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SPRINGFIELD, IL – May is Mental Health Awareness month and also coincides with the spring planting season. Spring and fall are often the most stressful times for farmers and this year is no exception. The late start to spring has left many Illinois farmers scrambling to get their crops in the ground, causing stress to many in our rural communities. In 2019, the Farm Family Resource Initiative (FFRI) was established in Illinois to specifically address the mental health needs of farming and agricultural communities. Led by Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, the FFRI launched a six-county pilot program to provide resources to Christian, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Morgan, and Sangamon counties through a telephone hotline connecting farmers with mental health resources and providers. Funded through a USDA grant, FFRI expanded to all 102 counties in 2021. During the last legislative session, the General Assembly appropriated an additional $500,000 to ensure the program

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EAST ALTON – Volunteers are needed to help the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC sm ) and the Three Rivers Project plant trees in Alton on Wednesday, May 25. The effort is made possible in part by a Recover, Replant, Restore! (RRR) grant from Trees Forever, as well as funding from Ameren Illinois’ “Right Tree Right Place” project and the Swarovski Waterschool. Tree plantings will take occur at Riverfront Park and the Broadway Corridor. “We are excited to be able to increase tree cover and access to green spaces in parks throughout Alton,” said NGRREC Director of Environmental Education Sarah Fisher. “This fall, students from the Swarovski Waterschool program be helping to care for the trees and learn about the importance of trees and green space in communities.” All necessary tools will be provided but if participants have their own gardening gloves, those would be great to bring along. Anyone interested

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ALTON – Senior defender for the Edwardsville High School girls soccer team Macie Hockett has some friends on Alton’s team. That’s why when she and the Tigers handed the Redbirds a 3-2 loss Tuesday night (May 10) it was a little bit more important. “It was exciting.,” Hockett said. “I’m happy both teams got to play. It was a good game.” It certainly was an exciting game as Edwardsville pushed Alton to their limit on a near 90-degree evening. Alton led 1-0 from a goal from junior forward Emily Baker just 45 seconds into the game. It just so happens that Baker and Hockett are really close friends. They are actually going to be playing collegiate soccer together as they’re both committed to Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO). The Tigers tied the game up in the 34 th minute, but Hockett came up with the highlight of the game, a SportsCenter Top 10 worthy goal. In the 52 nd minute, Edwardsville was awarded a free-kick from

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EDWARDSVILLE - Judy Frank of Edwardsville, the mother of six children and 15 grandchildren, each Mother’s Day and other major holidays professes one special wish. Her greatest hope is that as many of her family as can, go to a St. Boniface Catholic Church Mass. Once again this past Mother’s Day, Judy and her family attended a church service that made her heart content. Judy and her husband, Roger, have always put their family first. The couple has been married for 47 years. Her grandchildren range from 2 years old to 15. Most of the Frank couple's free time is spent at baseball, T-Ball, volleyball, basketball, concerts, and dance recitals of their grandchildren. "My favorite thing other than going to church with my family is camping with our kids and grandkids!" she said. “I don’t know what I would do without my husband,” she said. “He worked very hard with overtime and all six of my children went on to college. He is tremendous as far as helping

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ALTON - Alton Police Chief Marcos Pulido Tuesday afternoon released information about an attempted robbery at 3:44 p.m. on Monday, May 2, 2022, at Busey Bank, located at 4415 W. Center Drive. Chief Pulido said preliminary investigation revealed that a suspect entered Busey Bank, while concealing his face and demanded money. "The suspect, who did not display a weapon, was unsuccessful at stealing money, fled the area in a southeasterly direction," the chief said. "No injuries were reported." Alton Police Officers were provided a description, which included the clothing worn by the suspect. Alton Police officers and detectives, with the assistance of an on-duty Illinois State Police K9 unit, began searching the area for the suspect. The suspect was not apprehended, but clothing worn by the suspect was located. Detectives with the Alton Police Department Criminal Investigations Division continued to investigate. Today, this case was presented to the Madison County State’s Attorney’s

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ROSEWOOD HEIGHTS - A young child was transported to St. Louis by Air Evac Lifeteam Medical Service after an incident with a lawnmower on Monday night in the 500 block of Brookwood in Rosewood Heights. Rosewood Heights Fire Chief Corey Williams said his department received a call about the incident at 6:30 p.m. on Monday. “A family member was mowing with a riding lawn mower and a child came upon him, and he didn’t see the child and the lawnmower accidentally struck the child,” Williams said. “There was severe trauma to both of the child’s feet. Alton Memorial was also called to the scene and then Air Evac was called to transport the child to a St. Louis hospital.” The helicopter arrived in the parking lot of the old St. Kevin’s School and Church. No other information was available this morning on the child’s condition.

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CARLINVILLE - The Civil War in Illinois will be the topic of a free discussion at the Carlinville Public Library on Thursday, May 12 at 5:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend the one-hour discussion, which will be presented by Tom Emery, a freelance writer and historical researcher from Carlinville who has earned fifteen awards from the Illinois State Historical Society. The program is based on Emery’s book of the same title, which he released in various editions in 2014 and 2018. He originally developed the program in 2011, for the beginning of the Civil War sesquicentennial. The discussion covers a wide array of topics on the Civil War in the state, including top Illinois generals and regiments; homelife in Illinois during the Civil War; Civil War prisons in the state; divided North/South sentiment in Illinois; highlights of Illinois troops in major battles; leading non-military figures from Illinois such as Mother Bickerdyke; and notable riots or unrest in Illinois. Topic

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GLEN CARBON - Holland Construction Services has begun construction on Keystone Place at Magnolia Commons, a new senior living community in Glen Carbon, Illinois. This 180,000 square-foot project will be located at 245 Magnolia Avenue, just off Illinois Route 157 in an area known for its medical , senior living, and professional service facilities. In discussing the beginning of construction for Keystone Place at Magnolia Commons, Brent Kingen, Chief Operating Officer for Keystone Senior Management Services stated, “We are excited to offer a new rental housing option for adults seeking a safe, secure, maintenance-free, service-rich lifestyle. Keystone Place at Magnolia Commons’ ultra-inclusive service package will provide meals, housekeeping, transportation, and life enrichment opportunities that will allow residents to engage, explore and maximize their personal wellness.” Additionally, Kingen indicated that as a Rental Continuing Care Senior Living Community,

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is donating more than 3,000 pieces of protective equipment, including body armor, ballistic face shields, and ballistic helmets to help the Ukrainian citizens enduring the Russian invasion. By U.S. standards, this equipment can no longer be used by ISP or any other law enforcement agency within Illinois. Most body armor in the U.S. has a standard five-year life span. However, it will still offer some protection to civilians, humanitarian aid workers, and others in the Ukraine. This surplus equipment must be disposed of if it is not donated to the Ukraine. ISP coordinated the donation with the Illinois National Guard, the United States Department of Homeland Security, the United States Department of Commerce, and the United States Department of State to transport the equipment as well as ensure compliance with all Federal and State laws and regulations.

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville continued its commencement exercises Saturday, May 7 with ceremonies honoring graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) and the School of Engineering (SOE). Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD, led the conferral of degrees. At the 9 a.m. ceremony, CAS student speaker Josie Pauley, who earned a bachelor’s in applied communication studies, encouraged graduates to live in the now and make the most of every moment. “Live in your own present,” she said. “Once we master the process of living in the present and focusing on ourselves, the possibilities that surround us are truly endless.” Having crossed the commencement stage 50 or more years ago, Class of 2022 Golden Graduates were honored. Cobb referenced the speech given by U.S. Senator Charles H. Percy at the Golden Graduates’ commencement ceremony in June 1972. “I would like to read you a

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Kentucky Derby is notorious for its showing of not only incredible horse racing but also fabulous hats and fascinators brimming with color and flowers galore. During the main event on Saturday, May 7, Rich Strike stunned audiences worldwide with its top finish at the 148th Kentucky Derby. In preparation and anticipation of the big race, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Meridian Society hosted a festive derby event, “All About That Hat,” on Tuesday, May 3 at The Outlet at Edison’s in Edwardsville. Fit with a red carpet entrance and derby-themed lunch, music, and games, the lunch reception featured awards for Biggest Hat, Best Hat, Most Glamorous, Dapper Dan, Glitzy Gal, Hattitude, and more. Meridian Society President Ethel Shanklin shared the mission of the Meridian Society. “We are an auxiliary organization of the SIUE Foundation, and we promote leadership and philanthropy and invest in SIUE community-based projects,”

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic cheerleader Trinity Thomas has been honored with a Division I scholarship to Alabama A & M University and has chosen a biology/psychology study focus. "I chose this college because of the history and the community they have," she said. Trinity Thomas is the Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Female Athlete of the Month for the Explorers for her efforts as a cheerleader. Trinity has been active in both Yearbook Club and Art Club and on the honor roll at Marquette Catholic. She said Marquette gave her a hardworking mentality and was a positive experience. She is the daughter of Eric and Kenya Thomas of St. Louis.

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ALTON – It’s not uncommon for a dad to coach their kids' baseball team. It happens all the time while growing up whether it be tee-ball, little league, or club. It’s a little rarer to be able to see a dad coach two of his sons at the high school level. That’s what Marquette Catholic High School baseball coach Tim Fahnestock gets to do. His son Charlie is a junior and Will is just a freshman, meaning that the three will get to go at it again next season. The brother combination of Charlie and Will Fahnestock are Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athletes of the Month for Marquette Catholic. “I mean, I love it being able to play with your brother and your dad,” Charlie said after an 8-7 comeback win over Granite City. “It’s a great feeling.” Will, being two years younger had it a little more difficult growing up. “He was more of his coach than me, but I always played up and just tried to learn as much as I could,”

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INGREDIENTS For Cooking the Chicken: 4 Boneless skinless chicken breasts halved horizontally and paper towel dried 1/2 cup Flour 2 1/2 teaspoon Get-R-Smoked Mike's SPG Seasoning 2 teaspoons Get-R-Smoked Italian Seasoning Blend 3 tablespoons Olive Oil Marketplace Italian Herb EVOO 12 oz Plentiful Pantry Italian Blend Spaghetti White Wine Parmesan Sauce: 4 tablespoons butter 1 small yellow onion chopped 4 garlic cloves minced 2 scallions chopped 2 small tomatoes diced 8 oz Sliced Mushrooms 1 tablespoon flour 1 cup heavy cream 1 cup white wine ½ cup Parmesan cheese shredded 1 teaspoon Get-R-Smoked Italian Seasoning Blend 1/2 teaspoon salt more to taste ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes INSTRUCTIONS Making the Sauce: Add butter, diced yellow onion, and minced garlic cloves to the pan. Cook on medium-high until onions and garlic are translucent, about 2 minutes. Next, add chopped scallions and tomatoes. Add 1 tablespoon

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GODFREY - Village of Godfrey Engineer Rich Beran said the Glazebrook Park Splash Pad ground was officially broken on Tuesday morning. He said splash pad site grading is about 99 percent complete. The hope is to have the Splash Pad finished about by the Fourth of July, but that will be weather-dependent, the village engineer said. “We are definitely excited to get it going,” Beran said. “I think it will be probably about six more weeks of work, but it depends on how the weather is as the summer begins. This is something people have been excited about for years and we are excited it will happen.” The Glazebrook Park Splash Pad is part of the Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development Program (OSLAD) grant from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

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SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to increase its ranks and attract potential future Troopers, the Illinois State Police (ISP) is excited to announce the reimaging of the Fast Track Program into the newly created Lateral Entry Training Program. The new program is designed to incentivize current law enforcement officers to increase their opportunities and join ISP. “The Illinois State Police is one of the premier policing agencies in the country, and with the largest budget in State Police history, we are looking to hire many more troopers to protect public safety and seek justice for the people of Illinois,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “The Academy has created the Lateral Entry Training Program to retain the high training standards ISP is known for, but allow current police officers to spend less time away from home and their family.” The new Lateral Entry Training Program will incorporate much of the current Fast Track Program curriculum and

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COTTAGE HILLS - Cottage Hills Fire Department was the first to respond to a blazing fire on 14th Street in Cottage Hills early this morning. A Mutual Aid Call was immediately dispatched and Rosewood Heights Fire, Bethalto, Meadowbrook, and Fosterburg also responded. Rosewood Heights Fire Chief Corey Williams said his department was called to the scene at 4:58 a.m. Tuesday. He described the home on fire as “a total loss.” The exact cause of the fire was not yet released.

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CHICAGO– Governor JB Pritzker has proclaimed May Childhood Drowning Prevention Month in Illinois, which serves as a good time to remind parents of the importance of constantly supervising children when they are in or near water to prevent the tragedy of accidental drowning deaths. In 2021, 18 Illinois children lost their lives to accidental drowning: eight in pools; three in bathtubs; two in lakes; two in ponds; and one each in a creek, a river, and a hot tub. All eight of the children who drowned in pools were age 5 and younger. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1 to 14. For every child who dies from drowning, another eight receive emergency department care for non-fatal drowning. “A child can drown in seconds, in silence, and in as little as one inch of water,” said Illinois DCFS Director

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ST. LOUIS - Volunteers and members of the American Red Cross of Greater St. Louis, will join with the Alton Fire Department on May 10 and the Ferguson Fire Department on May 12to install free smoke alarms for local families vulnerable to home fires during a Sound the Alarm event. This effort is part of a national Red Cross Sound the Alarm initiative to install 50,000 free smoke alarms in more than 50 at-risk communities across the country in May. WHAT: Sound the Alarm kickoff with remarks and volunteer training, followed by smoke alarm installations at area homes where volunteer teams will also discuss home fire safety with families. WHERE: Area homes in Alton, IL (May 10) and Ferguson, MO (May 12). WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. Teams will meet on May 10 at 10 a.m. at the Alton Fire Department Training Center, 333 E. 20 th Alton, IL. Smoke alarm installations to follow. Teams will meet on May 12 at the Red Cross Chapter Offices, 10195 Corporate Square Drive

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ALTON - The Alton Community Service League met on May 9th, 2022 for their last meeting of the year at the Resurrection Lutheran Church. The Silver Bowl recipient was announced and the New Board was installed for the 2022-2023 year. The Silver Bowl Recipient, which honors the member with the most volunteer and league hours for 2021-2022 was Nancy Johnson. She volunteered 54 League hours and 122 Community hours making a total of 176 Hours. The value of these hours is $5,023.04. The total number of volunteer hours from all members was 2,292.25 which equates to $65,420.82. The organization has been keeping a tally since 2014-2015 and they have volunteered 47,591.05 hours which equates to $1,214,870.30. ACSL prides its organization on volunteering and giving out grants for beautification and to charitable organizations. Allocations for Charitable and Beautification Grants totaled $7,396. The new ACSL board will be under the leadership of their new president: Cathy Droste.

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