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SAINT LOUIS - The 24th annual Water Garden Pond Tour, also known as Pond-O-Rama, is once again in the works, and the St. Louis Water Garden Society is looking for local hosts to showcase their ponds. The event invites attendees to tour water gardens in the Greater St. Louis area. St. Louis Water Garden Society members have volunteered to show their gardens over the weekend of June 22 and 23, 2024. Ginny Mueller, who chairs the event, hopes to find more hosts in the Riverbend region. “I’d love to have some hosts over in Alton. That would be fantastic,” she said. “It’s really a nice community event. You have people from all walks of life, and I think that’s what makes it so interesting. It’s for everybody, the young and the old as well as everybody in between.” Mueller explained that Pond-O-Rama invites hosts to display their hard work while educating people about how to build and sustain a water garden. She remembers a couple who

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To Whom It May Concern: I write to you today with a heavy heart, echoing the sentiments of our entire community, as we mourn the tragic loss of a 13-year-old girl, Ra’Niya Steward, to a senseless act of gun violence. The recent drive-by shooting that claimed her innocent life has sent shockwaves throughout the City of Alton, leaving us grappling with grief, anger, and an urgent call to action. At the YWCA, our mission is deeply rooted in eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all persons. The devastating loss of this young girl underscores the pressing need for us to confront the pervasive issue of gun violence and its disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. What makes this tragedy even more alarming is the fact that the perpetrators of this heinous act were themselves mere teenagers—16 and 19 years old. It is a stark reminder of the urgent need to address the root causes of violence and provide our youth

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Centerstone will co-host, along with Illinois First Judicial Circuit, Heritage Behavioral Health and Kane County System of Care, the no-cost “The Belonging Need and Deficit for Youth Navigating Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)” webinar on March 26 from 5:30-7 p.m. CT featuring advocate, speaker and former NFL player Gaelin Elmore. CEUs will be available. “The Belonging Need and Deficit for Youth Navigating Trauma and ACEs” is geared toward professional and person caregivers of youth, however everyone is welcome to attend. To register or for more information, visit bit.ly/032624belonging . The purpose of this webinar is to help caregivers of youth erase the belonging deficit by: Understanding the vital nature of belonging for human flourishing Discussing the correlation between belonging, development, and flourishing Utilizing the CARE model to meet the belonging needs of youth Belonging is a vital component of human flourishing. However,

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ALTON - As a little kid, Madison Wells sold drawings at the end of her grandmother’s driveway. Today, her paintings are on display at Milton Schoolhouse. After a decade-long break in her art, Wells is the Artist of the Month at Milton for February and March. She said it’s been a long journey, but a great experience to rediscover her passion for art, reading, yoga and more after a divorce. She loves her son, she loves her job, and she is learning to love her art. “I guess that’s what my paintings are, just like a piece of me on paper,” she said. “When I was in that marriage, I kind of lost myself, lost my passions and things like that…It’s been very cathartic and just kind of surreal in a way because everything in my life has kind of led up to being able to rediscover it.” Her 8-year-old son Emmett has helped her to do this. Emmett also loves to draw and paint, and the two of them will often go up to Wells’s art studio

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ALTON - Senior Services Plus, Inc. (SSP) will host a presentation on Dental Hygiene, at 11 a.m. on March 15, 2024, conducted by students from the Dental Hygiene Program at Lewis & Clark Community College. Led by dedicated dental hygiene students under the guidance of experienced faculty members, the presentation will cover a wide range of topics essential for older adults on how to maintain their oral health as they age. This collaborative effort aims to promote the importance of dental hygiene among older adults and highlights the connection between oral health and overall well-being. The students will also take this opportunity to raise awareness about the Lewis and Clark Community College Paul B. Hanks Dental Clinic, which offers low-cost dental services to the community. This presentation will take place at SSP, located at 2603 N. Rodgers Avenue in Alton, IL. The event is open to the public and is free of charge. Those interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP to Leslie Eberlin

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - A tragic fatal house fire in the City of Ferguson has claimed the lives of five individuals and three dogs. St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives, St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson detectives, and Crime Scene Unit detectives are investigating the fatal house fire in the 500 block of North Clay Avenue in the City of Ferguson. The St. Louis County Police Department confirmed the five deceased individuals consist of one adult female and four children. "We do not have ages at this time," the St. Louis County Police Department said. "Positive identification of the deceased individuals will be made on Feb. 20, 2024. Three dogs were also located inside the residence deceased." At 4:23 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024, City of Ferguson police officers responded to a call for service for a house fire. Officers were advised by fire personnel that four individuals had been located inside the residence deceased. A fifth deceased individual

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ALTON - Historian Eric Robinson led a Black History Month Alton Underground Railroad Tour on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, that was well-attended. Robinson is heralded nationwide for his work with the Underground Railroad Tours in Alton. Several young people were inspired by the glimpse at history with Robinson's tour in Alton. Lovett’s Soul Food provided meals for the tour. Alton Mayor David Goins welcomed the attendees at the start of the trek. “I greeted those for the tour at the Robert Wadlow Statue in Alton,” he said. “It was a wonderful occasion for those who attended. Eric Robinson does a great job with all the underground railroad tours in Alton." Bianca Jackson, Goins’ chief of staff, had this comment about the important day: ”As a host mom for the month of February with the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. East St. Louis Chapter, I am honored to be part of preserving and sharing Alton's rich African American history, ensuring its stories continue

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WOOD RIVER - Malyk Spiller, a 5-foot-11 senior guard for East Alton-Wood River, has been a standout for head coach Kevin Gockel's squad all boys basketball season. Spiller is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Oilers. He has also been a boys' soccer player as a forward/midfielder for the Oilers. Spiller is an outstanding student with a 3.5 grade point average. He extended a thank you to his family for being supportive throughout everything and taking him to and from games and making sure he was there on time and prepared. "I wouldn't of made it this far without them," he said of his family. Spiller said he is most proud of, "Keeping my grades up and trying my hardest in the sport I love to play. I have been playing basketball since the age of 4 or 5. I like all the fun that is involved with it even during the losses because it's all a part of the game. It helps build character." Spiller said his school career in sports has developed him into a mentally

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GODFREY - Kidada Miller will host her second annual Bougee Bawse Brunch masterclass to support personal and professional development for local entrepreneurs. On Feb. 24, 2024, the event located at 5800 Godfrey Road will welcome entrepreneurs from across the region to network and learn about financial literacy, CRM skills and personal/professional development. Miller said the “power-packed” lineup of speakers is sure to steer attendees toward better business in the new year. “I see people in our town and surrounding areas that just have so much potential and have great products and services, but they just can’t get the traction on it,” Miller explained. “It may be marketing, it may be the personal/professional development, it may be funding. So let’s come together, bring all the pieces together at once to give the people what they need.” The conference will include a panel discussion, networking opportunities and breakout sessions

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COLLINSVILLE - Gabby Semple was one of four seniors on the Granite City High girls basketball team - the other three being Emily Sykes and Sophia and Isabella Mangi - who helped a very young Warrior team through a very difficult season. The season ended on Feb. 12, 2024, with a loss to Alton in the IHSA Class 4A regional semifinals at Vergil Fletcher Gym in Collinsville. Despite a tough year, the Warriors never surrendered and kept working hard throughout, even in the most difficult of circumstances. Semple contributed with points and rebounds, along with having 13 assists, seven steals, and a blocked shot on the season. As a senior, she was a leader for the team all season. Gabby is a Stillwater Senior Living Female Athlete of the Month for the Warriors. After the regional game against Alton, Semple had these comments: "I think we kept putting up a good fight, "no matter what they threw at us. We were getting through the press, we were running what we could, we were still putting

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Letter To The Editor: Tis the season of love. This time of year begets the question "What is Love?" Love (genuine love) is special. It is one of the most powerful forces in the world. It changes people for the better. It can calm an angry man down and it can make a woman feel as if she has wings and roots. Wings for her to be herself without fear of being rejected because she also has roots to secure her love. People have misconceptions about love. Some believe that it is romance and sex. Some believe that it is something mystical, undefinable. Love is none of those. Love is not a certain behavior. Love is a certain type of behavior. It is the reason for doing something. If you give a hungry poor man a sandwich, that would be an act of love. But if you do that same thing and demand 2 dollars for it, that would not. Love is a gift, not an exchange. Love isn't love until you give it away. Love is unconditional. It is given without conditions, with no strings attached.

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville chapter of “I Support the Girls” has partnered with an SIUE class to sponsor a fundraiser for bras, underwear and period products. Dr. Diane Owino’s communication class created the fundraiser to assist the I Support the Girls (ISTG) organization. On March 29, 2024, they will also host a “Build-a-Bra” event at the Caseyville Township Administration Building to decorate bras for the organization. Dr. Alicia Alexander, the affiliate director for ISTG Edwardsville, explained that the organization provides help to people in the region who need these products and undergarments. “When people learn about it, they really recognize that there is a need,” she explained. “We take gently used and new bras, and people will say, ‘Who wants a used bra?’ Well, people who don’t own a bra.” Alexander pointed out that most people will change bra sizes multiple times throughout their lives and ma

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CHICAGO – Respiratory virus cases reman at low levels across the state, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) said today. The state’s overall respiratory illness level is Low in the most recent available CDC data and the state remained at Low level for COVID-19 hospitalizations, according to the CDC COVID Data Tracker as of February 10. The data showed that four counties are at Medium level for COVID-19 hospitalizations and two are at High level. Although respiratory illnesses have been trending down in recent weeks, IDPH reminds the public that respiratory virus season typically lasts into the spring, and it is possible that illness rates could tick upwards in coming weeks. “I am pleased to report that respiratory illnesses are remaining at low levels across most of Illinois,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “IDPH continues to closely monitor the latest data as we near the end of the respiratory virus season. And we remind Illinoisians

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CARLINVILLE - As the frosty air blankets the region, the Blackburn College Department of Music & Theatre is pleased to look towards the next season and announce its Spring Performance Schedule. From riveting musical compositions to spellbinding theatrical productions, Blackburn students and featured guests are set to showcase their exceptional skills on stage. This season promises to celebrate artistic diversity, inviting the community to join us in experiencing the transformative power of music and theatre. The season kicked off with a February capstone performance from senior Autumn Switzer. The campus community also enjoyed a visit from world-class performer Dr. Whitney Myers, who led a masterclass for Blackburn vocal majors, where she demonstrated technique, provided feedback, and helped students with their performance. She also performed the Wagner Wesendonck Lieder and a lecture on the story surrounding its composition. All performances will be in Bothwell Auditorium on the

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SPRINGFIELD - Days following the sentencing of Mike Madigan’s former chief of staff, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced a series of ethics reforms that would strengthen enforcement and require more transparency and disclosure regarding the financial dealings of lobbyists. The measures – contained in House Bill 4591 – come amid the ongoing federal corruption probe of state government that has led to the criminal indictments and convictions of several Illinois politicians and insiders. As Secretary of State, Giannoulias’ office maintains lobbyist registrations and statements of economic interest filed by public officials. “Given the recent headlines of public corruption in Illinois, it’s incumbent upon the state to enact ethical safeguards that demand accountability among those who serve the public and operate within our government,” Giannoulias said. "Illinoisans are sick and tired of scandals and ethics abuses that unfortunately

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ALTON - Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford on Monday provided information about a traffic crash involving two vehicles on Landmarks Boulevard at the intersection with Clark Bridge at 5:58 p.m. on Feb. 17, 2024. Chief Ford said the preliminary investigation determined one of the vehicles to be turning left from Landmarks Boulevard onto the Clark Bridge. He said the vehicle failed to yield to another vehicle that was traveling east on Landmarks Boulevard. "Five total persons were transported from the scene for varying degrees of injuries," he said. "One of them was later taken to a St.Louis area hospital for further treatment. None were considered life-threatening injuries." The investigation is ongoing at this time.

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College student ambassador Brandon Hayes Jr. excels in his role by bringing positivity, high energy and passion, both on and off campus. Hayes is a part of the student ambassador program led by L&C Recruiter Daniel Nosce. In this role, he promotes the college to prospective students, families, and the wider community. “Brandon is a very hard worker and has several qualities that make him stand out,” Nosce said. “He’s always ready to lend a helping hand and embodies the Trailblazer spirit and LC way.” Through his personal experiences, Hayes highlights the college’s programs, resources, and opportunities while encouraging students to pursue their educational goals. “I love the community here,” he said. “Every time I’m on campus, people are welcoming and friendly, and it’s a fun and comfortable environment to be a part of." Hayes said he looks up to Nosce as a close friend

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PEORIA - OSF HealthCare is spearheading a new day in cancer care, impacting communities across Illinois and beyond. The official blessing of the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute, located on the campus of OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, was conducted by the Most Rev. Louis Tylka, Bishop of the Peoria Diocese on Tuesday, February 13. The OSF Cancer Institute will be a one-stop destination for a patient’s cancer journey. "The greatest difference that will happen in this building in comparison to many other centers, is that we've brought everything together. All of the therapies with the clinicians, together with support services and survivorship, together with the kitchen and nutrition," says Robert Sehring, CEO of OSF HealthCare. "It's the ability to bring all of those pieces together and have people collaborate. Whether it's a tumor board, working through a diagnosis or treatment plan. We're doing all of that to meet the needs of the patients that are goin

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SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Energy has announced a second round of grant funding with $2 million available for the development of local strategic energy plans. Under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG), grant awards ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 will assist eligible municipalities or counties in implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce total energy use, improve energy efficiency in the transportation sector, and build a clean and equitable energy economy prioritizing disadvantaged communities. The grant program will invest U.S. Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funds in energy planning. Municipalities and counties eligible for direct formula funding through the U.S. DOE are not eligible for funding through this state program. Grant applications will undergo a comprehensive, merit-based review. Scoring factors will include: funding

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that replacement of the Intelligent Transportation System Message Board on southbound Interstate 55 between Illinois 143 and Interstate 270 will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 7 a.m., Monday, Feb. 19, 2024. One lane will always remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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