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This is my sixteenth update to the citizens of the 111 th district, as your State Representative. The summer and fall have been very busy for me and my office staff, as we shift gears away from the spring legislative session and back to in-district activities and outreach. In August, we held traveling office hours throughout the district as well as an evening session at the Alton office. During these office hours, we meet with constituents on various issues and work to resolve problems with state agencies. We also hear general complaints and compliments and meet people we may not have met before. Although the traveling office hours are complete at this time, you can always call my office for assistance. We recently held a Citizens Utility Board (CUB) event at Senior Services Plus in Alton. Citizens Utility Board is a non-profit, non-partisan organization founded to educate and advocate for residential and small-business utility customers. We had high demand for the one-on-one meetings

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GRAFTON - Community members listened on Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, as Grafton city officials shared their plans for a veterans memorial and museum. Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow and Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau President Cory Jobe spoke about the $6 million project and how it will affect Grafton, while architect Jamie Henderson shared information about the memorial and museum design. Local singer Nikki Brooks provided music, and Alton Mayor David Goins led the invocation. The project aims to honor Grafton’s veteran population, which, at 17%, is the highest per capita in Illinois. “This memorial is designed for everyone,” Morrow said. “It will be a place of quiet reflection and a place of education. We are doing this so we never forget what our men and women in the military have done for our nation.” The museum will be located at the current Grafton Visitor Center at 950 E. Main Street. The nearby memorial will depict the U.S. Army Provisional

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BUCHAREST, ROMANIA – On an official visit to Europe this week, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committees—reaffirmed our nation’s commitment to Romania and all members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) as Vladimir Putin continues his unjustified and unprovoked war of choice against Ukraine. During discussions with Romanian parliamentarians, the Minister of Defense, the Secretary of State for Strategic Affairs and other leaders, Duckworth also underscored that not only is continued American support for Ukraine critically important to the brave Ukrainians who are fighting for freedom and democracy on the other side of Romania’s border, but that this aid is also important for America’s own national security and the security all NATO allies as well. Photos of the Senator’s visit are available here . “As a member of the Senate Armed Services

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JERSEYVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that both lanes of Illinois 16 from Illinois 100 to Grange Hall Road in Jersey County will require intermittent daytime lane closures beginning, weather permitting, Tuesday, Oct. 17, through Friday, Oct. 20, and Monday, Oct. 23. The lane closures are necessary for the evaluation of pavement conditions. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all 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 @IDOTDistrict 8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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BELLEVILLE - Shannon Stelling with the Home Builders & Remodelers Metro East Association gave some early insights into the biggest Home Expo on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. Featuring over 100 vendors, giveaway prizes, products, info, and more for homeowners, the Expo is set for the weekend of March 8-10, 2024. The 2024 Home Expo will be free to attend and will also have free parking available. The event will be held at the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds & Expo Center in Belleville. Stelling said the venue is undergoing an extensive remodel this spring to make it a more family-friendly venue and draw more traffic to the area. Stelling said the Home Expo is the perfect place for homeowners to “get back out there” to see products and have conversations with experts in-person. “The Expo gives them an opportunity to talk to a lot of experts in the industry, see the cutting-edge products that are available to homeowners,” Stelling said. She added

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ALTON - The Explorers’ sophomore Owen Page has continued to improve throughout the season and ranks as one of the Explorers' top cross-country runners. Page is a multi-sport athlete and will also be a member of the Marquette basketball team later this year, followed by the track and field team. The Explorers’ sophomore is a Tucker’s Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athlete of the Month. On Saturday night, Page ran a strong race at the East Alton Wood River Invite, an evening race, and recorded a time of 20:31.8 for a 5K, a p.r. He had a solid race on Tuesday at Father McGivney Catholic and finished with a time of 20:54.9 for the Gateway Metro Conference Championships. He had another memorable race on Sept. 20, 2023, at the Alton Cross Country Invite when he recorded a time of 20:49.4. He said he was shooting for a p.r. again on Tuesday, but he said he thought he ran “a good race.” Pace said he is also looking forward to basketball season, followed by

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Picky eaters are sometimes described as chowing down from a limited menu. For people with diabetes, a limited menu may be the norm to keep the condition at bay. That may make choosing food for breakfast seem difficult. But there are options when you have time or when you’re on the go. The “yes” column “We really stress that people with diabetes should get a lean protein in their meal,” says Jalinn Nobis-Wichman, RN, BSN, a diabetes educator with OSF HealthCare. “That helps maintain your blood sugars at a more constant level for a longer time.” Your breakfast should also include a moderate level (15 to 30 grams) of carbohydrates, she says. Some items that fit the bill: chicken, eggs, tofu scrambles, lean turkey bacon or sausage and Greek yogurt. Leftovers from last night’s dinner, if they are diabetes-friendly, are also fair game. If you’re pressed for time and hitting the road, Nobis-Wichman says an English muffin from th

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ALTON, IL – Alton Little Theater , as a part of its ongoing commitment to community outreach, is thrilled to announce its "Trunk 'n Treat" party, set for Monday, October 30th, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at its 2450 N Henry Street location. The theater invites families with young children from the greater Alton area for an evening of delightful fun and spooky surprises, all within the vast confines of the ALT parking lot. Safety is paramount, and the theater recognizes the challenges faced by neighborhoods such as Elm and North Henry due to the lack of sidewalks, making traditional Trick or Treating less safe. To address this, ALT's event will provide a secure space where families can come together, ensuring kids can enjoy the Halloween festivities without worry. Attendees can look forward to a myriad of activities. ALT members will be in their festive best, ready to tell fortunes and hand out both ice-cream and candy. Moreover, young families will have the opportunity to compete

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EAU CLAIRE, Wis. - Edwardsville native Sam Wittek has earned multiple scholarships to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire for the 2023-2024 school year. The scholarships were: Honors Scholarship Honors Fellowship Out-of-State Award William "Bill" Bingham Memorial Scholarship Five hundred sixty-five incoming freshmen received scholarships from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire for this year.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Tuesday, October 10, 2023, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Max Jones, 21 years of age, of the 1300 block of Ferguson Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri 63135, for Murder Second Degree and Armed Criminal Action. A booking photo of Jones is attached. Jones is being held on $1,000,000 cash only, no 10%, bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: On September 28, 2023, at approximately 7:30 a.m. Saint Louis County Police respond to a Shotspotter activation at Winkler Drive and Kappel Drive. The victim, Earl Jones, was found deceased at the intersection of Winkler and Kappel and had been shot once in the head. A witness observed a suspicious black male suspect carrying a unique bag walking away from the victim. Detectives reviewed video surveillance from the area and observed that same individual

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Director Paula Basta today announced three new members of the Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame, who will be honored during award ceremonies in their home communities this fall. “Each of this year’s inductees represents a positive image of aging and has made meaningful contributions over the course of their lives, including in older age,” said IDoA Director Paula Basta . “I’m pleased to welcome these three individuals into the Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame and to recognize their impressive accomplishments.” The Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame was established by the state legislature to honor older adults’ accomplishments and contributions to their communities. Each year, up to four Illinoisans aged 65 or older are inducted into the Hall of Fame for their work in community service, education, arts or the labor force. This year, IDoA received a record-setting number of nominations, an

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker joined local and state leaders today to celebrate the ribbon cutting of Eli’s Cheesecake expanded facility. The $10 million investment and 42,000 square-foot expanded facility will increase space for packaging lines and bakery operations for the famous Chicago cheesecake company while creating 50 new jobs for the area. “A family-owned bakery — three generations strong, Eli’s Cheesecake is an iconic Chicago-staple,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to a $10 million investment and competitive hiring incentives from our EDGE tax credit program, Eli’s Cheesecake was able to complete a 42,000 square foot expansion—bringing this facility size to a whopping 104,000 square feet. And, of course, more capacity brings jobs for the people of Illinois. More jobs, more customers, more cake: it doesn’t get much better than that.” “With more than three decades of serving communities, the expansio

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that bridge repairs will require a weekend closure of northbound/eastbound Interstate 55/70 between the I-64 and I-255 interchanges in St. Clair County starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 13. A posted detour will be in place to direct motorists to I-64 and I-255. The work is expected to be complete by 5 a.m. Monday, Oct. 17. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and all detour signs prior to the work zone, 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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The Cookie Factory, doing business as Maverick Ventures, LLC of Troy, NY, is recalling 2,367 packages of 6 oz. Chocolate Chip Cookies because they may contain an undeclared macadamia nut allergen. People with an allergy or sensitivity to macadamia nuts are at risk of a serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products. The Cookie Factory product was distributed to Stewart’s Shops stores throughout New York and in nine Stewart’s Shops in Vermont. The products were sold in a 6 oz. clear plastic tub “clamshell” container with a Best Before date of 10/13/23 printed on the sticker that secures the package. The UPC is also on the sticker that secures the package. The recalled product was distributed in packaging that does not reveal the presence of macadamia nuts. A customer who purchased a package noticed a substance that was later identified as a macadamia nut. An investigation determined the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown

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EAST ST. LOUIS – State Senator Christopher Belt recently announced a total of $400,000 in funding for two outdoor trails in the 57 th District through the Illinois Bicycle Path Grant Program, administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. “There is nothing better than to see frequently used outdoor spaces receive funds to improve their accessibility for residents,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Spending time outdoors has been proven to enhance our health and well-being, and it’s great we are allowing this to happen by making spaces like this more convenient and safe for everyone.” The funds for the program come from a percentage of motor vehicle title fees, providing a maximum grant award of $200,000 per project for development projects, with no maximum grant award limit for land acquisition projects. Madison County Transit District will receive $200,000 for the creation of a new trail, the Chain of Rocks Shared Use Path, which will

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ST. LOUIS, MO. - MetroLink will operate on a single track evenings at several locations on the light rail system in the City of St. Louis this week to allow for construction and maintenance work. MetroLink customers may experience brief delays during their evening commutes. The impacted stations are: Laclede’s Landing Station Convention Center Station 8 th & Pine Station Stadium Station Starting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (Oct. 10-13), MetroLink will single track to accommodate crews working in the Downtown St. Louis tunnel. This single track operation will impact riders at the Laclede’s Landing, Convention Center, 8 th & Pine, and Stadium Stations. The Blue Line trains will only run between Forest Park-DeBaliviere Station and the Shrewsbury-Lansdowne I-44 Station after 6 p.m. Westbound riders should board Red Line trains at any station between the Fairview Heights Station and the Central West End Station and then transfer to

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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. 2023 October’s Eagles of the Month winners are as follows: Math - Lucas Naugle Visual Arts - Akkadia Allsman Social Studies - Christian Strader P.E./Health - Elijah Gruen Choir - Madelyn Fitzgerald Band - Shelby Quick Science - Serenity Bell English - Aidyn Pellazari CTE - Jude Breyer. Teacher of the Month - Special Education teacher Ashley Wallis Congratulations to all the Civic Memorial “Eagles of the Month” and the “Teacher

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GODFREY – The RiverBend Growth Association has selected its October 2023 Small Business of the Month award recipient as Post Commons, whose mission is to serve as the community’s most welcoming living room and gathering place. Located in the old post office structure at 300 Alby Street in Alton, Post Commons started with a mission of “simply creating a space for people in the community to use,” notes owner Hugh Halter. “It later developed into the idea of providing a space reminiscent of a living room for our city. That includes welcoming hospitality, an atmosphere that makes people feel at home, a place of connection and conversation. “We’re lucky to steward a space that hosts a variety of experiences that will stay with people – whether that’s a wedding, a surprise birthday party, or making a random connection with someone while enjoying a coffee,” Halter adds. “The products we offer – coffee, food, pastries,

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CHICAGO – The Powerball jackpot has skyrocketed to a whopping $1.725 billion for tonight’s drawing after no big winner was drawn Monday night. If a lucky ticket holder scores the jackpot on Wednesday night, it would be the second-largest prize won in U.S. lottery history behind a $2.04 billion Powerball jackpot won in California last November. Monday's winning Powerball numbers were 16-34-46-55-67 and Powerball 14. In Illinois, the drawing produced nearly 290,000 winning tickets totaling nearly $2.6 million in prizes, including four $50,000 winners. The four lucky players matched four numbers and the Powerball to win $50,000 each in Monday’s drawing. This is also a win for the retailers that sold the nearly 290,000 winning Powerball tickets on Monday, as they will receive a bonus of 1% of the prize amount. Winners have one year from the date of the winning draw in which to claim their prize. The Illinois Lottery encourages all lucky winners to write their name o

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ALTON - The Webster Temple Church of God in Christ at 1100 Highland and Webster, Alton will be hosting its Annual Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct 14, 2023, from 11 a.m.-2:00 p.m. The host Pastor is Eld Sancho Williams and First Lady Allyssia Williams. This is an annual event to invite the community to come out, have fun, enjoy activities and to learn more about what we do as a church in our community. There will be a bounce house, vendors, free hotdogs and chips, music, games and a lot of fun and fellowship. The community is welcome. If you have questions, please contact Rosie Brown at 618-580-2394

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