October, 2023 Stories | Metro East Sun

Rep. Schmidt Congratulates McKendree University on Being Awarded Illinois Arts Council Agency Grant

By Metro East Sun | Oct 19, 2023

State Representative Kevin Schmidt has extended his congratulations to McKendree University for being awarded a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency. The grant, in the amount of $3,825, will support the touring performance of Clifton Truman Daniel as part of the university's McKendree Presents series.In expressing his excitement, Rep. Schmidt emphasized the significance of this grant in recognizing the importance of arts in education. He stated, "It highlights the importance of arts in education and the positive impact it has. I applaud the university for their...

City of Belleville Streets & Grades Committee met Aug. 21

By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Oct 19, 2023

City of Belleville Streets & Grades Committee met Monday, Aug. 21

City of Jerseyville City Council met Sep. 19

By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Oct 19, 2023

City of Jerseyville City Council met Tuesday, Sep. 19

Korte: ‘We need a line item veto to condemn funding supporters of terrorists’

By Metro East Sun Reports | Oct 19, 2023

In a series of social media posts, former GOP candidate for state representative Jennifer Korte has called for a line-item veto in the state's budget to condemn funding for organizations they label as supporters of terrorism.

New Athens Community Unit School District 60 enrollment numbers in bottom 50% among Illinois districts during 2021-22 school year

By Metro East Sun | Oct 18, 2023

New Athens Community Unit School District 60 welcomed 483 students in the 2021-22 school year, according to the Illinois State Board of Education report.

Illinois State Representative Introduces Legislation to Protect Privacy of Law-Abiding Gun Owners

By Metro East Sun | Oct 18, 2023

As law-abiding gun owners in Illinois continue to register their firearms with the Illinois State Police, State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) has filed legislation to safeguard the privacy rights of these individuals in light of ongoing Constitutional challenges to the state's gun ban."My legislation ensures that if certain gun-related provisions are found unconstitutional, the information collected from law-abiding gun owners when registering their firearms is immediately destroyed," explained Rep. Amy Elik. "This protects the privacy of law-abiding gun...

National Domestic Violence Hotline Offers Free, Confidential Service to Help Those Affected by Relationship Abuse

By Metro East Sun | Oct 18, 2023

October marks Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the prevalence of domestic violence and take action to promote healthy relationships. In an effort to support those impacted by relationship abuse, the National Domestic Violence Hotline offers a free and confidential service available 24/7.The National Domestic Violence Hotline serves as a crucial resource for individuals seeking help and support. With trained advocates standing by, the hotline provides a safe space for victims to share their experiences, receive guidance, and...

Free Rx Drug Drop Off Event Today October 18

By Metro East Sun | Oct 18, 2023

Today, October 18, the Glen Carbon Police Department is hosting a free Rx drug drop-off event. The event will take place at their location on 149 N. Main Street in Glen Carbon from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.This event aims to provide a safe and convenient way for individuals to dispose of their unused or expired prescription medications. By properly disposing of these drugs, we can help prevent them from falling into the wrong hands and potentially being abused.According to Sergeant John Smith from the Glen Carbon Police Department, "This event is a valuable opportunity...

City of Belleville City Council met Aug. 21

By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Oct 18, 2023

City of Belleville City Council met Monday, Aug. 21

City of Fairview Heights City Council met Sep. 19

By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Oct 18, 2023

City of Fairview Heights City Council met Tuesday, Sep. 19

2021-22 School Year Attendance: Madison County suffered a truancy rate of 19.3%

By Metro East Sun | Oct 17, 2023

Madison County schools had a truancy rate of 19.3% in the 2021-22 school year, the Illinois State Board of Education reported. That’s lower than the state average.

Jersey County taxpayers give $169,640 in County School Facility Tax in July

By Metro East Sun | Oct 17, 2023

In July, Jersey County saw a decrease in County School Facility Tax collection compared to the previous month.

Lebanon Community Unit School District 9's enrollment rank increases during 2021-22 school year

By Metro East Sun | Oct 17, 2023

Lebanon Community Unit School District 9 welcomed 501 students in the 2021-22 school year, according to the Illinois State Board of Education report.

Rep. Schmidt Donates Pay Raise to Lebanon Food Pantry

By Metro East Sun | Oct 17, 2023

State Representative Kevin Schmidt of the 114th District has announced that he will be donating his legislative pay raise to various local community outreach efforts. This month, he has chosen the Lebanon Food Pantry as the recipient of his donation. During a visit to the pantry yesterday, Rep. Schmidt expressed his gratitude for the hard-working volunteers and the important work they do in the community. In a statement, he said, "I'm grateful for the extremely hard-working volunteers at the Lebanon food pantry and the impact they have in our community. As promised, I am...

Mobile Office Hours in Mascoutah Today

By Metro East Sun | Oct 17, 2023

State Representative Kevin Schmidt will be hosting mobile office hours in Mascoutah today, October 17th. Rep. Schmidt and his staff will be available to help with issues you’re having with a State of Illinois agency.According to the announcement, mobile office hours are open to the public and appointments are encouraged but not required. The meetings will be scheduled in the order they were received.To schedule a meeting, individuals can call 618-215-1050. The office hours will be held at the City of Mascoutah, specifically at 3 W. Main St., 2nd Floor, Council Chambers....

City of Belleville Historic Preservation Commission met September 19

By Corazon L. Gonzales | Oct 17, 2023

City of Belleville Historic Preservation Commission met 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 19.

Home valuation prices decreased in Jersey County in September 2023, compared to September 2022

By Metro East Sun | Oct 17, 2023

In September 2023, the median sale price of a home in Jersey County fell by $1,087 from the same period in the previous year, while total sales decreased by 14.3%.

How much Fentanyl crosses our southern border?

By Metro East Sun | Oct 17, 2023

The Customs and Border Patrol has reported a staggering increase in the amount of fentanyl being seized at the southern border. In FY23, over 19,800 pounds of fentanyl were confiscated, compared to 7,600 pounds in FY22. This alarming rise in fentanyl trafficking from Mexico has prompted national conversations and efforts to combat its smuggling.Mexican cartels are known to use fentanyl to enhance the effects of other drugs, such as cocaine or Adderall, making them more potent and dangerous. According to a report from CBS News, fentanyl seizures at ports of entry...