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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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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two prominent Illinois leaders and a U.S. Senator from Louisiana had strong reactions today to the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Navalny, only 47, died while imprisoned by Vladimir Putin in Russia. Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) — a member of both the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees — issued the following statement after learning that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died while imprisoned by Vladimir Putin: “Alexei Navalny stood for freedom, democracy and human dignity in the face of Vladimir Putin’s tyranny, corruption and cruelty — and he was poisoned, imprisoned and killed because of it. While his death is a tremendous loss for his loved ones, the people of Russia and the entire free world, it is also a reminder of the extreme lengths Putin will go to maintain and expand his power. “As we mourn this loss, Putin is continuing to

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HARDIN - A man faces multiple offenses after a recent traffic stop in Calhoun County. At 10:55 p.m. on Friday, February 9, 2024, a Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducted a traffic stop on a white 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe at Illinois River Road near Schleeper Hollow Road in Hardin. Subsequent to an investigation, the driver, Montana V. Strader, aged 33, of Maquon, Illinois was arrested for the following offenses: Driving While Revoked (Felony) Warrant of Arrest (Macon County) Warrant of Arrest (Jersey County) The Calhoun Sheriff's Office said Strader was arrested without incident and transported to the Jersey County Jail, where he was detained due to his outstanding warrants. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, that an investigation by Edwardsville Police has resulted in felony weapon and cannabis-possession charges. Daniel R. Matlock, 30, of Edwardsville has been charged with Armed Violence (class X felony), Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm (class 1), Possession of Cannabis With Intent to Deliver (class 3) and Reckless Discharge of a Firearm (class 4). Haine said the charges allege that, on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2024, Matlock discharged a weapon in the direction of an occupied vehicle in the 900 block of Hale Avenue. Edwardsville Police quickly responded to a report of shots fired, and the subsequent investigation resulted in the charge of possessing 30 to 500 grams of cannabis with intent to deliver, along with the related gun charges. Edwardsville Police said the gunfire was not a random act of violence, but rather stemmed from a disagreement. Haine commended Edwardsville Police for their

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EDWARDSVILLE - Two individuals have been charged with burglary in Madison County, including one found with "burglary tools" at the Granite City Pickling Plant. In a separate case, two people were charged with stealing a Kawasaki motorcycle. Christopher J. Smith, 50, homeless, was charged by the Granite City Police Department with burglary and possession of burglary tools. On Jan. 5, 2024, Smith allegedly entered the Granite City Picking Plant at 1162 16th St. in Granite City without authority “with the intent to commit therein a theft,” according to court documents. Smith also reportedly had a screwdriver and a DeWalt reciprocating saw which were “suitable for use in breaking into a building.” Smith faces a Class 2 felony for burglary and a Class 4 felony for possession of burglary tools. Court documents indicate he was released upon his signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Release Order. Charles J. Cunning, 44, of Granite City, was charged with one

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ALTON - Driving appeared treacherous at 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, in the Alton region. There were multiple reports of accidents and one driver was off the road on Illinois Route 3 near Brunaugh Construction and Design on Friday afternoon. The driver was not injured in this case, but it is an example that the roads are slippery around the region. National Weather Service in St. Louis Meteorologist Melissa Byrd said at around 1:30 p.m. on Friday, Edwardsville had reported an inch and a half of snow and it was still coming down intensely. "A mix of heavier snow has moved in," she said. "We are expecting now parts of the Metro East St. Louis to get three to four inches of snow. The snow will make the commute home tonight difficult. Please drive carefully this evening with the commute." Snow plows have been witnessed out loaded with salt and are spreading throughout the region. Byrd said the snow will taper off between 3 and 5 p.m. on Friday. "A system is moving through," she said.

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JERSEYVILLE - Due to inclement weather conditions, Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100 has decided to release students early at 2 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024. "Safety is our top priority, and we want to ensure that everyone can get home safely," the Jersey district said. "Buses will begin running at 2:30. It may take them a little longer to get your child home; please be patient with us during this time. "If you need to make arrangements for your child, please contact their teacher or school." Southwestern School District 9 also announced this afternoon it would close two hours early. Lewis and Clark Community College in Godfrey also is closing at 2 p.m. today. So far, those two were the only area schools to announce early closure.

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EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville Police reported on Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, that on February 13, 2024, the department responded to the 900 block of Hale Avenue to a report of shots fired. The subsequent investigation led to a suspect being taken into custody. Investigating officers determined this incident was not a random act of violence and all the involved parties knew each other. On February 15, 2024, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office issued a criminal information on: Daniel Matlock M/W, 30 years of age. He was charged with the following offenses: COUNT 1 – Armed Violence, Class X Felony COUNT 2 – Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm, Class 1 Felony COUNT 3 – Possession of Cannabis with the Intent to Deliver, Class 4 Felony COUNT 4 – Reckless Discharge of a Firearm, Class 4 Felony Matlock is currently being held in the Madison County Jail pending a pretrial detention hearing. These charges, as well as the statements made herein,

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MOUNT VERNON, Ill. - A long-time McCoy Construction & Forestry teammate has been recognized by John Deere as being among the best of the best in his field. Brendan Eater, a technician at McCoy Construction & Forestry’s Mount Vernon, Ill. location, was selected by John Deere as one of the organization’s 2023 technicians of the year. Eater was one of 11 divisional winners named from across John Deere’s network of North American construction and forestry dealerships. Technicians of the year were selected on criteria that includes having a strong background in service to their dealerships, their customers and their communities. Winning technicians need to be positive role models in the workplace and must provide feedback on why they are passionate about their position, as well as receive a recommendation from a customer. “One of the great things about Brendan is, not only is he an extremely gifted technician, but he’s also extremely humble,”

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