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SPRINGFIELD – Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined active duty military members, veterans, and Gold Star families at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum for the Gold Star Tree Lighting ceremony. “The State of Illinois stands with our Gold Star families today and every day,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “In both joyous and sorrowful moments, we commemorate, remember, and celebrate alongside these families. We are forever grateful for their sacrifice and proud to honor the memory of our state’s fallen heroes. It’s this legacy of giving that marks the holiday season.” The ceremony pays tribute to Illinois’ veterans, fallen heroes, and their families. Governor Pritzker joined the families in decorating and lighting a tree as a symbol of gratitude and remembrance. The Gold Star families in attendance at the ceremony were able to place a commemorative ornament on the tree in honor of their loved ones. “Today we speak

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WASHINGTON – In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today called on his Republican colleagues to work with Democrats on comprehensive immigration reform that will help secure America’s border and address our nation’s shortage of workers. During his speech, Durbin condemned Republicans’ attempt to attach punitive border policies to essential national security emergency funds for Ukraine, Israel, the Indo-Pacific, and humanitarian crises. “I'm a person who believes in immigration. My mother was an immigrant to this country, and I'm proud to be in the Senate first-generation American representing the great state of Illinois. But I understand the overwhelming numbers we are facing at the border, and President Biden is facing— really argue for us to take a hard look at the way we approach this,” Durbin said. “It's hard to explain in the United States of

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River City Council members recognized two firefighters for their 30 years of service and a third firefighter for his academic achievements at their meeting on Monday. The city will also seek bids for an extension to the city’s fire station to give the department more room for storage, engine bays, and more. Mayor Tom Stalcup presented Plaques of Appreciation to Captain Leonard Revelle and Captain Brian Crawford for their 30 years of service to the Wood River Fire Department. The mayor presented both with their plaques before taking photos and commending them for their service. “I cannot imagine that these two guys within 30 years of service to the city of Wood River have not touched everybody's life in this room,” Stalcup said. “With congratulations from me and from the City of Wood River, thank you for everything you’ve done, and I hope the next phases of your life are as rewarding as what you’ve done for us in the pas

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O’FALLON, MO. - A man died Sunday afternoon in what law enforcement has described as "an officer-involved shooting" in O'Fallon, Mo., at O'Fallon City Hall at 100 N. Main St. The shooting occurred off Royal Oaks Drive in O’Fallon, Mo. O’Fallon police said officers were responding to a call for someone firing shots at the clock tower at O’Fallon City Hall on Main Street. O’Fallon officers responded to the area and successfully located the suspect vehicle. A traffic stop was attempted at the intersection of N. Main Street and Highway P, but the suspect vehicle fled. A pursuit ensued, leading officers into the Royal Oaks Subdivision. The suspect's vehicle eventually came to a stop on Spring Court in O'Fallon, MO. Police said upon exiting the vehicle, the suspect, identified as 34-year-old Douglas Alan Phipps, was armed with a shotgun, and pointed it at officers. In response to the immediate threat, officers fired at the suspect, and an exchange of gunfire

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BUNKER HILL - The faculty and staff of two Macoupin County school districts recently challenged each other to a friendly game of volleyball for charity resulting in a massive dose of goodwill, just in time for the holiday season. Bunker Hill Community Unit School District 8 faculty and staff challenged their Macoupin County neighboring school district Southwestern CUSD #9 to a friendly game of red vs green volleyball (Bunker Hill’s school colors are red and Southwestern’s are green) game to support local charities. Admission to the game was simply to bring one item of non-perishable food. Challenges were made to the school that brought the most food donations. The result was nearly 1,000 items donated to local Macoupin County food banks. The event was a huge success and was organized by Bunker Hill’s Misty Perez, a teacher at Wolf Ridge Elementary. When asked about the amount of work that went in behind the scenes to arrange the event, her reply

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EDWARDSVILLE - Junior guard Blakely Hockett is off to a good start for the Edwardsville High girls basketball team in the new season, scoring well and playing good defense for the Tigers. Blakely is a Johnston Law Firm Female Athlete of Month for Edwardsville. "I think our team is getting better and better each game," Hockett said during a recent postgame interview. "It's just they outsized us, but I think we matched their energy really well. We came back and fought." Hockett has brought much positive energy and good defensive play for the team to get started, and also credited her defensive partner for her success on the year so far. "I'm bringing energy, playing defense, that's kind of what I do," Hockett said. "I love having Sophie Shapiro up there with me playing defense. I think we work well together." She continued and said: "I can't wait for our season to start in conference games," Hockett said. "I think we're going to do well this year, we're getting better and better,

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ALTON - Nicole Blackketter of the Emergency Department is the Alton Memorial Hospital Employee of the Month for December. Nicole received the honor on Dec. 4 from ED manager Jeremy Brown, left, above, and AMH president Dave Braasch. The nomination from assistant ED manager Chantelle Smith says that “Nicole is the epitome of what it means to be caring and compassionate. She is always a joy with whom to work and receives numerous compliments from patients. Nicole is understanding and respectful to all patients with whom she comes into contact. Nicole is what BJC strives to represent for their communities - kind, compassionate and respectful. She encourages all staff she works with to go the extra mile with our patients.”

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WOOD RIVER - Mia Plumb is not only strong on the basketball court, but she is the No. 1-ranked student in her class at East Alton-Wood River High School and at present is the top candidate for the valedictorian role of her school's seniors. She thanked her best friend, Paul Nichols, for always being a person she could count on in her life. "He has always been there for me whether it be a good laugh, a deep conversation, or just hanging out," she said. "It’s amazing to have someone support you 100 percent no matter what." Lyndsey Perez is Mia's head girls basketball coach with the Oilers. Mia has been a member of the EA-WR varsity basketball girls for four years. Mia is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. She said she has tried to demonstrate leadership in her school both athletically and academically, going the extra mile to aid others, being involved in other extracurricular activities, and being involved in the community. The Oilers'

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JERSEYVILLE - Several individuals were charged with crimes ranging from domestic battery to theft and more in Jersey County over the past week, according to recent court filings. Joseph L. Miller, 27, of Godfrey, was charged with aggravated domestic battery and unlawful restraint. Court documents allege Miller strangled the victim on or about Nov. 29, 2023. Miller was also charged on the same date with unlawful restraint after he “knowingly and without legal authority detained” the same victim as the domestic battery charge. Miller was charged with two total felonies, including a Class 2 felony for aggravated domestic battery and a Class 4 felony for unlawful restraint. A warrant was issued for his arrest and court documents indicate he is being held in custody until his initial appearance in court. Austin J. Sprong, 23, of Carrollton, was charged with theft on or about Nov. 24, 2023. Court documents allege Sprong stole $500 worth of U.S. currency from O’Reilly’s

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JERSEYVILLE - A man from Greenville has been charged with four felonies including armed violence, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, and more, according to recently filed Jersey County court documents. Matthew S. Hancock, 32, of Greenville, was charged with armed violence - category II, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, unlawful possession with intent to deliver cannabis, and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Court documents state that on or about Nov. 29, 2023, Hancock allegedly “committed the offense of armed violence, in that the defendant, while committing a felony as defined under Illinois Law, was armed with a dangerous weapon, being a Category II knife/dagger in excess of 3 inches in length.” As a felon in possession of this weapon, he was also charged with unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon. Hancock also reportedly possessed, with the intent to deliver, between 30-500 grams of “a substance containing cannabis.”

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DOW - Kelly Vandersand, executive director of the Treehouse Wildlife Center, knows the value of a dollar. After all, that’s what it takes to provide one meal to any of the 36 birds or 13 mammals who are permanent residents at the sanctuary. “You might not enjoy the experience, but I will still sing and dance for $10,” she joked. “About a dollar will feed any animal there, sometimes two animals. So we value a dollar donation. We’re looking for that million dollar donation, I’d love to have one of those someday, but a dollar donation we appreciate just as much because that will feed one animal.” The Treehouse Wildlife Center is known for rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing animals throughout the Riverbend area. They also have a few permanent residents at their sanctuary, and they emphasize the power of education to help more people connect with nature and wildlife. The center is currently looking for a new education manager. Vandersand

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State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) will be hosting a Holiday Food Drive at her district office in Alton beginning December 5th-20th. “With higher food costs and the Holiday season underway, this time of year is very difficult for families trying to make ends meet,” said Rep. Amy Elik. “If you are able, please join me in helping us put food on the table for struggling families this Holiday season.” The Holiday Food Drive will begin on Tuesday, December 5th, and will conclude on Wednesday, December 20th at State Representative Amy Elik’s district office, located at 192 Alton Square Mall Dr., Suite C in Alton. Non-perishable food items can be dropped off between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. All non-perishable food items collected will be donated to the Crisis Food Center in Alton. When you stop by to donate, brochures on state programs will also be available. If you have any questions, please contact Rep. Elik’s offic

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GRANITE CITY - Senior forward Mario Brown is one of nine seniors on the boys' basketball team at Granite City High School this season and has made many outstanding contributions to the Warriors early in the new season. After five games, Brown was averaging 12 points and 5.7 rebounds per game so far, to go alone two assists and eight steals. Last year, as a junior, Brown led the team in scoring and rebounding, averaging 14.4 points and 10 rebounds per game. He also had 46 assists, 43 steals, and five blocked shots in helping the Warriors to a 16-15 record. Brown is a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month for the Warriors. Granite especially dominated the game in the second half in the win over the Knights, and in his postgame interview, Brown felt excellent about how things went during the game. "I'm feeling good," Brown said. "We started slow in this season, but we plan to keep playing hard and pick it up, to work together and be a team. I'm looking forward to the season.

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ST. LOUIS - Thursday, November 30, 2023, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Bianca Price, 42 years of age, of the 6700 block of Champana Lane in Florissant, Missouri 63033, for Kidnapping First Degree, Unlawful Use of a Weapon, Assault 4 th Degree, and Armed Criminal Action. A booking photo of Price is attached. Price is being held on $75,000 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: On November 30, 2023, at 11:20 AM, Officers responded to a disturbance at Defendant's residence. Officers made contact with Victim and Witness, both Department of Family Services employees. Victim and Witness stated that they were at Defendant's residence as part of an investigation. Victim and Witness stated that Defendant answered the door and allowed them to come inside. Victim and Witness stated that

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A U.S. District judge sentenced an East St. Louis man to five years in federal prison after he admitted to threatening the mother of a 10-year-old child, who he forcibly took from home in Illinois and drove to St. Louis. U.S. Attorney Rachel Crowe said Marcus L. Weekfall, also known as “Conehead”, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of interstate extortion with a threat to injure. Crowe said: “The defendant targeted a child to mentally and emotionally abuse both the victim and the victim’s mother. His actions were calculated and dangerous, thus warranted this prison sentence.” According to court documents, the minor victim was asleep in bed when Weekfall broke into the victim’s mother’s house around 4:20 a.m. on May 28, 2022. Weekfall demanded the child to leave with him, and he took him to St. Louis. Weekfall and the victim’s mother were previously in a romantic relationship. “Illinois State Police Officers

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BETALTO - Civic Memorial senior Adam Ogden has big shoes to fill for the Eagles' boys basketball team, figuratively, and literally. One of only two seniors on the team, Adam will be looking to pick up the slack after losing five seniors last year, including the seven-footer Sam Buckley. Buckley led last season's team averaging a double-double of 16.3 points and 10 rebounds. Through five games this season, Adam has kept that pace and that is why he is a Tom Lane State Farm Athlete of the Month for Civic Memorial. In the first five games of this young season Adam has racked up 82 points, averaging 16.4 a game and is the team's best three-point shooter having made 10-of-28 for a 36-percent shooting average. "He is definitely our No. 1 go-to guy," CM second-year head coach Lee Green said of Adam. "I expect him to have a great season." Adam had a season-high game of 21 points in a 69-66 win over Freeburg in the final game of the Roxana Hoopsgiving Tournament on Nov. 25. That night

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PEORIA — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation joined local officials and community leaders today to highlight and celebrate the upcoming completion of the Bob Michel Bridge rehabilitation. The $24.6 million project also better connects people who walk, bike and roll between the East Peoria Levee and Peoria Warehouse districts. Made possible by the Pritzker administration’s historic Rebuild Illinois capital program, the work was condensed into one construction season, making completion of the improvements quicker, safer and cheaper. “When I first became Governor, it was clear we needed to improve safety and foster economic growth in this region, so we embarked on the largest rebuild of roads and bridges in state history here in Peoria and throughout Illinois,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our extraordinary workforce is putting on the finishing touches — the final installation of expansion joints and pavement markings &mdash

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CHICAGO - With the holiday gift-giving season underway, the Illinois Lottery is reminding players that lottery games are for grown-ups – not kids. This holiday season, the Illinois Lottery is once again partnering with the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling (ICPG) in the Gift Responsibly Campaign. The annual holiday campaign, spearheaded by the National Council on Problem Gambling , is designed to increase public awareness of the impact and inappropriateness of giving lottery products as gifts to minors. “Lottery products, especially Instant Tickets, are a popular gift during the holiday season but they are not an appropriate gift for those under the age of 18,” said Harold Mays, Illinois Lottery Director. “Responsible gaming is an integral part of the Illinois Lottery, and we are pleased to once again support the Gift Responsibly Campaign this holiday season by reminding players that lottery games are for adults only.” The Illinois Lottery joins

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EDWARDSVILLE - Locally-owned Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors (CBBR) recently donated $6,925 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as part of a nationwide effort the company is making to support the nonprofit. Including this amount, CBBR has donated $32,850 to St. Jude over the past four years. Four years ago, Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors became a part of Coldwell Banker’s national effort to raise funds for St. Jude. Through the “CB Supports St. Jude” program, agents are given the opportunity to make automatic donations for every home sale or purchase. Twelve local agents participated in the effort this year including Angie Daniels, Carla Owens, Lori Rodriguez, Barb Shelton, Dena Brinkman, Wendi Mielke, Ashley Barud, Shelley Thompson, Wendy Santiago, Sally Hohn, Donna Gayler and Mary Boente. “I’m extremely proud, but not surprised, by how our agents continue to give back and support St. Jude,” said Coldwell Banker Brown Realtors’

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EDWARDSVILLE - With more than 200 students and chaperones from 13 school districts in attendance, the 2023 Future Teachers Conference at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville received high marks from area high school students visiting the SIUE campus. This free conference held Nov. 3 in the Meridian Ballroom of Morris University Center (MUC) offered workshops, keynote presentations from both the 2020 Illinois Middle School Principal of the year and the 2023 Illinois Teacher of the Year, a teacher panel and a student panel with first-hand perspective of coursework and practicums. “I'm a sucker for a student panel,” said Stella Smith, a fourth-year student in SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB). Stella Smith was an integral part of the volunteer support staff for the conference. “Nobody knows campus life like students.” Compared to its inaugural year, this second year of the conference co-sponsored by Madison County Career and Technical

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