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SPRINGFIELD - Due to travel warnings issued by the National Weather Service and the Illinois State Police in anticipation of hazardous road conditions caused by the impending winter storm, all Secretary of State offices and Driver Services facilities will be closed at 1 p.m. today, Thursday, Dec. 22. Secretary White’s top priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of customers and employees. “I encourage motorists to abide by law enforcement warnings to stay off the roads during hazardous, blizzard-like winter conditions,” said White. Secretary of State offices and facilities will reopen after the holiday weekend on Tuesday, Dec. 27. In the meantime, customers are encouraged to conduct other business online at ilsos.gov. In addition to driver’s license and ID card renewals for those who qualify, online services include obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card, ordering a driver's record, and purchasing license plate stickers.

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WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined the White House and the U.S. Department of the Treasury to announce the approval of broadband projects in Illinois under the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund , which aims to make affordableand reliable high-speed internet accessible to all Americans. Illinois will receive $253.7 million for broadband infrastructure, which is estimated to connect 87,163 households and businesses to the internet. The Capital Projects Fund (CPF) provides a total of $10 billion to states, territories, freely associated states, and Tribal governments to fund critical capital projects that enable work, education, and health monitoring in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. In addition to the $10 billion provided by the CPF, many governments are using a portion of their State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to connect every American households to

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ST. LOUIS - Due to the predicted extreme cold weather forecasted for St. Louis and surrounding areas for today and tomorrow, the St. Louis County Police Department will have officers more visible than usual throughout the neighborhoods we serve. Should a resident have an immediate cold-weather-related emergency, they may either contact the office directly if safe to do so, dial “211” or call the St. Louis County Police at 636-529-8210. Our goal is to ensure residents are safe during this and any extreme weather conditions. If needed, residents may also call "211" between the hours of 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. to receive a list of warming shelters with availability. If an inquiry regarding shelter availability is needed after 7:30 p.m., residents are asked to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210.

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CHICAGO - Today Governor Pritzker signed HB1293 into law, divesting Illinois state pension funds from Russian and Belarusian banks and companies effective immediately. This action was taken in response to the unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russia earlier this year and in support of the Ukrainian people in their continued resistance against Russian aggression. “As the great-grandson of Ukrainian Jewish refugees, I stand firmly with the Ukrainian people and condemn Russian violence,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This is an important step in demonstrating support for the people of Ukraine and in condemning the unlawful invasion and occupation of Ukraine by Russian forces.” Only a small portion of Illinois’ state assets- less than 0.005%-- will be affected by this policy change. Governor Pritzker directed the Illinois State Board of Investments to investigate this disinvestment process in March of 2022, when Russia initially invaded Ukraine. Illinois communitie

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SPRINGFIELD - A new law in 2023 will remove a long-standing stigma for people that earn an Illinois High School Equivalency Certificate. Starting January 1, 2023, that certificate will become the State of Illinois High School Diploma to more accurately reflect the equal value of that diploma and traditional diplomas earned at high schools across Illinois. Last year, in a bi-partisan effort, Illinois lawmakers passed and Governor J.B. Pritzker signed SB3792 which amended the code of multiple acts and agencies to replace references to ‘high school equivalency certificate’ with ‘State of Illinois High School Diploma’. The change will help Illinois graduates establish reciprocity with educational requirements in other states. “Students that earn a State of Illinois High School Diploma must possess the same level of knowledge and meet the same expectations as graduates from an Illinois high school. In fact, the two efforts are the same and should be considered

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ST. LOUIS - The Armory STL is officially open! Now, they’re excited to announce a December to remember filled with exciting events. Kick off your holiday festivities with a Christmas party and the inaugural NYE STL celebration. Now an Armory STL Christmas! What’s better than Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, N’Sync, Bing Crosby, Backstreet Boys, and Christmas? Nothing! We’re bringing these Christmas classics to the Armory for a night of twinkling tinsel, too much eggnog, celebratory shenanigans, and lots of holiday cheer! Wear an ugly sweater (or don’t), sing carols, watch snippets of your favorite Christmas movies, and pretend you’re Buddy the Elf. Plus, the Super Happy Fun Slide is making a one-night, must-see appearance as the Super Happy Candy Cane. Tickets are not required for this event. Must be 21+ to attend. Now an Armory STL Christmas! | Friday, December 23 | 8 p.m. The Inaugural Armory NYE STL: A Dance Revolution Experience NYE STL at

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GREENVILLE, IL. - Greenville University and McKendree University signed an enrollment agreement for GU students completing a bachelor of science in exercise science to continue their studies toward a master of science in athletic training (MSAT) with McKendree University. The agreement between the two institutions fosters a spirit of cooperation and provides GU students an opportunity to secure a spot in the McKendree MSAT program. “Greenville University and the Department of Sport and Kinesiology are excited to be in partnership with McKendree University,” said Roy Mulholland, department chair of sport and kinesiology at Greenville University. “Being able to collaborate with another institution in our region is a great step toward providing quality undergraduate and graduate experiences for our students. Athletic training is a growing emphasis in our exercise science program. We believe providing our students with a Christ-centered focus sets them apart and prepare

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ALTON - OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center utilizes a variety of recognition programs to honor Mission Partners (i.e. employees) that demonstrate our Mission of "Serving with the Greatest Care and Love." Among them is the long-standing "Merciful Love Award" that's announced annually during the hospital's Christmas party. The 2022 “Merciful Love Award” winner is Sabrina Cunningham, sr. financial analyst (pictured with Sr. M. Beata Ziegler, FSGM, vice president, of support services). Sabrina's nominator, in part, stated, "Sabrina is always helping out other Mission Partners, whether at St. Anthony’s or Ministry headquarters. If she doesn’t know the answer, she finds out for you or finds the resources you need to help you. She always volunteers her time with events such as the golf tournament, Alton Clean-Up, and the Great River Road Run." To Sabrina, the OSF Saint Anthony’s Mission means "realizing that each of us makes mistakes and faces challenges

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ALTON – As the final days of The Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign approach, Madison County Corp. campaign co-chairs Dr. John and Barb Hoelscher urge the community to give generously. “We want to thank all of the bell ringers who have been so generous with their time, as well as the many businesses who have allowed us to put the red kettles inside and out at their establishments,” said Barb Hoelscher. “They are all key to the success of this fundraising effort to help the needy in our community. We are so grateful to all the nice folks who dig into their pockets whenever they see a red kettle. Their gifts are helping a fine charity provide food, clothing, and social services to people needing help.” Everyone has certainly been affected by inflation and the tough economy this year, but those with low incomes have been hit especially hard, Dr. John Hoelscher said. “That’s why supporting the work of our local Salvation Army is so important,

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EDWARDSVILLE – City of Edwardsville Public Works employees will be out in force ahead of and during the winter storm that is expected to bring snow and bitterly cold temperatures to the area beginning Thursday. City crews plan to pre-treat the roads ahead of the storm and then will work to clear accumulating snow, initially prioritizing the main roads and other high-impact routes based on public safety. Accumulating snow, windy conditions and the extreme cold that are expected with the storm could complicate cleanup. They also could pose hazards to those who are traveling or have prolonged exposure outside. If you must be on the roads, please be cautious, drive at a safe speed for the conditions, wear a seat belt and increase your distance from other vehicles. City officials also ask that you allow extra space for city vehicles working to clear the roads. You can find additional information about the city’s winter weather operations, along with some suggestions, on our

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ALTON - Christmas Wonderland at Alton's Rock Springs Park will close because of the incoming winter storm on Thursday, Dec. 22, and Friday, Dec. 23, the head Grandpa Gang member Dick Alford said on Wednesday afternoon. The Grandpa Gang builds and coordinates the Christmas lights display each year. "We are closing because of the pending weather," explained Alford. "We didn't want to jeopardize the volunteers by having them outside in the cold. It looks like we will play it day to day. We gather again and make a decision Friday about that night and the rest of the weekend's status." Alford said the Grandpa Gang members normally work the display on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and relieve other volunteers for duty. The Christmas Wonderland Christmas lights display at Rock Springs Park ends Tuesday, December 27. The regular hours are from 6-9 p.m. on weeknights and 5-9 p.m. on weekends. Alford said overall, this has been a "really good year" for Christmas Wonderland and the Grandpa

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EDWARDSVILLE - Dr. Beth Renth is concluding an outstanding career with Edwardsville School District 7 that spanned more than 22 years of serving students. Renth officially retired last week. She was formally recognized by the Board of Education Monday night. She has touched the lives of countless students in her tenure. Toward the end of her career, Renth shared the knowledge she gained during her 22 years as principal of Worden Elementary with others, by serving as a principal trainer and mentor for the new elementary principals in the district. She stepped down as principal at Worden in May. With many new elementary principals in the district, her insight and years of experience have been valuable for them in their transition. “They really welcomed me with open arms, and we were able to talk through things," she said. "But they also do things differently. They are their own person and their own leader, but I am there to help them figure out what is best, especially for the

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police announced Wednesday that a major winter storm is expected to create dangerous travel conditions across the state Thursday and Friday, strongly urging the public to adjust plans and postpone unnecessary trips. The mixture of snow, rapidly falling temperatures and strong wind gusts is expected to produce blizzard conditions by Thursday afternoon, with extremely slick roads, little to no visibility and potentially life-threating wind chills if you become stranded. “The Illinois Department of Transportation is prepared to use all available resources to respond to this significant winter storm, but travel at times will be treacherous if not impossible by midday Thursday and into the overnight hours,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman . “Prepare now and consider postponing plans if they require driving. Remember: the safest option always is to stay home. Our IDOT snow-and-ic

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BETHALTO - The Bethalto Police Department today announced methamphetamine charges for two suspects in Madison County Circuit Court. ROBERT D. HAMOR M/W AGE: 57 (Unlawful Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine 15 to 100 grams (Class X Felony) SAVANA N. PARTRIDGE F/W AGE: 32 (Unlawful Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine 5 to 15 grams (Class 1 Felony). The charges stem from a traffic stop for registration-related offenses that was conducted by a Bethalto Police Officer at 11:16 p.m. on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, off Airline Drive. During the traffic stop and the ensuing investigation officers located and seized multiple packages of suspected methamphetamine. The two subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Madison County Jail where they were held pending a presentation of facts to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. Judge Slemer signed and issued the warrants/information, setting Hamor’s bond at $100,000

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CHICAGO – Solidifying Illinois’ position as a leader in the emerging electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing industry, Governor JB Pritzker today signed an amendment to the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act into law, further incentivizing EV production across the state. “Here in Illinois, we are leading the electric vehicle revolution,” said Governor JB Pritzker, “Today’s REV amendment signing sends a clear message to EV manufacturers that we are the best place in the nation to call home, thanks to our competitive incentives and ambitious clean energy goals. It’s no wonder that companies like Lion Electric, TCCI, and Rivian have expanded their footprints throughout our state, and I look forward to welcoming more EV businesses to Illinois in the coming years.” In addition to the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act (REV) is designed to make Illinois a leader in the fight against

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue announced that income and property tax rebates have been issued to over 5.1 million qualified taxpayers, totaling $1.042 billion. The rebates were the result of Gov. Pritzker’s Illinois Family Relief Plan , passed by the General Assembly, which also provided grocery, gas, and school supply tax savings. The rebate payments, which were issued over the course of several weeks, were automatically sent to Illinois residents who filed 2021 state income taxes and claimed a property tax credit. Those who did not file, were still able to receive rebates after completing an additional filing. “A once-in-a-lifetime pandemic has led to a very unusual economic moment and in challenging times like these, it’s more important than ever to have a government whose first focus is on working families,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “That’s why my administration spearheaded the Illinois

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is asking the motoring public to stay off the roadways for the next couple of days during the severe winter weather expected To begin tomorrow. If travel is absolutely necessary, allow enough time for travel and remain focused on the hazardous road conditions. Slow down AND move over for those vehicles stranded on the side of the road and for those emergency vehicles and personnel assisting them. Scott’s Law-related crashes are 100% preventable. Coincidentally, Scott’s Law Day is recognized on December 23 rd of each year to honor public safety workers and to remind motorists to slow down AND move over when approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with its emergency or hazard lights activated. Within the last five years, the ISP has seen increasing numbers in crashes involving Scott’s Law violations (see table below). So far this year, there have been 25 ISP squad cars struck in relation to Scott’s

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ALTON - There has been a storm watch for Christmas time for some time now, and weather predictors have a timeline established. The storm should move into the region in a quick fashion on Thursday, with a start of rain, snow, sleet, and then back to snow. St. Louis area weather forecasters have a timeline established now for the storm. From 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday - patchy light rain is possible, with temps in the 30s, then from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. - winter mix changes to snow and temps drop to nearly 10 degrees. From 2-8 p.m. Thursday, snow, wind, and near-blizzard conditions are projected and temps will fall to 0 degrees with a wind chill of minus 25 degrees. Bitter cold, strong winds will continue after 8 p.m. Thursday with 0-degree temps and wind chills of minus 30. On Friday, it should be dry, but dangerous wind chills with a high temperature of 7 degrees and a low of 0 degrees. Dangerous wind chills are predicted for Friday evening and for Christmas Eve Saturday. A high of

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GRAFTON - At its regular meeting on December 20, the Grafton City Council unanimously approved Mayor Mike Morrow’s proposed Commission that will explore the feasibility of creating a national Veteran’s Memorial in Grafton to honor all who have served and are serving our great country. The twenty Commissioners will collectively provide direction, guidance, and oversight to the entire project from initial layout and contest design to the selection and implementation of the winning designs. “We are excited to actually get this project moving,” said Mayor Morrow. “We have a robust Commission comprised of highly qualified and enthusiastic people.” The centerpiece of the Grafton Memorial would be a life-size WWII reenactment in metallic figures of the U. S. Army Rangers climbing the Pointe Du Hoc cliffs at Omaha Beach (part of the initial D-Day landings on June 6, 1944) and using the limestone bluffs near the Grafton Visitor’s Center to replicate

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PONTOON BEACH - At a press conference on last Friday, December 16, Madison County Transit (MCT) announced a multi-year, multi-million-dollar initiative to expand and enhance the MCT Trails and improve access to the MCT public bus system. MCT and Agency for Community Transit (ACT) Board members, elected officials, members of the press, and representatives from Heartlands Conservancy as well as the Metro East Parks and Recreation District (MEPRD) were on hand as MCT Managing Director SJ Morrison announced the various capital investments. MCT Trails Investments: The MCT Board of Trustees has obligated $34 million for trail projects in 18 Madison County communities, to be initiated over the course of the next five years. Funds will be used for 19 projects that will extend the MCT Trails into new communities, neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas. The projects will add more than 20 miles of new trails to the system, as well as two new tunnels and seven new bridges. “It’s

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