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ALTON - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project, invites you to R.E.C. (Recreation, Exploration, and Conservation) Fest – the largest recreation and safety festival in the Riverbend! Kick off the summer season with your family on May 17, 2025 at the National Great Rivers Museum, in Alton, Illinois from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for this free, adventure-themed (rain-or-shine) event. “Our goal with this event is to encourage families to explore their outdoor recreational opportunities and learn how to go about them safely,” said Park Ranger and Event Coordinator, Travis Smith. “From archery and hiking to weather safety and fishing skills, there will be plenty for you and your family to test out and learn.” R.E.C. Fest will host more than 30 partnering organizations such as the Illinois Department of National Resources, Alton Parks and Rec, and Missouri Department of Conservation. The festival will feature booths and activities that teach about outdoor recreation

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ST. LOUIS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District, will host a meeting to provide additional information on the new 1,200-foot lock at Lock and Dam 25. The meeting will be held at Lock 25, 10 Sandy Slough Road, Winfield, Missouri, May 22, starting at 10 a.m. Project team members will have posters with designs and will be available to provide information, answer questions, and discuss the project with attendees. Attendees will also be able to tour the project. The St. Louis District, in collaboration with the Inland Navigation Design Center, or INDC, are in the process of completing the design for the new 1,200-foot lock that will expand the existing Lock and Dam 25. The project team will provide additional information on the project development and future construction as the design efforts reach the 95% design point. Feedback, comments and questions from the community members are welcome in this first of many engagements to be held throughout the completion of

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COLLINSVILLE — Landon Harris scorched the track for a personal best performance in the 1,600 meters on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the Collinsville Invite, finishing with a time of 4 minutes, 19.1 seconds to capture the event. Landon is a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of Month for the Warriors. Harris, a member of the Granite City Warriors track and field team, has shown consistent improvement throughout the season. He previously won the Granite City Boys Invite on April 18, 2025, with a time of 4:22.91 and posted another strong performance on April 26, 2025, in the 1,600 meters at the Distance Night in Palatine with a time of 4:19.20. In addition to his success in the 1,600 meters, Harris has recorded a best time of 9:34.57 in the 3,200 meters at the Norm Armstrong Invite this season. He has a best of 1:59.07 in the 800 meters, where he placed third in the Madison County Championships. Reflecting on his achievements, Harris said, “I would like to continue to dro

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ALTON – Two Alton residents face felony charges in similar but separate cases of unlawful weapon possession. Jamorlyn D. Pearson, 18, of Alton, was charged on May 7, 2025, with one count of aggravated unlawful possession of weapons, a Class 4 felony. On May 5, 2025, Pearson allegedly carried a “six-shot revolver” on his person, which was unlawful as an individual under 21 years of age and “not engaged in lawful activities under the Wildlife Code.” The Alton Police Department presented the case against Pearson, who was remanded to jail for his initial court appearance. Floyd F. Chaney, 28, of Alton, was also charged on May 7, 2025, with a Class 4 felony count of aggravated unlawful possession of weapons. On April 24, 2025, Chaney allegedly possessed a Glock 17 handgun which was uncased, loaded, and immediately accessible at the time of the offense. According to court documents, Chaney’s possession of the pistol was unlawful as he had no valid

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GRANITE CITY – Residents of Granite City, Bethalto, and more have been charged in recently filed cases of domestic battery around Madison County. Trymaine J. Davis, 35, of Granite City, was charged on May 9, 2025 with his second offense of domestic battery, a Class 4 felony. On May 5, 2025, Davis allegedly struck a household or family member in the face with a closed fist and “struck her on the left thigh with an iPad, causing pain,” according to court documents. Davis had previously been convicted of domestic battery in a 2022 domestic violence case out of Peoria County, Ill. The latest case against Davis was presented by the Wood River Police Department, and he was ordered remanded to jail for his initial appearance in court. Benjamin D. Odell, 21, of Bethalto, was charged on May 8, 2025, with a Class 4 felony count of unlawful restraint and a Class A misdemeanor count of domestic battery. On May 7, 2025, Odell reportedly restrained a household or family member

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RIVERBEND - Ameren Illinois has introduced a new program to recycle power poles. In 2022, Ameren Illinois partnered with Blackwood Solutions. This company picks up broken or decommissioned poles and recycles the wooden poles by giving them to farmers for fence posts, turning them into parking blocks, or shredding them into woodchips. Brian Bretsch, a spokesperson for Ameren Illinois, explained that this has been a great way to improve Ameren’s environmental footprint. “We’re just doing what we can to be good environmental stewards by diverting as much wood waste as possible,” Bretsch said. “With this partnership, since 2022, we’re diverting literally tons of wood waste every year.” Ameren Illinois and Ameren Missouri replace an average of 24,000 poles in both states every year. Poles must be replaced if they’re involved in an accident and cannot be repaired. Poles are also often damaged in storms, or a pole might simply reach

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GRAFTON - The National Memorial of Military Ascent is one step closer to completion. On Monday, May 12, 2025, elected officials, community members and veterans gathered at the Grafton Visitor Center for the unveiling of the memorial’s first bronze statue. The memorial is modeled after Point du Hoc in Normandy, where Allied forces landed during D-Day. The completed memorial will feature 12 statues climbing the bluffs at the site of the National Memorial of Military Ascent (NMMA). “‘Ascent’ can have two meanings,” said David Schock, documentarian, who emceed the ceremony. “The first is spelled ‘ascent,’ and it means to rise or climb, exactly what the Second Army Rangers did. The second ‘assent’ means to give approval or agreement, to concur. Point du Hoc brought together both these meanings. Those soldiers climbed, but before they did that, they gave their assent by offering their lives in the service to this country.”

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EDWARDSVILLE — On the first day of National Police Week, Madison County Sheriff Jeff Connor announced plans for a new memorial honoring officers killed in the line of duty. The memorial will be constructed at the Madison County Sheriff’s Office and funded entirely through private donations. At a press conference held Monday, Connors revealed that the effort has raised $58,663 toward a $500,000 goal. Korte Construction, based in Highland, has been contracted to build the memorial. During the event, several local organizations presented checks to support the project. Contributions included $20,000 from Simmons Law Firm and Gori Law Firm, $10,000 each from U.S. Steele and Hepler Broom, $7,500 from Patterson Tire, $5,000 each from Pizza World and Apex Physical Therapy, $2,500 from Gateway Regional Hospital, $2,000 from Tyler Timmins Foundation, and $1,000 from Insurance Brokers. The Madison County Fallen Officers Memorial Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, emphasized

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TROY — The second installment of the First Friday in Troy series is set to take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, June 6, 2025, in downtown Troy. The event will transform Main Street, between Clay and Market Streets, into a lively pedestrian zone featuring local businesses, artisan vendors, food trucks, and live entertainment. Shotgun Creek will provide the featured entertainment during the event. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, which can be stored securely in a tent while they explore the downtown area. Organizers plan to close the street to vehicle traffic, encouraging attendees to enjoy a variety of food options, including offerings from the Troy VFW fish fry, the Time Out Menu, and several food trucks located in the Jarvis Township parking lot. Participants are welcome to bring their own food and beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, to enjoy along Main Street. Parking is available at Troy City Hall, Spencer Park, and various street locations. Additiona

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted a violent crime suppression detail on May 6-8, 2025, in St. Clair and Madison counties, focusing its efforts on East St. Louis and neighboring Metro East communities. ? The operation utilized intelligence and technology to target known high-crime areas, violent offenders, and structured criminal groups in the communities of the Metro East. Detail Results Arrests 36 Felony Charges 45 Criminal Charges 67 Firearm Related Charges 33 Firearms Seized 20 Controlled Substance Seized 13 grams Stolen Vehicles Recovered 1 There were several notable events and arrests during the detail. On May 6, 2025, troopers conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for Illinois Vehicle Code (IVC) violations. A probable cause search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of a firearm and a large amount of illegal cannabis. Two subjects were taken into custody. Charges

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Illinois State Police Troop 8 responded to a three-vehicle crash involving a school bus on I-64 eastbound near 25th Street in East St. Louis at approximately 12:24 p.m. Monday, May 12, 2025. ISP said the bus, carrying 22 elementary school children, was involved in the collision at milepost 4. Multiple ambulances were dispatched to evaluate the occupants of the bus. According to preliminary ISP reports, no serious injuries have been reported. Authorities have since moved the crash scene off the interstate. ISP said the investigation remains ongoing, and no further details have been released at this time.

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GREENE COUNTY - Illinois State Police Troop 8 responded to a fatal head-on collision on US-67 near Berdan Road, about two miles north of Carrollton in Greene County, at 1:02 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025. According to a preliminary investigation, ISP said a black Ford Fiesta crossed the center lane markings and collided head-on with a truck-tractor semi-trailer. The driver of the Ford Fiesta was pronounced deceased at the scene, while the driver of the semi-trailer reported no injuries. The roadway was closed for several hours to allow for investigation and vehicle recovery. All lanes reopened at approximately 6:56 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025. There is no further information available at this time.

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WASHINGTON PARK — A shooting outside the Club Compound on the 2200 block of Kingshighway in Washington Park, St. Clair County, early Monday, May 12, 2025, resulted in one death and a suspect being hospitalized, according to the Illinois State Police. At approximately 3:41 a.m. on May 12, 2025, the Washington Park Police Department requested assistance from the Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 6 to investigate the incident. ISP said preliminary information indicates a male victim was shot outside the club by a suspect. An off-duty Washington Park Police officer, who was working armed security at the club at the time, responded by shooting the suspect. The officer then secured the suspect until the Washington Park Police arrived. The suspect was transported to a local hospital for treatment, ISP said. ISP added that the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and no further details will be released at

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ALTON - For a unique and successful blend of talents in band, theater and engineering, our most recent Remarkable Redbird, junior Wesley LeBrun, will be leading the way. Wesley said during a recent interview that "Alton High is a great school and he is proud to attend." Wesley has been a member of the Marching Band, Jazz Band, Wind Ensemble and also the Marching 100 at Alton High. He has played a number of different percussion instruments including the snare drum, xylophone, kettle drum and marimba during his three years at Alton High. To participate in the Illinois Music Educators Association contest, Wesley submitted a video performance at a District Festival for a chance to perform with the top high school percussionists in the state of Illinois which he did during a contest in Peoria earlier this year. He was a member of the pit orchestra for the musicals his first two years at Alton High in playing for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and also Annie, but

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ALTON — Gregory D. Aulabaugh, 53, of Alton was charged Monday, May 12, 2025, with multiple felonies following a domestic standoff at an apartment complex in the 2400 block of Mills Avenue on Saturday. At approximately 11:56 a.m. May 10, 2025, the Alton Police Department responded to reports that a female had been battered by a male and was being held against her will. Officers initially found no response at the apartment door and attempted to make contact with the occupants. Due to the potential for a domestic hostage situation, police requested tactical assistance from the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS). Before executing a court-authorized search warrant, the female victim safely exited the residence. The male suspect later surrendered without incident and was taken into custody. Following the search warrant execution, authorities confirmed the suspect’s identity as Gregory D. Aulabaugh. Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced charges agains

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RIVERBEND - Ameren is urging residents to celebrate thoughtfully this summer to mitigate power outages. Brian Bretsch, a spokesperson for Ameren Illinois, shared that the company often sees power outages due to released balloons. Though Bretsch emphasized that Ameren wants people to celebrate and have fun, they’re asking folks to dispose of balloons properly and avoid releasing them. “Ameren is not the balloon police,” Bretsch joked. “We do want you to celebrate. We just want you to properly dispose of your balloons, especially the Mylar ones. The issue with the Mylar balloons is there’s a metallic coating on the balloons. When they’re released, if they come in contact with the power lines or anywhere on a substation, that metal property on the balloon can come in contact with an energized area. It can go around the balloon, spark, and then if it pops and the debris goes into our system, then it can cause an outage.” Bretsch noted

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation is asking the public to provide feedback on the state's transportation system and the agency’s overall performance by taking the annual Traveler Opinion Survey. Conducted through May 30, the survey is available online at https://go.uis.edu/traveler2025 or visiting by idot.illinois.gov . Done in partnership with the University of Illinois Springfield, the survey is an opportunity for people who live in Illinois to provide feedback on a wide range of topics, giving IDOT valuable insight and information to continue being a national leader in transportation services. This year’s survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete and asks for input on commuting habits, passenger rail, ice and snow removal, planning priorities, electric vehicles and more. In 2024, more than 1,700 responses were received. The Traveler Opinion Survey has been a staple of IDOT since 2001. Copies of previous surveys and results can be

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Specialist Maria White Burton recognized that Kiyara Conrad, a teacher at Dr. Katie Harper-Wright Elementary School in East St Louis School District 189, has been saluted for her dedication to student growth and professional excellence in the district. During Teacher Appreciation Week, East St. Louis School District 189 highlighted educators who positively impact student outcomes. Research indicates that students with access to high-quality teachers are more likely to graduate from high school and attend college, regardless of their background. Ms. Conrad exemplifies this standard through her student-centered approach, setting high expectations and encouraging students to reach their full potential, Burton said. “Ms. Conrad is a student-centered educator at Dr. Katie Harper-Wright Elementary School in East St. Louis who consistently prioritizes the academic and personal growth of her students,” Burton said. “She sets high expectations and encourages

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EDWARDSVILLE — The City of Edwardsville’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee marked the completion of the second week of its Bike Bus initiative on Friday, May 9, 2025, encouraging students to bike or walk to school in groups rather than relying on cars or traditional bus transportation. On that morning, 18 students participated on the Columbus Elementary route, 10 students joined from Woodland Elementary, and additional riders from Cassens Elementary and several Walk Bus participants from Columbus participated. The event, which has been held for several years each spring and fall, aims to promote active transportation among schoolchildren while fostering a sense of community. The committee noted that the strong participation has led them to describe the program more as a “Bike Train” than a Bike Bus. The final session for this spring is scheduled for Friday, May 16, 2025. The Bike Bus and Walk Bus programs have grown in popularity nationwide,

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of both the U.S. Senate Armed Services (SASC) and Veterans’ Affairs Committees (SVAC)—and U.S. Representatives April McClain Delaney (D-MD-06) and James Moylan (R-GU-AL) introduced legislation to modernize the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) in order to help ensure that military caregiver benefits are available to more people who selflessly care for their servicemember or Veteran family member in medical need. The Making it Likely for Families of the Military to Live with Leave Access (MIL FMLA) Act would expand FMLA leave benefits for military family members who aren’t currently covered under the FMLA. “It’s long overdue that Congress expands leave benefits for the selfless Americans who care for their servicemember or Veteran loved ones—who often have complex and unique medical needs as a result of their service,” said Senator Duckworth

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