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ILLINOIS - What does Abraham Lincoln, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and a favorite Christmas carol have in common? According to historian Tom Emery, all three are connected to the state of Illinois. Emery explained that Christmas has changed a lot through the ages, but the holiday has a long history in the Prairie State. Abraham Lincoln Like a lot of people in the 1830s, future president Abraham Lincoln was aware of Christmas, but he didn’t do much to celebrate. Emery spoke of Lincoln’s time living in New Salem, about 20 miles north of Springfield, while he was a state legislator. “I would like to tell you some stories about what he did at Christmas. Frankly we don’t know a whole lot about what he did,” Emery said. “One reason for this is because Christmas was just not as big of a deal in the 1830s as it is today. Christmas celebrations were just a tiny fraction of what we know today.” The holiday was “a blip on the radar”

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ALTON - In the 1950s, Chris and Helen Doucleff began a holiday tradition that has since expanded and become almost a legendary part of the Alton fabric. This past weekend, Amy and Ben Hollis, the daughter and son-in-law of Mike Doucleff of Duke Bakery, had another holiday gathering where Santa, his elves and even a pair of reindeer were on hand at their Henry Street location. Families with children were lined up along the block of Duke Bakery to see Santa and visit the bakery for its best in holiday treats. The owners said: "It was an amazing day - we had great weather for Santa and a fantastic crowd." Mike Doucleff began his career at Duke Bakery folding pie boxes in the family living room in 1952. The family lived next door to the bakery back in those days. Mike vividly remembers his dad being Santa close to the bakery right before the holidays waving to children. It became something people became used to and he and Amy and Ben have continued that wonderful tradition. "We have

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JERSEYVILLE - A local business recently received recognition from the Jersey County Sheriff’s Department for their donation of 10 bikes to be distributed to 10 local children in need this Christmas. The department commended S.S. Hansen Embroidery in a Facebook post for showing them “the meaning of Christmas.” “If you have any doubts that the Christmas spirit is alive and well in this day and age, you must look no further than a local favorite small business, S.S. Hansen Embroidery,” they said. “This year, they purchased and donated ten new bicycles to children in our county, asking that the Jersey County Sheriff's Office identify those who needed them the most. What an incredible gift to the recipient children and to our personnel who got to experience some real Christmas joy as they delivered the bicycles.” Thanks to their donation, the Sheriff’s Department added there are “ten awful happy Jersey County kids this Christmas.”

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ALTON - Alton Police Officer Ashley Clare has made a big difference in the Riverbend area with her abilities as a trained negotiator in crises. Recently, Ashley saved the life of an individual who was located sitting on the outside ledge of the Clark Bridge with her negotiation skills. The incident occurred on Sept. 11, 2023. Alton Major John Franke recently presented Clare with a Life-Saving Award. Ashley is a recognized difference-maker in the Alton community. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said Ashley Clare has been with APD for three years and previously worked at a different police department for almost five years. She just recently became the Alton PD's newest School Resource Officer and will take over that position at Alton Middle School after school resumes from the Christmas break. “Officer Clare was able to use a calm, patient, and caring presence to help de-escalate an intense and dangerous situation at the Clark Bridge. Ultimately, her poise and empathy were the

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ALTON - Leon Smallwood and Tori Porter are believers in the importance of assisting youth and for this holiday season, the pair were heavily involved in a successful Christmas Shopping Spree for some Alton High students. Smallwood is the president of the Alton Branch of the NAACP. He said his first order of business when he took over was to re-establish the Alton NAACP Youth Council. He named Alton NAACP Youth Council President Tori Porter and she took the idea of the Christmas Shopping Spree to outstanding levels. "Our Youth Council President Tori Porter accompanied myself and one other youth council member," he said. "She took several Alton High School students on a shopping spree at Walmart in Wood River. Each student was able to spend $200. This is something we want to do to give back to our community and to show our fellow youth council members the importance of providing for their very own. "We would like to thank all that donated to make this possible. The children truly

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide in the 10000 block of Sheldon Drive in the City of Riverview that resulted in the death of an adult male. At 5:57 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, City of Riverview police officers responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 10000 block of Sheldon Drive. Responding officers located an adult male suffering from an apparent gunshot injury. The male was transported to an area hospital for life saving treatment but succumbed to his injuries and was later pronounced deceased. City of Riverview Police requested St. Louis County Police Department’s Bureau of Crimes Against Persons assume responsibility for the investigation. A suspect is in custody. The investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators if you have

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River Police Department rushed to a report of a domestic battery at 2:36 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, on Mildred Street in Wood River and discovered a female subject had left the scene to go to her parents' home. "The female reporting the domestic battery left the residence to get away from the male subject involved in the domestic battery and went to her parents’ home," the Wood River Police reported. "Wood River Police Officers responded to the parents’ home, but the female reporting the domestic battery had left the parents’ home to meet with officers at the home on Mildred Street. It was reported the father of the female had also left in a separate vehicle. When officers arrived on Mildred Street the male reported to be involved in the domestic battery was not located. "While officers were investigating the domestic battery report, at 2:49 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023, the Wood River Police Department received a report of shots being fired

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JERSEYVILLE - Two individuals have been charged separately with reckless discharge of a firearm and retail theft in Jersey County, according to recent court filings. Duey D. Skinner, 67, of Jerseyville, was charged with reckless discharge of a firearm on or about Nov. 29, 2023. Court documents allege Skinner “endangered the bodily safety of the general public in that, while acting in a reckless manner, he discharged a 9mm Luger firearm which endangered the general public safety.” Skinner was charged with a Class 4 felony, but no warrant has been issued for his arrest. His online case filing indicates he met the conditions for pretrial release under the Illinois Pretrial Fairness Act. His preliminary hearing is set for Jan. 9, 2024 at 1 p.m. at the Jersey County Courthouse. Dorothy L. Bennett, 47, also of Jerseyville, was charged with retail theft on or about Dec. 12, 2023, according to court documents. Bennett allegedly stole several items with a combined value

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ALTON - Alton creative music staples Hope & Therapy will emerge from the shadows to perform on Friday, December 29 for Kooliverse Night, located at The Conservatory (554 E Broadway, Alton). It has been 5 years since the band has performed at this location. After a planned break in 2019, and unplanned hiatus throughout the 2020 and 2021 shutdowns, the band picked back up in 2022. They have a new perspective and new songs, hatched from the brain of songwriter Hope Mader. The band is focused on refining this new music with intentions to record a new album in 2024, which promises to be a full-circle culmination of the band's unique voice and sonic exploration throughout their decade and a half together. Hope & Therapy's sound has evolved since their inception, yet it remains decidedly their own. Drawing influence from 1960s Motown/blues, 1970s prog/psychedelia, and 1990s post-punk/math-rock/early Midwestern emo, their sound has been decades in the making. The band’s goal has been

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate increased +0.1 percentage point to 4.7 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased +6,800 in November, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and released by IDES. The October revised unemployment rate was 4.6 percent, unchanged from the preliminary October unemployment rate. The October monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from -15,000 to -17,100 jobs. The November unemployment rate and payroll jobs estimate reflect activity for the week including the 12th. In November, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month job gains included: Manufacturing (+5,400), Educational and Health Services (+3,800), and Other Services (+1,900). The industry sectors with monthly payroll job declines included: Professional and Business Services (-8,000), and Information (-100). “Today’s report

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following recent reports of heavy metals being found in baby food and food pouches for young children, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), along with several of their Senate colleagues, are leading the call for Senate Appropriators to prioritize additional resources that would help the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Maternal and Infant Health Nutrition programs, including the Closer to Zero program, better ensure the food our nation’s children consume is nutritious, safe and free of toxins. “Recent news regarding elevated blood lead levels in young children potentially linked to certain fruit puree products once again highlights why we should prioritize Federal funds to make sure that the very youngest members of our society are fed safe and nutritious foods,” wrote the Senators. “Additional funding is necessary to continue supporting and expanding the vital work FDA is undertaking

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GRAFTON - A business that has been a contributor to the Grafton Memorial - Seed to Sewn - recently made a presentation to the Grafton City Council, with plans for more support. At the Grafton City Council meeting on December 19, 2023, Joellen Sudmeier and Chris Grigsby, owners of Seed to Sewn, a direct-to-film transfer business that specializes in T-shirts, hoodies, and custom imprinted apparel, introduced themselves as the official supplier of hoodies/T-shirts sporting the logo of the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA). The company was formed in April 2023 and is based in Collinsville, but Joellen and Chris also travel to venues, printing and selling customized shirts on site. “We love Grafton and are blessed to be a part of this memorial to all veterans,” Joellen said, and Chris stated that a portion of the memorial shirt proceeds will also be donated to the NMMA. Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow said the city first became acquainted with their quality work at Witches

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ALTON - The Hiram's Bar Toy Giveaway on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023, was everything owner Hiram Lewis and the children who received toys could want, he said afterward. "We had a nice turnout for our toy giveaway," Hiram said. "Doing charitable events always feels great. We wish everyone a happy holiday through New Year's Day." Hiram pledged to give away 100 new toys to children right before Christmas and because of some donations, it turned out to be even more. He said he was touched because he felt many of the children who received toys may not have had one at Christmas without this giveaway. Lewis and his staff also had food, cookies and treats for those who attended. "It feels good to give back," Lewis said.

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ALTON/GODFREY - Students from Marquette Catholic High School (MCHS) were spreading community and cheer by ringing bells for the Salvation Army on Saturday, Dec. 23, 2023. Principal Tim Harmon explained that Mike Roberts, who teaches at MCHS and serves as the chair of the local Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign this year along with his wife Karen, approached Harmon about the project. They decided that it would be a positive team-building experience for students. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., students rang bells and the MCHS choir sang Christmas carols outside of the Godfrey Schnucks. “It a good opportunity for our kids to do some good stuff,” Harmon said. “The school’s motto is ‘serviam,’ which means ‘to serve.’ A big part of what we do is we need to be providing that service element not only within the school but also outside of the school.” Harmon explained that the students are divided into houses, which is part of a new system

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CARLINVILLE – Bald eagles have made an incredible comeback in Illinois in recent decades. The state also has some of the best fishing in the Midwest. Both topics are the focus of a free, one-hour program at the Carlinville Public Library on Thursday, Jan. 4 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Scott Isringhausen, an Urban Fishing Coordinator in Regions 4 and 5 with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, will present the program, which includes a thorough look at the bald eagle in Illinois. Isringhausen, who has been employed with the DNR since 1989, will discuss why bald eagles have made a comeback in Illinois, especially in winter. Eating habits of eagles, physical characteristics such as eyesight, predators that threaten eagles, nest size, and egg-laying habits will also be discussed, as well as how to distinguish a mature bald eagle from an immature one. Isringhausen will bring a stuffed bald eagle and other materials for an enhanced learning experience. “We’ll

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ALTON - If you need a last minute gift, Brooke Peipert has got you covered with her new business Simmer and Stitch. Peipert is a longtime artist, but she hadn’t had the opportunity to create her own art in awhile. She started making simmer pots and embroidered necklaces for her loved ones, then decided she would try selling her wares, just to see what happened. “I was hesitant to put them out there and I did, and the first batch sold in less than an hour and I thought, ‘Well, I guess I’ll make some more,’” she laughed. “That’s kind of where it all started. I spent a lot of years perpetuating the arts in other areas and for other artists in our community, so it’s been nice to get back into doing something that I can perpetuate for myself…Everything in my life is kind of made full circle with this project that I’m pursuing.” Peipert has a lot of respect for older methods. She remembers women in her family

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BUNKER HILL - The holidays are a time for community, and as a realtor, no one knows the community like Lisa Webb. Webb, owner of Third Street Realty, helped sponsor an Angle Tree and Toys for Tots drive this year, and both were wildly successful. The Bunker Hill Chamber of Commerce partnered with Third Street Realty to organize an Angel Tree with 15 families and 39 angels, and Webb joined the Riverbend Chapter of Little Black Book: Women in Business to collect over 10,500 toys for Toys for Tots. She explained that this is what her business is all about. “You’re like, ‘Well, what does that have to do with Third Street Realty?’ And it’s like, that's who we are,” Webb explained. “You partner with who has the like minds and whose missions are similar. And so when we partner with these other businesses that have the same goals and missions, then it’s not only going to help us be able to reach more in a community, it’s going to

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) has announced the arrest of 35-year-old Cornell L. Irving of St. Louis, MO for First Degree Murder (Class M Felony). On November 10, 2023, ISP PSEG was requested by the East St. Louis Police Department to conduct a death investigation in the 4000 block of State Street in East St. Louis. A female victim, identified as 19-year-old Trenadi Bateman of Collinsville, had been shot and transported to an area hospital, where she was pronounced deceased. On December 22, 2023, after a thorough investigation, ISP PSEG agents presented the case to the St. Clair County State's Attorney, James Gomric, and a First Degree Murder charge was filed. Irving is being held at the East St. Louis Jail.

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ALTON/GODFREY - When Amanda Pennington started 3A's Sign Language Interpreting Services, her goal was to help people connect. But this connection means more to Deaf, Hard of Hearing and hearing people than she could ever realize, especially during the holiday season. The agency offers onsite interpreting services in the Alton and Godfrey area. Pennington considers herself an agent who helps connect freelance interpreters with assignments. They celebrated the end of the year with a holiday party on Dec. 14, 2023. “I had the best time, and it was so cool to just be able to hang out with my people and the community and in an unabated way, not business time,” Pennington said. “We got to have fun and be ourselves. So it was just nice that everyone came out. That means so much to me, that they use their off time to spend it with me.” The interpreters met at The Lovejoy , which also catered the event. They enjoyed candles from the new Red School Candle Company

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Apathy is easy. This was weighing on me recently when I was writing about another bad thing. Unfortunately, that’s just part of the job; there are tragedies, and we write about them. That’s an element of being in journalism, and I knew it when I signed up for the job, but it’s still impressively sad sometimes. During the Christmas season, it can feel especially heavy. I have a friend who once worked in broadcast journalism. Because he is a compassionate, gentle person, he was sitting at his desk, working on a story about something horrible, and quietly crying while he typed. A coworker stuck their head over the cubicle and noticed his tears. “Don’t worry. You’ll get used to it,” they promised. It was meant to be a reassuring comment, but I think about it a lot. The worst part is that it’s true. If you aren’t careful, this job becomes just like any other job; another day, another tragedy, another story, rinse and repeat. Apath

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