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Florida Woman Sentenced To Three Years In Prison For Scamming Cahokia Heights Grandmother

9 months 2 weeks ago
BENTON – A Florida woman was sentenced to three years in prison by a Southern Illinois judge after admitting to scamming her Cahokia Heights grandmother out of more than $300,000. Tanya M. Aboseada, 39, of Pompano Beach, Fla., pleaded guilty to 12 counts of wire fraud in May 2024. “Seniors are warned to avoid giving money to strangers who may be looking to take advantage of them, but it’s a different kind of deceit when criminals target their own elderly family members,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I appreciate our partnership with the FBI to bring justice for the grandmother, who was simply wanting to help her grandchild she thought was in need.” According to court documents, Aboseada convinced her grandmother, who resides in Cahokia Heights, Illinois, to wire money into her bank account under false pretenses on at least 12 occasions between November 2021 and August 2022. Aboseada admitted to lying about various needs, including

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Sen. Harriss to host two ICASH events in Metro East: One In Alton, Another In Caseyville

9 months 2 weeks ago
MADISON COUNTY – State Senator Erica Harriss has once again teamed up with the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office for two ICASH events this fall which could help Illinoisans find and claim money owed to them. “This event is a great opportunity for residents to find out if there is any money out there owed to them,” said Senator Harriss. “Last year, a constituent of mine was awarded more than $15,000 through this state program. After finding much success in this event, we knew we needed to bring it back for residents of the Metro East.” The first event will be held on Monday, September 30, 2024, from 1PM-4PM in council chambers at Alton City Hall (101 East 3rd Street, Alton, IL). The second event will be held Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 1PM-4PM at the Caseyville Community Center (909 South Maine Street, Caseyville, IL). Registration for each event is not required. For more information or questions, please contact Amanda Brown at abrown@sgop.ilga.gov

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Opinion: Southern Illinois Farmers: Backbone of Our Nation

9 months 2 weeks ago
For the last half of the 20th century, no voice captured the essence of the American spirit better than Paul Harvey. It’s been 15 years since his passing, and it’s easy to forget that he reached 24 million Americans each week on the radio and in newspapers. But what drew people to Harvey wasn’t just his humor or wit—it was his love of celebrating everyday heroes. In November 1978, Harvey stood before the Future Farmers of America convention in Kansas City, Missouri, and delivered a speech that has echoed through the generations: “So God Made a Farmer.” In that speech, Harvey did more than recount the creation story. He reminded us all that when God looked down on the world He’d made, He saw the need for a caretaker —someone to tend to the land, someone with patience and strength. And so, God made a farmer. Harvey wasn’t just sharing a perspective on faith; he was capturing the heart of what it means to be a farmer. These men and

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Mayor Mike McCormick re-elected to the IML Board of Directors

9 months 2 weeks ago
CHICAGO – The Illinois Municipal League (IML) elected officers and members to its Board of Directors at its Annual Business Meeting, held September 21st, as part of the 111th IML Annual Conference at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The IML membership unanimously elected Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen, City of Champaign, to serve a one-year term as President. Also elected during the conference were Village President Sheila Chalmers-Currin, Village of Matteson, as First Vice President, and Mayor Gary W. Manier, City of Washington, as Second Vice President. In addition to the officers, 36 Vice Presidents were elected to serve a one-year term, and eight IML Past Presidents continue to serve on the statewide organization’s Board of Directors. Village of Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick was re-elected to serve as a Vice President. “Strength lies in unity, and Illinois mayors exemplify this principle as we collaborate to build stronger communities and drive positive transformation

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Local Religious Sister Saves Lives With Biomedical Engineering Work

9 months 2 weeks ago
ALTON - As a religious Sister with a biomedical engineering degree, Sister M. Pieta Keller, F.S.G.M., is no stranger to saving lives. Sister M. Pieta is a Sister of the St. Francis of the Martyr St. George Convent based in Alton. She works with the Jump Simulation and Education Center in Peoria as a biomedical engineer on their innovation team. She has developed many technological advancements that have saved and improved the lives of over 500 patients. “Before I entered , I got a biomedical engineering degree, and in God’s providence, I actually use it,” Sister M. Pieta said. “I truly feel that God has placed me here and led me to choose a field that allows me to pursue my love of engineering, in addition to answering His call to serve Him, combining to positively affect people’s lives every day.” After graduating from Purdue University with a degree in biomedical engineering, Sister M. Pieta joined the Sisterhood in 2013. She has worked

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Difference Maker: Beverly Farm CEO Crystal Officer Empowers Lives Every Day

9 months 2 weeks ago
GODFREY – Community service and leading with positivity are two traits that Crystal Officer will always be known for at Beverly Farm Foundation. Officer is a definite "Difference Maker" for her area with her work at Beverly Farm and beyond. Officer was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer at Beverly Farm in June 2021. She is known as a supervisor who makes everyone around her feel like they can make a difference every day. She has been extremely creative and innovative in her work with the Beverly Farm Foundation and residents. Crystal said at Beverly Farm Foundation the most important part of the operation is they "value people." "Equipping and supporting our team members to grow both professionally and personally is an important part of our daily work," she said. "I would like to thank the team and residents of Beverly Farm for their dedicated efforts and support, and God for His enabling grace, strength, and love.” Officer previously served as Senior Vice President

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