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CHICAGO - A Cook County jury has awarded a total of $363 million to a Willowbrook woman who was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer after living about one-third of a mile from medical device sterilization plant Sterigenics for more than three decades. The trial was the first of many to come against operators of the Willowbrook plant, which has more than 760 lawsuits pending against it in Cook County Circuit Court for toxic emissions. Federal officials began investigating Sterigenics in 2018 after the community surrounding the Willowbrook plant was identified on a national map of health hazards from breathing toxic chemicals. Data reported by the company to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showed the Willowbrook census tract was in the 99.9th percentile for cancer risk in the country. The EPA study pointed to Sterigenics’ EtO emissions as a potential cause, prompting public outrage and hundreds of lawsuits against the Willowbrook plant. The first plaintiff t

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GODFREY – National Adult Education and Literacy Week, Sept. 18–24, underscores the continued demand for programs and services for adult students who need to improve basic skills in reading, writing and math and obtain a high school equivalency certificate. More than 36 million adults nationwide, including 1.2 million here in Illinois, lack basic literacy skills that limit their ability to advance in education and at work. Lewis and Clark Community College is one of 72 adult education providers offering programs funded through the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) that improve and expand the nation’s available pipeline of workers by assisting those who lack the educational requirements to achieve gainful employment in today’s increasingly high-tech, global job market. “Adult Education focuses on a population of learners who have found the courage to give education another try,” said L&C Associate Dean of Adult Education Val Harris. “While

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ALTON – The next American Red Cross blood drive at Alton Memorial Hospital will be from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, in the AMH café meeting rooms. To register, go to https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=AltonMemorial or contact Dave Whaley in AMH Marketing & Communications at 618-433-7947 or david.whaley@bjc.org . The Red Cross is thanking all those who present with a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. The Red Cross currently has about four days’ supply of most blood products. However, the Red Cross strives to keep a five-day supply of all blood types on hand at all times to meet daily patient needs and be prepared for emergencies requiring significant volumes of donated blood products. More donors are needed to help ensure the Red Cross can meet the needs of all patients, including in times of emergency. The need for lifesaving blood transfusions never takes a break. It’s important to have blood ready t

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Municipal League (IML) elected officers and members to its Board of Directors at its Annual Business Meeting, held September 17, as part of the 109 th IML Annual Conference at the Hilton Chicago. The IML membership unanimously elected River Forest Village President Catherine M. Adduci to serve a one-year term as President. Also elected during the conference were Fairview Heights Mayor Mark T. Kupsky as First Vice President and Hazel Crest Village President Vernard L. Alsberry, Jr. as Second Vice President. In addition to the officers, 35 Vice Presidents were elected to serve a one-year term, and six IML Past Presidents continue to serve, on the statewide organization’s Board of Directors. Village of Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick was re-elected to serve as a Vice President. “I am happy to continue my work with mayors from across the state to address the complex issues our communities face,” said McCormick. “By working together,

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GLEN CARBON - The Village of Glen Carbon is extremely lucky to have a Heritage Museum filled with historical artifacts compiled over many decades. Interestingly, the museum itself is a local landmark that was once the grade school, Village Hall, and library for Glen Carbon. Along with our local museum, the Yanda Log Cabin dates back to the 1850s, rediscovered in 1989 once the siding was removed. Maintaining the historical relevance of both structures and their collections is a job that Samantha Doolin, museum coordinator, takes great pride in managing. Samantha Doolin is very passionate about her important role with the Village of Glen Carbon. She’s excited about the wealth of information available to share with the community at both the cabin and the museum. When asked about her favorite aspect of the job, she didn’t hesitate to answer. “Everyday is different when working here. Reviewing the various collections and cataloging them, scanning articles or old photos,

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EAST ST. LOUIS – U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe announced today that Kenesha Burlison, 40, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced to 45 months in prison in connection with her theft from her former employer, an East St. Louis charity, and aggravated identity theft. Burlison served as the Director of Human Relations for Call for Help, Inc. from 2016 until her termination in 2020. Call for Help is a longstanding charitable organization in East St. Louis, that helps people overcome a variety of personal crises, ranging from sexual assault and poverty to homelessness and mental health issues. “Kenesha Burlison’s theft from Call for Help is particularly egregious in light of the essential, lifesaving services that the organization provides to communities in Southern Illinois,” United States Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe said. “We are proud to have organizations like Call for Help in our District and will continue to hold those who steal from them accountable

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ALTON - Illinois American Water announced Monday that it is anticipated that 3rd Street between Belle and Piasa is expected to open to traffic by sometime Tuesday with the completion of pavement restoration. Illinois American Water’s recent work has been to separate the Alton combined sewer system and install new sanitary sewers. Additional work is still needed in other areas and more information on that is below. Rob Lenhardt of Mac's said Illinois American ran into some obstacles in the sewer work because of some old tunnels they didn't know were there but said again he thinks they have done an outstanding job with the project. He saluted Kamudulski Excavating and Grading, S&S Engineering, and Illinois American Waer for the speed and efficiency of how they performed their tasks in this Alton project. "People don't realize how much work goes into this," Lenhardt said, who viewed what they were doing in recent days in front of his Alton business. They have done all this in

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EDWARDSVILLE – The 14th Annual Tiger Ambush Band Classic was once again a showcase for some of the best marching bands in Illinois and Missouri. First place overall at the 14 th Annual Tiger Ambush Band Classic Saturday at the Edwardsville High School field went to Salem Community High School Marching Wildcats in Class A, Mehlville High School Marching Panthers in Class AA, Rockwood Summit High School Silver Falcon Marching Band in Class AAA and Timberland High School Marching Wolves in Class AAAA. Salem, Mehlville, Rockwood, and Timberland all posted firsts in Outstanding Color Guard, Outstanding Percussion, and Outstanding General Effect. The Belleville East High School Marching Lancers were first in Outstanding Music for AAAA. The Salem Band is directed by John A. Randolph, Timberland by Courtney White, Mehlville by Tony Brown, and Rockwood Summit by Jeremy Loui. The competition on the EHS football field in the Sports Complex drew an estimated 4,000 spectators throughout

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WOOD RIVER - The 4th Annual Wood River Food Truck Festival is officially planned for Saturday, October 1 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in downtown Wood River. Food trucks will be parked along Ferguson Avenue between 1st St. and Wood River Avenue, and the event will feature live music, vendors and more. Several food trucks will be at this year’s event, including: Burgers STL Taylor's Fire & Smoke BBQ, LLC. Pig on a Wing Mericue Food Truck and Catering Cake POP a GO-GO The Taco Shack Presents T Mo's Eats Mo’z Sweet Treats Andy Russell with the Wood River Enrichment Network said if other food trucks are interested in participating, they can reach out through the Wood River Enrichment Network’s Facebook page , where more information about the event can also be found. This year will also see the return of vendors and live music, which Russell said were both popular at last year’s festival. “Last year we had several vendors sell out! We

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ALTON - A Meet and Greet, Question and Answer session with some of the candidates that are running for election in November will take place from 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at the Alton Flood Memorial Location at Ardent Mills in Downtown Alton. Candidates who will appear are Senator Kris Tharp, a candidate for the Illinois State Senate, Joe Silkwood, a candidate for Illinois state representative, Ebony Huddleston, a candidate for circuit judge, and John Barry Julian, a candidate for Circuit Judge. John Barry Julian, a candidate for Circuit Judge, and Ryan Jump and candidate for Chief Circuit Judge, will also be in attendance. Abe Lee Barham, the organizer of the event, said this will be a good opportunity for people to come out and ask questions of candidates. “We encourage people to ask questions and express your views and voice,” he said. “Every vote counts.” For more information, contact 618-799-9147.

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GODFREY - The Great Godfrey Maze opened back up for the season over the weekend. The ever-so-popular attraction located within Glazebrook Park has been a hit with families and is perfect for the little ones. The maze operates only on weekends. The hours are 6-10 p.m. on Fridays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. The going rate for the maze is $7 for adults and can be enjoyed peacefully during the day, or for the little more adventurous in the pitch black of night. Flashlights are recommended at night of course. The maze officially opened on Friday, but the larger crowds weren't until Saturday evening. There were plenty of people out to enjoy the attraction. The layout of the maze changes from year to year and this year it is circus themed. Instead of the usual corn, this year's maze is comprised of tall-grown hemp. The change was forced after a short crop last year. The Godfrey Parks and Recreation Department had no choice but to cancel the maze las

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Friday, September 16, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspects Demetrius Green, 36 years of age, of the 6800 block of Robbins Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri 63133, for Robbery First Degree and Armed Criminal Action; and Andre Vantreece, 42 years of age, of the 4900 block of Genevieve Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri 63120, for Robbery First Degree, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Mugshots of Green and Vantreece are attached. Green and Vantreece are each being held on $100,000 cash only, no 10% bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement for both defendants reads: On September 3, 2022, at 5:45 PM, at the Wal-Mart store at 3270 Telegraph Road, defendants placed two computer monitors into a shopping cart and pushed it towards a set of exit doors, having made no attempt to pay

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) issued the following statements after the family of Mark Frerichs, an Illinoisan held hostage for more than two and a half years after being abducted in Afghanistan in 2020, announced that Mark has been freed from Taliban custody: “It’s a profound relief that Mark Frerichs, a Navy Veteran who served our nation honorably, is now safely back in American hands after being kidnapped in Afghanistan more than two and a half years ago,” said Duckworth. “I’m thrilled that his family, who have long been Mark’s champions, will get to reunite with him. I applaud President Biden, who I spoke with personally about the need to get Mark home, for taking the steps necessary to prove that we do not leave Americans behind.” “I am deeply heartened by Mark’s long overdue release and the relief it will bring to him and his family. The tragic and cruel use of him

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CHICAGO – Illinois joined six other Midwestern states in announcing the development of the Midwest Hydrogen Coalition, an agreement that will boost the state’s decarbonization efforts. In addition to Illinois, the coalition includes Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana. “Innovative solutions to fighting climate change require collaborative efforts. Through the partnership of the Midwestern Hydrogen Coalition, Illinois will play a major role in fostering a healthy economic environment for the hydrogen production market in the Midwest, creating more clean energy sector jobs and lowering carbon emissions in the manufacturing and transportation sectors across the state and region,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Additionally, this landmark multistate agreement empowers the state’s world-class colleges and universities to form working relationships with their counterparts in neighboring states, enhancing the research and development

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ALTON - Bring your furry friends to the Canine Carnival at the Alton Farmer’s & Artisans’ Market on Saturday, Sept 24 th from 8:00 a.m. until Noon for a morning full of fun just for them. At this free event organized by Alton Main Street and Hope Animal Rescues, there will be many activities to enjoy and pet-related vendor booths to browse. Plus, you can learn about many local animal welfare charities and services for your pets. Features of the event include a Pet Parade at 10:00 a.m. and a Costume Contest at 10:30 a.m. Bring your dog dressed to impress, because the winner of the costume contest will receive a $20 gift certificate to Petco! Rescue agencies will be holding an adopt-a-thon, so if you are looking for a new best friend come to meet some loveable dogs who need a good home. There will be face painting, balloon animals, and activities for pets and families. Vendors will be selling pet-related products such as handmade dog treats, toys, bandanas, clothing, collars

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce is again spearheading the community’s award-winning restaurant week dining campaign, SAVOR 2022©, to be held from Saturday, October 1 through Monday, October 10. Several locally owned restaurants including foodie favorites like 1818 Chophouse, Bella Milano, Cleveland Heath, and Chava’s Mexican Restaurant are busy crafting their restaurant week specials. This year’s initiative will also feature brand new destinations like 1818 Offshore, Twisted Biscuit, and Creations by Kiki. Specially priced offerings – at convenient price points of $15 for lunch and $30 or $60 for dinner - will be highlighted by each participating establishment in addition to the regular menu. “SAVOR 2022© is a salute to our community’s restaurateurs, cuisine, and diners, and a celebration of the delicious fare that makes our region a culinary hot spot,” said Desiree Bennyhoff, Ed/Glen Chamber president

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MADISON - World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) solidified its standing as a premier motorsports venue as NASCAR officials today confirmed the 1.25-mile oval’s second year as a host track on the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series schedule. “Our inaugural race in June delivered a sold-out crowd and fantastic racing,” said Curtis Francois, WWTR owner, and CEO. “We are thrilled to have NASCAR return, along with our title and presenting sponsors – the Illinois Department of Tourism and TicketSmarter – to deliver another epic weekend of racing.” Details on the inaugural race weekend attendance and events are featured in the WWTR Impact Report . The start time will be announced at a later date, as will details related to the Confluence Music Festival, which entertains fans throughout race weekend with live music and STEM-related activities. The NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series Toyota 200 will add to the weekend of racing and take the track on Saturday, June

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MARYVILLE — State Senator Kris Tharp is launching a listening tour in the Metro East to address concerns with the SAFE-T Act. “My family and I have worked in law enforcement our entire lives,” said Tharp (D-Bethalto). “My priorities remain ensuring our communities are safe, keeping criminals off our streets and providing law enforcement with the tools to do their job. The goal of my listening tour is to make sure these vital concerns are addressed and heard in Springfield.” Newly-appointed Tharp does not support several provisions in the SAFE-T Act and is working with the law enforcement community to file new legislation to address concerns about: Ensuring those accused of violent offenses are kept behind bars until trial to keep communities safe; Providing an appropriate amount of judicial discretion while trying cases and; Clarifying the definition of flight risks to ensure it is clear and address the issues created by individuals who fail to

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GILLESPIE - I know there are massive numbers of coffee drinkers in the world. After crude oil, coffee is the most sought commodity in the world. My parents are coffee drinkers. They start - and end- each day with coffee. They drink it with breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert... or just because. And they drink it black. According to the website for Gotcha Latte Cafe in Gillespie, no one knows exactly how or when coffee was discovered, though there are many legends about its origin. Coffee grown worldwide can trace its heritage back centuries to the ancient coffee forests on the Ethiopian plateau. Legend says the goat herder Kaldi first discovered the potential of these beloved beans when he noticed that after eating the berries from a certain tree, his goats became so energetic that they did not want to sleep at night. Kaldi reported his findings to the abbot of the local monastery, who made a drink with the berries and found that it kept him alert through the long hours of evening prayer.

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ALTON - Homecoming Week has now come to a close for Marquette Catholic High School and was capped off by the crowning of the school's Homecoming king and queen. The Explorers Homecoming Court took part in a short parade Friday evening before the football game. The students met at McKinley St. in Alton, looped around past Johnson’s Corner, and went up State St. toward Public School Stadium. They were also all introduced during the game’s halftime. The Homecoming Court consisted of Aiden O’Keefe, Kylie Murray, Jack Spain, Serenity Eldridge, Hayden Sherman, Kailey Vickrey, Myles Paniagua, Hanna Marshall, Charlie Fahnestock, Nia Ballinger, Max Cogan, Livy Kratschmer, Nathan Bennett, and Olivia Byrd. It was two seniors who took home the honors Saturday night. Aiden O’Keefe was crowned king and Hanna Marshall queen. The two are both student-athletes and quite popular at school.

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