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MARYVILLE – To enhance destinations for residents and visitors along the Illinois border of the Mississippi River, State Senator Rachelle Aud Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) secured $10 million in state investments to improve the region’s infrastructure, outdoor recreation opportunities and interpretive sites. “Illinois’ Riverbend Region is an economic driver for tourism development throughout the Metro East,” Crowe said. “With this state investment, we can attract visitors to the area to learn about our rich history while also enjoying time with their loved ones, eating at our restaurants, shopping in our small businesses and utilizing our local lodging.” Thanks to advocacy from Sen. Crowe, the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway is appropriated $10 million in the Fiscal Year 2023 state budget for a grant within the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. With the funds, the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau has plans to expand

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WOOD RIVER - A mother and her daughter were seriously hurt in an East Alton shooting on January 22, 2022. The story of the two, their survival and recovery is extraordinary. The mother wished only to be called Maria B. because the case is still pending in Madison County Court. She said the situation was very touch-and-go and it is almost a miracle that she survived. When interviewed, Maria B. was volunteering at a track and field meet, one of her passions. This is how Maria B. shared her story: "On Jan. 22, 2022, my daughter and I were leaving a hockey game for my grandson and we were approached by a man who said he needed a lighter. We told him we didn't have a lighter and a few seconds later he came back and had a gun he was aiming it right at my daughter. I grabbed my daughter and we both took off running and he decided to shoot us in the back. He hit me in the back of the leg and the bullet went through me and also hit my daughter's leg. "I am doing well and she is doing well.

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(Carolyn Simansky and Jeff Vaughn contributed photos to this story). ALTON - In a special Easter Vigil baptism at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Lucy Hendrix, the mother of Isabelle and Jack Droste, joined them as part of the Catholic faith. For St. Mary's parishioners, it was very moving and it was standing room only for the ceremony and the Saturday Mass. Isabelle and Jack joined the church in 2021 and now Lucy is also a member. Isabelle was Lucy's baptism sponsor. Hendrix was very appreciative of Father Paul Nguyen for his guidance in bringing her and her children to the church. "Father Paul has been leading us on this path for a year or two," she said. "Isabelle and Jack have been encouraging me. I've been going with them to Mass, and I wanted that for myself. I am really excited that I will be able to fully participate in the Catholic religion with them." A total of 106 people in 50 Catholic Churches in the Springfield Diocese received baptisms this Easter. Carolyn Simansky

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(Carolyn Simansky and Jeff Vaughn contributed photos to this story). ALTON - There were a lot of tears shed and hope for the future at this past week's Easter festivities at St. Mary's Catholic Church. Parishioners were so thankful to be back to normal with church activities, Father Paul Nguyen, OMV, said. St. Mary's Catholic Church festivities started Thursday night with the Mass of the Lord's Supper and it was well attended. There were 12 men who represented the disciples of Christ in the service as it played out. On Good Friday, the service was "just packed," Carolyn Simansky, a long-time devoted church member, said. "It was impressive how many venerated the cross at the Mass," she explained. "It is touching to see people either bow, kiss, or touch the cross in such reverence." There were three Baptisms at the Easter Vigil Mass with ages ranging from 20 to 70 years. On Sunday, there were five Masses and each was well-attended, said Simansky. Simansky said it is not uncommon

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WOOD RIVER - Amoriah Gray is only 7 years old, but she has already kicked off her career as an author with her first book, “Amoriah’s Magic Afro Puffs.” The book is about girls like Amoriah learning to love their natural hair has been well-received at book signing events thus far, with another one planned in the near future. One day last semester, Amoriah came home and asked her mother, Angela, why her hair isn’t straight - Amoriah had a friend at school with straight hair and wanted hers to look the same. This sparked the conversation about natural hair which her first book is based on. “She asked why her hair wasn’t straight like that, and I explained to her that she has curly hair … we talked about natural hair and we ordered books off Amazon about loving your natural hair and loving who you are, and we talked about all of that,” Angela said. Amoriah’s mother Angela said her daughter, now in first grade, has been writing

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EDWARDSVILLE - New Metro Community Church Pastor Seth Conerly marked his first Easter as senior pastor at the church and he reminded everyone that this past Sunday and every day after in the year is so important for how everyone lives their lives. Metro Community Church is located at 3551 Ridge View Drive in Edwardsville. Pastor Seth spent time at Easter looking at how different people around the tomb of Jesus reacted to his death and ultimate resurrection. This ranged from soldiers to the disciples and more. Pastor Seth said his death and resurrection had a profound impact then and continues today. Seth is an energetic and inspiring young pastor who has the complete support of his wife, Taylor, also a talented singer. She is heavily involved with the Metro congregation and its music ministry. Seth and Taylor have two daughters, Finley and Chloe. "My wife, Taylor, is my rock and she is a life-giving source in this whole ministry," he said. Pastor Seth credited his beautiful

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County officials are planning to make it easier for residents to request and receive public records available through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA.) “We’ve been looking into this for years and how we can better serve the public,” Chairman Kurt Prenzler said. Prenzler said the board voted Wednesday night on a resolution to approve a $45,000, 3-year contract with GovQA/Granicus for software to process and manage FOIA requests and information from citizens and media. "This technology will enhance the county’s commitment to open, transparent and cost-efficient delivery to fulfill FOIA requests in accordance with Illinois law," Prenzler said. State’s Attorney Tom Haine said as the volume of record requests grows and their complexity increases, the county chose something that would best work for everyone. “Transparency is fundamental to good, accountable government,” Haine said. “I’m glad to see

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County is awarding $1.05 million in funding for various park and recreational projects in communities throughout the county. The County Board approved $1,058,411 in Park Enhancement Program (PEP) grant funding Wednesday night. The PEP grants range between $15,000 and $107,000 and include funds for projects such as, ADA improvements, pickleball courts, Playground equipment, fencing, bike/pedestrian trail, landscaping, sporting equipment, lighting, bottle filling station, picnic shelter renovations, restroom renovations, mowers and more. The funding will be combined with city, village, township and park district funds to finance the projects. Chairman Kurt Prenzler said the PEP program is successful thanks to the taxpayers. He said voters approved a 1/10 th of one percent sales tax in 2000 under the Illinois Metro-East Park and Recreation District Act and Madison County’s Community Development Department administers the PEP funding through Madison

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ALTON - Serving the community was the focus of the Alton Area Community Events committee for the inaugural Easter Egg Hunt held at Gordon Moore Park on Easter Sunday 2022 and more than 400 parents, volunteers, cheerleaders and political leaders were involved. The event featured free food, large-ticket giveaways, haircuts, hair braiders, Bounce houses, and more. Volunteer and parent, Megan Elliott said she was "excited to be a part of the event and looks forward to more community events.” Alton Alderwoman Rosie Brown said the Easter event was spectacular for the community. "We had an awesome committee, sponsors, volunteers and the surrounding communities came together and put smiles on the faces of many children," she said. "We had games, prizes, food and fun." With the help of Local Community Sponsorship and the Alton Area Community Committee which consisted of Rosie Brown, James Hickman, Leon Smallwood-Bey, Darryl Womack, Michael “Doc” Holliday, Sr, Priscilla

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White is encouraging vehicle owners to observe Earth Day on April 22 by going paperless and visiting ilsos.gov to sign up for email reminder notices for license plate sticker renewals. “This is an environmentally friendly initiative for customers that encourages online transactions with my office,” said White. “Those who sign up for this service will also save the state money by eliminating the need to print and mail annual postcard reminder notices.” The one-time registration process allows vehicle owners to receive a series of three email notices per vehicle each year highlighting the upcoming vehicle expiration date. The emails also contain the vehicle owner’s registration ID and PIN, simplifying the process of renewing license plate stickers online each year. To register for the program, visit ilsos.gov and click on “Email License Plates Renewal” on the main page under Online Services.

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City Federation of Teachers Local 743 awarded six Granite City Community Unit School District #9 Teacher Educator stipends for the 2021-22 school year. These stipends are used for special classroom activities or lessons that require extra funds that, otherwise, might not be available. All District 9 teachers are eligible to apply for these $100 stipends and are selected by a committee of Local 743 officers and members. "We are delighted and proud to offer this continuing program for the educators of Granite City," said Chuck Noud, Local 743 President. “It is a source of pride for Local 743 that the students of District #9 are afforded a top tier education through the continued efforts of the members of the Granite City Federation of Teachers.” The winners of the Local 743 Educator Grant Stipends include: • Courtney Brooks – Frohardt, 3 rd grade co-taught – Purchase Generation Genius subscriptions for students to supplement

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are currently investigating an accidental shooting which occurred in the 11900 block of Rio Grande Drive which resulted in injury to a 4-year-old boy. On April 20, 2022, at approximately 11:32 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct received a call for service regarding a child being transported to an area hospital for treatment to a non life threatening gunshot graze wound to the arm. Preliminary investigation has revealed the child was at his residence with an adult male when the child was accidentally shot. The adult male was arrested and released pending warrant application. 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

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BELLEVILLE – Illinois American Water is celebrating Earth Day by awarding over $14,000 in Environmental Grants for water source protection. Eight innovative community projects will share over $14,000 to help improve, restore or protect watersheds. According to Justin Ladner, Illinois American Water President, including the 2022 commitment more than $290,000 will have been contributed to 90 projects dedicated to water source protection and environmental projects since 2009 via Illinois American Water’s Environmental Grant Program. “These organizations play an important role in environmental stewardship in our communities every day, not just Earth Day. By providing critical funding and collaboration, we can further support environmental and sustainable partnerships to enhance our watersheds.” Projects supported by Illinois American Water’s Environmental Grant Program will be completed by Nov. 30, 2022. The 2022 Environmental Grant recipients and projects

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ALTON - "The ALT Showplace will shine in its 89th season with six fine new productions!" says Lee Cox, Executive Director. The theater group launches early-bird savings until May 31st so that season ticket holders can receive the very best price for a whole season of Entertainment (September 2022 through May 2023). Tickets for the 89th season are $84 with an additional $4 savings on a concert of choice. The group strives to make quality entertainment affordable for everyone. The 89th season received a bit of a small silver lining in the wake of COVID; since professional theaters were closed for 2 years, royalty houses are offering shows for production at earlier dates, some even directly from Broadway and/or National Tours. Royalties for shows have increased just like everything else, but ALT is committed to honoring the values of community theater while putting on the most professional shows possible. The shining 89th season will include: Spreading It Around (September 9th-18th),

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HIGHLAND – The Illinois Department of Transportation announces intermittent lane closures of IL 143 between US 40 in Highland and Main St/Baumann Rd in Pierron beginning on Monday, April 25, 2022, weather permitting. Two-way traffic will be maintained by the use of flaggers. This project will provide a new asphalt surface and it should be completed by the middle of June 2022. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for 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 the Kilian Corporation of Mascoutah, Illinois. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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ALTON – The next American Red Cross blood drive at Alton Memorial Hospital will be from 11:30-4:30 p.m. Thursday, May 26, in the AMH café meeting rooms. To register, go to http://www.redcrossblood.org and then type AltonMemorial at the top right under “Find a Blood Drive,” or contact Dave Whaley in AMH Public Relations at 618-433-7947 or david.whaley@bjc.org . Donors who come to give blood to the Red Cross from May 20-31 will receive a 20-ounce Red Cross aluminum water bottle and sticker set, while supplies last. The Red Cross is going through a blood shortage not seen in at least 10 years, so please consider giving.

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ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives reported this morning in reference to the Missing/Endangered news release issued by the department earlier Wednesday, Ava Isabella Diaz has been located safe. Diaz was last seen on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at approximately 10:00 a.m. in the previous report. The preliminary investigation revealed that Ava left a family residence in the 900 block of Zimmerman Trails in Fenton, MO. in an unknown direction of travel.

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic High School Theater's special Spring Musical drama - "Once Upon a Mattress" begins on Thursday night and runs through Saturday evening. Director Brett Klaus says "Once Upon a Mattress" is a whimsical musical retelling of the Hans Christian Anderson story, "The Princess and the Pea," but it's not quite the childhood story we all know and love. "A kingdom under the rule of a powerful, yet scheming Queen who will not allow anyone to marry until her son, the prince, has found a genuine princess," Klaus said. "One day a Princess from the swamps arrives at the kingdom and changes everything. There are many unique characters to take you along this musical journey of an old story made new with music by Mary Rodgers!" Tickets are on sale now for the show at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, Friday, April 22, and Saturday, April 23. Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at: https://secure. everyaction.com/ N535eMKpRkGiihXM3XPHzQ2 "We invite you to join us

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EDWARDSVILLE – The theatre department from Metro-East Lutheran High School will take to the stage this weekend for a magical performance of the musical “Willy Wonka.” Based on the novel by Roald Dahl, “Willy Wonka” tells the tale of Charlie Bucket, a poor boy who wins one of five coveted golden tickets and earns a whirlwind tour of the mysterious Wonka chocolate factory. “There is something very magical and innocent about this story of a boy who literally has nothing and goes on this crazy adventure and turns out to be just the boy needed to carry on Willy Wonka’s legacy,” said Judy Brown, director of the theatre program at MELHS. Performances will be held Friday, April 22, and Saturday, April 23, at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, April 24 at 2 p.m. in the Ronald Henschen Alumni Hall at Metro-East Lutheran High School, located at 6305 Center Grove Road. Ticket prices range from $5 for children to $12 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) hosted its 2022 Honors Day convocation on Sunday, April 10 in the Morris University Center Meridian Ballroom, honoring 303 students with 357 scholarships and awards, marking the first live, in-person celebration since 2019. SIUE’s largest single gathering outside of commencement recognizing student achievement, Honors Day celebrates the scholarships and awards of outstanding students throughout nearly two dozen departments and programs within the College. “We are thrilled have hosted our annual Honors Day on campus this year,” said CAS Dean Kevin Leonard, PhD. “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have not been able to gather in person to celebrate the achievements of our students and the generosity of our donors and sponsors since 2019. Through all the challenges of the pandemic, our scholarship and award recipients have persevered, excelling in their classes and

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