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CARROLLTON - Several individuals have been arrested on drug and alcohol-related charges in Greene County over the past few weeks, according to the most recent Jail Booking Report from the Greene County Sheriff’s Department. James A. Haines, 28, of Davenport, Iowa, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving on a revoked/suspended license, unlawful possession of registration, and improperly displaying a license plate. He was arrested on Jan. 8 by the White Hall Police Department and has since been released on bond. Amber L. McEvers, 47, of White Hall, was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, possession of adult-use cannabis in a motor vehicle, possession of drug paraphernalia, and operating a motor vehicle with suspended registration. She was taken into custody at the White Hall Police Department on Dec. 14 and given a Notice To Appear. Robert L. Talkington, 26, of Jacksonville, was charged with two counts of meth delivery,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Metro-East Lutheran High School announced its first semester Honor Roll. To view the full list please click the link below. Metro-East Lutheran High School First Semester Honor Roll

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CARROLLTON - The Greene County Sheriff’s Department has filed charges ranging from grooming to battery and more over the last few weeks, according to the department’s most recent Jail Booking Report. Brandon K. Edwards, 31, of Roodhouse, was charged with grooming, aggravated criminal sexual assault, and endangering the life of a child. He was arrested by the Roodhouse Police Department on Dec. 30 and remains in custody. Jodi R. Counts, 34, of White Hall, was charged with aggravated battery of a police officer, aggravated battery in a public place, and disorderly conduct. She was arrested by the Roodhouse Police Department on Jan. 1 and has since been released on bond. Dalton M. Boan, 25, of Greenfield, was charged with one count of domestic battery and one count of battery by the Greene County Sheriff’s Department. He was arrested on Jan. 14 and has since been released on bond. Heather M. Walters, 39, of Bluffs, was arrested by the Scott County Sheriff’s

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A man from St. Clair County will spend nearly six years in prison for illegally possessing a firearm. Nicholas A. Briddell, 33, of Belleville, was sentenced on Tuesday to 71 months in federal prison for being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm. According to court documents, on March 6, 2021, officers with the East St. Louis Police Department witnessed Briddell lean out of the passenger window of a vehicle stopped at an intersection near the Visions Night Club in East St. Louis. Briddell was holding a bottle of alcohol in one hand and a handgun in the other. Briddell then proceeded to point the firearm at patrons walking towards the door of the nightclub. ESPLD officers stopped the vehicle, arrested Briddell and found the firearm under the seat where Briddell had been sitting. The gun was loaded with a round in the chamber. At the time of his arrest, Briddell was a multiple-convicted felon, with prior convictions for armed robbery and possession with intent to

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WOOD RIVER - East Alton-Wood River High School announced its first-semester Honor Roll. To view the full list, click the link below. East Alton-Wood River Honor Roll

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GLEN CARBON - Dr. Julie Steinhauer, OD, FCOVD, owner of Vision For Life and Success in Glen Carbon, and one of a select group of functional vision doctors in the nation, says all or part of one’s vision can potentially be restored after a stroke. An individual’s normal field of vision can be compromised by a stroke, according to Dr. Steinhauer. Visual processing which occurs on the occipital, temporal, and parietal lobes of the brain can be impacted. The severity of the visual field loss is determined based on the location and extent of the brain injury. Symptoms of post-stroke visual loss can include walking or bumping into objects, blurred vision while watching television, difficulty scanning or reading a page, or visual neglect where the patient is unable to react to stimuli on the right or left. As detailed in her YouTube video, Can Vision Loss Post Stroke Be Corrected? , Dr. Steinhauer said the most common symptom of visual processing after a stroke is blurriness

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department received a report at 1:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2023, of a male subject walking in the 1200 block of East Broadway while armed with a handgun. Officers located a subject matching the description of the male subject with what appeared to be a handgun in his left hand as well as a rifle in a backpack. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said officers ordered the male to drop the weapon, but he disobeyed commands and instead racked the weapon and continued walking away from the officers. "Despite the male suspect continuing to disobey lawful commands, officers were able to detain him and take him into custody despite resistance," Chief Ford said. "He is now in custody at the Alton Jail." Ford concluded: "Ultimately, the handgun and rifle were determined to be realistic looking less-lethal guns. It is unclear what the suspect's intentions were but the officers showed great restraint in what could have easily been a lethal encounter."

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville is getting a new (and used) sporting goods store in the next few months. Dan Brynildsen, who owns the upcoming Edwardsville location of Play It Again Sports, said that as such a fitness and sports-centric community, Edwardsville has needed a sporting goods store like this for quite a while. “For years, I’ve been saying - and a lot of other people have been saying, ‘How does Edwardsville, a city that has pretty much everything else … how do we not have a sporting goods store for real sporting goods?’” he said. “We’re going to change that. We’re going to bring a real sporting goods store to the community.” Brynildsen described Play It Again Sports as a “hometown sporting goods store” with a wide range of new and quality used sporting goods, from beginner-level to varsity-level. The Edwardsville location will be at 4 Club Centre Court, Suite A. Once open, its business hours will b

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AMES, Iowa (January 18, 2023) – More than 10,200 Iowa State University students have been recognized for outstanding academic achievement by being named to the fall semester 2022 Dean's List. Students named to the Dean's List must have earned a grade point average of at least 3.50 on a 4.00 scale while carrying a minimum of 12 credit hours of graded course work. Students listed below are from your area. HOMETOWN, STATE; NAME, CLASS YEAR, CURRICULM Bethalto, IL Lin Michael Pizzo, 4, Interior Design Edwardsville, IL Kurt Jacob Brase, 4, Agricultural Engineering John Henry Hilker, 3, Aerospace Engineering Adam Donald Walters, 4, Software Engineering Glen Carbon, IL Jack Francis Raffaelle, 4, Chemical Engineering

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BELLEVILLE – Illinois American Water has opened the application window for its 2023 Environmental Grant Program. The program funds innovative, community-based projects focused on improving, restoring and watersheds. For over 10 years, Illinois American Water’s Environmental Grant Program has supported diverse initiatives including watershed cleanups, reforestation, biodiversity, streamside buffer restoration, wellhead protection, hazardous waste collection, watershed education and more. Rebecca Losli, Illinois American Water President, said, “We are committed to providing clean, safe and reliable water service to our customers. Our responsibility includes helping to protect our water sources. Our Environmental Grant Program allows us to support innovative projects within our communities to make a difference in our environment.” She continued, “Since 2009, Illinois American Water has contributed more than $290,000 to over 90 projects dedicated to water

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ALTON – People who have cardiac arrests may benefit from CPR, yet many people who witness cardiac arrest do not perform CPR. That’s why OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center (1 St. Anthony’s Way, Alton) is hosting an upcoming first aid and CPR training class so Riverbend area residents are prepared to take action if necessary. The first aid and CPR training class will be held on Monday, February 6, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the hospital’s Perpetual Help Center and led by a certified instructor. Space is limited and the deadline to register is Friday, February 3. The cost is $65.00/person. Registration can be completed by calling (618) 920-6816 or by email at susiesweetman22@gmail.com. “Knowing CPR and first aid can help save lives,” says Dennis E. Sands, MD, Chief Medical Officer, OSF Saint Anthony’s. “If your child or loved one isn't breathing, knowing how to do CPR could mean the difference between life and death. Emergencies

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ALTON - An adult suspect and a juvenile have been taken into custody after a report of gunshots being fired at 6:02 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023, in the 1300 block of State Street in Alton. "Officers arrived but did not discover anyone actively fighting," Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said. "They located evidence of gunshots being fired in the area. They spoke with victims and witnesses and also conducted a search of the area for suspects. "During the search, officers located two subjects identified as being involved in the disturbance. Both subjects were taken into custody. One suspect is an adult and the other is a juvenile. The adult suspect, Jahkir J. Anthony, was found to be in possession of a firearm." The facts of the case were presented to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office today. As a result, Jahkir J. Anthony, 20, of Alton, was charged with Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapons and Reckless Discharge of a Firearm. His bond has been set at $40,000. H

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NEW JERSEY - Corim Industries, USA of Brick, New Jersey is voluntarily recalling the following peanut butter hot chocolate products because they may contain undeclared peanut. People who have allergies to peanuts run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume the following products. Brand Name Pack Size Lot Numbers Label Cocoa de Aroma 24 ct k-cups assorted (12.7 oz carton containing Peanut Butter flavor 0.52 oz k-cups) All lots with Best By dates between January 11, 2023 and January 11, 2025 See images below Smart Sips 24 ct k-cups (12.7 oz carton) All lots with Best By dates between January 11, 2023 and January 11, 2025 See images below Jersey Charm 24 ct k-cups (12.7 oz carton) All lots with Best By dates between January 11, 2023 and January 11, 2025 See images below Colonial Coffee 12 ct k-cups (4.44 oz carton) All lots with Best By dates between January 11, 2023 and January 11, 2025 See images below The recalled

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ALTON - Alton High School's band has always been a formidable force throughout Illinois in music competitions. AHS Band Director Blake Korte said the band's wind ensemble has been selected to perform at the Illinois State Music Educators Conference for the first time in over 30 years at the end of January. "The band will be performing at the annual Illinois Music Educators Conference and we consider that a tremendous honor," Korte said. "In conjunction with seminars, educators have an opportunity to see performances of other music ensembles throughout Illinois. It is a rigorous audition and application process to be accepted. We started in February, March, and April 2022 the application performance and put together ensemble recordings with the application. "The application includes ensemble playing photos, a biography of the director and information about the school and city, plus letters of recognition. We received an email we were selected to represent the district this past summer.

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GRAFTON - At the Grafton City Council Meeting on January 17, 2023, Mayor Mike Morrow presented a Service Award on behalf of the City Council to each of seven volunteers who have donated their time, money, and resources in support of the Grafton History Museum. Many worthwhile projects have been completed through their generous efforts and expertise. “We are extremely proud of our volunteers,” said Mayor Morrow. “They have freely given of their talent and unique knowledge to improve the quality of our community, and for that we are very grateful.” Alderwoman Mary Lillesve has provided much of the guidance and assistance in organizing and writing the documents required to create a Memorandum of Understanding between the Historical Society and the City of Grafton. This memorandum clarifies the daily operations as well as the role that both parties and volunteers play in overall long-term museum operations. Grafton Contractor Kyle Bollinger provided the labo

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EDWARDSVILLE - Liberty Middle School has announced its second quarter honor roll. To view the full list click the link below: Liberty Middle Second Quarter Honor Roll.

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PIASA - Piasa Southwestern Middle School announced its second-quarter High Honor Roll and Honor Rolls lists. To view the full lists click the link below. Southwestern Middle School High Honor Roll and Honor Roll The school also announced their PBIS students of the month for December. From L to R front row: Nate Clendenen, and Landee Clark, back row: Kaidyn Rowe, Brody Gable, Dante Schmidt, Blakely Taylor, Briann Anderson, and Natalie Bowman. They were nominated according to the word of the month. Honesty. Also for being Respectful, Responsible, and Safe. They all received a Dairy Queen lunch of their choice.

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CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) will begin accepting 2022 state individual income tax returns on Monday, January 23, the same date that the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) begins accepting federal individual income tax returns. “Taxpayers are encouraged to file electronically as early as possible in the tax season and choose direct deposit in order to ensure the fastest processing and issuance of any refunds,” IDOR Director David Harris said. “I encourage taxpayers to try My Tax Illinois , our free online account management program that has been recently updated and allows taxpayers to file their individual income taxes electronically. Electronic filing is also available through third party software or with most tax preparers.” MyTax Illinois has been improved this year to make filing a 2022 IL-1040 easier than ever. The electronic management system enables taxpayers to report income and claim credits and payments, pay taxes electronically

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GLEN CARBON - The sweetest season of the year is officially here…it’s the start of the Girl Scout Cookie Program! Girl Scouts throughout Southern Illinois are excited to once again bring some of America’s favorite treats to consumers. Booths are starting to pop up throughout the region; you can find one near you by visiting gsofsi.org/findcookies. While picking up some cookies for yourself, you can also purchase a box or two to donate to your local Hometown Heroes – our Gift of Caring program that supports the everyday heroes right in our own communities. “We’re very excited that Girl Scout Cookie season is here,” said Katie Grayling, Director of Product Programs for Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. “The public’s continued support every year is much appreciated. Not only are they getting delicious cookies, but they are also empowering girls to chase their dreams,” added Grayling. Every Girl Scout Cookie purchase fuels local

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SPRINGFIELD – Radon is a naturally-occurring element which is undetectable from human senses. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) is urging residents to take time in January to test their home for radon as part of 2023 Radon Action Month. “This odorless, colorless, tasteless gas is found in the air we breathe in buildings, homes, offices,” said IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. “If not properly addressed, high levels of radon can cause major health concerns.” It’s estimated more than 1,100 people in Illinois develop radon-related lung cancer each year. Radon tests can be purchased at most hardware and department stores. It is recommended to conduct one short-term test and one long-term test to ensure consistent readings. Should you find higher readings, you should contact IEMA for information about a licensed mitigation professional who are trained to reduce radon levels. The IEMA and the Lung Association in Illinois are announcing th

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