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Woman Forced from Dodge Challenger at Gunpoint in Early Morning Incident

2 months ago
BELLEVILLE, Ill. — Early Friday morning, the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department responded to an armed vehicular jacking at 126 Adeline Drive in Belleville, Illinois. At approximately 1:06 a.m. on July 11, 2025, a woman reported that several armed black male suspects approached her while she was seated in her Dodge Challenger, pointed assault rifles at her, and ordered her to exit the vehicle. After the victim complied, the suspects entered the Dodge Challenger and fled the scene at a high rate of speed, striking a nearby parked vehicle. Belleville Police officers observed the stolen vehicle traveling rapidly with a Chevrolet Impala following closely behind. A radio broadcast was issued to multiple law enforcement agencies via ISPERN to alert them of the incident and the fleeing vehicles. The stolen Dodge Challenger was later stopped on Anderson Lane in Belleville. An armed suspect fled on foot from the vehicle, prompting the establishment of a perimeter and a search

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Black Bear Observed In Jo Daviess, Carroll Counties, One Viewed In St. Clair County In May 2025

2 months ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding residents of Jo Daviess and Carroll counties that a black bear has been observed by multiple landowners over the past several weeks in the vicinity of Mississippi Palisades State Park and, in recent days, frequenting private residences south and east of Galena. Seeing a bear may be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and their presence should not necessarily be perceived as a threat to human safety. Nevertheless, it’s important to remember bears are wild animals and should be treated as such. IDNR encourages residents throughout Jo Daviess and Carroll counties to avoid direct encounters with this bear and to check their property for food sources that may attract it to their residences. Through learned behavior, bears often investigate anything that may yield a food reward, such as bird feeders, barbeque grills, garbage cans, and dog food. Once a bear finds a food source, it will likely return,

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Mo. bill seeks to boost public safety recruitment, retention

2 months ago
MISSOURI - Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has signed a bill that provides tuition coverage for public safety personnel and their families under specific conditions. “This legislation reflects that commitment and the bipartisan work to get it here,” said Kehoe. “It truly was a bipartisan bill, and public safety is not partisan." The Public Safety Recruitment and [...]
Patrick Clark

Congresswoman Budzinski Champions Future of Illinois MEP Program

2 months ago
CHAMPAIGN - On Friday, July 11, 2025, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) led an important discussion on the future of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program in Illinois, held at Wagner Machine Company, a local business participating in the program. The event brought together key stakeholders to address concerns over the Trump Administration’s proposal to eliminate the program, which has been a cornerstone of economic growth and job creation in the district. “The impact the MEP program has had on our district cannot be overstated,” said Congresswoman Budzinski . “MEP has aided local business, generating millions in new investments and creating and maintaining good-paying jobs right here at home. Threats to this program are yet another attempt by the administration to cut funding that is doing real good in our communities. Today's tour made clear that if we are going to truly support small and mid-sized manufacturers like Wagner, we must

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Alton Man Charged With Sexual Abuse, Attempted Sexual Assault Of 14-Year-Old

2 months ago
ALTON – A 72-year-old Alton man remains in custody on criminal charges of sexual abuse and more against a 14-year-old victim. David A. Gray, 72, of the 100 block of East 14th Street in Alton, was charged on July 3, 2025 with the following offenses: Attempted criminal sexual assault (Class 2 felony) Aggravated criminal sexual abuse (Class 2 felony) Indecent solicitation of a child (two counts, both Class 3 felonies) Battery (two counts, both Class A misdemeanors) Gray is accused of committing and attempting to commit acts of sexual abuse by use of force against a female victim who was 14 years old at the time of the offenses. He is also accused of soliciting the same victim and asking them to perform sexual acts on at least two occasions, as well as inappropriately touching and forcibly kissing the same victim. The investigation began after the victim reported the sexual abuse to the Alton Police Department on June 5, 2025, according to the state’s petition

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New Rodeo Company Whippoorwill Impresses Jersey County Fair Audience

2 months ago
JERSEYVILLE — The Jersey County Fair rodeo on Thursday night, July 10, 2025, drew one of the largest crowds in recent memory, according to Phil Ringhausen of the fair. The event nearly reached a sellout. This year’s rodeo featured Whippoorwill, a new rodeo company brought in to elevate the quality of the show. Whippoorwill Rodeo of Macedonia, Illinois, is owned and operated by past, present, and future rodeo champions. With over 25 years of rodeo experience on both sides of the arena as rodeo contestants & stock contractor’s the company's overall mission is to keep the legacy of America’s original extreme sport alive for generations to come. The company's other part of the mission is to preserve the values of Western heritage and the cowboy way of life. “We had changed rodeo companies not because of any issues, but because we wanted a different grade of show,” Ringhausen said. “They did a phenomenal job with entertainment. Rated No. 1 in

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Alton 1st Ward Residents Invited to July 16 Community Meeting

2 months ago
ALTON - Residents of the 1st Ward are invited to attend a community meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will take place at City Hall. Chris Bohn, the 1st Ward alderman, announced the gathering and said John Mitchell, the newly appointed Public Works Director, will be present to address questions about upcoming projects, road conditions, and other related concerns. The meeting offers an opportunity for residents to engage directly with local officials regarding public works and community issues. Bohn expressed anticipation for the event, encouraging attendance.

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