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WASHINGTON - The United States Navy Band awarded the inaugural Alton Augustus Adams Sr. Award for Emerging Composers to Jaylin Vinson of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, for his chamber work “Afrophilia.” “Afrophilia is a sonic expression of my love of African and African diasporic music. It incorporates harmonic and melodic idioms from jazz, hip-hop, and gospel. This piece is a raw product of me exploring and loving every sense of Blackness that is quintessential to my existence,” said Vinson. “Afrophilia” will be premiered by the U.S. Navy Band Woodwind Quintet on Feb. 9, 2023, at Howard University’s Childers Recital Hall at 12:40 p.m. A violinist, Vinson is pursuing a Bachelor of Music in composition from the Sheperd School of Music at Rice University in Houston. The award honors the Navy Band’s first Black bandmaster, Chief Musician Alton August Adams Sr., who led an all-Black Navy band at the height of racial segregation policies

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ST. LOUIS - Although the holidays can be a time of joy, they can also be a time of stress for people struggling with mental health disorders. Getting out of normal routines, extra family gatherings and less healthy foods can all lead to an increase in symptoms. Independence Center, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping adults living with mental illness, wants to remind people of some simple tips to help those struggling with mental health have a good holiday season. Independence Center Executive Director Trish Holmes said stress and anxiety typically play a significant role in triggering mental health symptoms. She said paying attention to what is causing those feelings can help people avoid those triggers. “Stressors around the holidays can range from past memories of substance abuse, financial restrictions or dealing with difficult family members and friends that you only see around the holidays,” said Holmes. “We encourage our members to put themselves and

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Thursday that a jury returned guilty verdicts against a Glen Carbon man who sexually assaulted a child. The jury convicted Jesse W. Chartrand, 43, of one count of predatory criminal sexual assault of a child and two counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse. Chartrand committed sexual acts with the child between Aug. 17, 2019, and July 30, 2020. “Crimes against children are the worst,” Haine said. “We continue to pray for the healing of the victim, who testified bravely in this case. We also thank the dedicated work of police, prosecutors, and the staff at the Madison County Child Advocacy Center. Thanks to their tremendous work, this predator was convicted and is facing a long prison sentence.” Key to the prosecution’s case were an interview of the victim, conducted by staff of the Child Advocacy Center, and an interview of Chartrand, conducted by Glen Carbon Police. Chartrand

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ALTON - Alton Odyssey Tours is hosting its eighth annual “Tunes For Toys” fundraiser this Saturday, Dec. 10 from 6-10 p.m. at the Post Commons, located at 300 Alby Street in Alton. Live music will be performed by the Soulard Blues Band and proceeds will benefit local nonprofits. The cost of admission is either a new, unopened child’s toy donation or a $10 cash donation - toy donations will benefit Riverbend Family Ministries , while cash donations will benefit Faces Not Forgotten . “This event is a family-friendly event each year to raise efforts for not only giving back during the holiday season, but kind of community togetherness - showing that together, we can really help those in need,” Lewis said. “ kind of that, ‘Better to give than receive’ mentality for this holiday season.” Lewis added that Decaro’s will be providing appetizers while supplies last, which have been donated by Decaro’s and Sysco, two

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville High School Music Department held its Winter Concert on Wednesday, December 7, 2022, at the EHS gymnasium, and the packed house was left filled with the Christmas spirit. The EHS band, orchestra, and choir all performed in the winter showcase. EHS Orchestra Director Victoria Voumard said a total of $3,322.51 was raised at the concert Wednesday night. "We will donate half to Main Street Community Center," she said. One of the highlights of the Winter Concert was "Winter Palace" featuring Connor Miller on guitar, Cash Vereeke on electric bass, and Abigail Stacy on the drumset. Another highlight was "Carol of the Bells," featuring two senior orchestra violinists, Ashley Kim and Jane Fitzgerald. Other music performed included "All I Want for Christmas is You" by the orchestra, "Here We March A-Wassasaling" by the band, and "Mi Y'maleil" by the choir. The band also performed "Toboggan," the Choir sang "This Christmas," and a percussion ensemble did

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ST. LOUIS - On Wednesday, joined by advocates and community members, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones signed Executive Order #74, establishing a volunteer commission to explore and recommend opportunities for reparations in the City of St. Louis. “The people closest to the problems are closest to the solution,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “I look forward to reviewing this commission’s work to chart a course that restores the vitality of Black communities in our city after decades of disinvestment. We cannot succeed as a city if one-half is allowed to fail.” The Commission will be comprised of nine members. All must live in the City of St. Louis, and must represent different backgrounds, including at least one civil rights advocate, clergy member, attorney, academic, public health professional, and youth. According to the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations in America (N’COBRA) reparations is defined as “a process of repairing, healing

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ST. LOUIS - St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones has made remarks in regard to the sentencing of of former aldermen Lewis Reed, Jeffrey Boyd, and John Collins-Muhammad. "A federal court held Jeffrey Boyd, John Collins-Muhammad, and Lewis Reed accountable for the pain they have caused our communities. These crimes have victims: Their families, who are suffering; their constituents, whose interests they put aside in pursuit of personal profit; and our entire city, which was shaken by the brazenness of the trio’s corruption. "City agencies have already taken steps to reform past practices and increase transparency in development work to help prevent abuse in the future. LRA halted sales for the remainder of the year while it addressed its internal procedures, and SLDC is creating a development scorecard for incentives to make this process clear to the public. "We have more work to do. In electing President Megan Green, St. Louisans have emphasized the need to break from the past, which

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Major League Baseball (MLB) announced a new requirement today to have extensive protective netting in place at all Professional Development League (PDL) ballparks. The fan safety initiative was adopted at the 2022 Winter Meetings after being unanimously approved by the MLB PDL Executive Board. In June 2019, after repeated incidents of MLB fans being hit by foul balls, Durbin and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) wrote to MLB Commissioner Manfred urging him to have all 30 MLB teams extend protective netting to the right and left field corners at all ballparks. In December 2019, MLB announced that all 30 teams would extend protective netting during the next season. Durbin has continuously met with baseball safety advocates to discuss fan safety at MLB and Minor League Baseball games. “In 2019, it was clear something had to be done to protect fans from foul balls being hit at high speeds into the stands.

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ALTON - The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau received three Excellence in Tourism awards in the annual Illinois Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism during an awards ceremony at Chicago’s Navy Pier Monday, Dec. 5. The bureau received awards for Best Website, Best PR Marketing Campaign and Best Cooperative Partnership. The PR Marketing Campaign recognized the bureau’s Eagle Season campaign and the Cooperative Partnership award was presented for The Last 100 Miles of Route 66 Postcard Mural Trail. “We are extremely honored and thrilled to be presented with these awards from our industry peers,” Great Rivers & Routes President & CEO Cory Jobe noted. “Our tourism website is second to none in the state and showcases our region with compelling imagery and strong content enticing visitors to the region. The Bureau team works hard to make sure our region shines on a daily basis.” The Illinois Excellence in Tourism Awards were presented t

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ALTON - The Alton Tractor Supply store is inviting all the young artists out there to celebrate the upcoming holiday season with an Ornament Craft activity. On Dec. 17, 2022, from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., the store will host a craft event where young customers can decorate a Christmas ornament with stickers and other colorful extras, while supplies last. The interactive craft provides a fun way for youth to get in the holiday spirit with colorful ornaments in the shape of twinkling lights. Once complete, each participant can take their free craft home to decorate their Christmas tree. "We enjoy spending quality time with our customers during the holiday season, particularly with a fun, creative craft for the kids to take home," said Alton store manager, Michael Webb. "Ornament decorating sparks the joy of Christmas and encourages the young members of the Alton community to use their imagination and creative spirit. Whether our young customers use their ornament as a gift for

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MARYVILLE - Ashley Brannan, RN of Anderson Hospital was recently honored with The DAISY Award® For Extraordinary Nurses. The award is part of the DAISY Foundation's programs to recognize the super-human efforts nurses perform every day. Ashley, a specialty care nurse in both the Intensive Care and Intermediate Care units at Anderson Hospital, was nominated by a family whose father was a patient Brannan cared for in the ICU. The nomination read: “What a bright light Ashley is! Even though she had many other clients, Ashley made my dad (87) feel comfortable. She was quickly accessible and always fresh and friendly with answers to our inquiries. "Inquiring minds want to know!" Speaking of answers, she always answered my dad’s repeated questions. Due to his Alzheimer's, my dad asked the same questions over and over and over but each time Ashley would respond with a smile as if it was the first time she answered him, although it was the 15th! She also made "light" of his

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, Representative Robin Kelly (IL-02) joined Axios’s Tina Reed to discuss the future of healthcare policy. The conversation focused on a range of issues; including combating maternal mortality, addressing mental health, increasing clinical trial diversity, and treating gun violence like the public health crisis that it is. WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE. Congresswoman Kelly is working to ensure that the Medicaid postpartum extension to a full year of coverage, accessible to residents of every state, is passed before the end of this year. This is a key provision in the MOMMA’s Act , using research-backed strategies to combat maternal mortality. The CDC found that 80% of maternal mortality deaths are preventable. Black maternal deaths are nearly six times higher than those of their white counterparts in Illinois. “The American people are looking to Democrats in Congress to provide solutions to their challenges, particularly

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County police officers are investigating a child struck in the 2400 block of North and South Road that resulted in serious injuries to a 2-year-old child. On December 6, 2022, at 4:48 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the Central County Precinct responded to a call for service for a child struck in the 2400 block of North and South Road. Responding officers located a child, approximately 2 years of age, suffering from serious, nonlife-threatening injuries. The child was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Preliminary investigation has revealed a white Pontiac Grand Prix or Grand Am traveling north on North and South Road struck the child and left the scene. The vehicle was last seen eastbound on St. Charles Rock Road from North and South Road. This is an active investigation. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Central County Precinct at 314-615-0111 to speak

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons Detectives are currently investigating an officer-involved shooting at 13857 Riverport Drive in the City of Maryland Heights which resulted in the death of an adult male. On December 7, 2022, at 4:19 PM, Detectives from the City of Maryland Heights Police Department were searching for a suspect in the area of 13857 Riverport Drive. The suspect was wanted in relation to several criminal incidents in various area jurisdictions. Detectives had information the suspect was in the area. Detectives observed the suspect, a 48-year-old male, exit an area business. The suspect walked to the parking lot on the west side of the building. Detectives approached the suspect, giving commands in an attempt to take the suspect into custody. The suspect did not comply, and instead charged at the detectives with an edged weapon in his hand. One detective fired his department-issued firearm, striking the suspect and stopping

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WOOD RIVER - On Wednesday, December 7, Members of Wood River City Government, Wood River Economic Development, and owners Matt and Amy Herrin held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of 1929 Pizza and Wine located at 7 Wood River Avenue in Downtown Wood River. Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said: "We are so excited to have 1929 Pizza & Wine open. Matt & Amy Herren have extensive knowledge in the food business and are excited to be a part of the Downtown Wood River revitalization. You might not know it yet, but Downtown Wood River is coming back!" 1929 Pizza and Wine is open from 5-9 p.m. Thursday 5-9 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The business is also available for parties throughout the week. For more information visit 1929pizzaandwine.com

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Commerce Commission has announced a new area code is coming to southern Illinois. The new 730 area code will “overlay” the existing 618 area code to address the depletion of prefixes available for assignment within the region. The first prefix in the new area code will not be introduced until after July 7, 2023. The 618 area code covers all or parts of 37 counties in Illinois and includes communities such as Alton, Belleville, Cairo, Carbondale, Centralia, E. St. Louis, Edwardsville and Marion. The 618 area code is one of the original, eighty-six area codes in the United States, assigned by Bell Laboratories in 1947. It has not undergone any substantive changes to its boundaries since then. NeuStar (now Somos) under contract by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to administer the nation’s telephone numbering resources, originally filed a petition on behalf of the Illinois Telecommunications Industry seeking a new area code for

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ALTON - The Police Benevolent and Protective Association Alton Unit 14 Annual Shop With A Cop event once again left many area children with smiles and hope for Christmas. Officer Elliott Ferguson directed the Shop With A Cop activity that was held at its traditional home Target at 300 Homer Adams Parkway on Saturday. "It is because of the generous support of our many community partners, local businesses, and individuals that Shop With a Cop is able to make Christmas special for so many local children," Ferguson said. "It is an awesome event and I love it every year." Ferguson said one of the most touching parts of the day is many of the children also want to find a present for everyone in their family, not just themselves. "The Alton School District raises a portion of the funds and we accept donations throughout the year," Ferguson said. "Our union in the spring has some events where we raise funds for this program. We deliver to less fortunate children and families. We served

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EDWARDSVILLE - The members of Edwardsville’s Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 244, will be sponsoring their 13th annual “Christmas with a Cop” program on Saturday, December 10, 2022. The Edwardsville Police said the “Christmas with a Cop” program enables officers and other volunteers to spread Christmas cheer while getting to know some of the citizens of the community. The positive interaction that takes place among the officers, children, and their families is something that lasts a lifetime, the officers say. The Christmas with a Cop program will begin at 9 a.m. at Target om Edwardsville, where 20 pre-selected children will pair up with an officer to shop for the holiday season. In addition to shopping, the participating families will receive gift-wrapping supplies and candy baskets. The Edwardsville Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 244 would like to extend thanks to Target, as well as numerous private donors within the community, for helping us benefit

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ROXANA - Roxana High School lost a lasting member of the Shells’ athletic club Tuesday night when legendary wrestler Alex Maguire died in a tragic vehicle crash at Illinois Route 3/New Poag Road in Madison County. Both Roxana Athletic Director Mark Briggs and Alex’s coach Rob Milazzo were both shocked at his death. “It happened late last night,” Briggs said. “I talked to the wrestling coach (Rob Milazzo) and we are both in a state of shock about it. Alex was a good kid. It seems like yesterday he was at the state meet smiling ear-to-ear with his whole life ahead of him. This is so unfortunate." Briggs said Roxana was fortunate to have had Alex as a member of their wrestling team and also as a student. “He meant a lot to the Roxana wrestling program,” Briggs said. “I think one of the things, when Alex reflected back on his life, was his positive time with Coach Milazzo and the wrestling program. Coach Milazzo had a huge impact on him.”

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MADISON COUNTY - Illinois State Police is investigating a fatal two-unit motor vehicle crash that occurred at 10:12 p.m. on Tuesday, December 6, 2022, at Illinois Route 3 southbound at Oldenburg Road, Madison County. The drivers involved were as follows: Unit 1 - Alexander C. Maguire, a 22-year-old male from Wood River, IL – Deceased Unit 2- Jeremy G. Packer, a 30-year-old male from Granite City, IL – Transported to an area hospital with injuries. Illinois State Police Trooper Jayme Bufford, a Public Information Officer for the Southern Region, confirmed the fatality Wednesday morning. "The driver of Unit 1 was pronounced deceased on scene," ISP said. "The driver of Unit 2 was transported to an area hospital with injuries. Illinois Route 3 was shut down for the crash investigation and reopened at approximately 2:55 a.m. Wednesday. No further information is available at this time." Maguire was operating a 2014 red Nissan Versa, and Packer was driving a 2017 silver Hyundai

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