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EDWARDSVILLE – Mayor Art Risavy has announced details of the Edwardsville Enhancement Plan, a strategy for creating a green corridor throughout the City, improving parks and public spaces and enhancing the community’s quality of life. “The City of Edwardsville is embarking on an exciting multi-year, multi-million-dollar initiative that will benefit the entire City,” Mayor Risavy said. “Our goal is to enhance the beauty of the area and the quality of life with smart growth principles that prioritize the preservation of greenspace.” The Edwardsville Enhancement Plan will utilize revenue from the recently passed quarter-percent sales tax increase to acquire and preserve greenspace, invest in City parks and new public spaces, fund future capital projects and support the City’s public safety pensions. The sales tax increase takes effect January 1, 2024. The City Council set one piece of the Edwardsville Enhancement Plan in motion on Tuesday night

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CHICAGO — Today, Governor Pritzker was joined by Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Deputy Governor Grace Hou, Deputy Governor Martin Torres, elected officials, and state agency directors at the Carole Robertson Center for Learning to announce a proposal to create a new state agency to house all early childhood programs and funding. The new unified agency will provide a more equitable, integrated, and holistic system of services for young children and families in Illinois. “We need a governance system that is unified in its approach to serving families, working with providers, and promoting equity,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our Smart Start Illinois plan served as the catalyst for this transition, but this new agency will cover so much more. From ISBE’s Early Childhood Block Grants and DCFS’ day care licensing program to DHS’ child care, home visiting and early intervention services, soon all of these programs will be administered under

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ST. LOUIS - St. Louis-based law firm Lewis Rice is pleased to announce new leaders for nine of its practice groups. Practice Group Leaders at Lewis Rice implement practice management and development plans that support the firm’s key commitment to deliver the highest quality legal services. “The strategic plans these experienced attorneys build and execute enable Lewis Rice to operate more efficiently, provide better service to our clients, and continue to be the law firm of first choice for our clients and top legal talent,” said Firm Chairman Richard B. Walsh Jr. The new practice group leaders include: • Aaron L. Pawlitz leading Corporate Strategies The Corporate Strategies practice group guides business leaders and investors through regulatory, contractual and deal-making landscapes so they can achieve their objectives, pursue opportunities and navigate emerging challenges. • Billee Elliott McAuliffe leading Cybersecurity & Data Privacy The Cybersecurity

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ALTON - Calvary Baptist Church plans to open a new Christian school in Alton by Fall 2024. They hope to offer preschool through 12th grade. Parents are invited to attend a “Vision Night” at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 12, 2023, to learn more about the plans for Calvary Christian School and decide if it’s a good fit for their family. “We’re looking forward to getting the word out and letting people know what we’re going to be doing with the school,” said Wade Dobson, associate pastor. The church is in the process of completing foundational documents and renovating its building at 1422 Washington Avenue in Alton to accommodate the school. The grade levels they offer will depend on the space requirements and how many students register for each grade, but Dobson is “very confident” in their plans to teach preschool through elementary school. They hope to teach middle and high school as well. The Vision Night will help the school’s

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with 18 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief on Monday urging the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey to support former Jackson Hewitt tax preparers who say they were harmed by no-poach agreements utilized by the nationwide tax preparation chain. The brief supports the former tax preparers, who are plaintiffs in a proposed class action lawsuit, and argues the no-poach provisions used by Jackson Hewitt in its franchise agreements are presumptively unlawful. “No poach agreements hold back workers by limiting their ability to seek better employment opportunities,” Raoul said. “I will continue to advocate on behalf of all workers and their families, and I am committed to holding employers accountable for policies that violate workers’ rights.” In their brief, Raoul and the coalition argue that no-poach agreements, which prohibit corporate-owned and franchise Jackson Hewitt locations from

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CHICAGO - Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul today led a coalition of 18 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief in support of a federal program that allows children from El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras to reunite with their parents in America. Raoul and the coalition filed the brief supporting the Biden administration in a case brought in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas challenging the Central American Minors (CAM) program. “Ending the Central American Minors program would have devastating effects on individuals seeking asylum in the United States from violence or social upheaval in their native countries,” Raoul said. “Reducing the number of dangerous border crossings saves children’s lives. I urge the court to affirm the executive branch’s ability to parole individuals into the United States.” The CAM program was created in response to an increase in life-threatening border crossings by children from

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ALTON - Alton Committee of the Whole members voted 6-1 to approve an $8.1 million redevelopment agreement for “Alton Circle Plaza,” also known as the newly-established Route 3 and Buckmaster Business District . The city has agreed to partially reimburse the developer for the large-scale, long-term project. The developer, Missouri-based Valcour Development Company, proposes a total of $8,105,725 worth of various interior and exterior improvements and associated costs “in an attempt to substantially enhance the economic viability of the shopping center and the businesses located in the vicinity thereof,” according to the resolution to approve the agreement. Some of the proposed improvements and their associated costs are as follows: “Landlord work”: $2,565,000 Building facade improvements: $1,375,000 New roof measuring 76,000 square feet: $1,140,000 The City of Alton has agreed to reimburse Valcour for up to 50% of approved redevelopment

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ST. LOUIS - Mayor Tishaura O. Jones is attending the Accelerator for America conference in Kansas City, MO, alongside St. Louis Development Corporation CEO Neal Richardson. Together they will meet with Mayors Lucas (Kansas City, MO), John Giles (Mesa, AZ), Tim Kelly (Chattanooga, TN), Andy Schor (Lansing, MI) as well as economic development leaders to promote the Economic Justice Action Plan as the gold standard for promoting economic mobility in historically disinvested cities like St. Louis. All lodging is paid for by Accelerator for America. On Tuesday Mayor Jones will attend the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) conference in Baltimore, MD, to discuss the ways recent legislation, a key part of President Biden’s Investing in America agenda, amplifies contracting opportunities for historically marginalized communities in the allocation of funds to state and local governments. She will attend alongside Mayors Brandon Scott (Baltimore, MD), Celina Benitez

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Liquor Licensing Modernization Updates Will Improve Customer Service and Save Customers Time The Illinois Liquor Control Commission (ILCC) is announcing the rollout of a new, streamlined online application option for new 1A retailer licenses and the launch of the Appointments Only program for in-person liquor license services. Both will begin today, October 23, 2023. Online Applications for New 1A Retailer Licenses Currently, existing 1A retailer licensees, which include bars, restaurants, and packaged goods stores, can renew their licenses online via their MyTax Illinois account. We have upgraded our application process to give new 1A retail applicants the option to submit their license applications online starting today, October 23, 2023. Applications can be completed and submitted online via MyTax.illinois.gov . This upgrade will make the new retailer application process more efficient for our licensees. MyTax Illinois is the quickest and easiest way to apply for a liquor

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Top Officer, Special Agent, Telecommunicator, and Forensic Scientist Honored for Their Actions and Accomplishments During 2021 and 2022 SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan F. Kelly gathered today with ISP staff and their families, local law enforcement officers, and distinguished members of the public for the ISP Awards Ceremony. The ceremony was held to recognize individuals for their significant contributions and dedication to public safety. Director Kelly presented individuals with the following awards; Director’s Award of Distinction, Medal of Valor, Medal for Honor, Meritorious Service Medal, Achievement Medal, and Lifesaving Medal. Each award recipient was recognized for their exemplary service to ISP and the citizens of Illinois. “ISP’s greatest strength is our people – troopers, specials agents, telecommunicators, analysts – and I am proud and honored to work alongside them all,” said Director Kelly. “Integrity,

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WASHINGTON, MO. - The American Red Cross, is partnering up with the family and friends of Kristen Spaunhorst to host a blood drive in her honor Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Bank of Washington, 200 W. Main, Washington, MO 63090. Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord. The first symptoms are weakness & tingling in the extremities, which is how it started for Kristen. As a result of this condition, Kristen has received blood products from generous blood donors. She encourages all eligible donors to give the gift of life. The American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage. Fewer donors than needed gave this summer, drawing down the national blood supply and reducing distributions of some of the most needed blood types to hospitals. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, and there is an emergency need for platelet donors

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives continued to investigate a homicide that occurred in the 7000 block of Glenmore Avenue in the city of Velda City, which resulted in the death of an adult male. The deceased has been identified as Myyo Lanos, 18 years of age, of the 3100 block of Lucas and Hunt Road in Velda City, Missouri 63121. On October 20, 2023, at approximately 5:44 PM, St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives were requested by the city of Velda City to investigate a homicide within their city limits. The investigation revealed at 5:22 p.m., officers from the Velda City Police Department responded to a call for a shooting in the 7000 block of Glenmore Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim lying in the street, suffering from at least one gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased on scene. Further investigation revealed the victim and an unidentified male suspect were engaged in an

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CHICAGO — Today, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced that two Illinois programs have been designated as part of 31 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs). T he Central Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Hub and the Chicago Area Quantum Tech Hub: The Bloch were selected based on their innovation and economic growth potential—they will now be eligible to apply for the second phase of the Tech Hubs Program to receive between $50 and $75 million in federal funding. “Home to world-class institutions and first-rate research centers, Illinois is transforming technology, biomanufacturing, and innovation at every turn,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I couldn’t be prouder that the Biden Administration has selected The Chicago Quantum Exchange’s the Bloch and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s iFAB Hub as two of just thirty-one inaugural tech hubs—opening

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County Chief Assessment Office (CCAO) will be working in Alton neighborhoods for the next several months to update its file for online property images. Starting Thursday, Oct. 26, staff from the CCAO will be taking street-view photographs of residential and commercial properties. The county is assisting Alton Township Assessor Sheryl Beilsmith in getting online with the county’s tax assessment system — DEVNET. Alton is the last township to come online with the county’s system. “We are excited to be able to provide Alton Township with help to bring them online with the rest of the county,” Chief County Assessor Denise Shores said. Shores said that once completed, taxpayers would be able to view their full assessment information online, and if they need help, they will be able to not only call Alton Township, but also the county. The photo project is expected to continue into early 2025. For more information contact the

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GODFREY - The Community Christmas Committee for United Way came together at Freer Auto Body recently for their first meeting to plan out this year's campaign. Liz Campbell will be the chair of the 2023 Community Christmas campaign. Community Christmas is a program during the holiday season that collects money and items for families and children including personal care goods, blankets, new coats, gloves, hats, scarves, toys, baby formula, diapers, and non-perishable food for area agencies. Right now, the campaign organizers want to know who wants to have a Community Christmas box stationed at their business. Campbell said she is thrilled to be a part of Community Christmas this year. "It is a great cause and a heartwarming experience," she said. "I’m hoping we can come together and spread holiday cheer to families in our area.” For those who want a Community Christmas collection box, contact the United Way at (618) 258-9800. Freer Auto Body has been the catalyst of thi

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EDWARDSVILLE - SIU School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) has opened registration for its annual Veteran’s Day event known as Veteran’s Care Day offering free exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings and extractions to those who have military service. If this past Give Kids A Smile Day (GKAS) event, held annually during the October school holiday, is any indication, dental students and alumni will have a busy day in the clinic. “They’ve been all smiles when they come in here,” said Emily Bone, a first-year student dressed as a tooth fairy for this past October 9 day at the clinic for elementary school-aged children. “Coming here and seeing everybody in scrubs or scrub caps can be intimidating.” The tooth fairy and other welcoming faces, sans costume, are set up to greet students after their appointments in the nearby gym with games and patient education. Bone said, “We get to walk around help make the kids feel comfortable after

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O’FALLON — HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital is hosting an Electronics Recycling event on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 8 a.m. to noon. The collection vehicle will be located in the parking lot in front of the Health Center at 3 St. Elizabeth’s Blvd., O’Fallon, Illinois. The hospital’s Reverence for the Earth Committee invites the public to do their part to support environmental recycling efforts. “As a Franciscan ministry, we strive to be good stewards of the Earth and proudly offer collection events such as this to the community,” states Chance Beeler, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s manager of mission integration, spiritual care and volunteer services. “It is an opportunity to reduce waste and treat the planet with respect.” J&C E-Recycling will be managing the electronics recycling collection and will accept such items as computer towers, computer components, laptops and wire. Other items accepted include: Printers Cell Phones Electr

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JERSEYVILLE - Three individuals have been charged separately with offenses ranging from aggravated battery to driving under the influence and more, according to recent Jersey County court filings. Michael B. Wilson, 62, of Jerseyville, was charged with one count of aggravated battery on or about Oct. 14, 2023. Court documents allege Wilson “knowingly caused great bodily harm” to the victim in this case, specifically in that he “fractured and broke arm in three different places.” Wilson was charged with a Class 3 felony. Court documents indicate he is being held in the custody of the Jersey County Sheriff’s Department until his initial court appearance. Tyler P. Reynolds, 25, of Grafton, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and driving under the influence of alcohol. According to court documents, Reynolds was allegedly in possession of “15 grams of a substance containing cocaine” and drove a red Ford truck on Powerline

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Over 115 years after his death, Richard Edwards remains among the titans of nineteenth-century education in Illinois. A devoted champion of racial equality, he was never afraid to take a strong stand. Edwards is best known as the second President of Illinois State University in Normal, where he was at the forefront of racial progression during his time at the school from 1862-76. Born on Dec. 23, 1822 in Wales, Edwards emigrated to America with his family in 1833, eventually landing in Ohio. There, he attended a school taught by a farmer. Young Edwards was apprenticed as a carpenter at age sixteen and taught school near Ravenna Ohio for one term. Choosing to further his education, he left for Massachusetts in October 1844 before enrolling in July 1845 at what is today Bridgewater State in Massachusetts. He graduated in 1847 and became part of a long line of educational leaders that hailed from Bridgewater State, teaching there from 1848-53. Edwards also studied at Rensselaer

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WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, today announced two Illinois programs were selected by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) as part of the 31 inaugural Tech Hubs, selections in regions across the country primed for grown in innovation and job creation. The Chicago Quantum Exchange’s The Bloch: End-to-end Quantum Solutions at Scale and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Central Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Hub were selected and are now eligible to apply for the next phase of the Tech Hubs Program, which will invest between $50-$75 million in each of 5-10 Designated Hubs. Duckworth, Durbin and Pritzker championed these applications, advocating fiercely for their selection. “Illinois is already a hub of agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and technology, making our state ideally positioned for these Tech Hub

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