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GRANITE CITY - The Granite City Police Department and Granite City Fire Department, along with Pontoon Beach Police and Madison City Police, are well-known for their year-round community involvement. Throughout the year, the different departments also raise funds for the Annual Shop With A Hero Program at Christmas time. Once again Granite City Police Department's Annual Shop With A Hero Program was an extraordinary success. In 2023, 27 Granite City area youth were either provided gifts or taken shopping. Lt. Jeremy Hunter of the Granite City Police is the coordinator of the annual program. "We have helped 18-25 kids each year since its inception of the event in 2017," he said. "Each child received a $250 gift card to Walmart to spend as they saw fit. We also changed the name of the event this year to Shop with A Hero because the Granite City Fire Department wanted to get involved. Madison City Police and the Pontoon Beach Police also participate, however they sponsor their own

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JERSEYVILLE - Several charges including aggravated battery of a child, possession of a stolen firearm, and more have been filed in Jersey County over the past week, according to recent court filings. Christian A. McKennon, 26, of Jerseyville, was charged with aggravated battery of a child less than 13 years of age causing great bodily harm. Court documents state McKennon “struck in the face with his hand” on or about April 20, 2023. McKennon faces a Class 3 felony for the aggravated battery charge. He was issued a summons to appear at the Jersey County Courthouse for his preliminary hearing, which is set for 9 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 22, 2024. Austyn D. Chmieleski, 18, of Jerseyville, was also charged with aggravated battery of a child less than 13 years of age causing great bodily harm. Court documents allege that on or about Nov. 27, 2023, he “touched in an inappropriate manner.” Chmieleski faces a Class 3 felony for the aggravated battery charge.

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey Community High School senior guard Francis Vogel has had quite an impact on the Panthers program since moving to the school from Brussels after his freshman year. Vogel is now a three-year Panthers player and has what his coach Matt Murphy described as "a motor, or approach to the game that not many players have nor can they match." Vogel is a Sparklight Internet Male Athlete of the Month for the Panthers. "He is an all-around very good athlete with a lot of passion for the game," Coach Murphy said. "Francis has natural instincts that cannot be taught on the defensive end. He plays a lot bigger than his 6-foot-2 size and is relentless on the glass and attacking the rim. "He is a two-year starter and brings experience to the team as well." Again, congrats to Vogel for his recognition as a Sparklight Internet Male Athlete of the Month for JCHS.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - A 36-year-old St. Louis woman has been charged after police responded to a United States Postal Office on Halls Ferry Road in St. Louis County for a shots-reported incident. St. Louis County Police provided this report: "On Tuesday, January 2, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Marlisha Gatewood, 36 years of age, of the 3300 block of Hereford Street in St. Louis, Missouri, 63139, for Unlawful Use of a Weapon. A booking photo of Gatewood is shown. Gatewood is being held on $100,000 cash only, no 10%, bond." The probable cause statement reads: At 7:17 a.m. on January 2, 2024, officers responded to a United States Postal Office located at 9810 Halls Ferry Road about reported shots fired incident. Officers learned that the defendant had made the report and had informed dispatch that she had left the gun on the sidewalk. Upon arrival, officers observed the defendant outside of the building. "Officers located the

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JERSEYVILLE - Junior Ella Smith returned as a starter for the Jersey Panthers girls basketball squad in the 2023-2024 season, and she has made a big difference for the team with her leadership. Smith is not only a strong contributor with points, but she is also one of the assist leaders for the squad and is always solid on defense. Smith is a Sparklight Internet Female Athlete of the Month for Jersey Community High School. Head Jersey Girls Basketball Coach Caleb Williams said Ella handles the ball well. "Ella can spark our offense with her shooting ability and defensively, she is very tough," the coach said. Smith is also a striker/forward for the Jersey girls' soccer team in the spring and a varsity volleyball player. The Jersey girls are having an excellent season under Coach Williams with a 10-8 overall mark and appear poised for a strong second half of the year. Again, congrats to Smith on her recognition as a Sparklight Internet Female Athlete of the Month for the Panthers.

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Sheriff’s Department announced on Tuesday that its newest member and another local future police officer recently completed the Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) Police Academy Session 151. Congratulating the two on their accomplishment, the department shared more about their backgrounds and future careers in law enforcement. “A big congratulations to Austin Stilts for completing the Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) Police Academy Session 151,” the JSCD announced Tuesday. “Austin now begins field training as our newest Patrol Deputy. “Prior to that, Austin started his law enforcement career in 2022 at the Jersey County Sheriff's Office, serving as one of our Correctional Officers. Austin completed an intense 16-week basic academy, consisting of training in topics including ethics, law, patrol functions, investigations, mental health, firearms, defensive tactics, and physical fitness.” Session 151 feature

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JERSEYVILLE - Three individuals have been arrested on charges including drug possession, resisting a peace officer, driving on a license revoked due to prior DUIs, and more in Jersey County, according to recent court filings. Marc A. Wock, 39, of Jerseyville, was charged with resisting a peace officer, unlawful possession of methamphetamine, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Court documents indicate Wock committed these offenses on or about Dec. 27, 2023. Wock was charged with resisting a peace officer after running from two officers who were attempting to handcuff him, according to court documents. Wock also allegedly had less than 5 grams of methamphetamine and a glass pipe in his pocket, resulting in the latter two charges. Wock faces one Class 3 felony for meth possession and two Class A misdemeanors for resisting a peace officer and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. Court documents indicate he was released under the conditions of the Illinois Pretrial

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College alumnus Drew Vincent is following his passion for public relations to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he will pursue a bachelor’s degree beginning this spring. He graduated from L&C in December, as the college’s first student ambassador in over a decade. As an ambassador, he worked closely with Recruiter Daniel Nosce. Among his many duties included giving campus tours to prospective students, visiting high schools and middle schools, handing out branded swag at events, and even becoming Blazer the Newfie, the college’s mascot. Vincent, who earned an Associate in Arts, was also an active member of L&C’s Video Game Club. “Knowing what you want to do with your life is hard, but L&C is a good place to figure that out,” he said. “If you’re unsure of what you want to do, look at all the programs L&C offers. They will more than likely have something that interests you.&rdquo

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ALTON - 17-year-old Alton resident Jaiden L. Dahl has died at a St. Louis area hospital after suffering gunshot wounds on New Year's Day. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said at 8:32 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2024, the Alton Police Department received multiple reports of a gunshot wound victim inside an apartment at 2 Woodview Court, Alton, Illinois. "Alton Police Officers, assisted by the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the apartment and once the scene was determined to be safe, Alton Fire Department members entered and transported the gunshot wound victim to a local hospital," Ford said. "The victim, identified as 17-year-old, Jaiden L. Dahl, of Alton, was later flown to a St. Louis area hospital. Jaiden later died at the St. Louis area hospital. "Investigators with the Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division are conducting the investigation. They are being assisted by the Illinois State Police and the St. Louis Medical Examiner’s Office.

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ALTON - Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford released information late Tuesday morning, Jan. 2, 2024, about a blaze on New Year's Day. Ford provided these details: "At 3:14 p.m. on January 1, 2024, the Alton Police Department was contacted due to a structure fire in the 3100 block of Hawthorne Boulevard, Alton, Illinois. "Alton Police Officers and members of the Alton Fire Department immediately responded to the scene. Alton Fire Department members worked to control the fully engulfed residence." He continued: "Preliminary investigation revealed that family members were involved in a verbal and subsequent physical dispute. During the altercation, one of the family members is alleged to have knowingly set a fire inside the residence. All parties were able to exit the residence and avoid injuries from the fire. One family member was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries alleged to have occurred during the altercation." Ford said the investigation is ongoing and

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GODFREY - With Valentine's Day just ahead in February, the topic of love is now in the air. For Gary and Charity Phipps, the two have been literal soul mates since they were children. The two started dating on Feb. 2, 1993. The couple was married on March 19, 2018. "We have known each other since we were four," Gary Phipps said. "The date we met/started dating is not exact as we've known each other for so long. Our parents would set up playdates and go to church together. We used to be next-door neighbors growing up for a while living in Brighton. We now have three children and are still adding to our story. We are going on 16 years being married this year." Gary said the couple has so many memories it is impossible to cover them since they have known each other for so long. However, one memory comes to mind when they were playing together during the summertime in Brighton. "We were riding bikes, going to the park and climbing trees together in the 1990s," he said. "We once buried

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ALTON - Alton Fire Department members had a busy afternoon Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, with a structure fire call to the 3100 block of Hawthorne Boulevard. The home was unoccupied at the time of the fire and Alton Fire Department Chief Jesse Jemison said it took about 20-30 minutes to get it under control. The chief said the fire has been deemed "suspicious" after an investigation. "The house fire is now under investigation by the Office Of The State Fire Marshal," Chief Jemison said.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide in the area of Edgefield Drive and Hollis Drive in the city of Moline Acres that resulted in the death of an adult male. At 6:30 AM, on January 1, 2024, City of Moline Acres police officers responded to a call for service for a suspicious vehicle near the intersection of Edgefield Drive and Hollis Drive in the city of Moline Acres. Responding officers located an adult male deceased inside the vehicle. City of Moline Acres Police requested St. Louis County Police Department’s Bureau of Crimes Against Persons assume responsibility for the investigation. It was determined through the autopsy and information obtained at the scene that the adult male was fatally injured via gunshot wound. The investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to spea

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SPRINGFIELD - Several new laws initiated by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias take effect today. The initiatives were passed in 2023 by the Illinois General Assembly before being signed into law. “I wish all Illinoisans a safe, healthy and happy New Year. The laws going into effect today will make our roads safer, increase voter access and protect our libraries and librarians,” Giannoulias said. “But this is just the beginning. My office has big plans for 2024 as we continue to strive to deliver the best possible results for all Illinoisans.” In an effort to combat distracted driving, House Bill 2431 makes it illegal to Zoom, watch or stream videos, or access social media sites while driving. This legislation will ensure drivers keep their eyes and attention on the road, making Illinois roadways safer for all Illinois motorists. It is now easier for young Illinoisans to guarantee that they are eligible to vote when they turn 18. Under Senate Bill

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ST. LOUIS - Goodbye 2023! Now that the holidays are nearly over and overindulging is behind us, it's time for a reset. January has been coined, "Dry January". Dry January is a one-month sobriety challenge where people stop drinking alcohol for 31 days. The idea behind Dry January is to start the new year on a healthy note, detoxify the body, and potentially reassess one's relationship with alcohol. “Dry January is an opportunity for individuals to re-evaluate their relationship with alcohol and make better choices,” said Illinois Liquor Control Commission Executive Director Lisa Gardner. “Your body deserves a yearly reset. What better time than the start of a brand-new year?" Committing to Dry January can lead to positive changes both physically and mentally. For a successful Dry January, individuals should have a strategy and set clear goals for managing cravings, peer pressure, and social situations that involve alcohol. When in a social setting, grab a mocktail

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HARDIN - The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office would like to introduce our newest Deputy Sheriff, Austin Phillips. On December 29th 2023, Deputy Phillips raised his right hand and was sworn in by the Honorable Judge Charles HW Burch. Deputy Phillips was hired during the summer of 2023 and attended the Southwestern Illinois Police Academy; graduating on December 22nd 2023. Deputy Phillips is a native of Greene County, Illinois and a graduate of Illinois College, where he majored in Communications and History. Prior to joining the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office, he served as a Letter Carrier with the United States Postal Service. Deputy Phillips is excited to take his place in the Kingdom of Calhoun, and we are certain is going to make a positive impact in Calhoun; dedicated to safeguarding and protect the safety, rights, and freedoms we enjoy, and to provide care and compassionate service to our citizens.

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CHICAGO – Throughout 2023, Governor JB Pritzker’s administration delivered historic and transformative investments in early childhood education and care, K-12 schools, higher education, workforce and economic development, and efforts to fight violence and poverty. “Since day one of my administration, my priority has been making Illinois the best state in the nation for families,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “That includes transformative education investments that will support Illinoisans from cradle to career, along with greater economic opportunities rooted in equity that give every individual the tools to succeed. My administration’s executive and legislative accomplishments this year build on four years of fiscally responsible leadership that have resulted in nine credit upgrades and a bright future for our state.” 2023 Executive and Legislative Accomplishments Fiscal Responsibility Passed five balanced budgets that led to nine tota

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic High School announced its Honor Roll lists for the fall semester of the 2023-24 school year.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Tuesday, January 2, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Irasema Scott, 46 years of age, of the 4500 block of Whisper Lake Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63033, for Domestic Assault First Degree. A booking photo of Scott is shown. Scott is being held on $150,000 cash only, no 10%, bond. The probable cause statement reads: At 4:23 PM, on January 1, 2024, Defendant shot Victim in the chest after a verbal argument. They had been dating for approximately three months. They had gone to Lake of the Ozarks with Victim’s ex-girlfriend. The three returned on January 1, 2024. Defendant and Victim got into an argument about the way defendant drove and about the fact that Victim allowed the ex-girlfriend a key to get into the apartment. Victim held Defendant down on the bed. She then threw his keys at him. "Victim chased Defendant down the stairwell as she ran toward the exit. Defendant tripped and fell. She then

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Tuesday, January 2, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Irasema Scott, 46 years of age, of the 4500 block of Whisper Lake Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63033, for Domestic Assault First Degree. A booking photo of Scott is attached. Scott is being held on $150,000 cash only, no 10%, bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: "At 4:23 PM, on January 1, 2024, Defendant shot Victim in the chest after a verbal argument. They had been dating for approximately three months. They had gone to Lake of the Ozarks with Victim’s ex-girlfriend. The three returned on January 1, 2024. Defendant and Victim got into an argument about the way Defendant drove and about the fact that Victim allowed the ex-girlfriend a key to get into the apartment. "The victim held Defendant down on the bed. She

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