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BETHALTO - Cathie Wells believes she was “destined” to work in education. Wells is a fourth grade teacher at Meadowbrook Intermediate School in the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8. Over the past 31 years at Meadowbrook, she has taught third and fourth grade, and she has enjoyed every minute. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she’s celebrating a great career in the field she loves. “I enjoy hearing my fourth graders’ laughter and seeing their smiles every day,” Wells said. “Those are the students that have made my job so fulfilling.” Wells always knew she wanted to work with children. When she got her first job as a teacher’s aide, she realized she was on the right track. Since then, she has spent the last few decades working with 9- and 10-year-olds in Bethalto and feeling certain that she is in the perfect field for her. She loves watching the kids experience “lightbulb” moments, when they finally

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PARK FOREST – Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly announced she is running to succeed Senator Dick Durbin in the United States Senate. Robin is a mom, a former mental health counselor, and a relentless advocate for safety and public health, who since 2013 has represented Illinoisans from urban, suburban, and rural communities in Congress. Now, Robin is running for the U.S. Senate to make Illinois safer from crime and gun violence, to lower costs for families, and tackle health inequities. “Every day, Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Congressional Republicans are targeting Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, and passing policies that raise costs for Illinois families, small businesses, and farmers,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. “This moment requires proven leaders who have the experience to take on the toughest battles. I’ve never backed down – not from gun lobbyists, not from MAGA extremists, and certainly not from a fight for what’s right.”

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GRANITE CITY – Two St. Louis residents face the same set of felony charges after a “planned fistfight” in Granite City turned into a shooting. Devon J.L. Kilbert, 20, and Antonio M. Kilbert, 20, both of St. Louis, were each charged on April 25, 2025 with Class X felony counts of aggravated battery with a firearm and Class 4 felony counts of aggravated unlawful possession of weapons. On April 23, 2025, Devon allegedly shot the victim, causing injury and great bodily harm to the victim. While Devon is accused of actually committing the shooting, Antonio was also charged because Devon is reportedly considered “one for who is legally responsible.” Devon’s possession of a Glock 23 handgun, and Antonio’s possession of a Glock 29 handgun, were unlawful as neither individual had a valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card or Concealed Carry License (CCL) at the time of the offense. A petition to deny Devon’s pretrial release

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Rotary Club has chosen to honor Edwardsville High School student Elias Gregory with the Student of the Month Award for April 2025. Elias was nominated by Edwardsville High School teacher, Ryan Lipscomb. Elias is the son of Erin Gregory. He is 17 years old and attends EHS. Elias is involved in multiple activities at the high school, including the Drama Club, Tri-M Music Honor Society, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. He was a member of the EHS Symphonic Band from November of 2021 through May of 2025. Elias was a member of Honors MPS and Senior Seminar for four semesters. He was the leading male role in Edwardsville High Schools’ production of Chicago . Volunteering is important to Elias. He was a volunteer at the EHS Tiger Town Orchestra in 2022, 2023, and 2024. He was an EHS Choir Volunteer in February and May of 2024. Additionally, he was a Veteran’s Day volunteer at the Taps Performance in November 2022. He also attended the Re-Dedication

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ROXANA — The Roxana High School boys 4x800 relay team set a new school record at the Triad Invitational on May 2, 2025. The Shells team completed the race in 8 minutes, 8.45 seconds, breaking the previous record of 8:17.27. Roxana's 4x800 squad now appears primed for conference and sectional competition. The foursome had not been used completely together until this meet. The relay team members were Wyatt Doyle, Anthony Hardin, Talon Blas, and Noah McVey. The new record highlights the team’s performance at the invitational held at Triad. Roxana head boys track and field coach Julie Akal sees great things ahead for the four boys in conference and sectional meets. The Cahokia Conference Meet for Roxana's boys is Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Chester High School. Roxana's sectional will be at Civic Memorial on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.

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ROXANA - Roxana High School’s Leah Newton broke a 20-year-old triple jump school record with a leap of 10.31 meters (33 feet, 10 inches) recently. Newton has been a standout athlete for the Shells in 2025, excelling in multiple events including the triple jump, high jump, hurdles, sprints, and relays. Leah is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month for the Shells. In addition to her record-breaking triple jump, Newton has posted a season-best high jump of 4 feet, 10 inches. She placed second in the high jump at the East Alton-Wood River Relays, the Roxana Home Co-ed Meet, and the Madison County Small Schools Championships. Newton also secured victories at the Roxana Home Co-ed Meet and the Madison County Small Schools Meet. Her personal records this season include a 14.24-second 100 meters, 1:08.83 in the 400 meters, 17.94 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles, and 56.04 seconds in the 300-meter hurdles. Roxana head girls' track and field coach Julie Akal commented

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BETHALTO - Janice Fee is preparing to retire, but her students aren’t getting rid of her just yet. Fee, a fifth grade teacher at Meadowbrook Intermediate in the Bethalto Community Unit School District #8, joked that her students are “kind of stuck with ” even after they graduate from her classroom. She continues advocating for her kids and watching them grow through their high school career. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she’s reflecting on how much she has enjoyed her 33 years of teaching. “I love their personalities!” Fee said of her students. “They become these little best friends that I love. I get to see them learn and grow up to be amazing adults.” Fee still remembers the “amazing teachers” she had as a child, and this inspired her to go into education. She wanted to pay homage to those educators and be a positive influence on kids as they grow up. Over the years, she has enjoyed watching her students mature

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HIGHLAND/JERSEYVILLE - The circus is coming to town. On May 27, 2025, in Jerseyville, and May 29, 2025, in Highland, community members can enjoy Carden Circus, an international act with motorcycle stunts, archery, aerialists, animals and more fun for people of all ages to enjoy. Arline Carden, the fifth-generation manager of the circus, promises a great time for families. “The circus is fun,” Carden said. “They’re really, really, really going to be excited to come and see it. If they come, I promise they’re not going to regret it. They’re going to be enjoying it so much.” In Jerseyville, the show starts at 7 p.m. on May 27 at American Legion Post 492. In Highland, community members can come at 7 p.m. on May 29 to the Madison County Fairgrounds. Carden suggests arriving an hour early to enjoy the preshow fun, with face-painting, inflatables, camel rides, pony rides, pictures with snakes and circus stars, and more. When the circus starts,

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WOOD RIVER - Devon Barboza, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, is being recognized for his dedication and achievements in baseball. Barboza, who has played the sport since tee-ball, credits his hard work and commitment both on the field and in the classroom for reaching this milestone. “I’ve always been a hard worker, whether it be for sports or school,” Barboza said. “I always make sure my grades are up and I don’t have missing assignments. I'm putting in work during the off time whether I feel like it or not.” Barboza is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of Month for the Oilers. Barboza expressed appreciation for the support he has received throughout his athletic career. “I would like to thank both of my parents for always making sure I was at practice and always supporting me. Also want to thank every coach I have had to help me get to this point,” he said. His current coach, Tim Bond, has played a significant

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WOOD RIVER - Jadyn Watson, a senior at East Alton-Wood River High School, has been recognized for her achievements in girls soccer, where she has played throughout her high school career. Watson credits her dedication and hard work both on the field and in the classroom as key factors in earning this recognition. She is a Midwest Members Credit Union Female Athlete of the Month. “I’ve been playing soccer for four years, and what I like most is building new friendships and working hard to improve,” Watson said. “Ball is life.” In addition to soccer, she serves as captain of her bowling team and is actively involved in clubs such as Big Sisters and the National Honor Society. Watson expressed gratitude to those who have supported her journey. “I’d like to thank my parents for making sure I know that I can achieve whatever I put my mind to. I’d also like to thank my best friend and Papa for showing me how to be the best person I can be,

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EDWARDSVILLE - Cassie Flynn does more than teach; she inspires students to care. Flynn is an art teacher at Edwardsville High School in the Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7. She works with students in grades nine through twelve to teach art techniques. This Teacher Appreciation Week, she’s reflecting on the hundreds of students she has worked with throughout her 18 years in the classroom. “My favorite part of teaching art is guiding students through the creative process,” Flynn explained. “Even though their artwork may not turn out as they hoped or planned, they always learn something — if nothing else, a deeper appreciation for the arts as they enter adulthood.” Flynn always loved art. As a high schooler, art classes became “really the reason” she attended school every day. When it was time for her to decide what she wanted to do in her career, she realized she received the most joy from creating and sharing art.

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GLEN CARBON — Father McGivney Catholic High School crowned seniors Kylie Becker and Brock Holzinger as prom queen and king during the school’s prom on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Becker, the daughter of Brian and Amy Becker of Highland, has been recognized as a respected leader both academically and socially. She is involved in tennis, National Honor Society, Spanish Club, Art Club, and has served as a House leader. The school highlighted her participation in the McGivney Mission Trip to New Orleans as one of her most meaningful experiences, where she helped serve others while building lasting memories. Outside of school, Becker enjoys spending time with family and friends, cooking, and reading. She looks forward to traveling and exploring future opportunities. Holzinger, son of Duane and Ruth Holzinger of Highland, is known for his enthusiasm, leadership, and school spirit. His activities include the Announcement Team, Drama Club, Liturgical Ministry, Math Team, Scholar

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COLLINSVILLE – Illinois State Police (ISP) Troop 8 Commander Captain Casey Faro announces the results of Roadside Safety Checks (RSC) held in Madison and St. Clair counties in April. Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Citations: 1 Other Alcohol/Drug Citations: 11 Occupant Restraint Offenses: 21 Registration Offenses: 21 Driver’s License Offenses: 21 Insurance Violations: 12 Total Citations/Arrests: 78 Total Written Warnings: 25 Alcohol and drug impairment are estimated to be a factor in more than 47% of all fatal motor vehicle crashes in Illinois. There is one alcohol-related traffic fatality every 39 minutes in the United States. RSCs are designed to keep our roads safe by taking dangerous DUI offenders off the road. This project was funded through the Illinois Department of Transportation.

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SPRINGFIELD – While a hurricane won’t hit Illinois, some tropical storm remnants move far inland to cause flooding and wind damage. “I know it’s unusual to ask Illinoisans to be prepared for hurricane season June 1 – November 1, but the Midwest could feel the effects of any strong hurricane,” said Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS) Interim Director Khayyat. “It was just last year that the remnants of Hurricane Helene brought damaging winds, heavy rain, and flooding to our state,” Khayyat continued. “This is why IEMA-OHS continuously monitors the National Weather Service forecasts so we are prepared if severe weather tracks from the coast into Illinois.” Residents are encouraged to subscribe to weather alerts through a local National Weather Service office and/or their local media. That is good advice whether you are susceptible to hurricane remnants or if you plan to travel to

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is accepting applications for Illinois Natural Areas Stewardship grants through June 13, 2025. Eligible applicants are conservation land trusts exempt from taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the federal Internal Revenue Code and whose originating documents include in its purposes the restoration and stewardship of land for conservation purposes. The goal of the grant program is to increase the delivery of much-needed stewardship activities to natural areas protected within the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission (INPC) system. Stewardship needs at natural areas throughout the state have continued to outpace the ability to deliver these services by individuals, volunteers, organizations, and government agencies. This grant program is designed to fund projects that immediately address this deficiency and begin to expand on the stewardship capacity of conservation land trusts through grants that will expand

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ST. LOUIS — After two years of intensive collaboration, the City of St. Louis and the STL Vacancy Collaborative (STLVC) invite everyone to attend the final Vacancy Strategy Initiative (VSI) Quarterly Convening on Wednesday, May 7 , from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Deaconess Foundation (1000 N. Vandeventer Ave.). The “VSI Quarterly Convening: The State of Vacancy in St. Louis City” free event will offer a first look at the upcoming Vacancy Strategy Initiative Report, featuring new data and trends on vacancy rates in the City, and new strategies for preventing, stabilizing, and reusing vacant properties citywide. The VSI brought together over a dozen City of St. Louis departments, and hundreds of community members—who participated in eight public outreach events—to create a coordinated, data-driven plan to reduce vacancy and strengthen neighborhoods. Vacancy remains one of the most urgent and visible challenges in the City of St. Louis. Today, there are over

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police and motorcycle safety advocates are reminding all users of the road to “Start Seeing Motorcycles” as part of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. “We want every driver and every motorcyclist to share and safely enjoy Illinois roads,” said Stephane B. Seck-Birhame , IDOT’s bureau chief of Safety Programs and Engineering. “Don't take risks, always obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits and lane markings, and never drive or ride impaired.” The Start Seeing Motorcycles campaign coincides with the arrival of warmer weather and more motorcyclists on the roads. During the riding season, Start Seeing Motorcycles banners and yard signs will be on display throughout the state, reminding the public to always stay alert for motorcycles. With more than 150 deaths in Illinois each year, motorcyclists are significantly overrepresented in traffic crashes and fatalities.

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College is hosting a girls’ volleyball clinic this summer in the George C. Terry River Bend Arena on the Godfrey Campus. The first session for 5th-8th grade students takes place June 16-18, 2025, and the second session for 9th-12th grade students takes place June 23-25. Sessions are 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. each day and will cover skills including passing, digging, setting, hitting, blocking and serving. The cost is $150 and includes a t-shirt. "Our all-skills clinics are a great opportunity for young athletes to grow their game, build confidence, and develop a real love for volleyball,” Head Volleyball Coach Jenna Brown said. “Whether you're just starting out or looking to fine-tune your technique, we’re excited to help each player take the next step." Register online at https://lcedu.jotform.com/250784912422154 . For more information about the clinics, contact Brown at jekbrown@lc.edu . Learn more about L&C’s

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) released a new video inviting Canadian travelers to visit Illinois, reaffirming the state’s strong relationship with Canada as a key tourism partner. In celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week (May 4–10), Governor Pritzker emphasized Canadian tourists’ significant role in supporting local businesses and cultural attractions statewide. “I don’t blame anyone from Canada whose appetite for visiting the U.S. might have soured—with our current president and the shameful way he’s represented us on the national stage as of late. But as Governor, and self-designated chief marketing officer of Illinois, I want to reassure you that we’re as eager as ever to have you come here,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “Here in Illinois, we’re ready and eager to prove that Midwest nice is the closest thing to Canadian

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WATERLOO – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that pavement preservation operations on Illinois 3 from Market Street to Vanderbrook Drive will begin, weather permitting, Monday, May 12, 2025. One lane will remain open in each direction during construction activities. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this time. 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 work is anticipated to be completed by mid-summer.

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