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PONTOON BEACH - Media reports have exploded in the past 24 hours that giant electric-car maker Tesla has plans to open a large, nearly 700,000-plus square-foot warehouse at a location in Pontoon Beach, just south of Interstate 270 at Gateway TradePort. The location is described as 1202 Tradeport Parkway, which is located off Illinois Route 111 and I-270. It has been reported across the media that Tesla plans to lease property presently owned by real estate company CBRE as part of an industrial park in Pontoon Beach. A recent report by the Courier-Tribune says Tesla is making plans to open a very large warehouse in Illinois. Tesla has announced plans to open a store and a service center close to the warehouse, about 30 miles away. Tesla has a location in Chesterfield, MO. Tesla also has job postings that could be related to the new warehouse. The electric automaker is hiring a supervisor for a parts facility in St. Louis, MO. A few other job postings also included mentions of a Tesla

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey Community High School announced the launch of its new Esports Room earlier this month with gaming chairs, computers, headsets, and more. The school is now in the process of forming its first-ever esports team, with plans for the fall, winter, and spring seasons. Esports, or “electronic sports” are video-game-based competitions, usually played in a multiplayer format by professional gamers. Joe Shipley, eighth-grade math and high school computer science teacher at JCHS, is the coach and sponsor of the JCHS esports program. He said the program helps prepare students for an emerging esports world at the college level. “We saw a need for it - we know a lot of kids are on games anyway,” Shipley said. “Also, they’re beginning to give college scholarships. I know personally a friend of mine whose son is an Esports coach for a college, so it’s something that’s becoming a bigger deal year after year.” Shipley said

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CHICAGO – The Powerball jackpot is now at an estimated $508 million for tonight’s drawing. This is the second time this year, the Powerball jackpot has crossed the half-billion-dollar mark. The last time the Powerball jackpot was above $500 million was in the January 5 drawing, when tickets in California and Wisconsin split a $632.6 million jackpot. Illinois Lottery players have also struck it big this year. Five players have won prizes of $1 million or more with Powerball. Just last week, a winning Powerball ticket worth $1 million was purchased at K N R Candy, located at 15 River Oaks Drive in Calumet City. In total, Powerball players have purchased over 2 million winning tickets and won nearly $23 million in prizes in 2022 in Illinois. With over 7,000 Illinois Lottery retailers across the State, lottery players can conveniently pick up a ticket at their local store - or they can login to the Illinois Lottery website or app and purchase a ticket online. Powerball

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KAMPSVILLE - Wade Gibson, the mayor of Kampsville, Village Clerk Jodi Becker, village treasurer Pat Gotway and board member Rob Parmenter all resigned on Monday, October 17, 2022, after what Mayor Gibson described as a threat was made at a recent meeting. Gotway had been treasurer for five decades, Gibson said. "I have no room for that in my life," former Mayor Gibson said of what transpired at the meeting. "I have resigned along with three others. The village clerk has done an outstanding job, she had nothing to work with in the beginning, and she found a way to bring order back to the town hall! Now, she along with our treasurer and selfless board member has all resigned. "Those of us that resigned no longer wanted to be involved in a toxic situation or have no desire to be involved with those going in a different direction. I want to thank Diane Brangenberg and Debbie Klunk for being the glue of Kampsville, you both deserve a lifetime of praise." Gibson said the information he

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Monday, September 26, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspect DeSean Pearson, 25 years of age, of the 1700 block of Dowd Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63135, for one count of Murder Second Degree, two counts of Armed Criminal Action, one count of Stealing a Firearm, and one count of Assault First Degree. Pearson was arrested on October 17, 2022. A Mugshot of Pearson is attached. Pearson is being held on $500,000 cash only, no 10% bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: On September 23, 2022, Defendant and Co-Defendant, acting together, went to the Victim’s home and purchased a green leafy substance. Defendant obtained Victim #2s’ .380 firearm and shot Victim #1 several times in the chest, killing Victim #1. The two Co-Defendants then tried to steal jars of a green leafy

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JERSEY COUNTY - Two Rivers Crime Stoppers released a bulletin on Wednesday about a man wanted in Jersey County - Kyle B. Aulabaugh - who is sought for escape, failure to report to a penal institution, or periodic imprisonment. Two Rivers Crime Stoppers said if anyone knows Kyle's whereabouts, please call 1-800-300-2590 or submit a tip through the Jersey County Sheriff's Office App . Aulabaugh is described as a white male, 6-foot tall, 175 pounds, brown hair and eyes. Contact the Jersey County Sheriff's Office at (618) 498-6881 with any information.

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Name: Dalton L. Yerkes Hometown: Wood River Years of Service: 2013-2021 KIA: No Branch: Navy Rank: Mineman Petty Officer 2nd Class Medals/Honors Earned: Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Good Conduct Medal (2), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3), Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service, National Defense Service Medal, Navy "E", Sea Service Deployment, Expert Marksman Rifle, Expert Marksman Pistol. Submitted By: Terri Yerkes

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Name: Donald P. McMaster Hometown: Rosiclare Years of Service: 1968-1971 KIA: No Branch: Army Rank: SPC 5 Wars: Vietnam Message: Followed my brother's footsteps but I came home. Submitted By: Donald McMaster

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Name: James Thomas McMaster Hometown: Rosiclare Years of Service: 1964-1968 DOD: April 15, 1968 KIA: Yes Branch: Army Rank: SPC5 Wars: Vietnam Medals/Honors Earned: Bronze Star CIB Vietnam Campaign Medals Vietnamese Gallantry Cross Vietnam Service Medal Purple Heart ARCOM AGCM Message: My brother who is forever in my heart. Salute. Submitted By: Donald P McMaster

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GRANITE CITY - The Illinois Department of Transportation announces that, weather permitting, Maryville Road from IL 203 to Chain of Rocks Road in Granite City in Madison County will be closed for rehabilitative work of the railroad crossing on Sunday, November 06, 2022, from 7:00 pm. and continuing until Tuesday, November 08, 2022, at 7:00 pm. Both lanes will be closed. A marked detour will be in place to safely guide motorists around the closure. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. 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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ALTON - Illinois American Water's large-scale sewer project has hit the asphalt stage on Belle Street across from the Riverbender.com and Mac's buildings. The pipework for the sanitary sewer replacement has been completed and now the finishing touches are being done. Mayer Company was the lead on Wednesday morning as the asphalt was positioned on the street. The asphalt work should be completed in a few days. The Illinois American Water project started the week of July 5 at U.S. Route 67 from 20th Street College Avenue south to 3rd Street and was initially closed. The sewer work should make a large difference when floods someday return to the Downtown Alton area.

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ARLINGTON, VA.— Nestlé USA is initiating a voluntary recall of ready-to-bake refrigerated NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® STUFFED Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with Fudge Filling products due to the potential presence of white plastic pieces. This voluntary recall is isolated to NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® STUFFED Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough with Fudge Filling products that were produced between June and September 2022. These products were distributed in the continental United States and Puerto Rico. No other Nestlé Toll House products, including other NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® STUFFED Cookie Dough and NESTLÉ® TOLL HOUSE® refrigerated cookie dough products, are impacted by this recall. While no illnesses or injuries have been reported, we immediately took action out of an abundance of caution after a small number of consumers contacted Nestlé USA about this issue. Consumers who may have purchased NESTLÉ®

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WOOD RIVER – Today, Democratic Candidate for State Senate Kris Tharp (IL-56), a police officer of 25 years, announced his endorsement from the Granite City Police Benevolent and Protective Association Unit 15. “The Granite City Police Department Police Officer’s Union PBPA Unit 15 has the utmost respect for Kris and is proud to call him our friend and colleague,” said Sergeant Nick Roberts, president of the Granite City Police Department PBPA. “Our men and women are confident Kris will always stand up and protect our citizens just as he has done for 23 years as a law enforcement officer in Madison County.” During Kris Tharp’s 25-year career as a police officer, he has been an elderly service officer for the seniors in his community and Deputy Commander of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis, one of the oldest, most successful homicide task forces in the country. “I was born and raised in Madison County and I am proud to have served

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ALTON - Brittani Melton of the Lab is Alton Memorial Hospital’s October Employee of the Month. She received the award on Oct. 18 from AMH President Dave Braasch and Lab supervisor Melissa Crouch. According to the nomination, “Brittani is one of the hardest-working individuals I have ever met. She takes on many responsibilities in the lab. She is the go-to person for questions regarding send-out testing, is the backup for the Blood Bank department, prepares slides for thyroid FNAs and bone marrow biopsies, and keeps track of positive COVID tests for the state. Brittani is very knowledgeable in all departments and helps train new employees and students. Although usually ‘unseen,’ she is a true example of excellent patient care.”

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O'FALLON – HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital is now accepting applications for a two-week paid registered nurse (RN) internship to be held Dec. 11-23, 2022. The RN internship program is designed for nursing students to gain real-life experience in a health care setting during their winter break. Interns will be paired with nurses full time to work on nursing skills and documentation while learning clinical and professional skills. The program also offers new RNs opportunities to be hired in their areas of interest and specialty units upon graduation. This internship opportunity provides practical work experience for clinical students in an environment that emphasizes patient-centered care, while exposing the interns to innovative and emerging concepts in health care practice. “We are excited to once again be able to offer this paid RN internship,” said Julie A. Gordon, MSN, RN, CCRN-K, nurse manager of education, RN Residency and ICU nurse educator at HSHS St. Elizabeth'

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BRIGHTON - The Anderson Hospital 11 th Annual Foundation Sporting Clay Classic was held on October 1 st at NILO Farms in Brighton. The event featured 100 targets and 12 stations. Also included, was a great BBQ lunch for the shooters that were donated by Sodexo. Lori St. John, Anderson Healthcare Development Director said they had 166 shooters that came out on a beautiful fall day to enjoy this event. She said: "We thank the Sporting Clay Committee who worked hard to make this event a success and the 36 sponsors that donated to this event and who continue to support us each year." The event raised a total of $58,248.00. The Foundation allocates funds for capital projects and programs for Anderson Hospital and the Community. The 12 th annual Sporting Clay event will be on October 7, 2023, at NILO Farms. Please contact Lori St. John at 618-391-6426 for more information.

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Police Department Officers on Friday, October 14, 2022, apprehended an individual who was carrying a firearm at the Granite City High School football game against Quincy Notre Dame. The individual was apprehended without incident and was taken to the Granite City Police Department where he was held until his case was presented to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office on October 17, 2022. The individual charged has been identified as: Tommyandre J. McCarter, 18, of the 3800 block of Lake Drive in Pontoon Beach. McCarter has been charged with the following offenses by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office: CT I: Unlawful Use of Weapons (Class 3 felony) CT II: Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapons (Class 4 felony) McCarter’s charges were presented to the Honorable Judge Janet Heflin and his bond was set at $50,000 (ten percent applies). McCarter was later released on his own recognizance on 10/18/22. The Granite

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JERSEYVILLE - Jerseyville has a new KFC that is being built on Route 67 across from Walmart and next to the AT&T office. Jerseyville Mayor Bill Russell said construction is moving ahead in a quick fashion and he expects it will not take the builders long to complete the project. Mayor Russell sees the new KFC as a future hit for the Jersey region. "There are a lot of people in Jerseyville extremely excited about KFC coming here," he said. "It may be mostly drive-thru but it will have an indoor dining area, too. We want to continue to move forward and bring new business opportunities to our community." Russell said the concrete is poured for the new KFC and the plumbing is installed. He didn't know an expected completion date, but he said they are off to a good start. "They (the new KFC) will do well," Russell concluded.

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EAST ALTON - A historical marker honoring war horses from World War 1 that were stored in East Alton will be dedicated in front of the East Alton Public Library at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5. Kelli Fletcher, chairman of the East Alton History Museum, said representatives from the state of Illinois and the Mayor of East Alton will speak at the unveiling event. These historical markers must be in the vicinity of where the historic event took place, so Fletcher said this marker’s location will reflect the area where these war horses were housed. “War horses were actually housed in East Alton and transferred out to and from the war back in World War 1,” she said. “They were housed somewhere in the area where Van Preter Park was and they went all the way past where the East Alton Library is, and it was a huge area where these horses were stored.” The site for the marker is mostly ready, with just a few finishing touches needed before the marker is

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EDWARDSVILLE – Silas Curtis, a senior at Metro-East Lutheran High School, has earned the distinction of being named a semifinalist in the 2023 National Merit Scholarship Program. Semifinalists are selected based on their scores on the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The students with the highest scores in each state qualify to become semifinalists, a distinction earned by less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors. “I’m honored to receive this award, and I’m looking forward to college and beyond,” said Curtis, who is the son of Heath and Rebekah Curtis of Worden, Ill. Curtis now can compete to become a National Merit Finalist. This award is based on factors such as the semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities and honors and awards received. Curtis must submit an essay and earn SAT or ACT scores that confirm his earlier performance on the

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