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SPRINGFIELD — Today, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) announced $6.5 million is available in competitive funding for the Officer Recruitment and Retention Grant . This grant aims to increase the quantity and quality of police officer recruitment programs across the State while also offering incentives to support officer retention. Units of local government, public institutions of higher education, and qualified nonprofit entities may apply for this funding. “ILETSB remains committed to supporting law enforcement agencies as they build strong, effective teams,” said Keith Calloway, Executive Director of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. “This grant addresses recruitment challenges and invests in retaining experienced officers who are essential to community safety, and we strongly encourage all eligible entities to apply for this funding.” For many law enforcement agencies, the costs of

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GLEN CARBON – It’s officially Girl Scout Cookie season in Southern Illinois! Girl Scouts throughout the area will hold cookie booths, visit customers door-to-door, and sell to friends and family online as they unbox their futures through the world’s largest entrepreneurial program for girls. During this highly anticipated time of the year, girls flex their entrepreneurial muscles and acquire five important life skills – goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics. All proceeds from cookie sales stay local to power Girl Scouts’ amazing experiences year-round. This year’s Girl Scout Cookie Program theme, Unbox the Future, aims to remove social barriers that often keep girls boxed in. When bold, goal-getting Girl Scouts sell a package of cookies, they’re doing much more than what’s seen at face value. Every box of cookies sold provides invaluable experiences for Girl Scouts such as service projects,

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BELLEVILLE — Sarah Herzing, the administrative supervisor of the Belleville Police Department, was honored with the Blue Light Award during the recent 32nd Annual SILEC/SIPCA Awards Banquet. The award recognizes Herzing’s significant contributions to the department, where she oversees a team of four staff members responsible for supporting the operational effectiveness of police officers. Herzing’s responsibilities include managing invoicing, handling memorandums of understanding, overseeing departmental finances, and reporting statistics. She also tracks officer leave and education, manages asset forfeiture funding and serves as the primary contact for Freedom of Information Act requests and subpoenas. Herzing's leadership and dedication have made her a crucial figure within the department. “Sarah is not only a manager but is seen as a mentor, a leader, and a pillar of reliability,” said the Belleville Police Department in a statement. The Blue Light

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O'FALLON - The O'Fallon Police Department is seeking assistance from the public in identifying a suspect involved in a hit-and-run incident that occurred on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at a Dollar General store. O'Fallon Police have released photos of the subject and the vehicle he was driving in connection with the case. Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to reach out to Officer Marshall Goodman at mgoodman@ofallon.org or by calling the non-emergency number at 618-624-4545. Individuals providing information are encouraged to reference case number 25-141. The O'Fallon Police Department has emphasized the importance of community involvement in resolving this case and appreciates any assistance the public can offer.

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ALTON - Herbert Sapp IV is a January 2025 Alton-Rotary Club Student of the Month. Sapp is a senior at Mississippi Valley Christian School. Over his four years of high school at MVCS, Herbert has distinguished himself as a leader, athlete, and scholar. He is the captain of both the soccer and basketball teams, reflecting his dedication to teamwork and sportsmanship. In addition to his athletic accomplishments, Herbert holds the prestigious positions of President and Chaplain of the National Christian Honor Society. He has also served on the Student Council since ninth grade and is currently the senior Class Chaplain. Herbert’s dedication to academic excellence has been recognized with numerous awards. He is a two-time recipient of the MVCS Christian Leadership Award (2021, 2024) and has been on the High Honor Roll since eighth grade. His knowledge of scripture has earned him back-to-back titles as the IACS Old Testament Knowledge State Champion (2023, 2024). Beyond academics, h

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ALTON - Lillian Schuler is a January 2025 Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club Student Of The Month. Lillian is a senior at Alton High School. Lillian’s time at Alton High school provided her with many opportunities to excel academically and develop her leadership skills. She is a three and a half year high honor roll student (going on four) who has taken many Honors, Advanced Placement, and Dual Credit classes. She is currently the vice president of Alton High’s National Honors Society chapter and the treasurer of Mu Alpha Theta, a math honors society. Furthermore, Lillian has been the vice president of her class and the student council for four years now. Holding these leadership positions has developed her into a strong student, person, and member of the community. Recently, she was recognized as an Illinois State Scholar due to her high test scores and GPA. Although, the honor that she is most proud of is achieving the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy as a junior by showing a

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BETHALTO - During their regular meeting on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 Board of Education learned about the district’s multi-tiered system of support. The multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) refers to interventions that students can receive when they need additional academic or social-emotional support. During the meeting, the district’s psychologists, interventionists and paraprofessionals shared data for each Bethalto school and explained the academic interventions that students receive at every level. “A district that doesn’t have a strong MTSS program set in place really then struggles with over-identifying students that need to be in special education,” said Alyssa Smith, Bethalto’s Director of Teaching and Learning. “By screening them early, screening them often and constantly monitoring that data, it’s a way for us to stay on top of kids and intervene as quickly as possible so that

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ALTON - The Marquette Catholic High School Dance Team has secured a spot at the IHSA State Championships for the second consecutive year. The team achieved this milestone by finishing in fourth place in the Jazz category at the IHSA Sectional held at Effingham. Marquette's girls' dance squad is shown above. The girls are: Back row left to right: Bella Johnson, Alana Taylor, Grace Stoverink, Grace Schwegel, Lexi Stevenson, and Jaelyn Slow. Front Row left to right: Alisa Buchanan, Birdie Elliott, and Riley Clarkin. The Marquette girls are Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athletes of the Month. The State Finals will take place next Friday in Bloomington, where the team will compete against other qualifying schools. The success at the sectional competition underscores the team's dedication and skill in dance, as they continue to build on their achievements from the previous year. This year’s advancement to the state level also reflects the ongoing commitment o

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COLLINSVILLE – Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 Commander, Captain Casey Faro, announces the ISP will conduct Alcohol Countermeasure Enforcement (ACE) patrols in Madison and St. Clair counties during February. ACE patrols allow the ISP to focus on preventing, detecting, and taking enforcement action in response to violations associated with impaired driving and illegal transportation or consumption of alcohol or drugs. The ISP has zero tolerance for impaired driving in Illinois. Officers working the detail will be watchful for motorists who show signs of impaired driving, operating vehicles in an unsafe manner, driving with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, and transporting open alcoholic beverages, as well as improper seatbelt and child restraint usage, distracted driving, and other Illinois Vehicle Code violations. Alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be a factor in more than 47% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-related

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EDWARDSVILLE – AXS TV and Madison Communications Company announced today that the EGHM Foundation in Edwardsville has been selected to receive a $1,000 grant as part of “AXS TV’s Band Together For Music Education” — an initiative connecting AXS TV with affiliates, local communities, and schools in support of vital music education programs and the benefits they provide students. The award was presented by Madison Communications to the EGHM Foundation through the Edwardsville School District on Jan. 24, 2025. Public school music programs often experience a severe lack of funding and are the first casualties when budget cuts are made—a problem that has only increased in recent years. “AXS TV’s Band Together For Music Education” initiative seeks to rectify this, awarding grants to school-age music education programs across the country. These recipients are established programs that exemplify top leadership, instruction, and participation,

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GRANITE CITY – A man from Granite City has been charged with aggravated battery against an elderly victim he’s accused of previously threatening. Anthony J. Grady, 38, of Granite City, was charged with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery in a case filed on on Jan. 22, 2025. On Jan. 4, Grady allegedly pushed an elderly victim to the ground, causing them to sustain an injury to their neck. The victim in this case was 60 years of age or older at the time of the incident. Grady was granted pretrial release from custody in the case presented by the Granite City Police Department. A motion has since been filed to place additional conditions on his pretrial release. Among the reasons cited for the additional conditions include that he has “previously threatened or perpetrated physical abuse toward the victim in this matter” and is a continued threat to the victim. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not a

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GODFREY – A case of public battery at the Godfrey Walmart has resulted in a criminal charge against an Alton resident. Leighton C. Orban, 18, of Alton, was charged with a Class 3 felony count of aggravated battery. On Jan. 4, Orban allegedly struck a victim “repeatedly with closed fists” while in a public place, the Godfrey Walmart, according to court documents. The Madison County Sheriff’s Office presented the case against Orban, who was granted pretrial release from custody. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects charged with criminal offenses are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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BUNKER HILL - Fifty-seven-year-old Jerald Stilts is now facing two First-Degree Murder charges, along with a host of other charges, after the death of Chuck Parrino, Jr., in Bunker Hill in Macoupin County. Charles Joseph Parrino Jr., 45, was pronounced dead on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, by Macoupin County Coroner Anthony Kravanya. Stilts was first charged with Concealment of a Homicidal Death, then the other charges followed. Other charges for Stilts are Aggravated Domestic Battery, Armed Violence, Aggravated Battery/Discharge of a Firearm, Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Restraint and Destruction Of Evidence. Parrino, Jr., was a beloved bartender at Bastille Bar in South St. Louis. A celebration of life is planned for 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, at Bastille in St. Louis. The bar has been collecting funds at its establishment to help with funeral expenses for Parrino, Jr. Stilts was apprehended on Sunday and is now incarcerated at the Macoupin County Jail. The Macoupin County

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ALTON — Jersey's Joey Kiel secured a spot in the state tournament after a strong performance at the IHSA Marquette Catholic boys bowling sectional held Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Bowl Haven Lanes in Alton. Kiel posted an impressive score of 1,355, which allowed him to advance to the next level of competition. The individual champion of the sectional was Gavin Miller of Hoopeston Area, who achieved a six-game series score of 1,457. Kiel is a Sparklight Male Athlete of the Month for Jersey. The JCHS Boys Bowling team also competed in the sectional, finishing in sixth place with a total score of 5,839, narrowly missing the cut for state qualification. Kiel's success this season has drawn attention, and as he prepares for the state tournament this weekend, many will be watching to see how he performs against top competitors.

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic's boys' bowling made school history on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, as it qualified IHSA State Championship. The Explorers finished in third place in the IHSA Sectional held at Bowl Haven in Alton with a team score of 6,001. The top bowler for the Explorers was Logan Sherman, who had a 1,294, while Corbin Barnard shot a 1,261, Matthew Carr had a 1,169 set, Gavin Tinsley rolled a 1,145 series, and David Thomas came up with a 1,132 series to help Marquette advance. Marquette's boys are Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athletes Of The Month. The Redbirds won the championship with a six-game team score of 6,247, with Minooka coming in second at 6,240, Marquette came in third with a 6,001 score, and Morton was the fourth and final team qualifier with a 5,996. Marquette's boys will compete in the IHSA state tournament next Friday and Saturday, Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 2025, at St. Clair Bowl in Fairview Heights. It's the only state finals that are conducted in both

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EDWARDSVILLE - Community members are invited to shake off the winter blues at a Taylor Swift-themed drag brunch at EXO Lounge. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, EXO Lounge will welcome the “fiercest” local drag queens for a morning of performances in addition to the normal EXO nail bar and med spa services. Owner Gina Gamblin noted that EXO’s services are a great way to elevate an average day. “It’s truly special,” she said. “It doesn't have to be your once-in-a-while. It can be your regular routine, just an add to your week.” She is especially looking forward to the drag brunch, which she believes will be a fun experience for attendees. Tickets cost $10 and proceeds will go to a local dental mission sponsored by David Cole Realty , who is hosting the event. Attendees must be 21 or older. Gamblin said the Taylor Swift-themed event will feature performances of Swift’s hits and cocktails named after

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ALTON - The Alton boys bowling team captured the IHSA Boys Bowling Sectional title on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Bowl Haven Lanes in Alton, securing their spot in the upcoming state finals. The Redbirds finished with a six-game team score of 6,247, narrowly edging out Minooka, which scored 6,240. Marquette Catholic placed third with a score of 6,001, while Morton rounded out the qualifying teams with 5,996. Gabe Futney led the Redbirds with a series total of 1,315, followed closely by Sam Ottwell with 1,283 and Eric Braudmeier at 1,278. Lucas Ventimiglia and Brayden Buchanan contributed scores of 1,210 and 1,160, respectively. Gavin Miller of Hoopeston Area earned the title of individual champion with an impressive six-game series score of 1,457. The Alton boys, who have been recognized as Auto Butler Male Athletes of the Month, will compete in the IHSA state tournament next weekend, January 31 to February 1, at St. Clair Bowl in Fairview Heights. This tournament is notable

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CHICAGO - CUB will challenge Ameren's Illinois' proposed gas rate hike. Ameren has already won $111 million in gas rate hikes since 2021, helping to plunge too many consumers across Illinois into crisis while the utility’s parent company rolls in profits. And now the utility wants more. This punishing increase–which calls for hiking key delivery charges by more than 20 percent–would be a hardship for many Ameren customers. "We urge the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to reduce the utility’s wasteful spending and hold it accountable to its customers," CUB Executive Director Sarah Moskowitz said. "The volatile gas supply price, along with Ameren’s parade of delivery rate hikes, drive home the point that gas is bad for our bottom lines—in addition to our health and the climate. It is essential that Illinois begin to plan for the long-term transition away from gas to heating alternatives that are cheaper, cleaner and safer." Background: Ameren

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WOOD RIVER — A residential structure fire in Wood River early Tuesday morning, Jan. 28, 2025, resulted in moderate smoke inhalation for the sole occupant, who escaped the blaze unharmed. Firefighters from multiple agencies responded to the incident in the 100 block of Conley, reported at approximately 1:17 a.m. on January 28, 2025. The Wood River Fire Department said upon arrival, initial crews observed visible flames on two sides of the residence, which quickly spread to a third side as fire suppression efforts commenced. Interior fire attack teams controlled the fire swiftly, though additional work was required to extinguish flames in the attic and wall spaces. The fire department said the occupant, an adult male, was treated on the scene by Alton Memorial EMS for smoke inhalation. The fire department said the blaze is believed to have been ignited by an alternative heating source that caught blankets on fire. Wood River Fire Department crews were released from the scene a

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Office for Accessible Campus Community and Equitable Student Support (ACCESS) has successfully completed a four-month-long certification program on how to create mentoring programs, activities and events that are inclusive to youth, volunteers and staff with disabilities. The certification was operated by Partners for Youth with Disabilities (PYD). The Fall 2024 cohort was the fifth time the certification was offered, and it featured participants from 20 unique mentoring organizations across 13 different U.S. states. Collectively, it is estimated that 7,860 young people will be impacted by these programs that graduated the Disability Mentoring Program Certification. “The Office of ACCESS has remained committed to creating an environment where students with disabilities can do more than just attend college but thrive and succeed beyond graduation,” said ACCESS Director Dominic Dorsey, and president of SIUE’s

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