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Governor Pritzker Announces Illinois Manufacturer Richardson Electronics, Ltd. to Expand Operations in Kane County

2 months 2 weeks ago
LA FOX – Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), and Richardson Electronics, Ltd. – a leading global manufacturer of engineered solutions, green energy products, power grid and microwave tubes and more – today announced the Company will expand its operations at its manufacturing headquarters in La Fox, Illinois. Richardson Electronics plans to make a capital investment of more than $8.5 million over the next four years with support from the Reimagining Energy and Vehicles in Illinois (REV Illinois) program. The Company plans to expand its operations, retain nearly 200 skilled employees, and create 54 new full-time jobs in the region. “Here in Illinois, we’re committed to building a clean energy economy to help power our planet while supercharging the state’s economy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With unmatched infrastructure, a qualified workforce, and competitive incentives, Illinois

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Collinsville School District Honors Three Decades of Service

2 months 2 weeks ago
COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 honored employees for their long-term dedication, recognizing staff members who have reached 10, 20, and 30 years of service to the district’s students and families. Among those celebrated were 16 employees marking 30 years with the district, reflecting decades of commitment across multiple schools and district offices. The district specifically highlighted the achievements of these 30-year veterans, inviting the community to congratulate them as part of the Kahok Family. The employees recognized for three decades of service include Stacy Oxendine from Unit 10 Webster Elementary, Stacy Tienes from Caseyville Elementary, Amanda Mason and Stacey Lauenstein from John A. Renfro Elementary School, Mary “Jill” Witte and Jill Bryant from Dorris Intermediate School, Susan Bohler from Twin Echo Elementary School, Elizabeth Bancroft from Collinsville High School, Judy Madura from John A. Renfro Elementary

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First Day of Classes at SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School Celebrated with a Regal Touch of Flair

2 months 2 weeks ago
EAST ST. LOUIS – To enter the building, there was no escaping it – the hip-hop tunes playing from the speaker, amplified personal messages, supporters lined up cheering, shaking pom-poms and holding signs and finally – the long red carpet. On Monday, Aug. 18, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) welcomed its scholars to the first day of classes with exhilaration. The powerful tradition known as "Red Carpet Day” at the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School is designed to welcome students with enthusiasm, recognition and a sense of belonging, as they walk into a new school year, according to new CHS Director Kim Allen. “This tradition sends a clear message: ‘You are seen. You are valued. You belong here,’” said Allen. “The red-carpet experience immediately immerses students in a school-wide culture of encouragement and excitement. It also helps build that culture while making students

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Alton Entrepreneurs Share Plans for Businesses at "What's Up Downtown" Meeting

2 months 2 weeks ago
ALTON - During the quarterly “What’s Up Downtown” meeting, entrepreneurs shared more about their businesses in downtown Alton. On Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, the community gathered at the RiverBender.com Building to hear from local business owners and community leaders. Hosted by Alton Main Street , these quarterly meetings allow people to share information about their businesses and organizations. Natalie Steinacher, the venue director of The Teller Room 1925 , shared that she and her husband, Keith, have reopened in the iMerge Community Center space on the ground floor of the RiverBender.com building . “The space has always been about people gathering. It’s always been about connection, community, and a little bit of fun,” Steinacher said. “The Teller Room is a place that blends history with possibility, where almost a century of stories have already been told, and now we get to write the next ones together.” Ch

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I-64 Ramp Closure Set For Aug. 21

2 months 2 weeks ago
O’FALLON – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced a closure of the westbound Interstate 64 entrance ramp from Highway 50 in St. Clair County. Beginning at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21, traffic will be restricted at this location to allow for road construction. The ramp is scheduled to reopen at 5 a.m. Friday, Aug. 22. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com .

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Representative Amy Elik and Senator Erica Harriss Bringing Free Job Fair to the Riverbend

2 months 2 weeks ago
ALTON – State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) and State Senator Erica Harriss (R-Glen Carbon) are teaming up with local and state employers to host a free job fair in Alton. “I’m thrilled to team up with Senator Harriss to host our first Job Fair,” said Rep. Elik. “We’ve worked hard to bring together a wide array of employers to provide an opportunity for anyone, and hope that you’ll find your next adventure because of the connections you’ll make.” Attendees are encouraged to bring plenty of resumes and dress for success. “Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, this event is a great chance to explore what’s out there,” said Senator Harriss. “We invite anyone eager to grow their career to come out, bring a friend, and connect with the many employers who will be joining us.” The event is free and open to the public. Friday, Sept.

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Edwardsville Arts Fair Highlights Woodworker Ryan Brown, Sculptor Doris Trojcak, and Painter Gavin Otteson

2 months 2 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE - This is another group of artists to be featured at the upcoming Edwardsville Arts Fair on Sept. 26-28, 2025 at Edwardsville City Park. Today, the featured artists are Ryan Brown, Doris Trojcak and Gavin Otteson. Artist #1: Ryan Brown – RAB Woodworking Medium: Wood Artist Statement: "My work focuses on the beauty of practical objects. I use traditional hardwoods to make functional items for the home — cutting boards, clocks, trays, and picture frames—that highlight the natural beauty of the wood." Website Artist #2: Doris Trojcak – Clay Play Medium: Sculpture Artist Statement: "I love music, nature, science, art, and problem-solving. After many years of teaching and becoming a university administrator, I realized I needed a therapeutic outlet. In 1993, I chose clay — first on the wheel, then hand-building, which eventually evolved into teaching myself how to make clay flutes in the shape of animals.

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Governor Signs HB2196 into Law, Expanding Poultry Processing Access for Illinois Farmers

2 months 2 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Stewardship Alliance today celebrated the signing of House Bill 2196 into law, a groundbreaking reform that expands on-farm poultry processing opportunities for small-scale farmers and brings Illinois regulations closer to federal standards and neighboring states. Championed by Senator Sally Turner (R-Beason) and Representative Charlie Meier (R-Okawville), HB2196 increases the annual poultry processing limit from 5,000 to 7,500 birds, permits direct-to-consumer sales at farmers markets, and eliminates the 30-day ownership requirement previously imposed on consumers wishing to process poultry and livestock for personal or cultural purposes. “This is a transformative win for our members,” said Liz Moran Stelk, Executive Director of the Illinois Stewardship Alliance. “It gives small farmers the tools they need to succeed while respecting food safety and community traditions.” One such farmer is Bethany Salisbury of Saratoga Homestead

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Mental Health Resources Added To Teacher IDs Under Belt-supported Law

2 months 2 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD – Teachers will soon see mental health resources on their school IDs under a new measure supported by State Senator Christopher Belt that was signed into law Friday. “This ensures every adult working with our students has direct access to life-saving crisis resources,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This will help reinforce a culture of awareness and support.” House Bill 3000 requires all school districts serving students in grades 6-12 to have the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), the Crisis Text Line and the Safe2Help Illinois helpline on all employee IDs. The law builds on a 2021 law expanding suicide and crisis helpline awareness in schools by ensuring all employees in school districts have this information on their ID cards. Currently, this information is required to be in student handbooks or planners and on student IDs if schools issue them. “This new law is a crucial next step in strengthening mental health safety nets

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Edwardsville School District #7 Embraces Unity With One Mission Theme

2 months 2 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE — Staff members of Edwardsville School District #7 have returned, marking the start of the 2025-26 school year, reuniting with colleagues across the district. A kickoff event brought together teachers and staff from various schools within the district, emphasizing a shared commitment under this year’s theme, “One District, One Mission.” The 2025-2026 school district theme highlights the collective goal of empowering each student to achieve personal success, regardless of individual roles or locations within the district. District officials described the atmosphere as one of warmth and enthusiasm, with hugs and smiles reflecting the excitement of reconvening after the summer break. The kickoff gathering set a tone of connection and collaboration aimed at fostering growth and achievement throughout the school year. Edwardsville School District #7 looks forward to a year focused on strengthening community ties and supporting student development

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Alton School District Outlines Goals for 2025-2026 School Year

2 months 2 weeks ago
ALTON - During their regular meeting on Aug. 19, 2025, the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education learned about the District Improvement Plan and initiatives for the 2025–2026 school year. Superintendent Elaine Kane and Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Rene Hart shared that the district administrative team spent multiple days over the summer reflecting on data, goals and priorities. Hart reiterated the District Improvement Plan’s three strategic goals: creating a culture of belonging, grade-appropriate instruction and assignments, and effective professional learning communities (PLCs) that drive results. The district believes they have the right priorities identified in these goals, and the next step is to act on these goals. “You plan something, you do it, you study the results, and you act on those results,” Hart explained. “So that cycle is a continuous repeat, and we’re really excited to start a brand

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