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EDWARDSVILLE – A portion of North Kansas and East Dunn streets is closed to traffic in the area where the two roads intersect after a gas line was ruptured Thursday morning, Edwardsville Fire Chief James Whiteford said. Drivers in the area should use alternate routes to bypass the closure. About 50 homes in the area will be without gas service until Ameren is able to fix the line and restore service, Whiteford said. An Ameren representative will contact all affected properties. The situation does not pose a danger to the public, Fire Chief Whiteford said. Edwardsville fire crews are remaining at the scene to closely monitor the situation while repairs are ongoing. The rupture happened just before 10:30 a.m. during construction at the location.

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ALTON - The Alton City Council passed several items at their Wednesday, Feb. 22 meeting, including an amendment to the Alton City Code regarding cannabis tax funds, the adoption of the Americans with Disabilities Act Transition Plan, and much more. The council also laid over a resolution regarding an agreement with Viking USA, LLC, which has raised some concerns from council members. A resolution amending the Alton City Code, specifically the section on the Municipal Cannabis Retailers’ Occupation Tax , passed unanimously. This amendment delays the disbursement of funds generated by cannabis sales taxes for one year so that city officials can decide on the best ways to use those funds once they have an idea of the amount generated, which will likely be next fiscal year. The City Council also voted to approve the Americans With Disabilities Act Transition Plan of the City of Alton. Under this plan, several properties and parks around Alton will be made more accessible

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Wednesday, February 22, 2023, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Taiwansley Jackson, 42 years of age, of the first block of Capital Hill in St. Louis, Missouri 63136, for one count of Assault First Degree, one count of Armed Criminal Action, one count of Resisting Arrest by Fleeing and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. A booking photo of Jackson is not available. Jackson is being held on a $500,000 cash-only, no 10%, bond. The facts supporting this belief are as follows: Police observed a 2016 Ford Explorer driving recklessly near the intersection of Jennings Station Road and Halls Ferry. Police attempted to stop the vehicle at which time the vehicle, operated by the Defendant, fled at a high-rate of speed, weaving in and out of traffic. The vehicle later hit light poles near McLaren and Goodfellow and the Defendant jumped from the vehicle and fled on foot. While fleeing on foot, the Defendant shot

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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey County is a place where when a person has severe difficulties, they respond and try to help. A significant instance of Jersey's giving nature occurred Monday through the day at a special fundraiser for the late Shawn Sullivan. Shawn died unexpectedly at age 48 at 3:02 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023. Shawn was a 1992 Jersey Community High School graduate and owned Sully's Package Liquor with his wife, Brandi. "Sully" was a husband of 25 years and a father of two children. He was a large contributor to civic affairs in the Jersey region. Brandon Taylor had an idea to do a day-long fundraiser for "Sully" at Jenna Taylor's Imo's business and when she heard of the idea, she jumped on it. As of Tuesday, $900 in cash was raised for the family and the business was also going to donate 10 percent of profits from Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, at her business to the Sullivan family. Jenna said it was a big day at the Jerseyville Imo's on Monday. "We had the most sales we've ever

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GRAFTON - Dave Sanford has been described as a person who "captures the heart and soul of Grafton" in his photos. Sanford received a Certificate of Appreciation for his exceptional work as Grafton City Photographer, creating a real-time photo album for all who live, work, and come to play in Grafton. Mayor Morrow presented the certificate on behalf of the Grafton City Council at their meeting on February 21. “Dave captures the heart and soul of Grafton in his photos,” said the mayor. “Chances are if it’s a photograph of today’s life in Grafton, Dave took it.” Upon entering the Grafton Visitor’s Center, Dave’s comparative photographic exhibit of “Then and Now” takes the visitor back in time to the town’s look and feel during its earliest years, navigates through the many changes (some related to major floods) and arrives at the Grafton of today. Viewing his captivating, warm images of happenings in this historic river

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EDWARDSVILLE - Some may have noticed a large Illinois State Police presence on a part of the Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville campus on Wednesday, however, an Illinois State Police Department spokesperson assured the public that ISP was not involved with any incident at SIUE on Wednesday. SIUE Interim Police Chief Justin Lieberman explained that ISP does sometimes do training on parts of the university campus property and that likely is what was going on on Wednesday.

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A U.S. District Court judge sentenced a Lebanon man on Tuesday to more than 16 years in federal prison for his involvement in distributing methamphetamine in St. Clair County. Michael P. O’Leary, 48, pled guilty to one count of methamphetamine distribution, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. In addition to his prison sentence, he received five years of supervised release. “The defendant was responsible for distributing large amounts of methamphetamine throughout the Metro East,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “Illegal, dangerous drugs have no place in downstate Illinois communities, and the U.S. Attorney Office will continue to work with the DEA to remove individuals responsible for infecting families and loved ones.” “Drug traffickers engage in their illicit activities for a specific reason: to make money,” said Assistant Special

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EDWARDSVILLE – The compassion Sarah Andersen, lecturer in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Learning Support Services, has for her students is what makes her stand out as an SIUE “Difference Maker”. Andersen works with students in the Grade Recovery and Academic Sustainability Program (GRASP) program and supports their academic journey through graduation. "The impact that her and the GRASP class has had on myself, and the student population entirely, cannot be praised enough,” said one of Andersen’s nominators, Chris Hoogland, a senior computer management and information services major. “I would not be where I am at in my schooling without the help Sarah has provided. I went from under a 1.0 GPA to being able to graduate in fall of 2023.” Andersen is available 24/7 to her students during their time in the GRASP program and after they are off probation. She works with each student teaching them how to self-advocate for themselves

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ALTON – Interventional Pain Consultants (IPC) , a leading pain management practice in the Metro East, is pleased to announce that Dr. Anthony Guarino has joined its team as staff physician. For more than 25 years, Dr. Guarino has helped thousands of patients live a higher quality of life through cutting-edge treatment and his personalized, multidisciplinary approach to pain management. At IPC, Dr. Guarino specializes in procedures at all levels of the spine, including diagnostic and therapeutic injections and treatments, radiofrequency neuroablations, spinal cord stimulators, and intrathecal pumps. He also takes a physiological approach to care by addressing the mind-body connection that can contribute to or elevate chronic pain and empowering patients with healthy coping skills to manage their condition. “I understand the concerns of people living with debilitating pain and strive to provide them with the highest level of empathy and compassion,” said Dr. Guarino.

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ALTON - Alton Area Community Organizations and Leaders are hosting their Second Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt at Rock Spring Park from noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 8, 2023. "This event is free and open to the public," Rosie Brown, one of the organizers, said. "There will be free food, games for all ages, free haircuts, prizes, and giveaways." Brown said the Easter event in 2022 was spectacular for the community. "We had an awesome committee, sponsors, volunteers, and the surrounding communities came together and put smiles on the faces of many children," she said. "We had games, prizes, food, and fun." The inaugural Easter Egg Hunt was held at Gordon Moore Park on Easter Sunday 2022 and more than 400 parents, volunteers, cheerleaders, and political leaders were involved. If you would like to become a sponsor, have an educational/community table, or volunteer, please get in touch with Alderwoman Rosie Brown, 4 th Ward at 219-580-2394, Kim Brice-Hollis, CLB Foundation at 618-917-7190

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ALTON - Alton Main Street’s quarterly information exchange, called “What’s Up Downtown”, will be held on Thursday, February 23rd at 5:30 p.m. at Jacoby Arts Center, located at 627 E. Broadway in Alton, IL. The public is invited to learn the latest news regarding developments in Alton’s historic downtown district, including updates from new & existing businesses, news on real estate transactions and details of upcoming events and projects. The evening’s featured speakers will be: Caleb Lewis from Alton Odyssey Tours, launching their new Prohibition and Architecture Tours Christine Favilla from the Sierra Club, sharing details of upcoming seed swaps and outings Amanda Stotler who has recently relocated AJ Stotler Photography studio to Front Street Charlotte Hammond, President & CEO of Challenge Unlimited, who will share information on employment service programs for small business owners who are interested in employing individuals with disabilities

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation ("IDFPR") announced today the Consumer Financial Protection and Innovation Package, a pair of legislative initiatives designed to protect Illinois residents from financial fraud and abuse and establish regulatory oversight of cryptocurrencies and the broader digital asset marketplace. The Fintech-Digital Asset Bill (HB 3479/SB 2233) establishes regulations for digital asset businesses and modernizes regulations for money transmission in Illinois, while the Consumer Financial Protection Bill (HB 3483/SB 2232) empowers IDFPR to enforce those regulations and strengthens its authority and resources for existing consumer financial protections. Both measures are sponsored by Representative Mark Walker in the House and Senator Laura Ellman in the Senate. “States occupy a core role in overseeing the financial marketplace and Illinois stands ready to usher in the future of consumer financial protection,”

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ST. LOUIS - "This weekend, 16-year-old Janae Edmondson’s life was upended by horrific traffic violence as she visited our city for a volleyball tournament at America’s Center Downtown. Violence is always devastating, but it's especially devastating when it touches the lives of our youth. My heart goes out to Janae and her loved ones. "Visitors and residents alike should be able to feel safe in our city and our downtown. My office has connected with the Circuit Attorney’s Office and judicial partners to review the processes that led up to this preventable tragedy. Our city can and must do a better job of working together to hold those who endanger our communities accountable. "Traffic violence is an issue that impacts our entire city. While we’re still gathering the facts of this case, I remain committed to major investments in street and pedestrian infrastructure to keep our city safe no matter how they choose to get around - walking, biking, driving, or

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 14 attorneys general, opposed Gas Innovations LNG Refrigerants Inc.’s request for a special permit to ship cryogenic liquefied ethane in rail tank cars from a facility in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania to undisclosed locations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Ethane is a colorless, odorless, and highly flammable hydrocarbon gas that is commonly used in the petrochemical industry. Shipping cryogenic ethane presents significant safety challenges, as any release of cargo is likely to lead to the formation of extremely cold and highly flammable ground-hugging vapor clouds that present unique safety risks to nearby communities and emergency first responders. Regulations do not currently authorize the transportation of ethane in rail tank cars, and Gas Innovations’ application includes no data or scientific analysis suggesting that it can be transported safely in this manner. “Illinois is one of our

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College’s Board of Trustees will vote on a new board member at its regular board meeting on March 14 to replace former Trustee Charles Hanfelder. Anyone who may be interested in being considered to serve on the Board is welcome to submit a letter of interest for consideration to board@lc.edu . More information on the Board of Trustees can be found at www.lc.edu/BOT .

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CARLINVILLE - The Blackburn College Board of Trustees has appointed Dr. Gregory J. Meyer as the school’s 19th President. Meyer, a former Blackburn professor and administrator, succeeds Dr. Mark Biermann, who recently resigned after two and a half years at Blackburn to focus on health, well-being, and extended family. Dr. Rochelle Henderson, the Chair of the Board of Trustees, said Meyer’s proven leadership and his connection to the College and community make him the perfect candidate to help lead the institution. “Dr. Meyer is deeply committed to Blackburn and is well-known on campus and in the Carlinville community. He is the best person to help the College build on our momentum and to enable our students, institution, and community to rise to even more success in the years to come.“ During more than thirty years at Blackburn, Meyer has held a variety of academic and administrative roles, including department and division chair, Professor of Philosophy an

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ST. LOUIS - Today, Wednesday, Feb. 22, Schnuck Markets, Inc. is joining supermarkets and food manufacturers nationwide in celebrating the annual Supermarket Employee Day. FMI—The Food Industry Association has proclaimed this holiday to recognize employees at every level for the work they do feeding families and enriching lives. With more than 40,000 individual stores that sell food and grocery items in the U.S. alone, many supermarkets serve as the backbones of their communities. Millions of supermarket employees come to work daily to keep shelves stocked and to provide communities with essential services that help them survive and thrive. “Schnucks teammates at all stores, facilities and offices remain committed to our company’s mission of Nourishing People’s Lives in our many communities throughout the Midwest,” said Schnucks Chairman and CEO Todd Schnuck. “I invite our great customers to stop by their local Schnucks store to celebrate and

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GODFREY - The Godfrey Village Board of Trustees voted to grant a liquor license to Toko Sushi & Boba , a new sushi restaurant opening in Godfrey’s Monticello Plaza which was seeking the license to sell sake and wine. The ordinance passed unanimously, as did several other items at the board’s Feb. 21 meeting. The board also voted unanimously to approve $5,000 to sponsor the 2023 Summer Garden Show at the Monticello Sculpture Gardens on the campus of Lewis and Clark Community College. Trustee Virginia Woulfe-Beile said the sculpture garden, and the entire LC campus, are one of Godfrey’s greatest assets. “Lewis and Clark in general, but in particular tonight, the gardens, are such a shining star in our community,” Woulfe-Beile said. “I have enjoyed the gardens for so long and watching them over the years develop the world-quality sculpture and art that’s there … it’s just really a great community enhancement, so I 100 percen

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HIGHLAND — HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland will host a health fair Tuesday, April 4 from 6 to 10:30 a.m. at the HSHS Medical Group Family Medicine office at 7342 IL-162, Troy, Illinois. All hospital colleagues will be wearing masks and required personal protective equipment. Participants will also be required to wear non-cloth, medical-grade masks, as masks are still required in health care facilities per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Please wear short-sleeved shirts to make the process easier. Those wanting to attend must register for an appointment online at stjosephshighland.org/troyhealthfair before Wednesday, March 29. There are limited spots available and on-site registration will not be accepted. If you are unable to register online, you can call 618-651-2739 for assistance. “We are pleased to provide the Troy area residents with a health fair that offers affordable lab work so that they may be empowered to advocate

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MARYVILLE – Our Lord’s Lutheran Church (OLLC), 150 Wilma Dr., Maryville, will offer a drive-through option for the imposition of ashes on Wednesday, February 22, 2023. Participants will remain in their cars during this drive-through event. Upon arrival, Pastor Darla Ann Kratzer will come to your car window and step forward to hand you a single page with prayers. She will then stand near your car door while speaking. Then, using a cotton swab, she will impose a cross of ashes upon your forehead. This Ash Wednesday experience will be available during three convenient timeframes: 7:30-8:30 a.m., 11:30-1:30 p.m., and 4:00-6:00 p.m. In addition to Ashes-to-Go, Our Lord’s will observe Ash Wednesday with a 6:30 p.m. worship service in the building. This service will also be live-streamed and can be viewed at ourlords.org/live. The mood of Ash Wednesday is somber as it starts a six-week examination of our lives. While ashes are a symbol of our mortality, they also serve

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