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The Illinois Flag Commission will select potential flags by September 2024 CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed SB1818 which creates the Illinois Flag Commission for the purpose of exploring the creation of a new state flag and developing new state flag designs. The commission will make recommendations to the General Assembly concerning whether the current State flag should be replaced with a redesigned flag. By September 2024, the Illinois Flag Commission will select no more than ten potential flags and submit a report to the General Assembly by December 2024. “Throughout our 205-year history, Illinois has boasted two official state flags—and it may be time we create a new one that exemplifies the values of our great state,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “Today, I am proud to sign SB1818 to establish the Illinois Flag Commission to aid us in this process as we decide what our future flag should represent.” "Our state flag demonstrates

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted Operation Safe Summer August 3-5, 2023 in St. Clair and Madison counties. The operation targeted known high crime areas, organized violent offenders, and structured criminal groups in the communities of the Metro East. Troopers from Statewide Anti-Violence Enforcement (SAVE) Unit (South), SAVE (North), Fatal 4 (South), Troop 4, Troop 6, Troop 8, Troop 9, Troop 10, ISP Air Operations, and the Public Safety Enforcement Group participated in the multi-day operation. The Firearms Investigations Unit, Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois provided additional support during the operational period. Operation Safe Summer Results Traffic Stops 420 Arrests 44 Felony Charges 46 Criminal Charges 80 Firearm Related Charges 31 Firearms Seized 18 Cannabis Seized 816 grams Controlled Substance Seized 56.4 grams

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ALTON - Legislation sponsored by State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) to create the Rural Education Advisory Council was recently signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker. “The Rural Education Advisory Council has been created to ensure that rural and small schools have a voice in Illinois’ education system,” said Rep. Amy Elik. “Small and rural school districts are faced with many challenges. The intent of this new law is to open the line of communication between the State Board of Education, State Superintendent, and small and rural schools.” Public Act 103-0497 (SB 1787) sponsored by Representative Amy Elik, amends the Illinois School Code to create the Rural Education Advisory Council. Provides that the purpose of the council is to exchange thoughtful dialogue concerning the needs, challenges, and opportunities of rural districts and to provide policy recommendations to the State. Rep. Elik added, “Rural and small schools desired a formal

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ALTON - Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford provided a report about a crash at 12:33 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023, involving a single vehicle on Alby Street near the intersection with Big Arch Road. Ford said the police department's preliminary investigation revealed that a distraction within the vehicle caused the driver not to see the vehicle in front of her slowing/stopping to turn and the driver subsequently swerved to avoid striking the vehicle and then left the roadway. "The vehicle subsequently overturned after swerving and leaving the roadway," Ford said. "The driver of the vehicle was transported via Alton Fire Department Ambulance to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries." Traffic in the area was disrupted by the crash for about 45 minutes when the scene was cleared.

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ALTON - Alton Little Theater’s 90th season is off to an exciting start as the theater prepares for several productions in the coming months. “I love to go to St. Louis, but I know that families may never get to see a first-class production in St. Louis. So we want to give them some exposure here,” said Lee Cox, the theater’s executive director and business manager. “We’re a real, legitimate theater, so they’re getting to see a quality show. There’s not a bad seat in the house.” To mark the end of summer, the theater is hosting Circus Kaput at 7 p.m. on Aug. 12. This touring circus act aims to give families a fun night before school starts. Tickets are $20 and include refreshments. “ a little magic, a lot of comedy and tricks and getting kids up on stage and letting them be part of the magic,” Cox said. “And I just love watching their faces when they see things and ‘How did he do that?’”

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GODFREY- Godfrey’s new tourism website, visitgodfrey.com , is now up and running - and much like the village itself, it’s ready for visitors. Developed by Riverbender.com , the site showcases several attractions, events, and more around the village to help spread awareness of the great things going on in Godfrey for visitors and residents alike. The Visit Godfrey homepage greets visitors with sweeping drone footage (and on-ground footage) of scenery and life around the village. Tabs for events , things to do , restaurants , or to plan your visit , as well as a search bar, line the upper right. Scrolling down reveals a list of upcoming events, a summary of the village, and tabs to learn more about attractions , restaurants , shopping , and other things to do around Godfrey. “I think it’s great,” Economic Development Director Jim Mager said of the new website. “I think it’s an exciting site - I like when you open it up, you see

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Gas prices have escalated around the region as AAA reports crude oil prices are on the rise and there have also been OPEC and Saudi Arabia extended production cuts. As of Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, some of the prices around the Riverbend on Gas Buddy are as follows: the Casey's on Broadway and Main in Alton stands at $3.89 for regular unleaded. Walmart has the lowest price in Godfrey at $3.74 per gallon for regular unleaded. Quik Trip on West Bethalto Drive has a price of $3.78 for regular unleaded as does Casey's on Illinois Route 140 and Fairway Alley. Phillips 66 on East Ferguson Avenue and Central Avenue in Wood River has a price of $3.89 a gallon for regular unleaded. Phillips 66 in West Alton is $3.59 a gallon for regular unleaded. The Shell station on Vandalia Street in Edwardsville has a price of $3.94 per gallon for regular unleaded, while Quik Trip in Edwardsville has a rate of $3.89 per gallon of regular unleaded. The statewide gas price average in Missouri is $3.63 for a gallon

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ALTON - A local family garnered attention as they celebrated their 55th family reunion this past weekend. August 4, 2023, was named Johnson and Sease Family Day in the City of Alton. The Johnson and Sease family reunion draws nearly 200 people every year. This year, family members traveled to Alton from Atlanta, Indianapolis, Memphis and Gary, Indiana. The reunion included a picnic and banquet, but before festivities began, the family lined the steps of City Hall to accept a proclamation from Mayor David Goins. “People find it interesting because we’ve been doing it for so long,” Brian Johnson, an Alton family member, said. “It really is something. My dad’s father had, like, nine brothers and sisters. And we are actually in touch with each one of those families.” This is why the reunion is so important to Brian: He gets to know the people who made him who he is and meet the younger family members who will carry on that legacy. All of the kid

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ALTON - The Liberty Bank Amphitheater hosted their “I Love the 90s” show on Aug. 4 with performances from Vanilla Ice, Rob Base, All 4 One and Tag Team. Community members from every generation came together to celebrate the night of nostalgia. “The ‘I Love the 90s’ show at the amphitheater was a great success that brought another large crowd to our riverfront for an evening of quality entertainment,” said Dan Herkert, a member of the Alton Amphitheater Commission. “It was great to see so many people having such a good time. The Amphitheater Commission is delighted to organize these events for our community.” As they waited for the show to start, attendees enjoyed food trucks, music by a local DJ and additional catering by Johnson’s Corner . They could also participate in a meet-and-greet after the performances. While the 90s music was especially fun for audience members who lived through the decade, the event drew people o

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GODFREY - Chic N Pig announced Monday morning that it has decided to permanently close. Chic N Pig was located at 3200 Godfrey Road, Godfrey. "Thank you to the Village of Godfrey, our valuable team members and the community," the owners of Chic N Pig said in a statement on Facebook. Chic N Pig said to visit some of their other great locations: Fire-N-Smoke Wood Fired Kitchen, Ravanelli's Italian Steakhouse and Wine Bar, O'Town Food Hall and Tap House, Urban Farmhouse Eatery and Smoked N Smashed. Chic N Pig owners said gift cards can be used at Ravenelli's at 26 Collinsport Drive, Collinsville. Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick said he was "shocked" to hear of Chic N Pig's closing. "I drove by there yesterday and the parking lot was full," he said. "I am really surprised to hear they closed. I don't think it was because of a lack of business. It is disturbing they have closed; I thought they had a real good business there."

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ALTON - Former Alton Chapter Of AFSCME 124 Labor Union President Byron Clemons, 36, entered a guilty plea to one count of interstate transportation of stolen money and was sentenced to 18 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution after he embezzled $202,100 in union funds. Clemons will be on supervised-release for two years after he serves his prison time as part of the sentence and is ordered to pay back the $202,100. He was the president of the Alton Chapter of AFSCME Local 124 from June 2017 through January 2022. Clemons withdrew the funds from the labor union's account from February 2021 to January 2022. The prosecutors in the case said Clemons used the embezzled money to gamble at casinos and pay personal expenses. In rejecting the defendant’s request for probation, the sentencing judge in the case stated that she hopes a message is sent that individuals who steal from non-profits will be held accountable. “Clemons abused his position as the labor union’s

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ALTON - A local nonprofit hosted a pet food drive and cave clean-up this weekend in memory of Trinity Buel. Trinity’s Way was founded after 17-year-old Buel’s passing in 2018. To celebrate her birthday on Aug. 6, the organization cleaned up litter at Piasa Park and collected pet food to donate to a local animal shelter. “We wouldn’t be here five years later if Trinity wasn’t such an awesome special person,” said Raina Schlueter, the organization’s vice president and Buel’s friend. “There’s a reason we’re all still here doing this. And we’re still going strong.” Buel was passionate about helping animals and the environment, a legacy that Trinity’s Way carries on. The nonprofit organizes a clean-up every month. They hold the pet food drive twice a year, on Buel’s birthday and the anniversary of her passing in February. Chris Unthank, the organization’s president and Buel’s

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EDWARDSVILLE - R.P. Lumber Co., Inc. has acquired the Sparta, IL location of Wright Building Center, a long-time industry presence in Southwestern Illinois. “For 39 years, Wright Building Center has served the citizens of the Randolph County area, and we are thrilled to have their team join the R.P. Lumber family,” said Robert Plummer, President & CEO of R.P. Lumber. “We have been industry friends and competitors for many years, so it is exciting to add this great location to our footprint in Illinois,” Plummer continued. “Since 1964, my family has been in the hardware, lumber, and construction business,“ said Jami Lee Wright, owner of Wright Building Center and member of the recent inaugural class of LBM Journal’s “40 under 40” strong leaders in the LBM community. “We’ve had a great run. We're thankful for our awesome team and the strong customer base that has kept us going since 1984. R.P. Lumber runs an impressive

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CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker signed three bills today offering increased protections for Native and Indigenous Illinoisans. HB3413, the Human Remains Protection Act, establishes procedures for encountering human remains or gravesites and returning remains to Native American Nations. SB1446 prohibits schools from banning students from wearing cultural regalia as graduation attire. HB1633 mandates instruction on Native American history in Illinois public schools. “Today, we take another step forward in repairing generations of harm and building a brighter future for our state’s Native American and Indigenous Peoples,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “At its core, this legislation is about respect. Respect for those who came before us and those who will come after—and that is why we want to teach our children this history, to avoid the mistakes of the past and to instill that respect from an early age.” “As we are seeking new ways to continue

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SPRINGFIELD – To ensure that Illinoisans in need of insulin have affordable access to the life-saving medicine, State Senator Christopher Belt supported a new law to cap its price at $35. “Insulin is essential for individuals with diabetes to properly manage their condition,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Capping the price of insulin ensures that people can afford it without facing financial hardships.” Under this new law, the price of a 30-day supply of insulin will be capped at $35 for all private individual and group insurance policies. More than 10% of the U.S. population has diabetes according to the diabetes research institute. One in 12 Illinoisans have insulin-dependent diabetes. According to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the cost of insulin has risen 600% in the last 20 years. Americans pay 10 times than that of citizens of 32 other nations—$98.70 on average compared to $8.81. “Insulin costs have increased significantly

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CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker today signed House Bill 3768, expanding racial classification categories when reporting statistical data within state agencies. The legislation amends the Uniform Racial Classification Act to create a “Middle Eastern or North African” (MENA) category. “Here in Illinois, we are committed to instilling the values of inclusion and equity in every department of state government,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “That’s why this legislation is an important step in ensuring proper representation for every individual in our great state. When it comes to distributing resources and providing support from our state’s agencies, we need to be sure every single Illinoisan is accounted for—leaving no one behind.” "When we tell the story of Illinois, it must reflect the diversity of our state and do so accurately and with intention," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. "This expansion is critical in ensuring every

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SPRINGFIELD – Epinephrine auto-injectors, commonly known by the brand name EpiPens, will now cost a maximum of $60 per twin-pack thanks to a law backed by State Senator Christopher Belt. “EpiPens are crucial. Every person who relies on EpiPens should have affordable, reliable access,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “The high cost of this life-saving medication has been a significant barrier for many individuals and families, putting their health and well-being at major risk.” EpiPens are the only medication that works on the entire body to combat anaphylaxis, a potentially fatal allergic reaction. However, since 2017, a global shortage has made the medication increasingly difficult to obtain. The cost of EpiPens has skyrocketed in recent years, with a twin pack costing anywhere from $500-700 on average, and a single injector costing anywhere from $300-400. The new Belt-backed law will limit the cost of EpiPens to a maximum of $60 per twin-pack. “No one

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COLLINSVILLE - Revity Credit Union employees joined together to raise $1,030.00 in the month of July to benefit Collinsville Charities for Children through their Smile for Jeans Program. The Smile for Jeans Program is funded by Revity Credit Union employees who make monthly, monetary donations out of their own pockets to a local organization. By donating $15 or more to a specific organization, Revity employees are able to wear jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays during that month. Nothing gets better than seeing a smile on an organization’s face when Revity Credit Union presents them with a jeans donation check. Revity Credit Union’s 2023 Smile for Jeans Program focuses on supporting our local communities that we work, play and live in. During the month of July, Revity employees proudly raised $1,030 for Collinsville Charities for Children. Collinsville Charities for Children’s mission is to ensure that the children of our community have the necessities

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Alton native Donald D. McDonough has announced an upcoming campaign for state representative. He has been involved in political campaigns on behalf of candidates, organizations and issues at every level of government from local, state, national, and international. He has worked for progressive organizations and causes including environmental issues, taxes, land use, healthcare, labor, trial lawyers, medical and dental associations; education, transportation and transit; law enforcement, police and firefighters; the arts; aviation and public ports. After volunteering for a presidential campaign while in high school, he went on to work on three presidential campaigns as national staff. He also managed three congressional campaigns and worked as chief pollster and strategy consultant for scores of other campaigns, Initiatives, and referenda. His areas of experience and expertise include campaign planning, budgeting and fundraising, targeting and field organizing, media and advertising

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EDWARDSVILLE - The partnership between the Edwardsville YMCA and Mitch-N-Friends, who puts on the annual clinic for special needs players held during the Edwardsville Futures tennis tournament, presented by the EGHM Foundation, was solidified on Thursday when Mitch-N-Friends presented a check for $1,230 to the Edwardsville YMCA during a ceremony held at the end of the annual clinic. The money, which was raised by donations to Mitch-N-Friends, will help with costs of the program, in which the Meyer Center began hosting monthly clinics last year, on the second Thursday of each month from September through May. How the organization and the partnership between the Edwardsville Y and Mitch-N-Friends started was in a very simple and heartfelt way. "So, 10 years ago, when my father died, Mitch-N-Friends was about two or three years into our organization," said Kevin McGinnis, the main force behind the organization named for his son Mitch, a longtime staple of the Edwardsville High School

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