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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that deck sealing on the eastbound bridge carrying Interstate 270 over the Chain of Rocks Canal just west of the I-270/Illinois 3 interchange in Madison County will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 9 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. One lane will always remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Aug. 5. 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. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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WOOD RIVER - The Pump House Bar and Grill will host a watch party to celebrate local Olympian Jayden Ulrich. At 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, community members are invited to The Pump House to watch Ulrich’s Olympic event. Ulrich, a 2021 East Alton-Wood River High School graduate, will throw discus for Team U.S.A. in the Paris Olympics on Friday. “Obviously, we're a huge supporter of Wood River and the Wood River community, so we’ve been standing behind Jayden the whole time,” said Lauren “Lo” Montgomery, manager of The Pump House. “Anything that brings the community together, we’re always right there with them. The community is a big, big part of what we do here. We wouldn't be who we are without our community. So what’s the best way to give that back?” Located at 1523 E. Edwardsville Road in Wood River, The Pump House will offer their full menu and drinks during the event on Aug. 2. They plan to open 30 minutes

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EDWARDSVILLE - Lydia Fernandez of the Paddlers Swim Club in Granite City had a good showing at the Southwestern Illinois Swimming Association championship meet July 21, 2024, at the Chuck Fruit Aquatic Center on the campus of Edwardsville High School. Fernandez was a part of the girls 11-12 200-yard medley relay team that came in third at 2:33.84, finished seventh in the 50-yard freestyle at 34.09 seconds, came in sixth in the 100-yard individual medley at 1:27.29, finished fourth in the 50-yard breaststroke at 43.66 seconds, and was a member of the 200-yard freestyle relay team that placed third at 2:15.30. Lydia is a Stillwater Senior Living Female Athlete of the Month for Granite City. In her interview, which was conducted during the meet, Fernandez expressed satisfaction with her overall performance, cutting her times down in all of her races. "I dropped time on almost every one of my races, so I think did well overall," she said. During the meet, almost all the Pirates swimmer

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GLEN CARBON - A man from Athens, Ill. faces multiple charges after assaulting an EMS worker and more during an incident of public indecency on Old Troy Road in Glen Carbon. Daniel G. Adams Jr., 43, of Athens, Ill., was charged with aggravated assault of an EMS worker (a Class 4 felony), public indecency (a Class A misdemeanor), obstructing a peace officer (a Class A misdemeanor) and being a pedestrian under influence of alcohol or drugs (a petty offense). According to a petition to deny Adams’ pretrial release, the incident unfolded on July 15, 2024 after officers responded to a report of a male lying near the roadway on the shoulder of Troy Road. Officers, believing the man potentially needed aid, began using a drone to locate him using thermal imaging - but upon seeing the drone, Adams reportedly engaged in an act of public indecency. "Officers located the defendant, shirtless, laying the side of the roadway, clearly intoxicated," the petition states. “He provided

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GODFREY - With the fall semester just weeks away, Lewis and Clark Community College is buzzing with activity in anticipation of another academic year, blazing new trails in higher education. As new projects get underway and the campus calendar fills with events, one woman remains steadfast, serving as a beacon of calm in all the excitement. She’s Sue Keener, executive secretary to the President and Board of Trustees and the newest recipient of the college’s highest honor, the Pantone 286 Award. “Sue is one of our most outstanding team members, who fully embodies the Trailblazer spirit and works diligently behind the scenes supporting the entire team on this campus,” President Ken Trzaska said. “She is not only true Pantone 286 blue; she is also the glue that holds everything and everyone on this campus together.” The prize, named for the Pantone Color System identifier for Lewis and Clark’s “Trailblazer blue,” is given annually

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CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker today signed into law Senate Bill 3646, the Child Labor Law of 2024, which updates child labor regulations to the 21st century by repealing the existing statute and replacing it with a modern framework. “While neighboring states weaken their child labor laws, in Illinois we’re modernizing our regulatory framework to further protect minors from unscrupulous employers," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Minors should be able to experience safe, age-appropriate work in an educational setting, and I’m proud of the added protections my administration and the General Assembly advanced through this bill.” SB 3646 is intended to provide a structure for minors to engage in safe, age-appropriate work, while protecting their health and access to education. The bill sets standards for working conditions for children aged 15 and younger, including limiting hours of work and updating the list of jobs that minors cannot hold. The Illinois Child Labo

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(This is one in a series of stories about featured art at the Edwardsville Art Fair in Downtown Edwardsville) EDWARDSVILLE - Three ceramic artists are showcasing their unique approaches to the medium, bringing a variety of styles and techniques to Edwardsville Art Fair from Sept. 27-29, 2024. Dana Cattani, Tim and Pam Frye, and Maria Soliman each bring their distinct perspectives to ceramic art, demonstrating the versatility and creativity inherent in the craft. Cattani, who works almost entirely with slabs of clay, emphasizes the unique qualities of hand-built ceramics. "Working almost entirely with slabs of clay allows for a different type of artistic freedom in ceramics," Cattani said in a statement. "Due to the nature of hand-building, our resulting pieces are unique with an intentional and charming wonkiness to them." Tim and Pam Frye, a duo known for their collaborative efforts in ceramics, combine hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques to create their pieces. "The

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13) and Mike Carey (R-OH-15) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to renew the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – a federal program that helped low-income households afford access to high-speed internet. The Affordable Connectivity Program, established by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, ran out of funding in May – ending assistance for over 23 million American households. Bipartisan companion legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), J.D. Vance (R-OH), Peter Welch (D-VT), Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV). For nearly three years, the Affordable Connectivity Program helped families afford the high-speed internet services they need to work remotely, complete online coursework, attend telehealth appointments and more. The Secure and Affordable Broadband Extension Act would restore the program and provide eligible households

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BELLEVILLE - Caritas Family Solutions is celebrating the 77th anniversary of its founding as an Illinois nonprofit human services agency on July 31. The agency serves more than 6,300 people, is the largest provider of foster care in the southern Illinois region and touches the lives of 1,700 foster children annually. The day, known as Caritas Day, is dedicated to raising awareness about the lives they touch through its programs and services. The nonprofit also has other service lines which include pregnancy care for women experiencing homelessness, adoption, counseling, community family stabilization for families experiencing homelessness and independent living for adults with disabilities. “Every year as we celebrate Caritas Day, our staff takes a moment to reflect on all of the lives our agency has touched,” said Caritas Family Solutions CEO Gary Huelsmann. “We are so proud of the growth and milestones we’ve achieved within the past year, like moving

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ALTON - Get ready for a day of fun, community, and giving! On Saturday, August 3, from 9 am to 11 am, Beyond Basketball is teaming up with YWCA and the Alton Community Boxing Club for an exciting Back-to-School Giveaway at the YWCA GYM, located at 304 E. Third St., Alton. This event promises to be a fantastic morning for the whole family, with free backpacks and supplies perfect for youth in grades K-12. But that's not all! We're also firing up the grill for a delicious barbecue, featuring free hotdogs, hamburgers, chips, and drinks for all attendees. Meet representatives from Beyond Basketball, YWCA, and the Alton Community Boxing Club, who will be on hand to share information about various fall youth programs. This is a perfect opportunity to learn about the amazing activities and support available to your children this coming school year. Since 2022, Beyond Basketball has been dedicated to enriching the lives of youth aged 11-17 through competitive basketball and other engaging

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ALTON – In preparation for the annual Duck Pluckers Ball, Alton Memorial Health Services Foundation is hosting an online raffle that will open Monday, Aug. 5. The event website where raffle tickets may be purchased starting Aug. 5 is www.virtualauction.bid/duckpluckers The featured item is a 2024 CF Moto Camo C600 four-wheeler from Midwest Motor Sports in Hartford. There will only be 500 chances available for that raffle. Cost is $50 per ticket. Other online raffle items will include: Booze Boat: An inflatable boat filled with a variety of liquor donated by area bars and restaurants. Freezer of Beef: Donated by B&M livestock and AMHSF, the freezer is 5 cubic feet for a quarter beef. Bourbon collection: A collection of hard-to-find bottles of bourbon donated by Colman’s Country Campers and Barry and Gaye Julian. Tickets for these three raffles are $20 each. You must be 21 years or older to win and present a valid state-issued ID to collect your winnings.

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ALTON - The Summer Reading Program might be over, but the Hayner Public Library District still has lots of great activities and events planned for the community to enjoy. Mary Cordes, Hayner’s executive director, noted that the Summer Reading Program went well and the kids and teenagers who participated had fun. She said the kids read almost 5,000 books and the teens read 150 books during the six-week program. “I am so proud,” Cordes said. “I’m really proud of our teens and kids this summer…I’m proud of the staff. For six weeks, there was something every single day for six weeks for the kids to do. That’s a lot of work, so huge, huge, huge props to because they were amazing this summer.” Cordes pointed out that the Summer Reading Program allows kids to stay engaged and practice their reading skills. This ensures that they don’t lose any of these skills in between school years. The Summer Reading Program is als

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CASEYVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced the proposed lane restrictions on southbound I-255, at the I-64 interchange, have been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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BELLEVILLE — Schnuck Markets, Inc. said on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, that it is recalling Schnucks 90/10 Fresh Lean Ground Beef produced and sold on July 29, 2024, at its 800 Carlyle Avenue store in Belleville. The ground beef may contain plastic wrap, according to company officials. Customers who purchased the product between 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. on July 29, 2024, with a sell-by date of July 30, 2024, are advised to return it to the Carlyle Avenue Schnucks store for a full refund or exchange. To date, there have been no reported illnesses or injuries linked to the recall. The company emphasizes that this is an isolated incident and does not affect any other Schnucks locations. For further information, customers can contact the Schnucks Customer Care team at 314-994-4400 or 1-800-264-4400.

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY — Authorities have identified the victims of a double homicide that occurred in the 9400 block of Olive Boulevard in the city of Olivette. The deceased are Mason McMahan, 16, of the 1700 block of Spruce Drive in High Ridge, and Teriq Lewis-Rushing, 18, of the 2400 block of Rustic Ridge Drive in St. Louis. A handgun was recovered next to McMahan at the scene. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation as detectives continue to seek witnesses. “We ask that anyone with information please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators regarding this incident,” said a representative of the department. For those who wish to remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward, CrimeStoppers can be contacted at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477).

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BELLEVILLE - The City of Belleville has listed multiple cooling sites within the community with the Excessive Heat Warning in effect until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. Residents are urged to take precautions as temperatures are expected to soar. Cooling sites have been set up throughout the City of Belleville to provide relief from the extreme heat. These sites offer a safe and air-conditioned environment for those in need. The locations of these cooling centers are critical for residents who may not have access to adequate cooling in their homes. The Fire Department's advisory emphasizes the importance of staying hydrated and avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun. It is recommended that residents check on vulnerable neighbors, including the elderly and those with health conditions, to ensure their safety during this period of excessive heat. The Belleville locations for relief during the excessive heat are as follows: Belleville Public Library Main Branch, 121 E. Washington

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ALTON – Residents of Ward 1 are invited to join Alderwoman Betsy Allen for a town hall-style meeting this Wednesday, July 31, at 6:30 p.m. at Alton City Hall. The monthly gathering, typically held on the third Wednesday of each month, offers an opportunity for community members to discuss various activities and concerns related to the City of Alton and Ward 1. "I hope you will attend our monthly town hall-style meeting," Allen said. "All are welcome." The meetings are designed to be casual and unscripted, providing a platform where everyone can speak or simply observe. Allen has committed to addressing questions from attendees to the best of her ability. For those unable to attend, Allen encourages residents to reach out with their questions or concerns via phone at 618-567-1451 or email at eallen@cityofaltonil.gov .

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GLEN CARBON - Chris Wetherington has made a name for himself in the mixed martial arts community, but he’s not in it for fame. The MMA instructor has an impressive resume, including many Hall of Fame honors, a starring role in the upcoming movie “The Karate Breaker,” a host spot in “The Masters Council” television show on Talk About It TV, and features in multiple best-selling books about martial arts. But Chris and his wife, Valerie, are more interested in the humanitarian side of martial arts. Their anti-bullying and suicide prevention efforts have guided them through all of their work. “I was already still doing the good that I’m doing now. It’s just getting more around the world,” Chris explained. “With that platform, I’m able to help more people. It’s awesome. I’ve got a TV show. I’ve got a second one coming out. I’ve got a movie. I’ve got multiple movies that are going to come

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ALTON - Cha llenge Unlimited, an Alton-based organization helping those with disabilities find employment and housing opportunities, recently launched their redesigned website at cuinc.org with an emphasis on accessibility. Challenge Unlimited’s work to match employers with job candidates with disabilities is increasingly important as the unemployment rate for those with disabilities is about twice the rate of those without disabilities, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . Stephanie Schrage with Challenge Unlimited said that’s just one of the many “wraparound services” they offer. “From an employment standpoint, from a housing standpoint … is it just an independent living question?” Schrage said. “Employment is a piece of that, but we also offer skills training, we offer job placement, job coaching, housing, so we definitely are wraparound services.” Schrage shared more about the organization and its revampe

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 will introduce new policies regarding IDs and cell phones for the 2024–2025 school year. “This year, we’re going to be tightening the focus in two areas of our handbook at all of our schools, but especially our secondary schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton during the Board of Education regular meeting on July 29, 2024. Starting on the first day of school, students must wear IDs at all times in District #7 schools. Elementary students will keep their IDs at school, while secondary school students will take them home every night. Elementary students will also receive a temporary ID to use as a library card. If middle school and high school students forget their IDs, they will be issued a temporary ID to wear during the school day. Shelton said there will be a “progression of consequences” if students consistently forget their IDs. “There’s also the delineation

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