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O'Fallon Police Issue Urgent Warning On Phone Scam Targeting Residents

7 months 1 week ago
O'FALLON, IL. — The O'Fallon Police Department is warning residents about a phone scam that has recently targeted citizens in the area. The scam involves callers impersonating law enforcement officials, specifically identifying themselves as Sgt. Lee Graham from the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department. O'Fallon Police said in two reported incidents, victims received phone calls claiming they had warrants issued for failing to appear in court. The callers sometimes referred to the situation as involving federal court and mentioned the name of a current federal judge from the district to lend credibility to their claims. O'Fallon Police said to further persuade the victims, additional individuals were added to the call, making the scam appear more legitimate. The scammers instruct victims to withdraw money from their bank accounts and deposit it into a Bitcoin ATM. "The O'Fallon Police Department emphasizes that at no point will legitimate law enforcement request payment

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Nature Institute Trivia Night Is Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, In Godfrey

7 months 1 week ago
GODFREY - Get ready to flex those brain muscles and dive into a night of trivia while supporting The Nature Institute (TNI) in its epic quest for education, restoration, and preservation. TNI invites the public for a fun-filled Trivia Night fundraiser at Godfrey KC Hall, located at 1713 Stamper Lane in Godfrey, IL., on Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. Doors swing open at 5:30 p.m., and the trivia questions kick-off at 6 p.m. Grab your squad and register ahead of time or pay at the door, it'll be $150 per table ($18.75 per person). “We’re thrilled to bring back this trivia night fundraiser," Ramona Pollard, director of TNI outreach, said. "Teaming up to tackle quirky questions is a fantastic way to connect with family and friends while giving back to our community. There are cash prizes for the top two teams, plus cool silent auction goodies up for grabs." Feel free to bring along some tasty snacks for your table, but remember: alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase,

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Alton Marina Prepares for Fun Events This Summer

7 months 1 week ago
ALTON - The Alton Marina is preparing for another great season, with several events lined up this summer. Rob Honke, Alton Marina manager, explained that the marina is currently winterized and undergoing some minor repairs during this winter season, including replacing exposed deck boards with concrete. He is excited to welcome back boaters from around the country once the weather warms up, and he promises fun events for everyone to enjoy on the river. “We’re getting ready for the next season,” he said. “It’s a nice lull in the action. It’s not that there’s nothing to do. There are things to do, but we aren’t quite as pressed. We shorten our hours. We close the office on Sundays. Basically right now, our main focus is making sure the boats are safe and making sure the aerators are on when the ice comes.” Honke thanked Stutz Excavating for their work on the concrete, noting that it will likely be completed by the middle

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This Super Bowl Weekend, Be A Real MVP: Keep Friends From Driving Drunk

7 months 1 week ago
EDWARDSVILLE – Super Bowl weekend is here, and the Edwardsville Police Department is reminding football fans and Super Bowl partygoers that designated drivers are the best defense against the dangers of impaired driving. If your Super Bowl celebration involves alcohol or cannabis, plan for a safe ride home with a sober driver. If you’re hosting the party, take care of the designated drivers. Fans don’t let fans drive drunk. “Everyone wants to have a good time on Super Bowl night, so we want our community residents and guests to plan for safe rides home,” said Lt. Brandn Whittaker. “Even one drink or hit can impair judgment. You should never put yourself or others at risk because you made the choice to drive impaired.” Whether you’re attending a party, hosting a small gathering, or going out to a bar, keep safety at the forefront of your day and night. When it’s time to leave, make sure your designated driver is sober. Also remember,

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‘Moral Sanity:’ Dipshit Lawmaker Issues Slew Of Bills To Ban Everything From Porn Possession To No-Fault Divorces

7 months 1 week ago
There’s a coup underway in the federal government. Across the rest of the nation, people seeking to endear themselves with President Trump or his supporters are doing the same sort of thing at the state level. Refusing to even acknowledge long-standing rights or court precedent, legislators are becoming the Project 2025 they want to see […]
Tim Cushing

GCHS Band Students Receive All-State Honors

7 months 1 week ago
GRANITE CITY – Members of the Granite City High School Band made their mark at the Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) All-State Band Competition this year by having five musicians selected to perform in the ILMEA All-State Festival. The five students who earned All-State honors include: Karlisa Brent: Flute Bailey Hanks: French Horn Adrianna Ireland: Trumpet Victoria Robinson: Euphonium Alyssa White: Bass Clarinet These rehearsals culminated with the All-State Concert and Honors Concert, held at the Peoria Civic Center Arena on February 1. This is the highest honor a high school musician can receive. The five students will be honored at the Granite City Community School District #9 Board meeting at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. The Illinois Music Education Association (ILMEA) is an organization established to provide professional growth opportunities for Illinois music teachers and to provide music making opportunities for the most talented

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Gabbard nomination for intel chief headed to Senate floor after panel approval

7 months 1 week ago
WASHINGTON — Former Hawaii U.S. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard got a step further on Tuesday in her bid to serve as the next director of national intelligence after a U.S. Senate panel propelled her nomination to the Senate floor. Gabbard — who has stood among President Donald Trump’s most controversial Cabinet nominees — managed to secure enough […]
Shauneen Miranda

19 AGs support Wisconsin Catholic Charities case

7 months 1 week ago
(The Center Square) – Nineteen state attorneys general have joined Wisconsin’s Catholic Charities Bureau of Superior in challenging a Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling that the charity does primarily secular work and thus must pay into the state’s unemployment fund.
By Jon Styf | The Center Square

Two From Jerseyville Face Mob Action Charges In Madison County

7 months 1 week ago
JERSEYVILLE – Two Jerseyville residents have been charged with mob action in separate but related Madison County criminal cases. Randall W. Barnes, 35 , and Saranda R. Green, 29 , both of Jerseyville, were each charged with a Class 4 felony count of mob action on Jan. 23, 2025. On Dec. 17, 2024, the two allegedly worked together in approaching someone’s vehicle before attempting to force entry and “threatening to batter the victim,” according to court documents. Both cases were presented by the Alton Police Department, and both Barnes and Green were granted pretrial release from custody. Charges are merely accusations and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Granite City Sees Multiple Mob Action Cases

7 months 1 week ago
GRANITE CITY – The Granite City Police Department has charged four individuals in two separate cases with pairing up to commit mob action. Charles A. Payne, 61, and B randon M. Payne, 29, both of Granite City, each face Class 3 felony counts of aggravated battery and Class 4 felony counts of mob action. On Jan. 20, 2025, the two allegedly worked together in str iking an individual “about the head and body, causing lacerations” while in a public place at Patrick’s Bar in Granite City, according to court documents. Both individuals were granted pretrial release in the ir cases, which were presented by the Granite City Police Department on Jan. 29, 2025. In two separate cases filed just two days prior, Zachary A. Hildebrand, 36, and Ronald J. Hildebrand, 33, also of Granite City, were also charged with Class 4 felony counts of mob action. The two reportedly acted together and with “another unknown individual” in battering a victim

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Firefighters Contain Shed Fire in Rosewood Heights Backyard

7 months 1 week ago
ROSEWOOD HEIGHTS – The Rosewood Heights Fire Department responded to a fire in the 100 block of Dell Avenue on Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 4, 2025, where a shed was on fire. Firefighters arrived on the scene and found the shed ablaze in the backyard of a residence. Access to the fire was initially hindered by nearby fences, but crews were able to quickly bring the fire under control before it could spread further. According to neighbors, there was a report of someone burning leaves in the vicinity prior to the fire's outbreak. No injuries have been reported, and the fire department is currently investigating the cause of the incident.

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Governor Pritzker and Illinois Department of Revenue Encourage Taxpayers to Take Advantage of Tax Credits

7 months 1 week ago
CHICAGO - Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) are encouraging eligible Illinoisans to take advantage of savings offered by tax credits when filing their 2024 income tax returns this year. “Depending on circumstances, taxpayers may be able to reduce the amount of taxes owed or receive larger refunds through tax credits,” explained Illinois Department of Revenue Director David Harris . “I urge all taxpayers to double-check their eligibility status and take advantage of these benefits when filing their tax returns this year.” The Illinois Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a benefit for working people with low to moderate income. To claim an Illinois EITC for tax year 2024 (tax returns due in 2025), taxpayers must file an Illinois income tax return, even if they do not owe any tax and are not required to file and: have worked and earned income under $66,819 (income amount is dependent upon filing status and number of qualifying

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