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Belleville Police Arrest 74-Year-Old in Sexual Assault Case

1 year 1 month ago
BELLEVILLE — Belleville Police have arrested Michael G. Munie, 74, in connection with a criminal sexual assault and child pornography investigation, following a report from the mother of a juvenile victim on Sept. 10, 2024. According to Belleville Police Department (BPD), the juvenile, a 15-year-old male, had been spending time at Munie's residence in the 600 block of North 39th Street in Belleville. Munie, who was referred to as the juvenile’s "Godfather," was allegedly observed by a family member engaging in a lewd act with the juvenile. The victim and his mother subsequently sought medical treatment at a local hospital. Belleville Police officers promptly responded to the scene and arrested Munie without incident. He was transported to the Belleville Police Department for further questioning. Multiple search warrants and interviews have been conducted, leading investigators to believe there may be additional victims. The St. Clair County State’s Attorney’s

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Photography with Purpose: Local Artist's Journey from NASA Internship to Accessibility Advocacy

1 year 1 month ago
ALTON - Local artist Maia Huddleston has created art for NASA. For this month only, you can see her work at Milton Schoolhouse. Huddleston is Milton’s September Artist of the Month, and her photography and collages are on display in the building’s main hallway. But while Huddleston is now a Master of Fine Arts student in photography, her journey to photography wasn’t always clear. “I started in photojournalism, actually, but I was finding that I wanted to create my own artistic style and I wanted to develop my own body of ideas that I could convey visually, and that was something that photojournalism was not specifically conducive to,” Huddleston remembered. “I wanted to be able to tell my own stories and my own opinions.” Huddleston began taking photos in high school as a member of her school’s yearbook club. After a school shooting rattled the student body, Huddleston was determined to capture those feelings in her photography.

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Superintendent Addresses East Alton Elementary School Threat Concerns

1 year 1 month ago
EAST ALTON - East Alton Elementary Administration notified families on Monday morning, Sept. 16, 2024, that they were aware of potential threat rumors circulating through the student body and that a report was made to the East Alton Police Department on Sunday night, Sept. 15, 2024. East Alton Elementary Superintendent Nancy Werden had these comments: "There was no specific date, time, or students who have been identified. Please know that we are currently investigating these rumors. "Out of an abundance of caution, law enforcement was present to provide increased security this morning. As always, we are asking students and parents to be vigilant and to immediately report any information regarding any school threat to law enforcement and the school district. Please be assured that your child's safety is our priority."

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Is your company among the Best Places to Work? Submit your nomination for the 2025 program.

1 year 1 month ago
The St. Louis Business Journal has opened up the nomination process for the 2025 Best Places to Work Awards program. If your company is among the best places to work in St. Louis, submit your nomination for our annual program. Applying for this awards program is a two-part process: First, fill out the Best Places to Work Awards nomination form found here. You'll then receive further instructions from our third-party surveyor, Quantum Workplace, on how to proceed with the online, anonymous and confidential…
Veneta Rizvic

Difference Makers: Edwardsville Community Spirit Shines in Fire Response

1 year 1 month ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Two REMAX Alliance employees and local firefighters played pivotal roles in responding to a devastating fire on Friday, Sept. 13, 2024, at apartments in the 100 block of Devon Court in Edwardsville. When the fire erupted, Nikki McCormick and Katy Clark, working at their office across the street at REMAX Alliance, immediately raced to the scene to alert residents. The two women knocked on doors and windows, alerting residents to the danger. Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford acknowledged the risks of civilian involvement in emergency situations but praised McCormick and Clark for their timely actions. "I normally don’t think people should get involved in these types of situations; they should let firefighters handle it," Whiteford said. "But in this case, it was very helpful, and I commend the two women for their efforts." The two Edwardsville women, the firefighters, and the SIUE Alumni Association are all difference makers for their efforts with this

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Choices Ministry to Host Music in the Park Event with "A Heart for Stella" Testimony

1 year 1 month ago
ALTON - Choices Ministry will host its second annual Music in the Park event with a special guest, “miracle girl” Stella Schultz . From 3–5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at Haskell Park in Alton, community members can enjoy a free contemporary Christian music concert. Karrie Schultz, Stella’s mother, will also give a testimony and share the “A Heart for Stella” story . Stella spent eight months at Children’s Hospital waiting for a heart transplant, which she received about a month ago. “We’re about sharing the love of God through music and life experiences,” said Sheldon Rushing with Choices Ministry. “Choices is a ministry committed to sharing the love of God through music and life experiences and Biblical truth.” Rushing explained that he was deeply moved by the Schultz family’s story. Choices Ministry raised $5,000 for Stella during a fundraiser concert two months ago, and Rushing said

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Fire Displaces SIUE Students, Emergency Fund Activated

1 year 1 month ago
EDWARDSVILLE – A fire at an off-campus apartment complex in Edwardsville has left several Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) students displaced, with many losing or experiencing damage to their belongings. The incident, which occurred recently in the 100 block of Devon Court in Edwardsville, has prompted a call for community support to aid the affected students. The SIUE Student Emergency Fund has been activated to assist those facing these unexpected challenges. The fund aims to provide immediate relief to students in distress, ensuring they have the necessary resources to recover and continue their education. In a statement, the university emphasized the importance of community solidarity during such times. "In times like these, we come together as a community," the statement read. The university is urging individuals to consider donating to the Student Emergency Fund. "Whether big or small, every gift counts. Please consider donating to support our students i

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