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Starting today, Illinois Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza is suspending “offset” payments to the Village of Orland Park. “Offsets” refers to money collected from state payments our office withholds from people who owe traffic tickets or other money to municipalities such as Orland Park. These payments are worth about $120,000 a year to the village. The IOC is taking this action because Orland Park has failed for two years to file its statutorily required annual financial reports with this office. These reports are an important tool in tracking local government spending and offer transparency to taxpayers wondering how their tax money is being used. “We take very seriously our statutory obligation to collect annual financial reports from municipalities around Illinois,” Comptroller Mendoza said. “We very rarely use tools like this to enforce compliance, but we have been asking for two years.” Today’s action by the Illinois Office

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WOOD RIVER - The Wood River Museum has announced the release of its 2025 calendars, honoring local veterans who lost their lives in World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The calendars feature photographs and information about these individuals, serving as a tribute to their sacrifices for freedom. The calendars are available for purchase at various locations, including the Wood River Museum, the Library, City Hall, Busey Bank, Midwest Members Credit Union, First Mid Bank & Trust, Farm Fresh, and Rustic Roots. Priced at $5.00, the calendars also serve as a significant fundraiser for the Wood River Heritage Council. For those unable to purchase the calendar in person, it can be mailed within the United States for an additional fee of $3. Interested buyers can call 618-254-1993 and leave a message to arrange for mailing. Bruce Jean, a representative of the Wood River Museum, said the calendar aims to ensure that the contributions of these veterans are not

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GRANTSBURG – Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated a traffic crash in Johnson County involving an ISP trooper who was hit by a motorist who failed to move over. On October 17, 2024, at approximately 3:50 p.m., an ISP Troop 10 trooper was parked with their emergency lights activated, providing traffic control for a truck-tractor semi-trailer fire on the right shoulder of Interstate 24 eastbound near milepost 21 in Grantsburg, IL. Approaching traffic failed to reduce their speed in time and a separate three-vehicle crash occurred near the trooper. Immediately after, another truck-tractor semi-trailer swerved near the shoulder to avoid the crash that had just occurred, but instead sideswiped the driver’s side of the parked squad car. The squad car’s driver side was scratched and the mirror was broken. The trooper was inside of the squad car at the time of the crash, and fortunately, was uninjured. The driver of the truck-tractor semi-trailer, 36-year-old

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GODFREY – When Reid Memorial Library sustained heavy damage from a ruptured water line over winter break a few years ago, Lewis and Clark Community College transformed the chaos into creativity. Always evolving to meet the unique needs of the campus community, the library turned a necessary remodel into a major glow up, resulting in the vibrant makerspace and student hangout it is today. “We saw an opportunity to do more than fix the damage,” said Director of Library Services Dennis Krieb. “Instead, we reimagined ways to provide an even more engaging environment for creativity, collaboration, and relaxation for all L&C students, team members and local residents.” The newly designed space features comfortable modern furniture, including two collaborative media tables, four soft seating couches, and two modular seating areas, perfect for group projects and social interaction, Krieb said. A mobile device charging station ensures students

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BETHALTO - Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 students and community members enjoyed a Touch-a-Truck night at Bethalto East Primary School. On Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, families came together to check out several big trucks in the Bethalto East parking lot. Kids could climb into the trucks and explore the interiors of an ambulance, firetruck, police car, UPS truck, tractor and many other vehicles. “What a beautiful evening for our Little Eagles to come together with their families and enjoy some fun!” Bethalto East Primary School said in a statement. “The excitement on faces, the giggles of joy, and seeing families spending time together, was exactly everything we hoped for!” Bethalto Community Unit School District #8 will also host a trunk-or-treat from 5–8 p.m. on Oct. 30, 2024, at Civic Memorial High School.

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ALTON - An Alton man remains in custody after being charged with firing a shotgun at an occupied Alton residence. Joshua T. Miller, 49, of Alton, was charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm, a Class 1 felony. On Oct. 2, 2024, Miller allegedly discharged a firearm at a residential property in the 300 block of Main Street in Alton. The victim in this case “reported that his front door was shot while he was sitting on the porch,” according to a petition to deny Miller’s pretrial release. Officers located birdshot shotgun pellets “lodged in the screen door, along with penetration marks,” the petition states. Using License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras, officers were able to link a Chevrolet truck seen on video leaving the scene to Miller. After executing a search warrant at his residence, officers found “multiple shotguns capable of firing birdshot.” “Defendant admitted that the victim owed him money, but claimed he wa

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ALTON/GODFREY - Students at North Elementary received a visit from the Land of Smiles to learn about dental health. On Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation presented the Land of Smiles show to second and third graders at North Elementary School. With the help of characters like Captain Super Grin, Terri Tooth Fairy, Toothpick and Caz Cavity, students learned the importance of brushing and flossing their teeth. “Theater as a teaching tool is something we think should be used as much as possible,” said Hadley Evansnash, one of the performers. “I think it’s a cool thing that Delta Dental does, taking the time and the money to make sure that this information is not just getting to kids, but getting to kids in a way that’s going to stick with them.” Evansnash and Kevin Brown, who plays Captain Super Grin, work with the National Theater for Children out of Minnesota. They have been traveling throughout Illinois for the past

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - LongHorn Steakhouse on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, released some statements and information about the reopening of the restaurant located at 6115 N. Illinois St., Fairview Heights. Ali Beemer, LongHorn Steakhouse manager of communications, said the following on behalf of the company: "The health and safety of our guests and team members is our top priority, which is why we voluntarily closed our restaurant on Oct. 2, 2024, and fully cooperated with the Health Department’s investigation. "During that time, we: Discarded all food items, food prep utensils and common guest touchpoint items, such as salt & pepper shakers, condiment bottles, breadboards and more. Contracted a third-party professional cleaning company to conduct a two-day disinfection process of the entire restaurant. Upon completion, no team member who previously worked in the restaurant was allowed to enter the building until having two consecutive negative tests for Shigella. To date, no Team

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ALTON - Several public libraries in the Riverbend will welcome new visitors throughout October with a popular program sponsored by the region’s library system. The 6th Annual Library Crawl invites patrons to explore new libraries throughout the Illinois Heartland Library System, which composes the southern half of the state. The Crawl also demonstrates the benefits of a library card, which allows users to check out materials from the libraries they visit. Some 173 libraries across central and southern Illinois are taking part in the Crawl, which runs from October 1 through October 31. Participating area public libraries include all three Hayner Public Library locations, including the main branch downtown at 326 Belle Street, the Alton Square Mall branch, and the Genealogy and Local History Library at 401 State Street. Other participating libraries include Bethalto, Roxana, Hartford, Wood River, East Alton, Madison, Glen Carbon, Edwardsville, Maryville, Jerseyville, Greenfield,

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As the vibrant hues of autumn leaves begin to paint the landscape, it signals a transition not only in nature but also in our personal well-being. The cooler weather brings with it a unique set of challenges and opportunities for self-care. Establishing a fall self-care routine can help you navigate these changes, ensuring you stay balanced, healthy, and rejuvenated. In this article, we will explore various aspects of self-care specifically tailored for the fall season, including physical health, mental wellness, skincare, and cozy rituals. Understanding the Importance of Self-Care in Fall With the changing seasons, our bodies and minds often respond in varied ways. Shorter days and cooler temperatures can lead to a dip in mood and energy levels. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects many individuals as daylight decreases. Furthermore, the transition from summer to fall can disrupt our routines, making it essential to establish

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Welcome to October 18, a date that has seen pivotal moments in history across various domains. On a cultural note, October 18, 1989, is notable for the release of the iconic video game “SimCity.” Developed by Will Wright, this simulation game allowed players to build and manage their own cities, giving them a unique opportunity to explore urban planning and resource management in a virtual setting. “SimCity” became a cultural phenomenon, influencing the gaming industry and education, and spawning numerous sequels and spin-offs. The game’s open-ended nature encouraged creativity and strategic thinking, making it a favorite among players of all ages. It paved the way for an entire genre of simulation games, proving that video games could serve as both entertainment and educational tools. In 1991, on this day, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child. This landmark treaty aimed to protect the rights of children

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TROY — A fatal traffic crash on Interstate 70 in Madison County early Friday morning, Oct. 18, 2024, has left one person dead and prompted a significant response from law enforcement. The Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 reported that the incident occurred at approximately 3:21 a.m. near Old Staunton Road, at mile marker 18.2. A preliminary investigation revealed that two separate crashes took place in quick succession. ISP said the first crash involved a Volkswagen Jetta, which for reasons still under investigation, left the roadway and struck the guardrail, becoming disabled in the left lane. Shortly thereafter, a truck tractor semi-trailer traveling in the same lane was unable to stop in time and collided with the Jetta. The driver of the Jetta was transported to an area hospital, where they were pronounced deceased. As a result of the crashes, all eastbound lanes of I-70 and the southbound ramp from I-55 to I-70 were closed while officers conducted their investigation.

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EAST ALTON – Winter Chloride Watch offers several training opportunities for community members to learn how to monitor the impacts of road salt on freshwater ecosystems. Every winter, road salt is used on roads, driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks to reduce accidents from icy conditions. However, much of this salt ends up in local waterways, creating unsafe conditions for aquatic life. Winter Chloride Watch trains volunteers to measure chloride, a major component of road salt, in their local rivers, streams, ponds, and wetlands. Volunteers will take several chloride readings throughout the season, providing valuable data that can help identify areas where salt impacts water quality. “The Winter Chloride Watchers who monitor throughout Illinois are helping local decision-makers see how our choices impact the world around us,” RiverWatch Director and Stream Ecologist Danelle Haake said. “When we can show the huge increase in how salty our streams

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LEBANON – State Representative Kevin Schmidt donated his pay raise for the month of October to Lebanon Matthew 25:40 Ministries (LMM), which is the umbrella organization for the Lebanon Food Pantry, in the form of a food donation. Schmidt has donated every month’s pay raise to a different local food pantry or non-profit organization throughout his district since voting against the pay raise for legislators last year. “Our local food pantries need our help,” said Schmidt. “As promised, I donate back my personal pay raise each month to a local food pantry or community organization. I’m putting my money where my mouth is.” The Lebanon Matthew 25:40 Ministries was established by the Lebanon Area Ministerial Council of Churches for the purpose of serving those in need in the communities of Lebanon and Summerfield, Illinois. The LMM is financially supported by several local churches, businesses, and private individuals and is the umbrella organization

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, Mo. — James Jablonski Jr., a 43-year-old resident of the 5400 block of Sunshine Drive in St. Louis, faces charges of resisting arrest and fourth-degree assault following an incident at a gas station on October 1, 2024. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced the charges on October 11. According to the probable cause statement, police were dispatched to a gas station in the 4100 block of Telegraph Road at approximately 9:06 p.m. after receiving a report of a driver who appeared to be slumped over at the wheel. Upon arrival, officers found Jablonski seemingly asleep or unconscious in his vehicle. When awakened, he was instructed to exit the vehicle but allegedly did not comply. Instead, he reportedly accelerated the vehicle while an officer was attempting to reach inside, resulting in the officer falling to the ground and injuring his knee. Jablonski is currently being held without bond. The St. Louis County Police Department’s

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ALTON — Alton Police are investigating a series of incidents that began early Thursday morning, October 17, 2024, when officers were dispatched to the 3500 block of Coronado Drive at approximately 2:01 a.m. in response to reports of a suspect possibly attempting to force open a door of a residence. Shortly after that, a second report indicated that a door had indeed been forced open at a home in the 3700 block of Berkeley Avenue. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with either incident. As officers gathered information, they developed a description of a possible suspect vehicle and the suspect involved. An officer soon spotted a vehicle matching the description in the vicinity and initiated a stop. However, the driver and passenger fled the scene before the stop could be completed. Officers briefly pursued the vehicle until both suspects exited and fled on foot. During the foot chase, one of the suspects discharged a firearm, but, thankfully, no injuries

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – The St. Clair County Health Department has given the green light for the LongHorn Steakhouse in Fairview Heights to reopen following a closure linked to a Shigellosis outbreak that affected numerous diners. The Fairview Heights restaurant voluntarily shut its doors on Oct. 2, 2024, as health officials initiated an investigation into the spike in bacterial infections. LongHorn Steakhouse has cooperated and worked with the St. Clair County Health Department officials in an investigation this issue was completely rectified. As of Oct. 17, 2024, the health department reported that 26 individuals tested positive for Shigella, with an additional 66 cases exhibiting symptoms consistent with Shigellosis after dining at the LongHorn Steakhouse establishment between Sept. 19, 2024, and Oct. 2, 2024. The health department said the outbreak has resulted in 12 hospitalizations, with affected individuals ranging in age from 12 to 84. Symptoms of Shigellosis typically manifest

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ALTON - On October 18, 1924, 67,000 people, including 500 Altonians, attended the Illinois-Michigan football game in Urbana. Included in the Alton group at the game were John E. MacWherter, Alton High coach, several members of the Alton High football team, and Frank Garetson, coach at Western Military Academy. The Shurtleff College Pioneers football team and the Shurtleff director of athletics, William Graham, also attended. In addition to the game, the weekend events included Illini Homecoming and the formal dedication of the Illinois Memorial Stadium. The University of Michigan Wolverines hasn’t lost a game in two years. But University of Illinois Fighting Illini star Harold “Red” Grange, the Galloping Ghost of the Gridiron, was up for the challenge. On the very first kickoff, Grange scooped up the ball on the Illinois five-yard line and raced 95 yards through the Michigan players for a touchdown. This happened less than ten seconds after the starting whistle

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ALTON - An Alton man faces multiple charges after invading a Ridge Street home and committing battery against a 16-year-old victim. Aaron T. Perry, 38, of Alton, was charged with home invasion (a Class X felony) and battery (a Class A misdemeanor). On Sept. 9, 2024, Perry allegedly entered a residence in the 600 block of Ridge Street in Alton without authority, knowing the residence was occupied. He was additionally charged for striking a 16-year-old victim “in the mouth with a closed fist,” according to court documents. A petition to deny Perry’s pretrial release states the altercation stemmed from a previous domestic dispute. “Victim and witnesses reported that the defendant forced his way into victim's home due to a prior conflict between victim and defendant's children,” the petition states. “After forcing his way in, Defendant swung his fist, striking juvenile in the mouth. Defendant was then pushed back by victim and witnesses, fallin

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO. - On Thursday, October 17, 2024, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Deshawn Johnson, 26 years of age, of the 14300 block of Summerfield Lane in Florissant, Mo., 63033, for Murder Second Degree and Delivery of a Controlled Substance. Johnson is being held on a $300,000, cash-only, no 10%, bond. The probable cause statement reads: On July 8, 2024, the Defendant, acting with another, helped facilitate the meeting of Unice Hobby and Dennis Cooperwood to sell narcotics. Defendant negotiated the terms of the sale, During the sale of the narcotics, Unice Hobby shot and killed Dennis Cooperwood. St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives are leading this investigation. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office had already issued charges on suspect Unice Hobby IV, 25 years of age, of the 100 block of Carlyle East in Belleville, 62221, for Murder First Degree and Armed

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