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Compton Hill Water Tower showcased St. Louis before the Arch

4 months 1 week ago
The Compton Hill Water Tower in St. Louis, a French Romanesque-style water tower built in 1899, was restored in 1999 and offers visitors a great view of the city from the top of its 198 steps, though it is currently closed due to maintenance issues.
Elizabeth Stump

Four-Day Roadwork to Enhance Safety on Country Lane Near Troy

4 months 1 week ago
TROY — Approximately 300 feet of Country Lane in Troy will be fully closed from Thursday, July 31, 2025, through Sunday, Aug. 3, 2025, to allow for necessary reconstruction work, officials announced. The closure will begin at the intersection of Troy-O'Fallon Road. Residents affected by the closure and motorists traveling east of Troy-O'Fallon Road on Country Lane are advised to use a detour route: take Country Lane east to Baurer Road, then head north on Baurer Road to access Highway 40. Kilian Co., the contractor responsible for the project, said the work is essential for improving roadway safety and minimizing the duration of disturbances. “We kindly request the forbearance and understanding of all residents and motorists during this time,” a company said. During daily operations, residents within the closure may experience temporary loss of access to their driveways. Additionally, there will be a drop in elevation greater than one foot as crews reconstruct

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Alton Woman Arrested On Meth, DUI Charges In Calhoun County

4 months 1 week ago
BRUSSELS - On May 16, 2025, at 9:46 p.m., a Deputy Sheriff with the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office conducted a citizen contact near the boat ramp located on Pohlman Slough, in Brussels, Calhoun County, Ill. Subsequent to an investigation, a suspect, April L. McGee, aged 38, of Alton, Ill. was arrested for the following offenses: Possession of Methamphetamine (Less than 5 Grams) Possession of Drug Paraphernalia Driving Uner the Influence - Alcohol Driving Under the Influence - Drugs Illegal Transportation of Alcohol - Driver McGee was arrested without incident and released with a Notice to Appear at a later date at the Calhoun County Courthouse. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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Illinois Department Of Juvenile Justice To Host Job Screenings For Juvenile Justice Specialist Positions

4 months 1 week ago
GRAFTON – The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) will host employment screening events for its Juvenile Justice Specialist positions. Juvenile Justice Specialists make a difference in the lives of youth by providing a safe and healthy environment through mentoring relationships and direct supervision of youth. The positions are full-time, year-round, shift-work positions and the position has a starting salary of $65,004. There are job openings at the following Illinois youth centers: Monarch Youth Center in Lincoln, and IYC Pere Marquette in Grafton. The screening dates and locations are listed below: Monarch Youth Center at Lincoln- 861 S. State St., Lincoln, IL August 11, 12 September 9,10 Illinois Youth Center Pere Marquette- 17808 State Highway 100W, Grafton, IL August 22 September 19 October 17 November 14 December 12 Interested applicants must attend one of the upcoming screening events to be considered and must complete an online application

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NGRREC Invites Community to Summer Research Intern Poster Showcase

4 months 1 week ago
EAST ALTON – The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC) is inviting the community to attend a research presentation showcase for its summer interns from 5-7 p.m., July 29, 2025, at the Jerry F. Costello Field Station. Guests are encouraged to explore interactive presentations showcasing innovative research projects and to engage directly with the interns. Family-friendly activities will be available to spark curiosity in future ecologists, making the event welcoming for all ages. “This public poster session is a fantastic platform for our interns to not only showcase their hard work but also gain crucial experience in presenting scientific research,” said Internships and Special Projects Coordinator Amy Monroe. “We welcome everyone to join us, interact with these budding scientists, and discover the exciting advancements they've made during their internships.” A guided tour of the Field Station facility will begin at 5:30

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East Alton Student Makes Spring 2025 Dean's Honor Roll at Casper College

4 months 1 week ago
CASPER, Wyo. - Casper College officials have released the names of the 392 students who made the Dean’s Honor Roll for the 2025 spring semester. The recognition is given to part-time degree-seeking students, those taking six to 11 credit hours per semester, and full-time nondegree-seeking students who earned a GPA of 3.5 or better. Students named to Casper College’s Dean’s Honor Roll are listed below by their hometown. East Alton, IL: Autum Spink

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L&C Recruiter Recognized for Outstanding Dedication and Impact

4 months 1 week ago
GODFREY – L&C Recruiter Daniel Nosce received Lewis and Clark Community College’s highest honor this spring for his exceptional dedication and positive impact on the college campus. Nosce, a friendly and familiar face at college fairs, community events, and school visits, has played a key role in connecting students with educational opportunities at L&C. Colleagues praise his enthusiasm, approachability, and relentless drive to support and uplift others. Nosce is the newest recipient of the college’s Pantone 286 Award, named for the Pantone Color System identifier for Lewis and Clark’s “Trailblazer blue.” “Daniel is an exceptional member of our team whose unwavering commitment exemplifies the very essence of the Trailblazer spirit,” President Ken Trzaska said. “He consistently works with integrity and purpose, ensuring the success of those around him. Daniel is not only a steadfast presence—he is a steady force that unites

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Gov. Pritzker Signs SB1563, Protecting Property Owners from Squatters

4 months 1 week ago
CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed SB1563 into law, clarifying that civil eviction procedures do not restrict law enforcement from enforcing trespassing laws, providing critical clarity for property owners and law enforcement agencies handling unauthorized occupancies across the state. “This outdated eviction law has treated squatters the same as tenants, leaving property owners in limbo and tying the hands of law enforcement,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I want to thank the bill sponsors, Sen. Lakesia Collins and Rep. Jawaharial Williams, for their leadership in spearheading this important legislation. This bill delivers long-overdue clarity, closes dangerous legal loopholes, and ensures that trespassers can no longer manipulate the system to delay removal from properties they never had any right to occupy in the first place.” “Squatters are a problem, and no one should have to get an eviction notice to remove them from their home.

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Budzinski Bill to Codify Veterans Experience Office Passes House

4 months 1 week ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) announced that her Improving Veterans’ Experience Act passed the House as part of S. 423, the PRO Veterans Act of 2025. The legislation, introduced with Congresswoman Julia Brownley (CA-26) and Congresswoman Morgan McGarvey (KY-03) would codify the Veterans Experience Office (VEO) within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). VEO, established in 2015, gathers feedback directly from veterans, their families, and caregivers on their experience with VA services. VEO has been crucial to improving veterans’ trust in VA outpatient care, enhancing digital experiences with the VA Health and Benefits Mobile App, and expanding direct outreach to veterans about resources, special eligibility windows, and other important information. “It’s critical that the veteran experience remains at the heart of VA’s operations,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “The firsthand feedback of veterans,

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In Speech On Senate Floor, Durbin Criticizes Congressional Republicans, Trump Admin For Slashing Funding For Public Broadcasting, Foreign Aid

4 months 1 week ago
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke on the Senate floor in opposition to the rescissions package that the Trump Administration and congressional Republicans jammed through Congress last week, clawing back $9 billion in previously appropriated funding to public broadcasting and foreign aid. In his remarks, Durbin underscored the danger of defunding sources of public media and destroying foreign aid programs. “What was in this bill? There were primarily two major elements. One element was foreign aid, humanitarian assistance for around the word, paid for by the United States. The other element was public broadcasting, National Public Radio, for example. Eight billion was taken out of foreign aid. One billion was taken away from public broadcasting,” Durbin said. “I’ve cast, as a member of the Senate honored to represent the State of Illinois, over 9,000 votes… This vote last week was one of the votes . Why

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Attorney General Raoul Files Lawsuit To Block Federal Restrictions On Public Benefits

4 months 1 week ago
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today, as part of a coalition of state attorneys general, sued the Trump administration to stop its unlawful attempt to restrict access to critical health, education and social service programs. Earlier this month, the administration issued notices prohibiting state safety net programs from serving all residents, regardless of immigration status. The change threatens access to critical services like Head Start, Title X family planning, adult education, mental health care and community health centers. Many of the rules took effect immediately or with minimal notice and affect undocumented immigrants, lawful visa holders and U.S. citizens who lack access to formal documentation. Many crucial state programs now face loss of federal funding while immediately instituting difficult and costly immigration verification measures. “Some of our most crucial social service programs are now at risk because of the Trump administration’s lates

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