Talk Around Town November 2024 : simplebooklet.com

3INSIDE Citizens can now address the CountyBoard at their regularly scheduled meetings(3rd Wednesday of each month at 5:00 pm inthe County Board room), and at specialmeetings. Fifteen minutes shall be set aside at thebeginning of each County Board meeting andeach speaker shall be allowed 3 minutes toaddress the board.How to Address the County Board or Committees Although not required, anyone wishing toaddress the Boardmay pre-register by filing acompleted “Request To Address The MadisonCounty Board and Committees" form, with theCounty Clerk’s Office no earlier than 48 hoursprior to the scheduled meeting. For more information on addressing the Boardof Committees visit the County Clerk’s website. Scan QR Codeto Register toSpeakCORONER CLOSING THEDOOR ON HIS CAREERWORKFORCE CHAMPIONMADISON COUNTY WORK FORCEAWARDSSHERIFF’S DEPUTY RECOGNIZEDCOVER STORY:GOOD NEWS:11162218FEATURES:SERVICES: IN REMEMBERENCE:MADISON COUNTY REMEBERSBOARD MEMBER WHO DIEDACCOUNTING CLERK RUNS 50-MILES FOR 50TH BIRTHDAYMADISON COUNTY CLERKVOTER LOCATIONS/FILING FOR2025 ELECTIONS STARTMADISON COUNTY VACCOLLECTING FOR TOYS FORTOTS45689RECOGNITIONSPOTLIGHT:MADISON COUNTYRECOGNIZES 4-H10CHANGES AT MADISONCOUNTY ADMINISTRATIONBUILDING911 TELECOMMUNICATORHONOREDPUTTING SAFETY FIRST:MADISONCOUNTY UPGRADES FIRSTRESPONDER RADIOS2120NATIONAL HOMELESSAWARENESS MONTH13SMALLL BUSINESS SATURDAY222324TERRIFIC TEAMWORK

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MADISON COUNTY REMEMBERS BOARD MEMBER CHARLES “SKIP” SCHMIDTM adison County honored Charles “Skip” Schmidt with a moment of silence before its October board meeting. Schmidt, 75, died on Oct. 3, following an eight-year battle with kidney disease. Prior to beingelected in November 2022 to represent District 24in Edwardsville, he served as an EdwardsvilleTownship trustee for more than five years. Schmidt was a retired school teacher and coach in the Ferguson Florissant School district for morethan 25 years. He coached various sports throughthe years to include football, volleyball and tennis,which he was an avid player. In 1989, Schmidt and his wife, Cynthia, moved toEdwardsville where he got involved in thecommunity and served on various boards andorganizations to include Faith in Action, Metro EastHumane Society, YMCA, Edwardsville’s Recreation,Arts and Special Event’s (RASE) and EdwardsvilleRotary. Schmidt lived by the Rotary moto, “Serviceabove self!” The City of Edwardsville honored Skipfor his contributions to the community while servingas a volunteer with RASE for 14 years. Schmidt was a patron of the arts and spent fouryears as the head usher at the Wildey Theatre andfundraising for Edwardsville High School Dramathespians. He also enjoyed golfing, trout fishing andmaking walking sticks. Schmidt and his wife celebrated their 50thwedding anniversary in 2023 and he leaves behindhis two daughters and four grandchildren.S c h m i d t d i e d a f t e r b a t t l i n g a l e n g t h y i l l n e s sIN REMEMBERENCE

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ikki Crader recently celebrated her 50th birthday by running a 50-mile ultramarathon. Crader, who works as an accountingclerk in the Madison County Treasurer’sOffice, completed the milestone twodays prior to her Oct. 7 birthday. The 50-mile event took place alongthe Hennepin Canal State Trail. The racetakes part on the first day of theHennepin Hundred, which is the onlyultra marathon in the state of Illinois andincludes a 100-mile, 50-mile and 50Krace. Participants run through locks and liftbridges, picturesque farms and towns. Itgoes between Sterling and Colona, Ill.Crader’s race ended in Wyanet. She completed the race just under the15-hour time limit allotted for the 50-milerunners with a time of 14:52:43. Crader started running in 2017 when a friend asked her to run in a race their gym was putting on. She said she was unsure, however if they didn’t get enough participants the race would be canceled. So she decided to run with her friend. She said after that after that race she started running other races. InMarch 2018, she trained for her first 5k. “After that I just kind of kept going,” she said. “I went from the 5K to a 10K, and then a 15K and then a half-marathon. I mean I just kept going to the next thing and I kept thinking, I can do it.” Crader signed up for her first 50K,which is just a little more than 31 miles. SPOTLIGHTMADISON COUNTYACCOUNTING CLERKFINISHES ULTRAMARATHONN “I actually got hurt right before it,”she said. “I finished it, however, it did notturn out like I wanted, but I did finish.” She said she planned her redemptionfor the following year, and COVID haltedthose plans, but in October 2023 shedecided to attempt the 50k again. “It turned out well,” she said. After that she thought, “What’s next?” She felt like the next step would bethe 50-mile race at the same course sheran her 50K in Hennepin. Nikki Crader(right)

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“I had been thinking about it for thelast several years,” she said. “Could I getthat 50-mile mark?” Crader doesn’t run alone, she has agroup of friends, mostly women, shetrains and runs races with on a regularbasis. She brought the idea up with hergroup, and of course two of them wereon board and trained with her for therace. “They went along for the ride,” shesaid. She said the race was brutal,especially with temperatures in high 80s. “There was absolutely no shade,”Crater said. “I got to the point where Iturned to my friend and said, ‘I don'tthink I can run this out. If I don't finish, Ijust don't.’” However, she didn’t run the race notto finish. At times when she didn’t thinkshe would make it she kept pushingherself and crossed the finish line with afew minutes to spare. “When it was over I had nothing left,”she said. She finished the race 42nd place forher division and 91st in the overall race. Crader said with the race over shewon’t need to train as hard. She said the50-mile is likely the last ultramarathonshe would run, however she plans tocontinue do half- marathons and otherraces in her future Previous races include the WarriorDash, Indy Mini, Go St. Louis Marathonalong with countless 5 and 10Ks. Crader will continuing running with her friends, and on occasion with her husband, who serves in the U.S. Army Reserves. The Granite City woman said it’s not likely her sons will. She said when she began runningher boys didn’t show much interest andnow her 19-year-old son is in the Armyand stationed in Bulgaria and heryoungest, who is 15 shows moreinterest in learning to drive. Crader said she’s not sure when shewill run her next race, but for now shesaid “I just want to keep enjoying it.” “I had been thinking about it for the last several years,”she said. “Could I get that 50-mile mark?”7

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2025SERVICESBethaltoCollinsvilleGodfreyHighlandSIUETroyMadisonWood River As the General Election ends others aregearing up for the spring elections. Candidates for the April 1 ConsolidatedElection can start filing on Tuesday, Nov. 12. Next year’s races include municipal,township, village, library and park districts,school districts and other local offices. Thoseseeking office are for the positions of mayor,village presidents, supervisor, highwaycommissioner, township assessor, clerk,alderman, council member, trustee andcommissioner. Candidates running for office, other thanschool boards, file with local election officials.Those running for school board positions canstart filing at 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12,at the County Clerk’s Office, 157 N. Main St.,Edwardsville or by mail and received no earlierthan Nov. 12 and no later than Nov. 18.Petitions received in the mail prior to Nov. 12will be returned. Visit the County Clerk’s website or call(618) 692-6290 for more information CANDIDATESARE FILINGFOR 2025ELECTIONSNov. 1 and 4 -Hours: 8:30 a.m. -7:00 p.mEarly voting continues throughoutMadison County until Nov. 4.Early Voting Hours for Alton, Edwardsville and Granite City: Nov. 1 and 4 -Hours: 8:30 a.m. -7:00 p.m.Other Early Voting Sites (dates and times vary) For a complete address list of early voting sitesvisit the County Clerk's website.GET YOURGET YOURONON

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M adison County is collaborating with local veteran service organizations and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves to collect items for those in need this holiday season. The Veterans’ Assistance Commission will be collecting items for the U.S.Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots Program, as well as basic clothing andpersonal hygiene items for hospitalized veterans at the VA Medical Centers inSt. Louis. “This is a joint effort between the VAC, the County and local veteransorganizations,” VAC Superintendent Brad Lavite said. “These items will be abig impact on the recipients, whether it’s a toy for a child or a pair of socksfor a veteran.” Now through Dec. 20, individuals are invited to donate new, unwrappeditems at the Madison County Administration Building, 157 N. Main Street,Edwardsville, and the Wood River Facility, 101 E. Edwardsville Road, WoodRiver. Items needed for veterans include socks, underwear, t-shirts, gloves,caps, slippers, throws and basic hygiene. “Please keep in mind that there is also a need female related items aswell,” Lavite said. The mission of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is to assist the U. S.Marine Corps in providing a tangible sign of hope to economicallydisadvantaged children at Christmas. Toys are for children between the agesof newborn and 14. For more information visit www.toysfortots.org. Select “request a toy”and from the dropdown menu, select “family and individual request form.”Toys for tots stops accepting application on Dec. 15. For more information or assistance on the veterans’ collection contact theVAC at (618) 296-4554.Madison County collecting forMadison County collecting forU.S. Marines and localU.S. Marines and localveterans’ organizationsveterans’ organizations

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November is National HomelessNovember is National HomelessAwareness MonthAwareness Month Madison County wants to remind thepublic that homelessness is more thanjust statistics — it’s real people, reallives and real struggles. Do you know about the homelessresources in Madison County? Do youknow about Project Homeless Connect? Learn more about it by visitingMadison County’s website at CommunityDevelopment>Homeless Programs) ProjectHomeless Connect/Continuum of Care of To find out more aboutMadison County’s HomelessProgram scan the QR Code isitors at the Madison County Administration Building can check out the latest display case in theAdministration Building lobby highlightingNovember as “National Homeless AwarenessMonth.” Madison County Regional Office ofEducation and Madison County CommunityDevelopment put together a display for themonth as a reminder that not everyone has ahome. V11Madison County Homeless Liaison Tim Rhymer, Regional Superintendent Dr. Robert Werdenand Homeless Coordinator David Kerr

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COVER STORY or 24 years, Stephen P. Nonn has stood at the forefront of justice, serving as coroner through many families’ darkest moments. Behind every case, there is a story — anarrative of a life lost, a family in mourningand a community seeking closure. Nonn didn’t just step into the rolewithout the knowledge needed to do thejob. He walked into it with 26 years of lawenforcement experience and made it hismission to change the way the publicviewed the position. Nonn said the idea to run for officecame from his former colleague andfriend, retired Sheriff John Lakin, as hewas getting ready to retire from theMadison County Sheriff’s Office. He made CORONER CLOSING THE DOOR ON CAREERthe decision only because Coroner DallasBurke, who held the position for 28 years,decided not to run again. In November 2000, voters elected Nonnas the county’s 33rd coroner. Soon afterhe started making changes to better servethe public. “The first thing I did when I took officewas man the office 24 hours a day, 365days a year,” Nonn said. “Instead of callingfor somebody and getting them out ofbed, you could now call the coroner’soffice at 2 a.m. without having to wait.” He said gone were the days of callingthe Sheriff’s office, who would thencontact a deputy coroner who was likelysleeping in early morning hours. In order to achieve the new workingconditions, Nonn worked with the countyboard to increase his budget and hiremore personnel. “I was blessed with a great county boardthat saw what I was trying to do,” he said. Nonn also continued with the work thatBurke started, which was moving the F13

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office from being one whose existence ingovernment operations fulfilling a statutoryrequirement, to that of professional deathinvestigators. “In the past it was usually a funeral director’sjob,” Nonn said. “No one really dealt with deadbodies back then the same way they do now.” The office of the coroner in Illinois holdssignificant responsibilities, includinginvestigating sudden, violent, or unexplaineddeaths. Coroners are empowered to take chargeof bodies and determine the cause of death,often working in conjunction with other lawenforcement agencies. Nonn said in Illinois, there is no requirementfor a death investigator. It is up to each coronerto determine qualifications for his/her county, hesaid. However, Nonn expected more from his deathinvestigators and made changes in hiring toreflect that professionalism. Anyone who is nowhired must hold at minimum of an associate’sdegree in law enforcement, nursing or related field and/or have three years’ experience inmedical technology, emergency medical service, law enforcement,fire service, nursing or field employment in a medico legalinvestigative office. Nonn himself earned certification from the American Board ofMedicolegal Death Investigators. He also used his knowledge of lawenforcement and death investigations to help create a requiredHomicide and Questionable Death Protocol that is followed by all law enforcement and fire departments throughoutMadison County, “The coroner’s office is a law enforcementagency,” Nonn said. Nonn took the department up a notch and sodid his investigators. He noticed one of those changes was withnursing home calls. He said previously a deputycoroner would take a phone call, often in themiddle of the night, notifying them of a death ata nursing home and typically would not respondto the scene, they would just take theinformation by phone. Once deputy coroners started working 24/7they would respond and be able to observe thebody and ask the staff questions based on thoseobservations. “(Staff) no longer had this thing aboutprotecting the nursing home when they knewthese guys are going to start showing up,” Nonnsaid. “The (deputy coroners) didn’t show up at allof (the calls,) but (nursing homes) knew theymight. Which made the way they responded tothe questions that were asked a lot different thanhad it been by the phone.” “In the past it was usually a funeral director’s job,” Nonn said. “No onereally dealt with dead bodies back then the same way they do now.”

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The staff started being more honest about what happened to the person who died, such as a fall. Some of what Nonn learned through this helped in establishing the Madison County Elder Abuse/Fatality Task Force. Nonn said death investigations play an important role in the justice process. He is a founding member of the Society of Medicolegal Death Investigators, as well serving on various professional boards to include American Board of Medicolegal Death Investigators, Illinois Coroners and Medical Examiners Association, Southern Illinois Child Death Task Force and more. Nonn said being able to not only provide comfort to a family member who died, but to be able to answer how that person died is one of the reason the coroner’s office does what it does. “We give a voice to those who can no longer speak,” he said. justice for those who no longer have a voice, will continueto resonate throughout Madison County for years to come. Nonn is humble and grateful to have served the residentsof Madison County “I chose a career in law enforcement because I wanted to help people,” he said. Nonn shares this advice for his successor, Nick Novacich, who will be sworn in as the new Madison County Coroner on Dec. 2. “We’re here to serve the public,” he said. “My philosophy is simple — the only thing you have to do is the right thing.” He said morally, as a society we can be judged on howwe treat those that are dead. He said it doesn’t matter if weare dealing with someone who was found under a bridge orin a $5 million house. Nonn recognizes that empathy, integrity, and respect forthe deceased and their families is needed in the role. “We must embody these qualities in every aspect of ourwork,“ he said. “We approach each case with the utmostprofessionalism. We treat every individual with the respectand dignity they deserve.” As Nonn gets ready to close the door on his career,everyone is reminded of the countless lives he has touchedand the profound legacy he leaves behind. His tirelessdedication to the pursuit of justice has set a standard ofexcellence for future generations to follow, inspiring allwho had the privilege of working alongside him. His skill and talent exceed those of his official duties. Hehas been a pillar of support for colleagues, a trustedconfidant for families in this community and a mentor toaspiring coroners. Nonn spent the past five decades serving the people ofMadison County and will serve his last day on Nov. 30. Although he may be retiring from his official duties, hisinfluence, the pursuit of truth and “We’re here to serve the public,” he said. “My philosophy is simple —the only thing you have to do is the right thing.”15

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FEATURES adison County Employment and Training presented its Workforce Awards on Oct. 10, including honoring last year’s winner who died in February. “This is the first time that we’ve held this event locally,” PaulWellhausen, chairman of the Madison-Bond-Jersey- CalhounWorkforce Innovation Board. Wellhausen said in years past one individual and onebusiness were recognized at a statewide luncheon. “That event was not held this year, so we decided to honorour recipients here in Edwardsville,” he said. “Since this is anopportunity to recognize the accomplishments of our localparticipants, we've expanded the program.” Those honored included: a high school student, DevinMcDonough, and a Holly’s House of Hope Participant, KyleOsterbur, who received their U.S. Department of LaborApprenticeship Certificates; a Mentor Award; along with therecipient of the Illinois Workforce Partnership BusinessLeadership Award; and individual achievement awards foroutstanding program graduates. Director of Employment and Training Tony Fuhrmannrecognized the apprenticeship completers. He saidMcDonough, of Bethalto, successfully completed hisapprenticeships in housekeeping at West Star Aviation, whichis located at St. Louis Regional Airport in Bethalto. Osterbur,from Highland, completed his at the Highland PoliceDepartment. Fuhrmann said West Star became the first private employerto partner with Madison County Employment and Training, theMadison County Regional Office of Education and the BethaltoSchool District and the U.S. Department of Labor to begin aprogram for high school students in the STEP Program. He said the apprenticeship certificates are recognized onthe same level as any of the more than 1,000 apprenticeshipoccupations the Department of Labor recognizes across thecountry. McDonough was the eighth high school student toreceive an apprenticeship certificate in Madison County,Fuhrmann said and a ninth was presented their certificate laterthe same day. “This is a major accomplishment, and these ceremonies aretreated that way,” Fuhrmann said. MADISON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT AND TRAININGPRESENTS WORK FORCE AWARDSM

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A number of dignitaries attended the eventincluding: Illinois State Senator Erica Harris, IllinoisState Representatives Amy Elik and Katie Stuart,Regional Superintendent of Schools RobertWerden, Kevin Brooks, a representative from U.S.Congressman Nikki Budzinski’s Office and BruceHallam with the U.S. Department of Labor; alongwith other state, county and local leaders. Employment and Training Assistant DirectorDarlene Ladd presented the Theresa Rasp MentorAward to Highland Police Chief Carole Widman.Rasp was a special education teacher inCollinsville for 28 years. Widman was nominated due to her enthusiasmto take on the apprenticeship program at thepolice department and for mentoring Osterbur. Fuhrmann presented Dennis Wilmsmeyer, theExecutive Director of America’s Central Port inGranite City, with the Illinois WorkforcePartnership Business Leadership Award. “America’s Central Port is business leader inthat it understands the value and the importanceof their community,” Fuhrmann said. Individual achievement awards were presentedto:John Boneau, Welder: Gateway BroncoBusiness Nominated EmployeeEmily Galore, Registered Medical Assistant Destiny Johnson, License Practical Nursing Dondre Leflore Jr., CDL training . The ceremony also paid tribute posthumouslyto Andere Jerrell “AJ” Millender. “Andere’ was a very special person,”Fuhrmann said. Fuhrmann said Millender was a success, notonly because of what he achieved, but becauseof his spirit and the impact it left on staff atEmployment and Training. Ladd added that Millender overcame manyobstacles and barriers after walking intoEmployment and Training in late 2022 andtaking a CDL class and earning his commercialdriver’s license. When Millender first visited theoffice, he was barely getting by — he wasunemployed, living in his truck and separatedfrom his family. She said Millender’s career specialist, TinaLeonard helped to put him on the right path,however he was the person who worked hard toachieve his own success. Fuhrmann said after he was selected for lastyear’s award, which he could not attend becausehe had to work, he wrote that he greatlyappreciated the chance he was given. “When I was helpless, needing a helping hand,and not just the chance, they were there. I amtruly grateful for everything they've done and allthat we've accomplished together.” Millender died on Feb. 4 following amotorcycle crash. 17

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adison County recently approved more than $5.7 million in funding to upgrade its emergency radio system for first responders. In October, the County Board approved the purchaseof 803 radios for $5.18 million and 705 pagers at$564,509. The County is using approximately $4.7 million inAmerican Rescue Plan Act funding for the project andthe remaining funds are being supplied by theEmergency Telephone System Board (ETSB.) “This system will allow agencies from all acrossMadison County to communicate with one another,” 911Administrator Arron Weber said. “Every policedepartment, every fire department, regardless of anykind of situation we will be able to communicate.” For the past five years, 911 worked with emergencyresponders throughout the county to integrate theircommunications equipment. Once complete, firstresponders across the county will be using the state’s STARCOM communications system. STARCOM is a communications system used by stateagencies and many local police and fire departments. Currently there are two operating systems in thecounty for fire and police radios — Starcomm and VHF.The Sheriff’s Office, along with five other Public SafetyAnswering Points — Collinsville, Edwardsville, GlenCarbon, Granite City and Pontoon Beach — all operateon the Starcom system. Alton and Wood River currentlyoperate on VHF and will be converted to the newsystem. “The systems cannot connect with one another atall,” Weber said. The system will also allow interoperability withagencies in other counties as well. The new system willprovide two-way radio services. Because they use different communicationssystems, there are sometimes issues during an emergency. The project is expected to take approximately one year to complete.M19

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GOODNEWS Recognizing the People of Madison CountyRecognizing the People of Madison County Madison County Employment and Training reconizes one of its ownMadison County Employment and Training reconizes one of its own Work Force ChampionWork Force ChampionWork Force Champion adison County Employment and Training recognized one of their own employees as a champion in their field. Employment and Training Director Tony Fuhrmann,along with Madison-Bond-Jersey- Calhoun WorkforceInnovation Board chairman Paul Wellhausen surprisedEmployment and Training Assistant Director DarleneLadd with Madison County’s Workforce Champion Award. “What is a champion?” Fuhrmann asked. “There aretwo definitions of a champion, most of us think of achampion as a person that goes to battle, the Olympicsor team winning on the sports field, but the definition Iwant you all to think is a different definition of thechampion — a person who fights or argues for a causeon behalf of someone else.” Fuhrman said the past year the department gotinvolved with several national organizations, and they’vesaid to him they love working with Southwestern Illinoisbecause of its “Champions.” “These are people who will take things, lead the charge and get things done,” he said. “(Today) we aregoing to recognize one of those champions.” He said Employment and Training reached amilestone with its apprenticeship program forindividuals with disabilities. He said there have been 10individuals who completed the Department of Laborapprenticeship certificate program, and Ladd led thechanges and improvements that have kept the programgoing. Fuhrmann said Ladd was selected as one of 60Workforce Heroes across the country by the NationalAssociation of Workforce Development Professionals inSeptember 2023. The award reads, “For recognizing the potential in allindividuals and championing their opportunities forsuccess. For compassion, for expertise, for fighting forothers.” “She's a champion with compassion and a giantheart,” Fuhrmann said. M

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GOODNEWS Recognizing the People of Madison CountyRecognizing the People of Madison County Madison County PSAP managerMadison County PSAP managerrecognized at state conferencerecognized at state conferenceSuperior SupervisorSuperior SupervisorSuperior Supervisor Madison County Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) manager is honored as “Supervisor of the Year” by the Illinois Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials. Collinsville Police Department PSAP Manger AndreaLindauer received the award on Oct. 22 during theannual banquet dinner of the Illinois Public SafetyTelecommunications Association Conference inSpringfield. “The award is presented to someone whodemonstrates outstanding service and commitment to911, specifically in a supervisory role,” Madison County911 Administrator Arron Weber said. Weber said Collinsville Police Lt. Keith Jackson andMadison County 911 Training Administrator TonyaBeasley nominated Lindauer, who has worked in the Cityof Collinsville for the past 16 years, due to her continuesefforts to promote 911 across the county, her ability torun a PSAP like a well-oiled machine and her compassionfor her employees and citizens of Collinsville. “Andrea is a ‘go to’ person within her department, aswell with other PSAP managers within the county,”Weber said. Weber said no one from Madison County has everreceived this award. Weber said through the years there have been plentyof Madison County telecommunicators to be nominatedfor an award, but no one has ever received one. “Andrea is the first!” he said. Weber said on a special note that members of all ofthe county’s eight PSAPs, along with 911 staff attendedthe conference. “We are very proud of Andrea and heraccomplishments,” he said. “She is deserving of thisaward.”AEmergency Telephone System Board Chair JoeyPetrokovich, Collinsville PSAP ManagerAndrea Lindauerand 911 ADministrator Arron Weber.Telecommuncators from Madison County’s eight PSAPsand 911 Office.21

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GOODNEWS Recognizing the People of Madison CountyRecognizing the People of Madison County Madison County Sheriff’s deputy was recognized for her servicewith the Circuit Court. Deputy Stephanie McSparin was honored with the Judge Barbara CrowderChampion Award for her exemplary service during the Third Judicial Circuit ProBono luncheon on Oct. 22 McSparin has dedicated 18 years to her role as a court security officer,where she has consistently gone beyond her official responsibilities to ensurethe safety and respectful treatment of all individuals entering the courthouse.Her commitment is reflected in her willingness to assist those in need,including helping them navigate court forms and providing essentialinformation. “Stephanie is always helping people who need assistance,” a representativefrom the court said. “She takes the time to ensure everyone feels supportedduring their visit.” The Judge Barbara Crowder Champion Award recognizes individuals whodemonstrate outstanding commitment to public service and communitysupport within the judicial system.Madison County Sheriff’s DeputyMadison County Sheriff’s Deputyhonored for her work in Court Securityhonored for her work in Court SecurityCommitment to CommunityCommitment to CommunityCommitment to CommunityASheriff Jeff Connor (left) and Judge Barbara Crowder withDeputy Stephanie McSparin

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GOODNEWS Recognizing the People of Madison CountyRecognizing the People of Madison County Madison County Sheriff’s Office and Major CaseMadison County Sheriff’s Office and Major CaseSquad of St. Louis recognized by IAAISquad of St. Louis recognized by IAAITerrific TeamworkTerrific TeamworkTerrific TeamworkMajor Case Executive Director Rick Knox, Investigator Dennis Pinero, MadisonCounty Chief of Detectives, Lt. Tim Lawerence and IAAI Arson InvestigatorGreg VespaT he Madison County Sheriff's Office along with the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis were recently recognized by the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI) Illinois Chapter for their teamwork on a double homicide/arson case. On Feb. 1, 202, the Sheriff’s Office and Major Case Squad investigated the doublehomicide/arson in the 2300 block of Wedgewood Drive in Godfrey. The Illinois State FireMarshals, Illinois State Police Crime Scene, Madison County Coroner’s Office, Godfrey FireDepartment and others assisted in the investigation. The IAAI recently presented the “Distinguished Team Award” to the Major Case Squadduring the Illinois Chapters annual banquet.23

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S mall Business Saturday is right around the corner. Madison County wants to remind the public that Nov. 30 isSmall Business Saturday, a nationwide initiative that promoteslocal business. Madison County wants to emphasize the importance of smallbusinesses to the local economy and remind the public to celebrateand support them and all they do for their communities. Small Business Saturday presents a opportunity for communitymembers to understand the broad spectrum of businessesthroughout the county. Hundreds of businesses will be offering upholiday gifts this season. From Highland to Holiday Shores, thereis a bit of something for everyone. There are antiques, boutiques, local brewery’s, distillery’s, wineand more. Please join Small Business Association (SBA) and organizationsacross the country in supporting your local small businesses byshopping at them in the dozens of communities across the county. Founded by American Express in 2010 and officiallycosponsored by SBA since 2011, Small Business Saturday hasbecome an important part of small businesses’ busiest shoppingseason. Visit Great Rivers and Routes to find a list of some of the uniqueplaces to go throughout Madison County. Small Business Saturday is more than just a day of transactions;it's a celebration of dreams, hard work, and aspiration.MADISON COUNTY SUPPORTSSMALL BUSINESSEST H E H E A R T O F O U R C O M M U N I T I E S

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Madison County BoardMeetingsCheck out the Citizens Guide on thecounty's website to find out more onthe operations of Madison CountyGovernment and its departments.The public is invited to attend County Boardmeetings, which are held in the Board Room atthe Madison County Administration Building, 157N. Main St., Edwardsville, Ill.Visit www.madisoncountyil.govfor more information.Check out the calendar to viewupcoming County Board andCommittee meetings.The Madison County Board Chairmanappoints individuals to more than 70boards and commissions with theadvice and consent of the CountyBoard. Click on the booklet to find outmore.Madison County Board — (618) 296-4341 — coboard@madisoncountyil.gov

Talk Around Town November 2024

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