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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) welcomed 35 new troopers today from Cadet Class 148 at a graduation ceremony at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield. The new troopers will report to seven different Troops throughout the state on Sunday, October 13, 2024. Cadet Class 148 marks the 20th cadet class graduation under Governor JB Pritzker and ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. Since 2019, 565 troopers have joined ISP. A total of eight of the troopers are from the Collinsville/Litchfield state police branches. “On behalf of the State of Illinois, I would like to congratulate Cadet Class 148 on their graduation from the Illinois State Police Academy,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “Since I took office, my administration has welcomed 565 new troopers, including the 35 brave men and women who now begin the next chapter of their career in law enforcement. Today, we honor the commitment they’ve made to the people of Illinois and

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois’ archery deer season is underway, and the Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters of key dates, regulations, and safety practices for the season. Illinois’ statewide archery deer season opened Oct. 1. In counties with a firearm deer season and west of Illinois 47 in Kane County, archery hunting will be open for three periods: Oct. 1 through Nov. 21 Nov. 25 through Dec. 4 Dec. 9 through Jan. 19 Archery deer season runs Oct. 1 through Jan. 19 in counties with no firearm deer season, including Cook, DuPage, Lake, and east of Illinois 47 in Kane County. Restricted Archery Zone Only antlered deer may be harvested during the Oct. 1-31 period of archery season in Champaign, Douglas, Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt counties to improve the deer population in those counties. An antlered deer is defined as having at least one antler 3 inches or longer. Harvest limits Hunters should also note regulations regarding harvest limits.

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) reminds waterfowl hunters of key dates and other information for the 2024-2025 waterfowl seasons. Season information This is the fourth year of a five-year waterfowl season plan that was developed in 2020. Rail season (sora and Virginia only) is open statewide in all zones from Sept. 7 until Nov. 15, with a daily bag limit of 25 and possession limit of 75. Snipe season is open statewide in all zones from Sept. 7 to Dec. 22, with a daily bag limit of eight and possession limit of 24. As temperatures fall and migration proceeds, Illinois will open the regular duck, Canada goose, and snow goose seasons on Oct. 19 in the north zone, Oct. 26 in the central zone, Nov. 16 in the south-central zone, and Nov. 30 in the south zone. (Early Canada goose and teal hunting closed Sept. 15 and Sept. 22, respectively.) White-fronted goose (specklebellies) season will open Oct. 21 in the north zone, Nov. 5 in the central

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville - The Meridian Society invites the community to “An Evening of Harmony: There Will Be Light,” an inaugural choral concert celebrating the power of music and the spirit of giving. The event will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 22, in the Dunham Hall Theater, starting with a cocktail and networking reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by the choral concert featuring the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Choral Union, Treble Choir and Concert Chorale at 7:30 p.m. The Meridian Society, a women’s philanthropic and leadership organization, has long been dedicated to supporting community-based projects. Most recently, they funded the SIUE Music Department’s Summer Orff Institute, which provided essential teacher training, especially benefiting music educators in rural school districts. The collaboration with the Department of Music continues to inspire and create lasting impacts. Ethel Shanklin, EdD, President

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Secretary of State’s office is accepting applications for the 2024 John Lewis Youth Leadership Award (JLYLA), Secretary Alexi Giannoulias announced. The award celebrates the efforts of young Illinoisans between the ages of 18 to 25 who have made exceptional civic contributions to their communities. The John Lewis Youth Leadership Award, established by the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS), honors the late Congressman John Lewis’ impact and extraordinary accomplishments throughout his career. Lewis advocated for civil and voting rights and consistently encouraged young people to actively participate in the democratic process. In his youth, Lewis was integral to the Civil Rights Movement as chairman of the Student Nonviolence Coordinating Committee (SNCC), one of the original 13 Freedom Riders and one of the lead organizers of the March on Washington. “John Lewis dedicated his life to bringing equality, freedom and justice

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville- The Meridian Society invites the community to “An Evening of Harmony: There Will Be Light,” an inaugural choral concert celebrating the power of music and the spirit of giving. The event will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 22, in the Dunham Hall Theater, starting with a cocktail and networking reception at 6:30 p.m., followed by the choral concert featuring the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Choral Union, Treble Choir and Concert Chorale at 7:30 p.m. The Meridian Society, a women’s philanthropic and leadership organization, has long been dedicated to supporting community-based projects. Most recently, they funded the SIUE Music Department’s Summer Orff Institute, which provided essential teacher training, especially benefiting music educators in rural school districts. The collaboration with the Department of Music continues to inspire and create lasting impacts. Ethel Shanklin, EdD, President o

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ALTON - Local historian Jared Hennings will host the Freedom to Equality tours to highlight the Riverbend’s Black history. On Oct. 19 and Nov. 16, 2024, Hennings will guide attendees through a shuttle tour around Alton and Godfrey to several local landmarks. From the Underground Railroad to the 13th Amendment, the history behind each stop will share more about Alton’s African American community and historical significance. “I must say, it does broaden my appreciation for where I live,” Hennings said. “It makes me realize that I really live in a very special area. I think people, once they take the tour, they feel likewise, because a lot of this information, you probably just drive by. You do not realize that all of this fantastic history is a part of where we live. It is something that makes you more appreciative as to where you live, as to how your life integrates with where you live.” The tours, sponsored by the Great Rivers and Routes

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River City Council members this week voted to pursue the creation of a dog park and pocket park in the city’s downtown. City Manager Steve Palen requested to seek bids for both a “Wood River Downtown Pocket Park” and a “Wood River Downtown Dog Park.” Both requests were approved, and the city is now seeking bids for both projects. The parks will be located at 217-223 E. Ferguson Ave., according to Palen. The estimated cost for the dog park is $100,000, while the pocket park is estimated to cost $150,000. Palen said the pocket park will be maintained by the city and feature several amenities. “There’s a bandstand, there’s going to be public bathrooms, there’ll be some seating benches, potentially some outside areas to eat,” Palen said. “It’ll be surrounded by a decorative keystone wall, so it’ll look nice,” he added. He also said the city may look into installing permanent

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ALTON — A ribbon-cutting ceremony at James Killion Park on Thursday evening, Oct. 10, 2024, marked the opening of new restrooms and water fountains, a long-awaited enhancement to the community’s facilities. Sheila Goins, one of the coordinators of the event and wife of Alton Mayor David Goins expressed her enthusiasm for the occasion, stating, "We are thrilled to celebrate a monumental evening." The ceremony was attended by a number of dignitaries, including Mayor David Goins, State Representative Amy Elik, and city officials Alderman Meehan and Alderwoman Rosetta Brown. The family of the late James Killion Jr. and School Board member Tiana Gibson were also present." Goins also thanked John Keller and the Riverbend Growth Association for their participation." Goins highlighted the significance of the event, noting that it fulfilled a promise made by Mayor Goins in 2021 to restore these essential amenities. She acknowledged former Alton Park Director Mike Haynes for his contribution

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GRANITE CITY - Employees of Revity Credit Union united during the month of September to raise $1,206.94 in support of Billie’s Kids Christmas through their Revel for a Cause Jeans Program. The Revel for a Cause Jeans Program is an employee funded program that gives Revity Credit Union employees the opportunity to support the credit union philosophy of people helping people. By making a monthly, monetary donation to a local organization, Revity Credit Union employees can wear jeans and tennis shoes on Fridays and Saturdays during that month. At Revity Credit Union, our commitment lies in supporting our community and prioritizing our members' well-being. Revity has proudly selected Billie’s Kids Christmas as the recipient of their Revel for a Cause donation. During the month of September, Revity Credit Union employees donated $1,206.94 to Billie’s Kids Christmas. Billie's Kids Christmas is an initiative that aims to bring joy and festive cheer to children in need,

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SWANSEA - State Senator Christopher Belt is joining the Illinois State Board of Education in inviting residents to nominate a local school board member for the Thomas Lay Burroughs Award, which is presented annually to an outstanding member of an Illinois school board. “I served four years on a local school board and know firsthand how important their duties are,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “School board members put care and quality into their districts to enhance the value of our students’ education. If you know a board member who has continued to make a positive impact on their school district, I urge you to nominate them for this respected award.” The Thomas Lay Burroughs Award was created in 1991 in memory of late ISBE Chairman Tom Burroughs and is presented each November at a conference hosted jointly by the Illinois Association of School Boards, the Illinois Association of School Administrators and the Illinois Association of School Business Officials.

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WOOD RIVER – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that intermittent daytime lane closures will take place on Illinois 143 from West Ferguson Avenue/Short Avenue (Wood River) to Illinois 157 (Edwardsville) in Madison County beginning, weather permitting, Tuesday, Oct. 15, through Thursday, Oct. 17. The lane closures are necessary for the evaluation of pavement conditions. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all 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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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker, Governor Tony Evers, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following joint statement: "Four years ago, during the very worst of the COVID-19 pandemic, as Governors of our states, we were engaged in a 24/7 effort to obtain critical medical supplies for our people. It was a terrifying time, and the federal government abandoned us to fend for ourselves. No one knew how deadly the pandemic would turn out to be, and our hospitals were struggling to treat patients and protect their staff. The federal government, under the leadership of then-President Donald Trump, had completely abdicated responsibility. They ignored our requests for help to get testing kits, ventilators, and N-95 masks. As we grappled with worldwide shortages, the former President flat out refused to deploy the Defense Production Act to manufacture these critical supplies here at home, putting our people at the mercy of price gouging foreign suppliers. Putting pride and partisanship

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SPRINGFIELD - This week, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) marked the designation of the Springfield 1908 Race Riot National Monument alongside Senator Dick Durbin, Senator Tammy Duckworth, local leaders from the NAACP and ACLU, and officials from the Department of the Interior and White House Council on Environmental Quality at a ceremony in Springfield. “The 1908 Springfield Race Riot is deeply significant for our community and our country, both as a horrific example of racial violence and as a pivotal moment in civil rights history,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “Telling the story of our past is essential to build a future with true justice and equality, but for too long this tragedy has not received the acknowledgment it deserves. This new national monument is an important step forward to honor those killed in 1908, reckon with America’s history of racial violence and recognize the resilience of the Black community. I was proud to work with Senator

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GODFREY - Happy Hour Barber Stop will once again host their annual trunk-or-treat. The free event, held at the barbershop at 4619 N. Alby Street, invites kids of all ages to come out and enjoy trunk-or-treating from 5–7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024. Owner Claudia Espinoza said there will be about 12 cars decorated and giving out candy, in addition to a costume contest and a special SWAT truck visit. “We get so excited about putting on the show for the kiddos,” Espinoza said. “To me, that’s a big deal, giving back to the community.” Espinoza has owned Happy Hour Barber Stop for six years. She loves hosting the annual trunk-or-treat and inviting community members to enjoy a safe, fun, “family-friendly” event. Unlike other trick-or-treating or trunk-or-treating events, there are no age restrictions. There will be no vendors or chances to spend money. Espinoza just wants to see all of the “kiddos” enjoy themselves

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Concert Jazz Band is thrilled to announce its upcoming concert, “Ritmo y Jazz: A Celebration of Latin Music,” featuring accomplished percussionist Matt Henry. The performance will take place on Tuesday, October 15 at 7:30 p.m. in Dunham Hall Theater. The concert set pays homage to the rich traditions of Latin music, seamlessly blending jazz influences with infectious rhythms. Under the direction of Garrett Schmidt, associate professor of Jazz Studies, the SIUE Concert Jazz Band will showcase a dynamic program that celebrates the diverse sounds of Latin America, featuring classic pieces and innovative arrangements. Henry, renowned for his virtuosic skills with non-Western percussion, is the featured musical guest. With a career spanning more than two decades, Henry has collaborated with numerous acclaimed artists and is known for his ability to bring energy and passion to every performance. His unique style and

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ALTON - From 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024, Sara Angleton and Jana Meehan will present their “Exploring the Legacy of the 1904 World’s Fair through Fiction” lecture at the Genealogy & Local History Library, 401 State Street, in downtown Alton. In 1904, all eyes were on the City of St. Louis, and on the largest, most ambitious fair the world had ever seen. The works of local authors Jana Meehan and Sarah Angleton explore the environment of this impactful event through stories of love, crime, and intrigue against a backdrop of the fascinating sights, experiences, innovations, and impressions of St. Louis’s World’s Fair. Join them as they discuss their research, the challenges of representing the era through fiction, and the lasting legacy of the fair in St. Louis and around the world. Sarah Angleton is the author of four historical novels, including “Paradise on the Pike”, a mystery set at Hagenbeck’s Zoological Paradise

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City High School congratulates four graduates who are entering the GCHS Wall of Fame Class of 2024. Colonel Thomas G. Miner Jr., USAF, (Ret.) (Class of 1990), James V. Rooney (Class of 1996), Cory L. Simpson, Md, PhD (Class of 1999) and Sharon (Koesterer) Van Meter, W.M.C.S. (Class of 1975 North) will be honored on Friday, November 8 during induction ceremonies in the GCHS atrium. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner will be served at 6 p.m., followed by the induction ceremony at 7 p.m. To reserve a table of eight seats for $200, please email GCHS Wall of Fame Chair Daren DePew: depewdaren1@gmail.com COLONEL THOMAS G. MINER JR., ASAF, (Ret) - Class of 1990 Thomas Miner Jr. is a former Colonel in the United States Air Force (USAF), a position he held until his retirement in 2020. While in the USAF he served as the commander of five organizations. He had the honor and privilege of leading the air forces’ premier global airborne contingency

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JERSEYVILLE - Jerseyville’s Got Faith? organization has a wide range of support services for community members. Steve Pegram, founder of Got Faith?, explained that the organization works to bring resources to those who need them. Located at 508 West Pine Street in Jerseyville, the ministry’s food pantry, clothes closet and resource room are popular parts of the Got Faith? mission. The ministry's goal — to feed and inspire the hungry — feels more pressing than ever. “It’s God at work. That is all I can say. That’s just the bottom line,” Pegram said. Diane Stumpe’s Food Pantry is open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Thursday. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Saturdays, Miss Martha’s Closet is open to the public. These clothes are donated from Walmart and Cato’s, and every item of clothing costs $2. There is also a resource room that has a wide variety of household and hygiene items, from toilet paper and dish soa

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ALTON – The Alton Area Landmarks Association (AALA) invites the Alton community to its 52nd Annual Historic Building Tour at noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12. This free historic walking tour will cover East Broadway from Market Street to Ridge Street perched on the hillside overlooking the Mississippi River. Architectural styles include Italianate, Victorian, Classical Revival, Renaissance Revival, Craftsman and Mid-Century Modern designs. According to AALA President Terry Sharp, “By having our event on Saturday, people from Alton Main Street’s Farmer’s Market can come up the hill and enjoy the tour. Many restaurants and shops will be open and ready to serve. The tour will go rain or shine.” “We are thrilled to participate in sharing the historic beauty of Alton with everyone who is interested,” said Chad Brigham of AltonWorks. “A huge part of our vision is to revitalize Alton by preserving the rich history on which this city

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