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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced the Attorney General’s office has charged a St. Clair County man with alleged possession and dissemination of child pornography. The case is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child pornography online. Raoul’s office charged Elijah I. Ames, 18, of Swansea, in St. Clair County Circuit Court with four counts of dissemination of child pornography, Class X felonies each punishable by up to 30 years in prison, and 11 counts of possession of child pornography, Class 2 felonies each punishable by up to seven years in prison. Ames’ bond was set at $350,000, and his next court date is scheduled for Sept. 8. “Survivors of child abuse and exploitation are revictimized each and every time an individual trades or downloads one of these heinous images o

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A serious crash at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, involved three motorcycles and one apparently struck a deer. Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns said the accident which occurred on Illinois Route 100 north of Elsah involved a 48-year-old from Tuscola, a 40-year-old, and a 45-year-old from Heyworth. “One of the motorcycle riders struck a deer to start the accident and then the other motorcycles became involved and eventually a helicopter was called to transport the victim,” Manns said. “Alton Police and other law enforcement came to assist the Jersey County officers,” he said. Manns said the most seriously injured motorcycle rider suffered serious injuries and was airlifted from the scene.

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EDWARDSVILLE – The City of Edwardsville is once again offering to share the cost of adding a tree to residential properties as part of the Tree Planting Program. This long-running annual initiative is overseen by Edwardsville’s Beautification and Tree Commission and the Public Works Department. Participants are reimbursed half the cost, up to $100, of buying and planting one tree at the property owner’s primary place of residence. To be eligible for reimbursement, an application must be received and approved prior to final selection and planting of a tree. Only trees listed on the City’s approved tree list can be considered for the program, which is offered on a first-come, first-served basis, while funding is available. Previous program participants are eligible to apply. Applications must be received by Thursday, November 30, 2023. The tree must be planted by Friday, December 15, 2023. “Many people think spring is the time of year to plant, but when

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COLLINSVILLE – A Madison County constituent was recently awarded more than $15,000 after State Senator Erica Harriss’ office and the Illinois Treasurer’s office teamed up through the state’s Unclaimed Property Program, which helps Illinoisans find and claim money owed to them. The event will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Collinsville Memorial Public Library located at 408 West Main Street, Collinsville, IL 62234. “This particular individual had inherited money from a relative’s bank account and was unaware of it until my office was able to get into contact with him,” said Senator Harriss. “I know some people are skeptical about answering the phone in thinking this program is fake or a hoax due to the increase of scammers out there, but this program is very much real, and this person is just one of several examples relating back to the state’s program.” Both Senator Harriss and the Treasurer’s Office are joining

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GRANITE CITY - Senior D.J. Dutton is considered to be the top runner for the cross country team at Civic Memorial High and on Sept. 2 at the 50th running of the Pete Robinson/Harry Lang Granite City Invitational meet at Granite's Wilson Park, Dutton had a great time in helping the Eagles finish seventh in the team standings. Dutton had the second best time for CM with a 15:31.1 as the Eagles had six of their seven runners have times under 17 minutes, the first time in the school's history that it's ever happened. Dutton is considered to be one of the area's top runners and is also a very hard worker who mentors the younger runners and provides leadership and inspiration to the entire team. For his efforts both on and off the courses, Dutton has been named a Tom Lane State Farm Male Athlete of the Month. "He's definitely the leader of the team this year, no doubt about it," said Dutton's and the Eagles' head coach, Jake Peal. "He's really taken his running this past spring and summer

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ALTON/GODFREY - Alton Mayor David Goins and Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick today issued a joint statement in light of the recent disturbances that occurred at Alton High School last week . The two mayors said this incident impacts their respective communities and they "stand together to offer our support during this difficult time." Godfrey Mayor McCormick made this statement: “The actions of kids last week have given our area a black eye. I did not attend Alton High, but they have adopted me, and I’m a Redbird fan. My heart goes out to the Sheriff’s Department, the teachers and support staff, the administration, and the vast majority of students not involved in these senseless fights. The Alton School Board has some tough decisions moving forward making Alton High a safe and secure place to send the children of our community. “On behalf of the Village of Godfrey, we are available if there is anything we can do to help. Our thoughts and prayers are with this

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ALTON - Calling all leaf peepers and history buffs: the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau is once again offering a series of guided Fall Color and River Road History Tours in Grafton and Elsah starting in late October and running through early November. The Fall Foliage and River Road History Tours are 20-passenger guided shuttle tours that will highlight the stunning fall colors found on the river bluffs flanking the mighty Mississippi River and include visits to the historic Village of Elsah, Principia College and Pere Marquette State Park. The three-hour tours will kick off Thursday, Oct. 12 and are scheduled to run Friday, Oct. 13, Thursday, Oct. 19, Friday, Oct. 20, Thursday, Oct. 26, Friday, Oct. 27, Thursday, Nov. 2, Friday, Nov. 3, Thursday, Nov. 9 and Friday, Nov. 10. “These are one-of-a-kind tours that can’t be found anywhere else in southwest Illinois,” Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau said. “We want to be

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ALTON - Families and longtime residents of the Mexico region in Alton came together for a “Back to Mexico” block party on Sept. 2. Alton’s Mexico area stretches from Tremont Street to Union Street along Central Avenue. The Back to Mexico Committee organizes this event every year so former and current residents can connect and remember the area’s history. “It just brings me so much joy,” committee member Faye Taylor said. “It’s just like a big family gathering or picnic. It is a community event…and we have people come back from Atlanta, Detroit, Chicago, Indiana, wherever.” This year, attendees marked the occasion with a cookout, bounce house, face painting, vendors and games. Alton High School students who are part of the Alton Section of the National Council of Negro Women volunteered throughout the day. While the Back to Mexico event is a fun celebration, it’s also a nod to history. This section of Alto

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ALTON - The Alton Expo will take place as planned at the Alton Amphitheater from Thursday, Sept. 7 to Sunday, Sept. 10, and Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said there will be "a large police presence" at the event as well as private security used at all events at the Alton Amphitheater. As usual, the Alton Expo will feature live entertainment, rides, games, and of course fair food. "The Alton Expo has long been a family friendly event," Chief Ford said. "The safety and security of the event is always a top priority. Given recent altercations at Alton High School, we are implementing additional security protocols for the Alton Expo this year. Specifically, anyone 17 years of age and under will need to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian while at the Alton Expo. Those who are not will be required to leave until they can return with a parental figure." Ford added that while he has no specific information that leads him to believe that further altercations will take place, "we

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JERSEYVILLE - A wide range of charges including armed violence, battery in a public place, unlawful production of cannabis, and several more were filed in Jersey County over the past week, according to recent court filings. Steven A. Gold Jr., 22, of Jerseyville, was charged with armed violence (category three), aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful possession of a controlled substance. Court documents state that on Aug. 29, Gold unlawfully carried a loaded pistol on his person while in possession of a substance containing Vyvanse and while not on his own property or property he had been invited to. The pistol was allegedly “immediately accessible to the defendant at the time he carried it,” according to court documents. Gold was charged with one Class 2 felony for armed violence and two Class 4 felonies for controlled substance possession and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. His bail was set at $25,000. Shelly A. Reed, 51, of Brighton, was charged

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EAST ST. LOUIS — State Senator Christopher Belt announced that nearly two dozen school districts across the area will receive over $12 million in additional funding to help address the financial challenges of recent years. “These investments will do wonders for the physical and intellectual learning environments across the district, and the students are more than deserving of the utmost support,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Raising children is a community effort, and I am thankful for all the hard work parents, teachers and other staff have done to uplift their students.” The funding comes from the 2017 Illinois Senate Democrat-backed evidence-based funding formula — an overhaul of the way the state funds K-12 education. The law made school funding more equitable by calculating the needs of individual school districts and basing its state revenue on those needs. The formula takes into account a district’s total enrollment, poverty rate and number

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ROLLA, Mo. - During a time when many students enjoy some well-deserved rest, Hannah Butkovich, a junior in civil engineering at Missouri S&T, had other plans this summer. Over the past few months, Butkovich, of Bethalto, Illinois, participated in an internship with Keeley Construction. Plus, she was selected as a national student ambassador for the American Society of Civil Engineers. “I had a busy summer, but I learned so much in the process and had a great time being part of the Keeley team,” Butkovich says. “I am going to stay with the company this fall for a cooperative education program as well, which I can do remotely while still being a full-time student.” At Keeley Construction, Butkovich focused on pre-construction duties, such as estimating, calling contractors, marking up bid forms and reviewing construction drawings. “It was amazing,” she says. “Right from the beginning, they gave me real jobs to do. I had multiple projects

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GODFREY – L&C is inviting the public to celebrate this year’s garden show, “Discover the Monticello Sculpture Gardens,” at an upcoming Garden Festival, from 5:30-8 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 14. The festival is a free event and includes food, activities, live music, and fun for the whole family. “We want our community to view the Monticello Sculpture Gardens as a place to bring the family to enjoy art and nature,” said Garden Designer and Horticulturist Katie Piper. “This festival celebrates that and hopefully draws some new people to the gardens who have not had the chance to see the other wonderful things L&C offers outside of the classroom.” Make sure to grab a map and take a stroll across campus to discover eight beautiful themed garden locations and 14 unique bronze sculptures, which are permanent fixtures on the Godfrey Campus. L&C’s College for Life students will serve Icy Joes (from Bunkhouse Joe Coffee) from their Coffee

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today called on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and its Center for Tobacco Products to do more to protect kids from e-cigarettes. Specifically, Raoul is encouraging the FDA to limit flavors that attract minors, reduce nicotine levels to prevent addiction, and protect young people from marketing. “I have spent years dedicated to protecting minors and young people from becoming addicted to nicotine and tobacco products. Since becoming Attorney General, I have worked across state and party lines with other attorneys general to address youth e-cigarette usage, which has reached epidemic levels nationwide,” Raoul said. “The FDA is a critical partner in this effort, but it can and must do more. That is why we are urging the FDA to take additional steps to protect young people from nicotine addiction through e-cigarette usage.” More than 9,000 different types of e-cigarette devices are now sold in the United States,

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Dear Editor: Who do you trust? I’m not thinking of political leaders. I’m referring to people. Whether they go to church is as irrelevant as their political party. What matters is whether they put their beliefs above evidence. Do they put Tribe above Truth? If they are unwilling to look at evidence, then the answer is beware. We all choose what we believe. But if we’re unwilling to put evidence above ourselves, we can’t even trust ourselves. We’re all tempted to do it. You know who I am talking about because we are related to them. They are our friends and neighbors. They are nice people. Need examples? Think of someone you know who will believe allegations from their favorite “fact” source. But not watch testimony sworn under oath if they think it threatens their belief. Telling lies is not against the law. False testimony under oath is. That’s why some people do everything they can to avoid it. Cross-examination makes the veracity

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ALTON - Sierra Club Illinois’ Three Rivers Project, Alton Main Street, the Jacoby Arts Center, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the City of Grafton are calling for volunteers to support the Mississippi Earthtones Festival ’s 17th annual Great River Clean-Up. The clean-up will take place on Saturday, September 23 to coincide with the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF)’s National Public Lands Day (NPLD). During the clean-up, volunteers will work together to remove litter and debris from the Mississippi River and its shoreline. Community members can register to volunteer at the clean-up at bit.ly/MEFriver23 . “We’re proud to partner with local organizations, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the City of Grafton to host the Great River Clean-Up in an effort to encourage environmental engagement with wild places such as the Mississippi River,” said Christine Favilla, Co-Coordinator of the Three Rivers Project of Sierra Club Illinois. “To

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COLUMBIA – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that pavement repairs on eastbound Interstate 255 from the Illinois 3 exit to the Dupo exit in Monroe County will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 5. To complete the work, I-255 will be reduced to one lane at the Illinois 3 exit. The work is expected to be complete by Saturday, Sept. 9. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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ELSAH - The Village of Elsah Festival returns for 2023 on the first day of fall, September 23, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. With over 35 vendors, live music at three venues, and plenty of opportunities to explore the village’s shops, attractions, and history, this year’s festival is shaping up to be even bigger than last year. Visitors can explore the #1 Top Scenic Spot in Illinois on self-guided tours around town, including Wetland Trail and Pollinator Garden Tours. Free pamphlets for those tours are available at all Elsah businesses, and those who submit their completed plant identification brochures have a chance to win a $25 gift card from the Elsah General Store. This year’s festival will feature live music at the Gazebo behind the Green Tree Inn, the Riverview House, and Elsah United Methodist Church. At the Gazebo, the Bluesette Duo will perform jazzy “French café music” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by the acoustic classic rock and country

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ALTON - Two NFL stars will return to their hometown of Alton for the Mayor’s Charity and Fundraiser Ball next month. Michael Ford and Ezekiel “Zeke” Elliott both spent their childhoods in Alton before going on to play football in college and, eventually, the NFL. They will be recognized with a Hometown Royalty Award at the Mayor’s Ball on Oct. 7. “This year, we decided to feature our Hometown Royalty professional football athletes,” Sheila Goins, First Lady of Alton, said. The Mayor’s Ball will raise funds for the Friends for David Goins organization and the Overnight Warming Center . This year’s theme is “A Night in Disguise,” a masquerade ball with a Mardi Gras twist. Music will be provided by Red and Black Brass Band and Premier Protainment Band featuring Danita Mumphard . In addition to dinner and dancing, the program includes a Hometown Royalty Award. This tribute recognizes the success of people

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) announced the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund (ILHAF) will no longer accept applications beginning at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. ILHAF supports qualified homeowners with grants of up to $60,000 for past-due mortgage payments, property taxes, property insurance and homeowner and/or condo association fees. Any application submitted prior to closing will be reviewed to determine eligibility and a submitted application is not a guarantee of approval. Eligible Illinois homeowners can apply online at www.illinoishousinghelp.org . “Any homeowner struggling to make their monthly payments due to lingering fallout from the pandemic should not hesitate and reach out today to see if you are eligible for this free assistance,” said IHDA Executive Director Kristin Faust . “There is no guarantee of additional funding from Congress, so do not miss out on this opportunity and visit www.illinoishousinghelp.org

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