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SPRINGFIELD - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Department of Central Management Services (CMS) proudly unveil the participants selected for the second cohort of the Governor's Office Academy of Leadership (G.O.A.L.) program. Following the resounding success of the inaugural cohort, this highly competitive program is entering its second year, reaffirming Illinois’ commitment to providing a robust professional development opportunity for the State's mid-level leaders, who play pivotal roles in advancing key initiatives and ensuring optimal operations for the state. “As Governor, I’m always excited to invest in our future by promoting leadership and community across our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today, I’m proud to announce the next cohort of incredible public servants chosen for the G.O.A.L. program. I have no doubt this diverse group of professionals will advance our shared mission of a stronger Illinois.” The G.O.A.L. program,

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BUNKER HILL - Lisa Webb with Third Street Realty wants you to know there are many avenues to being a homeowner, and you don’t have to do it alone. In her most recent “Third on Third with Third Street Realty” segment on “Our Daily Show!,” Webb discussed lenders and how different loans make it possible for people to become homeowners even with lower credit scores or a smaller down payment. While every situation is different, most people are eligible for loans or grants. “If you’re looking to buy, if you’re a first-time homebuyer or maybe you’re not a first-time homebuyer but you still need help with that down payment assistance, then this is an avenue that you can look at and pursue,” Webb said. “I can sit down with you and go over what you’re looking for, what would be a good fit for you, and then we can partner and connect you with a great local lender to help you through those processes and learn

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SPRINGFIELD, IL. - The Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs held its 113th annual convention at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield, Illinois January 12-14, 2024, and Natalie Evans of Jacksonville, IL., 19, was crowned the 64th Miss Illinois County Fair Queen. Natalie represented Morgan County at the 113th Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs Convention. “I’m a passionate girl,” said Evans. “I love cows, my family, the Lord. I hope I can follow in Paige’s (Van Dyke, her predecessor) footsteps and continue to show cattle while I’m queen.” Evans is the daughter of Sean and Amy Evans and is currently attending Murray State University majoring in pre-veterinarian with a minor in chemistry. She hopes to complete her education at the University of Illinois and become a large animal vet. Evans will be a summer employee of the Department of Agriculture. She will travel to about 30 county fairs and will be the official hostess of the Illinoi

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CHICAGO – For the second consecutive year, Illinois has been named the number one leader for workforce development in the Midwest region. The top ranking highlights the State of Illinois’ commitment to expanding access to innovative workforce programs and making critical investments through legislation and programming to reduce barriers to good-paying jobs in order to create a thriving business ecosystem for jobseekers, employees and employers. “The hardworking people of Illinois are at the forefront of our state’s economic progress, making us the top state in the Midwest for workforce development for the second consecutive year,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Since day one, my administration has been committed to making Illinois the best place to live. That’s why we’ve made transformative investments in workforce development, education, and our businesses—ensuring that every Illinoisan has an opportunity to thrive.” “Illinois’

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ST. LOUIS - Old Bones, Inc. will be displaying new paintings at Ellipsis Studios in St. Louis. Old Bones, Inc. is a collaboration between self-taught artists Andy Dykeman and Mark Regester. Their work reflects the DIY values and aesthetics that come from spending formative years immersed in the punk rock scene. Dykeman is an area chiropractor and is also known for his legendary float entries each year in the Alton Halloween Parade. The artists said skulls, UFOs, ghosts, spines, brains and fire are all common themes in their work with a healthy dose of writing and dark humor. The exhibit opening is from 5 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 3, 2024. There will be special guests, free refreshments, music and entertainment of all sorts. The show will be on display though February with limited viewing hours. Ellipsis Studio is located at 3304 Meramec Street, St. Louis, MO 63118. https://www.instagram.com/oldbonesinc/ Andy is from Alton, Illinois played in pop punk legends, judge nothing and is a loca

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ALTON - A man from Alton is facing four total charges for leaving the scene of an accident, aggravated driving under the influence, fleeing or attempting to elude police, and possession of unlawful manufacture/delivery of cannabis. Darius D. Hearn, 22, of Alton, allegedly committed these offenses on Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024. Hearn reportedly crashed his Nissan Maxima into a 2015 Jeep Renegade which resulted in damage to the car, but failed to stop and notify the vehicle’s owner and/or local police about the accident. A petition to deny Hearn’s pretrial release describes the incident as follows: “The defendant was identified as the person operating a motor vehicle, which crashed into a parked vehicle. He was observed passed out behind the wheel, parked on a sidewalk. Officers observed clear signs of intoxication, and upon being asked out of the vehicle, the defendant fled, leaving the scene of the crash. “He led police on a lengthy pursuit, and eventually

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ALTON - A man from Alton is facing five total felonies including residential burglary, criminal trespass, and damage to a property in Wood River, as well as attempting to elude a police officer and more, according to recently filed Madison County court documents. Steven L. Copenhaver, 33, of Alton, allegedly committed these offenses on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. His burglary of a property in Wood River resulted in the residential burglary and trespass charges. He also reportedly threw a brick through the victim’s window, causing damages in excess of $500. According to a petition to deny Copenhaver’s pretrial release, he reportedly threw the brick through the victim’s window and entered their property while they were sleeping. “Victim reports that the defendant demanded return of some of his property, then tried to take the victim’s phone as she called for police,” the petition continues. “He then fled and led police on a high speed pursuit.

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ST. LOUIS - A man from St. Louis has been charged with five separate counts of child pornography in addition to one count of attempted aggravated criminal sexual abuse, according to recently filed Madison County court documents. Terry M. Gerard, 46, of St. Louis, allegedly committed the child pornography offenses on or about Jan. 4, 2024, while the attempted aggravated criminal sexual abuse charge stems from an incident that occurred late last year. According to a petition to deny Gerard’s pretrial release, the underage victim of the attempted aggravated criminal sexual abuse allegedly reported the incident to the Madison County Sheriff’s Department on Dec. 14, 2023. Deputies found evidence of an additional crime after seizing Gerard’s cell phone. “Deputies seized the defendant's cellphone and pursuant to a search warrant conducted a forensic download,” the petition states. “Upon analysis of that download, deputies found the defendant to be

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GRANITE CITY - A GoFundMe has been organized to benefit The August Garden/Revival in Granite City after a fire engulfed and demolished the business at 1300 Niedringhaus Ave., Granite City, on Jan. 19, 2024. August Garden/Revival is a full-service florist, retail home, and gifts, with a charming vintage treasure shop. The business is owned by Judi Knapp and this store is a staple in the community and loved by many. The organizer of the GoFundMe for the business said the fire at the shop has been deemed "a total loss." "Please consider donating to Judi/The August Garden/Revival. Any amount helps — thank you," the GoFundMe organizer Tess Boyer Schenck said. To contribute to the GoFundMe, click here .

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ALTON - Kevin Frakes and Lee Cox are promising to chase the Winter Blues away with TWO special productions in February - with Treats and Sweets, AND delightful productions to be enjoyed by everyone. Lee is producing " Country Love" on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, February 11, 2024, at 2 p.m. in the Dorothy Colonius Foyer; ALT Board members will be creating plates of Chocolate Dreams while guests enjoy Musical Selections from seven local artists who will enhance a program that discusses the journey of loving Country Music. Guests will enjoy FREE Champagne, Hot Chocolate - and the chance to enjoy their favorite country hits performed by Lisa Rosenstock, Kathy Piercy, Margery Handy, James Cummings, Corrine Jones, Shea Maples, and Lorian Warford....and maybe a surprise guest! Up to (50) Tickets will be sold for each performance for $25 (which includes all refreshments and libations). AND attendees will have the chance to " Vote" for their favorite singer/duo

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EDWARDSVILLE - Are your houseplants withering in the winter? Andy Klos with Joe’s Market Basket has some tips to keep your plants perky all year long. Klos noted that “the houseplant industry has really taken off” following the COVID-19 pandemic, with more people purchasing houseplants to keep inside their homes. But many novice gardeners are still developing their green thumb, so he has advice to make caring for your houseplants easier. “I want to say right or wrong, a lot of people want to, we always say, give too much love to their houseplants. Houseplants don’t need your daily attention,” Klos said. “You can still talk to them every day, but maybe just let them do their thing.” This is the most common issue Klos sees. He encourages people to start with less “finicky” houseplants, like peace lilies or snake plants, and to do some research before they choose which plant to bring home. Every plant has different

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County’s Cross-River Crime Task Force has earned a prestigious Unit Award from the Southwestern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission and the Southern Illinois Police Chiefs Association. Members of the Cross-River Crime Task Force received Unit Award plaques and were honored during the annual awards banquet of SILEC and SIPCA. The banquet was held Thursday, Jan. 18, in Fairview Heights. “The members of the Task Force are truly deserving of this recognition,” said Granite City Police Chief Nick Novacich, who serves as commander of the Cross-River Crime Task Force. “Their tireless efforts, their dedication and their expertise have made this unit a success. As a result, the Cross-River Crime Task Force is having a genuine impact – making our communities and neighborhoods safer for everyone.” Established in 2021, the Cross-River Crime Task Force is comprised of select officers from law enforcement agencies across Madison County. Th

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ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE - The Alton and Edwardsville Overnight Warming Locations (OWLs) will be activated again on Friday night, Jan. 19, 2024. The overnight warming locations are at Deliverance Temple, 1125 Sixth St. in Alton, and First Baptist Church in Edwardsville, 534 St. Louis St. in Edwardsville. "Please make sure your clients and patrons are aware of the forecast that determines our activation. We do not want people to show up when the doors will be locked, so make sure they know where to check: www.riverbender.com/weather or 618-465-4545. If the overnight low temperature is predicted to be: 20 degrees or lower, we will be OPEN 21 degrees or higher, we will be CLOSED." "Thanks for all you are doing to help us serve our neighbors," the OWL lead team said.

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CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement on the Illinois Supreme Court’s ruling on local pension consolidation: “The Illinois Supreme Court upholding the constitutionality of this landmark, bi-partisan pension reform law today is confirmation that smart, thoughtful pension reform can be accomplished in Illinois. After 70 years of attempts, my partners in the General Assembly and I were able to accomplish meaningful reform during my first term in office. "We ushered in a new era of responsible fiscal management, one aspect of which has been consolidating over 600 local pension systems to increase returns and lower fees, reducing the burden on taxpayers and keeping another campaign promise. Today’s Supreme Court ruling is a victory for Illinois taxpayers, local governments and first responders.”

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ALTON/ST. LOUIS, MO. - For those who enjoyed the movie “Groundhog Day” starring actor Bill Murray, the weather conditions around the Alton/St. Louis region for Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, and Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, will be very replicative. Meteorologist Alex Elmore with the National Weather Service in St. Louis said today temps will be bitterly cold and almost be absolutely the same on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. He said the National Weather Service in St. Louis has issued a Wind Chill Advisory in effect from 6 p.m. Jan. 19, 2024, to noon on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024. Forecaster Elmore said right now the region is experiencing a second round of bitterly cold temperatures. "As of about 1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 19, the temps stand about 16 degrees Fahrenheit," he said. "The wind chills are right around zero degrees and it will drop down to values in the negative 10 to 15 wind chill range. On Saturday, Jan. 20, we will repeat what we experienced today and overnight and again

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville High School Orchestra Director Victoria Voumard on Friday, Jan. 19, 2024, released the list of band, choir and orchestra students from the school that have earned All-State status. EHS Principal Dr. Steve Stuart said the work that the students and teachers do is phenomenal and the long list of students honored shows that dedication. "It is just so impressive and it goes back to not only what they have accomplished here, but it all starts at the elementary level and works its way up to here," he said. "When they get here, they refine their skills and what you see in the final product is almost mind-blowing. I couldn't be prouder of the students and teachers for their work." Voumard congratulated the various students on the tremendous statewide honor. The students will participate in the ILMEA All-State Conference in Peoria on Jan. 25-27, 2024. EHS ILMEA All-State Student List Riley Bryant, tuba, Honors Orchestra Karis Chen, violin Chris Fuller, choir

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Wednesday, January 17, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Jarvon Conner, 21 years of age, of the 2000 block of Murvale Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63136, for Terrorist Threat First Degree and Harassment First Degree. Conner is being held on a $250,000 cash-only, no 10%, bond. The St. Louis County Police probable cause statement reads: On Friday, January 5, 2024, at approximately 2:48 p.m. Saint Louis County Police responded to Head Start Urban League at 8964 Jennings Station Road in Saint Louis County for a Harassment call. Witnesses were located who indicated a boyfriend of an employee had called and threatened to shoot up the building and kill the employee. "The employee confirmed that her boyfriend, the defendant, Jarvon Conner, was "going crazy", calling her on the phone while she was at work threatening to kill her. The defendant was contacted by the police and admitted to making the calls to his girlfriend

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EDWARDSVILLE - SIUE professors will host a “Building Community Resilience to Radicalization to Violence” community briefing to share information about the current threat of domestic terrorism in southern Illinois and prevention tips that communities can employ. Dr. Suranjan Weeraratne and Dr. Laurie Rice, political science professors at SIUE, will host the briefing from 6–7:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, at the Edwardsville Public Library. Weeraratne and Rice will present survey findings that indicate the threat level of violence in our region, followed by strategies to prevent domestic terrorism in southern Illinois. “I think and other federal agencies, they have been clear for a long time that the best way to prevent targeted violence and domestic terrorism in the United States, you support the communities and put local communities front and center. They are the first line of defense,” Weeraratne said. “So they’re really important

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EDWARDSVILLE - Metro-East Lutheran High School announced its second quarter Honor Roll lists. They can be viewed by clicking the link below: Metro-East Lutheran Honor Roll

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WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after Israeli Prime Minister publicly expressed opposition to a two-state solution in the Middle East : “Frankly, I’m appalled at Prime Minister Netanyahu rejecting a two-state solution in the Middle East, because that means he is effectively ruling out a sustainable, peaceful outcome in the long-term. The only viable path to lasting peace is establishing a Palestinian nation-state alongside Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu is not only out of step with the majority of Israeli citizens, he is also flat-out wrong about what is needed to keep his country safe and secure in the future. 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 continuing sufferin

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