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CM Illinois State Scholar/Tennis Standout Ryne Breyer Commits To Illinois College

3 weeks 4 days ago
BETHALTO - Ryne Breyer, senior at Civic Memorial High School is signing with Illinois College on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Civic Memorial. Ryne chose Illinois College for his nursing and Spanish degree over several others including Case Western Reserve University, Milliken, and Illinois Wesleyan. Ryne is an Illinois State Scholar, Silver Medallion Recipient, President of Spanish National Honor Society, student leader for Bethalto School District Special Olympics, recipient of the Phillips 66 Scholarship, and on track to be Salutatorian for the class of 2025. He has played tennis for Civic Memorial for four years and looks forward to continue playing at Illinois College.

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CKA Foundation International Inc. Expands Charitable Outreach with New Location in Alton, IL

3 weeks 4 days ago
ALTON – CKA Foundation International Inc., a faith-based nonprofit organization dedicated to serving communities through holistic outreach and support services, is pleased to announce its relocation to Alton, Illinois as of January 2025. Originally founded in 2020, the organization is currently undergoing renovations at its newly donated facility and anticipates opening to the public in the near future. CKA Foundation exists to equip, uplift, and empower individuals and families by addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Its comprehensive services include: Life Training Programs : Practical guidance in areas such as personal leadership, goal setting, conflict resolution, time management, financial stewardship, and decision-making—all rooted in biblical principles. Biblical Studies & Discipleship : Faith-based classes and discussion groups that offer spiritual growth, encouragement, and a solid foundation for living a purpose-driven life. Fitness

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Giannoulias Launches Multi-Faceted Effort to Curb Distracted Driving Public Safety Campaign

3 weeks 4 days ago
SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias kicked off the office’s multi-faceted “One Road. One Focus” public safety campaign that raises awareness about the dangers and consequences of distracted driving. The effort features: 1) a new video requirement for student drivers; 2) billboard ads to raise awareness; and 3) expanded distracted driving patrols. Geared toward younger drivers, the initiative coincides with Distracted Driving Awareness Month, observed every April to raise awareness and encourage safer driving practices. In 2023, nearly 3,300 people were killed and over 300,000 people were injured in car crashes involving distracted drivers, latest figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reveal. “Despite understanding the dangers, people still give in to the temptation to pick up their phone while behind the wheel. This ‘intexticated driving’ is the drunk driving of our time and is 100 percent

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Madison County Prescription Drug Take Back Day Is Saturday, April 26

3 weeks 4 days ago
EDWARDSVILLE - Madison County’s law enforcement agencies, in cooperation with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, will operate a drop-off site for Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26, 2025 in Edwardsville. Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas A. Haine, Sheriff Jeff Connor and Coroner Nick Novacich will be operating the drop-off site in coordination with the DEA. The drop-off site, open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., will be in the Madison County Administration Building’s back parking lot on Second Street in Edwardsville: Madison County Administration Building, 157 North Main Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025. Coroner Novacich said: “By reducing the number of prescription medications on our streets and in our homes, we are helping ensure these drugs don’t fall into the wrong hands. Properly disposing of unneeded and expired medications is a simple yet powerful way we can all contribute to making Madison County a safer place to live.”

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School's Shining Knight Program Promotes Compassion and Community Service

3 weeks 4 days ago
JERSEYVILLE - This Easter season, our students truly embodied the spirit of giving through our annual Shining Knight Program and Ronald McDonald Easter Project. In keeping with the Knights' pledge — “Be a Knight, Do it Right, We are Christlike, We are Respectful, We Care!” — our students went above and beyond in their efforts to serve others. Barbie McCormick, a first-grade teacher, said through generous cash donations of over $450 and an abundance of needed supplies — including coffee, paper plates, toiletries, and coloring books — "our school community was able to provide meaningful support to families staying at Ronald McDonald Houses. These gifts offered comfort and care when families needed it most." "In recognition of our students’ incredible efforts and Christlike service, the Catholic Booster Club (CBC) rewarded each student with a movie ticket to see Moana 2," she said. " We extend our heartfelt thanks to the CBC and Stadium Theater

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Illinois State Police Combats Vehicle Hijacking And Theft

3 weeks 4 days ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) continues to target vehicle theft, hijacking, and related violent crimes using grant funding from the Illinois Secretary of State Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council. ISP was awarded a $10 million grant for the first fiscal year, and another $677,000 grant announced in June 2024. From January through March 2025, ISP missions resulted in the following: Vehicles recovered – stolen and/or hijacked 243 Stolen vehicle arrests 16 Hijacked vehicle arrests 18 Firearms seized as a result of stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery 7 Missions targeting stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery and related violent crime 39 K9 used for stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery and related violence crime 16 Air Operations targeting stolen/hijacked vehicle recovery and related violent crime 39 Forensic laboratory assignments related to stolen/hijacked

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April Is Alcohol Awareness Month

3 weeks 4 days ago
SPRINGFIELD - Established in 1987 by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), Alcohol Awareness Month has become a way for the community to support those effected by or dealing with Alcoholism. Alcohol Awareness Month aims to raise awareness about the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption through activities, events, educational materials, and conversations to create effective strategies for preventing alcohol-related problems and reduce the stigma surrounding addiction. The goal is to reduce the stigma associated with alcohol-related problems and facilitate effective solutions for individuals and the public. Whether it is underage drinking prevention, an alcohol intervention for family or friends, or someone finally ready to take the steps to recovery, below are ways you can support. Things you can do to support: Get informed about the dangers of excessive alcohol use Advocate for healthy coping and lifestyle alternatives Encourage early intervention

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Illinois American Water Highlights Work Zone Awareness Week

3 weeks 4 days ago
BELLEVILLE – Illinois American Water is highlighting National Work Zone Awareness Week, an annual campaign that promotes safe driving in highway work zones from April 21-25, 2025. “At Illinois American Water, our teams and contractors work daily in and around roadways to help ensure reliable service for our customers,” said Rebecca Losli, President, Illinois American Water. “While safety remains a priority, work zones can pose serious risks. National Work Zone Awareness Week emphasizes our shared responsibility to keep roads and workers safe. When you slow down and stay alert in work zones, you're helping protect lives, including your own.” Illinois American Water invests over $250 million into its infrastructure annually. Whether it’s water and wastewater infrastructure upgrades or routine maintenance and cleaning, Illinois American Water’s top priority is keeping crews and motorists safe. Illinois American Water provides these simple

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Missouri campaign watchdog is once again unable to function due to vacancies

3 weeks 4 days ago
Last fall, St. Louis attorney Brad Ketcher read the news that a Republican candidate for the Missouri Senate was using money from his church to help fund his campaign. As the chief of staff to former Democratic Gov. Mel Carnahan in the 1990s, Ketcher helped establish the Missouri Ethics Commission, a state agency that enforces campaign finance and ethics laws. He was so “appalled” when the Senate candidate in question won the seat in November that Ketcher filed an ethics complaint asking the…
Rebecca Rivas

Fairview Heights Police's Amber Hopkins Inspires Through Resilience and Service

3 weeks 4 days ago
FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Amber Hopkins, an administrative assistant with the Fairview Heights Police Department, has been named the 2025 recipient of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board Executive Institute Women in Criminal Justice Blue Line Dedication Award. The award honors women who demonstrate unwavering dedication and exceptional service to their communities. Hopkins, a 20-year member of the Fairview Heights Police Department, currently serves as the administrative assistant to the chief of police and supports the entire command staff. Her career began as a 911 telecommunicator before transitioning to her current role. Beyond her administrative duties, Hopkins has taken on multiple additional responsibilities, including leading community programs such as the Youth Academy, Volunteer Program, RAD Training, Citizens and Senior Academy, and hosting MTU and SILEC classes and other community events. Chief of Police John Smith described Hopkins as “a true leader

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