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Miko D. Martin Charged with Murder Following Fatal Wood River Collision

5 months 2 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Tuesday that a defendant has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection with a crash that resulted in the deaths of an Alton couple on July 3, 2025, in Wood River. The murder charges allege that Miko D. Martin, 29, of St. Louis was driving at an excessive speed, disregarded traffic laws and was attempting to evade police when his vehicle struck another vehicle at the intersection of Illinois 143 and Illinois 3. Two occupants of the second vehicle, 66-year-old George “Randy” Julian and his wife, 68-year-old Donna M. Julian, died in the crash. The murder charges also allege that Martin knew that his actions created a strong probability of death or great bodily harm. “Our heart goes out to the friends and family of the Julians as they face this sudden and devastating loss,” Haine said. “Running from the police is a deliberate choice that can result in irreversible

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Wood River Approves Business Park Sale For Film Studios, Esports Arena

5 months 2 weeks ago
WOOD RIVER – An esports arena and multiple film studios, known as “Hollywood River Studios,” are officially coming to the Wood River Business Park. City Council members on Monday approved selling the property to Wood River Farm Investments LLC, which presented their ambitious plans last month for the site formerly known as the Envirotech Business Park. The group’s approved offer of $1,000,000 for the full 105-acre site will see the installation of six film and sound production studios designed to cater to industry professionals. Wood River Farm Investments CEO Chris Breakwell said he expects the redeveloped business park to attract several jobs to the area. “We have an exciting project, I believe, for the city of Wood River,” Breakwell said. “It’s building a TV and movie media complex in the old Envirotech site. Our goal is to build roughly six studios that are going to be able to be used for making movies and TV shows. “You

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What the One Big Beautiful Bill Will Mean for You

5 months 2 weeks ago

Editor’s Note: This Friday (July 11th) from 11:00 AM – Noon, the accounting firm WIPFLI will host a live webinar on the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill on energy tax credits. For more information and registration click here. From WIPFLI: On July 4, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB) […]

The post What the One Big Beautiful Bill Will Mean for You appeared first on Construction Forum.

Tom Finan

The Cookie Factory Plans to Install Drive-Thru Later This Year

5 months 2 weeks ago
ALTON - The Cookie Factory is settling into their new location, with plans to install a drive-thru window later this year. Located at 192 Suite B Alton Square Mall Drive in Alton, the local business moved out of their Alton Square Mall location to a building across the street in February 2025. Owner Sarah Kinder is pleased with The Cookie Factory’s growth and looks forward to adding more menu items and drive-thru options in the future. “We were truly ready to go on day one, and there has not been one issue since. It’s been great,” Kinder said. “I just knew I had to grow. I wanted to keep The Cookie Factory local and keep our community growing, so moving out of the mall had to be done.” Kinder purchased the business four years ago and immediately began looking for a new location. She shared that it was difficult to “sit down and enjoy yourself” at the mall location, but this new spot has big windows and plenty of seating for

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July Traffic Crackdown Targets Speeding Across Madison County and Illinois

5 months 2 weeks ago
MADISON COUNTY – The Madison County Sheriff’s Office today announced it is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies to step up traffic safety efforts across the state to reduce speeding. Throughout the month of July, motorists can expect increased patrols looking for speeding, as well as other traffic violations. "Over the past few years, we have seen an increase in careless and risky driving. No matter how safe of a driver you think you may be, speeding is dangerous," said Captain T.J. Hernandez. "Speed limits aren’t a suggestion – they are the law." Speeding creates unnecessary risks for all motorists, reducing the driver’s ability to steer safely around other vehicles, hazardous objects or unexpected curves. During the speed limit enforcement campaign, officers will intensify enforcement of posted speed limits. The goal is to save lives. Drivers can expect

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Man Struck and Killed: Second Pedestrian Hit In Fairview Heights In Three Days

5 months 2 weeks ago
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — A 48-year-old man was struck and killed by a vehicle late Monday night in Fairview Heights, according to police. Officers with the Fairview Heights Police Department responded at approximately 11:32 p.m. July 7, 2025, to the area of Frank Scott Parkway and Arbor Meadows after receiving a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. Upon arrival, officers found the man lying unresponsive in the roadway. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Michael B. Touchette of Belleville was fatally struck by a vehicle, the St. Clair County Coroner's Office said. The Metro East Crash Assistance Team was called to assist with the investigation. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Preliminary findings indicate the pedestrian was in the lane of traffic at the time of the collision. There is no indication the driver was impaired or violated any traffic laws. Earlier that evening, the pedestrian had multiple interactions with law enforcement.

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Three Officers Receive Promotions In Belleville Police Department

5 months 2 weeks ago
BELLEVILLE — The Board of Fire and Police Commission and the City Council have announced recent promotions within the Belleville Police Department. Lieutenant Robert Thomason has been promoted to Captain, Master Sergeant Tim Crimm to Lieutenant, and Detective Angelque Shields to Sergeant. The promotions recognize the officers' achievements and service to the community. Officials encourage residents to join in congratulating the officers on their new roles within the department.

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Alton School District Appoints New Administrators

5 months 2 weeks ago
ALTON – The Alton School Board has approved the appointment of three district administrators to new leadership roles for the 2025-2026 school year. Rene Hart will assume the role of Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services, a natural progression following her five years of service as the district’s Director of Curriculum. With 17 years in public education and 10 years in educational administration, Hart brings extensive leadership experience with a steadfast commitment to student achievement and the development of educators across the district. Hart began her career in the Alton School District in 2008 as a Special Education teacher at Lovejoy Elementary. Over the past decade, she has served in multiple leadership roles including Assistant Principal at East Elementary and Supervisor of Special Education (K-6). She was promoted in 2020 to Director of Curriculum and Instruction. In each role, Hart has led school improvement initiatives, supported professional

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