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Raging Rivers Offers Free Admission for First Responders

1 year 2 months ago
GRAFTON - Raging Rivers will offer free admission to first responders this weekend. From Saturday, Aug. 31, through Monday, Sept. 2, 2024, first responders can enter the water park for free with a valid work ID or badge. EMTs, police officers, firefighters and hospital workers are invited to take advantage of this offer. “We want to give back to them,” said Jeremy Hayes, park manager at Raging Rivers. “They’ve given so much for us all the time, and we just recognize what they do for the community. It’s our way of giving a little bit back to them.” Located at 100 Palisades Parkway in Grafton, the water park is a local fixture for families across the Riverbend. From now until Sept. 8, Raging Rivers is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Hayes noted that Raging Rivers typically closes after Labor Day weekend, but they decided to remain open for an extra weekend this year due to the warmer weather. This

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Belleville Community Mourns Frank Booker, Beloved Veteran and Leader

1 year 2 months ago
BELLEVILLE – Frank Booker's contributions to his community and country have left an indelible mark, and he will be long remembered for his dedication and service. Booker, a retired member of the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department Merit Commission and a decorated veteran of the United States Army, has died at age 91. Booker, who served in the 101st Airborne Division, distinguished himself as the second-highest-ranking recruit out of 498. His exceptional service extended beyond the military, as he also owned Panorama Lanes in Belleville, which became a renowned event space for the region. Booker served on the St. Clair County Sheriff's Department Merit Commission for 37 years. A cherished memory captured in a photograph depicts a surprise dinner held in 2022, commemorating his retirement from the commission due to health concerns. The St. Clair County Sheriff's Department expressed their condolences to Booker's family, including his wife, children, and extended family,

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Vito Crowder Arrested On First-Degree Murder Charge

1 year 2 months ago
ALTON – The final suspect in the February 3, 2024, shooting that resulted in the death of 13-year-old Ra’niya Steward has been apprehended. Vito K. Crowder was taken into custody Thursday morning, Aug. 29, 2024, by Alton Police Detectives, with the assistance of the United States Marshals Service (USMS), Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and the St. Louis County Police Department. Crowder was charged by the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office on Feb. 14, 2024, with two counts of First Degree Murder and Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapons. These charges automatically certify him to be tried in adult court. The Alton Police Department expressed gratitude to the USMS, Saint Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and the St. Louis County Police Department for their cooperation in the arrest. “The family of Ra’niya are in our continued thoughts and prayers as they await justice from this terrible incident,” the department stated.

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Edwardsville Township Continues Green Push, Installing Chargepoint Electric Vehicle Charger & Approving Solar Panels For Township Hall

1 year 2 months ago
EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Township is excited to announce the installation of a dual port, Level 2 Chargepoint charger to the recently renovated Edwardsville Township Town Hall and the Township Board approved a bid for the installation of solar panels. The 54 solar panels will generate the electricity needed for Township Hall and the EV charger will fill a need for downtown Edwardsville. In 2023, the St. Louis metro area was named the least EV-Friendly Metropolitan Area in the United States according to Route Fifty. “With Township Hall being a block from the heart of Edwardsville, we knew adding a charger would be a valuable addition to the community and for customers visiting Main Street while helping us with our green focus,” said Township Supervisor Kevin Hall. “The solar panels have been in the works for years as the next phase after completing the building.” To increase the number of charging options, the charging station also has an electric outlet

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Mark Osmack

1 year 2 months ago
Mark Osmack has been out of the electoral fray for awhile, but he never completely abandoned his passion for Missouri politics. Osmack, a Valley Park native and U.S. Army veteran, previously ran for Missouri’s 2nd Congressional District seat and for state Senate. During an episode of Politically Speaking, Osmack received a phone call from Missouri Democratic Party Chairman Russ Carnahan asking him to run for state treasurer. “There's a lot of decision making and processing and evaluation that goes into it, which is something I am very passionate and interested in,” Osmack said. Osmack is squaring off against state Treasurer Vivek Malek, who was able to easily win a crowded GOP primary against several veteran lawmakers — including House Chairman Cody Smith and Sen. Andrew Koenig.