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SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Energy has announced a second round of grant funding with $2 million available for the development of local strategic energy plans. Under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG), grant awards ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 will assist eligible municipalities or counties in implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce total energy use, improve energy efficiency in the transportation sector, and build a clean and equitable energy economy prioritizing disadvantaged communities. The grant program will invest U.S. Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funds in energy planning. Municipalities and counties eligible for direct formula funding through the U.S. DOE are not eligible for funding through this state program. Grant applications will undergo a comprehensive, merit-based review. Scoring factors will include: funding

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that replacement of the Intelligent Transportation System Message Board on southbound Interstate 55 between Illinois 143 and Interstate 270 will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 7 a.m., Monday, Feb. 19, 2024. One lane will always remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21. 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 Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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COLLINSVILLE - Alton High girls basketball freshman Madeleine Ducey has provided a big spark for the Redbirds this season, often coming off the bench to score key points or help her teammates out in any way that she can. In the IHSA Class 4A regional at Collinsville this past week, Ducey scored a total of 15 points - nine against Granite City in Alton's 83-15 win over the Warriors on Feb. 12, then came back in the final on Feb. 16 to score six points in the Redbirds' 63-38 win over Edwardsville to advance to the Normal Community West sectional this coming week. Ducey had contributed well to the team, averaging three points and 1.1 rebounds-per-game, adding on six assists and 10 steals, as Alton is currently 30-2 going into the sectional. She is an Auto Butler Female Athlete of the Month for the Redbirds. In a postgame interview that followed the win over the Tigers in the regional final, Ducey was very pleased with how things went in the game. "I'm feeling pretty good, honestly,"

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SOUTH ROXANA - The Easter Bunny stopped by to greet his friends at the Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery with a special delivery of goodies they had arranged to be delivered for the South Roxana Neighbor's upcoming Easter Egg Hunt which will be at the Dad’s Club at 2 p.m. on March 24, 2024. The Neighbor's members said thank you to Phillips 66 for contacting the Easter Bunny and contributing to make this event possible in the community for the kids. In the photo are Matthew Hartnett, Melissa Magruder, Anna Broadfoot, Melissa Erker and Katie Bennett.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Several individuals around Madison County have been charged with various forms of theft in recent months, according to court documents released by the county. Items stolen include a motorized shopping cart, airsoft guns, power tools, U.S. currency, and much more. James J. Wille, 40, of Saint Jacob, was charged on Feb. 5, 2024 with one count of theft over $500 after allegedly stealing a motorized shopping cart from the Walmart located at 400 Junction Drive in Glen Carbon. The motorized cart reportedly had a value in excess of $500. Wille was charged with a Class 3 felony in the case presented by the Glen Carbon Police Department. Court documents indicate he was remanded to jail to be held until his initial appearance in court. Antoine J. Shipp, 59, of Granite City, was charged with one count of theft (a Class 4 felony) after allegedly stealing less than $500 worth of U.S. currency from a victim on Jan. 12, 2024. Shipp’s case was presented by the Granite

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EDWARDSVILLE - Two people have been charged separately with aggravated unlawful use of weapons and additional charges, according to Madison County court documents. Morris L. Wiley, 50, of East St. Louis, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of weapons and driving while license is revoked on Jan. 13, 2024. Wiley unlawfully possessed a Taurus .38 Special revolver which was uncased, loaded, and immediately accessible in his vehicle at a time when he had no valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card. Wiley was additionally charged for driving on Collinsville Road in Collinsville while his license had been revoked or suspended. He faces a Class 4 felony for aggravated unlawful use of weapons and his case was presented by the Collinsville Police Department. He was released upon his signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Release Order. Christopher T. Culpepper, 38, of St. Louis, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of weapons and possession of a controlled substance

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EDWARDSVILLE - Five individuals face a range of drug charges filed in Madison County in recent months, including several cases of meth possession, one of cocaine possession, and one involving “a substance containing diazepam.” Caleb J. Webb, 34, of Wentzville, Mo., was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine and driving on a license that had been revoked or suspended on Jan. 13, 2024. Court documents allege Webb had less than five grams of cocaine in his possession while he drove on Maryville Road in Maryville on a revoked/suspended license. Webb faces a Class 3 felony for the meth possession charge and a Class A misdemeanor for driving on a revoked/suspended license. His case was presented by the Maryville Police Department and he was reportedly released upon his signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Release Order. Danielle L. Coates, 47, of Alton, was charged by the East Alton Police Department with unlawful possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine

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EDWARDSVILLE - Several cases of battery around Madison County in recent months have resulted in felony charges against many individuals in the area. Cases include an Alton man charged with punching and pepper-spraying someone in an AMC movie theater, another Alton man throwing soap at a corrections employee’s head, and many more. Desiree A. Doty, 38, of Granite City, was charged with one count of domestic battery on Feb. 2, 2024. Doty allegedly knowingly caused bodily harm to a household or family member by striking them “about the face with a closed fist,” according to court documents. The state will reportedly seek an enhanced Class 4 sentence in this case due to his prior conviction of domestic battery in 2016 in Madison County. Doty’s latest domestic battery case was presented by the Collinsville Police Department, and he faces an enhanced Class 4 felony charge. Court documents indicate he was released upon his signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Releas

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Letter To The Editor: I, Anita Banks, would like to offer a rebuttal to the letter written by Lee Barham regarding the hiring of new police officers in Alton. As an 88-year-old African American citizen who has resided in Alton since 1954, I have experienced firsthand the racial disparities and discrimination that have plagued our community. However, I must say that the only discrimination evident in Mr. Barham's letter is his own. I am deeply embarrassed by Mr. Barham's misinformed attack on the Chief of Police, the Mayor of Alton, the Alton Branch NAACP, African American clergy, and other leaders of color. Instead of acknowledging the commendable effort by the civil service commission for hiring five qualified officers in a time of nationwide police officer shortages, Mr. Barham chooses to focus on the lack of black officers. While I agree that it is important for police departments to reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, it is also essential to recognize that diversity

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ALTON - My Just Desserts, a long-time restaurant in Alton, will close its doors on March 30, 2024. My Just Desserts' owner Evelyn Campbell issued this statement on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, about its future: "After a lot of consideration, it is with deep sadness that we have made the decision to close our restaurant doors. We were very grateful that we were able to keep the legacy of our beloved owner alive since the time of her unfortunate passing. "To our loyal customers, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of your support. We could not have made it this far without you. We ask that you continue to support us until our closing date of March 30, 2024. "We are hoping that someone would want to continue to serve this great community and keep this staple in our amazing town, so if interested, please feel free to inquire within. Thank you again and please come to visit us soon. We love you all!" Sheila Goins, a frequent My Just Desserts patron and friend of Evelyn, said

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EDWARDSVILLE - One individual from Granite City has been charged with failure to register as a sex offender, while another individual from Granite City was charged in a separate case with fleeing/attempting to elude an officer. Boyd D. Keelin, 45, of Granite City, was charged with failing to register as a sex offender on Feb. 1, 2024. According to court documents, Keelin failed to register as a sex offender with the sheriff of the county in which he resides or is temporarily domiciled for three or more days - in this case, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, who presented the case. Keelin faces a Class 3 felony, and according to court documents, has been released upon his signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Release Order. Roberto R. Cortez, 29, of Granite City, was charged with aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer as well as driving while his license was revoked. According to court documents, Cortzes “knowingly failed to obey and attempted

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GODFREY - The Mississippi Mass Choir once sang for Pope John Paul II. Now, for the first time, they’ll sing for the Riverbend. On April 5, 2024, the choir will perform at Hatheway Hall at Lewis and Clark Community College. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the concert begins at 6 p.m. Willie Franklin, Alton native and spiritual advisor to the choir, said it’s exciting to welcome the group to his hometown. “It’s just great to have this opportunity for the choir to come here,” Franklin said. “This is a great project. I’ve only run into minor obstacles, and when you do that in life, you have found out that what you’re doing is what God wants you to do. That’s what He wants you to do. If He was trying to find a way, you stay in something that’s being successful and you’ll find that God will continue to bless you in that.” Tickets are on sale until March 17, and you can find them at Deliverance Temple, LaMay’s

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BETHALTO - Zion Lutheran School has a wide variety of programs for families and kids to enjoy, from an upcoming preschool open house to a summer camp that kids will love. On Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, you can learn more about the preschool at a Dr. Seuss-themed open house from 6–7 p.m. Nikki Winkelmann, Director of Marketing and Engagement, said parents and kids will have the chance to tour the preschool classrooms and meet the teachers. “We’re going to go over what our preschool is, you’ll get to tour all the classrooms, meet all of the preschool teachers, meet with our principal, and several of the elementary teachers will be there too, giving tours,” Winkelmann explained. “We have three 3-year-old classrooms and four 4-year-old classrooms and lots of great teachers." Preschool families can choose to enroll their kids for half-days or full days for a minimum of two days a week up to five days a week. The school also offers childcare before

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MASCOUTAH — MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) today announced that Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is adding new, nonstop service between the Mascoutah, Ill.-based airport and McGhee Tyson Airport in Acola, Tenn. (TYS), providing individuals with direct access to Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains. Beginning June 13, flights between the two airports will be offered twice weekly – on Sundays and Thursdays. The new route marks the only nonstop service currently available between St. Louis and Knoxville. “Knoxville is a terrific complement to the other existing low-cost flights offered by Allegiant out of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, and we’re confident passengers will appreciate the added choice as much as they appreciate the hassle-free experience of flying from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport,” said St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern. The new route between BLV and TYS will be the 11 th nonstop destination currently available via MidAmerica

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WOOD RIVER - The new Wood River recreation center is officially open. Wood River officials and community members celebrated the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024. Attendees could tour the facility and enjoy the basketball, volleyball and pickleball courts, an indoor walking track, a gymnastics room and more. “This project was always, in my mind, meant to be a very positive thing for Wood River and the surrounding communities,” said Parks and Recreation Director Jason Woody. “We will provide over 40 part-time jobs, giving high school and college kids the chance to learn to work in a public setting and giving retirees an opportunity to stay in the workforce. The rec center will bring thousands of people to Wood River, and those folks will patronize local businesses and restaurants in the community. It will give our kids a sense of pride to have a place like this to keep them out of trouble and help kids stay on a path

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US Ambulances for Ukraine to mark two-year anniversary by sending 10th shipment of emergency vehicles US Ambulances for Ukraine will be sending its 10th shipment of donated emergency vehicles from the USA to Ukraine in late February, coinciding with the two-year anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The shipment of eight vehicles will include five ambulances, a fire department SUV, one pickup truck and a wheelchair accessible bus. To date, the group has sent a total of 52 ambulances, 8 fire engines, and 7 SUVs and trucks since late March 2022. These emergency vehicles have been distributed throughout Ukraine and have served with medic units, hospitals, fire departments, NGOs, and other Ukrainian federal agencies. Once completed, the 10th shipment will bring the group’s total number of vehicles delivered into Ukraine to 75. “It is tragic that Ukraine still finds itself fighting for freedom and survival two years after the full-scale invasion by Russia. Whil

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EDWARDSVILLE - Two individuals have been charged in separate cases with driving under the influence of alcohol around Madison County, according to court documents which describe both cases from recent months. Dennis J. Smith, 56, of Piasa, was charged with aggravated driving while under the influence on Feb. 4, 2024. Smith allegedly drove a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee while under the influence of alcohol on Godfrey Road in Godfrey, according to court documents. Smith reportedly had previous DUI convictions in Macoupin County from the following dates: Nov. 10, 1992, Feb. 11, 1996, Feb. 14, 1996, and Feb. 11, 2002. A petition to deny Smith’s pretrial release describes the incident as follows: “Deputies in the area of Godfrey Road, Godfrey received a report of a reckless driver, being a Jeep motor vehicle,” the petition states. Once deputies located the vehicle, they made contact with and identified the driver/defendant, Smith. “Deputies noted indicators

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MARYVILLE - Revolution Dispensary celebrated their grand opening in Maryville on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024. Located at 2533 Vandalia Street, the dispensary will have a wide variety of cannabis products for sale to those ages 21 and older. Local politicians welcomed the dispensary to Maryville, and Revolution Dispensary representatives spoke about their excitement to open the store. “It’s always exciting in Maryville when we get a new business, especially one as highly anticipated as this,” said Mayor Craig Short. “On behalf of myself, the Village Board and all of the village administration, welcome. We wish you the most success and we look forward to years of a cooperative agreement between us.” Dawn Mushill, the President of the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce, echoed Short’s comments and said she knew it was going to be a “great partnership.” She also pointed out the benefits of the dispensary’s location

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JERSEYVILLE - After snowing consistently Friday morning and early afternoon, the snow around Jersey County finally stopped and weather and road conditions improved. Thomas Klasner, county engineer with the Jersey County Highway Department, said area roads were looking better by late Friday afternoon, though his department had been prepared prior to the snowfall. “They’re starting to improve,” Klasner said of the road conditions. “The snow quit and we’re actually able to get a little bit ahead of the situation.” Klasner said Highway Department workers went out this morning at about 10 a.m., “right before the snow came.” “We were out and about so we could be prepared when it did start snowing,” he added. While he said he heard of some drivers sliding off the road, he didn't get any reports of major accidents on county roads. He did add that drivers should use caution on secondary roads, including township roads and/or

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ALTON - The Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club's 38th Annual Chili Chowdown is set for Monday, March 4, 2024, at Main Street United Methodist Church in Upper Alton. Serving hours are 11 a.m. through 1 p.m. and again 4:30 p.m. through 7 p.m. Diners may eat-in or carry-out. The secret Rotary chili recipe is guarded by event chairman Andy Bowen. He says the recipe originated with the late Don Johnson, proprietor of DJ's Bar and Grill in Upper Alton. Members of the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club prepare and serve the chili. Over the years the Chili Chowdown has been held at a number of venues, but in recent years has settled into its home at Main Street United Methodist Church which affords ample parking, ease of egress, and plenty of room for diners. Tickets for the annual Chili Chowdown are available from any member of the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club and will also be sold at the door. The annual event raises funds for local Rotary projects, including the annual scholarships given in conjunction with

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