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SPRINGFIELD - With cold weather settling in and the first major winter storm of the season potentially on its way, the Illinois Department of Transportation is reminding the public to visit and bookmark GettingAroundIllinois.com. for continually updated information on road conditions. Weather can change quickly in Illinois, so whether you’re driving a short distance or taking a longer trip, GettingAroundIllinois.com is an essential resource to keep you updated 24/7/365 on road conditions throughout the state all winter long. “Our No. 1 priority is making sure roads are safe for the motoring public, but you should always prepare yourself before taking any trips,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Completely clearing roads during and after a weather event can take some time and depends on a variety of factors. We will get the job done, but ask the public to please remain patient during winter weather and always check GettingAroundIllinois.com

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EAST ALTON - United Way’s annual Community Christmas program raised more than $56,000 to purchase needed items for people throughout the Riverbend area. The largest funder for Community Christmas is Freer Auto Body’s annual “Christmas in July”. In addition, over 30 boxes of donations were collected from around the community and distributed to United Way partner agencies with donations that included new toys, non-perishable food, baby and personal care items, and winter essentials like coats, hats, gloves, and scarves. “We are always surprised by how much support Community Christmas is able to garner from the Riverbend Community, but we are so fortunate to live in a community that cares about uplifting their neighbors,” said Maura Wuellner, director of the Southwest Illinois Division of United Way. “We are thankful for everyone who contributed by donating or volunteering. Support for Community Christmas from so many generous people will

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SPRINGFIELD - Director Paula Basta of the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) and Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), are coming together to encourage older adults across Illinois to get up-to-date on their vaccinations ahead of the holidays. “Winter illnesses are always something we prepare for, and with COVID-19 trending upwards, we want to reinforce the importance of getting up-to-date on vaccinations — including the updated booster shot — ahead of the holidays,” said IDoA Director Basta. “I want all older adults to live long, healthy lives — and you can do that by getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu. It’s not too late: visit your local pharmacy or call our senior helpline at 1-800-252-8966 to get assistance making an appointment.” “Both Director Basta and I received our updated COVID-19 boosters and flu shots in the fall to protect ourselves from winter illnesses, and w

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Police Department is marking 150 years of serving the community. The milestone will be acknowledged at the City Council meeting Tuesday, December 20, with a presentation by Police Chief Michael Fillback that illustrates how the department has evolved. “Looking out for and keeping our community safe is one of the most essential services a City can provide,” Mayor Art Risavy said. “As a City, we are proud of the men and women who have served us throughout the years with such dedication, professionalism, and compassion.” The Edwardsville Police Department was officially established in December 1872 – 54 years after the City was incorporated. As the City has grown, so has the Police Department. It now includes a chief, deputy chief, three lieutenants, and six sergeants; 30 patrol officers; 10 telecommunicators; 3 community service officers; a records manager and two records clerks. “A well-trained and professional police

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A Cahokia man was sentenced to 126 months by the Honorable Judge Stephen P. McGlynn for Enticement of a Minor, Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct and Engaging in Illicit Sexual Conduct in a Foreign Place. According to evidence presented during trial and sentencing, Joseph Albert Fuchs, III, a 55-year-old American citizen, met a 14-year-old girl while visiting the Philippines. Fuchs engaged in sexual conversations with the minor using Facebook and discussed ways to evade detection of her age when he would return to the Philippines to engage in sexual acts with her at a hotel. Fuchs returned to the Philippines in March 2019 and engaged in sexual acts with the 14-year-old minor. During this time, Fuchs was a special agent for the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General. USPSOIG provided their full cooperation into the investigation, and it was later revealed that Fuchs sent nearly $1,000 to the minor over a year-long period.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Moran Economic Development announced today the promotions of Jared Kanallakan to vice president and Jake Zambaldi to director of development programs. “Both Jared and Jake have been integral parts of the firm’s overall success and growth, and we are thrilled to give them the opportunity to take on more responsibility within the company in their new leadership roles,” said Keith Moran, president of Moran Economic Development. “With Jared and Jake’s promotions, the recent addition of Emily Calderon as director of planning, and the one-year anniversary of Holly Head joining the firm as an associate, I am very proud of our team and am excited to see all that they accomplish for our clients.” In addition to a growing team, the firm is also expanding its services with the launch of a planning division. Calderon has 17 years of experience leading municipal planning and community development. With her expertise in this area, Moran Economic

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BELLEVILLE - On Dec. 15, 2022, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) issued an order adjusting base rates for Illinois American Water, effective Jan. 1, 2023. The rate change request, which was filed in Feb. 2022, was driven primarily by over $1.1 billion in completed or planned investment, reflecting approximately $948 million in water system improvements and $204 million in wastewater system improvements in Illinois from 2018 through 2023. The rate order will result in a total annualized revenue increase of approximately $67 million. The additional revenues will support continued investment in critical water and wastewater infrastructure throughout the state, including the replacement, lining and installation of approximately 141 miles of aging water and wastewater pipelines. Investments would also include, among others, upgrading water and wastewater treatment plants, storage tanks, wells, pumping stations, fire hydrants, meters and manholes across the state. “By making

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CARLINVILLE - The Board of Trustees of Blackburn College has accepted the resignation of Dr. Mark Biermann as President of Blackburn College. Biermann will leave his position as President to focus on health, well-being, and extended family. Dr. Greg Meyer, former Blackburn College professor, has been appointed as Interim President and will serve until the search for a new president is completed. To help ensure a smooth transition, Meyer will serve as Interim President-elect during the month of December before officially taking office on January 3, 2023. “Dr. Biermann has been instrumental in helping Blackburn navigate challenges presented by a global pandemic,” said Dr. Rochelle Henderson, chair of the Blackburn College Board of Trustees. “He has helped set a course for future growth and success, and we are thankful for his service.“ “It has been a privilege to serve as President of Blackburn College,” Biermann said. “While my health and

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ALTON - State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) wants to inform the public of several new and notable laws set to take effect on January 1 st , 2023. One of these laws establishes a robust and comprehensive safety standard for drivers who transport children and families for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Public Act 102-795, sponsored by Rep. Elik, requires service agencies under contract with DCFS to make sure drivers are properly trained on how to install and operate a child restraint system, ensure they possess a valid driver’s license, have a clean driving record and a properly maintained vehicle, and create lines of communication during the scheduled transport. “It is absolutely unacceptable that children and families had to rely on transportation providers who were late, or didn’t show-up at all. When one of my constituents brought this to my attention, I knew it needed to get taken care of ASAP,” said Rep. Elik. “This

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ALTON - The Alton firefighters are known for their efforts to protect area homes and those injured or in need of rapid health assistance. Another tradition the firefighters have established is a special turkey giveaway in conjunction with the Crisis Food Center. The event was held Saturday afternoon. "We hope to provide many families with food to have a nice Christmas holiday meal," said Battalion Chief Derek Richardson, one of the coordinators. "The Alton Firefighters Local 1255 is committed to giving back to the community that we live and work in. "Our community supports us and we support our community by giving back."

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GLEN CARBON - The Glen Carbon Police Department/Glen Carbon Police Association's Annual Community Christmas Program was once again a big success thanks to generous donations. "Each year, through financial contributors, the Glen Carbon Police Association provides Christmas Gifts for several struggling families within our community," the Glen Carbon Police said. "This began as Project Candy Cane in 2017, but with the unprecedented stress of 2020, we knew the need would be much greater and we would need a creative way to meet those needs. "We reached out to Lowe’s in Glen Carbon, who provided our 12-foot LED pre-lit tree, which is displayed in our lobby allowing members of the community to leave unwrapped gifts and household needs. The tree has now become the beacon of our Community Christmas." This year, Community Christmas partnered with the Glen Carbon Fire Protection District at their annual Fill-The-Truck event at Glen Carbon Walmart. "We were overwhelmed!," the Glen Carbon

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ALTON - Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford provided a brief update today on the 14-year-old area juvenile who was shot on Friday afternoon and transported to a St. Louis Hospital. This was the statement from Chief Ford: "One of our detectives spoke with a family member today and confirmed that he underwent surgery and is still listed as critical at a St. Louis area hospital. No other additional information can be provided at this time." At 3:48 p.m. on Friday, December 16, 2022, the Alton Police Department was notified of a gunshot wound victim at Alton Memorial Hospital. Officers and detectives arrived at the hospital and determined the gunshot wound victim to be a 14-year-old area juvenile. The juvenile was airlifted to a St. Louis area hospital. The juvenile is in critical condition at this time and continues to undergo ongoing medical care. Detectives with the Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division determined that the shooting had taken place inside a home

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Police Department issued a reminder with the holidays in full swing, it is partnering with the Illinois Department of Transportation to remind motorists about the dangers of impaired driving. From Dec. 16, 2022, through Jan. 2, 2023, law enforcement across Illinois will step up enforcement efforts with high visibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High. Get a DUI.” traffic safety campaigns. “We want everyone in our communities to enjoy the holidays without worrying about the dangers of impaired drivers,” said Lt. Barry Jones. “During the campaign, you can expect to see extra safety patrols. We will show zero tolerance for alcohol- and drug-impaired driving to help ensure everyone makes it to and from their holiday festivities safely.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, in 2020, a total of 11,654 people were killed in

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ALTON - The Wreaths Across America Program continued its long-time quest to honor fallen heroes in the National Cemetery in Alton last Saturday. Wreaths were placed at all the gravesides by a host of volunteers. Chaplain Bernie Caldwell, a Marine, did the invocation. The USAF - ROTC Alton Senior High presented colors and members of the Alton High School Chamber Choir performed the National Anthem at the beginning of the ceremony. Margaret Hopkins, director of the Alton Wreaths Across America event, explained the history of the event across the country and how millions of wreaths on that day were positioned in local and national cemeteries to accomplish the mission. “This year, the theme is 'Find A Way To Serve,'” she said. “We are doing that exactly here. The call to serve can be accomplished in many ways. We are honoring that here today for those who served us and still serve us. We all have something to give, whether it be time, resources, or ideas. We hope

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ALTON - Two men were arrested on weapons charges and a third was apprehended on a nationwide fugitive warrant during a deployment Thursday of Madison County’s Cross-River Crime Task Force. The deployment on Thursday marked the unit’s second saturation patrol and focused on the Alton area. Among the subjects taken into custody were Daron S. Hearn, 20, and Keith A. Sanders, 23, both of Alton. Hearn was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, with bail set at $50,000. Sanders was charged with aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and possession of weapon by a felon, with bail set at $50,000. Officers found a 9mm handgun in a vehicle occupied by Hearn and Sanders. “This unit already is having an impact,” said Major Nick Novacich, who serves as commander of the CrossRiver Crime Task Force. “This is an innovative approach to crime-fighting, one that aims to both fend off crime in a proactive manner, and to help in the apprehension of those who have committe

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ALTON – Oasis Women’s Center received a donation from the NAACP Alton Branch Monday afternoon. NAACP Alton Branch President Michael Holliday Sr. handed over two $200 gift certificates as a little Christmas present to the center. “It’s something we want to do to show that we’re part of the community,” Holliday said. “To show people love that need to be blessed in this time of the day.” Marcy Jacobs and Anne Hargis received the gift certificates outside of Oasis. It wasn’t the first time the NAACP has partnered up with the center. “Two years ago, the NAACP bought shoes for all of the kids in the house and several others,” Jacobs said. “It kept them going for about six months.” Holliday expressed that this was a good way to give back. “Something we try to do to bring awareness to the fact that the NAACP wants to be involved in the community more,” he said.

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GRANITE CITY - The Granite City Police Department, along with the Pontoon Beach, Madison, and Terminal Railroad Police Departments hosted several kids for its annual Shop with a Cop event. "This event is by far the most enjoyable event we as a department participate in," the law enforcement agencies said in a statement. Seeing the joyful looks on the faces of the kids is "beyond what words can describe," the Granite City Police said. "A special thanks go out to Walmart - Granite City, the Granite City Township, and St. John UCC - Granite City for all of their help with this event."

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ALTON - Riverbender Radio's The Bridge will be playing your favorite Christmas music and classic carols around the clock beginning today, Dec. 19 at 3 p.m. through Christmas Day. David Ollenbittle, station manager of Riverbender Radio, and Christmas enthusiast said he hopes the switch over to Christmas music helps to get people into the spirit of the season. “We’ll take care of the music so you can focus on taking care of the presents and food, and the things that really matter like spending time with family and friends,” Ollenbittle said. This is The Bridge station's second year providing special Christmas programming. Ollenbittle will kick off The Bridge station's festivities with The Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey. Then through the weekend, you can expect to hear popular songs White Christmas by Bing Crosby, Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee, A Holly Jolly Christmas by Burl Ives, Jingle Bells by Frank Sinatra, Here Comes Santa Claus, an

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ST. LOUIS - For the second season in a row, the St. Louis Blues and Schnucks have partnered to deliver Random Acts of Kindness throughout the St. Louis area. Blues and Schnucks employees will surprise members of the community, such as restaurant workers, teachers, neighborhood waste service workers, mail carriers, and other individuals who have shown kindness to others, by distributing Blues ticket vouchers over the next few weeks. The program kicked off earlier today when Blues Hall of Famer Bernie Federko, Louie, and members of the Blue Crew surprised shoppers at the Crestwood Schnucks with ticket vouchers to the Blues versus Ottawa Senators game on January 16. "We're looking forward to continuing the Random Acts of Kindness program with the St. Louis Blues where together, we can recognize the kindness shown to us by others," said Bill Bradley, Schnucks Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. "This is an ideal time of year to leverage our partnership and give back to our community.

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CHICAGO - As travelers nationwide prepare for the busy holiday season, Attorney General Kwame Raoul urges the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to strengthen protections for airline consumers and provide meaningful relief to those whose flights are unexpectedly canceled or significantly delayed. “As families travel during the busy holiday season, delayed and canceled flights waste hours and even days that should be spent with loved ones,” Raoul said. “Any time of year, passengers should be able to count on airlines to get them to their destinations without long delays, unexpected cancelations or spikes in ticket prices. I’m calling on the U.S. Department of Transportation to adopt rules that would ensure airlines provide relief to those who experience cancelations and long delays not related to inclement weather. I will continue to advocate for Illinois consumers to be treated fairly when they fly.” Raoul joined a bipartisan coalition of 34 attorneys

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