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MATTOON — Blackhawk Bank (“Blackhawk”) will convert to First Mid Bank & Trust (“First Mid”) this coming weekend. Blackhawk banking centers will close Friday evening, December 1, 2023, and reopen on Monday, December 4, 2023, as First Mid banking centers. Since the completed acquisition of Blackhawk Bancorp, Inc., parent company of Blackhawk Bank, earlier this year in August, First Mid and Blackhawk have been working closely together to make a smooth transition for both customers and employees. Welcome Packets containing important account information were mailed in advance of the conversion date to prepare Blackhawk customers for upcoming changes. “We are thrilled to welcome our new Blackhawk Bank customers and want to make the conversion as easy as possible for them,” said Joe Dively, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First Mid. “There will be some one-time actions customers will need to take, such as logging in to Online Banking

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BELLEVILLE - When Belleville West High School senior Remington Noel learned about the district’s vocational programs, he jumped at the opportunity to study carpentry. For his hard work and devotion to the trade, Remington Noel is a Student of the Month for the Home Builders & Remodelers Metro East Association . Noel has always known he wanted to get involved in the trades. Through Belleville Township High School District #201 and the Center for Academic and Vocational Excellence (CAVE), he can strengthen his skills before he even begins an apprenticeship. “I’m actually thinking of becoming an electrician,” Noel explained. “That’s kind of why I’m taking the construction course, so I know how to build houses and how to work around it.” Noel is studying carpentry through the CAVE. While he said it’s “just a class,” his love for carpentry is obvious as he talks about what they’re up to. The class is currently

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ALTON - The second annual “Christmas By The River” interactive walkthrough event is returning to the Alton Amphitheater soon on Saturday, Dec. 9, 2023 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The free interactive walkthrough experience features special guests and scenery such as Buddy the Elf, Whoville, Santa’s Workshop, A Christmas Story, Frosty the Snowman, and more. “Every scene, we have actors there to do an interactive scene from famous Christmas movies,” Jaynanne Calaway-Habeck with Masterpiece Arts Sanctuary said. “We come up with new ideas all the time,” she added. “Two of the scenes are the same as last year - Santa’s Workshop and Whoville … but then we have three brand new scenes: we have the Island of Misfit Toys from the movie ‘Rudolph,’ and we have Buddy the Elf From the movie ‘Elf,’ and then we have a Christmas caroling scene where people will be able to sing with us.” Laura Wind, the creative

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GRANITE CITY - Emily Sykes, a senior forward for the Granite City girls' basketball team, is known as a hard worker who keeps giving her best effort, even in difficult times. Such was the case in a recent game against Collinsville at GCHS Memorial Gym. Sykes led the team with eight points and kept on working hard, despite the team's difficulties against the Kahoks. It has been a very difficult time for the Warriors program, having gone 5-23 last season and having an overall record of 21-72 the last four seasons. Despite the adversity, Sykes and her teammates continue to work hard and keep pushing along. "Well, we're hoping to get over the score of 24, "Sykes said, "and not lose as bad, and just be more of a team than individuals." The team is also picking up invaluable experience throughout, which will help the Warriors down the road as the season goes on. "Yeah, it's going in my last year," Sykes said, "just learning, still learning every day." The team is one that's a typical

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PIASA - Kenzie Stanton was Southwestern's lone senior on the girls' volleyball team this year and she had some memorable performances, especially on the defensive end and at the setter role, her head coach Derek Dempsey said. For her efforts, Stanton is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for Southwestern. "Kenzie started the year as a back row defensive specialist, but was later pressed into duty as a right-side hitter and eventually a setter," Coach Dempsey said. "Despite not having set since her freshman year, she did a tremendous job with that and everything we asked her to do." Stanton, while not particularly vocal, was a great leader for the younger players in terms of how she conducted herself, her approach to practice/games and how she treated her teammates, the coach said. "We are fortunate to have the build of our team returning next year, but she will be missed and very difficult to replace," concluded Dempsey. Again, a salute to Kenzi

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, along with 19 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief in support of the state of California’s efforts to restrict the capacity of firearm magazines within its borders. “States like Illinois should be able to protect residents and communities by passing laws prohibiting the possession and sale of large-capacity magazines,” Raoul said. “I will continue to collaborate with fellow attorneys general who prioritize public safety by restricting access to large-capacity magazines.” The case, Duncan v. Bonta, concerns the constitutionality of a California law that allows for the possession and sale of firearm magazines that accept up to 10 rounds of ammunition, but prohibits larger capacity magazines (LCMs). The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California issued a preliminary injunction against California’s LCM ban, and California has appealed the decision. The 9th Circuit stayed the

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GLEN CARBON - The Glen Carbon Village Board on Tuesday approved a requested increase of $1.5 million in funding to reimburse the developers of Orchard Town Center, who cited demands from the City of Edwardsville and Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for the increased amount. The originally agreed upon amount to be reimbursed by the village, $3 million, has increased to $4.5 million in the newest request. Tim Lowe, senior vice president for development with The Staenberg Group, said this increase was partially due to demands from the City of Edwardsville and IDOT. “The request for the additional funds wasn’t just because of cost overrance, it was also because of scope adds” Lowe said, noting most of the roads surrounding the development are either controlled by Edwardsville or IDOT. “Both Edwardsville and IDOT took it upon themselves just to, anything that was wrong, we had to fix - I mean, even if it wasn’t our issue, we had to fix

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EAST ALTON - SEIU Healthcare childcare and home care workers are advocating for increased wages and retirement benefits Over the past few weeks, workers have traveled across Illinois on a “Good Care Job Sprint” as they bargain with Governor JB Pritzker for a new contract. They gathered in East Alton outside the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Office of Rehabilitation Services on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. Workers shared information about their careers and their mission to “Make Care Jobs, Good Jobs.” “We are necessary and essential workers and we deserve to be compensated as such,” said Jakki Brown, an SEIU member and home care provider in Edwardsville. “All care workers are dedicated healthcare professionals that provide an essential service to some of the most vulnerable members of our society, and we deserve to be able to retire with dignity and security, just like anyone else. It’s not right that we are forced to work

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ALTON – In 2023, Illinois American Water will have invested $297 million in water and wastewater system infrastructure replacement and enhancements throughout the state. This work includes installing new pipes, pumps, hydrants, valves, lift stations, water treatment facilities, storage tanks, new water quality systems and technology. Locally, in the company’s Central Division, the capital investment in infrastructure has reached $76.7 million in 2023. The Central Division is comprised of the Alton, Godfrey, Grafton, Jerseyville, Hardin, Livingston service areas. “Over past 10 years, Illinois American Water has invested $1.6 billion in water and wastewater infrastructure throughout the state,” said Rebecca Losli, president, Illinois American Water. “We continue to strategically and efficiently direct capital improvements where it’s needed most. This involves making repairs to existing infrastructure and replacement when needed. Our systems and facilities

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ST. LOUIS - On December 1, the City of St. Louis will launch winter operations to help support unhoused neighbors during the winter season. “The Department of Human Services wants to ensure our unhoused neighbors and families facing housing instability are protected during the coldest months of the year,” said DHS Director Dr. Adam Cisroe Pearson. “Collaboration with our neighbors in St. Louis County and agencies region-wide is key as we continue to deploy federal resources to increase our shelter bed count and provide critical wraparound services.” DHS will continue to collaborate throughout the winter with funded and volunteer outreach organizations to ensure vulnerable residents can access more than 840 city-funded shelter beds, including more than 100 winter overflow beds. DHS is also looking to fund additional shelter providers via its online Request for Proposals (RFP) . DHS continues to ensure that all city-funded shelter providers remain open 24/7

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GRANITE CITY – The Granite City Community Unit School District #9 Board of Education unanimously voted Wednesday to extend an offer to Dr. Don Harris to serve as the next Superintendent of Schools, with his term beginning on July 1, 2024Harris will replace Stephanie M. Cann, who is retiring at the end of the 2023-24 school year after serving GCSD9 for four years. "We are pleased to share this exciting news. Dr. Harris has demonstrated impressive qualifications and dedication throughout his career, and we believe that his continued leadership in the role of superintendent will be an asset to our district as we continue to progress," said GCSD9 Board President Tallin Curran. "We are confident that his expertise will contribute positively to our future." Harris, a 1994 Granite City High School graduate, has spent the past 26 years in education, including the last 19 years as an administrator. He is currently in his fourth year as Principal at Lake Educational Support Services

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WOOD RIVER - Captains Brian Crawford and Leonard Revelle have marked a significant milestone with the Wood River Fire Department - their 30th anniversary. Captain Brian Crawford has been the commander of B-Shift since his promotion in 2017. He started with WRFD as a paid-on-call member in 1990 and was hired full-time 30 years ago on Nov. 22, 1993. Revelle marked his 30th anniversary this past summer, Wood River Fire Chief Wade Stahlhut said on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023. “Both their perspectives from a knowledge base with experience and commitment and dedication to the department through 30 years has been extraordinary,” Chief Stahlhut said. “When those two decide to retire, their shoes will be extremely hard to fill.” The pair lead two of three shifts with the Wood River Fire Department, Chief Stahlhut said, adding he has counted significantly on both men. East Alton Fire Chief Tim Quigley said he had enjoyed working with both and both had been “professional

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ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE - The declining costs of gas at the pumps are showing signs of a slowdown. The statewide gas price average in Missouri is $2.81 for a gallon of regular unleaded fuel, according to the AAA Missouri Weekend Gas Watch. That price is six cents less compared to this day last week and is 25 cents less per gallon compared to this day last year, AAA reports . In Alton at Casey's on Broadway on Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, the price of unleaded was $3.44 per gallon. Across the river in West Alton, Mo., Phillips 66 had a price of $2.95 a gallon on the same date. In other comparisons, QuikTrip in Edwardsville had a price of $3.17 for a gallon of regular unleaded gasoline on Thursday, while Casey's in Wood River offered a price of $3.28 per gallon. The price of Walmart in Godfrey was $2.89 per gallon and Circle K in Edwardsville was at $2.77 per gallon. The national average price for a gallon of regular unleaded is $3.25, which is two cents less compared to this day last week

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MARION - Centerstone, a national leader in behavioral health care, will host an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Centerstone Recovery Transitional Housing (CRTH) facility in Marion on Wednesday, December 13 from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cake and refreshments will be served. The CRTH is located behind Centerstone’s main Marion office at 1307 West Main. For more information about the event, contact Dalus Rich, Director of Marketing, at dalus.rich@centerstone.org . The CRTH offers 16 beds for men and women, age 18 and older, needing additional support in a recovery-based, integrative environment. A transitional living facility for those who are new to recovery and are committed to a full life away from addiction, the CRTH offers treatment for individuals who are medically stable and in need of longer-term recovery housing. “The CRTH has undergone many changes since operations were suspended in early 2023, including redesigning of the extended are program

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CARLINVILLE – Mark Pierce never attended a show in the twelve years of the Mississippi River Festival, a fabled part of the culture of southwestern Illinois from 1969-80. “I was only 12 when the final concert was held,” said Pierce. “But I was so fascinated by the festival’s history that I was passionate to write about it.” Pierce is the author of When the Stars Came Out , an acclaimed look at the magic and memories of the MRF throughout its twelve-year run on the Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville campus. He will discuss his book during a free, one-hour program at the Carlinville Public Library on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at 5:30 p.m. The 300-page book, released this March, captures the remarkable story of the MRF, the legendary summer concert series on the campus of SIUE with a who’s who of music talent. Though it lasted for only twelve years, the legacy and memories of the MRF live on. The list of performers from the MRF reads more like

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) sent a letter to the Illinois Department of Labor urging Director Jane Flanagan to open an investigation into possible Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act violations involved in U.S. Steel’s recently announced layoffs at their Granite City Works facility. The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) has issued a subpoena to the United States Steel Corporation (U.S. Steel) to investigate its compliance with the Illinois WARN Act. Rep. Budzinkski issued this statement about the situation: “In September of 2023, U.S. Steel initiated 400 layoffs without WARN notification, claiming that their action would be temporary in nature. The company cited fears of reduced steel demand related to the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike as the reason for this decision. "On November 28, 2023, despite positive market changes and a resolution to the UAW strike, the company has now sent

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GLEN CARBON - The Glen Carbon Police Department gained a new officer earlier this week when Colin McBride was officially sworn in at the Village Board meeting on Tuesday. Police Chief Todd Link said McBride was a lateral hire for the department back in August. He added that McBride brings years of experience to the department. “He came to our Police Department … with a very impressive background, a lot of life experience, and a lot of really impressive professional experience as well,” Police Chief Todd Link said of McBride. McBride was previously an officer of the East Alton, Brighton, and Staunton Police Departments. He also served for 10 years as a Crime Analyst supporting the Illinois State Police Department’s counter-drug program. “In doing that in that capacity, he assisted with narcotics investigations, undercover surveillance, and cell phone forensic extractions,” Link said. McBride is a graduate of the Southwestern Illinois

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ALTON - The Alton Square Mall recently announced several events and activities happening at the Mall in celebration of the 2023 holiday season. As part of their December to Remember events series, the mall will be hosting Jolly Jingle Jams and Gift Wrapping for a Cause as well as Pictures with Santa. Jolly Jingle Jams is a new event series aimed at spreading holiday cheer and festivities with local choirs, musicians, dance groups, and more featuring live performances throughout the Mall. Performances will be happening through the entire month of December. Registration is currently open, and individuals or groups interested in performing can visit www.shopaltonsquare.com/jollyjinglejams to sign up. Santa will arrive on Friday, November 24 th . Families can visit with Santa and enjoy the Mall’s Christmas décor featuring holiday themed banners and displays. Visits with Santa will be in center court during the following schedule: December 1 st – December 17 th

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College Nursing Club students hosted a Winter Clothing Drive and Giveaway event for their fellow students this month. Hundreds of clothing donations were collected from students, faculty and staff alike, and laid out by size and type – including items for all ages and even some summer clothes – in the Ahlemeyer Atrium in Trimpe. Students were given a chance to shop the items free of charge, Wednesday, Nov. 28, and Thursday, Nov. 29. More than 75 students benefited from the event. Leftover donations were donated to Angel Ministries in Jerseyville. “The clothing drive turned out better than we expected,” said Nursing Student and L&C Student Trustee Melissa McKaig. “To be able to help so many of our fellow students was a true blessing.” The club coordinates a charitable event every semester. Past events have benefited community organizations and college programs such as College for Life.

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BELLEVILLE - Students from Belleville Township High School District #201 gathered at the Center for Academic and Vocation Excellence (CAVE) for a job fair and trade show on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023. The students take advanced classes at the CAVE to learn vocational skills like welding, carpentry and automotive repair. The job fair allowed them to speak with union leaders and local companies who are looking to hire students after high school. “It really gives students a good eye to really see what they’re getting involved in,” said Cydney O’Bannon with Midwest Career Source. “Rather than sitting in a classroom and reading a book on it, they get to sit in a classroom, learn, and then go do the actual work.” Midwest Career Source is a government-funded vocational training school that allows students to shadow healthcare workers and work as apprentices while attending the school free of charge. O’Bannon added that students can get “a

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