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WOOD RIVER - As the cooler weather settles in, the City of Wood River invites the Riverbend region to enjoy fall-themed fun at several events in the coming weeks. “We’ve got lots of things happening downtown and we’ve got new businesses opening a lot, so this just gives us an opportunity to show off what we’re doing,” Kristen Burns said. Burns is a community leader and member of Wood River Economic Development, an organization that promotes growth in Wood River. The organization’s second annual Chili Cookoff will start the spooky season. This free event is scheduled for 2–6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. Families can listen to bands, check out local businesses and judge the city’s best chili. The band Money Shot will play throughout the afternoon. The Chili Cookoff event will be centered in the downtown district along E. Ferguson Avenue. Team can compete for $40 to see who has the best chili. Check out the Wood River Economic

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that repairs on westbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13. One lane will remain open at all times. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 16. 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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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined bipartisan group of 13 attorneys general from Arizona, California, Delaware, Kansas, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia, to release the following joint statement on the current situation in Israel and the attacks launched by Hamas. “We are aghast and outraged at the wanton, calculated attacks on civilians going about their daily lives. The carnage, perpetrated by Hamas and its supporters, has directly led to the loss of hundreds of innocent lives and horrific kidnappings. We grieve with our Israeli siblings, and with the loved ones of all those innocent lives lost in Israel and Gaza because of this surprise attack. The targeting of civilians by Hamas as well as the thousands of rockets it has fired indiscriminately at civilian targets are acts that cannot be tolerated or rationalized. Violence and terror are not the ways to achieve a lasting an

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BELLEVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that pavement repairs on Illinois 159 from North Douglas Avenue to Alexa Drive will require intermittent overnight lane closures beginning, weather permitting, at 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15. One lane will always remain open in both directions, with the help of flaggers. All lanes will be open by 5 a.m. each morning. The project is expected to be completed by the end of November. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. 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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ROXANA - Raelee Kimbro has developed into a strong runner this season for the Roxana girls cross country squad. Kimbrow, a senior, recently posted a time of 20:51.7 for third place in the Madison County Small Schools Invitational in Granite City. She broke 20 minutes in the Granite City Invite with a time of 19:53.8 and medaled with a top 30 performance. She also recorded a time of 19:55.0 in the Peoria High School Invite for 56th place. She was ninth in the Belleville West Invite on Sept. 9 with a time of 20:22.2. Kimbro is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Shells. Kimbro, interviewed after one of the meets, said she has felt "good" about her performances so far this season and is looking forward to the postseason. "I tried to get in the top 30 and medal at Granite City and did it," she said, speaking of one of her year's highlights to date. As a senior, Kimbro has become a leader for her Shells team. She plans to run track in college and not play

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EAST ST. LOUIS – In September 2023, the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office (SCCSAO) filed 15 charges in Illinois State Police Zone 6 Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) cases, 9 felony and 6 misdemeanor charges. PSEG is a joint effort between the Illinois State Police and the East St. Louis Police Department (ESTLPD) for violent crime investigations. PSEG was created to provide more highly trained resources in East St. Louis to help solve and reduce crime. FELONY CHARGES : SCCSAO charged the following cases in September. The dates listed are the dates the incident occurred. On July 1, 2023, PSEG agents responded to the Casino Queen for a report of subjects breaking into a vehicle. When officers arrived on scene, the suspects entered a vehicle and fled the area. Officers pursued the vehicle which crashed into a concrete barrier. The subjects were taken into custody. On September 6, 2023, the SCCSAO charged 30-year-old Derrick M. Scott of St.

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JERSEYVILLE - Four individuals are facing charges of attempted arson, theft, weapon charges, and more from the past week, according to recent Jersey County court filings. Ryan L. Stamper, 48, of Jerseyville, was charged with one count of attempted arson for an incident on or about Oct 3, 2023. Court records state Stamper “took a substantial step toward” committing arson, in that he “by means of fire, knowingly damaged property,” specifically “a cornfield, located on the south side of Crystal Lake Road” in Jersey County. Stamper was charged with a Class 3 felony for the attempted arson. Court records indicate he is being held without pretrial release conditions in the custody of the Jersey County Sheriff until he can be brought before the court. Travis T. Pillman, 35, of Dow, was charged with one count of theft for an incident on or about Sept. 29 2023. Court documents allege Pillman stole a set of “Gear Off Road Wheels and 33x12.5x22

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Sheriff's Office recently said goodbye to a 32-year veteran - Lt. Pete Moore. Moore recently retired from the sheriff's office after a long and distinguished career. Lt. Moore began his career with the Madison County Jail in January of 1992. Since 2013, Lt. Moore has supervised the Sheriff Work Alternative Program (SWAP). Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor said: "Lt. Moore will surely be missed as he did so much for this office. We wish him the best in his retirement. Thank you Lt. Moore for your 32 years of service."

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities (CEO) program cultivates an “entrepreneurial mindset” in high school seniors. But if you ask them, it’s also just a lot of fun. The CEO program is based out of Midland Institute for Entrepreneurship in Effingham, IL, with regional chapters throughout the state. The Edwardsville CEO program brings together students from Edwardsville High School, Father McGivney Catholic High School and Metro-East Lutheran High School to foster job skills through hands-on learning. “Our goal with the program is to help them develop an entrepreneurial mindset,” said Hannah Allison, the Edwardsville program’s facilitator. “They learn the skills and the tools necessary to help set them up for success, no matter what career path they plan on choosing.” The program selects 26 applicants who are “hardworking, trustworthy and motivated.” Throughout senior year, the students meet every

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WOOD RIVER - East Alton-Wood River sophomore Hailey Handler continues to get recognition as an athlete as both a tennis and basketball star. Handler is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. The EA-WR sophomore thanked her mom and dad for always taking time out of their busy schedules to make it to her games and practice pick-up. Mary Broadway is Handler's girls' tennis coach. Handler said her doubles partner Kaylin Buttry's ability to read and work together well goes a long way in how they play as a combination. Handler has been playing tennis for about a year and has already developed a love of the sport. She says when she is not playing a sport, she enjoys reading, playing with her dog, and building Legos. The EA-WR athlete said playing a sport has also taught her that no matter what you are doing, "if you have discipline, you can succeed." She says she doesn't know where she wants to go to college yet, but would love to continue a sport over

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ROXANA - Terrel Graves was wearing Roxana Shells yellow and red before it was cool. Graves was a freshman at Roxana in the COVID-altered and shortened season, where the Shells went 2-4. In 2021, the Shells didn’t pick up any more wins, but Graves became a staple within the Shells offense as just a sophomore. Last year, as a junior, he broke the 1,000-yard mark in a single season. Graves making the big jump in 2022 is similar to the leap his team as a whole made, as the Roxana Shells went from 2-7 in 2021 to 7-4 in 2022, reaching postseason play. The 2022 offense was carried by Graves, who had nearly 1300 all-purpose yards, averaging over 117 total yards per game. Now a senior, Terrel has been able to grow with this Roxana Shells team, and is one of the leaders on a team full of star power. With plenty of offense to go around, Graves is still averaging more than ten yards per carry, and averages at least one touchdown per game. Graves is a Midwest Members Credit Union Athlete

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EDWARDSVILLE - A local 9-year-old is asking for donations so she can provide birthday parties for 150 kids in the community. Leah Frey is collecting birthday items to create “gift bags” so families who might not otherwise be able to celebrate birthdays can throw home parties for their kids. Each bag will include a disposable cake pan, cake mix, canned icing, birthday candles and other fun party items like streamers and balloons. Leah hopes community members will donate so she can create 150 bags by November. “I just wanted to think about the kids who can’t celebrate their birthdays as much as some other people, and I just wanted to make sure every kid could feel special on their own birthday,” Leah said. There are 31 donation boxes set up across Madison County. People can drop off items at these locations, or you can also send money over Venmo, which will be used to purchase items for the gift bags. As the current Miss Illinois Volunteer Princess,

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Madison County Sheriff's Office has issued a congratulations to Deputy Kyle Doolen on his upcoming retirement. Deputy Doolen, DSN 331, started his career in August of 2003 at the Madison County Sheriff's Office. He was a canine handler for 12 years with his first K9 in 2008, K9 Nero. In 2014, he patrolled the streets of Madison County with K9 Havoc up until 2020. He assisted numerous agencies with K9 Nero and K9 Havoc all throughout Madison County. In 2008 Deputy Doolen was named “Deputy Sheriff of the Year” for the State of Illinois. Deputy Doolen also received Medal of Valor and Medal of Honor in 2008. He served as a Firearms Range Instructor from 2013 to 2023, assisting at the range twice a year for firearms qualifications. "The citizens of Madison County and all of us at the Sheriff’s Office thank you for your dedication to the patrol division, K9 teams, and Madison County Sheriff’s Office Range," the sheriff's office said in a statement

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GRAFTON - Grafton Police Officer Mike Angel was honored by Crime Stoppers at a ceremony at ‘Straight Home’ in Hardin, Illinois on Monday evening, October 10, 2023. Officer Angel was presented with a Lifesaving Award in recognition of his quick actions on June 19, 2022, that helped to save the life of Eighth Circuit Court Judge Charles ‘Chipper’ Burch of Calhoun County who suffered serious, life-threatening injuries because of a bicycle accident on the bike trail at Graham Hollow outside of Grafton. Judge Burch told the audience what transpired that fateful afternoon. He said he was riding his bike with his family and found himself going pretty fast on a narrow section of the bike trail. He came to a section that had a wooden bridge when he lost control of his bike. He was thrown off and hit a 2” x 6” wooden guard rail with such force that he broke through the rail and was severely cut in several places. “Officer Angel arrived on the scene

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DOW - Jersey County Sheriff's Office is seeking help from the public in locating a Dow woman - Kaila M. Vatole - a missing person. The Jersey Sheriff's Office said it is believed that Kaila walked away from a residence located on Little Piasa Road in rural Dow, Illinois on January 8, 2023. Numerous searches in the area and extensive investigation have failed to locate Kaila, whose family continues to suffer with concern for her welfare and whereabouts. Kaila is a 40-year-old white female, approximately 5’3” tall and 110 pounds with hazel eyes. She has multiple tattoos, including a prominent tattoo on her neck. The Jersey Sheriff's Office said Kaila has a medical condition that requires a colostomy, has lived as a homeless person in the past, and has suffered with drug addiction. Kaila previously resided in Carlinville, Wood River, East Alton, and Alton. The JCSO is asking for farmers and hunters in the area of Kaila’s disappearance to pay particular attention as

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, will be honored with the Stellar Performer Award during the 36th St. Louis American Foundation Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala, Saturday, Nov. 4 at the America’s Center in downtown St. Louis. "I am deeply honored to receive the Stellar Performer Award from the St. Louis American Foundation,” said James T. Minor, PhD, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor. “This recognition is really a testament to the collective efforts of SIUE’s dedicated faculty, students and staff.” “Our mission at SIUE is to enroll diverse students,” Minor continued, “and provide them with the support needed to earn a high-quality degree and succeed in their careers, ultimately contributing to the growth and prosperity of our region. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this institution and work towards this important goal.”

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CHICAGO - Fire Prevention WeekTM is October 8-14, and Illinois DCFS is reminding everyone about the importance of creating a home fire escape plan and practicing that plan with the entire family so everyone knows what to do if the smoke alarm sounds. DCFS launched a free statewide program in October 2019 to provide smoke alarms to families served by the department. As of August 31, DCFS has distributed 4,312 smoke alarms to families across Illinois, including 897 this year. “In a fire, a few seconds can be the difference between a safe escape and a tragedy, and ensuring every family we serve has a working smoke alarm is a simple and important step we can take to save lives,” said Illinois DCFS Director Marc D. Smith. “It is also important for families to have and practice a fire escape plan so they can quickly get out of the residence and to a safe meeting place if the alarm sounds.” According to the National Fire Protection Association: Three out of five

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ALTON - Mothers and daughters (9 to 13 years old) in the Riverbend region are invited to participate in a very special afternoon gathering to explore God’s precious gift of female development in a respectful, loving atmosphere while establishing a foundation for dialogue between mothers and daughters. The “Mother-Daughter Tea” is scheduled to take place on Saturday, November 4, from 1-4 p.m. in the Perpetual Help Center at OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center (#1 Saint Anthony’s Way, Alton, IL 62002). Seating is limited and registration is required. The registration deadline is Friday, October 20. The program will consist of the following presentations: “Theology of the Body” talk by Sister M. Gemma Kissel, FSGM “Changes During Puberty” talk by Shannon Vitali, RN, FCP “Discussion Forum” covering virtues, spirituality, modesty, and keeping good open lines of communication featuring local adults and older peers There

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GREENVILLE - Greenville University invites community members, alums, and friends to campus for Homecoming activities October 19 - 21, 2023. The weekend starts with a Greenville University choir concert at 7 p.m. on Thursday at the Whitlock Music Center and a reception in the renovated Luzader Chapel. Friday morning begins with a prayer event with President Davis expressing gratitude to God through the decades of GU's history, followed by a reception at the Tidball Alumni House. Other highlights of the day include the Homecoming Parade at 4 p.m. along College Avenue, the consecration of the new residence hall under construction on College Avenue at 5 p.m., and at 5:30 p.m., the street fair on the square with food trucks and live music. A presentation event, RISE UP: A Vision for the future of GU, will commence at 6 p.m. at Whitlock Music Center, to share the priorities, the goals, and the projects as GU moves toward the future. A concert will follow by recording artist Michael W. Smith.

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs has been chosen as the next president of the National Association of State Treasurers, the nation's foremost authority for responsible state treasury programs and related financial practices, policies and education. Frerichs, who has been serving as NAST senior vice president, was elected president at the organization’s annual business meeting in October. His term as president begins on Jan. 1, 2024. “I’m honored to be chosen by my peers as the next leader of NAST, the leading voice for excellence in public finance,” Frerichs said. “I’m also thankful to outgoing NAST President Josh Haeder of South Dakota for his friendship and leadership in the organization. As I move into this new position, I look forward to building on the good work my team and I are doing in Illinois, and I’m excited about continuing to collaborate with state treasurers from across the nation on public finance

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