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Trump agrees to Sept. 10 debate with Harris, claims two more upcoming

11 months ago
WASHINGTON — Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said Thursday he has agreed to debate Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris on Sept. 10, a reversal from his position last week that he would not participate in the ABC News event. During a press conference at Trump’s Mar-A-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida, the former president said […]
Ariana Figueroa

Governor Pritzker Announces $5 Million For Tourism Grant Programs

11 months ago
CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $5 million in tourism funding through two grant programs, the Route 66 Grant Program ($4 million) and International Tourism Grant Program ($1 million). Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Here in Illinois, our tourism industry is thriving and we’re not letting up,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With $5 million in funding through our Route 66 and International Grant programs, we’re showcasing our state’s rich history all while creating jobs and driving economic growth. I encourage all eligible entities to apply and continue making Illinois a top destination for visitors from around the world.” “These grant programs are vital to supporting the dedicated organizations that showcase Illinois' exceptional character,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “By

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Coach Helton Praises Rybak: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Talent, She Is A Byron, Carlson, Petri and Kalb Female Athlete Of Month

11 months ago
GLEN CARBON - The region will likely never see a caliber distance runner like Elena Rybak, the senior Father McGivney phenom, come ever again. Rybak has won three state championships in the 1,600-meter run and appears poised for a fourth in the spring of 2025. Father McGivney Catholic High School's cross country team is set to reach its typical heights in 2024, with head coach Jim Helton expressing high expectations for standout athlete Rybak. Coach Helton praised Rybak's performance and work ethic, highlighting her as one of the most talented athletes he has ever coached. Rybak runs with grace and style and is as hard a worker as any athlete in the McGivney School. She also is a starter on the Father McGivney girls' soccer team. "We always knew she was a tremendous talent," Helton said. "Putting it together her junior year for a team state championship was nice and refreshing. She worked so hard and is a great teammate." When Rybak isn't running in track and field or at cross-country

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Jerseyville Man Charged With Criminal Sexual Abuse Of Minor

11 months ago
JERSEYVILLE - A man charged with sexually abusing a 14-year-old was granted pretrial release despite a petition to keep him detained after a series of criminal cases against him were dismissed. Kyle C. Kniffen, 28, of Jerseyville, was charged with one count of criminal sexual abuse, a Class 4 felony. Kniffen allegedly committed an act of sexual abuse against a minor who was 14 years old while Kniffen was 26 at the time of the incident on July 13, 2022. Kniffen has an extensive criminal history, including a series of cases against him spanning several years which were previously dismissed, according to a petition to deny his pretrial release. The petition states that Kniffen was previously charged with aggravated battery of a child in 2015 before the case was dismissed with leave to reinstate. An assault case against Kniffen from 2018 was reportedly dismissed at the request of the victim. A previous case of criminal sexual abuse and grooming from 2022 was also dismissed after

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Master Gardener Nancy Orrill Is Godfrey's Newest "Good Neighbor"

11 months ago
GODFREY - Nancy Orrill is the latest Good Neighbor Award recipient in the Village of Godfrey following Tuesday’s Public Safety Committee meeting. Orrill was recognized among other accomplishments for her 300 hours of volunteer service and her work through the Master Gardener program. Trustee Sarah Woodman said Orrill has been gardening since she was 8 years old and became a Master Gardener after completing a 10-week training program through the University of Illinois Extension. “After working for 31 years, Nancy retired in 2010 and pursued her passion of gardening,” Woodman said. “By 2011, she was the project leader for the Village Garden - that’s the garden behind the Village Hall.” Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick commended Orrill on all her efforts and said she was a model citizen and a great example for others in her village. Orrill was previously awarded the Outstanding Master Gardener Award in 2018, and she and her team earned the

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