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Giannoulias Reveals 2024 Rejected License Plates

7 months 3 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias’ office rejected more than 300 vanity and personalized license plates in 2024. The office received 60,537 requests for vanity and personalized plates last year, including the 335 that were denied because of their inflammatory or offensive nature or because they were difficult to read. The rejected plate requests this year include: HOKTUAH, GYATT, MUNCH, BICHIN, JAGWEED, BADARSE, AXEHOLE, ILLCUTU, HOHOHOE, ABADMF, WEENIE, DUCKOFF, SHIDDED, UGEWANG, and THICCAF. “Illinoisans consistently display a great deal of creativity when choosing their customized license plates, but the plates that hit the road must meet the standards of good taste and decency,” Giannoulias said. “Our team are well-versed in lecherous language and sneaky swearing, all of which are rejected and placed on our permanent prohibited list.” The Secretary of State’s Office oversees the process that allows Illinoisans

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Scott Credit Union Announces New Chief Information Officer   

7 months 3 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE – Scott Credit Union (SCU) is proud to announce the promotion of Jeff Roderick to Chief Information Officer (CIO), effective January 1, 2025. Roderick, who most recently served as Vice President of Information Technology, brings more than 28 years of experience in information technology, including 25 years in leadership, to this critical role. During his tenure at SCU, Jeff Roderick successfully led initiatives that have significantly enhanced the credit union’s technological capabilities. His leadership in the data warehouse rollout, digital banking enhancements, and the development of SCU’s Artificial Intelligence strategy has strengthened the credit union’s commitment to delivering innovative, member-focused solutions. “Jeff’s forward-thinking approach and dedication to excellence make him an outstanding choice for CIO,” said Frank Padak, President and CEO of Scott Credit Union. “He has consistently demonstrated his

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Godfrey Approves Kratom Ban

7 months 3 weeks ago
GODFREY - The Godfrey Village Board has taken swift action to ban the sale or possession of kratom within the village after a CBD and kratom business owner expressed interest in opening a Godfrey location. Craig Katz of CBD Kratom spoke during the Public Comment portion of Tuesday’s meeting. He asked trustees for a chance to prepare a presentation on kratom to help them make an "informed decision," noting most kratom users are seeking pain relief or to manage addictions to opioids. “What I’d ask, humbly, is instead of voting on an ordinance tonight, if you will give us an opportunity to present evidence to you - some scientific evidence - and to bring in some physical witnesses that can explain what kratom has done for them and what it’s done throughout the community,” Katz said. CBD Kratom currently operates a location at 2801 Homer Adams Parkway in Alton. Katz claimed the company is “the largest privately owned cannabis/hemp company

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Lunchtime Photo

7 months 3 weeks ago
Here's another picture of a horse. It's from the same place as my Thanksgiving horse, but it's a different horse. It was very sociable, this horse.
Kevin Drum

Difference Makers: Community Unites for Sausage and Pancake Breakfast Event

7 months 3 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE - The James and Sherrie Brown family hosted a Sausage and Pancake Breakfast with Santa at The Knights of Columbus Hall in Edwardsville in December that was a big hit. The Brown family exhibited they are true Difference Makers in their community with both this effort and one at Thanksgiving. James Brown said: "Our family business has been blessed this past year and we felt in our hearts the need to give back to this community. For Thanksgiving, we provided everything needed for 12 families in need to have a Thanksgiving meal for their family. "That was such a success, we decided to invite any families having a hard time to bring their children up, have a hot breakfast, and get pictures with Santa." There was also story time with Mrs. Claus, a kids' craft-making area and the North Pole Theater played The Polar Express. The Brown family set a solid example for other businesses and individuals to follow during the holiday time in 2025. If you have a Difference Makers idea

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City Of St. Louis Adds Warming Centers

7 months 3 weeks ago
ST. LOUIS - The City of St. Louis has two additional warming centers today. Gamble Recreation Center 2907 Gamble St, St. Louis, MO 63106 Open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Carondelet Park YMCA 930 Holly Hills Ave., St. Louis, MO 63111 Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The low temperature on Wednesday night, Jan. 8, 2025, is predicted to be 5 degrees, so the centers may be necessary for a lot of individuals.

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Hayner Library Explains Community Resources and Upcoming Events in January

7 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON - The Hayner Public Library District is more than just a library, says Executive Director Mary Cordes. It’s like a community center. Cordes explained that the library offers programs almost every day of the month, and they have a busy schedule ahead for 2025. She hopes the library continues to be a resource for community members to meet new people, engage with programs and services, and learn. “We just keep offering more programs, and people keep signing up and participating in them,” she said. “In addition to all the books that we check out and the movies that we check out and the items that we stream and download and all that, there’s also that component of programming and being a community center and service group that we have found people really want and we’re happy to adapt and give to people. We’re always trying something new, and we’ve got some exciting things coming up for the year.” With all the winter snow

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