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ALTON - Alton’s Middletown Historic District will once again light up the night with their Christmas Eve luminary. Now in its 22nd year, the luminary includes over 5,000 candles burning all night throughout the blocks of Middletown along Henry, East 12th and surrounding streets. The tradition is “breathtaking” to behold, according to luminary chair Shannon Sholar. “It just puts a glow and makes everybody feel festive and peaceful at a time where we have a crazy, crazy world. You can just drive through and take a deep breath in and take in the glow,” Sholar said. “We are kind of showcasing our historic neighborhood. I’m a lover of Christmas and everything Christmas, and it just really is breathtaking and beautiful and unique. I think a lot of other areas in town have started doing it.” While the luminary has grown, the tradition itself has stayed largely the same. Duke’s Bakery donates paper bags every year, and the Middletown

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department is investigating a robbery that took place at the Walgreens location at 2610 State St. at 8:47 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said his officers responded after a report of the apparent robbery and as officers were responding to Walgreens, information was given that the suspect had since fled the business on foot. "Officers as well as a police K9 searched the area for the suspect but were unable to locate him at that time," Chief Ford said. "Preliminary investigation revealed that a white male suspect entered the store and walked to the pharmacy. He then revealed to the pharmacy employee that this was a robbery and demanded a certain item from the pharmacy. After receiving the item, the suspect exited the store with the item. No Walgreens employees were physically harmed during the robbery." The investigation is ongoing and being conducted by the Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division. Anyone

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SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has announced $750,000 of grant funding available for the development and completion of energy efficiency projects at public water supply (PWS) facilities, commonly referred to as drinking water treatment plants (DWTP). The grant program seeks to invest U.S. Department of Energy Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funds in publicly owned PWS in the State of Illinois. The grants will enable units of local government to make energy efficiency upgrades to water equipment identified by previous energy audits, in some cases from audits provided at no-cost by the Illinois EPA Office of Energy. The funded projects will reduce the amount of energy consumed by water treatment operations, thereby reducing energy costs. Grant applications will undergo a comprehensive, merit-based review. Scoring factors will include cost effectiveness, energy cost impact savings, energy rate, and projects located in environmental justice

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced $1,835,880 in new federal funding for a total of five projects throughout Illinois to help improve traffic safety. These federal investments from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Safe Streets and Roads for All program will help support planning, infrastructure, behavioral and operational initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets involving all roadway users. “Improving street safety and increasing multimodal transportation infrastructure makes for safer, more active and more vibrant communities,” Duckworth said. “I’m proud to announce this important funding to help communities throughout Illinois the make much-needed improvements to catalyze economic development, enhance community connectivity and improve quality of life for residents.” “Safer roads mean safer communities, and by dedicating resources t

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ALTON - The Alton Committee of the Whole gave preliminary approval of a redevelopment agreement for another TIF project in the city’s downtown on Monday. The latest project includes various improvements to the building housing Refabuloused Relics at 615 E. Broadway between Henry Street and Ridge Street. Alderman Raymond Strebel shared a few more details about the project at the meeting on Monday. “They’re right down on Broadway next to Germania, and the owners there want to build a back second-floor porch with a stairwell down,” Strebel said. “I believe they’re going to have some work done also, they want to turn it into an apartment complex on the second floor.” According to the redevelopment agreement, the full scope of the project consists of both interior and exterior renovations, including the construction of a rear deck and steps, door replacement, new flooring, HVAC installation, and the creation of a second-floor residential uni

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GRANITE CITY – State Reps. Jay Hoffman, D-Swansea, and Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, are insisting that local workers are heard as Nippon Steel Corporation moves to acquire U.S. Steel without engaging the United Steelworkers (USW) union. Hoffman and Stuart issued the following statements, Monday: “We need to know in no uncertain terms what this deal means for the thousands of Metro East families that have been the heart of U.S. Steel for decades. It’s troubling that the advocates for workers have so far been denied a seat at the table,” Hoffman said. “Whether this deal goes through or not, it would be prudent of U.S. Steel’s leadership to reconsider recent actions directed toward Granite City and its dedicated, highly skilled workforce. This plant and its people have brought significant value to the industry for decades, and it can continue to be a strong investment for years to come.” “We remain committed to a future for U.S.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Two are facing criminal charges after an armed robbery attempt on Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, at Best Buy at 6670 Edwardsville Crossing Drive, Edwardsville. Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas Haine has signed charges against the two women named below. Angel Deshaun Crosby and Jakiaya T. McCoy both are facing Armed Robbery charges, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office said on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023. McCoy faces a count of Armed Robbery that reads: “In that said defendant, or one for whose conduct the defendant is accountable, knowingly took property, being Apple iPad devices and various electronics from the person or presence of another.” The charge continues and reads the Best Buy employee “faced the threat of imminent use of force, with the intent to permanently deprive the owner of said property while caring on or about their person or being other side armed with a firearm in violation of 720 ILCS 5/18-2(a)(2). This is

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) announced on Monday, Dec. 18, 2023, the arrest of 38-year-old Robert L. Palmer of East St. Louis, IL for First Degree Murder (Class M Felony) and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon (Class 3 Felony). ISP said on July 24, 2023, ISP DCI PSEG agents were requested by the East St. Louis Police Department to assist with a homicide investigation that occurred at a nightclub in the 600 block of Martin Luther King Boulevard. The victim, 43-year-old Ryan Morton of Cahokia Heights, had been shot at the nightclub and transported to an area hospital, where he died from his injuries. After a thorough investigation, the case was presented to the St. Clair County State’s Attorney James Gomric, and the above-mentioned charges were filed against Palmer. On December 15, 2023, the United States Marshals Service took Palmer into custody i

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RIVERBEND - A new resource for kids who stutter is available at libraries across the country. “Stuttering: For Kids, By Kids” is a DVD available in 16,000 libraries around the U.S. or through interlibrary loan. The video is available in English and Spanish, and it features real kids who struggle with speech impediments. The Stuttering Foundation sponsored the film and the foundation’s president, Jane Fraser, noted that it aims to help kids feel less alone. “There are children all over the place that are in towns and schools where there are no other kids who stutter,” Fraser said. “And so that was kind of our thinking: Let’s put together a film so that these kids who feel like they’re alone in the world and no other kids their age stutter, let’s let them know that there are other kids out there that have to deal with the same problems.” Fraser explained that the film features kids who stutter in a variety of ways, an

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ALTON - The Annual Wreaths Across America Ceremony in Alton brings about unity and pays homage each year to those who served their country and rest in peace in Alton’s National Cemetery. This year there was again tremendous participation by Alton area youth. St. Mary’s Catholic School had several students participate and not one who signed up failed to show, Coordinator Margaret Hopkins said. Alton State’s Attorney Thomas Haine also participated and two of his sons helped in placing the wreaths in the proper position. Several grandchildren of veterans stood proudly by the side of their loved ones to place wreaths. Hopkins even had four of her granddaughters take part in placing the wreaths on graves. The Alton Junior ROTC was a large participant in the presentation of Colors and also participated in the ceremonial wreath laying. Master Sgt. Katie Rosenbeck does “a great job” with the Alton Junior ROTC, Hopkins said. “She comes to

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EAST ALTON/WOOD RIVER - On Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, 45 East Alton-Wood River (EAWR) High School students became the first high school students in Madison County to be certified as Teen Mental Health First Aiders. The students underwent a six-week course to become certified through the Madison County Mental Health Board, the National Council for Mental Well-Being and the Born This Way Foundation . Under the instruction of the school’s guidance department, they talked about how to identify and support peers in crisis. “The whole process began when there was a strategic plan created and conversations on how we can better support teen mental health,” explained Katie Venvertloh, EAWR student/family interventionist. “And after some other discussions and research, we decided that the Teen Mental Health First Aid curriculum would be awesome to bring to East Alton-Wood River…It really opened up our guidance office and we had a lot of students come to

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ALTON - World War II veteran Art Williams was recognized again Saturday at Alton National Cemetery for his service not only to his country during wartime, but all the years that followed. Williams recently marked his 100th birthday with a variety of celebrations. Williams served in the United States Army from December 1942 to December 1945. He received a plaque for his 17 years of service to the Wreaths Across America program and also released a dove as part of the ceremony. “He is a treasure,” Margaret Hopkins, chair of the Wreaths Across America Program, said. “It is not just us he serves, but he is active in the Alton-Godfrey Rotary and he is still active in the community. It was great to honor his service and the time he has assisted us.” Williams said he believes it is important to recognize the people who sacrificed. "The people who sacrificed their lives in wartime and the others who have served allowed our country to be what it is today," he said.

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ALTON - Each year, one of the most meaningful events in the region is the Alton Wreaths Across America Ceremony coordinated by Margaret Hopkins. This year for the 17th time, Alton marked the special occasion at Alton National Cemetery. An abundance of people attended this year's event and several youth participated in the ceremony. A feature story will appear about the youth participation at Wreaths Across America and also a special interview with 100-year-old World War II Art Williams , who received special recognition this year. Chaplain Bernie Caldwell did the invocation and the USAF - ROTC Color Guard at Alton High posted colors, followed by a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem by Deborah Maneke. Hopkins said she was very pleased with the overall participation on a cold and rainy day and the attendance showed the importance of the ceremony. “We were so appreciative people came despite the bad weather,” Hopkins said. “I was overwhelmed with the

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DOW - Recent court filings state that a man from Dow was charged with possession of methamphetamine in Jersey County earlier this month. Brian C. Ernst, 52, of Dow, was charged with possession of more than 15 but less than 100 grams of methamphetamine. Court documents allege he committed the offense on or about Dec. 6, 2023. Ernst was charged with a Class 1 felony. Court documents indicate he met the conditions for pretrial release under the Illinois Pretrial Fairness Act. He will make his initial court appearance at his preliminary hearing at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023 at the Jersey County courthouse in Jerseyville. More information about this case is available here . The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects charged with criminal offenses are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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BRIGHTON - A man from Brighton has been charged with “sexual relations within families,” according to recent Jersey County court filings. Jeffrey M. Hastings, 50, of Brighton, was charged with one count of sexual relations within families on or about Nov. 22, 2023. Court documents allege Hastings “knowingly” had sex with “a family member who was 18 years of age or over when the act was committed.” Hastings was charged with a Class 3 felony and was taken into the custody of the Jersey County Sheriff. However, his case history indicates the state’s petition to detain him was denied and he was released subject to pretrial release conditions and electronic monitoring. His arraignment hearing is set for 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2023 at the Jersey County Courthouse in Jerseyville. More information about this case is available here . The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt.

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PITTSBURGH - Nippon Steel Corporation, Japan’s largest steel maker, will acquire U.S. Steel in an all-cash transaction for $14.1 billion, plus assumption of debt for a total of $14.9 billion. U.S. Steel stock has soared on the U.S. stock market today. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Board of Directors of both NSC and U.S. Steel. Granite City Mayor Mike Parkinson said at this point, city leaders do not know exactly what the purchase of U.S. Steel by Nippon Steel will mean for those in his city and the workers. The United Steel Workers Local 1899 was contacted and said a statement may be released later on Monday in reaction to the sale. The Local 1899 issued a notice on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023, to union members that a WARN Act notice would be settled by U.S. Steel. In November, U.S. Steel issued WARN Notices (Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification) that the Granite City facility would be idled indefinitely. Parkinson said at that time that 400 workers

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is proud to announce the launch of its new Bachelor of Science in cybersecurity engineering program offered jointly through the computer science and computer engineering programs in the School of Engineering (SOE). This innovative program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a world increasingly reliant on secure data systems. “This new program is unique in nature in our region since it focuses on providing a holistic education on both hardware and software side of cybersecurity as well as teaching how to design security systems which are now becoming backbone of the platforms used in IT industries,” said Cem Karacal, PhD, dean of the SOE. Cybersecurity engineering is a rapidly growing field and SIUE’s program is designed to bridge the talent gap by producing graduates who are well-prepared to tackle the complex challenges of cybersecurity. The program offers students a comprehensive

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, conferred degrees upon 1593 eligible graduates during fall 2023 commencement exercises, held Friday and Saturday, Dec. 15-16 in the First Community Arena at the Vadalabene Center. Student speakers took the spotlight. Their reflections and the work of their standout classmates exemplified the readiness of this cohort to follow Minor’s instruction from the podium: “Go forward with confidence and purpose knowing that you have the power to own tomorrow.” Led by Denise Cobb, PhD, provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs and respective deans, SIUE’s 132nd commencement celebration began at 2 p.m. Friday with the School of Nursing. Student speaker Mitchel Zurliene completed the accelerated bachelor of science in nursing, after first receiving a bachelor of science in computer science from SIUE. Zurliene was born with Tetralogy of Fallot, a congenital heart defect.

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ALTON - A few lucky customers were surprised with $20 of free gas on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2023, courtesy of Mustache March 4PD (MM4PD). MM4PD is a local nonprofit that supports local police departments in honor of late Police Officer Blake Snyder. Every year, they choose a day to surprise customers at Hit N Run with free gas, and they gave away over $2,500 worth of gas on Saturday with the help of Hit N Run owner Dwight Fowler and gas distributor JD Streett/ZX. “Especially this time of year, people take all the help they can get,” said Tina Bennett, vice president of MM4PD. “Our group, Mustache March 4PD, we support all the local police departments…We give away a bunch of freebies just to let people know that the police officers are good guys. We just want that rapport between the community and the police officers to stay positive, and that’s a really good way of doing it, by giving back to the community.” MM4PD gives each person $20 worth of

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HARDIN - The Calhoun Sheriff's Office announced charges against a Medora woman and Jerseyville woman today, Dec. 18, 2023. The pair - Karen A. Bray, 61, of Medora, and Teresa Blanco, 60, of Jerseyville face various drug-related charges below. The Calhoun Sheriff's Office said on Dec. 11, 2023, a Deputy Sheriff with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop at Illinois River Road near Meppen, in Calhoun County, Illinois. After an investigation, the driver, Bray, was arrested for the following offenses: Driving Under the Influence - Drugs Operating with Suspended Registration Operating Uninsured Improper Lane Usage Additionally, a passenger, Blanco, was arrested for the following offenses: Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Bray and Blanco were arrested without incident and transported to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office. As is now required under the provisions of the new House Bill 3653, known as the

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