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ALTON - Jeff Larner, Republican candidate for Madison County Sheriff, today announced if elected he will not be taking a state-funded pension. “Let me be clear,” stated Larner. “The hardworking men and women of the Sheriff’s Department and other police forces put their lives on the line for us every day. They unequivocally deserve their pensions.” “Unfortunately, “Larner continued, “too often the administration of these county offices use these jobs to supplement their pensions or even collect a second pension. That is wrong. I want the voters of this county to know my commitment is to running a professional, cost-effective office and one way to do that is to decline a pension.” Illinois’ pension crisis has been rated the worst in the nation, measured by pension debt relative to state gross domestic product. Since 2014, Illinois owes $144.2 billion in net pension debt and that number is estimated to continue to rise

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EDWARDSVILLE – As part of an ongoing campaign to connect the Illinois farming community to mental health resources, Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II visited the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on Thursday, May 12 for a press conference highlighting the Farm Family Resource Initiative (FFRI). The FFRI was established in Illinois in 2019 to address the mental health needs of farming and agricultural communities. During the last legislative session, the Illinois General Assembly appropriated an additional $500,000 to ensure the program remains operational in all 102 Illinois counties throughout fiscal year 2023. The press conference at NCERC marked the third of a seven-stop campaign throughout the state with the goal of bringing awareness to this program and increasing accessibility to the farming community. SIU President Daniel Mahony, Representative Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville), and Karen

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SPRINGFIELD - A new law aimed at improving the safety of transportation for foster children was signed into law on Friday. The legislation was sponsored by State Representative Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) on behalf of a local foster parent following concerns shared with her about the safety of children under the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). “I knew something had to be done when a constituent shared with me that foster children were either not being picked up on time or not being picked up at all by transportation providers,” said Rep. Elik. “Children under state care depend on transportation providers that will pick them up on time. There is no excuse for our youth in care to be left without a ride home.” Public Act 102-795 sponsored by Rep. Elik provides that transportation services to children and families must comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Drivers must submit to a fingerprint-based criminal

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EDWARDSVILLE - In April of 2022 after select shows in Europe, The Music of Cream returns to the USA with a 50-plus city tour kicking off in Florida. All dates are now on sale. The Music of Cream is the pedigree of hallowed ‘60s power trio Cream, featuring Ginger Baker’s son, drummer Kofi Baker and Eric Clapton’s nephew, guitarist, and lead vocalist, Will Johns. This new show, following in the footsteps of their highly acclaimed ‘50 Anniversary World Tour’ across 2017/18/19, sees The Music of Cream perform the original band’s landmark 1967 recording of Disraeli Gears in its entirety during the first set. ‘Clapton Classics’ will follow in the second, including hits like Cocaine, Layla, Crossroads, & Wonderful Tonight, as well as Blind Faith’s Presence of The Lord, Do What You Like & Can’t Find My Way Home. Baker and Johns played with Eric Clapton, his band, and a myriad of top musicians at the Ginger Baker Tribute concert

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ALTON - At a young age, Alton community activist Abe Lee Barham's father instilled in him a love of gardening. Over the years, he formulated a dream of establishing an Inner City Garden for area youth so other Alton children could learn the adoration and skills in a garden as he did as a child. The Inner City Garden is sponsored by Alton Housing and Theodora Farms with the goal to empower youth in the Alton area with another skill and experience that will stay with them forever. Faye Taylor and Lisa Brown assist Barham in the project. This year the project will start with 10 selected youth. However, Barham pointed out that last year, the project swelled to 25 kids once they learned what the others were doing and the others wanted to participate. Theodora Farms Manager Kris Larson said: "We are excited about this project and making sure local youth have access to not just garden-fresh foods but to learning how to grow food. Abe has been a real champion of teaching kids how to grow

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ST. LOUIS — Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures will whisk families away on an immersive getaway chock-full of magical participatory moments. Featuring new and classic tales, this multi-generational experience visits Chaifetz Arena, September 23 - 25. Disney On Ice Preferred Customers can purchase advance tickets starting today, May 17, to get the best seats available before tickets go on sale to the general public on May 24. Fans can still sign up to become a Disney On Ice Preferred Customer and get exclusive access to the pre-sale offer code. Hit the road with Mickey Mouse and his pals for a high-octane ride in Disney On Ice presents Road Trip Adventures. Exciting twists and turns await as Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, and guests of all ages embark on an interactive and memory-rich adventure to iconic Disney destinations. See the world from the rooftops of London with Mary Poppins and Jack and his band of dancing lamplighters. Travel to the sun-soaked Motunui and help Moana

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EDWARDSVILLE - Sheriff John D. Lakin has announced two Madison County students selected to receive the Illinois Sheriff’s Association Scholarship on behalf of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office. The honor this year was given to two distinguished students in Madison County, one from Glen Carbon and the other from Wood River. The recipients are Olivia Melosci of Glen Carbon and Grace Byron of Wood River. Olivia attends Edwardsville High School. She received a 32 on her ACT and will graduate with a 4.0-grade point average. Olivia plans to attend Illinois State University to study Mathematics, she is a Tiger Choice recipient, Spanish Top 10%, received High Honor Roll, Silver Medallion Academic Excellence recipient, was an Illinois State Scholar, and received the Outstanding Service Award. Grace attends East Alton-Wood River High School. She received a 1050 on her SAT and will graduate with a 3.8-grade point average. Grace plans to attend Illinois State University

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ALTON - Over the course of her four-year career at Alton High, Taryn Wallace has been a remarkable student and athlete. Taryn has been hard at work in her studies while also leading a cause for someone she cares about very much. For all of her work and selfless efforts, she has been selected as an Art Fahrner-Edward Jones Remarkable Redbird of Month. Recently, Taryn found out that her longtime boyfriend had been diagnosed with cancer. In order to raise money for his care, Taryn took it upon herself and worked with a local organization to print T-shirts to sell as a fund raiser for him. Over 200 T-shirts were sold in just over a month during lunches and also online, predominantly to students and staff at Alton High. While working to raise money for her boyfriend's treatment, Taryn was able to keep her grades up and she received straight A's both semesters of her senior year while taking five honors classes, some of which had dual credit. She is a Silver Medallion recipient, which

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ST. LOUIS - Varicose veins are a common condition affecting up to three in ten adults each year. A local vascular physician and cardiologist, Dr. Raffi Krikorian, wants to raise awareness about a simple treatment method that can alleviate the symptoms and in some cases, minimize the appearance of varicose veins. “Millions of people suffer from varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency,” said Dr. Raffi Krikorian. “While it is common, it can still impact a person’s quality of life in many ways and can lead to further issues down the road. We recommend people get their veins evaluated by our medical professionals so they know what type of vein condition they have and what treatment options are available. Compression stockings are a simple first step we often take to help improve a patient’s circulation and reduce the appearances of varicose veins.” Dr. Krikorian said varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency can cause heavy, tired, swollen

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CHICAGO – As Illinois celebrates World Trade Month, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced the 2022 trade show schedule and additional international business development opportunities to assist companies in starting or expanding global sales. DCEO’s Office of Trade and Investment (OTI) will coordinate the State’s presence at nine international trade events on four continents. “Illinois’ network of diverse industries and workforce have made Illinois a force in the global export economy, propelling our products around the world to over 200 countries,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “From trade shows to development opportunities, my administration is proud to help Illinois companies expand their international market share during World Trade Month and beyond.” Illinois offers a convenient geographic location and proximity to airports, railways, and shipping ports, and has

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ST. LOUIS - The National Museum of Transportation Transportation Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who have made a significant contribution in the transportation industry. Inductees are recognized for their leadership or contribution in industries that move our community. Those recognized have demonstrated insight, innovation, and a progressive contribution in transportation throughout their distinguished career. Recipients are nominated in the summer of each year and are honored at The National Museum of Transportation Transportation Hall of Fame Awards Breakfast in December. Applications are accepted through August 31 for the 2022 inductees. For additional information, please contact: Frank Cunetto, Chairman TNMOT Transportation Hall of Fame TNMOT Board of Directors 314.791.2362 To nominate an individual visit: https://tnmot.org/nominate-for-the-transportation-hall-of-fame/ The National Museum of Transportation houses 'one of the largest and best collections of transportation

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EDWARDSVILLE - The fifth edition of International Studies Days at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, held virtually May 3-6, was as successful as previous editions in helping address important global issues. The series of events included senior assignment presentations, panel discussions on organizations with an international focus regionally, and international education opportunities available to students, as well as a lecture aimed at educating the public on current developments in Ukraine. “International Studies Days has become a tradition of student, faculty, and community engagement for the International Studies Program within the College of Arts and Sciences,” said Sorin Nastasia, PhD, director of this program and associate professor in the Department of Applied Communication Studies. “Given the war in Ukraine and the plights of students, both local and international, this year’s series of events featured prominently a discussion of the difficulties

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ALTON - The Vintage Voices committee has set an audition date for the 2022 edition of Vintage Voices. Auditions will be held Saturday, June 25, 2022, at YWCA of Alton, 304 E 3rd St, Alton, Illinois 62002. Actors wanting to audition should arrive anytime between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and will be asked to do a cold reading. The event consists of tours held in the Alton Cemetery with actors in period costumes telling the story of Altonians who have shaped the area’s history. Auditions will be held to cast the roles of nine characters of a variety of ages, gender, and race. Commitment is five performances and an individualized rehearsal schedule. “Vintage Voices highlights the stories of so many people who contributed to the Alton area: people who were often well-known during their lifetimes, but whose legacies are now buried in books and newspaper articles. We need you to help bring these stories back to life! Please come out for auditions on June 25, 2022,” says

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BELLEVILLE - The St. Clair County Transit District is encouraging people of all ages to register now for its annual Summer Riding Program, so they are ready to hit the trails when the program gets underway on June 1. The program allows participants to track miles and earn prizes as they bike, walk, wheel, run, skate or skip along with the MetroBikeLink System, which boasts 14 miles of continuous trails and bike paths adjacent to the MetroLink alignment in Southwestern Illinois. Registration can be completed at www.scctd.org . Mileage tracking begins June 1, 2022. “The Summer Riding Program is much like those offered through libraries that incentive kids to read, but instead of reading a certain number of minutes to earn prizes, we are encouraging people of all ages to track miles on the MetroBikeLink System,” commented Ken Sharkey, managing director for the St. Clair County. “It’s a fun way to get people outside and active, as they enjoy this treasure in ou

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SPRINGFIELD – A bill strengthening the Child Labor Law passed by the General Assembly was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker. Senate Bill 3161 enhances the Child Labor Law and is the result of negotiations among the Illinois Department of Labor, the business community, worker advocacy groups, and unions. “Protecting the youngest and most vulnerable workers is critical to preventing exploitation. This bill gives the Illinois Department of Labor additional tools to ensure that child workers in the entertainment industry are safe on the job,” said Illinois Department of Labor Acting Director Jane Flanagan. The Child Labor Law regulates the terms and conditions in which children can work. The changes enacted as part of SB 3161 provide IDOL with more discretion when it comes to protecting children in the entertainment industry from working through the overnight hours. In the fiscal year 2021, IDOL received 14,846 child employment certificates. During the same

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SPRINGFIELD – A bill strengthening the One Day Rest in Seven Act has been signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker. Senate Bill 3146 is the result of negotiations among the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL), the business community, community groups, and unions. “The changes will strengthen the One Day Rest in Seven Act and reflect the ongoing mission of the Illinois Department of Labor to protect the rights, wages, and working conditions for people in Illinois,” said Illinois Department of Labor Acting Director Jane Flanagan. The One Day Rest in Seven Act gives workers the right to a day of rest every workweek and meal or rest breaks during daily work shifts. The changes enacted as part of SB 3146 are intended to clarify the day of rest requirements for workers whose schedules don’t align with a Sunday to Saturday calendar week and apply to any consecutive seven-day work period. The amendments also require an additional 20-minute break for workers during

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ALTON – Although Alton Memorial Hospital was unable to hold its annual Employee Awards Banquet again this year because of the pandemic, the hospital was still able to honor several of its top staff members for their 2021 accomplishments during the recent Health Care Week. Among the awards handed out was the Virginia Ilch Team Quality Award. The ”Promoting Vaginal Births” team was the winner for its part in a 2021 quality initiative as a part of the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative. “The aim was to support vaginal births and reduce primary cesarean sections to reach the Healthy People goal for a low-risk cesarean section target rate of 24.7 percent by December 2021,” said Debbie Turpin, chief nurse executive at Alton Memorial. AMH had a C-section rate of 22.5 percent in 2020. A team of nurses and physicians led the 2021 efforts for AMH, which included: Educating physicians and nurses on ACOG/SMFM labor management guidelines and labor support

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ROXANA – Sophomore pitcher Calista Stahlhut threw all seven innings and hit a home run as the Roxana High School softball team defeated the Alton Redbirds by a score of 3-1. With the win, the Shells end their regular season with a record of 9-13. As for Calista, she’s the Shells’ number one pitcher and she now has a 9-11 record through 20 regular-season appearances. She leads her team in games played and strikeouts with 118 coming into the game against Alton. The Shells led 2-0 in the bottom of the fourth when Calista took to the batter’s box with no one on and two outs. With a quick swing of the bat, she took the ball over the fence in left-center field to make it 3-0 over the visiting Redbirds. It was her third home run of the season which leads her team. Because of that she was intentionally walked later on in the game. When asked what she thought was more important, the pitching performance or the home run, she had this to say: “I think they were

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EFFINGHAM – The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 8, is releasing video of a shooting that occurred at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office in McLeansboro, IL on October 20, 2021. On October 20, 2021 at approximately 12:20 a.m., the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office asked ISP to investigate an officer-involved shooting that occurred at the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office in McLeansboro, IL. Aaron J. Sealy, a 30-year-old male from Herrin was in custody after being arrested by McLeansboro police officers and was transported to the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. While seated in a chair, Sealy was able to loosen the handcuffs, after which he grabbed and discharged a fire extinguisher toward a McLeansboro Officer and a Hamilton County Sheriff’s Deputy. Both officers ordered Sealy to drop the fire extinguisher before discharging their firearms. Sealy was struck once. Officers rendered aid to Sealy until he was

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ALTON - Alton Police Chief Marcos Pulido reported on Monday that early Sunday morning, just after midnight, the Alton Police Department investigated a report of shots being fired in the general area of downtown Alton. "Officers arrived on scene immediately as they were patrolling in the downtown area at the time of this incident," the chief said. "Preliminary investigation revealed that shots were fired after an altercation took place." "The subjects involved were generally familiar with each other and no injuries were reported." The Alton Police Chief said the investigation is ongoing and being conducted by the Alton Police Department Criminal Investigations Division.

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