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Community Christmas 2024 Once Again Delivered Joy To Countless Area Families In Need

1 year ago
ALTON/GODFREY — Community Christmas in 2024 successfully provided hundreds of toys and clothing to families in need, thanks to local efforts and generous donations. The Freer family from Freer Auto Body played a pivotal role in the campaign, which aims to support those who may otherwise go without during the holiday season. On Christmas Eve, the Freer family learned of a family of 10 that lacked clothing and toys. They worked quickly to gather the appropriate sizes for the children and find toys for the kids, embodying the precise spirit of Community Christmas. Margaret Freer, a family member and part owner of Freer Auto Body, expressed the emotional significance of the campaign, stating, “It just warms my heart each year to do the Community Christmas campaign. It was David's favorite charity, so that makes it even more special for me. The need is out there and our community never fails to come through.” David Freer, the founder of Freer Auto Body in Godfrey, died

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United Community Bank Names Allen Schmale New President and CEO

1 year ago
CHATHAM – The Board of Directors of United Community Bank (UCB) is pleased to announce that Allen Schmale has been named President and Chief Executive Officer of UCB, effective immediately. This announcement follows a highly successful tenure as Interim President and CEO, during which Schmale demonstrated exceptional leadership and a steadfast commitment to the Bank's mission. "Allen is the ideal leader for this role," said Bob Narmont, Chairman of the UCB Board. "His deep banking expertise, dedication to serving our customers and communities, and ability to engage and motivate our team have been invaluable as we continue to grow and strengthen our organization." With decades of experience in banking and finance, Schmale previously served as Chief Lending Officer at UCB, where he spearheaded initiatives that drove growth and success across our organization. His leadership will be instrumental as UCB continues to serve and support its central Illinois, northeast Missouri, and

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Local Organizations Provide Major Support to Brickline Greenway

1 year ago
Brickline Greenway is kicking off 2025 with three huge wins! Great Rivers Greenway (GRG), the public agency connecting the region with greenways who turns 25 this year, has received a major boost to support the project’s vision to connect 14 neighborhoods with 12+ miles of greenways. Significant investments from both BJC Health System (BJC) and […]
Dede Hance

Delvarrion D. Harris Faces 12 Counts of Aggravated Battery After Venice Club Shooting

1 year ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, that multiple charges have been filed against Delvarrion D. Harris, 30, of East St. Louis, in connection with a shooting that injured 12 people at a club in Venice. The incident occurred early on Nov. 24, 2024, at a club located in the 1400 block of Broadway in Venice. Haine said all the victims survived, although some required hospitalization for their injuries. Harris is charged with 12 counts of Aggravated Battery with a Firearm, a class X felony, as well as one count of Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, a class 3 felony. The charges allege that Harris discharged a firearm, striking the victims, and that he possessed a .40-caliber handgun despite a prior felony conviction. The charges were officially filed on Dec. 20, 2024, but remained sealed until Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025, following Harris's arrest. He is currently held at the St. Clair County Jail and is expected to be transferred

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St.Louis Transit Issues

1 year ago

All four candidates running for mayor of St.Louis have agreed to participate in a public forum on the city’s transportation infrastructure and the future of its streets. The non-profit Trailnet organization that works to improve transit in the region is hosting a Mayoral Forum so that the public can hear directly from candidates about future…

The post St.Louis Transit Issues appeared first on The Big 550 KTRS.

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Millions under extreme fire weather alert as strong winds lash Southern California

1 year ago

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Southern California residents are facing dire new wildfire warnings and power shutoffs while they prepare to flee at a moment’s notice as fire-fueling winds blasted across the scarred landscape. The winds are predicted to reach near hurricane-force Tuesday in some areas. Much of Southern California was under an elevated fire risk…

The post Millions under extreme fire weather alert as strong winds lash Southern California appeared first on The Big 550 KTRS.

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Glen Carbon Street Improvement Projects Pending Board Approval

1 year ago
GLEN CARBON - Two contracts between Glen Carbon and TWM, Inc. for street improvement projects are up for a vote at Tuesday night, Jan. 14, 2025, Glen Carbon Village Board meeting. Trustees will consider the approval of two contracts with TWM, Inc. for construction engineering services under the Street Program. Work under the first agreement totals $94,300, while the second agreement totals $44,700. According to a memo to trustees from Public Works Director Scott Slemer, the $94,300 agreement is for the Main Street Storm Sewer Replacement project, while the $44,700 agreement is for the Forest Ridge Court Reconstruction project. Main Street Storm Sewer Replacement Project limits for the Main Street Storm Sewer Replacement extend from the historic Glen Carbon covered bridge to School Street. The full scope of the work is described in the first Professional Services Agreement as follows: “All inlets and storm sewer will be replaced, and the street will be patched as necessary,&rdquo

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