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ALTON - Alton Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Al Womack Jr. and one of its members, Caleb Spells, had a very special moment this past week when Caleb was named Outstanding Youth of the Year and is now a state finalist. Caleb is an 18-year-old senior at Alton High School and maintains a 3.8-grade-point average. Womack said Caleb is “an outstanding young man,” and he exemplifies everything the Alton Boys & Girls Club stands for. “Caleb is a senior at Alton High and has been part of the AHS ROTC Program and a member of our organization for six years,” Womack said. “His mom, La-Cheryl Lewis, has done a great job of raising him. We are blessed to have him be a part of our organization. He is a junior staff member and great with his peers and other young people.” Caleb’s mother has instilled proper values in him and enrolled him in the club, which has paid great dividends for him. “It has been so outstanding to watch him grow, especially

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JERSEY - At the Jersey Community High School Musical on Sunday, April 3, 2022, the Ryder family was honored for beginning JCHS Theatre Friends. JCHS Theatre Director Brett Beauchamp coordinated the event. Beauchamp announced they are installing a plaque in the lobby here so that even when Brett and Christine Bair are no longer in these halls to tell these stories, Peggy’s legacy will live on. This was an explanation given about the long-time program: Christine Bear said in 1995, she and Brett Beauchamp found themselves in charge of the choral program and theatre program respectively at JCHS. "We joined a colleague, Mr. Cliff Kaminsky, who had inherited the band program a few years previously," Bear said. "We were all excited about our new work in the fine arts department until we began to recognize some uncomfortable truths confronting all three of us: Mr. Kaminsky had only a few band students, I had only a few vocal students, and Mr. Beauchamp had even fewer theatre students.

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COTTAGE HILLS - Recently, Karen Masiero’s family posed for a five-generation photo. In any day and age, it is unusual that a family is together for five generations. Baby, Madelyn, is the youngest of the cast at 6 months in the photo, and two great grandparents are still alive. “We are very thankful about it and it is very unusual,” Karen said. “We are all very close and I am very proud of my family.” The Guinness Words Records said the record of seven living generations occurred when Augusta Bunge of Medford, Wisconsin, who was 110, lived to see. the birth of her great-great-great-great grandson in January 1989. Five generations alive at one time is definitely a "rare" occurrence, experts say.

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GODFREY - The Godfrey Fire Protection District lost one of their long-time favorite firefighters when the retired assistant chief Edward McBride died recently. Ed was married to his wife, Rebecca, since 1989 and she survives along with his two daughters Chelsie and Beca, and granddaughter, Lorelai. He is also survived by brothers, sisters, and various nieces and nephews. A Celebration Of Life Service is planned from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 10, 2022, at the Wood River Moose. Godfrey Fire Protection District Chief Eric Cranmer said Ed was “one of a kind” as an assistant chief and firefighter. “He was hired in 1995 and I was hired in 1999,” he said. “He never met a stranger. He always had the gift of gab and always had a story. He was a Navy veteran and also very proud of that.” He retired with a medical disability in 2019. “Everybody liked Ed,” Chief Cranmer said. “If he was around a stranger, they weren’t a stranger

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EAST ALTON – Volunteers are needed to help remove bush honeysuckle and autumn olive at the Wadlow Restoration Site in Alton, Illinois, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Thursday, April 14. Free lunch and necessary tools will be provided to volunteers. The volunteer day is being hosted by the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC sm ) in partnership with the Lewis and Clark Community College Restoration Ecology program, the Three Rivers Project of Sierra Club Illinois, and the City of Alton. This project is supported by Trees Forever. Formerly a golf course and now a pedestrian and bicycle trail, the trail's stream banks are currently overrun with bush honeysuckle and autumn olive, both invasive plant species that hinder the growth of native trees and shrubs. “Participants will learn about habitat restoration efforts taking place in the local community,” Director of Environmental Education Sarah Fisher said. Bush honeysuckle impacts many

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SPRINGFIELD - Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White announced today that entry forms are available for the 18th annual Illinois Emerging Writers Competition Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award. “We created the Illinois Emerging Writers Competition to promote creative writing and provide an outlet for talented writers,” White said. “Great poems have the ability to enrich and enhance our lives, and I am looking forward to celebrating talented poets with this year’s competition.” The competition is named in honor of the late Pulitzer Prize-winning Illinois Poet Laureate Gwendolyn Brooks, and is co-sponsored by the Illinois Center for the Book and Illinois Poet Laureate Angela Jackson. The competition is open to Illinois residents age 18 and over. Entries must be postmarked by June 30, 2022. Cash prizes will be awarded for first ($500), second ($300) and third place ($100). Winning poems will be submitted for possible publication in the “Ninth

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PEORIA - Chris Manson and his 7-year-old daughter were hanging out at home when images from the war in Ukraine came on the television. Before he could change the channel, Manson was facing tough questions, as he puts it, from a young girl who was trying to understand the suffering she saw. Her words got Manson wondering if there was some way – even a small one – that people in central Illinois could do something to help. Working for one of the largest Catholic health care systems in the state of Illinois, it seemed a natural fit. At first, Manson just thought about sending medical supplies. To make sure they would be needed, he first contacted the Ukrainian consulate. Working in government relations for Peoria-based OSF HealthCare, Manson knew how to navigate the system to get the best answer. They enthusiastically accepted any offer of help and provided a list of the most critically-needed supplies, ones that were also easy to ship overseas. As he started t

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EAST ALTON - St. Louis Regional Airport Authority in East Alton, Illinois, is currently auctioning off a 1973 Cessna 150L aircraft, which is unregistered and unairworthy. This auction is open to the public at municibid.com and ends on Friday, April 15th. Illinois residents are able to bid in this government auction online, 24/7, on Municibid. This auction will help an Illinoian get a fantastic deal on the aircraft they always wanted! The St. Louis Regional Airport Authority is also auctioning off a Lycoming R-680-17 Radial Aircraft Engine (nine-cylinder, 225 HP). This auction is also open to the public at municibid.com and ends on Friday, April 15th. Why are these auctions important? All of the proceeds from these auctions is going right back into improving East Alton’s local community. 100% of the proceeds from these auctions go back to East Alton. These funds can be used for road maintenance, setting up local events for residents, community programs, public safety initiatives,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville i s hosting its first One Day, One SIUE 24-hour day of giving on Thursday, April 21. This event will bring together the entire SIUE community–students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community partners–to raise money for worthwhile causes across the University. The day will culminate with an evening celebration on the SIUE Stratton Quad as the campus lights up red at sunset. “As we chart our path forward, I invite you to participate in our first One Day, One SIUE 24-hour day of giving,” said Chancellor James T. Minor. “Your generous support in reaching our goal of $350,000 will help SIUE boldly advance in our mission to provide access, opportunity, and educational experiences for all individuals who seek something greater.” Beginning at midnight on Thursday, April 21, and continuing all day, the community is encouraged to make a gift at siueday.com . Contributions will support student scholarships,

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ALTON - Laura Laura Bastin (center) of Speech Therapy is Alton Memorial Hospital’s April Employee of the Month. Laura received the award on April 8 from Sue Walker (left), manager of the AMH Human Motion Institute; and Dave Braasch, AMH President. The nomination for Laura says: “She always goes above and beyond for her patients. Laura is also a great resource from a PT perspective. I have asked her multiple times to speak to patients that I was evaluating for PT who expressed concerns with speech or swallowing-related issues. "She always has a smile on her face and has an infectious laugh, making everyone smile around her. Even when she is extremely busy, she keeps a positive attitude and ensures that her patients receive the best treatments. It is an honor to work alongside Laura.”

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County homeowners can apply for up to $30,000 in assistance through the Illinois Homeowners Assistance Fund (ILHAF) starting Monday. “The state received federal funding to assist homeowners who are delinquent in paying their mortgage or about ready to lose their home due to the pandemic,” Madison County Community Development Chief Deputy Program Administrator Chris Otto said. Otto said the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) announced a $309 million fund that is available to help homeowners pay past due mortgage payments, property taxes, property insurance, and delinquent homeowner and/or condominium association fees. ILAF is targeting homeowners who have experienced financial hardships caused during COVID-19. Applicants must also currently own and occupy their home in Illinois as their primary residence, be at least 30 days late on their mortgage or other homeowner expenses, and have a household income at or below 150 percent of th

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GODFREY – With a three-day celebration for their grand opening and a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the RiverBend Growth Association, Reiniger Jewelers has officially arrived in the Riverbend. It is now open in the former Maneke Jewelers location in Alton at 1633 Washington Avenue. There were about 25 people on hand to join in the ribbon-cutting ceremony, including Alton Mayor David Goins and RBGA Member Engagement Director Stefanie Withers. The grand opening included refreshments, gifts for those who stopped in during its three-day celebration, a drawing for six different prizes, and the store’s grand prize of a $1,500 shopping spree. Owner and third-generation independent jeweler Paul Reiniger bought the Alton business from Charlie Maneke at the end of December 2021, just weeks after opening a third location in Effingham in November. “Paul knew Charlie was retiring in Alton, and he called him to see if he could buy any equipment for his new Effingham location

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EDWARDSVILLE — Watershed Nature Center announced the lineup for their Earth Day celebration event to take place on Saturday, April 23rd, 2022. Festivities begin at 8 a.m. with the BJC HealthCare Run Wild! 5k & Fun Run followed by the Native Plant Sale and Pollinator Discovery Day activities at 10 a.m. The last day to register and receive an event t-shirt is Saturday, April 9th. However, registration will remain open until April 23rd. Participants can pick up their registration packets from 7:30- 8:30 a.m. on the morning of the event. The BJC HealthCare Run Wild! 5k & Fun Run consists of three separate opportunities: a 5k through the Watershed and Madison County Transit trails, a virtual 5k, and a 1-mile fun run. The price of registration varies among the Run Wild! opportunities and includes several products and services provided by local businesses on the day of the event and cash or certificate prizes for the winners. “We are thrilled to be Edwardsville's home

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Anderson Hospital Foundation recently welcomed three new members to its Board of Directors: Jason Geminn, Prairie Farms Dairy, Inc., Chief Financial Officer Joseph Newman, Newman Carriers, Inc., President Nancy LeVault, Anderson Auxiliary, President Jason Geminn is an SIUE alumnus and joined Prairie Farms in 2010. In 2015 he was promoted to Chief Financial Officer where he now oversees the company’s Finance, Risk Management, and IT functions. Geminn has served on various Company boards and also previously served on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Accounting Advisory Board. Joe Newman is a lifelong resident of Edwardsville. His transport company, Newman Carriers, Inc., has 2 main terminals in Fairmont City, IL and Kankakee, IL, operating in 48 states, Canada and Mexico. He currently serves on several other boards including the executive board of the Illinois Trucking Association and Busey Bank Advisory Board. Nancy LeVault is the

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The Center Square – There’s an agreement on a state budget to spend the most taxpayer money in Illinois history, and the $45.6 billion plan includes temporary tax cuts, Democratic leaders said late Thursday. Republicans sought permanent tax relief. Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Senate President Don Harmon, D-Oak Park, and House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, announced Thursday evening they will pass a $45.6 billion spending plan just in time for the Friday adjournment date. Pritzker said there will be tax relief in the form of an extension of the earned income tax credit, a property tax rebate of up to $300 per household, an income tax rebate, and a freeze of the 1% grocery tax. There’ll also be a freeze of the looming 2 to 3 cent gas tax increase that’s set to kick in on July 1. The grocery and gas tax cuts will be temporary. “On groceries, a full year,” Pritzker said. “On gas, again, six months up to Jan. 1, and then we’ll

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WOOD RIVER – Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Oiler of the Month” program at EAWR High School. A senior student is selected each month by members of EAWR faculty. Each student is awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. The Seniors selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $1,000.00 “Oiler of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. March’s winner is Julian Marshall. Julian is a Senior at EAWR and is involved with football, baseball, wrestling, and Academic Challenge. Julian has received honors for High Honor Roll, Renaissance, Silver Medallion, Illinois State Scholar and is a member of the National Honors Society. After graduation, Julian plans to attend SIUE and look to obtain a degree in Pharmacy. Congratulations Julian and we all wish you good luck in your future! Midwest Members Credit Union has been serving your community for over 86 years. To find out more information about Midwest

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SPRINGFIELD – The state’s largest educator organization, the Illinois Education Association (IEA), today honored those with an outstanding commitment to their schools, their students, their communities and to public education. The awards were presented during the IEA Representative Assembly (RA). The RA is the legislative body of the IEA and helps the state’s largest union set its agenda for the year. There are 1,200 IEA delegates, guests and state dignitaries who attend the RA. “Each and every one of our members has gone above and beyond just by working in a school these past couple of years. We applaud all of our teachers, professors, nurses, secretaries, custodians, bus drivers and paraprofessionals. All of our hardworking education employees deserve recognition after making it through the second year of a global pandemic,” IEA President Kathi Griffin said. “We celebrate this year’s award recipients for taking what will likely be the most

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SPRINGFIELD — Governor JB Pritzker issued the following statement after the full passage of House Bill 246, which reforms nursing home rates to incentivize higher staffing levels and quality improvements at facilities. “For 45,000 vulnerable seniors in nursing homes across the state, the passage of HB 246 will mean improved care and accountability in the places they call home. For the first time, increased funding for nursing homes will be tied to staffing levels at these facilities, ensuring new funds go directly to improving care for our seniors instead of profit for owners and allowing us to hold bad actors accountable. This legislation is the product of more than a year of hard work led by my Department of Healthcare and Family Services along with our partners in the General Assembly, stakeholders, and industry leaders. I applaud their work to protect our seniors and the leadership of Senator Gillespie and Representative Moeller to move this bill forward in the General

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Raoul today issued the following statement on Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s historic confirmation to the United States Supreme Court. “I congratulate Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on her historic confirmation to the United States Supreme Court. I am the proud father of a daughter who aspires to go to law school, and today, I was able to tell her that the sky truly is the limit. Judge Jackson will be the first Black woman to serve as a justice of the Supreme Court, but she will not be the last. “I applaud the majority of senators who voted in support of today’s historic confirmation. It is unfortunate that, notwithstanding their votes in opposition, some members of the U.S. Senate could not even demonstrate a modicum of respect for the moment that has been afforded to all previous nominees by simply remaining in the chamber during the vote. I appreciate President Biden’s commitment and courage to making this historic appointment,

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BELLEVILLE - The Belleville Area Humane Society (BAHS) Bags for Wags fundraiser is back in person on Monday, May 23, 2022. Doors open at 6:00 pm and the program begins at 7:00 pm. The spacious St. Clair Country Club once again serves as a generous host for this mission-driven soirée. Tickets are on sale now for Bags for Wags 2022 and this event will sell out. Join your host, Courtney Landrum from 106.5 The Arch, and the BAHS team for the PURR-FECT PAWTY where BAHS will raffle off more than $10,000 worth of designer handbags, including bags from Gucci, Kate Spade, Burberry, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, and more! Purse raffle tickets are 1 for $25, 5 for $100, or 14 for $200. There will also be a curated live silent auction filled with vintage bags, fashion accessories, getaways, gift certificates, and more! Admission tickets are just $60 each and include reserved table seating, delicious eats, and two complimentary cocktail tickets. Please view sponsorship opportunities and help

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