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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County Treasurer Chris Slusser reminds taxpayers that the third installment of their tax bill is coming due. “With the due date quickly approaching, I want to remind everyone that the third of four tax installments will be due Friday, Oct 7,” Slusser said. “The County Treasurer’s office is open for business Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.” Slusser reminds taxpayers of payment options: at one of the participating collector banks or credit unions throughout the county, by mail, through your financial institution’s online bill pay service, the Treasurer’s website at www.madcotreasurer.org, or in person at the Treasurer’s Office in Edwardsville. “No penalty will be applied for payments mailed and postmarked by the due date,” he said. “I would encourage taxpayers to take a payment inside the post office to have it postmarked if they are planning to mail it on the actual due date. Mail collecte

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ALTON - Residents are encouraged to attend the 16th annual Memorial Service for domestic violence victims to be held at Alton Memorial Hospital from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 19, 2022. The service will be held in the Healing Garden; however, in the case of inclement weather, will move to the Chapel. Everyone in the community is very welcome to attend this special event, and to join us for a light buffet afterwards. For the past 15 years, the Third Judicial Circuit Family Violence Prevention Council and Alton Memorial Hospital have presented the annual Memorial Service to remember and honor those who have suffered from abuse. The groups have been unable to hold a Memorial since 2019 due to COVID, and this year will be remembering fourteen victims from Madison County who have died in domestic violence related circumstances since that time. Since 1996, there have been over 112 victims of abuse who have died in Madison County. "We are especially honored to have with us that

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GODFREY - The Village of Godfrey appears full steam ahead for Scooter’s Coffee to locate there in the future. On Tuesday night the Village Board approved a business grant for $20,000 to go toward the project, which will locate at 5330 Godfrey Road. Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick said a house is positioned in that area now but will be torn down. The mayor said the dollars from the village will come out of a business district fund set up 12 years ago to help existing businesses and new businesses coming into the village. He said Jim Mager, director of economic development for the village, felt the $20,000 would be of help in their estimated $600,000 to build the business out. “Godfrey has some good coffee places and this will be a nice addition,” Mayor McCormick said. “Godfrey is trying to create an environment that welcomes business to our community. I learned right away serving as a trustee, then as mayor that the Village of Godfrey runs on sales tax money and

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GODFREY - Godfrey Fire Protection District firefighters responded at 8:54 a.m. Wednesday for a gas smell call at Evangelical School at 1212 West Homer Adams Parkway in Godfrey. Once they arrived, they discovered a gas leak in a mechanical area on the first floor. Students were already evacuated and were dismissed from school after the gas leak and picked up by designated individuals for each family. Ameren Illinois was called to the school along with a local heating and cooling expert. The Godfrey Fire Protection District turned the situation over to those two, Godfrey Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Dave Bellito said. Evangelical made this announcement at 10 a.m. Wednesday to families: “Evangelical families, our students, and staff were evacuated from the building a short time ago due to the concern of a gas leak. The leak has been confirmed, and it is unsafe to return to the building. Please, at this time, come to your normal pick-up location to get your children. Please

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 is launching an effort to bring the entire D7 community together to develop goals and priorities to improve its schools. ENGAGE District 7, created as part of the implementation of District 7’s strategic plan, is a team of district employees and stakeholders. Engage District 7 is hosting a series of community engagement meetings for your input on how to meet the facility needs for all District 7 students now and in the future. The program is designed to ensure the district’s work in the future is guided by a facility improvement plan developed “ For Our Community By Our Community .” Parents, staff, and community members are encouraged to participate in ENGAGE District 7. As part of the program, a two-part series of community engagement sessions will kick off on Wednesday, Oct. 12. During these sessions, participants will learn more about planning priorities for D7 facilities and will engage wit

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WEST CENTRAL – Greene and Scott Counties have joined the ever-growing number of Illinois Counties to file a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the controversial SAFE-T Act. The SAFE-T Act, set to take effect January 1, 2023, eliminates cash bail and designates only a limited number of offenses for which the person arrested may be held in custody prior to trial. The complaints, filed by both Caleb Briscoe in Greene County, and Richard Crews in Scott County seek a permanent injunction of the SAFE-T Act claiming the Act is unconstitutional, that it violates the single subject rule, violates the separation of powers clause, is unconstitutionally vague, and violated the three (3) readings requirement. The goal of the lawsuit for the Counties would be to stop the law, as written, from going into effect on January 1, 2023. “The Act was voted on and passed in a lame duck legislative session at 4:30 in the morning, with limited opportunity for comment, or debate. Prosecutors,

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BETHALTO - Senior runner Jackson Collman overcame the challenges of the Collinsville Cross Country Course during his three-mile run at the Madison County Meet Tuesday afternoon. Runners had to deal with some poor footing in areas and some killer hills. The course is one of the most difficult he will take on this season. But it didn't slow him down any. He ran a time of 16 minutes 29.5 seconds which won him first place in the small schools division and first place in the race overall beating out 75 other competitors. That's why Jackson is a Tom Lane State Farm Male Athlete of the Month for Civic Memorial. He's now won this event in back-to-back years. With last year's MadCo event being held at CM he ran a time of 16 minutes 10.5 seconds. Bethalto went 1-2-3 in the boy's small schools division in that race. Jackson went on to say that last season was a "funky year." He mentioned that the team had a lot of runners out for various reasons. "This was definitely a good time to have

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ALTON - Enjoy a thrill ride like no other in Illinois when Aerie’s Resort in Grafton celebrates the Grand Opening of the Aerie’s Alpine Coaster, 600 Timber Ridge Rd., Grafton at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 11. Aerie’s will host a ribbon cutting for the much-anticipated Alpine Coaster which officially opened for business Sept. 29. State and local officials will be on hand to commemorate the opening of the only Alpine Coaster ride in Illinois. “This is truly an attraction like no other in Illinois,” JD Lorton, Director of Operations for Aerie’s Resort noted. “We have worked to build the coaster with the help of Wiegand Sports USA during the winter and now we have a world-class attraction open in Grafton that will give visitors and residents alike year-round fun.” Riders board a two-person coaster sled and fly down the Aerie’s limestone bluff on over 3,000 feet of a stainless-steel rail system. The natural landscape of the river bluff

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ST. LOUIS - The transit advocacy organization Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) has announced plans for its next virtual “Talking Transit” event, which is set for Tuesday, October 18, at 8:30 a.m. via ZOOM. This event will highlight the Secure Platform Plan for the MetroLink system. Pre-registration is required and can be completed online at www.cmt-stl.org . The Bi-State Development Board of Commissioners approved a contract with HNTB for $6,948,587 for professional engineering design services for the MetroLink Secure Platform Plan. The Secure Platform Plan (SPP) encompasses fare gates, fencing and cameras for the 38 Metro Transit Centers throughout the region. Financial support for this project includes funding from St. Louis County, the City of St. Louis and St. Clair County Transit District. Private donations total more than $10 million towards the cost of this important project. In addition, federal stimulus funds will be utilized. The panel will feature Kevin Scott,

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MARYVILLE – In partnership with the Southern Illinois Area Police Chiefs Association, State Senator Kris Tharp hosted a meeting Tuesday for Metro East police officials to discuss their concerns with the SAFE-T Act. “With my background as a law enforcement officer, my priorities as a senator remain ensuring that our communities are safe, keeping violent criminals off our streets and supporting police officers to effectively perform their duties,” said Senator Tharp (D-Bethalto). “Tuesday’s conversation was vital to addressing concerns in the SAFE-T Act, and I thank the chiefs for their participation.” To give members of SIPCA an opportunity to voice their concerns and propose changes to the SAFE-T Act, Senator Tharp hosted a meeting Tuesday morning with 30 police officials from around southern Illinois at the Edwardsville Public Safety Building. In an effort to improve public safety, Senator Tharp plans bring their concerns to the negotiating table

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GODFREY - Highlights of the Tuesday Village of Godfrey Board meeting included approval of a new electric sign at the corner of Lars Hoffman Crossing and Godfrey Road and underneath the main portion of the sign, people will be informed of present events and other information about the village. Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick said right now, the sign would be advertising the Godfrey Maze and especially the Haunted Maze, which he said has become “very popular.” He said it would be a great place to advertise different events occurring in the village and provide other needed information. “The Haunted Maze seems to be really popular right now,” he said. "I encourage everyone to visit it during the Halloween season." Approval was given to put mulch around the all-inclusive playground area. A business grant was also approved for Scooter’s Coffee, which will locate at 5330 Godfrey Road. The board approved a business grant of $20,000 for the construction.

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ST. LOUIS - On Tuesday, October 4, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspect Scott Ellis, 36 years of age, of the 9700 block of Concord Hills Court in St. Louis, Missouri 63123, for six counts of Possession of Child Pornography. A photo of Ellis is included. Ellis is being held on $750,000 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 or between October 4, 2021, and October 4, 2022, defendant, a former middle school teacher at Rogers Middle School (Affton School District), downloaded and possessed thousands of videos of child pornography. St. Louis County received a cybertip from NCMEC (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children) regarding a Google Account registered in the defendant's full name, phone number, date of birth, and two email addresses that included his full name within

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ALTON - Senior Services Plus (SSP) is hosting a Fraud Education Seminar on Wednesday, October 26 th , 2022 inside the School House Grill in Alton. SSP is excited to partner with AARP Illinois to host a Fraud Education Seminar on Wednesday, October 26 th , 2022. Information will be presented by the Fraud & Corruption Section Chief for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Illinois, Scott Verseman. Mr. Verseman is a fraud education expert and will explain what to look for and what to do when it comes to fraud. Lunch will be provided, and RSVPs are required as seats are limited. To RSVP visit: https://bit.ly/3ecXB54 or call 618-465-3298 ext. 123. Please register by calling Senior Services Plus at 618-465-3298 x 123. For event inquiries, please contact SSP by phone at 618-465-3298 x 123.

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GODFREY – Prospective students are invited to learn more about becoming a Trailblazer and experience campus during Lewis and Clark Community College’s Fall Discover Day, Monday, Oct. 10. Future Trailblazers will be able to speak with financial aid and academic advisors, tour campus, find info on the programs they’re interested in, and even experience a taste of student life with free fun and giveaways. “Discover Day is one of the biggest days on our campus,” Recruiter Daniel Nosce said. “It’s a chance for the public to learn about the amazing programs and support that are available for our Trailblazer family. Come and get an in-depth look at experiences the college has to offer and discover the opportunities that await you at Lewis and Clark Community College.” Guests are encouraged to participate in tours of the college’s programs, classrooms and labs. Although many of the high schools are closed for the holiday, Lewis and

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The St. Louis County Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance regarding the investigation of a recent stealing incident. Between September 28, 2022 at 7:00 PM and September 29, 2022 at 3:00 AM, unknown subjects broke into the maintenance shed at Sioux Passage Park located at 17930 Old Jamestown Road. Several locks of a gated maintenance shed were cut and the following items were stolen: 2016 Big Tex flatbed trailer (black in color) 2022 Toro 72” Zero turn mower (red in color) 2015 Bad Boy 72” Zero turn mower (orange in color) Numerous gas powered lawn equipment – trimmers, blowers, chainsaws, pruners, tiller, hedge trimmer (most items were Stihl Brand) Variety of hand tools, (Wrenches, socket sets, ratchets) New in box bathroom vanity and toilet Shown are actual photos of the stolen trailer and mowers. The stolen equipment’s value is estimated over $30,000. Any information concerning possible involved subject(s),

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Monday, September 26, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspect Ramon Lapid, 45 years of age, of the 9500 block of Abaco Court in St. Louis, Missouri 63136, for one count of Murder Second Degree and one count of Armed Criminal Action. Lapid was arrested on October 4, 2022. A mugshot of Lapid is shown. Lapid is being held on $500,000 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 September 23, 2022, Defendant and Co-Defendant, acting together, went to the Victim’s home with the intent to steal a green leafy substance from the occupants. During the commission of this crime, the victim was shot several times in the chest and is deceased. The co-defendant remains at large. St. Louis County detectives from the Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are leading this investigation.

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CARLINVILLE - Local youngsters may develop, and express, their artistic talents with a new event at the Carlinville Public Library. Art Day For Kids will be held at the library on Monday, Oct. 10, with two sessions. From 10 a.m. to noon, children will create monster stuffies. From 2-4 p.m., youngsters will make spin art machines. Youngsters may come to one or both sessions, which are for ages 7 and up, because beginning sewing and beginning circuits will be involved. Do-it-yourself art tables will be available all day. All activities are free. For more information, contact the library at 217-854-3505 or mail@carlinvillelibrary.org .

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EDWARDSVILLE - Liberty Middle School seventh grade language arts teacher Diana Lockwood did not consider a career as a teacher until she and her husband had a son. 25 years later, it is still a decision she is happy she made. “When I became a regular part of Nick’s school and classroom, I decided I wanted to return to school to get an education degree. It was a great decision!” The students are the main reason Lockwood has stayed in education. “They have kept me in the classroom, enjoying every aspect of my role in their academic lives. I love watching them learn and all the varied processes they go through as they acquire new information and skills,” said Lockwood, who added that she has also been privileged to work alongside some of the most outstanding faculty and staff of District 7, both in and outside her building. Seventh graders are especially interesting to Lockwood. “They change so much over the course of the school year, academically

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – In connection with the Department of Justice’s announcement of its Elder Justice Sweep earlier today, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, Rachelle Aud Crowe, made the following announcement: “Combating fraud against the elderly is the number one priority of our Fraud & Corruption section,” U.S. Attorney Crowe stated. “Anytime a senior is victimized, we work very hard to find the responsible criminals and bring them to justice.” Six federal prosecutors are assigned to the district’s Fraud & Corruption section. They are Assistant United States Attorneys: Scott Verseman, Chief; Kevin Burke, Zoe Gross, Peter Reed, Steve Weinhoeft and Luke Weissler. As an example of the office’s efforts to hold accountable those who harm the elderly, U.S. Attorney Crowe cited to the recent guilty plea of Ashley McKinney, 39, of Cahokia, Illinois. McKinney’s codefendant, Erica Rose, 33, of East St. Louis, Illinois,

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GLEN CARBON - Cara Markunas, the director of Storehouse Provisions of Grace, has a love of being positive in others’ lives. She is the founder of a moms' Facebook page that is extremely popular and now she has helped open the Storehouse Provisions of Grace, a ministry of Gateway Family Church in Glen Carbon. Dena Jonessmith also helps run the new charity. Provisions of Grace is located at 97 Oak Lawn Road in the Gateway Family Church facilities. Storehouse, which opened in August, serves anyone in need in the St. Louis Metropolitan area with a focus on single-parent households. “I have always been one to help people,” Cara said. “I know a lot of people are going through hard times right now. I reached out to my church and they asked me to make a storehouse or a group to help other women. Our mission is to show the love of God by providing household and personal items with respect and dignity. "We have cleaning supplies, hygiene items for women and baby items,

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