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EDWARDSVILLE — Zachary Capers will serve the rest of his life behind bars because of a decision announced Tuesday. Capers was issued a sentence of 60 years in prison on Tuesday for the murder of Edwardsville's Michael Ladd, 89, and Dr. Lois Ladd, 68. Madison County State's Attorney Thomas Haine made the announcement about Capers' sentence. Capers had entered a guilty plea to a count of first-degree murder. Lois was a chiropractor and Michael had worked professionally as a contractor. Capers, 28, of Collinsville, will receive credit for time served but will be required to spend his entire sentence in prison. The two were stabbed and killed at their residence at 826 North Kansas Street in Edwardsville. The couple was found deceased in their Edwardsville home on March 18, 2019. "The Ladds meant so much to their family, their friends, and their community," Haine said. "There is no sentence that could even begin to make up for the tremendous loss felt by the many loved ones of this

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GRANITE CITY - Along with the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, Alejandra Castillo, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski hosted a roundtable discussion yesterday with local mayor’s, state officials and stakeholders from around the Southwestern Illinois region. Granite City Mayor, Mike Parkinson was at the table to discuss economic revitalization and development efforts in Central and Southern Illinois and how Granite City has been active in ongoing partnerships with nearby communities in developing Metro-East area commerce. The forum was conducted in Alton, Illinois at the Jacoby Arts Center and focused on economic development and collaboration with several municipalities in the Southwestern Illinois area, Andy Manar, Deputy Governor, Senator Erica Harris, and State Representative Amy Elik were present as well. Assistant Secretary Castillo spoke on how a shared vision and economic planning should involve a community partnership and that the regionalization

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Monday, June 12, 2023, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Tyree Fletcher, 18 years of age, of the 4200 block of Smithfield Place in St. Louis, Missouri 63134, for one count of Murder Second Degree, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, one count of Robbery First Degree, one count of Resisting Arrest/Detention by Fleeing. A booking photo of Fletcher is attached. Fletcher is being held on a $250,000 cash only, no 10% bond. The probable cause statement reads: At approximately 3:00 P.M. on June 10, 2023, Officers responded to a report of a shooting at the BP at N. Hanley and I-70. Video surveillance shows Defendant and a passenger get out of a gray Chevrolet Malibu. Defendant is identified as the driver of the gray Chevrolet Malibu. The Victim was observed sitting outside the gas station. Video surveillance shows the Defendant and the passenger have a brief conversation with Victim. Defendant stated Victim asked i

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SPRINGFIELD – Wildlife biologists and conservation police from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) are monitoring reports of black bear sightings in Lake County. The most recent sighting occurred in a backyard in Antioch during the weekend. The bear’s current location is unknown at this time, and IDNR has received no further reports of sightings since early Sunday morning near Antioch. Wildlife biologists believe the Antioch bear is likely the same black bear that was seen in Gurnee last week. Bears are known to travel long distances. This particular bear has not caused any problems, and IDNR encourages people to let it continue its movement without interference. Should anyone see a bear, IDNR encourages them to report it online at https://bit.ly/ IDNRwildlifereport . IDNR further recommends that people who live in the vicinity of a confirmed bear sighting secure their garbage cans and barbecue grills indoors and stop feeding birds for a few days. I

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EDWARDSVILLE - One of the strong points of the Edwardsville Route 66 Festival is there is something for everyone. The day started with the Metro Milers 10K Run, then the festival officially opened at 10 a.m. There was a wide variety of marketplace vendors at the event, a family zone, a local musical showplace, a car show in the Cassens Parking Lot, then the Matt Taul Band, Butch Wax and the Hollywoods and the Well Hungarians closed the night's entertainment. Edwardsville is one of the oldest communities on the historic road. Grace Pellock, special events and marketing coordinator for the City of Edwardsville Park and Recreation team, said she loves the Route 66 Festival. "We expanded the weekend this year and made it a Route 66 theme. The Route 66 Festival is very beloved in the community. It started off the morning with the 10-K run, then the festival started at 10 a.m. We had tons of food vendors music throughout the day, market and artisan vendors and the whole kid zone area.

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ALTON - A newly founded Alton-based nonprofit organization, Sacred Spaces of CARE, is joining efforts alongside the Alton Police Department to address mental health and combat crises. Sacred Spaces of CARE will partner with the department to engage in collaborative, trauma-informed practices to educate, further equip, appropriately support, and safely respond to crises through the creation of the RISE (Restorative Intervention Support Efforts) Program. The initiative aims to provide training and further techniques for law enforcement and all community stakeholders to intentionally support individuals in crisis in an effort to divert from the criminal justice system, reduce barriers to care, and navigate toward appropriate services. “The mental health and wellness of our community is most effectively addressed through collaboration,” according to Megan Tyler, Executive Director of Sacred Spaces of CARE. “There are multiple pathways to recovery and various methods fo

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ALTON - Alton’s popular band Porch Café loves Led Zeppelin, and for good reason: The band is climbing the stairway to heaven. Or at least, to major success. The group just released their first music video, and with a growing fanbase in the Riverbend area, Porch Café is set to have a busy summer schedule ahead. "When I first saw these guys, I was really blown away. Their musicianship is excellent. Their talent level is through the roof,” Don Lanier, who manages the band’s sound equipment, said. “It’s a great band to work for and work with.” Anyone who sees Porch Café is quick to tell you that the band is a family, and not just metaphorically. The group was born when lead singer Alivia Levi posted a video of her two brothers playing guitar with Alivia’s vocals. Keyboardist Lenny Levi and guitarist Will Levi have been playing instruments for most of their lives, and Alivia is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in oper

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ALTON - A “Stop the Violence” event is planned for Thursday, June 15, in Alton following several deadly shootings over the past few months. From 5–8 p.m., local leaders and citizens will fill C & K Banquet and Party Center to talk about possible solutions to gun violence in the community. Alton Mayor David Goins and others are expected to speak. “I knew, when I didn’t feel comfortable in my own city, that something was wrong,” Kendra Stiff, event organizer and co-owner of the Center, said. “I want our community to get back to a safe place.” C & K Community, a new organization sponsored by C & K Banquet and Party Center, will host the “Stop the Violence” event. This is their first project, though they have ideas for other community-oriented events in the future. Stiff explained that C & K Community mobilized after a shooting that took place near the C & K Center, as well as a May 2nd shooting that claimed the life

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CARROLLTON - Battery, aggravated sexual assault of a child, and several other charges have been filed against individuals in Greene County over the past few weeks, according to the latest Greene County Jail Booking Report. Michael D. Moran, 54, of Carrollton, was charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault of a child. He was arrested by the Greenfield Police Department on May 19 and remains in custody. Jamie L. Farris, 37, of White Hall, was charged on June 9 with domestic battery and aggravated battery. Farris had previously been arrested a month earlier on May 9 for aggravated battery causing great bodily harm to a peace officer, as well as disorderly conduct. She was taken into custody and released on her own recognizance before being arrested again on June 9 by the Scott County Sheriff’s Department for the domestic/aggravated battery charges. She currently remains in custody. Farris had also been charged with violating an order of protection on April 29, April

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GODFREY - St. Ambrose Catholic School is proud to announce the 4th Quarter Honor Roll for grades 4 to 8. These students have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and dedication throughout the quarter. St. Ambrose congratulates all the students who have earned a place on the honor roll and commends them for their hard work, discipline, and commitment to excellence. Their achievements serve as a shining example to their peers and reflect the school's unwavering commitment to fostering a culture of academic success. 4th GRADE High Honor Roll: Rylan Estes Finn Kane Joseph King Emma Kory Lydia Lara Caroline Morrissey Ryan Terry 4th GRADE Honor Roll: Collin Cruse Danica Dornes Charlie Droste Charlotte Hendrickson Benjamin Osborn Jackson Osborn Neal Pichee Asa Reinersman Liam Rose Finn Stephan Isla Stevenson 5th GRADE High Honor Roll: Piper Adams Bennett Anderson Karina Chew Erin Crawford Kayli Jacobs Elizabeth King Averie Kochan Charlotte Kohl Christian

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CHICAGO – It was a very lucky night for Pick 3 players across the state of Illinois – scooping up more than $2.1 million in total prizes in last night’s evening draw. The winning numbers in the Monday, June 12 evening draw were 7-7-7 with a FIREBALL of 3. More than 8,600 winning tickets hit the triple 7s last night, and the lucky Pick 3 players that played the 7-7-7 straight took home $250 for a 50 cent play and $500 for a $1 play. In the past six months, Pick 3 players have cashed in on over $65 million in prizes and Pick 4 players have cashed in on nearly $67 million in prizes. Lottery players holding winning tickets have one year from the date of the draw to claim their prize. The Illinois Lottery encourages all its winners to write their name on the back of their ticket and keep it in a safe place until they’re ready to claim their prize. Pick 3 and Pick 4 plus Fireball are Illinois-only games with two draws daily. To play both Pick 3 and Pick 4 games,

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CARLINVILLE - A huge crowd of youngsters laughed and learned during a special presentation at the Carlinville Public Library on Friday afternoon, June 9. Dan Gogh, a beloved and popular children’s performer, was on hand to entertain and teach the children with a show that combined comedy, magic, and principles of art. An artist and magician based in Plainfield, Ill., Gogh, whose real name is Dan Laib, has become a favorite with audiences across the region, and has appeared at countless libraries, schools, and youth groups over the last decade. Gogh’s programs are designed for creative, inquisitive youngsters who love to laugh, and his performances have earned numerous positive reviews. In Carlinville, Gogh excited the crowd with magic tricks and use of art forms as well as a puppet, Peeky, delighting the crowd with humor and playful banter. “It was an amazing performance,” said Hannah Miller, the director of the Carlinville Public Library. “The kids

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ALTON - The Three Rivers Project of Sierra Club Illinois is calling for volunteers to help work as “greeters” or “hosts/tour guides” at the Urban Farm Tour on Sunday, June 25. After a three-year hiatus, the Three Rivers Project is bringing back the Urban Farm Tour to showcase various gardens and farms across the Riverbend region. Community members interested in volunteering at the event as a greeter or host/tour guide can sign up via bit.ly/urbanfarmtour . “We’re excited to bring back the Urban Farm Tour to offer neighbors an opportunity to see firsthand how community members are transforming their yards into edible and sustainable oases,” said Three Rivers Project co-Coordinator Christine Favilla. “We need help from local volunteers to make this event possible. The Urban Farm Tour is self-guided, so we need community members to greet tourists at each yard, home garden, or community garden along the tour. We’re looking for hosts/tour

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Community Unit School District No. 9 is partnering with Chestnut Health Systems to host a Back to School Physical and Immunization Clinic on Friday, July 21 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. in the parking lot near the Granite City High School Football Field at 3148 Fehling Road. This event will be held to help protect students and others by meeting vaccination and school physical requirements. All incoming kindergarteners, 6th graders and high school freshmen are required to have a school physical and updated shot records. WHEN Friday, July 21 - 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. WHERE Granite City High School Parking Lot, 3148 Fehling Road INFORMATION Who is eligible: Preschool-12th graders Limited time slots available - call for an appointment Medicaid and private insurance accepted Uninsured patients welcome Sliding fee scale available WHAT TO BRING: Completed GCSD9 forms Parent/Guardian ID Immunization Record Insurance Card (s) RESERVE A SPOT Cont

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ALTON - Centerstone, a national leader in behavioral health care, and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office received a grant that will provide behavioral health care to those in custody of the Madison County Jail. The $127,000 grant will fund an on-site, full-time, qualified mental health professional at the Madison County Jail. A clinician, contracted through Centerstone, will develop individualized treatment plans, provide and/or coordinate services with community treatment resources for stabilization, treatment, and support for those in custody struggling with an opioid-use disorder, substance-use disorder, and mental health disorders. “We are honored that the Madison County Sheriff’s Office wanted to partner with us on this grant and we are excited to begin a journey of healing and recovery with those in custody at the Madison County Jail,” said Taylor Marks, Centerstone grant program implementation manager. “Many people in custody are experiencing

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SPRINGFIELD – As America celebrates Juneteenth, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum will give everyone a chance to see a rare copy of the document that played a key role in this historic day of freedom, the Emancipation Proclamation. The proclamation, which bears the signature of Abraham Lincoln, will be displayed June 19-23 and June 26-30 in the ALPLM’s library building, where there is no charge for admission. The address is 112 N. Sixth Street in downtown Springfield. The library is open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The ALPLM will also launch a new online tool letting people around the world explore the proclamation, its meaning and its impact on history. Just click on key words in the document and up pop boxes full of helpful information. The site will include educational resources for teachers and parents, a photo gallery and links to other sources of information about the address. The site will be available at www.PresidentLincoln.Illinois.gov/EmancipationProclamation

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CARROLLTON - Several individuals have been charged with drug and alcohol-related crimes in Greene County over the past few weeks, according to the latest Jail Booking Report from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. Shanna L. Smith, 42, of Manchester, was charged with delivery of 15-100 grams of meth, meth possession, aggravated delivery of meth in a protected area, as well as using a vehicle/structure/property for meth distribution. She was arrested by the Scott County Sheriff’s Department on May 26 and remains in custody. Brandi L. Defrates, 39, of Greenfield, was charged with aggravated driving under the influence with a passenger under 16 years of age, driving under the influence of drugs, driving under the influence with no insurance, and having no rear license plate light. She was arrested on April 16 by the Greenfield Police Department and has since been released on bond. Landry J. Medlock, 21, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was charged with possession of a controlled

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City High School Principal Daren DePew announced that 561 students from GCHS earned Honor Roll accolades for the second semester of the 2022-23 school year. Students who obtained a grade point average of 5.0 or higher during the second semester earned high honors, while students with a 4.2-4.999 GPA with no D earned was named to the honor roll. All GPAs are based on the current semester GPA (not cumulative). To view the complete list of honorees, click below: High Honor Roll - 236 honorees Honor Roll - 325 honorees For more information about Granite City School District #9, visit www.gcsd9.net .

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ALTON - Alton High School announced its second semester Honor Roll and High Honor Roll lists. To view the lists, please click the links below. Honor Roll High Honor Roll

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Fair announced today a new promotion that will give fairgoers a way to double their fun during the 2023 Illinois State Fair. Anyone who pays for parking on the Illinois State Fairgrounds on Thursday, August 10, which is County Fairs and Horse Racing Day will receive a voucher for free parking to be redeemed on either Tuesday, August 15, Wednesday, August 16 or Thursday, August 17. Thursday, August 10 will be jam packed with fair fun. The official ribbon cutting for the Illinois State Fair will take place at 10am followed by carnival rides opening at noon, livestock shows and of course amazing fair food! Other festivities include: Grandstand Entertainment 11:00am - Harness Racing 5:00pm - Harness Racing Main Street 5:30pm- T wilight Parade Grand Central Stage 7:00pm- Cooper Alan Multi-Purpose Arena (Grand Re-Opening) 7:30pm- Monsters of Destruction “Our goal is to offer an affordable way for families to attend the Illinoi

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