Venice News

Two local organizations have received Drug-Free Communities Program grants through the Office of National Drug Control Policy, announced U.S. Rep.

A Madison man with a felony record received a 10-year prison sentence after he left a loaded .38 caliber gun unsecured in an apartment with three toddlers, resulting in the accidental shooting death of a ...

After an eight-month investigation in which undercover police officers made drug buys from Brooklyn, Venice and East St.

Police and gas station clerks across the Metro East are on the look out for a man they say is stealing gas then reselling it out of the back of a pick up truck.

A man who helped funnel large amounts of cocaine through the Madison and Venice areas has been sentenced to life in prison.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich's $10.9 billion highway improvement plan includes several projects in the metro-east, totaling a cost of nearly $828 million over the next six years.

Mayor Ed Hagnauer wants to shake "the stigma." "Dirty little steel town," said the life-long resident.

“All the Sheriff's Department works on now is these little bitty guys”

Just two candidates filed for the August Republican primary for Jefferson County sheriff, and both have past problems with the legal system. via STLtoday

A 17-year-old from Venice was charged Thursday in Madison County with two counts of armed robbery. via Belleville News

Two men accused of killing a St. Louis County attorney whose body was found in Illinois have now been formally indicted. via Belleville News

Granite City will host a town hall meeting Monday to address underage drinking in the surrounding communities.

Community members from Granite City, Madison, Mitchell, Pontoon Beach and Venice are encouraged to attend the meeting, which will be held at the Granite City Township Hall at 2060 Delmar in Granite City.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be available.

The focus of the meeting will be about how community members can help prevent and reduce underage alcohol use. The meeting is sponsored by the federal government's Interagency Coordinating Committee for the Prevention of Underage Drinking. Panelists for the meeting include: Judge Daniel J. Stack, Madison County Sheriff Robert J. Hertz and Illinois State Police Trooper Ralph Timmins. Read more

Harold Eugene 'Gene' Arnold, 76, passed away 9:10 a.m. Friday, March 21, 2008 at his brother's residence in Energy. via Alton Telegraph

“One victim, a 37-year-old from Venice, was shot once in the buttocks and a second victim, 34 years old from East St. Louis, was shot once in the leg”

All occurred within a 12-hour period

By Carolyn P. Smith

--

Three shootings within a 12-hour period Monday left six people wounded and police searching for suspects and a motive or motives.

The shootings occurred in the 2900 block of Converse Avenue, the 3300 block of State Street, and the 2900 block of Bond Avenue. Each time, two black men were the victims. Police Chief Michael Baxton said police do not know whether the shootings are related.

In the first shooting, which occurred at 3:15 a.m., police were called to 2917 Converse Ave. after someone shot up the house there and wounded two people, a 37-year-old and a 34-year old, who were inside, Detective Ricky Perry said. Read more

Surveillance video caught the alleged murders on tape with St. Louis County Counselor Luke Meiners. via MyFox St. Louis

“A polished and lustrous exercise in '60s nostalgia.”

"A CHARMER! The theft is ingenious and Demi Moore is fascinating, doing some of her best work ever." Elle "Caine is utterly charming...Demi Moore is back for real." Hollywood Reporter "A polished and lustrous ... via FlickMojo.com

Detectives from University City tell News 4 that a man was killed in the 5700 block of Waterman and his body disposed of in Illinois. via KMOV-TV Saint Louis

“Many studies have shown that the healthier children are, the better they learn”

Nearly $1 million in federal grants will be given to six metro-east communities to promote healthier, more active lifestyles for children in kindergarten through eighth grade.

The program is designed to encourage kids to walk and bike to school.

The money is part of an $8.3 million grant that will be divided among 112 projects across the state.

Area towns receiving money include: Granite City, Belleville, New Athens, Highland, Maryville and Venice. Each community submitted proposals for projects ranging from sidewalk repairs to educational programs. Read more

The Port of New Orleans has signed a marketing agreement aimed at boosting commerce between it and a port district in southern Illinois across the river from St. via American Shipper

“The potential is there for a pretty good glazing earlier in the day.”

More sleet this morning is expected to change into snow before ending this afternoon, the result of a winter storm that hit the area Thursday and caused dozens of vehicle accidents across the metro-east.

The National Weather Service, which issued a winter storm warning throughout the area from Thursday up to 6 p.m. today, said the storm is expected to pass by sometime in the early afternoon.

Meteorologist Ben Miller expected the low precipitation overnight to carry over into the predawn hours today, continuing 'off and on' into the early afternoon. Read more

On behalf of Magnolia Pictures, they are pleased to present Flawless, an exciting heist thriller starring Demi Moore and Michael Caine. via FlickMojo.com