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Captain Brian Koberna Retires After Distinguished Law Enforcement Career

1 year ago
EDWARDSVILLE — The Madison County Sheriff's Office recently held a retirement ceremony for Captain Brian Koberna, marking the conclusion of a distinguished 20-year career in law enforcement. Koberna began his tenure at the sheriff's office in 2003 as a deputy in the Patrol Division before transitioning to the Investigations Division in 2006. During his time in investigations, Koberna held various roles, including positions in Auto Theft, the Digital Forensic Unit, and as Chief Deputy Commander of the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis. He also served as Chief of Investigations, where he commanded numerous homicide investigations on the Illinois side of the region. Sheriff Jeff Connor praised Koberna's contributions to law enforcement, noting his extensive experience and leadership within the department. "He rose through the ranks and spent a lot of his career in investigations, including our cyber crime unit," Connor said. "He was a valuable member with an untold amoun

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The working class rears its electoral head yet again

1 year ago
At the moment, I'm not much interested in the million and one liberal narratives floating around online explaining "why she lost"—all with remarkable certitude. Emotions are too raw and people are mostly just relitigating all their old grievances. But when a party suffers a six-point swing against it in every single state, the problem is ...continue reading "The working class rears its electoral head yet again"
Kevin Drum

O'Fallon Calendar Project Aims to Raise Funds for Metro East Every Survivor Counts Organization

1 year ago
O'FALLON — The O'Fallon Police Department, along with local emergency medical services, firefighters, and registered nurses from St. Elizabeth's Emergency Room, have collaborated to produce a calendar that aims to support Metro East Every Survivor Counts. The initiative, which showcases the first responders of the community, features photographs taken with their pets during various photo shoots. The Metro East Every Survivor Counts organization has a mission to address multifaceted forms of oppression and end sexual violence by empowering survivors through person-first services and community engagement. The calendar project is designed to raise funds for the organization, which is dedicated to providing support for cancer survivors in the region. The photographs not only highlight the commitment of these first responders, but also aim to foster community spirit and awareness for the cause. The calendar is available for purchase, with proceeds going directly to support

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Troy Police Department Awarded Illinois Department of Transportation Traffic Enforcement Grant

1 year ago
TROY — The Troy Police Department has announced it will enhance its traffic safety initiatives following the award of a Federal Fiscal Year 2025 Sustained Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant. The grant aims to bolster high-visibility enforcement strategies that seek to reduce traffic crashes and prevent injuries. The grant period will run from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025. During this time, the Troy Police Department plans to implement additional enforcement measures that will complement both mandatory and optional campaign enforcement dates, particularly during periods identified as some of the most dangerous for road travel. In a statement, the Troy Police Department expressed its commitment to road safety, saying, "We're pleased to receive this grant to step up our road safety efforts with the goal of saving lives. Our mission is to make travel safer through directed, proactive patrols and to stop, cite, and arrest those who choose to violate traffic laws." The enforcemen

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GCSD9 Board Members meet with Legislators to Discuss School Issues

1 year ago
GRANITE CITY – Granite City Community Unit School District No. 9 Board Treasurer Linda Knogl and Board Member Lori Silva attended the Illinois Association of School Boards, Southwestern Division Meeting on September 25 in Sparta, Ill. They met with Senator Terri Bryant-Murphysboro, Senator Erica Harriss-Edwardsville and Representative Amy Elik-Alton during the meeting. Discussions included unfunded mandates which place a burden of requirements on districts without providing financial assistance to carry out those mandates. To date, there have been 731 mandates thrust upon districts since 1982. Other topics included: teacher shortages, evidence based funding, and student teacher stipends. Knogl and Silva were encouraged by this opportunity to meet and hear their insights and concerns. Hopefully, further legislative meetings such as these will bring us closer and benefit our students and community. For more information about Granite City School District #9, visit

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Madison County Republicans Celebrate Historic Victory with Trump's Re-Election and Full Countywide Leadership

1 year ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County voters have made their voices heard, re-electing Donald Trump as President and supporting a full Republican sweep of all countywide offices. This historic election marks a clear call for policies focused on economic revitalization, national security, and individual freedoms. “The people of Madison County have spoken, endorsing a renewed vision for America under President Trump’s leadership,” said Ray Wesley, Chairman of the Madison County Republican Central Committee. “With his commitment to lowering taxes, strengthening our economy, achieving energy independence, and protecting American interests globally, President Trump’s policies resonate with our community’s priorities.” In addition to President Trump’s victory, Madison County Republicans have achieved significant wins locally, capturing every countywide office and securing key victories in county board races. “Our county candidates an

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