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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul expressed support for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) proposal to help cut down on unwanted text messages by requiring mobile wireless providers to block texts from invalid, unassigned, or unused numbers, and from numbers on a Do Not Originate (DNO) list. In addition, Raoul and a bipartisan collation of attorneys general are asking the FCC to continue pushing the wireless industry to help protect consumers. “As my office and attorneys general across the country crack down on robocalls, scammers are shifting to sending text messages,” Raoul said. “Robotexts are more than just a nuisance; they cost consumers time and sometimes money. I am committed to protecting the rights of Illinois consumers by fighting against illegal robocalls and robotexts.” Attorneys general work to protect consumers in their states and have long been at the forefront of fighting to reduce the number of robocalls that plague Americans.

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance today encouraged all wine growers and winemakers in Illinois to join its effort to capture the growth of winemaking in the state as it grows in popularity and production here. The IGGVA launched two critical surveys for wine growers and winemakers that can be found on its website . The last time such an audit of the industry was completed was in 2011, and data collection is crucial to the ongoing success of the Illinois wine and grape industry. As a growing tourism attraction in many Illinois communities, from Chicago to Carbondale, the Illinois wine industry has exploded with talent and award-winning wines. The IGGVA survey will capture the growth of the industry and its role as a tourism generator, contributor to local economics and job creator. “Wine growers and winemakers are increasingly turning to Illinois as a home for their wineries and tasting rooms,” said Lisa Ellis, director of the IGGVA.

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GODFREY - The community’s college has a new look and feel going into the new year. Lewis and Clark Community College publicly unveiled new branding, including new logos and the addition of new colors to the college’s palette, during a Brand Launch Party at 2 p.m., Monday, Dec. 12 in The Commons. “Lewis and Clark has been a staple of our communities for more than 50 years, and for all or most of it – our branding has been the same,” said L&C Manager of Marketing & PR Laura Inlow. “Meanwhile, the college is always growing and changing – looking for new ways to innovate and expand access to students. We felt it was time that our branding more effectively reflect who we are as a student-focused, forward-thinking institution.” The new branding consists of a new typeface family (Raleway) the addition of new colors (black, gray and sunglow), and a suite of new logos – all of which were revealed during a short program in front of mor

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EAST ALTON - At 10:48 p.m. on Sunday evening, December 11, 2022, the East Alton Police Department responded to a single-unit traffic crash, involving a motorcycle, in the 300 block of Lewis and Clark Boulevard. Upon arrival, the operator of the motorcycle was determined to be deceased at the scene. The deceased was Harrison A. Henderson, a 25-year-old male from Alton.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a pedestrian struck at the intersection of Buckley Road and Lemay Ferry Road that resulted in the death of an adult female. The deceased has been positively identified as Subrina Coleman, 44 years of age, of the 300 block of North Fourth Street in Pacific, Missouri, 63069. On December 9, 2022, at 6:14 p.m. St. Louis County Police officers from the South County precinct responded to a call for service at the intersection of Buckley Road and Lemay Ferry Road for a person struck. Responding officers located an adult female who had been struck by a motor vehicle. The female was transported to an area hospital for life-saving treatment, but later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased. A preliminary investigation has revealed a vehicle was traveling eastbound on Buckley Road at Lemay Ferry Road when a female entered the roadway and was struck. The driver of the vehicle remained

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville School District 7 is considering closing Midway Elementary and sending all northern K-2 students, who come from an area larger than 50 square miles to Hamel. Through the D7 engagement process, it has become clear that D7 gathered little background on the condition of the Midway aside from the study completed by Cordogan Clark. I and others have requested basic information from D7 on the condition of Midway and have yet to get answers. At the recent November 30 Midway engagement meeting, attended by nearly 130 people opposed to closure, D7 abruptly ended the meeting, still unable to share the root causes of building issues or context on why the district has failed at conducting basic maintenance at the school. This community does not agree with the current proposal. And there are several alternative solutions to fixing Midway School that would cost far less than the $5 million proposed. D7’s failure to conduct and share research on a proposal for Midway

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ALTON - The Alton Community Service League Gift Wrap program enters its 44th year this Christmas season. The primary fundraiser for the organization, which donates all profits to area charities has been headed by Marge Ferguson since 2013. The gift wrap program is the primary fundraiser for Alton Community League. The volunteers will be at Alton Square Mall's first floor between J.C. Penney and Hayner Library. From December 10-19 the gift wrap volunteers will be there from noon to 6 p.m. and from noon to 7 p.m. December 20-23 and noon to 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve Dec. 24.

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Fire and Police Departments are among multiple Madison County agencies that are upgrading to some of the newest radio technology available for emergency responders. The radios and related purchases totaled nearly $500,000, and were paid primarily through a grant from the Edwardsville Community Foundation Relief Fund, which was established in the wake of the December 2021 tornado. This month, the City of Edwardsville also authorized nearly $44,000 in additional radio purchases to further bolster its communication resources. Edwardsville Police Chief Mike Fillback said the City’s Fire and Police Departments had been planning to upgrade their radios over time, but the grant accelerated the process. All of the radios are expected to arrive within the next eight weeks. “These are some of the latest technology radios,” Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford said. “These will enhance our daily capabilities and also ensure that

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CARROLLTON - Several individuals in Greene County were charged with a range of crimes including grooming, battery, drug-related charges, and more over the past few weeks, according to the most recent Greene County Jail Booking Report. Harley D. Angel, 19, of Carrollton, was charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault, grooming, indecent solicitation of a child, and unlawful restraint. He was arrested by the Carrollton Police Department on Nov. 30 and has since been released on bond. Justin M. Rochester, 20, of Jacksonville, was charged with reckless driving, speeding 35+ miles per hour over the limit, driving on a revoked/suspended license, illegal possession/transportation of cannabis by a driver, and a vehicle equipment requirement violation. He was arrested by the Scott County Sheriff on Dec. 3 and has since been released on bond. Rachel A. Roberts, 38, of Greenfield, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving on a revoked/suspended

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JERSEYVILLE - An East Alton man is wanted for shoplifting over $300 worth of items from the Jerseyville Walmart, while a Jerseyville man is wanted for failing to register as a sex offender in Jersey County, according to recent court filings. Both individuals currently have warrants out for their arrest. Donald G. Gibson, 36, of East Alton, allegedly stole a 27-inch HP all-in-one desktop PC, one Mossy Oak heated seat, one soundbar, and miscellaneous toys from the Jerseyville Walmart on Dec. 2. The items had a total value of more than $300. Gibson was charged with a Class 3 felony and a warrant has been filed for his arrest. His bail is set at $20,000. Brandon T. Scheldt, 25, of Jerseyville, was charged with failing to register as a sex offender with the Jersey County Sheriff’s Department three days after changing his employment status in Jersey County. Scheldt was also charged with a Class 3 felony and a warrant is out for his arrest as well, with bail set at $20,000.

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TROY - Troy Chief of Police Brent Shownes announced that 53-year-old Richard Maedge of Troy was found deceased around 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. Maedge was reported missing on April 27, 2022. The case is still under investigation by Troy Police, Shownes said in a release. "An autopsy has been scheduled for a later date and time," the police chief said. No other details about the discovery of Maedge were released at this time by police. Family members said at the time he was reported missing that he was off work at 3 p.m. on April 27, and he was last viewed on a surveillance camera heading toward his home. Family members also said at that time in April that Maedge was supposed to go to his father's house and work on his deck, but later that afternoon, his keys and wallet were still on the counter and he has never since been seen.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Friday, December 9, 2022, St. Louis County Police Colonel Kenneth L. Gregory announced the promotions of Captain Timothy Cunningham to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Lieutenant Brian Schellman to the rank of Captain and Sergeant Shawn McGuire to the rank of Lieutenant. On Monday, December 12, 2022, Colonel Gregory announced the promotion of Sergeant Charlie Rodriguez to the rank of Lieutenant. Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Cunningham joined the Department in 1994. Lieutenant Colonel Cunningham previously served in the Affton-Southwest Precinct, the Bureau of Drug Enforcement, the South County Precinct, and the West County Precinct and is currently assigned to the North County Precinct. Lieutenant Colonel Cunningham earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Central Missouri State University. Lieutenant Colonel Cunningham has received 22 Department awards and/or commendations. Captain Brian Schellman joined the Department in 2003. Captain Schellman

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GODFREY - Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick emerged from a morning phone meeting with multiple individuals with a positive feeling about the Illinois Department of Transportation's West Delmar Avenue and Pierce Lane roundabout plan for what had been a planned shutdown traffic in that area. “It was a very productive meeting,” Mayor McCormick said. “There have been a lot of concerns brought up to the village and other elected officials about the process for the new roundabout construction. State Rep. Amy Elik, State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer, IDOT officials, Board member Sarah Woodman, and Godfrey’s Public Works Director Jim Lewis were part of the meeting, and I think IDOT is going to reconsider some of how they are going to do the roundabout construction and come up with a different plan.” Mayor McCormick said he has been in favor of the roundabout, but he thinks now IDOT will come to a happy medium to keep traffic flowing as it is constructed. “There

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine has filed charges of arson and animal cruelty against a Granite City man accused of setting a dog on fire. John T. Turcott, 68, is charged with one count of arson and one count of animal cruelty. In the arson charge, Turcott is accused of damaging a neighbor’s wooden privacy fence on Monday by means of fire. In the cruelty charge, Turcott is accused of throwing gasoline on Monday at a neighbor’s dog, named Rocky, and then throwing a burning item toward Rocky, causing burns to the dog’s face. Bail for the defendant was set at $100,000 by Associate Judge Ronald Slemer. However, Haine said his office has filed a motion seeking the revocation of Turcott’s bail from a previous case, in which he is charged with aggravated battery for allegedly crashing a car, intentionally, into a motorcyclist on June 22, 2022. The court has ordered that Turcott remains in custody until a hearing is held on the motion

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GRANITE CITY - Seniors Peyton Hatfield and Chris Taylor of Granite City High School were selected as Granite City Elks Lodge #1063 Students of the Month for November. The Elks Student of the Month Program is designed to recognize outstanding young men and women for achievements in school and community life-fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school, club and community service, industry, and farming. Nominees are judged on multiple achievements including leadership skills, good moral character, community involvement, extracurricular activities, honors and award, and scholastic ability. Each student receives a $100 U.S. savings bond and an Elks certificate of achievement. Peyton Hatfield Student Council President ... Two-time Girls Soccer Team Captain ... Member of Girls Tennis, Girls Soccer and Girls Swimming Team ... R Kids and Swim Teacher Volunteer ... Member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, National Honor Society, Science Club, Student Council and Varsity Club ... 202

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ALTON - Brittany L. Higgins was reported missing to the Alton Police Department by a family member on 12/06/22. The family member reported Brittany had not been seen or heard from for approximately one month at the time of the report. Attempts by law enforcement to locate Brittany have been made but have been unsuccessful at this time. Brittany is described as a white female, 31 years of age, with long blonde hair and blue eyes. She is approximately 5’3”, and 110 pounds. She has a tattoo of a heart on her foot. The Alton Police Department is continuing its efforts to locate Brittany. Brittany is known to frequent areas just outside of Alton in Cottage Hills. Anyone with information as to Brittany’s whereabouts is asked to call the Alton Police Department at 618-463-3505 Ext. 634.

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Arts Center (EAC) has announced the departure of Melissa McDonough-Borden as Executive Director. McDonough-Borden’s 10 years of service allowed the Arts Center to flourish. Accomplishments including an influx of regional recognition, continual success of the Edwardsville Art Fair, and expanded art education for the local community. Her leadership and positive influence will be missed by the community and artists alike. Having spent five years on the EAC board, McDonough-Borden continued her dedication to the arts when she took on the role of Executive Director in 2017. One of her major accomplishments, the Edwardsville Art Fair, has seen an increase of artists’ sales each consecutive year, reaching over $400,000 as of 2022. Previous EAC President and 2022 Patron of the Arts awardee, Paul Abert, had this to say about McDonough-Borden: “Missy’s commitment to the ongoing success of the EAC, Arts Education opportunities, and the

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BETHALTO - Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Eagles of the Month” program at Civic Memorial High School. Senior students are selected each month by members of the Civic Memorial faculty to represent each department. All students are awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. Two Seniors (1 female student and 1 male student) that were selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $500.00 “Eagles of the Year” scholarship each at the end of the school year. 2022 November’s Eagles of the Month winners: Math – Kaydence Hibbs Fine Arts – Claire Shaw Social Studies – Autumn Bowman PE/Health - Mason Fries Choir - Carter Bloodworth Band- Dylan Moore Science - Alexis Collins English - Elijah Gruen C.T.E. - Kaitlynn Niemeyer Teacher of the Month winner: Social Studies - Charles Baldwin Congratulations to all the Civic Memorial “Eagles of the Month”

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced he has reached a settlement with Walgreens and CVS to resolve allegations that the companies contributed to the opioid addiction crisis by failing to appropriately oversee the dispensing of opioids at stores. The bipartisan settlement provides more than $10 billion nationally and requires significant improvements to how Walgreens and CVS pharmacies dispense opioids. Raoul and 17 state attorneys general on the executive committee, attorneys representing local governments, Walgreens, and CVS have agreed to this settlement, which has been sent to other states for review and approval. The sign-on period for states will be until the end of 2022, followed by a 90-day sign-on period for units of local government. The $10.7 billion settlement will be divided among sign-on states, local governments, and tribes, and will prioritize abatement and remediation of the opioid crises. “The opioid epidemic has tragically affected to

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PEARL HARBOR – The Battleship Missouri Memorial is honored to unveil a new plaque onboard the USS Missouri to express their deepest gratitude to the people of the State of Missouri for their continuous and generous contributions that has helped ignite the restoration of America’s last battleship. The custom, hand-crafted plaque is displayed on the side of Gun Turret 1 for all visitors to see and was made from teak to symbolize the restoration efforts of the teak deck that adorns the entire battleship. Over the past four years, the people of the State of Missouri have generously supported the Mighty Mo by providing $388,000 in funds and has been a key partner in leading the efforts in preserving this monumental piece of history. Specifically, the State of Missouri's donations have gone directly to restoring the teak deck in need of extensive repair due to wear and tear over several decades. This substantial restoration project requires hundreds of man-hours and thousands

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