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GRAFTON - The director of the Veterans History Project has come to Grafton to contribute to the National Memorial of Military Ascent. Dr. James Smither, a professor at Grand Valley State University in Michigan, recently stopped by Grafton to film oral histories of local veterans. These videos will then be archived with the Library of Congress and eventually shared in the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA) museum. “I’m basically here as kind of an in-house historian and somebody who could help do oral histories,” Smither explained. “The idea there is, if you’ve got a museum set up, museums need programming. It’s got to be things that engage the community, and an oral history program, especially in this area, which has so many veterans, that’s just kind of the natural thing. And for me, it gives me access to a group of veterans I wouldn’t meet otherwise.” Over the course of his career, Smither has interviewed over

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SAUGET - Authorities have identified the man who was killed when the pickup truck he was driving slammed into a train early Saturday morning. Jamarin Ballard, 39, of Cahokia Heights, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident on Mississippi Avenue (Illinois Route 3) at 4:30 a.m., according to St. Clair County Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. Ballard was driving a truck traveling south in the 3000 block of Mississippi Avenue when it crossed the railroad tracks and collided with a moving Union Pacific train. The railroad crossing gates were down and flashing lights were activated when the collision happened, police said. When officers arrived, they found the truck and a train engine engulfed by flames. The incident is under investigation, and authorities have not yet determined the cause of the crash.

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JERSEYVILLE – Amelia Strebel, a standout shot put and discus thrower for Jersey Community High School, has been named Sparklight Female Athlete of the Month. The recognition comes as no surprise to those familiar with her dedication both on and off the field. Amelia, who is also an exemplary student and a team leader for the Panthers, had an impressive end to her season. She secured first place in the shot put at the Mississippi Valley Conference meet with a toss of 31 feet, 5.5 inches. Her performance at the sectional meet earned her a ninth-place finish with a throw of 30-4.5. In discus, Amelia achieved a season-best throw of 90-0.75. Her head girls track coach and father, Kevin Strebel, expressed his pride in Amelia's achievements. "I thought she culminated the season with an excellent capper winning the conference in the shot put," he said. "I am very proud of her efforts on the team. She is one of several athletes on the team that had some instances where their hard work

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GRANITE CITY - The Granite City Fire Department responded to a structure fire on the 4200 block of Old Alton Road at approximately 10 a.m. on Monday, July 29, 2024. Upon arrival, firefighters encountered smoke and flames coming from the back of the house. They swiftly managed to bring the fire under control, preventing it from spreading further. The rear portion of the house sustained damage, though the extent of the damage has not been fully assessed. The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The fire department is continuing its investigation to determine the origin of the blaze.

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JERSEYVILLE — Adam Kribs, a recent graduate of Jersey Community High School, has been recognized for his exceptional versatility as an athlete during the 2023-2024 academic year. Kribs, who competed in track and field, soccer, and bowling, has been named a Sparklight Internet Male Athlete of the Month for the Panthers. Kribs showcased his athletic prowess in track and field, recording personal bests of 6 feet, 0.75 inches in the high jump, 16.73 seconds in the 110-meter high hurdles, 45.43 seconds in the 300-meter low hurdles, and 38 feet, 5.5 inches in the triple jump. During the season, Kribs achieved notable successes, including first-place finishes in the 110-meter high hurdles at the Freeburg Trials Meet and a multi-school meet involving Jersey, Civic Memorial, Greenfield-Northwestern, and Bunker Hill. He also secured a fifth-place finish in the high hurdles at the Mississippi Valley Conference (MVC) Meet and a ninth-place finish in the 300-meter low hurdles. Additionally,

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CASEYVILLE –The Illinois Department of Transportation on Monday, July 29, 2024, announced that lane restrictions will be encountered on southbound I-255, at the I-64 interchange, beginning Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at 7 a.m., weather permitting. The two right lanes will be closed to allow IDOT District 8 Operations forces to complete bridge deck patching and expansion joint repairs. All lanes are expected to re-open by Friday, August 2, 2024, at 3 p.m. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to flaggers and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits and be on the alert for workers and equipment. Public transportation and traveling during non-peak hours are recommended if possible. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $18 million in funding for the fourth round of the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program. The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program provides training opportunities, expands the talent pipeline, and boosts diversity in the construction industry and building trades. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Since 2021, the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program has broken down barriers in the construction industry by training and recruiting underrepresented Illinoisans for high-paying jobs,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “With $18 million in available funding, I highly encourage all eligible organizations to apply to this competitive grant.” “The Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program isn't just about building infrastructure, it's about building brighter futures,”

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ALTON - On the most recent episode of “You’re Beautiful” with Brian Trust, Myla Dixon shared how she has relied on God as she has raised 13 children and how her faith has intensified following her son Kirby’s brain cancer diagnosis last month. Kirby, 25, has undergone two brain surgeries in the past month and will soon start radiation and chemotherapy. When he turns 26 in September, he will no longer be eligible to remain on his parents’ insurance plan. The family is holding a benefit for Kirby on Aug. 24, 2024, to support him through this time. Dixon noted that Kirby’s faith is “unshakeable,” and the family has continued to fully rely on God through everything. “I can do all things through Jesus and His strength. That is a saying in our house that goes full-force, all the time,” Dixon said. “No matter where we’re at, He’s always going to be there to hold us through everything. No matter how dee

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul elaborated more on Monday, July 29, 2024, about charges regarding a former Alton police officer with theft and wire fraud, alleging he stole funds from the Alton Police Department Benevolent and Protective Association while employed by the department. Raoul said Jeremiah T. Dressler, 41, of Brighton, faces one count of Class 2 felony theft, one count of Class 2 felony theft by deception, and three counts of Class 3 felony wire fraud. The Class 2 felony charges carry a maximum sentence of up to seven years in prison each, while the Class 3 felony charges carry a maximum sentence of up to five years each. Sentences can be served concurrently, depending on the court's decision. Dressler surrendered to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, July 26, 2024, following the issuance of a warrant for his arrest. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 9, 2024. “The public should be able to rely on law enforcement officers

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GODFREY – Early Saturday morning, July 27, 2024, a car struck two homes at approximately 6 a.m. in the 1200 block of Ranworth Drive in Godfrey. According to the shift commander at the Godfrey Fire Department, the vehicle crashed through the backyard fencing of one home and collided with the corner of another. The driver was transported to a St. Louis area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The incident resulted in significant damage to one of the homes, necessitating the disconnection of gas and power services. As a result, the residents of the affected home were displaced. The area has a history of frequent crashes, adding to the concern for local authorities and residents.

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GODFREY — On Sunday, July 28, 2024, the Godfrey Fire Protection District responded to a trailer park fire on West Delmar. The fire was swiftly extinguished, preventing extensive damage to the trailer, according to district officials. The Fosterburg Fire Department assisted at the scene and then returned to service. "We are grateful for the rapid response from our team and the support from Fosterburg," a Godfrey Fire Protection District official said. "Their efforts ensured that the fire was contained quickly and efficiently." No injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Charles A. Bourrage, 42, of Fairview Heights, was charged with possession of child pornography following an extensive investigation by the Fairview Heights Police Department on July 24, 2024. The investigation, which included the execution of numerous search warrants, led to the discovery of digital media containing child pornography in Bourrage's possession. Bourrage, who resides in the 700 block of Terra Springs Way Drive, was apprehended by detectives from the Fairview Heights Police Department. The case was subsequently presented to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s Office, headed by James Gomric, which issued multiple warrants for Bourrage's arrest. These warrants include five counts of possession of child pornography, each classified as a Class 2 felony. In accordance with the SAFE-T Act Pre-Trial Release provisions, Bourrage was released from custody pending trial. The Fairview Heights Police Department has reaffirmed its commitment

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ALTON - The organization Trinity’s Way will host its annual litter clean-up and pet food drive to celebrate Trinity’s birthday. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, people are invited to drop off pet food and supplies at Piasa Park. Community members can also participate in a litter clean-up of the caves. April Gray, founder of Trinity’s Way and Trinity’s mother, said the organization’s mission is to boost conservation and animal welfare in memory of Trinity. “It is a big weekend for us because this is the weekend that we normally celebrate Trinity’s birthday,” Gray said. “We do the litter cleanup down at the caves because that was one of her favorite places in all of Alton, and she hated the litter that was down there. So we do that cleanup for her birthday, and then in conjunction with the cleanup, we do the pet food drive also.” Trinity was a vocal advocate for the conservation of the caves in Alton,

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BROOKLYN, Ill. — A 22-year-old St. Louis man was fatally shot early Saturday morning in Brooklyn, Illinois, according to the St. Clair County Coroner's Office. The victim, Lerenzo L. Arnold, who lived in St. Louis, was pronounced dead around 3:15 a.m. in the 600 block of South 6th Street in Brooklyn Illinois, Coroner Calvin Dye Sr. confirmed Sunday morning. Arnold died of multiple gunshot wounds, Dye said. No other information was available as of Sunday morning. Further details may emerge as the investigation continues. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.

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WASHINGTON – Boar's Head Provisions Co., Inc., a Jarratt, Va., establishment, is recalling all liverwurst product produced by the establishment that is currently available in commerce because it may be adulterated with Listeria monocytogenes , the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today. The company is also recalling additional deli meat products that were produced on the same line and on the same day as the liverwurst and, therefore, may be adulterated with L. monocytogenes . The company is recalling approximately 207,528 pounds of products. The ready-to-eat liverwurst products were produced between June 11, 2024, and July 17, 2024, and have a 44-day shelf life. The following liverwurst products are subject to recall : 3.5-lb. loaves in plastic casing, or various weight packages sliced in retail delis, containing “Boar’s Head Strassburger Brand Liverwurst MADE IN VIRGINIA.” The products shipped to

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CHICAGO – Today, on the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act being signed into law, the Democratic National Convention announced several new accessibility milestones, including the construction of the first ADA-compliant ramp in Democratic National Convention history that provides direct access to the convention floor. This is a custom, first-of-its-kind ramp that the convention is building at the United Center to ensure delegates, media, volunteers, and guests who request accommodations can access the convention floor. This historic step will help to ensure that more delegates with ADA needs can be seated directly on the floor, which has not always been the case in previous years. As part of Democrats’ commitment to making this convention the most accessible in history, the following accommodations will also be available: Designated accessible parking Wheelchair-accessible entrances Accessible restrooms Dedicated spaces at the United Center

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ST. LOUIS — The American Red Cross urges donors to give blood or platelets now to reinforce the blood supply as much as possible before the summer winds down. Type O blood donors and those giving platelets are especially needed to help keep hospital shelves stocked through August. Donors remain critically needed to support the Red Cross delivery of vital blood products, which are in demand around-the-clock as hospitals work to save lives this summer. When fewer people answer the call to donate, the blood supply can quickly shrink. Help safeguard necessary care for patients − book a time to give blood or platelets by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.?? In thanks, those who come to give Aug. 1-31, 2024, will get a $20 Amazon.com Gift Card by email. See RedCrossBlood.org/Help for details. Upcoming blood donation opportunities Aug. 1-15 MISSOURI Crawford Bourbon 8/12/2024: 2 p.m. - 6 p.m., Bourbon

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SAUGET- Prairie Du Pont and Sauget Fire Department responded to a truck that had struck a train and caught fire Saturday morning at around 2 a.m. on Illinois Route 3. When firefighters arrived on the scene they located a male deceased and the truck and train engine were on fire. Investigators say the railroad had its lights and gates activated when the collision occurred. Route 3 from Monsanto Avenue to Queeny Avenue was closed after the crash but reopened just after 8 a.m. The driver of the truck was pronounced dead at the scene by the St Clair County Coroner's Office. No other injuries were reported Illinois State Police is investigating the accident.

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O'FALLON - A 2.4 on the Richter Scale magnitude earthquake was reported at 1:50 a.m. Saturday morning one-kilometer south-southwest of O'Fallon, Illinois, at a depth of .3 kilometers. The USGS has received reports from at least 11 people on the earthquake as of Saturday afternoon. No injuries have been reported, and no damage from the earthquake was reported. The Richter magnitude of an earthquake is determined from the logarithm of the amplitude of waves recorded by seismographs. The New Madrid Seismic Zone (NMSZ) is a 150-mile-long fault zone spanning four states in the Midwestern United States (see Figure 1). The NMSZ lies within the central Mississippi Valley, extending from northeast Arkansas, through southeast Missouri, western Tennessee, and western Kentucky to southern Illinois.

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July 27th has been a canvas for significant events worldwide, with each year painting a new story. One of the most pivotal events on this day occurred in 1953, when the Korean War armistice was signed, effectively bringing an end to the hostilities between North and South Korea. This armistice, signed at Panmunjom, established the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), a border that still impacts global geopolitics today. The cessation of hostilities marked a significant pause in Cold War tensions and left an indelible mark on international relations. Moving forward to 1974, July 27th saw the impeachment process of U.S. President Richard Nixon take a crucial turn. The House Judiciary Committee adopted the first of three articles of impeachment against Nixon, charging him with obstruction of justice in the Watergate scandal. This event was a defining moment in American political history, leading to Nixon's resignation on August 8, 1974, and reshaping the country's political landscape.

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