the families it serves, with additional supports for parents and a new payment pass-through policy. “The Child Support Program has been a key part of promoting the wellbeing of Illinois’s youngest residents over the past five decades,” said Acting HFS Director Elizabeth Whitehorn. “We’re incredibly proud of the advancements that have been made to not only provide for these children, but to support their entire families and help them to thrive. These personalized solutions will continue to promote better outcomes so our youth can look forward to brighter

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CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement concerning the tragic aviation crash that occurred in Washington, D.C. last night: “MK and I are keeping the families and friends of the victims of the American Airlines Flight 5342 tragedy in our thoughts and prayers. We are also sending our gratitude to the first responders who rushed to the scene last night and remain on the ground providing assistance. Moments like this are where it’s important we come together as Americans and offer our support. Over 1,200 flights depart each day from Chicago’s Midway and O’Hare Airports alone. The thousands of people who fly in and out Illinois every day deserve to travel without fear of preventable disaster and danger. I have been in contact with Illinois aviation officials and our safety processes remain strong and consistent. The Trump Administration must respond to this tragedy with information and facts to instill confidence in our nation’s

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