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ALTON - Sing We Now of Christmas Great Rivers Choral Society to Present Annual Christmas Concert Great Rivers Choral Society is hard at work practicing for their annual Christmas concert, this year appropriately entitled Sing We Now of Christmas. Great Rivers Choral Society, founded in the fall of 2001, is an adult chorus of mixed voices whose objective is to foster and encourage music education and appreciation in southwestern Illinois. The chorus comprises 20–30 volunteer artists from all age groups and walks of life who enjoy singing and are looking for a means of expressing their vocal talents collectively. “We perform three concerts each season. They’re all wonderful in their own right, but the Christmas concert is especially magical,” says Great Rivers Choral Society Board President and soprano Pat Stewart. “The music selections are eclectic— some sacred music to honor the religious holiday, some secular music which will bring a smile to everyone’s

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City Community Unit School District #9 had four students recognized as part of the 2024 America Recycles Day Poster Contest, hosted by Madison County Green Schools Program. Other area students were also recognized. The theme for this year’s ARD contest was, “I want to be recycled.” There were 352 entries from 17 schools. This year’s winners in the poster contest are as follows: Kindergarten – 2nd grades 1st- Giovanni Zendejas, Eunice Smith Elementary 2nd - Georgia Zobrist, Highland Primary 3rd - Quinn Siebert, Leclaire Elementary 3rd – 5th grades 1st- Arianna Spaulding, West Elementary 2nd - Julia Augustson, Meadowbrook Intermediate 3rd - Caroline Hall, Grigsby Intermediate 6th – 8th grades 1st - Lauren Wilson, Coolidge Junior High 2nd - Katherine Fitzgerald, St. Mary’s Middle School 3rd - Molly Basye, Highland Middle 9th – 12th grades 1st - Kseniya

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ALTON - Community leaders gathered at The Wedge Innovation Center to learn about the center’s progress and plans for the future. During a press conference at The Wedge on Nov. 14, 2024, Governor J.B. Pritzker fielded questions about the state of Illinois and the development of the center. He expressed his enthusiasm for the innovation space and his belief that it will benefit Alton. “Seeing the development of something like this in Alton, it does the heart good,” Pritzker said. “It also tells you that Illinois is on the rise everywhere. And when you’ve got really great people coming together, bringing their resources to make it possible for people to build great businesses here, that’s how economic growth is made.” A project by AltonWorks, The Wedge Innovation Center will host anchor tenants and co-working spaces. They plan to have several Midwest AI Network (MAIN) labs available for companies to utilize. The building will be home

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ALTON - Hayner Library will host a free Illinois Department of Human Services In-Person Recruitment Presentation at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, at Hayner Library at Alton Square Mall. In the presentation learn how to obtain careers with the State of Illinois Hayner Library will host the Illinois Department of Human Services for a unique opportunity that allows individuals to explore career paths in the public sector. This event offers a platform for meaningful dialogue, fostering connections, and potential employment opportunities across diverse state government roles. The IDHS recruitment team will cover topics related to applying for state positions, state profile creation, and other best practices when applying for careers with the State of Illinois. A question-and-answer session will take place after the presentation. “We’re very happy to host events such as this at the library,” says Mary Cordes, Executive Director of Hayner Library. “Our patrons have

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GLEN CARBON - Glen Carbon residents will pay more for their water over the next two years after the Village Board this week unanimously approved a series of water rate increases starting Jan. 1, 2025. The rate change amounts to a 10% annual increase for both the service and usage charges for Village-supplied water. Another 10% increase will take effect starting on Jan. 1, 2026. Since Nov. 1, 2022, Glen Carbon residents have paid a monthly water service charge of $6.50. Under both rate increases, that service charge will rise to $7.15 in 2025 and $7.87 in 2026. The village’s water usage rates, last updated on May 1, 2024, are also increasing. Village residents, who currently pay a monthly $6.12 usage fee for the first 1,000 gallons of water used during each billing cycle, will see that same usage fee increase to $6.73 in 2025 and $7.41 in 2026. “As recently discussed in Finance Committee meetings … it was decided to recommend a 10% annual increase in

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ALTON/GODFREY - 15 local agencies came together on Nov. 12 and 13, 2024, to shop at Target in Alton using Community Christmas funds, a program designed to support families in need during the holiday season. The initiative, funded by community-raised contributions, highlights the impact of collective efforts to provide essential items to those less fortunate. Liz Campbell, chair of Community Christmas, expressed her gratitude for the community’s involvement. She said: “Watching local agencies shop for items their organization truly needs — whether it is toys, personal hygiene products, clothing, or everyday essentials — was incredibly heartwarming.” She emphasized the importance of the program, stating that it serves as a reminder of the good that can come from hard work and fundraising efforts earlier in the year. The shopping event was facilitated by the collaboration of Target staff, agency representatives, and community volunteers, including

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ALTON - On November 15, 1924, the MacDowell Club hosted Tony Sarg’s Marionettes at the Spalding Auditorium. There were two performances: “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” in the afternoon and Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island” in the evening. The house was packed for both shows. Several Altonians prominent in the art and music scene were quoted in the Alton Evening Telegraph on November 12, 1924, encouraging adults and children alike to attend the performances. Here is a sampling: Mrs. Alice Irving: (writing home from New York) – “I have been to see Tony Sarg’s Marionettes and they are wonderful. If they ever come within reach you must not lose an opportunity to see them.” Mrs. George Ryrie (Sophia Hopkins Ryrie): – “Several thousand people flocked to see Tony Sarg’s Marionettes at Chautauqua, N.Y. this summer and both grown-ups and children enjoyed them thoroughly." Miss (Katherine V.) Dickinson: –

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ALTON/GODFREY - Pride, Incorporated has added a festive touch to the Alton and Godfrey communities. The beautification organization decorated the “Welcome to Alton” sign, the “Welcome to Godfrey” sign and the Benjamin Godfrey Mansion with seasonal decor like wreaths, lights and more. They worked with several local businesses and organizations to make this possible. “It was just a collaboration,” said Pat Stewart, president of Pride, Inc. “This started as a twinkle in someone’s eye that quickly developed into a community project that should please all Alton and Godfrey residents.” On Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, John Meehan will dress as Benjamin Godfrey to flip the switch and turn on the lights at the Benjamin Godfrey Mansion and the two welcome signs. Stewart noted that a lot of people are struggling, and she hopes the decorations bring joy to community members. “The holiday season can be very difficult for people at

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BATAVIA – Today, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton will join Illinois Main Street in historic downtown Batavia to welcome community leaders, entrepreneurs, and economic development advocates to the 2024 Illinois Main Street Conference. The three-day conference celebrates a 31-year legacy of revitalizing downtowns and strengthening local economies across Illinois. “Illinois’ Main Street communities are revitalizing historic districts while bolstering local economies,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton . "This conference not only celebrates the dedicated individuals who strengthen these communities, it brings them together to network, exchange ideas and ensure Illinois remains a place of inclusive economic opportunity.” The conference features over 25 interactive sessions, including discussions on: Building mental health support systems for small business owners Preserving historic buildings while embracing modern needs Creating inclusive

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GODFREY - Mayor Mike McCormick is pleased to announce that Godfrey has successfully completed the NWS vetting for recertification as a “Storm Ready” community. The NWS “StormReady” program essentially helps arm America's communities with the knowledge, communication and safety skills needed to save lives and protect property - StormReady helps coordinate with local government officials and emergency managers (ESDA) to strengthen municipal safety and response plans. These NWS accredited communities are far better prepared for the onslaught of severe weather because they; consider local threat assessment issues, provide advanced planning and mitigation of potential hazards, continue ongoing public education programs and provide situational awareness to the community before, during and after a severe weather event.” Mayor McCormick states the

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Theater and Dance is thrilled to announce its upcoming production, "Dance in Concert," under the artistic direction of Kristin Best Kinscherff, associate professor and head of dance. Performances will take place in Dunham Hall on the SIUE campus from Thursday, Nov. 14-Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m., with a special matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, themed "Next Generation of Dancers" Day. This dynamic concert showcases a diverse array of dance styles: including contemporary, Afro-fusion, and tap, promising an exhilarating evening for audiences of all ages. The production features the talents of SIUE faculty and guest artists who have crafted unique and innovative pieces for the stage. "This year's 'Dance in Concert' promises to be a vibrant celebration of movement, creativity, and collaboration," said Best Kinscherff. "We are excited to showcase the talents of our students alongside our esteemed

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Illinois Senator and combat veteran Tammy Duckworth had strong words for Pete Hegseth while appearing on CNN to discuss Donald Trump 's pick for Defense Secretary. Duckworth, who lost both legs after being shot down in a helicopter while serving with the Illinois Army National Guard in Iraq, spoke with anchor Kaitlan Collins about Hegseth's comments on female combatants, calling him "out of touch," and lacking in experience. The Democratic Illinois senator was speaking out in response to a viral clip of Pete Hegseth, who said on a podcast: "I'm straight up saying we should not have women in combat roles." Former Fox & Friends host Hegseth made the comments last week on the podcast The Shawn Ryan Show , to promote his new book The War on Warriors . Duckworth, a Purple Heart recipient , told Collins: "This is not the Revolutionary War where there's some sort of a line in the sand, and combat is on one side, and the rest of us can stay behind the side an

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EDWARDSVILLE - Challenge Unlimited celebrated the completion of a new accessible addition at their Residential Options Community Mental Health home in Edwardsville. Located at 910 Esic Drive in Edwardsville, the Residential Options Community Mental Health home recently added 1,120 square feet. On Nov. 14, 2024, community leaders gathered at the home and spoke about the benefits of the new space and how it will further Challenge Unlimited’s mission. “It’s been a labor of love,” said Stephanie Schrage, marketing manager with Challenge Unlimited. The construction was funded by a $250,000 grant from the state of Illinois. Berco Construction completed the project in three months. The new space includes a private med room, an accessible bathroom, two additional bedrooms, and a dining and kitchen area. The house accommodates eight residents, most of whom have their own room. The new space makes the house more accessible, so people can stay there for longer

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CHICAGO- The State of Illinois’ Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program has relieved more than $72 million worth of medical debt for 52,745 Illinois residents from across the state. This debt abolishment is the first effort as part of the State’s commitment to erase roughly $1 billion in medical debt across Illinois. Beginning next week, individuals benefitting from medical debt relief will receive letters notifying them that their debts have been eliminated. The average amount of debt abolished per person is $1,349 and the maximum debt abolished for one individual is $242,136. In order to implement the pilot program, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) engaged Undue Medical Debt as a partner. Undue Medical Debt, a national nonprofit, works with governmental entities across the country on similar debt forgiveness programs, including in Cook County, by helping to facilitate the sale and relief of qualifying medical debt portfolios. “Earlier

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine met with representatives from Metro East Every Survivor Counts on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, to discuss the vital services this and other organizationsprovide to survivors of violence. Haine emphasized the importance of community support for such organizations through donations and volunteer opportunities, which are essential for sustaining their work with victims of sexual violence. “Organizations like Metro East Every Survivor Counts play an invaluable role in our community, and it was a pleasure to meet with them and hear what they do and what they plan to do,” Haine said. “This and other similar organizations completement the efforts of our Victim Advocates at the State’s Attorney’s Office and the ongoing work of our Child Advocacy Center. They go the extra mile to offer survivors of violence a safe space, additional resources, and a broader supportive network to help them regain stability

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SPRINGFIELD – Turkey hunters in Illinois harvested 292 wild turkeys during the 2024 fall firearm season Oct. 19-27, up 10% from the previous year’s harvest. A total of nine wild turkeys were harvested in Madison County, while six were taken in Calhoun County and Macoupin County and one in Greene County. Three were harvested in Jersey County. The record harvest was set in 2005 when 1,218 birds were harvested. This year, 1,756 regular fall firearm season permits were sold compared to 1,771 last year. The largest number of permits sold was in 2007 when hunters purchased 4,968 permits. Fall firearm turkey hunting was open in 56 of Illinois’ 102 counties. The top counties for harvest this year were Jefferson, 17; Jasper, 16; Marion, 16; Jo Daviess, 13; and Cass, 12. Preliminary data show 57% of the harvest were female birds, while 43% were male. The table below includes the preliminary 2024 county-by-county fall gun turkey harvest results with comparable totals for 2023

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JERSEYVILLE - A Grand Re-Opening event is in the works for the renovated Susnig Center in Jerseyville. At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Tyler Hermens said the department is working towards hosting a “dedication event” or Grand Re-Opening ceremony for the Susnig Center. While the estimated date is Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, he said more details would be made public soon. The Susnig Center, which also houses the Jerseyville Parks & Recreation Department and the Illinois Valley Senior Center, underwent a major renovation last year. The facility is located at 401 Mound St. in Jerseyville. Among the upgrades were the installation of new gym flooring, replacement roofing, new ADA-compliant bleachers, retractable batting nets, new restroom facilities, and more. These improvements were made possible by a $450,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources PARC program, according to a city press release from 2023. The Susni

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COLLINSVILLE - A man from St. Louis faces seven felony charges after police found illegal weapons and drugs in a Collinsville hotel room following a domestic battery incident. Anthony Milton, 39, of St. Louis, was charged with the following: Armed Violence (Class X felony) Unlawful Use of Weapons - Machine Gun (Class 2 felony) Aggravated Domestic Battery (Class 2 felony) Possession of Weapons by a Felon (Class 3 felony) Aggravated Battery (Class 3 felony) Possession of Cannabis with the Intent to Deliver (Class 3 felony) Domestic Battery (2nd or subsequent) (Class 4 felony) On Nov. 6, 2024, Milton was allegedly seen on video and by multiple witnesses “throwing the victim to the ground and then stomping on her head,” according to a petition to deny his pretrial release. The incident reportedly occurred in a public place, the La Quinta Inn in Collinsville. “Victim suffered a severe laceration to her forehead,” the petition states. “Officers

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ALTON — My Just Desserts, a local eatery in Alton, reaffirmed its operational status on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, amid construction work near its location at 31 E. Broadway. The statement was prompted by ongoing street work outside the building next to the old Telegraph building, which has resulted in the temporary closure of a section of Broadway. In a message to patrons, My Just Desserts encouraged customers to visit, stating, "You can access us if you go down Alby or up Broadway. Don't let this stop you from a hearty warm meal and delicious dessert." The business remains committed to serving its community despite the disruptions caused by the construction. For more information, customers can contact My Just Desserts at (618) 462-5881.

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O’FALLON — The O’Fallon Police Department has expressed its condolences following the death of William Kuzma, Jr., an influential community member and Army veteran, who died on Nov. 7, 2024, at the age of 87. Kuzma, who served in the U.S. Army from Nov. 28, 1956, to Nov. 21, 1958, was known for his significant contributions to the community. Along with his wife, Emily, he founded Natural Enrichment Industries in Southern Illinois, an organization dedicated to providing employment opportunities and supporting the U.S. AID Feed the World program. His work with the organization took him around the globe on various missions. In addition to his professional endeavors, Kuzma was actively involved in local governance and community service. He served on the Zoning Board of Appeals and was a member of both the Police and Fire Pension Boards. In recognition of his service, the O’Fallon City Council honored him with a proclamation declaring Aug. 7, 2017, as Bill Kuzma

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