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GODFREY - LaVista Park sits on a beautiful 93-acre tract of land located in Godfrey on West Delmar Ave. It's home to many hiking/bike trails, several picnic tables, and a challenging 18-hole disc golf course. A new addition to the park was unveiled Saturday (July 9th) when a new sculpture dubbed the "Prairie Portal" was honored. The outdoor sculpture was designed by local artist Merrilyn Shoemaker. Tom Cundiff is a woodworker who constructed the sculpture. They both attended the ribbon cutting on Saturday. The idea for the sculpture came about a couple of years ago and has taken longer than expected to make its debut. It was all volunteers who helped get the project off the ground. The sculpture is 12 feet tall and 7 feet wide and sits on a brand new poured concrete pad near the pollination area. It can clearly be seen from the main path that runs through the park. The event was supposed to have children's activities as well as refreshments for guests, however, the rainy, overcast

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EDWARDSVILLE – Student debt is growing six times faster than the nation’s economy. First-generation students and underrepresented minorities are twice as likely to report that they are behind on making student loan payments compared to others. With these data in mind, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SOP) is assisting students in the pursuit of a future of financial freedom by way of a free financial literacy program. An SIUE Innovation and Excellence in Graduate Education grant focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) was awarded to the SOP for the creation of a two-month program comprising 15 first-generation and underrepresented student pharmacists. “The impact of this type of program is longstanding, not only resulting in short term gains but also sustainable for generations to come,” said SOP Clinical Professor and Director of DEI Lakesha Butler, PharmD. “Financial literacy is unfortunately not a typical topic

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ALTON - The Alton Section of the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. will host its biennial cotillion on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at 5:00 PM at the Premier Best Western Hotel in Alton, IL. This year's theme, “Jewels of Distinction,” embodies all the 2022 debutantes. The 2022 Jewels Court consists of debutantes E’Niya Fields, Kyla Gerhardt, Kaliyah Newby, A’myiah Pittman, and Anya Robinson. In preparation for the ball, their former formal debut to society, each debutante has participated in educational opportunities related to adequate financial self-esteem and self-preparedness. They showcase their talents through music and art in a luncheon on Saturday, June 25, 2022. Most importantly, each debutante has been allowed to give back to the community through hours of community service. The cotillion is the cumulating event that follows the community service to celebrate each of them as they are formally introduced to society tickets are available for advanced

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GRAFTON - In the spring of your junior year, an average teenager might be touring colleges or thinking about a summer job. But for Kateryna Savienkova, an exchange student from Ukraine attending Jersey Community High School, making plans was impossible. On June 3rd, the war in Ukraine had reached day 100 and Kateryna was still unclear where she would spend the next year of her life. Today, Kateryna has completed a full academic year of high school in America, an opportunity she worked hard to receive and one where she made the most of every day. Living with her host family, Jim, Carla, and Roanna Newton, in Grafton, Kateryna has made the most of her time. At school, she participated in cross country, and bowling, and was an honor roll student. Back in her home country of Ukraine a much different story played out for her family and friends. As the war continued, devastating images came in each day. “Sometimes it was unbearable.” Kateryna explains, “The continuous

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The deceased in a house fire in the 3000 block of Hatherly Drive in the City of Bel-Norhas been identified as John Prowell, 68 years of age, of the 3000 block of Hatherly Drive in Bel-Nor, Missouri 63121. Preliminary investigation by the St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson Unit reveals the fire does not appear to be criminal in nature, however, the exact cause is undetermined at this time. St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons Detectives are currently investigating the fire which resulted in the death of an adult male. On July 10, 2022, at 1:26 AM, City of Bel-Nor police officers responded to a call for service for a house fire in the 3000 block of Hatherly Drive. Responding officers located a home partially engulfed in flames. An adult male was located inside the residence. He was transported to an area hospital and was later pronounced deceased. City of Bel-Nor officers requested St.Louis County Police Bureau of Crimes Against Persons and St. Louis Regional

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The deceased has been identified in a homicide in the 300 block of Chambers Road in the City of Riverview as Laruth Jones, 34 years of age, of the 9900 block of Lilac Drive in St. Louis, Missouri 63137. During the commission of the homicide, the victim’s red Mercedes was stolen. The vehicle was later recovered in an alley near E. Linton Avenue and Emily Street in St. Louis City. The vehicle had been burned and was unoccupied. St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating the homicide which resulted in the death of an adult female. On July 10, 2022, at 5:02 PM, City of Riverview police officers responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 300 block of Chambers Road. Responding officers located an adult female suffering from an apparent gunshot injury. Officers attempted to render life-saving treatment but the victim succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced deceased at the scene. City of Riverview police officers requested

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JERSEYVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announces intermittent lane closures on Illinois Route 109 between U.S. 67 and Illinois Route 3 beginning on Monday, July 18, 2022, weather permitting. IDOT said two-way traffic will be maintained by the use of flaggers. This closure is needed to construct a new asphalt surface and it should be completed by October of 2022. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert to changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. The contractor on this project is Charles E. Mahoney Co. of Swansea, Illinois. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map at http://gettingaroundillinois.com/

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BETHALTO - Bethalto Police officer Brian Gifford received special recognition for outstanding performance at Monday night's Bethalto Village Board Meeting. Bethalto Chief Police Mike Dixon commended Gifford for his excellent police work with cases. The commendation presented Monday night outlined Gifford's efforts in five different criminal investigations in which he developed probable cause for felony charges ranging from the possession of controlled substances to offenses related to stolen motor vehicles. "Collectively, the investigations resulted in the seizure of felony amounts of cannabis, methamphetamine, fentanyl, a stolen vehicle, and an illegally possessed handgun, as well as the issuance of charges in a felony retail theft in which a subject attempted to steal a lawnmower from an area business and fled prior to officers arrival," Chief Dixon said. "In addition to the commendable efforts made in investigating offenses while on patrol, Officer Gifford showed further commitment

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MEDORA - The Jersey County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies were called to a domestic situation in the 31000 block of State Highway 267 in Medora at 2:41 p.m. on Monday. The Jersey Sheriff’s Office was assisted by ILEAS, Illinois State Police, IDOT, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, Jersey Ambulance, and Medora Fire and Rescue in the situation. Jersey Sheriff Mike Ringhausen thanked the law enforcement agencies who were there to assist in the domestic situation that went well into the evening. It ended around 9:12 p.m. when the man surrendered himself without incident. Traffic on Highway 267 was rerouted until the man surrendered. Joshua J. Hearn, 33, has been charged with Intimidation and a felony, Sheriff Ringhausen said. A wife and children left the situation and were on the roadway when Jersey County Sheriff’s Office arrived and was safe, the sheriff said. The sheriff said there were weapons involved in the case, and the man had issued

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ALTON - Alton Fire Department quickly extinguished a blazing car fire on Ridge Street across from McDonald’s around 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday. The driver of the car was not in the vehicle at the time of the fire and it was safe, Alton Fire Department Battalion Chief David Eichen said. Battalion Chief Eichen said the woman who had the vehicle visited a nearby establishment, and when she returned her car was engulfed in flames. “She was upset, but it could have been far worse if she had been on the road,” he said. Eichen said the vehicle for sure is a total loss because of the fire. The fire department was investigating the situation to determine the cause.

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Fair is officially here, and the first two days will see a jam-packed parade, several carnival rides, and two major grandstand events you won’t want to miss: the Jersey County Talent Show on Tuesday night and Jersey County Fair Queen Pageant on Wednesday night. The festivities begin with the Jersey County Fair Parade, which will start at 6 p.m. starting one block north of Route 16 and traveling along State Street to the fairgrounds. Jersey County Fair President Phil Ringhausen said every available spot for parade floats has been taken, meaning spectators this year will see a full two-hour parade. Several fan-favorite carnival rides will be making their return to the fair this year, including the Pharaoh's Fury, the Scrambler, Ferris Wheel, and more. Ringhausen said there are 20 different rides for visitors to choose from. Armbands for all-night carnival ride access are $20 on Tuesday and Sunday and $25 from Wednesday-Saturday. Ringhausen sai

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ST. LOUIS, MO – Filament is proud to welcome KeAnna Daniels as the newest member of the Filament Team. KeAnna is joining the team as Lead Engagement Strategist and returning to St. Louis, MO from her hometown of Dayton, OH. In this newly created role for the rapidly growing company, KeAnna will wear many hats, including that of a facilitator, consultant, leader, and strategic partner, as she helps advance Filament’s mission of reimagining how people meet. "After a six-month search, we’re overjoyed we found such an amazing partner in Ke,” said Filament Founder and CEO Matthew Homann. “She’ll make us smarter in so many ways, and I can’t wait for our clients to be inspired by her enthusiasm, insight, and boundless creativity." KeAnna is a passionate entrepreneur dedicated to helping and developing her community. She most recently served as the President and CEO of KMD Empowerment Consulting, LLC and Project Manager at Parallax Advanced Research.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today welcomed the selection of Colette Peters as the next Director at the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Durbin has called for a new, reform-minded Director to replace BOP Director Michael Carvajal since November 2021, following an Associated Press report that found that BOP is a “hotbed of abuse, graft and corruption, and has turned a blind eye to employees accused of misconduct.” Carvajal’s resignation was announced less than two months later. “It’s no secret that BOP has been plagued by misconduct. One investigation after another has revealed a culture of abuse, mismanagement, corruption, torture, and death that reaches to the highest levels. In light of those reports, I called for former BOP Director Michael Carvajal’s resignation last November. So it was welcome news when six weeks later, he announced his resignation. &ldqu

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ALTON - The Caring Circle Cancer Education and Support Group for women with cancer will be held on Saturday, July 16, from 10 a.m. to Noon in the upper level of Alton Square Mall, 200 Alton Square Drive in the OSF HealthCare suite. Ample parking is available, and access is only available through the upper level, OSF HealthCare outside entrance. This month’s topic is nutrition, led by Diane Herndon, registered dietician. Held on the third Saturday of every month, Caring Circle is facilitated by Heather Chambers, R.M.A., breast health navigator, and Karen Boyd, R.N., oncology nurse navigator, experienced cancer care professionals from OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center. The support group offers women with cancer a chance to connect with other women about their experiences. For more information or to register contact Karen Boyd at (618) 433-7609 or Heather Chambers at (618) 474-6791. To RSVP online, visit? osfsaintanthonys.org ?and click on View Classes & Events.

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GLEN CARBON - Hawthorne Animal Hospital, a top-rated veterinary clinic in the St. Louis Metro East, is excited to announce it will reopen its Troy location on July 14, 2022, to provide families with more options to receive high-quality, compassionate care for their pets they love. Located at 1516 Alarth Drive, Troy Vet Clinic provides nose-to-tail wellness exams and vaccinations by appointment. Any pet owner who wishes to schedule an exam for their dog or cat with one of Hawthorne’s veterinarians can call 618-288-3971. Pets experiencing a medical emergency will be directed to Hawthorne’s 24/7 animal hospital in Glen Carbon. “Like most veterinary clinics across the U.S., Hawthorne experienced a greater demand for our services over the past two years as pet ownership skyrocketed,” said Dr. Paul Myer, chief of staff for Hawthorne. “With the reopening of our second location, we’re offering Troy residents access to quality vet services closer to home

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Granite City Community Unit School District #9 is hosting a Back to School Celebration on Wednesday, August 3 from 3-6 p.m. at Worthen Park in Granite City. Students will have the opportunity to meet their principal, in addition to free school supplies, free refreshments, a touch-a-truck, games, prizes, a photo booth, school registration, and more. The first day of school for the 2022-23 school year is set for Wednesday, August 17. For more information about Granite City School District #9, visit www.gcsd9.net .

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SPRINGFIELD, IL. - The Land of Lincoln Honor Flight is pleased to announce that Mission #61 takes flight on Tuesday, July 19, 2022. Ninety-six (96) Veterans will be on board this flight from Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport to Washington, DC - 1 World War II, 4 Korean War, and 91 Vietnam War Era Veterans - all ready to experience their national memorials with their comrades. These veterans represent all branches of military service: 16 Air Force, 56 Army, 4 Marine, and 20 Navy veterans. Ninety-six (96) Veterans and eighty-two (82) Guardians will arrive at the airport Tuesday at 4:15 AM, having traveled from the 65 central and southern Illinois cities and communities of Beason, Bismarck, Bloomington, Brighton, Carlyle, Carrollton, Casey, Cerro Gordo, Charleston, Chatham, Clinton, Coffeen, Decatur, East Alton, Effingham, Franklin, Georgetown, Gifford, Girard, Godfrey, Greenfield, Greenup, Griggsville, Homer, Hoopeston, Jacksonville, Jerseyville, Lawrenceville, Lincoln, Litchfield,

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ALTON – Round the bases during All-Star Restaurant Week in both Alton and Collinsville and enjoy delicious summer dishes served up by locally owned and operated area restaurants. All-Star Restaurant Week begins Tuesday, July 12 and runs through Tuesday, July 19. Participating restaurants have hit it out of the park with amazing Restaurant Week specials for lunch and dinner. Diners can expect fixed-price meals with lunch set at $15 and dinners at $30, or in some cases, two can dine for $30. “Restaurant Week is a great way to celebrate all the amazing locally owned and operated restaurants in the Great Rivers & Routes region,” Cory Jobe, President & CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau said. “From Alton to Collinsville, we are able to highlight our delicious destinations to the visiting public and local residents eager to try something new.” Mouthwatering specials include pastas, woodfired pizzas, tender ribeye sandwiches, traditional Irish

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EAST ST. LOUIS - Illinois State Police seek the public's assistance in a homicide case. At 11:23 p.m. on Friday, June 24, 2022, Willie Clanton, a 64-year-old male from East St. Louis, was shot and killed in the 1500 block of Lynch Avenue in East St. Louis. State Police said Clanton was shot by suspects in a passing vehicle. The vehicle is described as a newer, dark-colored sedan with dark window tint, chrome trim around the windows, and driver door damage. (see attached photos). Anyone with information in reference to this homicide is asked to call Illinois State Police at 618-301-0807, the East St. Louis Police Department at 618-482-6600, or Crimestoppers at 314-725-8477 (TIPS).

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BUNKER HILL - A young boy was reported missing Monday in Bunker Hill, but the Macoupin County Sheriff's Office reported around 4:10 p.m., the boy had been found safe and sound. The boy was speculated to have run into a cornfield behind the Dollar General in Bunker Hill. The young man was 6 years old and the community was relieved when he was discovered.

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