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Highland's Jennifer Korte to Run for Madison County Board

4 months 2 weeks ago
HIGHLAND — Jennifer (Isaak) Korte, a Republican, has declared her candidacy to represent County Board District 1 in Highland. This district is currently served by Fred Michael, who has decided to not seek reelection. “I want to thank Fred for his service on the county board. He has been a conscientious voice for Highland,” stated Korte. Korte’s campaign is focused on fiscal responsibility, economic development and transparency. “I understand the need for funding services, while evaluating programs that are less effective,” said Korte. “Madison County deserves leadership that is fiscally responsible, listens, acts and leads with integrity.” Korte has her Master’s Degree in Social work and has been a strong community advocate for senior citizens, people who are disabled, children and small businesses. Korte was appointed to the Madison County Mental Health Board in 2023 and was recently appointed as the Vice President of th

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Centralia Drug Dealer Sentenced To 17 Years On Meth and Fentanyl Charges In East St. Louis Court

4 months 2 weeks ago
EAST ST. LOUIS – A district judge sentenced a Centralia man to 204 months of federal imprisonment after he admitted to distributing pound quantities of meth and fentanyl. Jackie T. Scanlan, 54, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances: meth and fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance: meth. “This career offender built a life around selling dangerous narcotics and has a criminal history spanning over three decades of drug distribution,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “While he continued to make poor decisions following previous stints of incarceration, Scanlan’s 17-year federal prison sentence will help to protect the public from any further crimes.” According to court documents, law enforcement began investigating Scanlan for distributing meth and fentanyl from a motel room in February 2024. Initially, agents recovered 79 grams of meth, 2

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Collinsville Native Raymond Plays Key Role As He Conducts Maintenance Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln

4 months 2 weeks ago
PACIFIC OCEAN — Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Apprentice Zachary Raymond, a native of Collinsville, performed maintenance on a stores management upgrade system aboard the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025. The maintenance work supports the operational readiness of the ship during its routine training operations in the U.S. 3rd Fleet area of operations. The USS Abraham Lincoln, a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and the flagship of Carrier Strike Group Three, is currently conducting training exercises under the command of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. The fleet oversees naval forces in the Indo-Pacific region, with the 3rd Fleet focusing on realistic and relevant training to ensure readiness across a broad spectrum of military operations, Navy officials said. Named after the 16th U.S. president, the USS Abraham Lincoln is the fifth ship in the Nimitz class and serves as a floating airfield capable of launching multiple aircraft

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Federal Judges Have Absolutely Had It With The Trump Administration, DOJ

4 months 2 weeks ago
Maybe this won’t actually mean anything when all is said and done. Maybe what we’re seeing here is the last dying breaths of a democracy as its current owners sell it off for parts and consolidate their power. But maybe it’s the other thing: the checks and balances putting down as much damaging stuff on […]
Tim Cushing

"Shop the Town Pink Sip and Shop" Event to Support Local Cancer Patients

4 months 2 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE - A local organization will host their annual "Shop the Town Pink Sip and Shop" vendor and craft fair to raise money for cancer patients. Stridin’ and Survivin’ supports cancer research and patient services at local cancer centers. From 1–4:30 p.m. on Oct. 5, 2025, at the Edwardsville Knights of Columbus Hall, community members can shop local vendors, enjoy signature drinks, and support the organization’s cause. Stridin’ and Survivin’ encourages people to save the date and reach out about becoming a vendor. “We are definitely looking for some more vendors,” said Alice Bartels with Stridin’ and Survivin’. “We have a nice base, but we could always use more, and we just need our community to come out and support all these vendors and enjoy the day.” Bartels said attendees can expect “vendors and crafters of all types,” including Mary Kay vendors, Christmas crafts, permanent jewelry

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Macoupin County Teen Dies After Farm Implement Accident In Virden

4 months 2 weeks ago
VIRDEN - Macoupin County Coroner Anthony Kravanya pronounced 16-year-old Nolan C. Kiel dead at the scene of a farm implement accident Tuesday morning, Aug. 12, 2025, in Virden, Illinois. The incident occurred on Virden Road at approximately 11:56 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025. Kiel, a Virden resident, was operating the farm equipment when the accident took place, the coroner said. Emergency responders from the Virden Fire Department, Virden Police Department, Prairieland Ambulance Service, Girard Fire Department, Auburn Fire Department, and the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene. An autopsy conducted on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, revealed preliminary findings indicating that Kiel died from asphyxiation, the coroner said. Kiel was a North Mac High School student, and a candlelight vigil was scheduled at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2025, at North Mac in his memory. The North Mac School District described Kiel as having a "positive attitude" and that

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Fundraiser Launched To Support Son of Lineman Killed In Helicopter Accident

4 months 2 weeks ago
ASHLEY - Chris Hankins is organizing a fundraiser to support the family of Michael Cody Curry, of Ashley, a lineman with IBEW Local 702 who died in a work-related helicopter accident on Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025 . The accident occurred while Curry was replacing marker balls over the Mississippi River. Curry was described by his colleagues as a natural-born leader who had a positive impact on those around him. He is survived by his son, Gavin Curry. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) is extending its full support to Curry’s family. Cody was a graduate of Carlyle High School and was also known for his passion for the outdoors, particularly for hunting and fishing. He was a dedicated member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, serving as a lineman for Local 702. Cody found great joy in his work and valued the friendships he made through it. A memorial service to honor Cody's life will take place at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, at

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IDNR Hosts Chronic Wasting Disease Public Meetings

4 months 2 weeks ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will host public meetings throughout northern and west-central Illinois to provide information on the status of chronic wasting disease (CWD), its effect on free-ranging deer populations and the department’s ongoing efforts to manage the disease. IDNR staff will be available to discuss current management strategies and answer questions about CWD. Landowners, hunters and concerned citizens are encouraged to attend. CWD remains an important issue and a priority in Illinois’ future deer management discussions. CWD is a fatal neurological disease that threatens the long-term health of white-tailed deer in Illinois. First documented in Illinois in 2002 near Roscoe, CWD has been detected in 25 counties across the northern edge and northeastern portions of Illinois, and as far south as west-central Illinois. Affected counties now include Adams, Boone, Bureau, Carroll, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Ford, Grundy,

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