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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced the first Illinois human West Nile virus (WNV)-related death in 2023. Testing by CDC confirmed the case was WNV-related. The individual, who was in their 90’s and lived in suburban Cook County, had an onset of symptoms of WNV in early August and died soon after. IDPH is also reporting 11 non-fatal cases of WNV confirmed to date this year. “We are sad to report the first death of the year from West Nile virus in Illinois,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra . “This death and the 11 additional cases are a stark reminder that West Nile virus poses a serious risk, especially to older people and those with weakened immune systems. While the weather is warm and mosquitoes are breeding, we should all take precautions to ‘Fight the Bite’. Please protect yourself and your loved ones by reducing exposures, repelling insects with clothing and repellants, and reporting locations at

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ST. LOUIS - Journalist Ray Hartmann broke the nationally-recognized news story about a Chesterfield man and “Sound of Freedom” crowdfunder who was charged as an accessory to child kidnapping. Hartmann discussed his perspective on the story, as well as the upcoming Republican Presidential Debate and more on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . The “Sound of Freedom” crowdfunder was identified as Fabian Marta of Chesterfield. While Marta was one of thousands of financial contributors to the film, the story caught national media attention due to the contradictory nature of the charges filed against him and the film’s plot about a former government agent rescuing children from human traffickers. Hartmann said he was happy to see his story gain national attention - not because of the charges or the film, but for an entirely different reason concerning Marta’s local reputation. “What I found out with sources is that Mr. Marta was better

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The St. Louis Prosecuting Attorney's Office announced today it has issued charges against an 18-year-old suspect - Amanuel Taylor-Hutt - on Monday, August 21, 2023, of the 3000 block of N. Waterford Drive in Florissant, Missouri 63033, for Murder Second Degree, Armed Criminal Action, and Delivery of a Controlled Substance. A mugshot of the suspect was not available, police said. The deceased has been identified as Ra’hmello Stewart, 24, of the 11900 block of Iguana Terrace, St. Louis, Missouri, 63138. Preliminary investigation has revealed this homicide occurred as a result of a personal dispute between individuals known to one another. The probable cause statement reads: "On June 29, 2022, at approximately 1:35 a.m., Saint Louis County Police were called to the 11900 block of Iguana Terrace for a reported shooting. Upon responding to the scene, the victim, R.S., is observed to be suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. One 9mm shell casing was found

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ALTON - Members of VFW Post #1308 have given a lot through their military service. Now, it’s time for Alton to give back to them. The Post #1308 building, located at 4445 North Alby Street, will receive a new ceiling next week courtesy of Home Depot and community volunteers. The new tiles will sustain the building and keep it safe for veterans who utilize the VFW’s services. Associates from the Alton Home Depot branch will be out bright and early on Tuesday, Aug. 29 to replace the ceiling tiles. “We’re so thankful that somebody’s thinking about the VFW and trying to help us out,” Bob Myers, a Post #1308 member, said. “Our first goal is to help any and all veterans. This will help out a lot and bring attention that, hey, we’re still here.” VFW Post #1308 provides resources and support for veterans and their families. The Post is also open to the public, with a bar, Queen of Hearts drawings, bands, events and a hall available

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EDWARDSVILLE – Visitors to the Edwardsville Schnucks store this weekend will be able to chat with members of the Edwardsville Police Department and support a great cause: Special Olympics Illinois. Past and present members of the Police Department will volunteer their time on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (August 25-27) at the entrance to Schnucks, 2222 Troy Road. They will be collecting donations and selling special edition Law Enforcement Torch Run T-shirts, hats, pins and raffle tickets. The effort supports Special Olympics Illinois, which provides training and competition for more than 55,000 athletes, coaches, volunteers and other partners in the state. The volunteers will be at Schnucks this Friday from 4-8 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Edwardsville Officer Haylee Doerflein is heading up the local effort and hoping for an enthusiastic response from the community. Doerflein, who is marking her one-year anniversary with the department, said the cause

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ST. LOUIS - Schnuck Markets, Inc. is debuting two new options for customers who are looking for convenience while shopping at Schnucks and Eatwell Market stores. Previously, customers wishing to redeem Schnucks Rewards points or purchase gift cards at Schnucks had to visit a traditional check lane. Now these two actions can be completed when using self checkouts that are available at a vast majority of the company’s stores. “We continue to listen to our customers’ feedback and work to bring them more efficient shopping experiences in our stores,” said Schnucks IT Director Michael Wait. “Shoppers who prefer the convenience of self checkout can now enjoy the same perks and products as those who use our traditional check lanes.” To redeem Schnucks Rewards Points at self checkout, customers simply tap the “Schnucks Rewards” button on the terminal when ready to pay, open their Schnucks Rewards app, select “My Rewards” on the app

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EDWARDSVILLE - Prairie Farms Dairy is celebrating its 85th anniversary, and to commemorate the company's long-term commitment to the State of Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker issued a proclamation naming 2023 as the 85th Anniversary of Prairie Farms Dairy. Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II presented the proclamation to Prairie Farms during a ceremony at the Illinois State Fair on August 19. Matt McClelland, Prairie Farms' Chief Executive Officer/Executive Vice President, and Prairie Farms' Board President, Frank Doll, accepted the proclamation from Director Costello. "As we celebrate our 85th anniversary, it was an honor to accept the proclamation on behalf of our hard- working farm families. I am grateful to the Governor's Office for recognizing our cooperative's accomplishments," said Matt McClelland, Prairie Farms' Chief Executive Officer/Executive Vice President. "Our dairy farmers' commitment to providing high-quality milk has kept our brand strong

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GLEN CARBON - Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois will host the 5 th annual United We Lead Gala on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville, IL. The United We Lead Gala, themed “Lead The Way” in 2023, brings together a wide range of people who share the same desire – to be a difference in girls’ lives. “We’re so excited for our upcoming United We Lead Gala,” said Heidi Koehl Weaver, Director of Development for Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. “We have lots in store for our guests that evening; it’s going to be a great night!” Carol Daniel, an inspiring speaker who recently retired from KMOX, will deliver the keynote address that evening. Carol has spent over 40 years in the media industry, and her work has been honored and celebrated by numerous organizations and associations. Carol is now the Senior Producer and Host at Nine PBS. If you are a fan of jazz music, you will be in for a treat b

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WOOD RIVER - The William M. BeDell Achievement and Resource Center (ARC) memorialized former Recreation Director, Dave Logan, on Saturday, August 19, by unveiling a water feature at the administrative offices. Logan passed on June 5, 2021, after 40 years of employment with ARC. Executive Director, Chad Rollins, said, “We remember Dave and the great love he had for people. He was a true positive light for our clients, families and staff at ARC.” Rollins unveiled the water feature constructed by ARC staff following an outpouring of memorial donations. The seven-foot by nine-foot fountain includes a granite stone inscribed, Dave Logan – A life well lived, proud father of three sons: Robert, Christopher, Patrick. 40 years of dedication to the William M. BeDell ARC. Family, friends, staff and clients attended the dedication and shared many fond memories of Logan. He was remembered for his kindness, humor and unfailing devotion to his family and to the ARC clients. T

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police welcomed 15 new troopers today from Cadet Class 143 at a graduation ceremony at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield. The new troopers will report to nine different Troops throughout the state on Sunday, August 20, 2023. Cadet Class 143 marks the 15 th cadet class graduation under Governor JB Pritzker. The total number of ISP troopers added since 2019 now stands at 483. “I couldn’t be prouder to congratulate Cadet Class 143 on their graduation from the Illinois State Police Academy today,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We’ve added 483 ISP troopers since I first took office in 2019—and I have no doubt that this Lateral Entry Training Program class of 15 experienced women and men will continue to protect and serve with dedication and honor.” Cadet Class 143 was a Lateral Entry Training Program (LETP) class. To be eligible for LETP, applicants must be a certified police officer having

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WOOD RIVER - Following a City Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 21, Wood River’s heavily-contested cannabis dispensary will move forward. The City Council voted on an ordinance authorizing a Redevelopment Agreement with Tatich 34 Wood River LLC. This ordinance was submitted by the TIF Committee and would provide TIF Financial Assistance for Tatich 34 Wood River LLC at their property at 56 East Ferguson in Wood River. As a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, this property would be able to use revenue from sales taxes and property taxes for development projects. The Council voted 4–1 in favor of the ordinance, with Councilman Bill Dettmers voting no. City Manager Steve Palen noted that last night’s vote was the last “roadblock” for the property owners, who can now move forward with opening the dispensary. He added that Tatich 34 Wood River LLC will have to undergo the same planning and permitting processes that all businesses complete before opening

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ROXANA - Roxana seems poised for a strong year in athletics with an enormous amount of talent going through the boys and girls ranks. The varsity football team opens its season Friday with high expectations, but over the summer, several of the boys competed on Roxana's boys basketball team under head coach Mark Briggs. Coach Briggs, who also serves as the Shells' athletic director, said his boys had a really good summer. "I saw improvements as a team throughout the summer and we developed as a team," he said, expressing excitement for the 2023-2024 season that begins after football. The Roxana boys basketball team is saluted today as Midwest Members Credit Union Athletes of the Month. "We have pretty good chemistry," Coach Briggs said. "We are senior-laden and having the summer helps give us a better feel for later in the year." Roxana played in a college showcase event at Edwardsville this summer and Coach Briggs thought the boys looked great. "Our kids truly enjoyed it," he said

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COLLINSVILLE - America's Conservative Counties TM is delighted to announce the appointment of Pamela Moody to its esteemed Executive Board. Pamela's impressive background in accounting, business administration, and community engagement, along with her commitment to conservative principles, will undoubtedly bring valuable perspectives to the organization's mission of promoting conservative values across counties nationwide. Pamela Moody, a distinguished professional with a diverse range of experiences, has joined the Executive Board of America's Conservative Counties TM . Holding a degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Duquesne University and a Master's degree in Kinesiology from SIUE, Pamela has cultivated a successful career that spans both the private and public sectors. Throughout her career, Pamela has worked in private and public accounting, excelling as a revenue accountant for Tampa Electric Company. Her skillset includes preparing tax returns for all forty-eight

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GRANITE CITY - Scott Singleton wants everyone to know that it’s never too late to change your life. Singleton is a staff sergeant with the U.S. Air Force. He joined the military in 2016 at the age of 33, not long after he started long-distance running and completed his first marathon. “A lot of discipline goes into both of them,” Singleton said. “Of course, in the military, doing what you’re told, following through to finish the mission. And running, without that discipline…you’re not going to make it to the finish line. You might, but it’s going to really hurt. You got to lace your shoes up and get out the door. You can’t make excuses. You got to push forward.” The 2001 Granite City High School (GCHS) grad recently came home for the Granite City Cross Country Alumni Challenge. He also spoke with current GCHS students about his four years on the track team, where he went to state in the 300-meter hurdles as a junior,

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GRAFTON - At the Grafton City Council meeting on August 15, 2023, Mrs. Margaret Ann Voke and Mrs. Georgia Maneke each received a Certificate of Appreciation from Mayor Mike Morrow on behalf of the City Council in gratitude for their ongoing expert cataloging of donated treasures to the Edward Amburg Historical Museum. “Georgia and Margaret Ann have done an outstanding job for the City of Grafton. Many donations are brought to the history museum for possible display and these two dedicated volunteers are inventorying and cataloging them all,” the mayor said. He was joined in the presentation by Bobbie Amburg, President of the Grafton Historical Society and a former mayor. She said, “The history museum was Ed’s idea and dream. Just before he passed, the grant was awarded, and everybody started working on it. Thank goodness for these two ladies who gave so much of their time to making that dream a reality.” Georgia is the elected archivist for the Grafton

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EDWARDSVILLE – Students who attend Liberty and Lincoln Middle Schools will have several opportunities to take part in a “Bike Bus” for their morning and afternoon school commute in the coming months. This alternative way of getting to school is being organized to demonstrate how fun and easy it can be for middle school students to travel via two wheels rather than four or more. The effort is being led by Edwardsville’s Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee, which came about as part of the City’s goal of providing safe, accessible routes and amenities for cyclists and pedestrians in Edwardsville. The Bike Bus will operate for the morning and afternoon commute on four Fridays: September 15, 22 and 29, and October 6. Routes have been created for both middle schools: Liberty, at 1 District Drive, and Lincoln, at 145 West Street. For those unfamiliar with the concept, a bike bus is a fixed route to and from school with designated "bus stops" along the way.

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EDWARDSVILLE — R.P. Lumber Co. in Edwardsville, Ill., was honored as a Beacon Award winner during the Beacon Awards banquet held Friday, August 18. The Beacon Awards are a premier national industry awards program developed by The Hardware Connection magazine and The Hardware Conference to recognize the “best of the best” independent hardware/home improvement retailers in the United States. The Beacon Awards are sponsored by Epicor Software Corp., Ettore Products Company, and Fluidmaster, with wholesaler sponsorship support from Orgill and other wholesalers. “R.P. Lumber is very worthy of its inclusion in the 2023 class of Beacon honorees,” stated Chris Jensen, editor/founder/principal of The Hardware Connection , the hardware industry’s leading digital publication. “The Plummer family has a long tradition of giving back to the communities they serve.” “We are truly honored to be the 2023 Retail Beacon nominee by Orgill,”

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GODFREY - A year and a half after he started, restaurateur Eko Adikaputra says Toko Sushi and Boba will open in September. The restaurant, located in Suite D at 5775 Godfrey Road, created a buzz when the sign was unveiled last year. Contracting delays pushed back their opening date, but the restaurant is almost ready and will bring Japanese cuisine, boba tea and rolled ice cream to Godfrey. “I get all the recipes from Japan itself. I learned from there,” Adikaputra said. “Our food is made by the order and with high quality. I’m trying to make it the best I know, in my knowledge. Quality is everything.” Adikaputra explained that issues with the contractor caused most of the delays, but they’re in the final stretch now. He plans to install the range hood himself later this week, and then the staff will clean and undergo a final inspection so they can open by mid-September. Toko Sushi and Boba will specialize in Japanese cuisine. Sushi, sashimi,

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EAU CLAIRE, Wis.- The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire awarded 42 degrees in May. A local student who graduated was Godfrey's Lauren Heinz: Education and Human Sciences, Bachelor of Science, Mathematics.

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EAST ST. LOUIS — State Senator Christopher Belt helped secure a $2.4 million grant for the Metro East Auto Task Force — a move that will prevent carjackings, vehicle theft and break-ins throughout the community. “The uptick in carjackings is a disturbing trend,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Innocent people are being targeted by this senseless crime across Illinois — and particularly in the Metro East.” With carjackings on the rise, Belt stood alongside Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to announce a $2.4 million grant for the Metro East Auto Task Force. The group is a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies to investigate and prevent auto thefts, carjacking and other related crimes. “It’s vital law enforcement and community organizations have the resources they need to address the increase in crime head on,” said Belt. “Funding for the Metro East Auto Task Force allows us to hone in on our effort to recover

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