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ALTON/GODFREY - Pride, Incorporated has added a festive touch to the Alton and Godfrey communities. The beautification organization decorated the “Welcome to Alton” sign, the “Welcome to Godfrey” sign and the Benjamin Godfrey Mansion with seasonal decor like wreaths, lights and more. They worked with several local businesses and organizations to make this possible. “It was just a collaboration,” said Pat Stewart, president of Pride, Inc. “This started as a twinkle in someone’s eye that quickly developed into a community project that should please all Alton and Godfrey residents.” On Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024, John Meehan will dress as Benjamin Godfrey to flip the switch and turn on the lights at the Benjamin Godfrey Mansion and the two welcome signs. Stewart noted that a lot of people are struggling, and she hopes the decorations bring joy to community members. “The holiday season can be very difficult for people at

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BATAVIA – Today, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton will join Illinois Main Street in historic downtown Batavia to welcome community leaders, entrepreneurs, and economic development advocates to the 2024 Illinois Main Street Conference. The three-day conference celebrates a 31-year legacy of revitalizing downtowns and strengthening local economies across Illinois. “Illinois’ Main Street communities are revitalizing historic districts while bolstering local economies,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton . "This conference not only celebrates the dedicated individuals who strengthen these communities, it brings them together to network, exchange ideas and ensure Illinois remains a place of inclusive economic opportunity.” The conference features over 25 interactive sessions, including discussions on: Building mental health support systems for small business owners Preserving historic buildings while embracing modern needs Creating inclusive

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GODFREY - Mayor Mike McCormick is pleased to announce that Godfrey has successfully completed the NWS vetting for recertification as a “Storm Ready” community. The NWS “StormReady” program essentially helps arm America's communities with the knowledge, communication and safety skills needed to save lives and protect property - StormReady helps coordinate with local government officials and emergency managers (ESDA) to strengthen municipal safety and response plans. These NWS accredited communities are far better prepared for the onslaught of severe weather because they; consider local threat assessment issues, provide advanced planning and mitigation of potential hazards, continue ongoing public education programs and provide situational awareness to the community before, during and after a severe weather event.” Mayor McCormick states the

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Theater and Dance is thrilled to announce its upcoming production, "Dance in Concert," under the artistic direction of Kristin Best Kinscherff, associate professor and head of dance. Performances will take place in Dunham Hall on the SIUE campus from Thursday, Nov. 14-Saturday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m., with a special matinee performance at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16, themed "Next Generation of Dancers" Day. This dynamic concert showcases a diverse array of dance styles: including contemporary, Afro-fusion, and tap, promising an exhilarating evening for audiences of all ages. The production features the talents of SIUE faculty and guest artists who have crafted unique and innovative pieces for the stage. "This year's 'Dance in Concert' promises to be a vibrant celebration of movement, creativity, and collaboration," said Best Kinscherff. "We are excited to showcase the talents of our students alongside our esteemed

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Illinois Senator and combat veteran Tammy Duckworth had strong words for Pete Hegseth while appearing on CNN to discuss Donald Trump 's pick for Defense Secretary. Duckworth, who lost both legs after being shot down in a helicopter while serving with the Illinois Army National Guard in Iraq, spoke with anchor Kaitlan Collins about Hegseth's comments on female combatants, calling him "out of touch," and lacking in experience. The Democratic Illinois senator was speaking out in response to a viral clip of Pete Hegseth, who said on a podcast: "I'm straight up saying we should not have women in combat roles." Former Fox & Friends host Hegseth made the comments last week on the podcast The Shawn Ryan Show , to promote his new book The War on Warriors . Duckworth, a Purple Heart recipient , told Collins: "This is not the Revolutionary War where there's some sort of a line in the sand, and combat is on one side, and the rest of us can stay behind the side an

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EDWARDSVILLE - Challenge Unlimited celebrated the completion of a new accessible addition at their Residential Options Community Mental Health home in Edwardsville. Located at 910 Esic Drive in Edwardsville, the Residential Options Community Mental Health home recently added 1,120 square feet. On Nov. 14, 2024, community leaders gathered at the home and spoke about the benefits of the new space and how it will further Challenge Unlimited’s mission. “It’s been a labor of love,” said Stephanie Schrage, marketing manager with Challenge Unlimited. The construction was funded by a $250,000 grant from the state of Illinois. Berco Construction completed the project in three months. The new space includes a private med room, an accessible bathroom, two additional bedrooms, and a dining and kitchen area. The house accommodates eight residents, most of whom have their own room. The new space makes the house more accessible, so people can stay there for longer

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CHICAGO- The State of Illinois’ Medical Debt Relief Pilot Program has relieved more than $72 million worth of medical debt for 52,745 Illinois residents from across the state. This debt abolishment is the first effort as part of the State’s commitment to erase roughly $1 billion in medical debt across Illinois. Beginning next week, individuals benefitting from medical debt relief will receive letters notifying them that their debts have been eliminated. The average amount of debt abolished per person is $1,349 and the maximum debt abolished for one individual is $242,136. In order to implement the pilot program, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) engaged Undue Medical Debt as a partner. Undue Medical Debt, a national nonprofit, works with governmental entities across the country on similar debt forgiveness programs, including in Cook County, by helping to facilitate the sale and relief of qualifying medical debt portfolios. “Earlier

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine met with representatives from Metro East Every Survivor Counts on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024, to discuss the vital services this and other organizationsprovide to survivors of violence. Haine emphasized the importance of community support for such organizations through donations and volunteer opportunities, which are essential for sustaining their work with victims of sexual violence. “Organizations like Metro East Every Survivor Counts play an invaluable role in our community, and it was a pleasure to meet with them and hear what they do and what they plan to do,” Haine said. “This and other similar organizations completement the efforts of our Victim Advocates at the State’s Attorney’s Office and the ongoing work of our Child Advocacy Center. They go the extra mile to offer survivors of violence a safe space, additional resources, and a broader supportive network to help them regain stability

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SPRINGFIELD – Turkey hunters in Illinois harvested 292 wild turkeys during the 2024 fall firearm season Oct. 19-27, up 10% from the previous year’s harvest. A total of nine wild turkeys were harvested in Madison County, while six were taken in Calhoun County and Macoupin County and one in Greene County. Three were harvested in Jersey County. The record harvest was set in 2005 when 1,218 birds were harvested. This year, 1,756 regular fall firearm season permits were sold compared to 1,771 last year. The largest number of permits sold was in 2007 when hunters purchased 4,968 permits. Fall firearm turkey hunting was open in 56 of Illinois’ 102 counties. The top counties for harvest this year were Jefferson, 17; Jasper, 16; Marion, 16; Jo Daviess, 13; and Cass, 12. Preliminary data show 57% of the harvest were female birds, while 43% were male. The table below includes the preliminary 2024 county-by-county fall gun turkey harvest results with comparable totals for 2023

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JERSEYVILLE - A Grand Re-Opening event is in the works for the renovated Susnig Center in Jerseyville. At Tuesday’s City Council meeting, Parks and Recreation Director Tyler Hermens said the department is working towards hosting a “dedication event” or Grand Re-Opening ceremony for the Susnig Center. While the estimated date is Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, he said more details would be made public soon. The Susnig Center, which also houses the Jerseyville Parks & Recreation Department and the Illinois Valley Senior Center, underwent a major renovation last year. The facility is located at 401 Mound St. in Jerseyville. Among the upgrades were the installation of new gym flooring, replacement roofing, new ADA-compliant bleachers, retractable batting nets, new restroom facilities, and more. These improvements were made possible by a $450,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources PARC program, according to a city press release from 2023. The Susni

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COLLINSVILLE - A man from St. Louis faces seven felony charges after police found illegal weapons and drugs in a Collinsville hotel room following a domestic battery incident. Anthony Milton, 39, of St. Louis, was charged with the following: Armed Violence (Class X felony) Unlawful Use of Weapons - Machine Gun (Class 2 felony) Aggravated Domestic Battery (Class 2 felony) Possession of Weapons by a Felon (Class 3 felony) Aggravated Battery (Class 3 felony) Possession of Cannabis with the Intent to Deliver (Class 3 felony) Domestic Battery (2nd or subsequent) (Class 4 felony) On Nov. 6, 2024, Milton was allegedly seen on video and by multiple witnesses “throwing the victim to the ground and then stomping on her head,” according to a petition to deny his pretrial release. The incident reportedly occurred in a public place, the La Quinta Inn in Collinsville. “Victim suffered a severe laceration to her forehead,” the petition states. “Officers

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ALTON — My Just Desserts, a local eatery in Alton, reaffirmed its operational status on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, amid construction work near its location at 31 E. Broadway. The statement was prompted by ongoing street work outside the building next to the old Telegraph building, which has resulted in the temporary closure of a section of Broadway. In a message to patrons, My Just Desserts encouraged customers to visit, stating, "You can access us if you go down Alby or up Broadway. Don't let this stop you from a hearty warm meal and delicious dessert." The business remains committed to serving its community despite the disruptions caused by the construction. For more information, customers can contact My Just Desserts at (618) 462-5881.

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O’FALLON — The O’Fallon Police Department has expressed its condolences following the death of William Kuzma, Jr., an influential community member and Army veteran, who died on Nov. 7, 2024, at the age of 87. Kuzma, who served in the U.S. Army from Nov. 28, 1956, to Nov. 21, 1958, was known for his significant contributions to the community. Along with his wife, Emily, he founded Natural Enrichment Industries in Southern Illinois, an organization dedicated to providing employment opportunities and supporting the U.S. AID Feed the World program. His work with the organization took him around the globe on various missions. In addition to his professional endeavors, Kuzma was actively involved in local governance and community service. He served on the Zoning Board of Appeals and was a member of both the Police and Fire Pension Boards. In recognition of his service, the O’Fallon City Council honored him with a proclamation declaring Aug. 7, 2017, as Bill Kuzma

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November 14 has been a date marked by significant events throughout history, from groundbreaking scientific discoveries to political upheavals and cultural milestones. Moving back in time, on November 14, 1889, American journalist Nellie Bly embarked on an ambitious journey around the globe in an attempt to beat the fictional record set by Phileas Fogg in Jules Verne's novel, "Around the World in Eighty Days." Bly's journey was not just a publicity stunt; it was a groundbreaking endeavor that showcased the capabilities of women in journalism and travel at a time when such pursuits were often discouraged. She completed her journey in just 72 days, 6 hours, and 11 minutes, thereby not only achieving her goal but also becoming a celebrated figure in the world of journalism and inspiring future generations of female adventurers. On the political front, November 14, 1922, marked the birth of the BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation). The BBC was established as a public service broadcaster

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As the vibrant hues of autumn unfold and the temperatures begin to drop, pet owners must adapt their care routines to ensure their furry companions remain happy and healthy. While cooler weather can be a welcome change for both pets and their humans, it also brings unique challenges and considerations. This article outlines essential fall pet care tips to help you navigate the season effectively while prioritizing your pet’s well-being. Adjusting Outdoor Activities As the days shorten and the air cools, pet owners may find themselves spending more time outdoors with their pets. However, it’s essential to adjust your outdoor activities to accommodate the changing weather. Monitor Temperature Changes While many pets enjoy the brisk air, not all animals handle cooler temperatures the same way. Breeds with thinner coats, like Greyhounds and Chihuahuas, may need sweaters or jackets for outdoor outings. Conversely, thicker-coated breeds, such as Huskies and Malamutes, may

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SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is inviting fifth and sixth grade writers and artists from around Illinois to participate in this year’s Poster, Poetry, and Prose Contest. The 2025 theme How Can You Slash Your Trash ? invites students to think creatively about how to reduce the amount of waste they produce. This could include buying fewer single-use products, diverting food waste, repairing broken items instead of replacing or buying new, and recycling responsibly. Educators are encouraged to introduce the Illinois EPA’s curricula units on waste management and food waste (available for free at: https://epa.illinois.gov/topics/education.html ). These units, which are aligned to Next Generation Science Standards, offer lesson plans and activities to help students understand the amount of waste thrown away individually and collectively, why that causes problems, and how waste reduction can positively impact the environment. Additional

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SPRINGFIELD - Kathryn Harris has been welcomed as the new Chair of the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coali-tion, which is the coordinating entity for the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. Her two-year term began in fall 2024, replacing the outgoing board president Colin Hitt. Ms Harris is well known in the Central Illinois area, having been active in education, historic re-enactments, and community service. Harris earned her degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, and a master’s in library science from the University of Illinois. She began her career working at Springfield’s Lincoln Library, and eventually libraries at the University of Illinois Spring-field and SIU School of Medicine. Later, she became director at the Illinois State Historical Library. In 2015, he retired as division manager for library services at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. During her career, she has been involved in many statewide and local organizations. Ms Harris

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ST. LOUIS - Regional employment within aerospace manufacturing in the St. Louis area grew by more than 1,800 new jobs, or 11.9 percent, over the last five years. This represents a growth rate 10-times faster than the national growth rate of only 1.1% since 2019. Those statistics were among the new numbers shared at the 3rd Annual Take Flight Forum held on November 8 hosted by the St. Louis Regional Freightway. The data affirms that the St. Louis region continues to strengthen as an aerospace and aviation hub and underscores the importance of the bi-state effort underway to grow the talent pipeline for this vibrant ecosystem. The event brought together representatives of some of the region’s most significant aerospace manufacturing and service companies and the education institutions they are collaborating with to prepare for future growth, as well as participants in programs providing a pipeline to family sustaining careers in the growing aerospace sector. Fueling the

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BELLEVILLE - With nearly 2 million couples in the U.S. waiting to adopt, Caritas Family Solutions, a nonprofit human services agency, is educating people during Adoption Awareness Month in November. The agency is shedding light on what the prospect of adoption means for local couples like Adam and Kristy, a Southern Illinois couple in the process of getting matched with a birth family. “Our adoption journey has been a long one and we are continuing to trust and hope that one day, we will become parents,” said Kristy. “Adoption has always been on our hearts even before we realized it could be our only option at having a family. We started this adoption process in 2017 and have experienced being nearly selected by birth parents twice, which came with a lot of emotions. We know this can be a really difficult decision for birth moms and we are aware of what a great act of love it is for a parent to make this choice.” The couple said the advice they would give t

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ALTON - Bianca Jackson has resigned as Chief of Staff to Alton Mayor David Goins. The lack of public information surrounding her resignation led to a somewhat tense exchange between Alton Mayor David Goins and Alderman and mayoral candidate Raymond Strebel at this week’s City Council meeting. On Wednesday’s agenda was the resignation of “Bianca Jackson from the position of Chief of Staff.” The exchange occurred after Strebel questioned why Jackson left the position. City Attorney Tonya Genovese replied that it was a “personnel issue,” the details of which are not to be discussed in a public forum. Strebel, who described the circumstances as “suspicious,” said he was seeking to clarify rumors surrounding the resignation. “I’ve heard a lot of accusations about why she left,” Strebel said. “I’m not going to ask about the criminality of anything that might be involved, but what I am asking is tha

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