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RIVERBEND - The Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau hosted its annual Tourism Summit on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau President Corey Jobe spoke about new projects that will be completed throughout the year. These initiatives aim to increase tourism in the Riverbend region and bring more people to Alton, Grafton and surrounding areas. “We must continue to invest in destination marketing, sales and promotion,” Jobe said during the Tourism Summit. “We need more public sector investment to be competitive in the tourism landscape…We need to address and raise our own situational awareness of how important our public lands, natural assets and outdoor recreation facilities are and the expanded economic contribution they could drive. We need to ensure we effectively steward these assets to their full potential.” Among other projects, there will be ten self-service “Kayak Kiosks” located along the Mississippi

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EDWARDSVILLE - Three individuals have been charged with weapon-related felonies and other charges in recent months, according to Madison County court documents. Lateef S. Hobbs, 52, of Alton, was charged with unlawful possession of weapons by a felon and driving on a license that had been suspended on Jan. 27, 2024. In a case presented by the Alton Police Department, Hobbs allegedly possessed a stun gun after previously being convicted of aggravated battery in Madison County in 1997, according to court documents. He also reportedly drove a vehicle on State Street in Alton at a time when his license had been revoked. Hobbs faces a Class 3 felony for unlawful possession of weapons by a felon and a Class A misdemeanor for driving on a suspended license. Court documents indicate he was released upon his signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Release Order. Rashod L. Wesley, 20, of Belleville, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of weapons on Dec. 29, 2023. Court documents

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement calling on Congressional leaders to take action before the Affordable Connectivity Program runs out of funding. This week, the program stopped accepting new applicants ahead of the looming funding deadline in April. “Access to high-speed internet isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “For nearly three years, the Affordable Connectivity Program’s $30 monthly credit has helped connect nearly 23 million low-income households to internet access. This includes 50,000 in Illinois’ 13th Congressional District. But despite its success, House leadership has failed to bring forward legislation to keep this transformative program funded. Today, I’m urging Speaker Johnson to let us vote on additional funding for the Affordable Connectivity Program before families in Central and Southern Illinois lose this critical support

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that repairs on eastbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m., Friday, Feb. 9. One lane will always remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Feb. 12. 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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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Wednesday, February 7, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect William Hampton, 44 years of age, of the 6800 block of Waterleigh Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63134, with Attempted Assault First Degree on a Special Victim, Armed Criminal Action, Resisting Arrest by Fleeing, Endangering the Welfare of a Child, and Resisting Arrest for a Felony. A booking photo of Hampton is attached. Hampton is being held on a $200,000 cash only, no 10%, bond. The probable cause statement reads: On February 6, 2024, at 3:15 PM, police observed a 2016 Nissan Maxima in the 10600 block of Lewis and Clark Boulevard, traveling at a high rate of speed and violating a steady red electric signal. Detective Sergeant #1 activated his emergency lights and siren in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The vehicle, being operated by the defendant, fled the attempted stop and continued at a high rate of speed, weaving in and out of traffic and driving

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ALTON - A male subject is in custody after a domestic incident in the River Reach Apartment Complex in Alton that was reported at 6:07 a.m. on Feb. 8, 2024. A female involved in the situation sustained serious injuries during the domestic violence incident. She was transported to a local hospital and then moved to a St. Louis area hospital for further treatment. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said the female is currently in "critical condition." "A male subject at the apartment was taken into custody as a result of his involvement in the incident," Chief Ford said. "The male and female are family members. There is no threat to the public." The investigation is ongoing. The case will be presented to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office for criminal charges.

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner has announced she is standing alongside families impacted by the Carlinville funeral home’s insufficient handling of human remains , with a plan to reestablish integrity and trust in the death care industry. Senate Bill 2643 would require the death care industry in the state as well as state regulators to implement a mandatory unique identification tagging system for all human remains. It also would establish a chain of custody system that tracks the human remains of a deceased individual whose death occurred in the state from death to final disposition, if the final disposition is in Illinois. “The status quo isn’t working,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “These are people who deserve dignity and respect. This legislation will ensure that no family will have to worry that the death of their loved ones aren’t handled with dignity and respect.” Turner’s measure would put procedures and protocols

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GODFREY/WOOD RIVER - Hope Animal Rescues will host their second annual pasta dinner fundraiser to prevent dogs from being euthanized. From 4–7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024, community members can enjoy pasta from Bella Milano at the Wood River Moose Lodge. All proceeds go back to Hope Animal Rescues, which rescues dogs from animal control facilities on the day they are to be euthanized. “That’s how we get all our dogs. Our rescue stays full, obviously,” said co-founder Jackie Spiker. “If we have an empty room, we let somebody die. So as soon as a dog is adopted, we go pull another dog out of animal control.” The rescue has operated in Godfrey since 2005. Spiker explained that it costs approximately $250,000 a year to run the shelter, and every donation goes to the dogs’ care. If a dog is healthy, it costs $300 for the preventative veterinary care that every dog receives. But throughout the years, the rescue has spent up to $10,000

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GRANITE CITY - Two individuals from Granite City have been charged with selling methamphetamine out of their apartment after police staged multiple meth purchases at their residence. After executing a search warrant, officers reportedly seized “multiple baggies of suspected methamphetamine in an amount indicative of narcotic sales” in addition to live firearm ammunition found at their apartment on Jan. 25, 2024. Andrea P. Statham, 34, and Stevie J. Piper, 41, both of Granite City, were each charged with unlawful use or possession of weapons by a felon and possession with the intent to deliver methamphetamine. Madison County court documents state they were both in possession of more than 15 but less than 100 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver, as well as Remington .22 caliber ammunition. Petitions to deny both Statham and Piper’s pretrial release describe the case as follows: “Law enforcement received information that Defendant and Co-Defendant

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CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. - The man charged in the recent Granite City Police officer shooting - Donald J. Friese - was reported killed in a gunfire exchange with officers in Southern Illinois on Wednesday night, Feb. 7, 2024. Cape Girardeau Police obtained an alert about a car driven by a suspect involved in the Granite City shooting and located the vehicle and suspect around 8:35 p.m. Wednesday. The officers attempted a stop, but the suspect continued and a pursuit occurred. Police had used stop sticks at the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge to stop the suspect, but he drove into oncoming traffic to avoid them, police reported. Agencies involved in the Southern Illinois and Cape Girardeau confrontation with the suspect included Illinois State Police, the United Marshal Service, Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Office and Cape Girardeau Police Department. The suspect drove across the bridge into Illinois, where he was stuck while trying to drive through a field, then the shootout occurred. H

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SPRINGFIELD – State historic sites in Springfield will present a variety of engaging history hikes, walking tours and lunchtime programs to commemorate Black History Month. Individuals and groups are encouraged to sign up in advance on Eventbrite for educational experiences that will explore important historic events and pathbreaking individuals. Participants who register on Eventbrite and attend a program will receive a limited-production Black History Month “Everyone Belongs in History” vinyl sticker. A limited quantity of the stickers will also be available during February while supplies last at the Lincoln Tomb, Dana-Thomas House, Vachel Lindsay Home, Springfield Visitor Center, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and the Illinois State Museum. “The Department of Natural Resources is excited celebrate the achievements of Black Americans through these programs,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “We appreciate Visit Springfield, the

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee and Co-Chair of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, today released the following statement after enough Republicans voted against a procedural motion on the bipartisan national security supplemental and border security deal: “I’m profoundly disappointed. We have a problem facing our nation at the border. Republicans challenged us to address it and Democrats worked in good faith to find a bipartisan solution. I was prepared to consider it. But at the last minute, Republicans cowered to the demands of Donald Trump, rejecting the bipartisan deal outright.”

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SPRINGFIELD – You are cordially invited to join the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum for a free day of fun Feb. 10 as we mark Lincoln’s birthday, honor his love of reading and celebrate the ALPLM earning national accreditation. Admission will be free all day, starting at 9 a.m., and then the museum will host a Literacy Jam from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We’ll collect donations of children’s books, welcome special guests to read stories, and offer music and activities for kids. Finally, after a ceremony to mark the ALPLM’s accreditation, we’ll close with cake for all and an explosion of streamers. The ALPLM offers free admission in honor of Lincoln’s birthday because everyone, regardless of income, should get the opportunity to learn about Lincoln and his impact on America. This year, there will actually be two free days – Saturday, Feb. 10, and then on Monday, Feb. 12, his actual birth date. The Lincoln Presidential Library i

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-IN) today introduced their Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act, legislation that extends funding for public health efforts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to improve childhood survival rates, prevent premature death and disability, and increase quality of life for the two-and-a-half million Americans living with congenital heart disease (CHD). Heart defects are the deadliest and most common form of birth defects—every 15 minutes a child is born with a heart defect. Today’s bipartisan legislation builds upon the law Durbin and Young passed in 2018 to expand CDC’s research and awareness efforts for CHD. “Heart defects are the most common birth defect, and if you ever get the devastating news that your precious little one has a serious medical condition, you hope there’s a treatment or care option for them,” said Durbin.

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JERSEYVILLE - In conjunction with Jerseyville Banking Center, J.C.H.S. has selected their “Students of the Month”. The recipients for the month of January are Matthew Weitzel (10) (left) & Talan Finkes (11) (right). The selection of a “Student of the Month” is based upon the number of F.O.C.U.S. nominations, which a student receives for a given month. F.O.C.U.S. (Finding One Clearly Unique Student) is a program, which acknowledges a student each week for academic or kindness. Each week teachers may recognize students who have performed well in their classes by selecting them as F.O.C.U.S. students for that particular week. During January, Matthew & Talan received the most F.O.C.U.S. nominations. Because they received the most nominations, they were named “Students of the Month” at JCHS. They are being congratulated by Makayla Daley of Jerseyville Banking Center. In conjunction with CNB Bank & Trust, J.C.H.S. has selected their “Students

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond and Wisconsin Attorney General Joshua L. Kaul, co-led a bipartisan coalition of 42 attorneys general urging the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to authorize needed 2024 bridge funding for the federal Crime Victims Fund (VOCA Fund). The VOCA Fund supports essential direct services for crime victims and survivors across the country. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime has projected fiscal year 2024 funding for victim service grants will be $700 million lower than fiscal year 2023. In their letter to congressional leaders, Raoul and the attorneys general call on Congress to authorize short-term funding to prevent severe cuts. “I am committed to supporting survivors and doing all we can to prevent violent crime in Illinois,” Raoul said. “These services help survivors overcome the trauma they’ve endured

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City Elks Lodge #1063 recognized eight seniors from Granite City High School as Students of the Month for September, October, November and December. 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. ANNA FORBES - September Speech and Debate Team Captain and Marching Warriors Section Leader ... Also a member of GCHS Robotics Team and GCHS Theatre .... Madison County Youth Board President, GCSD9 School Board Student Member and GC Mayor's Teen Task Force member ... ALA Girls Nation US Senator and

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) joined the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association (IMA) in support of its 2024 legislative agenda, advocating for measures to strengthen the state’s manufacturing ecosystem by supporting students and families entering the workforce. “I’m proud to partner with the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association on these important issues concerning career training education and increasing access to childcare,” said Rep. Amy Elik. “Illinois must continue to explore ways to build career pathways for students and remove barriers that make it difficult for students and parents to enter the workforce.” A bipartisan measure (HB 3307) sponsored by Rep. Amy Elik would allow students to take two years of career training education in place of two years of foreign language study. An additional measure sponsored by Rep. Amy Elik would create a pilot program (HB 4670) to allow 10 manufacturers to

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SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois State Museum announces its newest exhibition, Presidential Illinois, is now on view at its Springfield museum on the Capitol Complex. The exhibition displays significant artifacts highlighting the four U.S. presidents who have called Illinois home: Abraham Lincoln, Ulysses S. Grant, Ronald Reagan, and Barack Obama. For the first time, the public will have the opportunity to see the furniture Obama used in his office and his chamber chair from when he served in the Illinois State Senate. These items are on loan from the Illinois State Senate. The exhibition also features other noteworthy items, including a signed copy of Obama’s speech in Springfield when he declared Joseph Biden his running mate. This item is on loan from the Old State Capitol State Historic Site. Visitors can expect to see items such as Lincoln’s inkwell that he used in his Springfield law office. A campaign ribbon from Grant’s third presidential run in 1880, o

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GODFREY - Filmmaker Whitney Wegman-Wood will come to Godfrey to show her film “The Last Butterflies,” starring Cooper Andrews, at the Always Late TV Movie Awards at Lewis and Clark Community College (LCCC). On March 23 and 24, 2024, the free film festival invites community members to enjoy several short films at LCCC’s Godfrey campus. Wegman-Wood explained that she is excited to return to the Midwest for the film festival and the chance to share her apocalyptic story with a Godfrey audience. “The Midwest and my home will always be my inspiration,” Wegman-Wood said. “That’s where the stories come from, the heartland. So I’m very happy that I’m going back. It kind of warms my heart.” “The Last Butterflies,” which stars Cooper Andrews of “The Walking Dead” fame, tells the story of an apocalyptic world based on a series of nightmares that Wegman-Wood had in 2019. She wrote the majority of the script

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