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ALTON - Alton Police Department is investigating an attempted vehicular hijacking that was reported at 12:44 p.m. on Monday, May 30, in the area of East Broadway and the Broadway Connector. Alton Police Chief Marcos Pulido said: "Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim has just driven into Alton, from the State of Missouri after driving across the Clark Bridge. The victim then drove down the Broadway Connector and was stopped at the intersection of East Broadway. At that point, two black males, wearing all dark clothing with their faces partially concealed, exited a black Jeep that had been following the victim. The two suspects, who both were armed with firearms, approached the victim and attempted to remove the victim from the vehicle. The victim was able to safely drive away and the suspect’s attempt at the vehicular hijacking was unsuccessful." The chief added that a witness observed this occurring and watched as the two suspects return to the Jeep, at which point

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(The Center Square) – Conflicting population estimates for Illinois continue to spur debate about whether the state is growing or shrinking as has been estimated for years. Gov. J.B. Pritzker sent President Joe Biden a letter requesting the federal government send Illinois more federal tax money. He said a recent Census survey shows the agency undercounted Illinois by nearly 2%. Democratic members of Illinois’ congressional delegation followed up with a letter to the Census urging the bureau to update the population for funding decisions. “We are writing in regard to the Census Bureau’s Post-Enumeration Survey (PES), which found that Illinois likely was undercounted at a rate of 1.97% in the 2020 Decennial Census,” the Democrats said. “With this knowledge comes the striking fact that Illinois did not lose residents, but rather, the State’s population is now at its largest in history with about 13 million residents. We are concerned about

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CARLINVILLE - After their graduation ceremonies, Blackburn College announces names of local graduates. Here are a few students from around the Riverbend area. Christian Curtner of Carrollton, IL graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Justice Administration from Blackburn College's 153rd Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 14, 2022. Brendan Zeller of South Roxana, IL graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sport Management from Blackburn College's 153rd Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 14, 2022. Ramsey Kerley of Brighton, IL graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Science - Cybersecurity Track from Blackburn College's 153rd Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 14, 2022. Gabrianna Lucas of Pontoon Beach, IL graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology - Molecular Track from Blackburn College's 153rd Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 14, 2022. Emily Moran of Carrollton, IL graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in

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ST. LOUIS - The Enjoy Illinois 300 Presented By TicketSmarter entries are the stars and cars of the Daytona 500 and will include NASCAR Cup Series champions Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick, Kurt Busch, and Mexico’s Daniel Suárez. The 240-lap, 300-mile Cup race is scheduled to start at 2:30 p.m. Central on June 5. Leading up to the main event will be a NASCAR hauler parade through downtown St. Louis and the Ballpark Village Fan Fest presented by Enterprise on Thursday, Richard Petty Day presented by Bommarito Automotive Group on June 3, the #CupTimeSTL Short Track Classic presented by Ranken Technical College at Tri-City Speedway in Granite City, Illinois, and the June 4 Toyota 200 for the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series. Fans are invited to enjoy the pre-race pageantry and concerts, the Enterprise Infield Fan Zone Experience, the Rumble Before the Roar pre-race party and the new GEICO Campgrounds For tickets and additional information, please

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ST. LOUIS - NASCAR Cup Series driver Daniel Suárez will visit with students at the Fairmont City Library on Friday, June 3, at 12 p.m. The library is located at 4444 Collinsville Road in Fairmont City, Illinois. The visit is expected to run from 12 p.m. to 12:40 p.m. CDT. Mayor Michael Suarez will welcome Daniel to Fairmont City and the native of Monterrey, Mexico, will tell his story to the children in both English and Spanish. The library is located five minutes from World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois. Suárez drives the No. 99 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Trackhouse Racing, which is owned by St. Louis native Justin Marks and Grammy Award-winning rapper Pitbull. Suárez, 30, embarked on a motorsports career in Mexico at age 13, racing go-karts. He won the Mexican national go-kart title in 2004 and 2008 and also competed in Spain and Italy. He graduated to the NASCAR PEAK Mexico Series (4-cylinder cars) in 2009. Suárez launched his career

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ALTON - OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center was presented with the Perseverance Award, this Wednesday at the Chamber Choice Awards. The awards luncheon, hosted by the Riverbend Growth Association (RBGA), honored Small Business of the Month winners from the past two years, local businesses, volunteers and retirees. The Perseverance Award was given to OSF Saint Anthony’s for their work during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their leadership credits the hard work, dedication and compassion of each one of their Mission Partners (employees), who always serve with the greatest care and love in a community that celebrates the gift of life. “On behalf of our Sisters and Mission Partners, we want to thank the RBGA for the Perseverance Award. The real heroes are our nurses, technicians, doctors and patient care teams who risked their health, wellness and in some cases their lives, to serve our local community,” said Dr. Dennis Sands, Chief Medical Officer at OSF Saint

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MADISON COUNTY IL – Learning never stops at the Madison County Regional Office of Education. Regional Superintendent Robert Werden is excited to announce the 2022 Madison County ROE Summer Camp line up which includes: STEM Camp, Construction Camp, Agricultural Camp, and new for 2022, Madison County ROE is partnering with the Madison County Historical Society to present History Camp for Kids. This line up has been designed to enhance and grow your child’s learning in fun and exciting ways. Madison County ROE STEM Camp: June 13-17, 2022 ROE #41 is pleased to bring back for the 7th year, our most successful camp, STEM Camp. Students in grades 2nd – 6th are invited to a week of fun that provides a variety of hands-on activities that incorporates all areas of STEM. STEM Camp will be held at the ROE’s CEO (Center for Educational Opportunity) School located in Troy, IL. Madison County ROE Construction Camp: June 13-17, 2022 Students in grades 7th-12th are

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are currently investigating human remains found at the Flamm City Boat Ramp located at 1100 Telegraph Road. The deceased has been identified as Carol Schulte, 72 years of age, of the first block of Greystoke Court in Ballwin, Missouri 63021. There were no obvious signs of trauma to the body. On May 30, 2022, at approximately 5:26 PM, St. Louis County Crimes Against Persons detectives responded to a call for service for human remains located at 1100 Telegraph Road. Responding detectives observed human remains of an adult. The investigation is very active at this time. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators if you have any information regarding this incident. To remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward, please contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

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SEE VIDEO: ALTON - The Alton Memorial Day Parade was held for the 155th time on Monday and it was well-attended it featured five parade marshals who are World War II veterans - Richard Wickenhauser (Marines), Alvin Roderfeld (Navy), Art Williams (Army), Harry Hill, and Jack Green. "We wanted to get as many World War II vets in as possible," Steve Schwartz, East End Improvement Spokesman, and Parade Committee Chairman said. "We think that would be the Greatest Generation to get in." East End Improvement Association sponsored the parade once again. These photos may be purchased for personal use at: https://www.randymanning.com/Alton-Memorial-Day-Parade The parade this year with have upwards of 50 participants including a wide variety of scouts, organizations, bands, and the crowd favorite Rolling Nobles. Carol Westbrook was in attendance Monday and she said she was very proud of the longest-running Memorial Day Parade in the country. "It means a lot to me and Alton," she

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ALTON - The 17 th Annual Memorial Day Sunset Ceremony held at Alton’s National Cemetery came off with the usual strong remembrance of those who fought and died for their country. This was the first time for a complete in-person ceremony in three years. The Alton National Cemetery is maintained by the federal government, specifically the National Cemetery Administration. Local authorities work out of the Jefferson Barracks facility and Shrine in St. Louis. Richard Baird is the founder of the Sunset Ceremony and is still the leader of the tribute. Alton’s program Monday night featured a guest speaker, a welcoming by Mayor David Goins, music and vocals by a high school student, the Pledge of Allegiance led by an elementary student, a haunting version of “Echo Taps” played by three talented trumpeters, and the Alton Fire Department Pipes and Drums. {bagpipes and drums} This program has received compliments identifying it as one of the finest in the United States

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ALTON - Art Williams is a World War II veteran who served in the United States Army from December 1942 to December 1945. He was one of five WWII veterans who are going to be marshals in the year’s Alton Memorial Day Parade. Williams has been participating in the parade for a while now. The parade has been going on for over 150 years, making it one of the longest-running in the country. Because of that Art thinks it’s very significant locally. He said that his favorite parts about the parade are greeting the crowd and handing out candy to the kids lined the streets. He mentioned that WWII veterans are hard to come by with every passing year. “There aren’t many of us left,” Williams said. “It certainly was an interesting generation with the war.” He recalls growing up in Oregon where he didn’t have electricity or a telephone until he was 13. Not long after that, he started at Oregon State University where he lived with seven other men

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ALTON - Alvin Roderfeld is a World War II veteran who served in the United States Navy. He recalled being in Great Lakes boot camp when the bomb dropped. He served for about 15 months, he said. Roderfeld was one of five WWII veterans in this year's Alton Memorial Day Parade. He’ll get to be one of the parade marshals. Roderfeld been in the parade before. He remembers riding in a car a few years ago right behind the mayor at the time, Brent Walker. When Alvin was asked to partake in this year’s event, he said it would be an honor. “The people are very good about thanking you for your service and it makes you feel good,” Roderfeld said.

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is celebrating the reappointment of Dr. Gina Lathan, a prominent Springfield native, to the Springfield High Speed Railroad Community Advisory Commission. “Gina is a valued member of our community. Her voice is much needed on this commission,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “I am happy to see her reappointment, and I know she will work to ensure the high speed rail program best represents the community.” Lathan has over 25 years of experience as a senior administrator in the public sector and as an entrepreneur with expertise in public health, social justice and community capacity development. Lathan has served in several advisory roles on local and international travel and tourism committees and projects. Her learned experiences living close to the rails will provide a valuable voice for the community. The Springfield High Speed Railroad Community Advisory Commission was created to help increase transparency for

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It is one of our favorite times of the year! June Dairy Month honors hardworking farmers who produce wholesome dairy foods. While dairy’s great taste is reason enough to celebrate, 2022 marks a milestone anniversary for St. Louis District Dairy Council (SLDDC), the organization charged with promoting dairy on behalf of farmers in Missouri and Illinois. Our “Ninety and on the MOOVE,” campaign designed to celebrate the 90-year milestone, reflects how the dairy industry and promotion efforts continue to move forward. Dairy Farmers Moving Forward 1923 was a game-changer for many farmers with the debut of the first milking machine, the Surge Milker. Farmers were filling milk cans (which could weigh 110 pounds each) and lugging them to storage, then loading them onto a truck once it was time for delivery. The “bulk milk tank” invention around 1948, freed farmers from the time consuming and backbreaking work of hauling milk cans. In the late 1990’s,

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ALTON - The 17 th Annual Memorial Day Sunset Ceremony will be held at Alton’s National Cemetery at 6:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend for the first time in three years. Alton’s National Cemetery is located in one of the most unique cemeteries in the United States. Inside the parameters of the cemetery is Alton’s City Cemetery attended to by the City of Alton; Lovejoy Monument on the hillside under the care of the State of Illinois, and the National Cemetery maintained by the Federal Government, and specifically the National Cemetery Administration. Local authorities work out of the Jefferson Barracks facility and Shrine in St. Louis. Alton’s program features a guest speaker, a welcoming by the Mayor, music and vocals by a high school student, the Pledge of Allegiance led by an elementary student, a haunting version of “Echo Taps” played by three talented trumpeters, and the Alton Fire Department Pipes and Drums. {bagpipes and drums} This

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ST. LOUIS - A 60-mile stretch of Illinois (IL) Route 3 generates $16 billion in annual business revenue and supports 221,881 direct and indirect jobs, according to a new economic impact study commissioned by the St. Louis Regional Freightway. The Route 3 corridor in southwestern Illinois is parallel to St. Louis, Missouri along the Mississippi River and Interstate 255, and goes from Waterloo, Illinois, in the south to Godfrey Illinois, to the north. It is gaining recognition as a premiere heavy industry and warehousing corridor with distinct advantages over other areas around the country, such as the percentage of the direct jobs in manufacturing, transportation and warehousing that greatly eclipse the regional and national averages for jobs in those sectors. “These concentrations and logistical connections make it a unique asset in the Midwest from a site selection point of view,” said Doug Rasmussen. “We do a lot of work throughout the country and in the Midwest

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ALTON - Alton Fire Department Battalion Chief Derek Richardson expressed some strong pride for how a group of firefighters handled an early Friday morning fire/rescue situation on Hillcrest. “We were dispatched to a house fire on Hillcrest at 12:17 a.m. Friday,” he said. “Dispatch reported Alton Police were on scene, and two people were reported to occupy the house, along with three dogs. When I arrived on scene, I saw Alton Police Department escorting the second occupant out of the house. The first occupant had already made it out. Neither occupant needed emergency medical treatment. “It was reported by the Alton Police Department and bystanders that one of the dogs ran out of the house and down the street before Alton Fire arrived on the scene. After extinguishing the fire, the Alton Fire Department members did a secondary search, and crew members Engineers Sissom, Pruitt, and P. Campion found and rescued both dogs. Both dogs needed help breathing. AFD crew

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SPRINGFIELD - The United States and Illinois flags are displayed at half-staff from sunrise to noon on Monday, May 30, 2022. The Department of Central Management Services has received notice from Governor J.B. Pritzker that all person or entities covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act are to fly the flags at half-staff in honor of Memorial Day. Around the immediate region, at 10 a.m. Monday, May 30, 2022, Alton will have its annual Memorial Day Parade in Upper Alton. Also that night, the annual Memorial Day Sunset Ceremony is at 6:30 p.m. on Monday at the United States National Cemetery in Alton. The morning Alton Memorial Day Parade is one of the oldest in the country with a 155-year time frame.

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ST. LOUIS — How do you plan to enjoy this summer? Whether your plans include fun in the water, camping or grilling your favorites, the American Red Cross of Greater St. Louis has some resources you can use to help you have a safe summer. And don’t forget your furry friends — there are even some safety tips to follow to help protect your pets as the weather warms up. “Summer is a great time of year to get outside and have fun with your friends and loved ones,” said Beth Elders, executive director, American Red Cross Greater St. Louis. “But there are dangers if you don’t swim, camp or grill properly. We here at the Red Cross want you to have a safe summer and offer these steps you can follow.” WATER SAFETY Every day, an average of 11 people die in the U.S. from unintentional drowning — and one in five of those are children 14 or younger according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The Red Cross

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CHARLESTON - Edwardsville senior distance runner Ryan Watts joined Stephen Pifer as the only Tiger runners to win state championships in the 1,600- and 3,200-meter runs as Watts won both events at the IHSA boys Class 3A track finals Saturday afternoon at O'Brien Stadium on the campus of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston. Watts won the 1,600 meters with a time of 4:11.16, and also won the 3,200 meters at 8:56.66, while Geo Patrylak finished ninth in the 1,600 with a time of 4:14.43. In addition, senior Jordan Brooks came in fourth in the triple jump, with a distance of 14.00 meters and sophomore Malik Allen was seventh, going 13.35 meters to help the Tigers tie for second in the team standings. Batavia won the team championship with 37 points, while the Tigers tied for second with Gurnee Warren with 30 points each, Minooka was fourth with 29 points, Glenview Glenbrook South, Oswego and Champaign Centennial all tied for fifth with 26 points apiece, Homewood-Flossmoor was eighth

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