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CHICAGO – Respiratory virus cases reman at low levels across the state, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) said today. The state’s overall respiratory illness level is Low in the most recent available CDC data and the state remained at Low level for COVID-19 hospitalizations, according to the CDC COVID Data Tracker as of February 10. The data showed that four counties are at Medium level for COVID-19 hospitalizations and two are at High level. Although respiratory illnesses have been trending down in recent weeks, IDPH reminds the public that respiratory virus season typically lasts into the spring, and it is possible that illness rates could tick upwards in coming weeks. “I am pleased to report that respiratory illnesses are remaining at low levels across most of Illinois,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “IDPH continues to closely monitor the latest data as we near the end of the respiratory virus season. And we remind Illinoisians

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CARLINVILLE - As the frosty air blankets the region, the Blackburn College Department of Music & Theatre is pleased to look towards the next season and announce its Spring Performance Schedule. From riveting musical compositions to spellbinding theatrical productions, Blackburn students and featured guests are set to showcase their exceptional skills on stage. This season promises to celebrate artistic diversity, inviting the community to join us in experiencing the transformative power of music and theatre. The season kicked off with a February capstone performance from senior Autumn Switzer. The campus community also enjoyed a visit from world-class performer Dr. Whitney Myers, who led a masterclass for Blackburn vocal majors, where she demonstrated technique, provided feedback, and helped students with their performance. She also performed the Wagner Wesendonck Lieder and a lecture on the story surrounding its composition. All performances will be in Bothwell Auditorium on the

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SPRINGFIELD - Days following the sentencing of Mike Madigan’s former chief of staff, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced a series of ethics reforms that would strengthen enforcement and require more transparency and disclosure regarding the financial dealings of lobbyists. The measures – contained in House Bill 4591 – come amid the ongoing federal corruption probe of state government that has led to the criminal indictments and convictions of several Illinois politicians and insiders. As Secretary of State, Giannoulias’ office maintains lobbyist registrations and statements of economic interest filed by public officials. “Given the recent headlines of public corruption in Illinois, it’s incumbent upon the state to enact ethical safeguards that demand accountability among those who serve the public and operate within our government,” Giannoulias said. "Illinoisans are sick and tired of scandals and ethics abuses that unfortunately

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ALTON - Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford on Monday provided information about a traffic crash involving two vehicles on Landmarks Boulevard at the intersection with Clark Bridge at 5:58 p.m. on Feb. 17, 2024. Chief Ford said the preliminary investigation determined one of the vehicles to be turning left from Landmarks Boulevard onto the Clark Bridge. He said the vehicle failed to yield to another vehicle that was traveling east on Landmarks Boulevard. "Five total persons were transported from the scene for varying degrees of injuries," he said. "One of them was later taken to a St.Louis area hospital for further treatment. None were considered life-threatening injuries." The investigation is ongoing at this time.

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College student ambassador Brandon Hayes Jr. excels in his role by bringing positivity, high energy and passion, both on and off campus. Hayes is a part of the student ambassador program led by L&C Recruiter Daniel Nosce. In this role, he promotes the college to prospective students, families, and the wider community. “Brandon is a very hard worker and has several qualities that make him stand out,” Nosce said. “He’s always ready to lend a helping hand and embodies the Trailblazer spirit and LC way.” Through his personal experiences, Hayes highlights the college’s programs, resources, and opportunities while encouraging students to pursue their educational goals. “I love the community here,” he said. “Every time I’m on campus, people are welcoming and friendly, and it’s a fun and comfortable environment to be a part of." Hayes said he looks up to Nosce as a close friend

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PEORIA - OSF HealthCare is spearheading a new day in cancer care, impacting communities across Illinois and beyond. The official blessing of the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute, located on the campus of OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria, was conducted by the Most Rev. Louis Tylka, Bishop of the Peoria Diocese on Tuesday, February 13. The OSF Cancer Institute will be a one-stop destination for a patient’s cancer journey. "The greatest difference that will happen in this building in comparison to many other centers, is that we've brought everything together. All of the therapies with the clinicians, together with support services and survivorship, together with the kitchen and nutrition," says Robert Sehring, CEO of OSF HealthCare. "It's the ability to bring all of those pieces together and have people collaborate. Whether it's a tumor board, working through a diagnosis or treatment plan. We're doing all of that to meet the needs of the patients that are goin

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SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Energy has announced a second round of grant funding with $2 million available for the development of local strategic energy plans. Under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Program (EECBG), grant awards ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 will assist eligible municipalities or counties in implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce total energy use, improve energy efficiency in the transportation sector, and build a clean and equitable energy economy prioritizing disadvantaged communities. The grant program will invest U.S. Department of Energy (U.S. DOE) Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funds in energy planning. Municipalities and counties eligible for direct formula funding through the U.S. DOE are not eligible for funding through this state program. Grant applications will undergo a comprehensive, merit-based review. Scoring factors will include: funding

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that replacement of the Intelligent Transportation System Message Board on southbound Interstate 55 between Illinois 143 and Interstate 270 will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 7 a.m., Monday, Feb. 19, 2024. One lane will always remain open. All lanes will reopen by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. 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 Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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COLLINSVILLE - Alton High girls basketball freshman Madeleine Ducey has provided a big spark for the Redbirds this season, often coming off the bench to score key points or help her teammates out in any way that she can. In the IHSA Class 4A regional at Collinsville this past week, Ducey scored a total of 15 points - nine against Granite City in Alton's 83-15 win over the Warriors on Feb. 12, then came back in the final on Feb. 16 to score six points in the Redbirds' 63-38 win over Edwardsville to advance to the Normal Community West sectional this coming week. Ducey had contributed well to the team, averaging three points and 1.1 rebounds-per-game, adding on six assists and 10 steals, as Alton is currently 30-2 going into the sectional. She is an Auto Butler Female Athlete of the Month for the Redbirds. In a postgame interview that followed the win over the Tigers in the regional final, Ducey was very pleased with how things went in the game. "I'm feeling pretty good, honestly,"

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SOUTH ROXANA - The Easter Bunny stopped by to greet his friends at the Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery with a special delivery of goodies they had arranged to be delivered for the South Roxana Neighbor's upcoming Easter Egg Hunt which will be at the Dad’s Club at 2 p.m. on March 24, 2024. The Neighbor's members said thank you to Phillips 66 for contacting the Easter Bunny and contributing to make this event possible in the community for the kids. In the photo are Matthew Hartnett, Melissa Magruder, Anna Broadfoot, Melissa Erker and Katie Bennett.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Several individuals around Madison County have been charged with various forms of theft in recent months, according to court documents released by the county. Items stolen include a motorized shopping cart, airsoft guns, power tools, U.S. currency, and much more. James J. Wille, 40, of Saint Jacob, was charged on Feb. 5, 2024 with one count of theft over $500 after allegedly stealing a motorized shopping cart from the Walmart located at 400 Junction Drive in Glen Carbon. The motorized cart reportedly had a value in excess of $500. Wille was charged with a Class 3 felony in the case presented by the Glen Carbon Police Department. Court documents indicate he was remanded to jail to be held until his initial appearance in court. Antoine J. Shipp, 59, of Granite City, was charged with one count of theft (a Class 4 felony) after allegedly stealing less than $500 worth of U.S. currency from a victim on Jan. 12, 2024. Shipp’s case was presented by the Granite

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EDWARDSVILLE - Two people have been charged separately with aggravated unlawful use of weapons and additional charges, according to Madison County court documents. Morris L. Wiley, 50, of East St. Louis, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of weapons and driving while license is revoked on Jan. 13, 2024. Wiley unlawfully possessed a Taurus .38 Special revolver which was uncased, loaded, and immediately accessible in his vehicle at a time when he had no valid Firearm Owner’s Identification (FOID) card. Wiley was additionally charged for driving on Collinsville Road in Collinsville while his license had been revoked or suspended. He faces a Class 4 felony for aggravated unlawful use of weapons and his case was presented by the Collinsville Police Department. He was released upon his signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Release Order. Christopher T. Culpepper, 38, of St. Louis, was charged with aggravated unlawful use of weapons and possession of a controlled substance

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EDWARDSVILLE - Five individuals face a range of drug charges filed in Madison County in recent months, including several cases of meth possession, one of cocaine possession, and one involving “a substance containing diazepam.” Caleb J. Webb, 34, of Wentzville, Mo., was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine and driving on a license that had been revoked or suspended on Jan. 13, 2024. Court documents allege Webb had less than five grams of cocaine in his possession while he drove on Maryville Road in Maryville on a revoked/suspended license. Webb faces a Class 3 felony for the meth possession charge and a Class A misdemeanor for driving on a revoked/suspended license. His case was presented by the Maryville Police Department and he was reportedly released upon his signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Release Order. Danielle L. Coates, 47, of Alton, was charged by the East Alton Police Department with unlawful possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine

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EDWARDSVILLE - Several cases of battery around Madison County in recent months have resulted in felony charges against many individuals in the area. Cases include an Alton man charged with punching and pepper-spraying someone in an AMC movie theater, another Alton man throwing soap at a corrections employee’s head, and many more. Desiree A. Doty, 38, of Granite City, was charged with one count of domestic battery on Feb. 2, 2024. Doty allegedly knowingly caused bodily harm to a household or family member by striking them “about the face with a closed fist,” according to court documents. The state will reportedly seek an enhanced Class 4 sentence in this case due to his prior conviction of domestic battery in 2016 in Madison County. Doty’s latest domestic battery case was presented by the Collinsville Police Department, and he faces an enhanced Class 4 felony charge. Court documents indicate he was released upon his signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Releas

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Letter To The Editor: I, Anita Banks, would like to offer a rebuttal to the letter written by Lee Barham regarding the hiring of new police officers in Alton. As an 88-year-old African American citizen who has resided in Alton since 1954, I have experienced firsthand the racial disparities and discrimination that have plagued our community. However, I must say that the only discrimination evident in Mr. Barham's letter is his own. I am deeply embarrassed by Mr. Barham's misinformed attack on the Chief of Police, the Mayor of Alton, the Alton Branch NAACP, African American clergy, and other leaders of color. Instead of acknowledging the commendable effort by the civil service commission for hiring five qualified officers in a time of nationwide police officer shortages, Mr. Barham chooses to focus on the lack of black officers. While I agree that it is important for police departments to reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, it is also essential to recognize that diversity

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ALTON - My Just Desserts, a long-time restaurant in Alton, will close its doors on March 30, 2024. My Just Desserts' owner Evelyn Campbell issued this statement on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024, about its future: "After a lot of consideration, it is with deep sadness that we have made the decision to close our restaurant doors. We were very grateful that we were able to keep the legacy of our beloved owner alive since the time of her unfortunate passing. "To our loyal customers, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all of your support. We could not have made it this far without you. We ask that you continue to support us until our closing date of March 30, 2024. "We are hoping that someone would want to continue to serve this great community and keep this staple in our amazing town, so if interested, please feel free to inquire within. Thank you again and please come to visit us soon. We love you all!" Sheila Goins, a frequent My Just Desserts patron and friend of Evelyn, said

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EDWARDSVILLE - One individual from Granite City has been charged with failure to register as a sex offender, while another individual from Granite City was charged in a separate case with fleeing/attempting to elude an officer. Boyd D. Keelin, 45, of Granite City, was charged with failing to register as a sex offender on Feb. 1, 2024. According to court documents, Keelin failed to register as a sex offender with the sheriff of the county in which he resides or is temporarily domiciled for three or more days - in this case, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, who presented the case. Keelin faces a Class 3 felony, and according to court documents, has been released upon his signature of a Conditions of Pretrial Release Order. Roberto R. Cortez, 29, of Granite City, was charged with aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer as well as driving while his license was revoked. According to court documents, Cortzes “knowingly failed to obey and attempted

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GODFREY - The Mississippi Mass Choir once sang for Pope John Paul II. Now, for the first time, they’ll sing for the Riverbend. On April 5, 2024, the choir will perform at Hatheway Hall at Lewis and Clark Community College. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the concert begins at 6 p.m. Willie Franklin, Alton native and spiritual advisor to the choir, said it’s exciting to welcome the group to his hometown. “It’s just great to have this opportunity for the choir to come here,” Franklin said. “This is a great project. I’ve only run into minor obstacles, and when you do that in life, you have found out that what you’re doing is what God wants you to do. That’s what He wants you to do. If He was trying to find a way, you stay in something that’s being successful and you’ll find that God will continue to bless you in that.” Tickets are on sale until March 17, and you can find them at Deliverance Temple, LaMay’s

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BETHALTO - Zion Lutheran School has a wide variety of programs for families and kids to enjoy, from an upcoming preschool open house to a summer camp that kids will love. On Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, you can learn more about the preschool at a Dr. Seuss-themed open house from 6–7 p.m. Nikki Winkelmann, Director of Marketing and Engagement, said parents and kids will have the chance to tour the preschool classrooms and meet the teachers. “We’re going to go over what our preschool is, you’ll get to tour all the classrooms, meet all of the preschool teachers, meet with our principal, and several of the elementary teachers will be there too, giving tours,” Winkelmann explained. “We have three 3-year-old classrooms and four 4-year-old classrooms and lots of great teachers." Preschool families can choose to enroll their kids for half-days or full days for a minimum of two days a week up to five days a week. The school also offers childcare before

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MASCOUTAH — MidAmerica St. Louis Airport (BLV) today announced that Allegiant (NASDAQ: ALGT) is adding new, nonstop service between the Mascoutah, Ill.-based airport and McGhee Tyson Airport in Acola, Tenn. (TYS), providing individuals with direct access to Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains. Beginning June 13, flights between the two airports will be offered twice weekly – on Sundays and Thursdays. The new route marks the only nonstop service currently available between St. Louis and Knoxville. “Knoxville is a terrific complement to the other existing low-cost flights offered by Allegiant out of MidAmerica St. Louis Airport, and we’re confident passengers will appreciate the added choice as much as they appreciate the hassle-free experience of flying from MidAmerica St. Louis Airport,” said St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern. The new route between BLV and TYS will be the 11 th nonstop destination currently available via MidAmerica

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