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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The deceased has been identified in a homicide in the 300 block of Chambers Road in the City of Riverview as Laruth Jones, 34 years of age, of the 9900 block of Lilac Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63137. During the commission of the homicide, the victim’s red Mercedes was stolen. The vehicle was later recovered in an alley near E. Linton Avenue and Emily Street in St. Louis City. The vehicle had been burned and was unoccupied. St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating the homicide which resulted in the death of an adult female. On July 10, 2022, at 5:02 PM, City of Riverview police officers responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 300 block of Chambers Road. Responding officers located an adult female suffering from an apparent gunshot injury. Officers attempted to render life-saving treatment but the victim succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. City of Riverview police officers requested

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JERSEYVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announces intermittent lane closures on Illinois Route 109 between U.S. 67 and Illinois Route 3 beginning on Monday, July 18, 2022, weather permitting. IDOT said two-way traffic will be maintained by the use of flaggers. This closure is needed to construct a new asphalt surface and it should be completed by October of 2022. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert to changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. The contractor on this project is Charles E. Mahoney Co. of Swansea, Illinois. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map at http://gettingaroundillinois.com/

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BETHALTO - Bethalto Police officer Brian Gifford received special recognition for outstanding performance at Monday night's Bethalto Village Board Meeting. Bethalto Chief Police Mike Dixon commended Gifford for his excellent police work with cases. The commendation presented Monday night outlined Gifford's efforts in five different criminal investigations in which he developed probable cause for felony charges ranging from the possession of controlled substances to offenses related to stolen motor vehicles. "Collectively, the investigations resulted in the seizure of felony amounts of cannabis, methamphetamine, fentanyl, a stolen vehicle, and an illegally possessed handgun, as well as the issuance of charges in a felony retail theft in which a subject attempted to steal a lawnmower from an area business and fled prior to officers arrival," Chief Dixon said. "In addition to the commendable efforts made in investigating offenses while on patrol, Officer Gifford showed further commitment

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MEDORA - The Jersey County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies were called to a domestic situation in the 31000 block of State Highway 267 in Medora at 2:41 p.m. on Monday. The Jersey Sheriff’s Office was assisted by ILEAS, Illinois State Police, IDOT, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Jersey Ambulance, and Medora Fire and Rescue in the situation. Jersey Sheriff Mike Ringhausen thanked the law enforcement agencies who were there to assist in the domestic situation that went well into the evening. It ended around 9:12 p.m. when the man surrendered himself without incident. Traffic on Highway 267 was rerouted until the man surrendered. Joshua J. Hearn, 33, has been charged with Intimidation and a felony, Sheriff Ringhausen said. A wife and children left the situation and were on the roadway when Jersey County Sheriff’s Office arrived and was safe, the sheriff said. The sheriff said there were weapons involved in the case, and the man had issued

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ALTON - Alton Fire Department quickly extinguished a blazing car fire on Ridge Street across from McDonald’s around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday. The driver of the car was not in the vehicle at the time of the fire and it was safe, Alton Fire Department Battalion Chief David Eichen said. Battalion Chief Eichen said the woman who had the vehicle visited a nearby establishment, and when she returned her car was engulfed in flames. “She was upset, but it could have been far worse if she had been on the road,” he said. Eichen said the vehicle for sure is a total loss because of the fire. The fire department was investigating the situation to determine the cause.

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Fair is officially here, and the first two days will see a jam-packed parade, several carnival rides, and two major grandstand events you won’t want to miss: the Jersey County Talent Show on Tuesday night and Jersey County Fair Queen Pageant on Wednesday night. The festivities begin with the Jersey County Fair Parade, which will start at 6 p.m. starting one block north of Route 16 and traveling along State Street to the fairgrounds. Jersey County Fair President Phil Ringhausen said every available spot for parade floats has been taken, meaning spectators this year will see a full two-hour parade. Several fan-favorite carnival rides will be making their return to the fair this year, including the Pharaoh's Fury, the Scrambler, Ferris Wheel, and more. Ringhausen said there are 20 different rides for visitors to choose from. Armbands for all-night carnival ride access are $20 on Tuesday and Sunday and $25 from Wednesday-Saturday. Ringhausen sai

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ST. LOUIS, MO – Filament is proud to welcome KeAnna Daniels as the newest member of the Filament Team. KeAnna is joining the team as Lead Engagement Strategist and returning to St. Louis, MO from her hometown of Dayton, OH. In this newly created role for the rapidly growing company, KeAnna will wear many hats, including that of a facilitator, consultant, leader, and strategic partner, as she helps advance Filament’s mission of reimagining how people meet. "After a six-month search, we’re overjoyed we found such an amazing partner in Ke,” said Filament Founder and CEO Matthew Homann. “She’ll make us smarter in so many ways, and I can’t wait for our clients to be inspired by her enthusiasm, insight, and boundless creativity." KeAnna is a passionate entrepreneur dedicated to helping and developing her community. She most recently served as the President and CEO of KMD Empowerment Consulting, LLC and Project Manager at Parallax Advanced Research.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today welcomed the selection of Colette Peters as the next Director at the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Durbin has called for a new, reform-minded Director to replace BOP Director Michael Carvajal since November 2021, following an Associated Press report that found that BOP is a “hotbed of abuse, graft and corruption, and has turned a blind eye to employees accused of misconduct.” Carvajal’s resignation was announced less than two months later. “It’s no secret that BOP has been plagued by misconduct. One investigation after another has revealed a culture of abuse, mismanagement, corruption, torture, and death that reaches to the highest levels. In light of those reports, I called for former BOP Director Michael Carvajal’s resignation last November. So it was welcome news when six weeks later, he announced his resignation. &ldqu

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ALTON - The Caring Circle Cancer Education and Support Group for women with cancer will be held on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to Noon in the upper level of Alton Square Mall, 200 Alton Square Drive in the OSF HealthCare suite. Ample parking is available, and access is only available through the upper level, OSF HealthCare outside entrance. This month’s topic is nutrition, led by Diane Herndon, registered dietician. Held on the third Saturday of every month, Caring Circle is facilitated by Heather Chambers, R.M.A., breast health navigator, and Karen Boyd, R.N., oncology nurse navigator, experienced cancer care professionals from OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center. The support group offers women with cancer a chance to connect with other women about their experiences. For more information or to register contact Karen Boyd at (618) 433-7609 or Heather Chambers at (618) 474-6791. To RSVP online, visit? osfsaintanthonys.org ?and click on View Classes & Events.

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GLEN CARBON - Hawthorne Animal Hospital, a top-rated veterinary clinic in the St. Louis Metro East, is excited to announce it will reopen its Troy location on July 14, 2022, to provide families with more options to receive high-quality, compassionate care for their pets they love. Located at 1516 Alarth Drive, Troy Vet Clinic provides nose-to-tail wellness exams and vaccinations by appointment. Any pet owner who wishes to schedule an exam for their dog or cat with one of Hawthorne’s veterinarians can call 618-288-3971. Pets experiencing a medical emergency will be directed to Hawthorne’s 24/7 animal hospital in Glen Carbon. “Like most veterinary clinics across the U.S., Hawthorne experienced a greater demand for our services over the past two years as pet ownership skyrocketed,” said Dr. Paul Myer, chief of staff for Hawthorne. “With the reopening of our second location, we’re offering Troy residents access to quality vet services closer to home

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Granite City Community Unit School District #9 is hosting a Back to School Celebration on Wednesday, August 3 from 3-6 p.m. at Worthen Park in Granite City. Students will have the opportunity to meet their principal, in addition to free school supplies, free refreshments, a touch-a-truck, games, prizes, a photo booth, school registration, and more. The first day of school for the 2022-23 school year is set for Wednesday, August 17. For more information about Granite City School District #9, visit www.gcsd9.net .

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SPRINGFIELD, IL. - The Land of Lincoln Honor Flight is pleased to announce that Mission #61 takes flight on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. Ninety-six (96) Veterans will be on board this flight from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport to Washington, DC - 1 World War II, 4 Korean War, and 91 Vietnam War Era Veterans - all ready to experience their national memorials with their comrades. These veterans represent all branches of military service: 16 Air Force, 56 Army, 4 Marine, and 20 Navy veterans. Ninety-six (96) Veterans and eighty-two (82) Guardians will arrive at the airport Tuesday at 4:15 AM, having traveled from the 65 central and southern Illinois cities and communities of Beason, Bismarck, Bloomington, Brighton, Carlyle, Carrollton, Casey, Cerro Gordo, Charleston, Chatham, Clinton, Coffeen, Decatur, East Alton, Effingham, Franklin, Georgetown, Gifford, Girard, Godfrey, Greenfield, Greenup, Griggsville, Homer, Hoopeston, Jacksonville, Jerseyville, Lawrenceville, Lincoln, Litchfield,

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ALTON – Round the bases during All-Star Restaurant Week in both Alton and Collinsville and enjoy delicious summer dishes served up by locally owned and operated area restaurants. All-Star Restaurant Week begins Tuesday, July 12 and runs through Tuesday, July 19. Participating restaurants have hit it out of the park with amazing Restaurant Week specials for lunch and dinner. Diners can expect fixed-price meals with lunch set at $15 and dinners at $30, or in some cases, two can dine for $30. “Restaurant Week is a great way to celebrate all the amazing locally owned and operated restaurants in the Great Rivers & Routes region,” Cory Jobe, President & CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau said. “From Alton to Collinsville, we are able to highlight our delicious destinations to the visiting public and local residents eager to try something new.” Mouthwatering specials include pastas, woodfired pizzas, tender ribeye sandwiches, traditional Irish

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Illinois State Police seek the public's assistance in a homicide case. At 11:23 p.m. on Friday, June 24, 2022, Willie Clanton, a 64-year-old male from East St. Louis, was shot and killed in the 1500 block of Lynch Avenue in East St. Louis. State Police said Clanton was shot by suspects in a passing vehicle. The vehicle is described as a newer, dark-colored sedan with dark window tint, chrome trim around the windows, and driver door damage. (see attached photos). Anyone with information in reference to this homicide is asked to call Illinois State Police at 618-301-0807, the East St. Louis Police Department at 618-482-6600, or Crimestoppers at 314-725-8477 (TIPS).

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BUNKER HILL - A young boy was reported missing Monday in Bunker Hill, but the Macoupin County Sheriff's Office reported around 4:10 p.m., the boy had been found safe and sound. The boy was speculated to have run into a cornfield behind the Dollar General in Bunker Hill. The young man was 6 years old and the community was relieved when he was discovered.

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ALTON - Yvonne Campbell, the well-known owner of My Just Desserts in Alton, was injured in a serious car accident Saturday while vacationing in Jamaica. Yvonne’s daughter, Nakiyah Jackson, said Yvonne is presently “unresponsive.” Her daughter has created a GoFundMe fundraiser to help get her mother back to the United States. "We are asking for generous donations due to the fact that Yvonne had insurance but it has expired due to unforeseen conditions," the GoFundMe reads. "We are trying to get her back into the states for surgery and aftercare plans. "If you know Yvonne, you know she’d never enter a room without leaving you with a laugh, smile, or without giving you the biggest hug. She now needs your help, anything is greatly appreciated." Nearly $20,000 has been raised since the fundraiser launched Monday morning. To view and contribute to the GoFundMe, please visit: GoFundMe.com/f/yvonne-campbells-medical-expenses

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ALTON - Over the years, Celebrate Recovery Alton has assisted many individuals who are struggling with anguish of everything from drug abuse, alcohol addiction, sexual abuse, grief, eating disorders, divorce, gambling addictions, financial loss, grief and so much more. Celebrate Recovery meets each Wednesday night on the Calvary Baptist Church campus at 1422 Washington Avenue and Brown Street in Alton. Celebrate Recovery is described as a "Christ-centered, 12-step recovery program for anyone struggling with hurt, pain or addiction of any kind. Celebrate Recovery is a safe place to find community and freedom from the issues that are controlling our life." The leader of the Celebrate Recovery Alton is Chaplain Marc Lane who is the Senior Chaplain for both the Alton Police Department and the Madison County Sheriff's Office. Lane has been a positive force with Celebrate Recovery and his work with the police department and the sheriff's office for many years. Lane is also a member of th

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Letter To The Editor: It brings me great pleasure to introduce to you, a valuable resource for the times we are living in and the challenges and struggles we all face from time to time. Celebrate Recovery Alton is a 12-step Biblically-based program for anyone struggling with any hurt, hang-up, or habit. Those attending have found hope and help to overcome issues of anger, alcoholism, guilt and shame, financial loss, divorce, gambling, dysfunctional families, sexual abuse, drug abuse, grief, eating disorders, and many more. Celebrate Recovery Alton is a ministry of Calvary Baptist Church. Celebrate Recovery was launched over 3 years ago with 2021 active meeting sites that exceed 35,000 community locations. Not included in these 35,000-plus locations is an active and growing network of State Prison and County Jails that offer Celebrate Recovery. As we continue o see the growing epidemic of drug and alcohol usage across our country, I encourage your support of this valuable resource.

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CHICAGO - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after Secretary of Transportation announced the first-ever Bill of Rights for airline passengers with disabilities : “Far too many Americans living with a disability—many of whom are Veterans like myself—face unnecessary and harmful challenges during air travel. As someone who has experienced these challenges firsthand, I understand how inaccessibility profoundly impacts travelers with disabilities, so I’m pleased to see the Biden Administration and Secretary Buttigieg announce this first-ever Bill of Rights for passengers with disabilities and I hope it helps us make meaningful progress in ensuring Americans with disabilities receive the protections they deserve.” The new Airline Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights is an easy-to-use summary of the fundamental rights of air travelers with disabilities under the Air Carrier Access Act. It aims to empower air travelers

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EDWARDSVILLE - As our nation’s shelters face unprecedented overcrowding, BISSELL Pet Foundation is doing its part to take homeless pets from kennels to couches by sponsoring reduced adoption fees of $50 or less from July 11 – 31. The longest-ever Summer National “Empty the Shelters” event will be hosted in more than 250 shelters in 42 states, including Metro East Humane Society. Metro East Humane Society will participate July 11-31, 2022, at the Edwardsville (8495 State Route 143) and Highland (510 W Monroe) locations, offering $25 adoptions for all cats, kittens, dogs, and puppies. All interested adopters can find details online at www.mehs.org or by visiting either location during business hours: Monday-Saturday 11:30-5 and Sunday 11:30-3. “Shelters are calling me daily and BISSELL Pet Foundation is feeling the burden of overcrowding. With the euthanasia of homeless dogs up 22% in just the first quarter of 2022 alone, we knew we had to act quickly

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