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ALTON - With the increasingly colder temperatures throughout the day, Overnight Warming Centers in Alton will open their doors tonight beginning at 5 p.m. Overnight Warming Centers is located at Deliverance Temple at 1125 E. 6th St. in Alton. Follow Overnight Warming Centers Alton on Facebook for updates.

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SPRINGFIELD - Pursuant to a provision of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, a comprehensive study by the Illinois Commerce Commission (“Commission” or “ICC”) has concluded that low-income discount rates for electric and natural gas customers are appropriate for Illinois. On Dec. 15th, the Commission approved the report summarizing the study and offering recommendations for the implementation of discount rates. The Commission further requested that large electric and gas utilities identified in the report file low-income discount rates in their next rate design case, using the recommendations and issues raised in the report to shape their filings. The report has been sent to the members of the Illinois General Assembly in accordance with CEJA. “At the Commission, utility affordability is always top-of-mind for us as we consider decisions impacting consumers. As we move through the CEJA implementation process and the transition to a greener, cleaner grid,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Because of the inclement weather in Madison County, Chief Judge Stephen Stobbs issued an order that after consultation with the Resident Circuit Judge, the Courts, and the Office of the Circuit Clerk of Bond County, offices were closed at noon on Thursday, December 22, 2022. For matters that involve remote proceedings, they were able to proceed as scheduled whenever possible at the discretion of the presiding judge. After the judge's order, all Madison County facilities and courthouses closed at noon on Thursday.

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JERSEYVILLE - The list of candidates running in the 2023 municipal elections for Jerseyville has officially been announced, with current Mayor Bill Russell not seeking re-election and three candidates looking to take his place. Candidates for Mayor include Kevin Stork, Lawrence Welsh, and Clifford Coats. Stork currently serves as Jerseyville's Commissioner of Accounts and Finance, while Coats is the President of Coats Midtown Automotive in Jerseyville. With Stork seeking the Mayor’s position, two other candidates are looking to take Stork’s place as Commissioner of Accounts and Finance - those candidates are Anthony Steckel and Lisa Fitzgibbons-Wieneke. Nick Bexheti, who owns both Nick’s Pancake House and Brossio Tavern in Jerseyville, is seeking re-election as Commissioner of Streets and Public Improvements. He will face two challengers in the 2023 election - John Miles and Chris Lorton. Zachary Crawford is seeking re-election as Jerseyville’s Commissioner

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) commissioned 49 new Troopers today from Cadet Class 139 at a graduation ceremony at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield. The total number of ISP troopers added since 2019 now stands at 417. The new Troopers will report to 15 ISP patrol districts throughout the state on Monday, December 26, 2022. Cadet Class 139 marks the 11th cadet class graduation under Governor JB Pritzker. The Governor’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget for ISP is the largest in ISP history and allows for an additional 300 new Troopers. “I’m thrilled to congratulate Cadet Class 139 on their graduation from the Illinois State Police Academy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These 49 new troopers went through rigorous training inside and outside of the classroom—learning everything from de-escalation tactics to warning signs of domestic violence. As the latest class of 417 new Troopers added since the beginning of my time i

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SPRINGFIELD - Due to travel warnings issued by the National Weather Service and the Illinois State Police in anticipation of hazardous road conditions caused by the impending winter storm, all Secretary of State offices and Driver Services facilities will be closed at 1 p.m. today, Thursday, Dec. 22. Secretary White’s top priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of customers and employees. “I encourage motorists to abide by law enforcement warnings to stay off the roads during hazardous, blizzard-like winter conditions,” said White. Secretary of State offices and facilities will reopen after the holiday weekend on Tuesday, Dec. 27. In the meantime, customers are encouraged to conduct other business online at ilsos.gov. In addition to driver’s license and ID card renewals for those who qualify, online services include obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card, ordering a driver's record, and purchasing license plate stickers.

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WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined the White House and the U.S. Department of the Treasury to announce the approval of broadband projects in Illinois under the American Rescue Plan’s Capital Projects Fund , which aims to make affordableand reliable high-speed internet accessible to all Americans. Illinois will receive $253.7 million for broadband infrastructure, which is estimated to connect 87,163 households and businesses to the internet. The Capital Projects Fund (CPF) provides a total of $10 billion to states, territories, freely associated states, and Tribal governments to fund critical capital projects that enable work, education, and health monitoring in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. In addition to the $10 billion provided by the CPF, many governments are using a portion of their State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) to connect every American households to

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ST. LOUIS - Due to the predicted extreme cold weather forecasted for St. Louis and surrounding areas for today and tomorrow, the St. Louis County Police Department will have officers more visible than usual throughout the neighborhoods we serve. Should a resident have an immediate cold-weather-related emergency, they may either contact the office directly if safe to do so, dial “211” or call the St. Louis County Police at 636-529-8210. Our goal is to ensure residents are safe during this and any extreme weather conditions. If needed, residents may also call "211" between the hours of 7:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. to receive a list of warming shelters with availability. If an inquiry regarding shelter availability is needed after 7:30 p.m., residents are asked to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210.

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CHICAGO - Today Governor Pritzker signed HB1293 into law, divesting Illinois state pension funds from Russian and Belarusian banks and companies effective immediately. This action was taken in response to the unjustified invasion of Ukraine by Russia earlier this year and in support of the Ukrainian people in their continued resistance against Russian aggression. “As the great-grandson of Ukrainian Jewish refugees, I stand firmly with the Ukrainian people and condemn Russian violence,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This is an important step in demonstrating support for the people of Ukraine and in condemning the unlawful invasion and occupation of Ukraine by Russian forces.” Only a small portion of Illinois’ state assets- less than 0.005%-- will be affected by this policy change. Governor Pritzker directed the Illinois State Board of Investments to investigate this disinvestment process in March of 2022, when Russia initially invaded Ukraine. Illinois communitie

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SPRINGFIELD - A new law in 2023 will remove a long-standing stigma for people that earn an Illinois High School Equivalency Certificate. Starting January 1, 2023, that certificate will become the State of Illinois High School Diploma to more accurately reflect the equal value of that diploma and traditional diplomas earned at high schools across Illinois. Last year, in a bi-partisan effort, Illinois lawmakers passed and Governor J.B. Pritzker signed SB3792 which amended the code of multiple acts and agencies to replace references to ‘high school equivalency certificate’ with ‘State of Illinois High School Diploma’. The change will help Illinois graduates establish reciprocity with educational requirements in other states. “Students that earn a State of Illinois High School Diploma must possess the same level of knowledge and meet the same expectations as graduates from an Illinois high school. In fact, the two efforts are the same and should be considered

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ST. LOUIS - The Armory STL is officially open! Now, they’re excited to announce a December to remember filled with exciting events. Kick off your holiday festivities with a Christmas party and the inaugural NYE STL celebration. Now an Armory STL Christmas! What’s better than Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, N’Sync, Bing Crosby, Backstreet Boys, and Christmas? Nothing! We’re bringing these Christmas classics to the Armory for a night of twinkling tinsel, too much eggnog, celebratory shenanigans, and lots of holiday cheer! Wear an ugly sweater (or don’t), sing carols, watch snippets of your favorite Christmas movies, and pretend you’re Buddy the Elf. Plus, the Super Happy Fun Slide is making a one-night, must-see appearance as the Super Happy Candy Cane. Tickets are not required for this event. Must be 21+ to attend. Now an Armory STL Christmas! | Friday, December 23 | 8 p.m. The Inaugural Armory NYE STL: A Dance Revolution Experience NYE STL at

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GREENVILLE, IL. - Greenville University and McKendree University signed an enrollment agreement for GU students completing a bachelor of science in exercise science to continue their studies toward a master of science in athletic training (MSAT) with McKendree University. The agreement between the two institutions fosters a spirit of cooperation and provides GU students an opportunity to secure a spot in the McKendree MSAT program. “Greenville University and the Department of Sport and Kinesiology are excited to be in partnership with McKendree University,” said Roy Mulholland, department chair of sport and kinesiology at Greenville University. “Being able to collaborate with another institution in our region is a great step toward providing quality undergraduate and graduate experiences for our students. Athletic training is a growing emphasis in our exercise science program. We believe providing our students with a Christ-centered focus sets them apart and prepare

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ALTON - OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center utilizes a variety of recognition programs to honor Mission Partners (i.e. employees) that demonstrate our Mission of "Serving with the Greatest Care and Love." Among them is the long-standing "Merciful Love Award" that's announced annually during the hospital's Christmas party. The 2022 “Merciful Love Award” winner is Sabrina Cunningham, sr. financial analyst (pictured with Sr. M. Beata Ziegler, FSGM, vice president, of support services). Sabrina's nominator, in part, stated, "Sabrina is always helping out other Mission Partners, whether at St. Anthony’s or Ministry headquarters. If she doesn’t know the answer, she finds out for you or finds the resources you need to help you. She always volunteers her time with events such as the golf tournament, Alton Clean-Up, and the Great River Road Run." To Sabrina, the OSF Saint Anthony’s Mission means "realizing that each of us makes mistakes and faces challenges

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ALTON – As the final days of The Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign approach, Madison County Corp. campaign co-chairs Dr. John and Barb Hoelscher urge the community to give generously. “We want to thank all of the bell ringers who have been so generous with their time, as well as the many businesses who have allowed us to put the red kettles inside and out at their establishments,” said Barb Hoelscher. “They are all key to the success of this fundraising effort to help the needy in our community. We are so grateful to all the nice folks who dig into their pockets whenever they see a red kettle. Their gifts are helping a fine charity provide food, clothing, and social services to people needing help.” Everyone has certainly been affected by inflation and the tough economy this year, but those with low incomes have been hit especially hard, Dr. John Hoelscher said. “That’s why supporting the work of our local Salvation Army is so important,

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EDWARDSVILLE – City of Edwardsville Public Works employees will be out in force ahead of and during the winter storm that is expected to bring snow and bitterly cold temperatures to the area beginning Thursday. City crews plan to pre-treat the roads ahead of the storm and then will work to clear accumulating snow, initially prioritizing the main roads and other high-impact routes based on public safety. Accumulating snow, windy conditions and the extreme cold that are expected with the storm could complicate cleanup. They also could pose hazards to those who are traveling or have prolonged exposure outside. If you must be on the roads, please be cautious, drive at a safe speed for the conditions, wear a seat belt and increase your distance from other vehicles. City officials also ask that you allow extra space for city vehicles working to clear the roads. You can find additional information about the city’s winter weather operations, along with some suggestions, on our

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ALTON - Christmas Wonderland at Alton's Rock Springs Park will close because of the incoming winter storm on Thursday, Dec. 22, and Friday, Dec. 23, the head Grandpa Gang member Dick Alford said on Wednesday afternoon. The Grandpa Gang builds and coordinates the Christmas lights display each year. "We are closing because of the pending weather," explained Alford. "We didn't want to jeopardize the volunteers by having them outside in the cold. It looks like we will play it day to day. We gather again and make a decision Friday about that night and the rest of the weekend's status." Alford said the Grandpa Gang members normally work the display on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and relieve other volunteers for duty. The Christmas Wonderland Christmas lights display at Rock Springs Park ends Tuesday, December 27. The regular hours are from 6-9 p.m. on weeknights and 5-9 p.m. on weekends. Alford said overall, this has been a "really good year" for Christmas Wonderland and the Grandpa

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EDWARDSVILLE - Dr. Beth Renth is concluding an outstanding career with Edwardsville School District 7 that spanned more than 22 years of serving students. Renth officially retired last week. She was formally recognized by the Board of Education Monday night. She has touched the lives of countless students in her tenure. Toward the end of her career, Renth shared the knowledge she gained during her 22 years as principal of Worden Elementary with others, by serving as a principal trainer and mentor for the new elementary principals in the district. She stepped down as principal at Worden in May. With many new elementary principals in the district, her insight and years of experience have been valuable for them in their transition. “They really welcomed me with open arms, and we were able to talk through things," she said. "But they also do things differently. They are their own person and their own leader, but I am there to help them figure out what is best, especially for the

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police announced Wednesday that a major winter storm is expected to create dangerous travel conditions across the state Thursday and Friday, strongly urging the public to adjust plans and postpone unnecessary trips. The mixture of snow, rapidly falling temperatures and strong wind gusts is expected to produce blizzard conditions by Thursday afternoon, with extremely slick roads, little to no visibility and potentially life-threating wind chills if you become stranded. “The Illinois Department of Transportation is prepared to use all available resources to respond to this significant winter storm, but travel at times will be treacherous if not impossible by midday Thursday and into the overnight hours,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman . “Prepare now and consider postponing plans if they require driving. Remember: the safest option always is to stay home. Our IDOT snow-and-ic

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BETHALTO - The Bethalto Police Department today announced methamphetamine charges for two suspects in Madison County Circuit Court. ROBERT D. HAMOR M/W AGE: 57 (Unlawful Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine 15 to 100 grams (Class X Felony) SAVANA N. PARTRIDGE F/W AGE: 32 (Unlawful Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine 5 to 15 grams (Class 1 Felony). The charges stem from a traffic stop for registration-related offenses that was conducted by a Bethalto Police Officer at 11:16 p.m. on Tuesday, December 20, 2022, off Airline Drive. During the traffic stop and the ensuing investigation officers located and seized multiple packages of suspected methamphetamine. The two subjects were taken into custody and transported to the Madison County Jail where they were held pending a presentation of facts to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office. Judge Slemer signed and issued the warrants/information, setting Hamor’s bond at $100,000

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CHICAGO – Solidifying Illinois’ position as a leader in the emerging electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing industry, Governor JB Pritzker today signed an amendment to the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act into law, further incentivizing EV production across the state. “Here in Illinois, we are leading the electric vehicle revolution,” said Governor JB Pritzker, “Today’s REV amendment signing sends a clear message to EV manufacturers that we are the best place in the nation to call home, thanks to our competitive incentives and ambitious clean energy goals. It’s no wonder that companies like Lion Electric, TCCI, and Rivian have expanded their footprints throughout our state, and I look forward to welcoming more EV businesses to Illinois in the coming years.” In addition to the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, the Reimagining Electric Vehicles in Illinois Act (REV) is designed to make Illinois a leader in the fight against

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