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GRAFTON - Great Rivers Choral Society is hosting a Dueling Pianos Fundraiser on Saturday, April 22, with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. and the event beginning at 7:00 p.m. The event will be held at Grafton Winery The Vineyards, located at 21028 Eckert Orchard Road in Grafton. The fundraiser will feature a cash bar, raffle drawings, and 50/50 tickets. Event tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased online at this link . “We are very excited to announce the return of one of our favorite fundraisers, Dueling Pianos!” the group said on their website . “Proceeds help our community-based nonprofit organization to defray the costs of producing and presenting high-quality musical programs free of charge to audiences across the River Bend area.” The event will also feature a “grazing table” of snacks, with plates available for $10 each. For more information about this event, see the listing on Riverbender.com/events . To learn more

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ALTON - Alton Mayor David Goins laid out four areas of focus and the steps being taken or planned to address affordable housing in the city at the most recent Alton City Council meeting on April 12. “Our four main areas of focus in our housing strategy include strategic demolition, continuous rigorous code enforcement, looking at the infill housing development, and the possibility of growth through annexation,” Goins said. He added the city has completed 45 demolitions since May of 2021, with several more slated for the near future. Goins said his administration has been “aggressive at taking down these properties as quickly as we can.” As far as code enforcement, Goins said the city will utilize its Nuisance Abatement Task Force, including coordinated responses between the Alton Police and Building and Zoning Departments. He also said the city is considering setting up a Foreclosed Property Registry to “address the ill effects of vacant properties.”

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EDWARDSVILLE — A 30-year-old Alton man on Friday received a 58-year prison sentence in connection with a fatal shooting, according to Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine. Charlton K. Merchant received a 55-year sentence for first-degree murder and another three-year sentence for being a felon in possession of a weapon. He will be required to serve the sentences consecutively, or back-to-back. Following a trial in January, Merchant was convicted of fatally shooting Terence J. Hicks during a dispute in Alton. The shooting happened on Oct. 11, 2020. At a sentencing hearing on Friday, Assistant State’s Attorney Mary Pat Carl asked the judge to consider that Merchant had been bragging on social media about having a gun, posting photographs of the weapon. She also noted that he had been to prison before, for a sexual assault in 2008. Haine said: “This crime was senseless. It caused much sorrow and grief for the family of T.J. Hicks, and it alarmed our community.

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ALTON - Pride, Inc. is hosting their bi-annual Alton City-Wide Litter Cleanup on Earth Day, which is Saturday, April 22, 2023. The cleanup begin at 9 a.m. and ends at noon, and will continue “rain or shine.” Free donuts, gloves, and bags will be provided to volunteers along with directions to the areas that need the most attention. Registration will be available at the following Registration Stations: Downtown: Riverbender Building - 200 W. 3rd Street (corner of 3rd and Belle Streets) Middletown: Hellrung Park - entrance at 7th Street and Central Avenue At 9 a.m., groups will depart from the following locations: Upper Alton: Taqueria Maya - 621 College Ave. North Alton: Joe K’s Restaurant - 2530 State St. After last year’s spring cleanup, Pride, Inc. Executive Director Pat Stewart said the event turned out widely successful. “It was wonderful - thank God we had beautiful weather,” Stewart said. “It was just really neat

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SPRINGFIELD – As of 3 p.m. Friday, the Illinois State Police (ISP) is reporting local law enforcement in 19 counties, totaling 21 calls, received threats directed towards schools throughout the state. Granite City and Collinsville in Madison County were part of the fake threat calls. Responders have not located any actual threats as a result of these calls. The ISP Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center currently has no information concerning credible threats related to school safety. Law enforcement, public safety, and private sector security officials are encouraged to remain vigilant and report all suspicious behavior to local police agencies. Granite City Superintendent Stephanie Cann had this statement about the fake threat at their high school: "As communicated on Thursday, the Granite City Police Department was alerted to a possible threat at Granite City High School. Granite City Police responded, swept the complex, and found the threat to be non-credible." Collinsville

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Sheriff’s Office recently released a map of the county’s new Community Patrol Zones, as well as the names of the deputies assigned to each zone, as part of a project that was announced earlier this year . They also offered some advice on how to stay safe from crime as the weather heats up. “We feel blessed to live in a safe and quiet community. Still, as Spring arrives, the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office is asking our residents to be vigilant and help us keep our county safe,” Sheriff Nicholas Manns said. “While we fortunately have no specific threats to report, we know from experience that as the weather warms and our farmers hit the fields, thieves and burglars often look for opportunities." The Sheriff’s Office is asking Jersey County residents to consider the following: Lock homes, buildings, vehicles, tractors, etc. and remove keys from the ignition. Also regularly check the exterior of your

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CHARLESTON – At a general membership meeting of the EIU University Professionals of Illinois (EIU UPI, IFT Local 4100) this afternoon, members thoroughly discussed the administration’s last, best, final offer. Though the offer was not endorsed by the union’s bargaining team, members decided to suspend the six-day strike to officially consider the administration’s offer. Faculty and staff will return to work at 8 AM Friday morning. EIU UPI President Jennifer Stringfellow commented on the difficult decision, “We knew this wouldn’t be easy from the start, and we were right. I am heartened by the unified strength and care that our members showed throughout this process, despite the administration's various attempts to derail and delay. We know our cause is just, and we stood up, together, for the entire campus to demand that this administration prioritize our students and the educators and staff who teach and support them.” “EIU’s administratio

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced a bipartisan national settlement with Visibly Inc. (Visibly) that resolves an investigation into deceptive business practices at the online telehealth company. Visibly, formerly known as Opternative Inc., is a Chicago-based company that markets and sells an online vision test, among other products. The Illinois Attorney General’s office opened the multistate investigation after a letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned Visibly about marketing its online vision tests without the requisite clearance or approval. Raoul’s investigation raised concerns about unsubstantiated claims made by Visibly regarding the accuracy and safety of its online test, including that it was as accurate as an in-person exam. In addition, the investigation evaluated Visibly’s misrepresentations about other product aspects, including customer satisfaction rates and satisfaction guarantees. “Individuals increasingly

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CHICAGO – Governor JB Pritzker today joined the Department of Human Services (IDHS) and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), along with state and local officials to announce over $14 million in awards to 70 human services providers throughout the state. The grants are being provided through the first-ever competitive Human Services Capital Investment Grant program , designed to help social service providers address physical construction and accessibility needs. "Thanks to our Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan, I am proud to announce that we are awarding more than $14 million to 70 human services organizations from 24 counties up and down the state to address much-needed infrastructure improvements,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Supporting these providers is an integral part of my FY24 budget proposal, which calls for the highest-ever statewide commitments to early childhood, developmental disability, mental health, substance use, and homeless prevention

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GLEN CARBON - Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois has wrapped up the annual Girl Scout Cookie Program for 2023. Girl Scouts hosted cookie booths, made door-to-door sales, and even made online sales to friends and family near and far. Once again, they rocked it! In total, girls in Southern Illinois sold 777,937 packages of Girl Scout Cookies this year. Let’s give a huge shout-out to the following girls for being All-Star Cookie Entrepreneurs for their respective areas: Alexis Brown from the Alton/Godfrey/Wood River/Roxana Service Unit sold 1,256 packages Kaitlyn Gillson from the Alton/Godfrey/Wood River/Roxana Service Unit sold 1,814 packages Katelynn Norman from the Bethalto Service Unit sold 1,430 packages Summer Delashmit from the Collinsville Service Unit sold 530 packages Mari Short from the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Service Unit sold 1,262 packages Ivy Obrecht from the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Service Unit sold 1,510 packages Searrah Tyler from the Granite City/Madison/Venice

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GRANITE CITY - Seniors Dominic Mayhall and Caylie McElroy of Granite City High School were selected as Granite City Elks Lodge #1063 Students of the Month for March. The Elks Student of the Month Program is designed to recognize outstanding young men and women for achievements in school and community life-fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school, club and community service, industry, and farming. Nominees are judged on multiple achievements including leadership skills, good moral character, community involvement, extracurricular activities, honors and award and scholastic ability. Each student receives a $100 U.S. savings bond and an Elks certificate of achievement. DOMINIC MAYHALL Four-year member of GCHS Concert Band, Jazz Band and Marching Warriors ... Member of Boy Scouts ... Scouting for Food volunteer ... Member of National Honor Society ... Eagle Scout ... Boys State Member ... Member of Homecoming Court ... Senior Patrol Scouts and Section Band Leader ... Son of

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GREENVILLE - Activities honoring the 291 members of the Greenville University Class of 2023 will be held on Friday and Saturday, May 12-13, on the GU campus. “It is a great privilege to welcome graduating students and their families and friends to celebrate with us the growth that these GU students have demonstrated in character and service,” said GU President Suzanne Davis. “This class has been particularly resilient and adaptable in dealing with COVID restrictions for the bulk of their academic career. Commencement weekend marks the beginning of the next chapter for these graduates, as we send them out to a world that desperately needs people like them.” The weekend’s activities begin with a concert by the GU Choir at 5 pm on Friday in the Whitlock Music Center, followed by the class picture at 6pm. The Ivy-Cutting ceremony, which symbolizes the end of the seniors’ time at GU, follows at 6:30 pm on Scott Field. And the evening’s activities

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GODFREY - The brand-new Scooter's Coffee location held a grand-opening ribbon cutting ceremony Friday morning. The new store is located at 5330 Godfrey Road and will be open 5:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday - Friday and 6 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For owners, Bob and Lindsey Semptimphelter, this has been the day they've been waiting for since the plans were first released back in October. "It's so exciting," Lindsey said. "When Bobby decided to bring Scooter's to Illinois, Godfrey was always one of our targets, so we're really excited to finally have it here and be a part of the community," she said." The location on the ever-so-busy Godfrey Road "just made sense" to Bob and Lindsey. "It's very similar to our Glen Carbon location. It felt familiar, it felt right," Lindsey said. The Semptimphelter's also own a Glen Carbon location at 4208 Illinois Route 159. The store had a soft opening last Monday and has been busy since. "The community has been very open to trying us out. We'v

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced the Attorney General’s office has charged a Granite City man with allegedly possessing and reproducing child pornography. Raoul’s office charged Ralph D. Hailey III, 46, of Granite City, in Madison County Circuit Court with reproduction of child pornography, a Class X felony punishable by up to 30 years in prison; and possession of child pornography, a Class 2 felony punishable by up to seven years in prison. Hailey’s bond was set at $300,000. Raoul’s investigators, with the assistance of the Granite City Police Department and the United States Secret Service, conducted a search of Hailey’s residence in the 30 block of Steelecrest Drive in Granite City and arrested him after discovering evidence of child pornography. Attorney General Raoul’s office will prosecute the case. Hailey is employed as a computer science teacher for Gibson Elementary School in St. Louis. The case is part o

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced criminal charges against a Centreville man over the alleged possession, purchase and sale of purported stolen retail merchandise including tools, electronics and lawn equipment. The charges result from a multi-jurisdictional investigation facilitated by Raoul’s Organized Retail Crime Task Force. Raoul’s office charged Gerald Crenshaw, 70, of Centreville, with Class 2 felony organized retail crime, punishable by up to seven years in prison; two counts of Class 2 felony money laundering, each punishable by up to seven years in prison, Class 2 felony theft, punishable by up to seven years in prison; and five counts of Class 3 felony theft, each punishable by up to five years in prison. “Buying and reselling stolen items creates a market that encourages retail crime and makes communities less safe,” Raoul said. “Today’s charges demonstrate the importance of the collaborative work that my office’

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County Community Development is offering college and occupational training scholarships for low-income students who plan to attend school during the upcoming school year starting this fall. The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) scholarships will be awarded to low-income students who are or will be attending an accredited Illinois university, community college, technical or vocational school. The CSBG will select five students to receive a $4,000 ($2,000 per semester) scholarship for the 2023-2024 school year. Those interested in applying for the scholarship should contact the college’s financial aid offices, their high school guidance counselor or visit Community Development’s website at https://www.madisoncountyil.gov/departments/community_development/community_services.php . To be eligible, students must meet the block grant income guidelines as well as the other requirements as follows: Candidates must provide proof of Madison

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville YMCA Meyer Center will be closed on Saturday, April 15, for the Wonderland Gala. The YWCA Niebur Center will, however, be open on Saturday. The Wonderland Gala is a semi-formal or Alice In Wonderland-inspired event for those 21 years of age and older. "We appreciate your understanding," YMCA officials said on Thursday. All proceeds from the Wonderland Gala at the Meyer go to decrease the original Meyer Center YMCA debt. VIP Cocktail Hour is from 6-7 p.m. on Saturday and Gala doors open at 7 p.m. There will be heavy hors d'oeuvres, desserts and a cash bar after the first two cocktails. The band Fountain City 45's will be featured. There also will be a silent auction. For tickets, click here: https://edwardsville.recliquecore.com/programs/148?locations=15

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ALTON/EDWARDSVILLE - Paper Planes Ministries and New Hope Church partnered for successful Easter egg hunts in both Alton and Edwardsville this past Saturday. The Alton hunt was held at Riverfront Park and the Edwardsville hunt was held at Lincoln Middle School. David Bosarge, a spokesperson for Paper Planes Ministries, said the hunts were well-attended and something both groups hope to have again next year because of their success. “We are very grateful for the partnership with New Hope Church for this event and we had 15,000 Easter eggs distributed at both locations,” he said. “We appreciate the children and families who attended and are very glad we did this.” The idea for Paper Planes Ministries began with David being told the simple yet life-changing story of the Gospel at the age of 15. Since then he has had a passion to go to different communities to tell others about the story of Jesus Christ. “We believe that God will use Paper Planes Ministries

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Superintendent Stephanie Cann has issued a follow-up statement to the false alert for an active shooter at Granite City High School on Wednesday. Cann said the following: "As communicated earlier today, the Granite City Police Department was alerted to a possible threat at Granite City High School. GCPD responded, swept the complex, and found the threat to be non-credible. At no time were any students or staff in danger. There are no words to describe the appreciation we have for our local first responders, as well as responders from across the area. "Their response demonstrated how seriously the district and our partners take the safety of our students and staff. It is comforting to know how dedicated these men and women are to the protection and service of our community. This afternoon we were informed that the Statewide Terrorism and Intelligence Center (STIC) received hoax active shooter calls at seven Illinois schools this morning." Cann continued an

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NEW BADEN – One lucky Illinois Lottery player’s week is looking up after they purchased a Lucky Day Lotto ticket yesterday in Clinton County that hit the jackpot and won $400,000. The winning ticket matched all five numbers, 6-13-37-42-45, in the Wednesday, April 12 midday drawing. The ticket was purchased at the Motomart at 409 E. Hanover St. in New Baden. It is the second Lucky Day Lotto jackpot-winning ticket to be purchased at a Motomart in the Metro East area in as many months. The other winning ticket was sold at the Godfrey Motomart for the March 5 evening drawing. It is also the third Lucky Day Lotto jackpot won in less than a week. A $1 million jackpot was won on April 7 and $150,000 the next day on April 8. It’s the first big win for the store, says Stephanie Bondaruk, manager of the New Baden Motomart, since the store opened in May of last year. She doesn’t know who won, but has a feeling it’s one of her regulars, “I really do hope

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