a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

Hundreds Petition To Halt Development Of The Great Rivers National Park

1 year 2 months ago
ALTON - A new petition on Change.org is calling for a halt to AltonWorks’ proposed development of the Great Rivers National Park. According to the petition starter, many citizens are deeply concerned that this plan could infringe on private property rights and diminish personal freedoms. The petition emphasizes that with 85% of U.S. land being privately held, the transformation of these private lands into a federal park would take away autonomy that many Americans value. Supporters of the petition say this isn’t an opposition to conservation, but a call to protect individual rights while considering environmental progress. The petition highlights that existing public and private lands should already support nature conservation without further encroaching on private ownership. This petition is a reminder that through Change.org , people continue to keep hope alive for the issues they care about. The platform makes it easier for people to take simple actions to shape

Continue Reading

Woman killed in Jefferson County crash Thursday

1 year 2 months ago
WINDSOR TOWNSHIP, Mo. -- A fatal two-vehicle crash occurred on Thursday afternoon on Highway 61 at Village Plaza in Jefferson County. The collision involved a 2016 Chevrolet Malibu driven by Jane E. Birkenbach, 71, of Arnold and a 2011 Dodge Ram. According to the crash report, Birkenbach failed to yield and pulled into the path [...]
Joe Millitzer

Duckworth, Durbin Announce More Than $36 Million to Help Address Opioid Crisis in Illinois

1 year 2 months ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced $36,714,994 in federal funding for the Illinois Department of Human Services to help support treatment and prevention services for substance and opioid use disorders and overdoses. This funding comes through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as a part of their State Opioid Response grants program. “The opioid epidemic has taken far too many lives, and resolving this crisis requires a comprehensive effort from officials at every level of government and from local organizations,” Duckworth said. “I will continue working with Senator Durbin to ensure those treating and preventing opioid addiction have the resources they need to serve all Illinoisans.” “As the opioid epidemic continues to ravage our state, we need prevention, treatment, and recovery

Continue Reading

Duckworth, Durbin Announce More Than $36 Million to Help Address Opioid Crisis in Illinois

1 year 2 months ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced $36,714,994 in federal funding for the Illinois Department of Human Services to help support treatment and prevention services for substance and opioid use disorders and overdoses. This funding comes through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) as a part of their State Opioid Response grants program. “The opioid epidemic has taken far too many lives, and resolving this crisis requires a comprehensive effort from officials at every level of government and from local organizations,” Duckworth said. “I will continue working with Senator Durbin to ensure those treating and preventing opioid addiction have the resources they need to serve all Illinoisans.” “As the opioid epidemic continues to ravage our state, we need prevention, treatment, and recovery

Continue Reading

Domestic Disturbance Leads To Fatal Confrontation In Belleville

1 year 2 months ago
BELLEVILLE – A domestic disturbance escalated into a fatal confrontation involving law enforcement on Thursday evening, according to the Belleville Police Department. At approximately 7:46 p.m., officers responded to reports of a male subject armed with a firearm in the 5000 block of Schmidt Lane in unincorporated St. Clair County. During the incident, police reported that the 69-year-old male suspect discharged his weapon multiple times. Belleville Police Lt. James Hendricks stated that when confronted by numerous uniformed officers, the suspect continued to pose a threat. A deputy on scene subsequently discharged his firearm, striking the suspect, who later died from his injuries. “St. Clair County Sheriff Richard Watson has requested that the Illinois State Police Zone 6 Investigations Division assist in conducting an independent investigation per agency policy,” Lt. Hendricks said. The identity of the deceased suspect has not been released, as authorities are

Continue Reading

Domestic Disturbance Leads To Fatal Confrontation In Belleville

1 year 2 months ago
BELLEVILLE – A domestic disturbance escalated into a fatal confrontation involving law enforcement on Thursday evening, according to the Belleville Police Department. At approximately 7:46 p.m., officers responded to reports of a male subject armed with a firearm in the 5000 block of Schmidt Lane in unincorporated St. Clair County. During the incident, police reported that the 69-year-old male suspect discharged his weapon multiple times. Belleville Police Lt. James Hendricks stated that when confronted by numerous uniformed officers, the suspect continued to pose a threat. A deputy on scene subsequently discharged his firearm, striking the suspect, who later died from his injuries. “St. Clair County Sheriff Richard Watson has requested that the Illinois State Police Zone 6 Investigations Division assist in conducting an independent investigation per agency policy,” Lt. Hendricks said. The identity of the deceased suspect has not been released, as authorities are

Continue Reading

Passing of the Torch for a Local Nonprofit

1 year 2 months ago
WOOD RIVER - Amare, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit recovery community organization, announces a significant leadership transition as its original founder and Executive Director, Ty Bechel, steps down to focus on the expansion and growth of his nonprofit training, coaching, and consulting company, Bechel & Associates Nonprofit Consulting and his other endeavor with IT Consultants and Managed Service Provider, Simple ITSM. Ty, who founded Amare in 2014 and officially incorporated the organization in 2015, has been a leader in the recovery community for over a decade. He and his team’s work has helped hundreds of individuals and families on their journey to recovery and wellness. In his announcement, Ty shared, “Founding Amare has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Watching it grow from an idea into a vital support system for our community has been a humbling journey. As I pass the torch to Carson, I have full confidence that Amare will continue to flourish

Continue Reading

Passing of the Torch for a Local Nonprofit

1 year 2 months ago
WOOD RIVER - Amare, a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit recovery community organization, announces a significant leadership transition as its original founder and Executive Director, Ty Bechel, steps down to focus on the expansion and growth of his nonprofit training, coaching, and consulting company, Bechel & Associates Nonprofit Consulting and his other endeavor with IT Consultants and Managed Service Provider, Simple ITSM. Ty, who founded Amare in 2014 and officially incorporated the organization in 2015, has been a leader in the recovery community for over a decade. He and his team’s work has helped hundreds of individuals and families on their journey to recovery and wellness. In his announcement, Ty shared, “Founding Amare has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Watching it grow from an idea into a vital support system for our community has been a humbling journey. As I pass the torch to Carson, I have full confidence that Amare will continue to flourish

Continue Reading

Riverbend Rotary Literacy Grant Benefits West Elementary School in Alton

1 year 2 months ago
ALTON - The Racial Justice Committee of YWCA Southwestern Illinois recently gifted over 150 books to West Elementary School in Alton, thanks to a $1,700 grant awarded to the Rotary Club of the Riverbend Alton-Godfrey. Rotarians from the Club, also known as Riverbend Rotary, and representatives from the YWCA recently delivered the books to TaRael Kee, the new principal of West Elementary. TaRael, along with School Librarian Steve Doering and students in the library were on hand to receive the books. “Many thanks to the Riverbend Rotary and YWCA for taking time to think about us and our children. These books will go a long way,” says TaRael, noting that he and the teachers have ambitious goals for students at West Elementary and they believe the students have potential to reach those goals. “These kids lit up when they saw the books - they noticed that the books’ characters are like them and look like them.” “We are excited to partner with the YWC

Continue Reading

Riverbend Rotary Literacy Grant Benefits West Elementary School in Alton

1 year 2 months ago
ALTON - The Racial Justice Committee of YWCA Southwestern Illinois recently gifted over 150 books to West Elementary School in Alton, thanks to a $1,700 grant awarded to the Rotary Club of the Riverbend Alton-Godfrey. Rotarians from the Club, also known as Riverbend Rotary, and representatives from the YWCA recently delivered the books to TaRael Kee, the new principal of West Elementary. TaRael, along with School Librarian Steve Doering and students in the library were on hand to receive the books. “Many thanks to the Riverbend Rotary and YWCA for taking time to think about us and our children. These books will go a long way,” says TaRael, noting that he and the teachers have ambitious goals for students at West Elementary and they believe the students have potential to reach those goals. “These kids lit up when they saw the books - they noticed that the books’ characters are like them and look like them.” “We are excited to partner with the YWC

Continue Reading

Amy Elik and Nick Raftopoulos Lead Candidates' Forum for Illinois House of Representatives 111th District

1 year 2 months ago
ALTON - Community members gathered at the YWCA in Alton to hear from incumbent Amy Elik and challenger Nick Raftopoulos at a candidates’ forum for the Illinois House of Representatives 111th District. On Thursday, Oct. 3, 2024, Elik and Raftopoulos spoke about their priorities and answered questions from the audience. The forum began by allowing both candidates to introduce themselves. Elik, a Republican, explained that she is running for a third two-year term. She said she voted against giving money to “illegal immigrants” and for ending the sales tax on groceries. She added that a main priority of hers is “keeping children in schools safe from predators.” “During my last four years, I have been laser-focused on really just trying to make Illinois safer and more affordable, a great place to raise a family, to start a business or maintain a business and a great place to retire,” Elik said. “I’ve done that by holding

Continue Reading

Macoupin County state’s attorney asks for special prosecutor in former funeral director's case

1 year 2 months ago
A Macoupin County judge approved the appointment of a special prosecutor to review a criminal case against August Heinz, the funeral home director accused of giving dozens of families the wrong ashes. But the special prosecutor won’t be looking into Heinz’s handling of human remains. The prosecutor is instead looking into whether Heinz committed forgery. And the victim in that allegation is his ex-wife. Michael Havera, of the State Appellate Prosecutor’s Office, entered his appearance in…
Beth Hundsdorfer