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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), along with the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) are encouraging Illinois farmers to set aside time to recognize Grain Bin Safety Week from February 19-25 and review safety practices while working in and around grain bins. According to researchers at Purdue University, more than 900 cases of grain engulfment have been reported with a fatality rate of 62% in the past 50 years ending in 2010. In 2010, at least 26 U.S. workers were killed in grain engulfment accidents - the highest number on record. It only takes 4 seconds for a full grown adult to sink to their knees in flowing grain and 20 seconds to be completely buried in flowing grain. Suffocation from engulfment is the leading cause of death in grain bins. “Often times we become complacent when doing tasks we have done a thousand times and for farmers that often means working in and around grain bins,” said IDOA Director, Jerry Costello II.

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CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker today signed HB0009 into law, authorizing an easier process for individuals seeking to change the gender listed on their birth certificate. Previously, amending a birth certificate’s gender marker required certification from a health care professional that the individual had undergone gender reassignment surgery or other clinical treatment. The updated law allows changes to the birth certificate providing the petitioner signs a statement affirming their gender identity or intersex condition, opening an easier path to legal recognition for transgender Illinoisans. “Here in Illinois, we recognize that gender transition is a personal journey that doesn’t always follow a prescriptive medical path, but still deserves to be honored legally,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “In a time of increasing violence and hateful rhetoric against the trans, nonbinary, and gender non-conforming community, it is more important than ever to reaffirm

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SPRINGFIELD — Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Director John J. Kim today announced $21,046,025 in grants to six communities across the State through Illinois EPA’s Unsewered Communities Construction Grant Program (UCCGP). Made possible through the Governor’s bipartisan Rebuild Illinois capital plan, these grants will allow underserved communities to construct dependable wastewater collection and/or treatment systems. "No community should be forced to function without a high quality water infrastructure system,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The historic Rebuild Illinois capital plan is ushering our state’s wastewater infrastructure into the 21st Century, providing solutions that work for everyone. Thanks to this grant program, residents across the state will reap the benefits of a safe home, clean streets, clean water and clean air.” This is the second of five planned funding rounds for this program, whic

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced his office has charged a former Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital employee who allegedly stole and sold approximately 10 tanks of nitrous oxide, a medical gas used as an anesthetic in medical procedures and surgeries. The Attorney General’s office charged Mitchell R. Gunther, 39, of Burbank, Illinois today with one count of burglary, a Class 2 felony punishable by three to seven years in prison; two counts of theft over $500, Class 3 felonies each punishable by two to five years in prison; and two counts of possession of nitrous oxide with the intent to deliver, Class 3 felonies each punishable by two to five years in prison. Gunther’s bond was set at $10,000, and his next court date is scheduled for March 20. “The Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital uses its supply of nitrous oxide to safely perform critical and life-saving surgeries on sick children and teens. It is outrageous that

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ALTON - Often children learn prejudice and racism from the grownups in their life. Even well-intentioned adults can pass along bias by not having deliberate conversations about diversity and race. Diverstory: Reading for Equity is a program designed to empower families so they feel better prepared to talk about race and racism with children. Hosted by YWCA and Post Commons, Diverstory is a free story time for children ages 2- 10 years, where children and their grownups come together to listen to children’s stories about diversity and engage in conversations and activities about diversity, belonging, and race. Every family will receive copies of the books that are read to take home and continue intentional conversations about race. Our aim is to equip children and adults with the resources and support they need to join in the work of bringing change and equity to our community. The facilitators for this event are Candice Wallace and Becky Cowart. Candice, lifelong Alton area

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs recently held its 112th annual convention at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Springfield. One of the highlights of the annual event is the Miss Illinois County Fair Queen Pageant. Paige Van Dyke of Lewisville, IL, 20, was crowned the 63rd Miss Illinois County Fair Queen. Paige represented Clay County at the 112th Illinois Association of Agricultural Fairs Convention on Sunday. Van Dyke is the daughter of John and Katrina Van Dyke and is currently attending Oklahoma State University majoring in ag communications with a minor in special education. She hopes to someday start an agriculture program for special needs students. MacKenzie Moyer of Macoupin County was a finalist. Van Dyke will be a summer employee of the Department of Agriculture. She will travel to about 30 county fairs and will be the official hostess of the Illinois State Fair in Springfield and the DuQuoin State Fair. As queen, Van Dyke’s main duty is to emphasize

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College’s newest dean isn’t new to the college at all – he’s been teaching mathematics there since 1997. Randy Gallaher, of Brighton, celebrated his 25 th anniversary at Lewis and Clark in 2022 as a professor of mathematics, then started the new year in his new role – Dean of Liberal Arts, Business, and Information Technology. Gallaher began his run at L&C as a mathematics instructor, working his way up to the position of professor and serving as coordinator of the Mathematics Department for 15 years. He has taught at nearly every level of education, including middle and high school, and has served on the Board of Education for the Southwestern School District since 2011, a seat he will vacate after his term ends in April. An administrative position was never part of his plan, but as dean, Gallaher hopes to provide the necessary resources and support mechanisms so faculty and staff can create the best possible

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ALTON - Alton Middle School went into a temporary lock-down mode today after Alton Police investigated a report of shots fired in the Rock Springs and Salu area, Alton Chief Jarrett Ford said. Chief Ford said the report came to the police earlier today. He said as a precautionary measure, they contacted Alton Middle School officials and they decided to do a temporary lock-down. "We saw no indication of shots being fired and we canvassed the entire area and also kept a close watch on it the entire afternoon," he said. "At no time did we see that students or staff at the middle school were in danger. A lockdown was just done as a precaution for those at Alton Middle School. We contacted the school and told them everything was clear, so the lockdown stopped." Chief Ford said once the lockdown ended, the students were dismissed on their normal schedules.

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ALTON - The demolition of the building that once housed the old Duncan Foundry and then Lenhardt Tool and Die businesses at 501 Piasa Street in Alton by SLT Demolition in St. Louis is showing progress each day. Much has been accomplished this week with demolition from the roof to the floor of parts of the old building. Duncan Foundry opened in Alton in 1884, historian Don Huber said. Beams and metal have been coming down each day. Bulldozers have been very active this week and metal is being actively recycled from the tear-down. Duncan Foundry became Lenhardt Tool and Die in 1983. Jack Lenhardt was the owner of the business at that time. Mac Lenhardt, the owner of Mac’s in Downtown Alton, worked at Lenhardt Tool and Die for many years from 1983 to 2003. His father owned the tool and die business until 2018 when he closed it. Mac also started Mac’s in downtown Alton on Dec. 16, 1983, and he continues to work a second job today in a Granite City machine shop. Mac said

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JERSEYVILLE - Early voting in Jersey County begins in less than a week on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, for the consolidated election on April 4. While Jersey County Clerk Pam Warford said she expects voter turnout to be more of a gradual buildup this election, there are a few contested races in Jerseyville that should draw some attention, including the race for Mayor. “Normally, consolidated elections are not high-turnout elections, so I don’t anticipate this to be nearly as big as your typical general election - and particularly with early voting this early on, I don’t anticipate a rush to the doors,” Warford said. “But as it gets closer to election time, I’m sure it will pick up and hopefully we’ll have a decent turnout. “The City of Jerseyville has a few contested races for their commissioners and Mayor which are drawing some attention, so I’ll be curious to see how that affects our turnout,” she added. “Jersey Community

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CARLINVILLE - Macoupin County is gearing up for early voting to start on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023 - but without many contested races, Macoupin County Clerk Pete Duncan said he expects a fairly light early voter turnout. “There’s not a ton of races with a lot of competition in the county, so if we get a couple hundred early voters, that would probably be a pretty good turnout,” Duncan said. “It’ll probably be a pretty light election for us.” Several candidates have filed to run as school board members, alderpeople, trustees, and more across several cities and villages in Macoupin County. The full list of current candidates is available on macoupinvotes.gov . Early voting in Macoupin County will be available at the County Clerk’s Office on the first floor of the Macoupin County Courthouse, located at 201 E. Main St. in Carlinville. Early voting hours will be Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Duncan added that on Saturday,

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ALTON - Ernest Griffin, a former employee of Duncan Foundry in Alton, just happened to be in the Downtown Alton area Thursday and spent some time with riverbender.com reflecting on his experience there in the mold area. Duncan Foundry was started in 1884 in Alton. Duncan Foundry was always innovative and able to stay ahead of the curve on technology in the beginning. In the 1950s, the company became a leader in the production of ductile iron castings and this line helped keep the company competitive. Duncan Foundry was a big part of the Alton community and played a significant impact on the world of manufacturing. James H. Duncan and the company donated generously to local charities and civic organizations and promoted the arts. Much of the Duncan art legacy lives on at the Alton Museum of History & Art, which houses the collection. Sam Duncan was the last president of the company before it was sold to the Lenhardt family. Ernest and Don Huber, the former Alton Township

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Rotary Club has chosen to honor Edwardsville High School student Montrez West with the Student of the Month Award for the month of February. Montrez West was nominated by Edwardsville High School weightlifting instructor and football coach, Matt Martin. Montrez is the son of Kevin and Latonya West. Montrez plays basketball and baseball at EHS. Respectfully, he was a member of the 2022 State Championship with the Edwardsville High School varsity baseball team. After high school, Montrez plans to further pursue a career in baseball in college while pursuing a degree in sports management. In his free time, Montrez often plays the drums at his local church, hangs out with his friends and family, and plays video games. The Edwardsville Rotary Club recognizes a student each month September through April. Each May, Edwardsville High School staff chooses one of the monthly winners to receive the $1,500 Edwardsville EHS Rotary Scholarship. The awards have been

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Letter To The Editor: Questions are swirling in Wood River about candidates for City Council. Most residents know me and my position. I have been a vocal opponent to the Rec Center. In my opinion, the Rec Center will hinder economic development, lower property values, increase taxes and fees, hurt our schools, cause families to live elsewhere, thus hurting our growth and prosperity. According to a recent report by the Park and Rec Director, the city it is now classified as an “Economically Depressed Community”. Some took this information as a good sign, because the city now qualifies for additional state grant consideration. To me, this is terrible news and an embarrassment. Each and every voter should be appalled that the current and prior City Councils have allowed this community to deteriorate to this state. There is no excuse for this mismanagement. Unfortunately, voters should not be surprised that Wood River is now in this classification. The current council has

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BETHALTO - 1 st MidAmerica Credit Union was recently recognized with the first place Dora Maxwell Award for social responsibility, first place for the Desjardins Award for adult financial literacy, and a second place Louise Herring Award for internal programs that benefit members. All the honors were presented by the Illinois Credit Union League at the 1st MidAmerica Credit Union board meeting. The credit union received first place for the Desjardins Award. This award recognizes leadership in the credit union industry that provides financial literacy for all ages. 1 st MidAmerica was recognized for the First Time Home Buyers Webinar series. Feedback from member surveys was used to develop content for these webinars and provided valuable information to consumers ready to buy their first home. “I believe that education is the key to success. An educated borrower is better informed with a clearer understanding of their housing needs and household budget. At 1 st MidAmerica

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PIASA - Southwestern Middle School announced its PBIS Students of the Month for January. From left to right front row: Allyson Martin, McKayla Fisher, Molly Childress, and Reese Rimbey. Back row: Gabe Poole, Travis Copeland, Ian Gwillim, and Addy Walden. They were nominated according to the word of the month. Considerate. Also, for being Respectful, Responsible and Safe. They all received a Dairy Queen lunch of their choice.

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY - The Illinois State Police is investigating a fatal single-vehicle vs. pedestrian traffic crash on Collinsville Road at Yale Avenue in St. Clair County at 6:08 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2023. The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police Troop 8: The vehicle driven was a 2019 black GMC truck. PEDESTRIAN: Unit 1 – 65-year-old male from St. Louis, MO. - Deceased, pending next of kin notification DRIVER: Unit 2 – 50-year-old Steven Hodge from Collinsville. PRELIMINARY REPORT: The preliminary investigation indicates the following: Unit 1 was attempting to cross Collinsville Road at Yale Avenue. Unit 2 was traveling east on Collinsville Road at Yale Avenue, in the left lane. Unit 1 failed to yield to traffic and ran onto Collinsville Road. The driver of Unit 2 struck Unit 1 in the roadway. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased on scene by the St. Clair County Coroner. The driver of Unit 2 reported no injuries

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O'FALLON, Ill. - March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital wants people to understand how important it is to not delay preventive screenings which could detect colon cancer in its earliest stages. Providers at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Radiation Oncology Center will hold a Colorectal Cancer Awareness drive-through event to give away free at-home colon cancer test kits. The event will be Saturday, March 18 from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Cancer Care Center of O’Fallon, located at 321 Regency Park, O’Fallon. The InSure ONE at-home screening test includes full instructions for an easy, water-based sampling for specimen collection. Patients MUST return the sample to the Cancer Care Center of O’Fallon between March 20 – 24 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. St. Elizabeth’s laboratory will analyze, and results will be reviewed by a physician, then provided to each participant and their primary care provider. The kits ar

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years and is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC), and U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) led more than a dozen of their Senate colleagues today in reintroducing bipartisan legislation to support active duty military families experiencing food insecurity and prevent hunger in these families. Duckworth’s Military Family Nutrition Access Act would address this critical issue by excluding Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH)—a subset of military compensation intended to cover the costs of off-base housing—from income calculations used to determine Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) eligibility. This would ensure SNAP mirrors other federal assistance programs that already exclude BAH to determine eligibility, such as Head Start, the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit.“Far too many of

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SPRINGFIELD - Governor JB Pritzker launched the ‘Smart Start’ statewide tour, visiting locations across the state to announce historic investments in early childhood education. Joined by local and community leaders, the Governor kicked off the tour with three stops at schools and early childhood centers in Springfield, East St. Louis, and Mount Vernon to highlight his administration’s plan to transform the state’s system of early childhood education and care. Beginning with a $250 million investment this year, Smart Start Illinois is a multi-year plan to provide every child with access to preschool, increase funding to childcare providers to raise wages and quality, invest in new and expanded early childhood facilities, and reach more vulnerable families with early support. “Access to quality childcare and early childhood education yields better results for children and parents alike,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “It gives us the best

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