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CHICAGO - This holiday season, the Illinois Lottery is teaming up with the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling (ICPG) to remind players that lottery games are not for kids with the Gift Responsibly Campaign. The annual holiday campaign, spearheaded by the National Council on Problem Gambling , is designed to increase public awareness of the impact and inappropriateness of giving lottery products as gifts to minors. “For many, playing the lottery can be a fun and exciting holiday tradition but only if played responsibly - with players who are 18 and older,” said Harold Mays, Illinois Lottery Director. “We are proud to once again join this campaign to help promote responsible play and gift-giving during this holiday season and beyond.” More than 80 lotteries and community organizations around the globe are participating in the Gift Responsibly campaign this holiday season to raise awareness about the risks of youth gambling and the dangers of buying lotter

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ALTON - YWCA Southwestern Illinois is pleased to announce the 2023 Josephine Marley Beckwith Future Leader (JMBFL) Scholarship applications are available. The scholarship is open to senior girls attending high schools located in Madison County. YWCA, primarily through support from the Women of Distinction Academy, offers $1,000 renewable scholarships to deserving young women in honor of Josephine Marley Beckwith, Woman of Distinction class of 2002. “The JMBFL scholarship is a passport to help the selected recipient enhance her opportunity to become tomorrow’s leader,” said Erica Bratton, YWCA Board Member and JMBFL Scholarship Committee Chair. JMBFL applications are available at YWCA, 304 E. Third St., Alton by calling 618.465.7774, at www.altonywca.com or at your local guidance counselor’s offices. The JMBFL Scholarship is unique as the Committee is looking for well-rounded students who are actively involved in their school and community. These female

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) are holding town hall meetings to explain flooding disaster assistance and encourage survivors to attend and ask questions. “We want every flooding disaster survivor to take advantage of every bit of assistance that is available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), IEMA and the community organizations,” said Herb Simmons, Director of the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency. “Survivors are encouraged to pursue SBA loans because if the loan application is denied, the doors are opened for other funding opportunities with FEMA.” So far, more than $18 million has already been approved for survivors, which includes assistance with flood insurance. “Financial assistance is still available to survivors, but they must start the process by applying for FEMA’s

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a pedestrian struck on Chambers Road near Green Valley Drive that resulted in the death of an adult male. On November 29, 2022, at 6:18 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service for a person struck near the intersection of Chambers Road and Green Valley Drive. Responding officers located an adult male who had been struck by a motor vehicle. The male was pronounced deceased at the scene. Preliminary investigation has revealed a vehicle was traveling westbound on Chambers Road approaching Green Valley Drive when a male entered the roadway and was struck. The driver remained on scene. No other injuries were reported. This is an active investigation. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators if you have

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JERSEYVILLE - In any sport, it is rare for a 14-year-old to appear on the world stage. However, Jersey Community High School's Josselyn Allen will do just that this weekend in the World Axe Throwing Championships presented by Signarama at Fox Cities Exhibition Center in Downtown Appleton, Wisc. The tournament runs from Friday through Sunday. Allen will perform with her coach Dan Brynildsen , owner of Riverbend Axe Throwing locations in both Jerseyville and East Alton, and Dan's wife. Brynildsen is currently ranked at the top of the world rankings in multiple categories. ESPN will tape the world championships and air sometime next week. Allen has already captured significant attention with an appearance on ESPN. Brynildsen is renowned in the sport. Josselyn's specialty is big axe throwing. Brynildsen said axe throwing is one of those sports that a person can do that doesn’t require a lot of strength. "It is about precision and technique and Josselyn has both in her throws," h

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GRAFTON - The Wayland-Hill American Legion Post # 648 Commander Bruce Olmsted and Auxiliary Treasurer Lula Flowers each presented a $500 check to Mrs. Christine Robertsen, Vice President of the Omaha Beach Bedford Association who has been visiting Grafton from France. The monies were given as a token of gratitude for the work Mrs. Robertsen does for our soldiers buried in France at the Normandy American Cemetery on the cliffs overlooking Omaha Beach. “I am so deeply touched by this donation,” said Mrs. Robertsen during the small ceremony at City Hall. “The French people—we never forget what you have done for us; we love you and we will never forget.” She spoke to the Grafton Veteran’s Committee and Legion members at the Legion hall several weeks ago. She told them that she was only nine years old when the Germans invaded. She related stories of what it was like to live in occupied France in WWII. She also told them what a feeling of joy it was to

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JERSEY - Dan Brynildsen and his wife, Erika, have put axe throwing for this region on the map nationwide and worldwide with their locations in both Jerseyville and East Alton. This weekend, Dan will compete in the World Championships again in Appleton Wisc., Friday through Sunday. Dan Brynildsen's axe-throwing odyssey began when he celebrated his birthday in December 2018. That night Dan and his wife thoroughly enjoyed themselves and he was hooked. "It was a lot of fun, and I'm an active person anyway. It's kind of like bowling, it's active, it's social and it's fun. It's like darts or steroids, we now say at the shop." Shortly after Riverbend Axe Throwing opened at East Gate Plaza in East Alton, the fan base started. Dan has always had unbelievable enthusiasm for the sport and for spreading that love to others. He has been on the pro circuit for some time now and competed in the world championships last year. Dan said axe-throwing is good for everyone from age eight all the way t

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SPRINGFIELD – On November 29, 2022, the Illinois State Police (ISP) issued citations in three separate traffic crashes involving move-over law violations, (otherwise known as “Scotts Law”) violations. Two of the three crashes involved Illinois Department of Transportation vehicles. The first crash occurred on Interstate 70 eastbound near milepost 64, near Vandalia (Fayette county) in District 12. The second crash occurred on Interstate 94 northbound near 142 nd Street (Cook county) in District Chicago. The third crash involved vehicles belonging to a private contractor performing roadway work on US 67 northbound at US 34 (Warren county) in District 14. Injuries were reported in two of the three crashes. The at-fault drivers in all three crashes were cited for violating Scotts Law. ISP is reminding the public of the requirements of Scott’s Law. When approaching an emergency vehicle, or any vehicle with its emergency or hazard lights activated, drivers are

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Tuesday, November 29, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspect Christopher Gonzalez, 43 years of age, of the 10000 block of Concord School Court in St. Louis, Missouri 63128, for one count of Interference With Custody – Removed from State or Concealed. A booking photo for Gonzalez is not available. Gonzalez is being held on $20,000.00 cash only, no 10% bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: On November 28, 2022, the Defendant contacted his daughter on her cellular phone around 3:15 p.m. in violation of a court order prohibiting him from contacting his children. By 5:20 p.m., the children were reported missing from their home by their mother. Police in the city of Alberta Lea, Minnesota located both children with the Defendant on November 29, 2022. St. Louis County detectives

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ALTON - The Mira Piano Quartet, a group of talented area musicians, had their minds on the people of Ukraine this holiday season. After some deep reflection, the four decided to have a benefit concert during the holidays with proceeds to benefit a relief effort in Ukraine. The concert is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Jacoby Arts Center’s East Gallery/Event Space. There is also a Brown Bag event that will feature the quartet presented by the Lewis and Clark Community College Music Department at 12:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, in the Ringhausen Music Building. The quartet consists of four renowned area musicians - Vera Parkin, on piano, Sister Marie-Therese Swiezynski on violin, Christine Banks on viola, and Justine Liu Aldridge on cello and piano. Specifically, the proceeds from the Sunday concert will go toward the purchase of a new ambulance to be used in Ukraine. Hospitals, ambulances, and other healthcare facilities in Ukraine have been attacked during

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ALTON - The Christmas Eve Middletown Neighbors Luminaries event is returning to the Middletown Historic District of Alton for its 21st year. This year’s event will be held on Christmas Eve, with luminary lanterns being placed and lit at 4:30 p.m. The longstanding community tradition is marking its return with over 5,000 luminary lanterns, which will be placed all throughout Middletown, said event chairperson Shannon Sholar. It marks the perfect opportunity to drive or stroll through the historic district. “The drive-through or walkable illumination has become a Christmas tradition and destination for many families,” Sholar said. “Block captains organize and set up each block and are instrumental in making it all happen!” In addition to “block captains,” the event is made possible through bag donations from Duke Bakery, Middletown Neighbors, and support from the community. “We are very fortunate to have Duke Bakery donate all o

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic senior Max Cogan has emerged as one of the area’s top bowlers so far this season. He is the Explorers’ boys bowling captain and is a Tucker’s Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athlete of the Month for Marquette. Cogan thanked his teammates, parents, and coaches for their assistance in his bowling career. Cogan recently recorded a score of 267 at a match. He said he loves hanging out with friends and family in his off-time. Cogan added that his involvement in sports has shown him how to work together as a team and be there when other people need him. “I plan to play football in college, but I am undecided yet on where to go,” he said. “I am interested in going to college to study movie production.” The Marquette senior has been on the high honor roll all four years and is in the school's National Honor Society. He said there is "nothing" he enjoys "more than being with family and playing sports.”

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GRAFTON - Santa’s Chocolate Express will be returning to Grafton this Saturday, Dec. 3. The event is a great way to stroll through and explore Grafton while picking up some sweet treats and shopping locally. Registration is open at the Grafton Visitors Center from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the day of the event. All participants will receive a starter bag of chocolate when they register and can collect additional chocolate at participating Grafton businesses, which are marked as “Official Chocolate Stops” on maps that will be provided. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at The Grove Memorial Park to greet children and pose for photos from noon to 2:00 p.m. Jersey State Bank will also offer hot chocolate in the park. Tickets are $15 in advance, but go up to $20 on the day of the event. Tickets include free shuttle service throughout Grafton, a complimentary treat at each participating business, and a holiday shopping bag with a selection of chocolates as well as a holiday

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ALTON - Alton Main Street and Jacoby Arts Center are partnering to present First Fridays, a late-night art and shopping experience which spans 21 locations across the Downtown Alton district. This event is held on the First Friday of each month during the fall, providing you with an opportunity to check out new shops and galleries and visit familiar favorites to experience art and great promotions at each business. This is the last Frist Friday of the 2022 season, so don’t miss out on the great specials for your holiday gift-giving. Participants are offering a variety of discounts, refreshments, and giveaways. Everyone who has their passport stamped at 10 locations will receive a $10 gift certificate to any participating business. Free parking is available in the lot next to Jacoby Arts Center, located at 627 E. Broadway, and a free shuttle bus will be provided from 5:00-9:00 p.m., running a continuous loop between all participating locations. Find "Where’s Wadlow" hidden

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GLEN CARBON - Jackson Rodgers, a senior forward for the boys' basketball team at Father McGivney Catholic High School, had a solid performance in the Griffins' home opener on Nov. 29, leading the Griffins with 18 points in a 53-46 loss to New Athens in the team's home opener. Rodgers, overall, is off to a great start, averaging 16.3 points and 0.5 rebounds per game, as is considered one of the team's top seniors on a veteran-laden team that is hoping to do well in the 2022-23 season. The Griffins started out 3-1, finishing second in the Mulberry Grove Thanksgiving tournament, losing to St. Elmo in the final, going into the game against the Yellowjackets. For all of his efforts, both on and off the court, Rodgers has been named a Byron, Carlson, Petri and Kalb Law Firm male Athlete of the Month for Father McGivney. Rodgers, who plays for head coach Todd Strong, felt that although the Griffins did some good things during the game, the team didn't play all that well against New Athens

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GLEN CARBON – Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois congratulates Lindsey Lankford from Glen Carbon, Illinois for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by providing sensory support to students with disabilities. Lindsey worked in the special education classroom at her school for six years. She also joined Key Club, which planned community events – including events for students with disabilities. Lindsey noticed some struggles that students with special sensory needs faced, so she centered her Gold Award project around making these students feel supported. Lindsey created three sensory walls on wheels that were given to a library, a high school, and a middle school. The walls offer a variety of sensory toys and items that appeal to a variety of sensory needs. She also created an educational video to build awareness and understanding of special sensory needs. Lindsey learned valuable life skills when completing her impactful project. “This projec

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BELLEVILLE - Rudolph might not have been able to join in all the “reindeer games,” but area residents can. The St. Clair County Transit District, in conjunction with Citizens for Modern Transit and Metro Transit, will host “Reindeer Games” on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Belleville Transit Center, which is located at 800 Scheel Street in Belleville. The event is free and open to the public and will feature a live reindeer, games, snacks, crafts and a commemorative photo. Children will also receive a goodie bag. Those in attendance will be able to see a live reindeer before making a reindeer craft, playing reindeer-themed games, taking a photo and enjoying cookies, milk, juice and water. The Belleville Transit Center is accessible via MetroLink; three, fixed MetroBus routes, including 1–Main Street-State Street, 15–Belleville-Shiloh-O’Fallon and 16–St. Clair Square; the SCTTD Flyer Service. There is also a spacious

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and U.S. Representative Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA-05) today introduced the Corporate Crime Database Act , bicameral legislation that requires the Department of Justice (DOJ) to collect, aggregate, analyze, and publish comprehensive data on federal corporate criminal enforcement actions. Currently, there is no comprehensive national data collection on corporate crime and no centralized database of federal enforcement actions against corporations that the public can view. “We believe that comprehensive, national data collection and a searchable public database of the results of federal enforcement actions against corporations and individual actors engaging in corporate misconduct would provide better oversight, inform DOJ’s corporate criminal prosecution practices, and demonstrate the effectiveness of corporate sanctions—which is exactly what our bill aims to do,”

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SPRINGFIELD – Jewelry, collectible coins, sports memorabilia and historic souvenirs are among the more than 450 unclaimed property items to be auctioned online from December 5 through December 9. “Our online auction is a wonderful opportunity to discover rare and memorable finds, either for yourself or for that special someone who will appreciate them as gifts,” said Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose office oversees unclaimed property in Illinois. “You won’t even need to leave the comfort of your own home to participate in the auction.” Items to be auctioned include collectible, .999 fine silver coins commemorating important milestones for two Disney characters: Mickey Mouse’s 60 th anniversary and Snow White’s 50 th anniversary. Among the other items for auction are watches, rings and necklaces; an 1899 U.S. $20 Liberty Head gold coin; a .999 fine silver Michael Jordan basketball card and a .999 fine silver commemorative

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Police Department conducted a traffic safety campaign Nov. 18-28 reminding motorists to buckle up and drive sober and there were two DUI arrests. The “Click It or Ticket” and “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” mobilization was conducted by The Edwardsville Police Department and other state and local law enforcement agencies across Illinois to reduce highway fatalities. During the campaign, Edwardsville Police Department also issued the following violations: One uninsured motorist Two speeding citations One distracted driving citation “Our Officers patrol year-round to keep motorists buckled up and impaired drivers off the roads,” said Lt. Barry Jones. “We do this to save lives and ensure all of us make it home safely at the end of the day.” The Thanksgiving enforcement effort is made possible by federal traffic safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation and is part of th

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