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EAST ALTON – For over a decade, volunteers with the Illinois RiverWatch program, part of the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC sm ), has been monitoring mussel populations in the Upper Sangamon River. Last year, in collaboration with the Upper Sangamon River Conservancy, the Missouri Botanical Gardens and the St. Louis Zoo, the Illinois RiverWatch program started a new 10-year project with funding from the Living Earth Collaborative. “This summer, volunteers are needed to help collect and identify mussel species,” said Danelle Haake, Illinois RiverWatch Director and Stream Ecologist. “For this project to be successful, 20 to 50 volunteers are needed to help collect mussels during each of the sampling dates.” Each mussel collected will be identified, weighed, measured, photographed and released. Genetic sampling will also be done on two focal species in the river basin, the pistolgrip and round pig-toe mussel. The

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CHICAGO — The U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals today ordered the lower court to vacate the 1972 Shakman Consent Decree, citing Governor Pritzker’s significant progress “instituting and supporting several remedial measures in recent years to minimize the risk of political patronage in employment practices.” The ruling acknowledges that the administration has instituted long-term policies and procedures that will ensure “compliance sticks.” This ruling means the state will no longer be under federal court supervision related to hiring practices, saving taxpayer dollars and ensuring state government can better serve the people. “I’m gratified that the Court recognized my commitment to hiring practices that fully live up to the principles of the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “From the time that I took office, my administration has worked to strengthen the state’s hiring practices and ensure

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GODFREY - Did you hear? The Monarch butterfly has been put on the endangered species list. They have been listed as endangered due to the lack of high-quality habitat available as they migrate in the spring and fall. By adding a few native plants to your yard, you can help to make it a refuge for visiting wildlife. This year at The Nature Institute’s Wildflower Market, many species of flowering plants will be available for purchase. All of these plants will help make your yard a habitat hotspot for pollinators like the Monarch. The Nature Institute (TNI), located in Godfrey, IL, has provided the community with native plants at its annual plant sale since the year 2000. On Saturday, August 27, 2022, from 9 am to 12 pm, TNI and Lewis and Clark’s Restoration Ecology Program will provide many species of native plants to the community at its annual Wildflower Market. The Wildflower Market will be located at TNI’s greenhouse at the corner of Levis Lane and South Levis

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MASCOUTAH, IL. - A construction project began on August 1 by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) will provide improved access to MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) and the new Boeing Production Facility currently being built next to the airport. The project will include a new signalized entrance to the Boeing Production Facility, widening of IL Route 4 for turn lanes at this new entrance, signalization of the existing entrance to MidAmerica Airport at Airport Blvd, and improvements to the roadside drainage ditches along IL Route 4 in areas previously prone to flooding. In September 2021, Boeing began constructing a new aircraft production facility along IL Route 4 on MidAmerica St. Louis Airport property. Before this construction, in 2020, MidAmerica St. Louis Airport commissioned a Traffic Impact Study to determine the impacts on IL Route 4 of the proposed new Boeing Production Facility. The study indicated a need for traffic signals at the facility entrance and the

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GLEN CARBON - What? Shake the dust off your clothes and get back to the office? About a month ago I was talking with my executive assistant, and we both noted how long it has been since we went out to an event. It had been a while for both of us - about two years. It had been so long that we actually had to shake the dust off our suits. I started thinking about the need to go into the workplace. When you think about staff working from home, what are you thinking? Hmm…maybe they are in their pajamas watching TV or playing video games on their laptops? Well, my view is quite the opposite. Since the pandemic and even before, I allowed my staff to work from home and here are my findings. Staff increased productivity more than when they were working in the office. It’s like getting an extra day’s work from each employee. They said they took shorter breaks and HR discovered staff was taking fewer sick days and took less time off. They also reported higher job satisfaction

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ALTON - The James Killion Beautification & Enhancement Committee is "super excited" to once again bring back Movie Nights at James Killion Park on Saturdays in August. The first movie on Saturday, Aug. 6 is “Raya and the Last Dragon.” The opening week is followed by: 8-13-22 - “The Good Dinosaur.” 8-20-22 - “The Bad Guys.” 08-27-22 - “Spider-Man - No Way Home.” The James Killion Committee above consists of om the front row left to right: Sheila Goins, Rosetta Brown, and Christal Love. In the back row, are, from left, Abe Lee Barham, Cassie Gray, Karyn Clanton, and Cas Sheppard. “With successful Movie Nights last year in 2021, we thought it best to bring it back this year,” Goins said. “We had some amazing sponsors step up to make it happen for the youth of our community.” Coleman Campers is the first Movie Night sponsor, then Aug. 13, the sponsor is Gay and Barry Julian, the third movie on Aug. 20 is sponsored

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CHICAGO — The U.S. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals today ordered the lower court to vacate the 1972 Shakman Consent Decree, citing Governor Pritzker’s significant progress “instituting and supporting several remedial measures in recent years to minimize the risk of political patronage in employment practices.” The ruling acknowledges that the administration has instituted long-term policies and procedures that will ensure “compliance sticks.” This ruling means the state will no longer be under federal court supervision related to hiring practices, saving taxpayer dollars and ensuring state government can better serve the people. “I’m gratified that the Court recognized my commitment to hiring practices that fully live up to the principles of the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions,” said Gov. JB Pritzker. “From the time that I took office, my administration has worked to strengthen the state’s hiring practices and ensure

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined two separate coalitions of attorneys general supporting LGBTQ+ students against discrimination in the classroom, filing legal briefs opposing an Indiana school district’s efforts to bar a transgender student from using the restroom consistent with the student’s gender identity and against Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay” law, which limits classroom discussions and has serious implications for LGBTQ+ students. “Across the country, we are seeing increased attacks on the rights of LGBTQ+ youth,” Raoul said. “Discrimination has no place in the classroom – period. I will continue to work with fellow attorneys general from across the country to stand up for the rights of all students and will vehemently oppose unjust policies that jeopardize the education and emotional and physical well-being of LGBTQ+ students.” Raoul joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general in filing

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GLEN CARBON - T&C Ultrasound opened for business this week after holding a ceremonial ribbon cutting for their brand new business. About The Business: We are a family-owned ultrasound imaging studio. Newly opened in January. We provide quality images for expecting mothers in 2D/3D/4D and HD Live. We offer a multitude of different packages that can be customized to each mother's expectations. We are here to curate an experience for our clients unlike any other. We aim to please every person that comes through our doors by giving them a great experience and images to take home and share with their families. About The Team: This was a completely new journey for all of us. We weren't expecting to open up such a blessing in disguise until the opportunity presented itself, and we knew it was the path we needed to be on. Our team consists of 5 major people that help make T & C all that it is. Our names are Chuck and Thomas, we are the owners of the business. Macy, Diane, and Rebecca

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ST. LOUIS - Today, Municipal Courts Administrative Judge Newton McCoy signed a dismissal order for more than 24,000 older, low-level cases at the municipal court. The cancellation, which happens annually, allows the Municipal Courts to turn their focus to more serious crimes while freeing up cases from the records of St. Louisans, which can impede employment, housing, and more. The cases pre-date July 1, 2018. Municipal offenses like DWI’s, DUIs, leaving the scene, and dumping in unlicensed areas are ineligible for dismissal. “This annual dismissal helps the court do its job more efficiently in the months ahead,” said Administrative City Court Judge Newton McCoy. “City Court is also pleased to support our public safety mission by offering our Warrant Reset Day program for the fifth consecutive year.” The dismissal comes as St. Louis announces its fifth consecutive Warrant Reset Days, a proactive initiative designed to reduce the backlog of 160,000 outstanding

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced a total of $4,957,465 in U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) grants to support Head Start services for children under the age of five in receiving wrap-around support in early learning and development. The two recipients of these grants are Community Action Agency for McHenry County, Inc., receiving $2,919,470, and Proviso Leyden Council for Community Actions, Inc., receiving $2,037,995. “Head Start is a federal investment that has put young kids on the path to lifelong success through programming that supports their early learning, health, and family well-being,” said Durbin. “With this federal support, I hope to see these organizations expand and fortify their existing programming to help Illinois families thrive.” “Head Start and Early Head Start programs are crucial for kids throughout Illinois to have the tools

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FLORISSANT, MO. - On July 12, 2022, Yvonne Campbell departed this life while doing something she loved, vacationing in Montego Bay, Jamaica, with her family. There was immediate support from the community , her friends and family, and beloved customers of her business My Just Desserts. All these people met to celebrate Campbell's life on Friday, August 5, at Shalom Church (City of Peace). Hundreds of people came to that church in Florissant to celebrate her life and show their support for Yvonne and her family. Visitation was held from 9 a.m. to the time of service at 11 a.m. Shalom Church's full choir kicked off the service with songs starting around 10:45 a.m. Shortly after ministers Terrence Clark and LaJuana Morris each gave a scripture reading. That was followed by minister Juanita Robinson leading the family and guests into prayer before another musical selection from the choir. After that Shalom Church gave their acknowledgments and condolences before the special tributes

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ALTON - The Annual Alton Fourth Ward Annual Book Bag Giveaway is from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, at Hellrung Park in Alton. There will be enough items for 300 children at the book-bag event on a first-come, first-serve basis. "As the Alderwoman of the Fourth Ward, I see the need to serve the youth in my ward who are seldom underserved," Brown said. "Giving them the tools necessary to have a quality education is of utmost importance. I, along with other concerned citizens are helping to make this happen." Brown said a speaker from the Alton Middle School and Ameren Illinois will engage the students on the importance of a good education. "Representatives from area businesses will be there to give our youth items to assist them in being successful in school," she said. "Food will be served. Everything is free." The event is sponsored by Brown, community sponsors, and Kennedy Smith.

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WOOD RIVER - The Wood River Police Department received notification that a male subject, identified as Vernon L. Law is considered a missing person as of July 27, 2022. Law was last seen at 2:40 p.m. on July 21, 2022, by a coworker, departing Economy Boat Store, 200 S. Amoco Road, Wood River. Law worked as a deckhand on the riverboat "Kevin Michael." Law left property on the boat. His wallet and identification were not left behind. He possibly left with these items in his possession. Vernon is from Chester, Illinois, with associates in Columbia, Illinois, and O’Fallon, Missouri. Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said Vernon L. Law was last seen wearing a blue t-shirt, blue jeans, and work boots. A check of his cellphone has been conducted. The last time his phone was active was on 2:40 p.m. July 21, 2022, in Wood River, Illinois. Investigators with the Wood River Police Department found a video of Vernon L. Law walking southbound on Illinois Route #3 in Hartford Illinois,

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ST. LOUIS — The American Red Cross shelter in East St. Louis closed at 10 a.m. today (Friday). The individuals staying at the shelter at Mason Clark Middle School 5510 State St. have found other places to stay. One individual stayed there last night. The shelter at St. Vincent Community Center, 7335 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Louis, MO, remains open. Twelve individuals stayed there last night. The American Red Cross provided a shelter for a total of 13 people, Thursday night, impacted by recent flooding in the St. Louis area. Since opening a shelter in the metro on Tuesday, July 26, the Red Cross has provided for a total of 217 overnight stays. Multi-Agency Resource Centers are available to anyone impacted by recent floods. These centers (MARCs) are “one-stop shops” for people needing assistance to recover from flooding. The Red Cross and partner agencies registered and assisted: 800 people representing 279 families at Tuesday’s MARC in Wentzville, MO

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ALTON – OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center in Alton will have one last celebration before school starts on August 6 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This free event is open to the entire community. There will be a fire truck, MICU ambulance, UPS truck, K-9 unit, shark dissection, vaping danger education and many more fun activities. Hot dogs and snow cones will be available. School supplies including paper, pens, pencils and crayons will be available to the first 300 kids ages 4-12. OSF Saint Anthony’s is hosting this event to build up the community after a difficult couple of years. OSF Mission Partners (employees) hope to educate and provide services to kids in their community through fun games and family activities. Some competitions include a self-portrait contest and bean bag toss. The event is sponsored by Dwight and Cheryl Werts in partnership with: Alton Police Department Alton Fire Department ARCH Helicopter Boys and Girls Club of Alton Lakeside EM

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CHICAGO – It's been almost a week since a single Mega Millions ticket sold in Illinois won the third largest jackpot of all time, an incredible windfall of $1.337 billion. Everyone is wondering who the lucky winner is - and the Illinois Lottery is also still wondering, as the winner is yet to come forward. "For a prize of this magnitude, it's not unusual for the winner to take a while to claim," said Illinois Lottery Director, Harold Mays. "I'm sure they're going through a range of emotions." The Lottery has three key pieces of advice for the lucky winner on what to do next: Sign the back of the ticket and keep it somewhere safe Seek professional financial and legal advice Call the Lottery Player Hotline on 1-800-252-1775 to arrange a private appointment to claim the prize. For more information on what happens after a big win, the Lottery has provided a helpful Winner's Handbook, which is available for download on the Illinois Lottery website . Lottery winners of prizes

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ALTON - The holiday transformation of Rock Spring Park in Alton will begin in early September, and new Christmas Wonderland volunteers are always needed to help put together displays to ensure the holidays sparkle in 2022. An informational meeting for volunteers is planned for 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 9 at Meunstermann Pavilion in Gordon Moore Park, Alton. The Grandpa Gang, which coordinates the annual Christmas event, is looking for volunteers to help with tasks like setting up wooden displays and hanging lights throughout the park. Volunteers are able to work any time between 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday and work continues through the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. Volunteers are not required to work each day of set up. Set up in the park is expected to begin Monday, Sept. 12 at 8 a.m. If interested in volunteering but unable to attend the August 9 meeting, volunteers should contact Dick Alford at 618-781-2482 or Dave Davis at 618-419-1969. “We always look forward

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JERSEYVILLE - Active work continues on Illinois American Water's new Jerseyville Distribution Center. Above and below are photos of the steel erection and the start of interior construction. Illinois American Water previously announced the construction of a new operations and distribution facility in Jerseyville. Karen Cotton, a spokesperson for Illinois American Water, said the new facility will be located at 501 Mound Street in Jerseyville. She added that this is an additional investment in the region of approximately $8 million. "Construction is underway for the new facility which will support improved operational efficiencies and excellent customer service," she said. "The 16,000-square-foot facility will include a customer payment window, maintenance garage with six garage bays, storage of tools and equipment, and dedicated operations and maintenance areas."

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ALTON - Ameren Illinois spokesperson Brian Bretsch once again praised the linemen and field personnel for their dedicated work to restore power Wednesday and into Thursday after a serious storm left thousands in the dark. "I can never say enough about them," Bretsch said of the linemen and field personnel. "When Mother Nature throws a curve ball with rain and wind, I think our group always does their best work for family and neighbors. They take great pride in restoring power as safely and efficiently as possible." Ameren Ilinois spokesperson Brian Bretsch said the areas of Brighton and Bunker Hill had about 1,600 customers out Wednesday for 25 minutes after a breaker inside a substation tripped, but they were able to close it and those customers were back on. Bretsch said the Wednesday outage impacted 2,000 customers around Alton (Alton (1,700) Cottage Hills (50) and Godfrey (235). East Alton had about 930 without power and there were an estimated 70 in Wood River. Storms knocked

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