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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) will open the fourth year of the Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program on December 15. Applications will be available at https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/agr/Pages/default.aspx beginning at 8am. Funding of eligible acreage will be on a first come, first serve basis. IDOA received funding from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to add 40,000 acres to the program for a total of 140,000 acres available for the 2023 growing season. In 2022, the 100,000-acreage allotment was met in under 24 hours and a total of over 131,000 acres were requested by the time the application period ended. The program is applicable for acreage in Illinois planted to cover crops in the fall of 2022 that will be planted to an insurable crop in 2023. Eligible applicants receive a premium discount of $5 per acre on the following year’s crop insurance for every acre of cover crop enrolled and verified in the program. Applicants will be require

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ALTON - State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) received the 2022 “Jim Guilinger Legislative Award” from the Illinois Leadership Council for Agricultural Education (ILCAE) for her support of agricultural education in Illinois schools. “We all depend on our next generation of farmers to grow crops that will help feed the world and it starts with agricultural education on the farm and in the classroom,” said Rep. Elik. “I support these programs that help educate our future farmers as the Ag industry makes up almost a quarter of Illinois jobs. I am honored to receive this recognition and support the vision created by Jim Guilinger. As technology evolves, so does agricultural education in our state.” Since 1987, the “Jim Guilinger Legislative Award” has been presented to legislators who advocate for and have been publicly supportive of Illinois agricultural education. According to ILCAE, these legislators understand the importance of the

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SPRINGFIELD - Governor JB Pritzker announced today the release of $37.3 million to launch facilities for five hubs of the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN), created to accelerate job creation and economic growth through groundbreaking education, research, and discovery. The funding is made possible by the bipartisan Rebuild Illinois Capital program, with state investments matched dollar for dollar through university, private, and philanthropic funding sources. “Rebuild Illinois isn’t just about modernizing our roads and bridges—it’s about building a future for generations to come that is economically prosperous with the promise of opportunity at every turn,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “That’s why we are distributing more than $37 million to first-rate educational institutions throughout our state to create facilities that will prepare our students for the jobs of today and tomorrow. From researching water resources at NIU’s Northern Illinoi

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GRANITE CITY - Juniors Taylor Carson and Caden Yarber of Granite City High School were selected as Granite City Rotary Club Students of the Month for December. Students were nominated by teachers, and were chosen on the basis of academics, as well as scholastic, extracurricular and civic honors and awards, and organization membership and leadership. Each honoree will receive a framed certificate and a gift card, and will be recognized at the Dec. 13 Granite City Rotary Club Meeting. TAYLOR CARSON Three-year member of soccer team and two-year member of tennis team ... Three-year Honor Roll and Secondary Honors ... Member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Hockey Club, Renaissance Club, Spirit Club, Student Council and Varsity Club ... Daughter of Matthew and Peggy Carson. CADEN YARBER Member of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Student Council ... Secondary Honors ... Member of junior varsity soccer team ... Volunteer for Gateway Regional Medical Center and Relleke Farms

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EAST ST. LOUIS - IMPACT Strategies began construction last week on a 5,000 square foot urgent care addition to an existing SIHF Healthcare health center at 2001 State Street, East St. Louis. The addition will include four exam rooms and one procedure room plus lab and radiology services. This will be a $2.8 million investment, partially funded by the State of Illinois. “We are extremely pleased to be launching this much needed service for the residents of the greater East St. Louis metro area,” stated Larry McCulley, CEO of both SIHF Healthcare and Touchette Regional Hospital. “As the recipient of a State of Illinois Healthcare Transformation Collaboratives grant, this is the first visible sign to the community of our efforts and is serving as the public launch of our Transformation project, which will be named LifeBridge,” McCulley noted. “The LifeBridge campaign is about our actions to connect health and social conditions together for a path to health

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SPRINGFIELD - During a holiday season when families face hardship, any little bit helps to bring festive cheer to those who need it most. This year’s second annual Illinois Lottery Holiday Toy Drive aimed to do just that, by collecting gifts from participants in Chicagoland and Springfield, who opened their hearts to share joy with others. During the two day toy drive, December 8 and 10, the Illinois Lottery collected nearly 1,000 donated toys. The outpour of generosity from participants, along with the Illinois Lottery’s gifting match, means 2,000 new toys will now help bring holiday fun to children affiliated with the Boys & Girls Club Illinois Alliance , the beneficiary of this year’s efforts. “We want to extend a big thank you to everyone who came out to support our holiday toy drive this year, helping us to collect and donate even more toys than last year to provide to families in need,” said Harold Mays, Illinois Lottery Director. “We

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CHICAGO - Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and New York Attorney General Letitia James today urged the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the U.S. Soccer Federation to foster a professional environment of respect and accountability after a recent independent investigation found widespread abuse and misconduct in women’s professional soccer. The detailed findings in the Oct. 3, 2022 report allege that NWSL and U.S. Soccer, both headquartered in Chicago, failed to provide adequate oversight, implement appropriate workplace policies or respond to complaints of misconduct in women’s professional soccer. In a letter sent to NWSL and U.S. Soccer, Raoul and James support the recommendations provided in the report to hold wrongdoers accountable, enhance transparency and ensure players are treated with respect. “I was shocked and disappointed to learn of the alarming allegations in women’s professional soccer. Under no circumstance should anyone

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul expressed support for the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) proposal to help cut down on unwanted text messages by requiring mobile wireless providers to block texts from invalid, unassigned, or unused numbers, and from numbers on a Do Not Originate (DNO) list. In addition, Raoul and a bipartisan collation of attorneys general are asking the FCC to continue pushing the wireless industry to help protect consumers. “As my office and attorneys general across the country crack down on robocalls, scammers are shifting to sending text messages,” Raoul said. “Robotexts are more than just a nuisance; they cost consumers time and sometimes money. I am committed to protecting the rights of Illinois consumers by fighting against illegal robocalls and robotexts.” Attorneys general work to protect consumers in their states and have long been at the forefront of fighting to reduce the number of robocalls that plague Americans.

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Grape Growers and Vintners Alliance today encouraged all wine growers and winemakers in Illinois to join its effort to capture the growth of winemaking in the state as it grows in popularity and production here. The IGGVA launched two critical surveys for wine growers and winemakers that can be found on its website . The last time such an audit of the industry was completed was in 2011, and data collection is crucial to the ongoing success of the Illinois wine and grape industry. As a growing tourism attraction in many Illinois communities, from Chicago to Carbondale, the Illinois wine industry has exploded with talent and award-winning wines. The IGGVA survey will capture the growth of the industry and its role as a tourism generator, contributor to local economics and job creator. “Wine growers and winemakers are increasingly turning to Illinois as a home for their wineries and tasting rooms,” said Lisa Ellis, director of the IGGVA.

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GODFREY - The community’s college has a new look and feel going into the new year. Lewis and Clark Community College publicly unveiled new branding, including new logos and the addition of new colors to the college’s palette, during a Brand Launch Party at 2 p.m., Monday, Dec. 12 in The Commons. “Lewis and Clark has been a staple of our communities for more than 50 years, and for all or most of it – our branding has been the same,” said L&C Manager of Marketing & PR Laura Inlow. “Meanwhile, the college is always growing and changing – looking for new ways to innovate and expand access to students. We felt it was time that our branding more effectively reflect who we are as a student-focused, forward-thinking institution.” The new branding consists of a new typeface family (Raleway) the addition of new colors (black, gray and sunglow), and a suite of new logos – all of which were revealed during a short program in front of mor

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EAST ALTON - At 10:48 p.m. on Sunday evening, December 11, 2022, the East Alton Police Department responded to a single-unit traffic crash, involving a motorcycle, in the 300 block of Lewis and Clark Boulevard. Upon arrival, the operator of the motorcycle was determined to be deceased at the scene. The deceased was Harrison A. Henderson, a 25-year-old male from Alton.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a pedestrian struck at the intersection of Buckley Road and Lemay Ferry Road that resulted in the death of an adult female. The deceased has been positively identified as Subrina Coleman, 44 years of age, of the 300 block of North Fourth Street in Pacific, Missouri, 63069. On December 9, 2022, at 6:14 p.m. St. Louis County Police officers from the South County precinct responded to a call for service at the intersection of Buckley Road and Lemay Ferry Road for a person struck. Responding officers located an adult female who had been struck by a motor vehicle. The female was transported to an area hospital for life-saving treatment, but later succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased. A preliminary investigation has revealed a vehicle was traveling eastbound on Buckley Road at Lemay Ferry Road when a female entered the roadway and was struck. The driver of the vehicle remained

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville School District 7 is considering closing Midway Elementary and sending all northern K-2 students, who come from an area larger than 50 square miles to Hamel. Through the D7 engagement process, it has become clear that D7 gathered little background on the condition of the Midway aside from the study completed by Cordogan Clark. I and others have requested basic information from D7 on the condition of Midway and have yet to get answers. At the recent November 30 Midway engagement meeting, attended by nearly 130 people opposed to closure, D7 abruptly ended the meeting, still unable to share the root causes of building issues or context on why the district has failed at conducting basic maintenance at the school. This community does not agree with the current proposal. And there are several alternative solutions to fixing Midway School that would cost far less than the $5 million proposed. D7’s failure to conduct and share research on a proposal for Midway

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ALTON - The Alton Community Service League Gift Wrap program enters its 44th year this Christmas season. The primary fundraiser for the organization, which donates all profits to area charities has been headed by Marge Ferguson since 2013. The gift wrap program is the primary fundraiser for Alton Community League. The volunteers will be at Alton Square Mall's first floor between J.C. Penney and Hayner Library. From December 10-19 the gift wrap volunteers will be there from noon to 6 p.m. and from noon to 7 p.m. December 20-23 and noon to 7 p.m. on Christmas Eve Dec. 24.

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Fire and Police Departments are among multiple Madison County agencies that are upgrading to some of the newest radio technology available for emergency responders. The radios and related purchases totaled nearly $500,000, and were paid primarily through a grant from the Edwardsville Community Foundation Relief Fund, which was established in the wake of the December 2021 tornado. This month, the City of Edwardsville also authorized nearly $44,000 in additional radio purchases to further bolster its communication resources. Edwardsville Police Chief Mike Fillback said the City’s Fire and Police Departments had been planning to upgrade their radios over time, but the grant accelerated the process. All of the radios are expected to arrive within the next eight weeks. “These are some of the latest technology radios,” Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford said. “These will enhance our daily capabilities and also ensure that

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CARROLLTON - Several individuals in Greene County were charged with a range of crimes including grooming, battery, drug-related charges, and more over the past few weeks, according to the most recent Greene County Jail Booking Report. Harley D. Angel, 19, of Carrollton, was charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault, grooming, indecent solicitation of a child, and unlawful restraint. He was arrested by the Carrollton Police Department on Nov. 30 and has since been released on bond. Justin M. Rochester, 20, of Jacksonville, was charged with reckless driving, speeding 35+ miles per hour over the limit, driving on a revoked/suspended license, illegal possession/transportation of cannabis by a driver, and a vehicle equipment requirement violation. He was arrested by the Scott County Sheriff on Dec. 3 and has since been released on bond. Rachel A. Roberts, 38, of Greenfield, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving on a revoked/suspended

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JERSEYVILLE - An East Alton man is wanted for shoplifting over $300 worth of items from the Jerseyville Walmart, while a Jerseyville man is wanted for failing to register as a sex offender in Jersey County, according to recent court filings. Both individuals currently have warrants out for their arrest. Donald G. Gibson, 36, of East Alton, allegedly stole a 27-inch HP all-in-one desktop PC, one Mossy Oak heated seat, one soundbar, and miscellaneous toys from the Jerseyville Walmart on Dec. 2. The items had a total value of more than $300. Gibson was charged with a Class 3 felony and a warrant has been filed for his arrest. His bail is set at $20,000. Brandon T. Scheldt, 25, of Jerseyville, was charged with failing to register as a sex offender with the Jersey County Sheriff’s Department three days after changing his employment status in Jersey County. Scheldt was also charged with a Class 3 felony and a warrant is out for his arrest as well, with bail set at $20,000.

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TROY - Troy Chief of Police Brent Shownes announced that 53-year-old Richard Maedge of Troy was found deceased around 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, 2022. Maedge was reported missing on April 27, 2022. The case is still under investigation by Troy Police, Shownes said in a release. "An autopsy has been scheduled for a later date and time," the police chief said. No other details about the discovery of Maedge were released at this time by police. Family members said at the time he was reported missing that he was off work at 3 p.m. on April 27, and he was last viewed on a surveillance camera heading toward his home. Family members also said at that time in April that Maedge was supposed to go to his father's house and work on his deck, but later that afternoon, his keys and wallet were still on the counter and he has never since been seen.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Friday, December 9, 2022, St. Louis County Police Colonel Kenneth L. Gregory announced the promotions of Captain Timothy Cunningham to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, Lieutenant Brian Schellman to the rank of Captain and Sergeant Shawn McGuire to the rank of Lieutenant. On Monday, December 12, 2022, Colonel Gregory announced the promotion of Sergeant Charlie Rodriguez to the rank of Lieutenant. Lieutenant Colonel Timothy Cunningham joined the Department in 1994. Lieutenant Colonel Cunningham previously served in the Affton-Southwest Precinct, the Bureau of Drug Enforcement, the South County Precinct, and the West County Precinct and is currently assigned to the North County Precinct. Lieutenant Colonel Cunningham earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Central Missouri State University. Lieutenant Colonel Cunningham has received 22 Department awards and/or commendations. Captain Brian Schellman joined the Department in 2003. Captain Schellman

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GODFREY - Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick emerged from a morning phone meeting with multiple individuals with a positive feeling about the Illinois Department of Transportation's West Delmar Avenue and Pierce Lane roundabout plan for what had been a planned shutdown traffic in that area. “It was a very productive meeting,” Mayor McCormick said. “There have been a lot of concerns brought up to the village and other elected officials about the process for the new roundabout construction. State Rep. Amy Elik, State Representative C.D. Davidsmeyer, IDOT officials, Board member Sarah Woodman, and Godfrey’s Public Works Director Jim Lewis were part of the meeting, and I think IDOT is going to reconsider some of how they are going to do the roundabout construction and come up with a different plan.” Mayor McCormick said he has been in favor of the roundabout, but he thinks now IDOT will come to a happy medium to keep traffic flowing as it is constructed. “There

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