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SPRINGFIELD – New results from two statewide surveys show Illinois’ educator shortage crisis is easing. The Illinois State Board of Education attributes the progress to comprehensive statewide efforts to address teacher shortages, which include the largest-ever state investment in addressing teacher vacancies. The state’s Teacher Vacancy Grants provided $45 million per year in FY 2024 and FY 2025 to the 170 districts with the greatest numbers of unfilled teaching positions. Grantee districts have utilized the funds to implement evidence-based strategies to address local challenges to teacher recruitment and retention. Early results have shown improved recruitment and retention in the state's most understaffed school districts, including the hiring of nearly 5,400 new teachers, the retention of approximately 11,000 additional educators, and support for approximately 1,500 non-certified staff to pursue licensure and 450 certified staff to pursue further endorsements.

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Letter To The Editor: I strongly recommend that you vote for Carolyn MacAfee for 2nd Ward Alderwoman. She has done an excellent job as Alderwoman and as many know, she has excelled in focusing on the many details of the city, including working tenaciously to help the city maintain our parks, so that they are inviting to our citizens and the tens of thousands of visitors, Alton has each year. She is well respected in our community and has become the city of Alton, Mayor Pro-Tem. Ms. MacAfee also serves on the Park Board, has been a 35-year member of "Pride" and serves as co-chair of Alton's "Pride" awards. She was a devoted volunteer with the past Caravan resale sale shop which benefited the Oasis Women's center. Ms. MacAfee was the past chairman of the city beautification and clean city commission. This is a woman who you frequently see every day, walking in her ward and other areas of the city, picking up litter and communicating with residents. She is very dedicated and focused

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ST. LOUIS – The Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri (GSEM) are proud to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Saint Louis University (SLU) to provide a new scholarship opportunity for Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri who wish to pursue higher education as part of the ADVANCE HER© Leadership Movement Program. Starting in fall 2026, the scholarship program will provide opportunities for GSEM Girl Scout high school graduates who enroll at SLU to receive a minimum of a $30,000 renewable scholarship. This is GSEM’s fifth collegial partnership and largest scholarship opportunity to date available through the Girl Scouts’ newly implemented ADVANCE HER© Leadership Movement Program to promote academic and professional development to succeed in college and beyond. To be eligible for the GSEM-SLU renewable scholarship award, students must: Meet SLU’s admission standards Maintain full-time student status (completion of at least 24 credit hours annually) Maintai

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MARYVILLE - Dan Rojek, Director of Surgical Services, is excited to announce the addition of the Da Vinci 5 robotic surgery system to its cutting-edge surgical technology lineup. The Da Vinci 5 is the most powerful and fully integrated system to date, designed to deliver better patient outcomes while lowering the cost of care. Anderson Hospital launched the new system last week with general surgeon, Dr. David Chung, having the honors of being the first surgery case. With the third busiest single robot surgery program in Illinois, Anderson Hospital has been at the forefront of minimally invasive procedures, offering advanced care to the communities we serve since September 2010. The addition of the Da Vinci 5 expands the capabilities of our robotic surgery program, further enhancing our robotic volumes. “This investment in state-of-the-art technology reaffirms our commitment to providing the highest level of care,” said Rojek. “The Da Vinci 5 will allow us to continu

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ALTON - Community members have the chance to meet the candidates for the Alton Community Unit School District #11 Board of Education. The Alton School Board Candidates Forum will be held tonight, March 10, 2025, at the YWCA in Alton. Starting at 7 p.m., the forum will introduce each candidate and allow them to answer questions ahead of the consolidated election on April 1, 2025. The forum is hosted by the YWCA and the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW). “School board elections play a crucial role in shaping policies that affect students, teachers, and families,” YWCA and NCNW said in a statement. “This forum gives voters the opportunity to engage with candidates, ask questions, and make informed decisions at the ballot box.” There are four ACUSD11 Board of Education seats up for grabs. Current Board members Christina Milien, Tiana Gipson and Barry Macias are defending their seats. Jack Cox, Aline Russell and Jason Harrison are the challengers. Th

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ST. LOUIS – The American Red Cross is partnering with St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the St. Louis Cardinals on a blood drive in honor of local area first responders on Thursday, March 13, from 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. at Busch Stadium, Cunningham Corner, 700 Clark St., in St. Louis (Gate 4). In 2022, St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (SLMPD) teamed up with the Red Cross to host a blood drive in honor of SLMPD officers Colin Ledbetter and Nathan Spiess, who were injured in the line of duty. Both were shot while on duty and needed blood transfusions due to their injuries, with Officer Ledbetter needing 39 units of whole blood to save his life. Ledbetter and Spies both recovered. Since the incident, Ledbetter has become a regular blood donor as his way to give back to the community. “I saw firsthand how blood donation can save lives,” said Ledbetter. “39 people I don’t know donated blood used to save me. Blood saves lives. It save

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) seeks individuals or families interested in starting their own garden to raise fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers in a community setting. The IDOA’s Community Garden is located on the infield of the Illinois State Fair Grandstand racetrack and features 200 garden plots. Of those plots, 100 are designated for organic gardening, and the remaining 100 plots are assigned for non-organic gardening. “We are excited to offer space on the Illinois State Fairgrounds to people interested in growing their own food,” said IDOA Director Jerry Costello II . “This is a low-cost solution for those with limited yard space who still want to plant a garden.” Each plot costs $20 and can be tilled for you for an additional charge. The Department will supply water and compost free of charge. Those interested in participating in the 2025 growing season are encouraged to fill out a garden application on the

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is partnering with Wooden It Be Lovely for an exhibit of six refurbished chairs at the Dana-Thomas House State Historic Site in Springfield during March for Women’s History Month. The chairs were hand-painted by the women at Wooden It Be Lovely , which offers transitional employment, housing and support to women healing from poverty, addiction, and abuse. The organization also offers jobs, mentoring, recovery tools, education, networking and a safe community. The women in the program are employed to refurbish and sell donated wooden furniture, sew unique products and craft hand-poured candles. This transitional employment empowers women to move toward economic stability and enhanced well-being for themselves and their children. “Wooden It Be Lovely is so honored to be invited to show some of our work at the Dana-Thomas House,” said the Rev. Margaret Ann Jessup, executive director of Wooden

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Did you know that tourism accounts for around 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions? As the world becomes more aware of climate change and its effects, the travel industry is taking significant steps towards sustainability. Travelers are increasingly seeking out eco-friendly destinations that not only minimize their carbon footprint but also contribute positively to local communities and ecosystems. If you're looking to travel responsibly this spring, consider these top eco-friendly destinations that promise both adventure and a commitment to conservation. Costa Rica: A Green Paradise Costa Rica has long been celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity and commitment to sustainability. With over 25% of its territory designated as protected areas, this Central American gem is a pioneer in eco-tourism. Visitors can explore lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and active volcanoes while participating in conservation activities like turtle nesting programs and reforestation projects.

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SPRINGFIELD – Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois is celebrating one hundred years of providing services to people of all faiths throughout the 28-county Springfield Diocese in Central Illinois. On March 1,1925, Bishop James A. Griffin hired a social worker, Miss Elizabeth Kuhlman, as the first and only Catholic Charities employee. Miss Kuhlman was charged with bringing help and relief to the suffering in the Springfield community. In addition, Ms. Kuhlman was elected president of another new organization started by Bishop Griffin, the Society of Ladies of Charity. The sole mission of the Ladies of Charity was to provide material support to the new Catholic Charities office. The Ladies of Charity provided blankets and clothing to be given to the needy and paid monthly dues of ten cents to provide financial aid to the poor served by Catholic Charities. It was Bishop Griffin’ desire to establish Catholic Charities in the City of Springfield and

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Did you know that students today have access to more information in a single day than an individual in the 18th century would encounter in a lifetime? This exponential growth in information accessibility is just one facet of how technology has transformed the educational landscape. In modern classrooms, technology is not merely an add-on; it is a central pillar that shapes the way educators teach and students learn. From interactive whiteboards to online learning platforms, the integration of technology in education has fundamentally altered the dynamics of learning, making it more engaging, personalized, and accessible. Redefining Learning Environments Gone are the days of the traditional classroom, where students passively received information from a teacher at the front of the room. Technology has redefined the learning environment, fostering a more interactive and collaborative space. With tools like smartboards, tablets, and virtual reality headsets, students can engage with

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March 10 has been a significant date throughout history, marked by various transformative events across the globe. 1. The Great Blizzard of 1888 On March 10, 1888, the northeastern United States was hit by one of the most severe blizzards in American history. Known as the Great Blizzard of 1888, this storm paralyzed cities from the Mid-Atlantic to New England, affecting transportation and communication for days. Over 400 people lost their lives, and the event led to significant changes in weather forecasting and emergency preparedness in urban areas. The blizzard remains a stark reminder of nature's power and unpredictability. 2. The Discovery of the Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation (1965) In a groundbreaking scientific achievement, March 10, 1965, marked the day when Arno Penzias and Robert Wilson discovered the cosmic microwave background radiation, providing critical evidence for the Big Bang theory. This discovery transformed our understanding of the universe's origins

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Did you know that the average American gym membership costs about $60 a month? Over a year, that amounts to a staggering $720, not including the extra expenses like travel, clothing, or supplements. Yet, many people abandon their memberships just a few months in, often due to inconvenience or lack of motivation. Imagine if you could have a fully functional gym right in your home, without the hefty price tag. Setting up a home gym on a budget is not only possible; it can be a game changer in your fitness journey. Assessing Your Space and Needs Before diving into purchases, take a moment to evaluate your available space and personal fitness goals. Do you have a spare room, a basement, a garage, or even a corner of your living room? Understanding your space will guide your decisions about what equipment you'll need. Additionally, consider what types of workouts you enjoy. Are you into strength training, cardio, yoga, or a mix of everything? Tailoring your home gym to your preferences

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Letter To The Editor: Once again, Bill Dettmers resorts to his usual approach—running up legal fees, creating chaos, but offering no real solutions. Every time he doesn’t get his way, he resorts to bomb-throwing and threats of court action. Leadership isn’t about tearing things down; it’s about building a better future. If Dettmers were truly invested in progress, he would participate in forwarding a Plan B instead of just criticizing Plan A. The facts speak for themselves: Wood River is making tangible progress. The City now has the highest EAV in its history, and the lowest tax rate in over 30 years, keeping costs in check while investing in key improvements. In the past few years alone, we’ve made substantial strides in revitalizing our community. It’s progress as promised. 2025 will see another half million dollar round of sidewalk repairs. We’ve supported downtown development with substantial increase in car and foot traffic from new

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JERSEY COUNTY — The Jersey County Sheriff's Office is investigating a motorcycle crash on Illinois Route 3 and Newbern Road near Grafton on Sunday, March 9, 2025. According to Jersey County Sheriff Nick Manns, the incident involved two motorcycles. As a result of the collision, he said two individuals, ages 22 and 37, sustained injuries and were airlifted to St. Louis University Hospital via ARCH medical helicopter. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.

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WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, met with members of the Joint Action Committee for Political Affairs (JACPAC). JACPAC is a national organization dedicated to supporting issues reflective of Jewish values, including promoting strong U.S.-Israel relations, combating antisemitism, and supporting reproductive rights, gun violence prevention, and separation of religion and state. On the meeting, Durbin released the following statement: “After yesterday’s committee hearing on antisemitism, I’m grateful to meet with Jewish leaders in my office today. The surge in threats and violence against Jewish Americans after Hamas’s horrific October 2023 attack in Israel is deeply disturbing. Hateful rhetoric and threats have no place in our country, no matter the ideology or person it stems from—even if from the powerful people in our nation. “I will continue to condemn

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs (SVAC)—led her fellow Democratic colleagues in demanding answers from President Donald Trump and Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins on their indiscriminate purge of Veterans and VA employees, including staff who help operate the Veterans Crisis Line (VCL), under the direction of unelected co-president Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency. Veterans make up more than 30 percent of the federal workforce and it is estimated that the Trump Administration has already fired more than 6,000 men and women who have served in uniform. Duckworth and her fellow lawmakers are calling on Trump and Secretary Collins to immediately outline how many Veterans and VA employees have been fired since the start of this Administration and to tell the truth about how the VCL has been impacted by these terminations. For

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ST. LOUIS - The Chinese lantern festival, Animals Aglow presented by Wells Fargo is returning to illuminate the Saint Louis Zoo for its second year running with dozens of new, towering lanterns and light displays. Animals Aglow celebrates the culture, art, and beauty of traditional lantern festivals celebrated in China for centuries. During the nighttime festival’s first year in 2024, more than 131,000 guests bought tickets to enjoy larger-than-life lanterns in the shape of plants, wildlife and mythical creatures. Animals Aglow is returning with nearly all-new lanterns this year. Guests will enjoy more than 60 glowing displays, nightly cultural performances and specialty food and beverage available for purchase. This year’s festival celebrates wildlife from three regions—Africa, South America and The Arctic—and will feature a section dedicated to traditional Chinese lanterns and folklore. Displays this year include: A nearly 100-foot-long tunnel made

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EDWARDSVILLE – Edwardsville Neighbors, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families in District 7 experiencing medical or emergency crises, is proud to announce a new scholarship program for high school seniors. This $2,500 scholarship will be awarded to two deserving students who demonstrate a passion for giving back to their community. The scholarship, designed to recognize young philanthropists, reflects Edwardsville Neighbors' commitment to fostering the next generation of community leaders. Eligible applicants must be seniors graduating in 2025, planning to attend either a college or trade school in the fall. To apply, students will need to submit a 500-word essay describing what philanthropy means to them and how they have made a positive impact on their community. “We are excited to support the next generation carrying forward the values of community service and compassion,” said Katie Wigton, President of Edwardsville Neighbors. “Our

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This March, celebrate National Nutrition Month® by raising a glass of cold milk. Count on dairy to bring together a wide range of food to create delicious, nutritious meals. These meals, in turn, connect us to family, friends, local farms and better health. Since 1980, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has been raising awareness about the importance of nutrition for individuals of all ages with this month-long initiative. Dairy, with its versatile role in recipes and meals, fits well with this year’s theme of “Food Connects Us.” Dairy is often the foundational ingredient in well-loved family recipes to some of the most nutrient-dense meals. Fueling Health at Every Age The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends three servings of dairy a day. “Reach for low-fat milk, yogurt and cheese to meet these dairy goals throughout your life,” said Maggie Nosic, nutrition educator and registered dietitian with St. Louis District Dairy Council

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