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ST. LOUIS - The board of directors of Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) today declared a quarterly cash dividend on its common stock of 59 cents per share. This dividend is payable on June 30, 2022, to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 8, 2022. Separately, the board of directors of Union Electric Company, doing business as Ameren Missouri, declared regular quarterly cash dividends on all classes of Union Electric Company's preferred stock. These preferred stock dividends are payable on Aug. 15, 2022, to shareholders of record at the close of business on July 22, 2022. In addition, the board of directors of Ameren Illinois Company declared regular quarterly cash dividends on all classes of Ameren Illinois Company's preferred stock. These preferred stock dividends are payable on Aug. 1, 2022, to shareholders of record at the close of business on July 11, 2022. About Ameren Corporation St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation powers the quality of life for 2.4 millio

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POCAHONTAS – The Illinois Department of Transportation announces lane restrictions will be encountered Monday, May 16, 2022, through Friday, May 20, 2022, on eastbound I-70 near Pocahontas. Weather permitting, the right lane eastbound over Shoal Creek will be closed from May 16 through May 18. Upon completion, the left lane eastbound over the East Fork of Shoal Creek will be closed through May 20. These restrictions are needed to perform deck patching on the bridge structures over Shoal Creek and the East Fork of Shoal Creek. IDOT District 8 Operations forces will make the needed improvements. Full access will be restored as soon as possible. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert

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ALTON - Flock Food Truck and Bar held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, May 11th. Alton mayor David Goins attended the ceremony and showed his support for the local business. Flock had their grand opening yesterday May 12th to great success. They had a good turnout on another near 100-degree day. Flock serves a variety of food from their different food truck vendors including Homestyle Grill, Pig on a Wing, Taqueria Los Reyes, Taylor’s Fire & Smoke, and Street Dogz to name a few. Jenna Forrest of Alton attended the opening and wanted to acknowledge the great food from Homestyle Grill in particular. They will be back again tonight (May 13) from 4:00 - 9:00 p.m. The bar at Flock serves its signature house-crafted cocktails and mocktails, beer, and wine. Tonight (May 13th) Flock will be having live music from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. The bar will be open from 4:00 - 10:00 p.m. Going forward, here are Flock Food Truck and Bar's hours: Monday and Thursday from 11:00 am-9:00

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STAUNTON - Dennis Russell, Madison’s Plant Superintendent, represented the SCTE Gateway Chapter at the annual Chapter Leadership Conference in Indianapolis on March 23rd and March 24th along with Hunter, and Todd Lancaster from Charter. The SCTE (Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers) is an international organization that is split up between 68 chapters. Dennis did an outstanding job representing Madison Communications and the SCTE Gateway Chapter in the Cable-Tec Games. He came home with several individual awards such as; 5 gold medals, one silver medal, along with winning best overall! The SCTE scores each chapter in many areas and tracks with a Compliance Matrix. Dennis developed a system to meet compliance by organizing and scheduling trainings, filling out all of the required paperwork, sending notifications, and compiling attendance. The Gateway Chapter was awarded the Chapter Compliance Award for having the most compliance points overall. This was a huge honor

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GODFREY – The RiverBend Growth Association recently welcomed two new members to its membership roster in the past month. Its newest members are Camp Electric and Engineering Inc. and Theodora Farms. Camp Electric and Engineering Inc. has new owners and a new direction. Jonathan and Stacey Wolff purchased the former Camp Electric and Heating Inc. and became its new owners at the start of 2022. They have launched a rebranding to reflect the new business and its forward direction. Jonathan Wolff, P.E., has over 18 years of electrical engineering experience including preconstruction engineering, project management, electrical estimating, and design/build engineering. Currently working in the industry as vice president, Stacey Wolff, P.E., is a professional civil engineer and a licensed land surveyor. Located at 3113 Washington Avenue in Alton, the company offers both commercial and residential services throughout the Riverbend and St. Louis Metro East regions currently. They are

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ALTON - The Three Rivers Project of Sierra Club Illinois is celebrating the success of a myriad of activities commemorating Earth Month! Over the past month, the Three Rivers Project partnered with several local businesses, environmental and conservation organizations, and the local Sierra Club group—the Piasa Palisades Group —to encourage action and participation in initiatives that focus on the urgent need for environmental justice, conservation, and climate solutions. These events and initiatives are made possible through the dedication of local volunteers, whose hard work as citizen scientists and environmental advocates aid in the protection and preservation of the beautiful Piasa Palisades region. “As a grassroots organization, volunteers are not only integral to the day-to-day work we do, but also help guide our vision for a cleaner, greener Illinois,” says Three Rivers Project co-Coordinator Christine Favilla. “The efforts of local volunteers

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COLLINSVILLE – Collinsville Firefighter Colin Fuhrmann was awarded the Medal of Valor by the Illinois State Fire Marshal for his actions taken on January 4, 2021. Facing mortal danger Firefighter Fuhrmann demonstrated courage and dedication despite the risk presented to him in order to take lifesaving actions for the resident of the home. Also recognized for their excellence and professionalism in service during the same fire was Firefighters Lieutenant Frank Arnold, Lieutenant Chris Castens, Firefighter David Badgett, Firefighter John Canull, Firefighter Eric Freeman, Firefighter Daniel Gulledge, Firefighter Justin Verner, and Firefighter Jim Wilderman, of the Collinsville Fire Department, who received the Firefighter Excellence Unit Citation Award. The recognition came as a result of the heroic action of a group of Collinsville Firefighters on January 4, 2021. At 11:57 p.m. the department received a call of a fire in an apartment. The shift on duty responded quickly to

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SPRINGFIELD, IL. - The Illinois Commerce Commission has approved a Stipulated Agreement to advance highway-rail crossing improvements projects in Marion County. The Agreements require Union Pacific Railroad Company (UP) to install new automatic warning devices at the Basom Road grade crossing, located near Salem, and the Currie Road grade crossing, located near Kinmundy. Alma Township is required to reconstruct the existing highway approach grades at both the Basom Road and Currie Road crossings. The estimated cost to install the new automatic warning devices at both crossings is $650,247. Stipulated Agreement 2170 authorizes the use of Grade Crossing Protection Funds to reimburse UP for up to 95%, not to exceed $617,735, of the costs to install the new automatic warning devices at the crossings. UP will be responsible for all remaining installation costs, as well as all future costs to maintain the new warning devices. The estimated cost to reconstruct the existing highway approach

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ANNA, IL. – Centerstone, a not-for-profit health system specializing in mental health and substance use disorder treatments, will host a free, virtual “Withdrawal Management / Detox: Who is it for?” webinar on Friday, May 27 from noon - 1 p.m. CT. The webinar will focus on the fundamentals of withdrawal management. CEUs are available. This webinar is sponsored by Centerstone's Fellowship House Campus, which is located at 800 North Main Street in Anna and provides addiction recovery services to individuals who suffer with substance use disorders (SUDs) and co-occurring problems. This training has 1 hour of continuing education approved for IL LCPC / LPC, IL LCSW / LSW, and IL Nursing (LPN, RN, APN) under IDFPR Professional Counselor CE License No. 197.000263 and IDFPR Nurse CE Sponsor License No. 236.000184. Objectives of the training include: Learn the common signs of substance use disorders and withdrawal Discuss the foundations of withdrawal management Learn

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ALTON - Alton Main Street invites you to a fun event that spans twenty-five pet-friendly establishments on Saturday, May 14 th from 1:00-8:00 p.m. Join us for the Pup Crawl, and yes you read that correctly - it’s a pub crawl with dogs! $10 tickets are on sale now at all participating locations, or you can get your ticket at the Alton Dog Park on the day of the event while supplies last. You will receive a bandana for your pet, a passport to guide your day that is full of special offers and activities for participants, and a free shuttle that will run a continuous loop between participating businesses from 3:00-8:00 p.m. Check-in will take place at the Alton Dog Park from 1:00-6:00 p.m., and The Old Bakery Beer Company will be selling beverages on-site. The Alton Dog Park can be found within Russell Commons park, which is located under the Clark Bridge; enter via Ridge Street and follow the signs. The dog park will be free and open to the public all day and you can pick up informatio

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SPRINGFIELD, IL. – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced nine award winners from the recent 31st Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward conference, recognizing the achievements and efforts that helped to grow and support minority- and female-owned businesses in 2020 and 2021. “At IDOT, we are proud to spotlight the work of our contracting community to make transportation in Illinois more diverse, equitable and inclusive,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “By leveling the playing field and making projects more competitive, we’re creating jobs, building tomorrow’s workforce and strengthening communities all across the state.” The award recipients: 2020 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise of the Year – Kadilex Construction, Inc. New DBE of the Year – ABI Construction LLC. Engineering Firm of the Year – d’Escoto, Inc. Prime of the Primes – Civil Constructors, Inc

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SPRINGFIELD, IL. – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced updated consumption advisories today for sport fish caught in Illinois waters. These changes are the result of continued sampling by the Illinois Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program (FCMP). This year, the IDPH has issued seven new site-specific methylmercury advisories and added Dongola Lake, Dutchman Lake, Lake Nellie, and White Hall City Lake to the list of waters with site-specific methylmercury advisories. In line with the statewide trend of declining polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels, no new PCB advisories were issued. Existing PCB advisories were relaxed for two waters (Horseshoe Lake (catfish) and Waukegan North Harbor) and removed from three others (Horseshoe Lake (common carp), Raccoon Lake, and Wabash River). In addition to this year’s site-specific updates, a statewide methylmercury advisory remains in place for all Illinois waters. The statewide advisory cautions sensitive population

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SPRINGFIELD, IL. – Residents of ten Illinois counties can dispose of unwanted agrichemicals for free this year through the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s (IDOA) agricultural pesticide “Clean Sweep” program. A “Clean Sweep” collection has been scheduled in late summer for Fulton, Henderson, Knox, Marshall, Mercer, Peoria, Putnam, Stark, Warren, and Woodford counties, the Department announced today. The collection, which rotates among Illinois counties, is open to farmers, retired farmers, nursery owners, private pesticide applicators, structural pest control applicators and landowners who inherited unwanted agricultural pesticides with their property. “There are two main reasons to take advantage of this program,” said Brad Beaver, Acting Bureau Chief of Environmental Programs. “The Department is able to provide the service free of charge thanks to a grant obtained from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. If individuals

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Team members at DraftKings at Casino Queen , located at 200 South Front St. along the Mississippi Rive r, came together to collect approximately 50 bags of trash and debris outside of the property. As part of an initiative to keep Illinois clean and help protect the environment, 15 team members collected trash, debris and more over a one - mile stretch from City Hall to the front entrance of the casino. “We are honored to come together as a team to show our support for the local community by participating in this clean - up initiative ,” said Marc VanderWeele , general manager of DraftKings at Casino Queen. “We ’re thrilled to work as a team to make a difference in East St. Louis and to help ensure locals and visitors can continue to enjoy our beautiful city .” More information about DraftKings at Casino Queen is available at www.draftkingsatcasinoqueen.com . About DraftKings

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College’s Criminal Justice program held a garden bench dedication Thursday, in remembrance of a pair of Monticello Women’s Junior College students who vanished on Memorial Day weekend in 1969. Elizabeth Perry, of Excelsior, Minn., and Susan Davis, of Camp Point, Pa., both 19, met as Monticello students and were vacationing in Ocean City, N.J. The women were last seen on May 30, 1969, at a restaurant in Sommers Point, N.J. A state trooper later found their blue 1966 Chevrolet convertible abandoned on the Garden State Parkway and had it towed. Three days later, their bodies were found about 200 yards from the highway. Although law enforcement has followed many leads and theories over the years, the case has not been solved and the investigation remains open. After learning about the story, L&C Criminal Justice Associate Professor Jessica Noble decided to engage her students in a service project. “We decided to create a memorial

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ALTON - It was a festive atmosphere on the opening day of Flock, a bar/food truck park located at the corner of Ridge Street and Landmarks in Alton. The business opened at 11 a.m. on Thursday. Sean Garner, Karen Jockisch, and Diane Dubbe were early customers and they each reported a positive review of the new Alton location. “The food is amazing,” Garner said. “I am a foodie, so I am not happy until I am eating. I love it.” Jockisch said she thought her burger at Flock was excellent and the fries were “really crispy.” Dubbe said: “My food was great, and the guys who served me my drinks were also very nice.” Jayne Simmons, president of Alton Works, and her husband, John Simmons, were two that formulated the idea of Flock. She said Laura and Matt Windisch will operate Flock. “John and I had the brainchild of this and headed the project,” she said. “We thought it would be a great place to start on the revitalization

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CARLINVILLE - A 49-year-old man died in a motorcycle-truck accident involving a box trailer at 5:40 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, 2022, on Illinois Route 108 at East Second Road, Montgomery County, Illinois State Police reported on Thursday morning. The victim in the crash was Ronald C. Schaaff of Carlinville, who operated the motorcycle. ISP said Illinois Route 108 was closed for approximately 4 hours. Th e Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 18 WHAT: Two-Vehicle Fatal Traffic Crash. WHERE: Illinois Route 108 at East 2 nd Road, Montgomery County. WHEN: 5:40 p.m, May 11, 2022 VEHICLES: Unit 1- 2008 Red Yamaha Motorcycle Unit 2- 2013 Blue Dodge Truck pulling a box trailer DRIVERS : Unit 1 – Ronald C. Schaaff, 49-year-old male from Carlinville, IL – Deceased Unit 2 – Harold K. Schmidt, 57-year-old male from Carlinville, IL PRELIMINARY: " A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred:

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EDWARDSVILLE - Chief Deputy Sheriff Major Jeffrey C. Connor was presented with a lifesaving award recently by Sheriff John Lakin for actions in February 2021. "Major Connor was on his way to work when he overheard police radio traffic of a possible disturbance on interstate 270," Sheriff Lakin said. "Major Connor was close. Major Connor responded and found it was actually a medical emergency. Major Connor performed CPR for approximately nine minutes before other first responders arrived." Sheriff Lakin added: "It was later learned the individual made a full recovery and was released six days later from the hospital."Your fast response, critical decision-making, and CPR training were instrumental in the good outcome. You went above and beyond the call of duty. "Major Connor, we appreciate your dedication to duty and service! Thank you!"

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ALTON/GODFREY - Ford J. Green, 90, died at 9:36 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at Cedarhurst of Bethalto. Margaret Freer, who served with him for many years on the Village of Godfrey’s Parks and Recreation Department Board and helped with his program All God’s Children Shall Have Shoes, said she remembers him as “an angel” who cared deeply for his community. “There was no kinder person,” Freer said. “He loved life, he loved his community … him and his wife, they were both just wonderful people. The community has lost an angel, for sure.” Green married the former Colleen Winders on October 16, 1951, in Salem, IL. For many years, they volunteered together at several organizations in the Alton/Godfrey area, including Alton Memorial Hospital and Heritage Days. They helped start the Khoury League in Godfrey and were still involved when it was converted to Godfrey Park and Rec. They also ran the All God’s Children Shall Have Shoes

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JERSEY - Three Crime Stopper Awards were honored Tuesday at a Two Rivers Crime Stoppers meeting for their efforts to save a life. Deputy Katlin Edwards and Deputy Caleb Gibson were awarded a life-saving award for locating a subject who had attempted suicide. They provided life-saving measures until EMs could arrive on the scene. K9 Jax along with Deputy Decker was awarded a life-saving award for locating a suicidal subject who had fled into the woods. K9 Jax located the subject and he was provided with the help he need at that time. "Congratulations to these deputies and the extraordinary efforts they put forth to keep the citizens of Jersey County safe," Two Rivers Crime Stoppers said at the meeting.

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