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ALTON - CJ's Juicery opened Wednesday afternoon at its new location to great success. "It was a really great turnout," owner Courtney McLaughlin said about opening day. Formerly located on Ridge St. in Alton, the new shop is located downtown at 104 W 3rd St. in the former Tony's Building. McLaughlin couldn't be happier to open the new location. "I'm just so grateful," she said. "I think my business deserves this spot and I think I deserve this spot after the hard work that I've put toward it, and the community deserves this location." The juicery is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is a hit on the weekend. "Saturdays are poppin' down here," McLaughlin said. She mentioned that the reason for the move was that she had outgrown her previous spot. McLaughlin said that if it wasn't for the Ridge St. location becoming available, she probably would have never been able to open. "I had the opportunity to go into that 600-square foot and start my small business,"

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GLEN CARBON - The Village of Glen Carbon has recently appointed a new Director of Community Development, Erika Heil, to oversee its and building and zoning department and economic development initiatives. Erika Heil brings with her a wide range of economic development experience, working in Illinois and Missouri on local, state-wide and regional level programs. Heil will begin her new role in the Village on May 8, 2023. Heil previously served as the Executive Director for The Alliance of Edwardsville and Glen Carbon, which was a non-profit economic development partnership for the two communities. Most recently, Heil was the Village Administrator for New Baden, Illinois. She has served in various positions and boards to include Edwardsville Township, Secretary for the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority, East-West Gateway Council of Governments, Southwestern Illinois Trade and Investment Council, Illinois Governor’s Rural Affairs Council, Illinois Economic Development Council,

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ALTON - Old Bakery Beer Company’s highly anticipated “Buzz’d Beer Festival” returns this year, and ten percent of the ticket sales will support the Piasa Palisades Group of Sierra Club Illinois’ work to protect pollinators across Illinois. The festival will take place on Sunday, March 19, from 1 to 5 PM at Old Bakery Beer Co. in historic downtown Alton. The Buzz’d Beer Festival celebrates the pollinators that make our food, flowers, and even our beer possible. Participating local breweries will showcase a beer that includes a pollinated ingredient to raise awareness about the importance of native pollinators. Festival-goers can also pick up free native wildflower seeds at the event. “Old Bakery Beer Company has long been a fantastic community partner, and we are grateful that they find opportunities like the Buzz’d Beer Festival to support Sierra Club’s work,” said Christine Favilla, co-Coordinator of the Three Rivers Project

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GRANITE CITY - GCS employees joined together to raise $1,130.00 in the month of February to benefit the Junior Service Club of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon. The Smile for Jeans Program is funded by GCS employees who make monthly, monetary donations out of their own pockets to a local organization. By donating $15 or more to a specific organization, GCS 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 GCS Credit Union presents them with a jeans donation check. GCS 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 February, GCS employees proudly raised $1,130.00 for the Junior Service Club of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon. JSC of Edwardsville/Glen Carbon is a philanthropic, non-profit 501c3 organization comprised of women who are dedicated to making a difference i

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CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) today recognized March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month (PGAM) in Illinois. To raise awareness around gambling disorders and honor those in recovery, participating buildings in downtown Chicago will be lit teal and a statewide art contest will shine a spotlight on the power of recovery. Throughout the month, IDHS will also partner with providers across the state to raise awareness around treatment options for those in need. "This month is a key opportunity for IDHS and our providers to raise awareness for the recovery support services available for gambling disorder. We would like to thank BOMA Chicago for helping us in our efforts to raise awareness by lighting the city skyline teal from March 20th-26th,” said IDHS Secretary Grace B. Hou. “Individuals who struggle with gambling disorder often hide their behavior from family members and we want all Illinois residents to know there is

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Community Unit School District #9 has announced the District Young Authors winners for the 2022-23 school year. Each spring the Madison County Regional Office of Education recognizes Young Authors winners in grades K-8 from Madison County schools at a county-wide event. Students have the opportunity to share their books with each other, participate in reading/writing centric activities and be entertained by a local author, storyteller or performer. The 32nd annual Madison County Young Authors Conference will be held on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at Edwardsville High School. Maryville 1-2 Education Center Principal Dr. Liz Niepert is GCSD9's coordinator. Congratulations to our District winners! Prather Christian Blake Seren Miller Ayree Martinez Harper Ward Maryville 1st Grade Rhett Hunter Sherine Bandela 2nd Grade Lucas Fisher Mariana Monterrosas Amelia Marty Wilson 2nd Grade Ava Belsky Lucille Colby Oliver Flynn Ca Deame Willis

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WASHINGTON, D.C – Today, Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly (IL-02) led the introduction of the Federal Firearm Licensee Act. This legislation, first introduced in 2021 would update sections in the U.S. Code directed at federal firearms licensees (FFLs) that have not been updated in 30 years. The current rules insulate rogue firearms dealers who engage in unlawful practices from enforcement action and frustrate law enforcement efforts to curb gun trafficking and violence in our communities. Congresswoman Kelly is joined by Reps. David Cicilline (D-RI), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Joe Morelle (D-NY), and Jimmy Panetta (D-CA) as co-leads of the legislation. The legislation has been endorsed by Everytown, Brady, Giffords, Moms Demand Action, and March for our Lives. The federal government’s current approach to governing licensed firearm dealers is inadequate to meet the business, technological and cultural realities of the 21st century. The bill modernizes regulations

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine issued the following statement Wednesday regarding charges filed against Timothy J. Dubois Jr., D.O.B. 1/17/1984, of Shobonier, IL., in an abduction/sexual assault case from Nov. 11, 2022: “We continue to pray for the healing and strength of the victim in this case. Due to the circumstances of the crime, we requested that the defendant be held with no bond. He will remain in custody until a hearing Friday on our request that he remain behind bars while awaiting trial.” “We also wish to congratulate the Collinsville Police Department and all participating agencies for their excellent work. The investigation that led to today’s charges was a testament to good old-fashioned police work combined with investigative techniques that are highly innovative – truly on the cutting edge. We look forward to proving this case at trial.” “Finally, we are asking for the public’s help. "The

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EAST ST. LOUIS – At 9:20 a.m. on March 6, 2023, an ISP Troop 8 Trooper patrolling the area near the 1200 block of North 9 th Street in East St. Louis came upon a deceased male on the roadway in front of a residence. The Trooper observed a male subject, later identified as 27-year-old Dontez McCray of East St. Louis, flee into the nearby residence after seeing the Trooper approach the area. ISP SWAT was activated and with the assistance of East St. Louis Police Department (ESLPD), were able to secure the perimeter to ensure public safety. At approximately 1:15 p.m., McCray was taken into custody by ISP SWAT without further incident. The ISP Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) adopted the case and continued the investigation. McCray’s bond was set at $1,000,000. McCray is currently in custody at the ESLPD jail. No further information will be disseminated.

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COLLINSVILLE - Since November 11, 2022, investigators from the Collinsville Police Department have engaged in a relentless pursuit of the suspect in this case. Today, March 8, the Madison County State's Attorney's Office is pleased to announce the arrest and issuance of charges against, Timothy J. Dubois Jr., 39, of Shobonier, Illinois. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office has issued the following charges against Dubois Jr.: Count 1: Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault (Class X – Enhanced 16-70) Count 2: Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault (Class X) Count 3: Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault (Class X – Enhanced 16-70) Count 4: Aggravated Criminal Sexual Assault (Class X) Count 5: Aggravated Kidnapping (Class X) Count 6 – Aggravated Kidnapping (Class X) Count 7 – Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 2) Count 8 - Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 2) Count 9 - Aggravated Criminal Sexual Abuse (Class 2) Count 10 - Aggravated

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SPRINGFIELD - State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) participated in a press conference on Wednesday with the Illinois State Rifle Association and her House Republican colleagues, Representatives Caulkins, Cabello, Tipsword, and Windhorst to urge Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Governor J.B. Pritzker to provide more clarity to law-abiding gun owners concerning last Friday’s court decision ruling the firearm ban unconstitutional. According to State Rep. Amy Elik, “Out of respect to law-abiding gun owners, I urge the Attorney General to provide the clarity they deserve concerning a court ruling that the firearm ban is unconstitutional throughout Illinois. The Attorney General is responsible for providing a response on this issue as the case is not scheduled to be considered by the Illinois Supreme Court for another two months. Law-abiding gun owners need to know if the State is still enforcing this unconstitutional firearm ban.” On Friday, March 3, Macon

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ALTON - The arrowhead-shaped monument in Piasa Park on the Great River Road in Alton was seriously damaged overnight. The much-written about Piasa Bird painting rests on the bluffs in Piasa Park and is an attraction for visitors. The Alton Park and Recreation Department takes care of that area and Director Michael Haynes said Wednesday morning, there was a sense of shock in city circles at what happened overnight to the monument. “The monument was fine in the late afternoon on Tuesday because we had people who saw it,” Haynes explained. “Unfortunately, someone got enough leverage to knock it over and this time, they broke the statue in half. This has happened two or three times before in the last three or four months, but it did not break the monument. We were able to reset it before.” Haynes said the monument was “heavy” and would not have been easy to pull over. He speculates it could have involved multiple people in this act of vandalism and likel

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JERSEY - The Jersey County Sheriff's Office is investigating a hit-and-run crash Wednesday afternoon. In the accident, there was property damage to several mailboxes, yards, and a fence along South Centennial Road in Jersey. Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns said this is "a suspected DUI case." "The suspect fled the scene in a vehicle, then was located by deputies after he crashed in a ditch," the sheriff added. "One 40-year-old white male is in custody." One person reported there was "debris everywhere" at the scene that had to be cleaned up.

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EDWARDSVILLE - After a guilty plea arrangement, Jacob M. Sitze, 31, of Bethalto, was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to Aggravated DUI with a blood alcohol level of .98 or more resulting in a death, a Class 2 felony. The Sitze crash resulted in the death of a Godfrey woman, Megan L. Labrenz, 39, on Nov. 6, 2020. Brian Brueggeman, a spokesperson for the Madison County State’s Attorney's Office recapped what happened in the plea and sentencing process for Sitze: “The defendant had no criminal history - it would have been taken into consideration had a judge imposed a sentence.” “The entire plea was vetted and coordinated with the victim’s family and the attorney who represented the victim’s family.” “The two dismissed counts were alternate ways of charging the same offense.” “The credit for time served was one day.” The accident that involved Sitze occurred in the 6600 block of Godfrey Road

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GRANITE CITY - To be able to play on one championship team is an honor unto itself. For a player to be a part of five consecutive championship teams is an amazing feat. And that's exactly what Michael Atkins has accomplished, as the senior goalie for the Granite City High hockey team played on his fifth straight championship team when the Warriors won its second straight Mississippi Valley Club Hockey Association's Class 2A championship last week with a two-game sweep over O'Fallon in a best-of-three series. Atkins is a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month for Granite City. Atkins' record was very impressive during that run as well, going 96-17-11 in his five years as a top goalie for Granite, recording 45 shutouts while playing on junior varsity championship teams in eighth grade and as a sophomore to go along with three varsity titles in his freshman, junior and senior years. Atkins also played in the league's Rising Stars game, a JV All-Star game, getting a shutout

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County offers a free program to help reduce litter and maintain cleanliness throughout its communities. The county’s Building and Zoning Department is offering residents a free resource tool kit, which includes trash bags, reflective vests, gloves and litter grabbers to go out and pick up trash. "We are focused on ways to reduce the amount of litter in the county and this resource helps battle that problem,” Building and Zoning Administrator Chris Doucleff said. "Providing free resources for residents can impact change." Doucleff said since the inception of the program — Clean Communities — two years ago, residents picked up more than 3,300 tool kits to tackle the litter in their communities. He said the county regularly receives complaints about litter along the county’s roads and ditches. “We have made trash pickup a priority,” he said. “It’s not always easy, but this is something we did for those

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SPRINGFIELD - Amid coordinated efforts throughout the nation to ban books from library shelves, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has drafted first-in-the-nation legislation designed to support public and school libraries and librarians as they face unprecedented censorship of books and resources in Illinois. The legislation comes after extremist groups – including the far-right nationalist group, the Proud Boys – have targeted Illinois libraries, divided communities and harassed librarians across the country, even though the books are not required reading for anyone. Giannoulias, who serves as the State’s Librarian, reiterated his staunch support for Illinois librarians who not only deserve our gratitude, but also must have safe environments in which to work. Giannoulias argued that book banning undermines First Amendment rights, threatens individual freedoms and liberties and prevents the public from accessing reading materials of their choice. “This

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ALTON - Alton Mayor David Goins is “elated” to hear that the Golden Corral will reopen in about a month. Employees were visible at the location this week, along with service personnel. This Golden Corral closed in July 2022 and has not reopened since that time. “I always felt in my heart of hearts that when they closed in July 2022 it wasn’t the end,” Goins said. “This is really exciting news. It was one of Alton’s most popular restaurants and has really been missed.” The business is located at 350 Homer Adams Parkway in Alton. Golden Corral is most known for its endless buffet.

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GODFREY - Keri Kiser, a Godfrey resident and mother, raised concerns about the speed limit on West Delmar Avenue while holding one of her children at the Godfrey Village Board of Trustees meeting on March 7. Kiser, whose two-year-old daughter was killed in a traffic accident in that same area, said the current 45-mile-per-hour speed limit is too dangerous for the neighborhood and that two businesses are controlling the speed limit for over 1,400 Godfrey residents. “There’s more than 1,400 people that live in that area … from Pierce down to Blue Fountain , it’s over 1,400 people - lots of families, lots of children,” Kiser said. “My daughter was the 2-year-old girl that was killed right there in front of my house on Pine Grove on West Delmar.” Not only was her daughter killed, but her dog was also hit by the car, which Kiser says was definitely speeding despite no official determination being made. “The circumstances of what happene

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River City Council member Jeremy Plank has proposed a voter referendum on the possible Wood River Cannabis Dispensary in the downtown area. “When elected to Wood River City Council two short years ago, I promised to bring transparency to the process and to work to build our downtown,” he said on Tuesday. “Last night, I asked that the March 20 th council agenda include a vote to rescind the January 3 rd vote that placed a cannabis dispensary in downtown Wood River, within four blocks of Lewis and Clark Elementary School. I also asked that a referendum of the voters be requested by City Council to give Wood River voters a chance to weigh in. “The January 3 rd vote came after just two business days’ notification and virtually no time for discussion. This decision was made without proper public input, and without a survey of downtown business owners. Our city should not be run this way. I will continue to be a voice for taxpayers, job

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