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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville Rotary Club has chosen to honor Edwardsville High School student Alessia Heiser with the Student of the Month Award for the month of December. Alessia Heiser was nominated by World Languages teacher Christel Schwarz of Edwardsville High School. Alessia is the daughter of Christopher & Dana Cattani-Smejkal and Timothy & Katie Heiser. She is very involved in the music department, where she has made ILMEA All-District six times, ILMEA All-State three times, and Bi-State two times. Additionally, Alessia is a member of National Honor Society, French Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Symphonic Band, Marching Band, and has been on high honor roll for three years. In her free time, Alessia enjoys making jewelry and playing the bassoon. In the future, Alessia would like to attend Southern Illinois University Carbondale or Purdue University. From there, she plans on majoring in microbiology and minoring in environmental science. The Edwardsville

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today led 17 Senate Democrats in a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to act swiftly to finally close the detention facility at U.S. Naval Station Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. In their letter, the Senators wrote that as a symbol of lawlessness and human rights abuses, the detention facility continues to harm U.S. national security by serving as a propaganda tool for America’s enemies and hindering counterterrorism efforts and cooperation with allies. The Senators also expressed their support of the Administration’s renewed commitment before the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Committee this fall to ending indefinite detention at Guantánamo. The Senators wrote, “At a time of mounting threats from China and Russia, we cannot afford such a weakening of our security. Moreover, in addition to the $540 million in wasted taxpayer dollars each year,

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STANFORD, CT. – Spectrum returned to the Super Bowl on Sunday for the first time since 2018 with a witty new commercial poking fun at the spotty coverage of cell phone home internet providers while highlighting the speed and reliability of Spectrum Internet. In the 30-second ad – aptly titled “Holes” – Mom arrives home to discover her family has smashed a gaping hole in the living room wall to get a better internet signal. “Turns out the walls were getting in the way,” Dad says. While comical to think somebody would actually knock holes in their walls to improve service, the ad illustrates the limitations of what cell phone home internet users regularly experience. Unlike the Super Bowl game, there is no contest: Spectrum Internet delivers 24/7 reliability, security, and dramatically faster speeds, while saving customers hundreds of dollars per year on their home internet and mobile service vs. the competition. The commercial, create

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MARYVILLE - Anderson Healthcare, a leading healthcare network in the Metro East, is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Marshall, MBA, CPA, FACHE, as the new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective February 9, 2024. Marshall replaces Keith Page, who retired February 8, 2024, after 28 years with the organization. Marshall has been with the Anderson Healthcare System for 19 years, joining the Senior Leadership team on April 1, 2005. He served as Chief Financial Officer from April 1, 2005, through December 31, 2022, and most recently served as the Chief Operating Officer of Anderson Healthcare. With over 35 years of experience in healthcare management, Marshall has played a pivotal role in driving Anderson’s financial growth and strategic decision-making. As CFO, Marshall demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, and a deep understanding of the company's operations and strategic initiatives. "I am honored and excited to take on the role of President and

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College students will have the opportunity to mingle with representatives from various colleges, universities and military branches during Spring Transfer Day 2024, to be held from noon-2 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 21, in The Commons. Colleges/universities/organizations represented will include: Eastern Illinois University Southern Illinois University Carbondale University of Illinois Springfield Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College Central Methodist University Greenville University Quincy University Webster University McKendree University Illinois College Harris Stowe State University Southern Illinois University Edwardsville University of Illinois Chicago University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Maryville University Lindenwood University Fontbonne University Blackburn University University of Missouri St. Louis UMSL College of Business U.S. Marine Corps. U.S. Airforce U.S. Army For more information, contact

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GRANITE CITY - Recently unsealed charges containing additional details about a Granite City police officer-involved shooting have been released by the Madison County Circuit Clerk’s Office. The suspect, Donald J. Friese, was later killed in a shootout with officers from the Illinois State Police, the United Marshal Service, Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Office, and Cape Girardeau Police Department. In total, Friese was charged with five felony counts, including two counts of attempted first degree murder and one count each of aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm, and unlawful use or possession of weapons by a felon. The first four counts were each Class X felonies, while the fifth count was a Class 2 felony. A petition that was filed to deny Friese’s pretrial release describes the events which led up to the initial officer-involved shooting. Friese had apparently made suicidal statements prior to the incident, with his mother indicatin

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College is hosting its annual “You Have a Voice!” humanities speech competition at 3 p.m., Wednesday, March 20, in the Ann Whitney Olin Theatre of the Hatheway Cultural Center. The contest aims to give students an opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences on what it means to be human. All students are encouraged to participate or attend. The top three winners will earn cash prizes. Speeches should be informative and persuasive, with a time limit of five to eight minutes. The competition is organized by the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society and hosted by PTK Sponsor and Speech Professor Elizabeth Grant. This year’s event is co-sponsored by L&C Student Activities. Grant said "You Have A Voice” was inspired by a former student who shared a heart-wrenching story. The student stood up for a fellow customer who was being bullied while waiting in line at CVS. "I realized that our students live in the trenches

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WOOD RIVER/ST. LOUIS - The DAWG Nation Hockey Foundation will host a fundraiser for local hockey player Wyatt Owens. Community members are invited to support the 18-year-old at an upcoming hockey tournament in St. Louis. The winter classic kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024, and 36 teams throughout the St. Louis area will be competing. On Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, spectators can enjoy an auction and a public skate with Reed Low, a former St. Louis Blues player. All proceeds will go to St. Louis resident Adam Dowling and Wood River’s own Owens, who was recently diagnosed with lymphoma. “This is an annual fundraiser that we do to help members of the hockey community going through times of crisis,” explained Jared Schmierbach, director of the St. Louis chapter of DAWG Nation. “Aside from the financial aspect of this, we try to get the community together to support these people going through these very challenging times.” The tournament is

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The list of accomplishments and contributions of the Hudin Family from East St. Louis is remarkable. From purchasing their freedom from slavery, to serving as a conductor on the Underground Railroad, to being a tennis coach to the late great Arthur Ashe, to working as Hollywood film producers, the Hudlin family’s legacy is rich and substantial. Norman Ross, retired executive director of the Greater East St. Louis Chamber of Commerce, will reveal interesting, impressive history about the Hudlin side of his family during a presentation at noon Wednesday, Feb. 14 at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Learning Resource Center (LRC). “We are very proud of some of the accomplishments by our family members within the St. Louis Metropolitan Region,” said Ross, who grew up in East St. Louis. “We feel deeply inspired that they were able to enhance the positive well-being of the total community.” Ross’s

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QUINCY - Quincy University released its Dean's List for the Fall 2023 semester. Honorees must earn a semester grade point average of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) to be included in the biannual Dean's List. In total, 407 students received the honor during the Fall 2023 semester. Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, please visit www.quincy.edu or contact the Office of Community Relations at (217) 228-5275 or communityrelations@quincy.edu. Quincy University. Success by Design. HOMETOWN, STATE;

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine and Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford announced today that a third defendant has been charged in connection with a shooting that critically injured a 13-year-old girl. The third defendant, 24-year-old Keith A. Sanders of Alton, is charged with Attempted First-Degree Murder, Contributing to the Delinquency or Criminal Delinquency of a Minor, and Aggravated Battery With a Firearm. The charges against Sanders were filed Tuesday, but remained underseal until he was taken into custody. Sanders was taken into custody without incident during a traffic stop conducted by Alton Police on Friday afternoon. The charge of Attempted First-Degree Murder alleges that Sanders – or one for whose conduct he is legally responsible – discharged a firearm in the direction of the girl. The charge of Contributing to the Delinquency or Criminal Delinquency of a Minor alleges that Sanders encouraged a minor to become delinquent “by

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ALTON - Dale St. Peters, owner of St. Peters Family True Value Stores, recently received the prestigious Estwing Golden Hammer Award from Estwing Manufacturing Company which recognizes retailers with 50 years of service. The honor is considered one of the most distinguished in the home improvement industry. On February 9, 2024, a celebration honored Dale St. Peters for his 50-plus years of service in the hardware industry. St. Peters’ passion for hardware, innovative spirit, and tireless work ethic have distinguished him as a true leader and visionary. Over his 50 years of service, St. Peters has witnessed the evolution of technology, the rise of new trends, and the changing needs of consumers. As the owner of St. Peters Family True Value Stores, he has played a vital role and has been a role model and mentor to many. “I enjoy working with customers and helping them solve their problems,” said Dale St. Peters. “I am thankful to all the people I have had the

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MILWAUKEE, Wis. - Glen Carbon's Tony Marchetto, Letters & Science undergrad, has been named to the Dean's List at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for the Fall 2023 semester. UWM is the second largest university in the State of Wisconsin, with more than 22,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

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WOOD RIVER - The Five Below store at 672 Wesley Drive in Wood River is now open. Five Below fills the vacant space anchoring the shopping center near Walmart. Five Below Inc. is an American chain of specialty discount stores that prices most of its products at $5 or less, plus a smaller assortment of products priced up to $25. The next closest Five Below stores are in Fairview Heights and Florissant, Mo. Wood River city officials, members of the Wood River Business Alliance and Five Below staff celebrated the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday morning before the store opening. “We are excited to have Five Below invest in Wood River. We know they will be incredibly successful," Wood River Mayor Tom Stalcup said during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. "Wood River is centrally located and close to multiple major highways, making us a perfect location for new businesses.“ Wood River Five Below is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Fo

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City High School seniors Lucas Hutchings and Reece Smallie were recognized at the 2024 SKILLED Award Winners Ceremony on Feb. 6 at the S.M. Wilson & Co. Headquarters in St. Louis. The event consisted of appetizers, networking and a short ceremony. Hutchings and Smallie were awarded $500 each for their plan in further developing the GCSD9 mobile classroom. Their plan included purchasing “more tools, machines, computers and other technology” for the trailer. "We have been fortunate to have S.M. Wilson as a part of our district growth in GCSD9. Their approach to a project goes past the physical construction, but also includes their celebrating the completion of a project with us," said GCSD9 Superintendent Stephanie M. Cann . "Their Skilled & Follow the Build programs bring student engagement into the educational forefront through specific classroom presentations by field experts, and on-site field trips to our own active project

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College Associate Professor of Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene Meghan Becraft has been nominated by her peers for the Illinois Community College Trustees Association’s (ICCTA) Outstanding Full-time Faculty Award. The award recognizes high-achieving Illinois full-time community college instructors. “I was so surprised and overwhelmed with gratitude to receive this nomination; it has been such a humbling experience to be honored in this way by my colleagues and friends,” Becraft said. “I am aware of the distinction this award comes with and will continue to do my very best to represent the Lewis and Clark team.” Becraft came to L&C in 2008 as a well-seasoned professional with 15 years of experience, working in a variety of private dental practices. She began as an adjunct, teaching dental hygiene clinical courses while still providing patient care in a private facility. “I really enjoyed

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EAST ALTON - As spring approaches, the East Alton Parks and Recreation Department has several clinics and programs coming down the pipeline. Tyler Lafferty, the department superintendent, explained that the Parks and Recreation Department will sponsor multiple youth clinics throughout March and April before tri-city volleyball and baseball begin later in the season. The department will also hold a Generation Gap trivia night on Saturday, Feb. 24, 2024, to raise money for a sports scholarship and senior programs. “It takes support,” Lafferty said. “We’re very blessed in East Alton in having so many connections locally. Everyone’s wanting to see the community grow.” In March, East Alton will offer a t-ball clinic for ages 3–5 and a basketball clinic for ages 5–7, followed by a “Soccer 4 Tots” clinic in April for ages 3–7. The clinics are scheduled for every Saturday for four weeks, and it costs $30 to participate.

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ALTON - Alton Family Martial Arts & Fitness invites you to join them at one of their classes. Steven Fisher, general manager, explained that the gym offers jiu jitsu, MMA and kickboxing classes. They also have a seven-day free trial period for people to check out their classes firsthand. He encourages people to give it a shot. “It’s never too early to start,” Fisher said. “We have every flavor in the gym and we take it at your pace, not our pace, so you have time to build that strength, build that momentum, and then you can go from there.” Fisher joked that many people are overconfident when they come to the gym at first, and the first class is known as the “ego killer.” While it can be intimidating at first, the coaches and fellow classmates are there to practice, and they always welcome newcomers. Adam Peipert knows this firsthand. Peipert has lost 100 pounds over the past 12 months of working with Alton Family Martial Arts & Fitness

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SPRINGFIELD – This Super Bowl Sunday, the Illinois Department of Transportation, Illinois State Police as well as law enforcement agencies throughout the state are taking a timeout to spread two very important safety messages to the public: “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket.” “If you’re attending a Super Bowl party, the best call you can make before you start to celebrate is to plan for a safe ride home so that when the party’s over, you don’t get sidelined – or sideline anyone else – by driving impaired,” said IDOT’s Director of Highways Project Implementation Steve Travia. “Driving impaired is not a game and can have fatal consequences for you and others on the road.” If you’re driving this weekend, safety should be the top goal in your gameplan. When it’s time to leave the party, make sure your designated driver is sober. Remember that walking impaired also

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ALTON - Believe it or not, for professionals like Thomas Nealeigh, fire-eating is easier than it looks. “Fire eating, in a way, is one of the easiest acts to learn. But it is the most difficult one to master,” the performer said. “And you continually work with it and you have to keep in mind that at some point you’re going to catch on fire.” Nealeigh would know. He tells the story of a bad performance where the wind changed and the fire singed off his eyebrow and burned his chin. Ever the professional, he slathered on some burn ointment and lit up to perform the trick again — and quickly realized that burn ointment is flammable. This is part of the job for FreakShow Deluxe, the production company that Nealeigh helped start in 2001. The show travels all over the country, but Nealeigh and his family live in Alton, where he recently performed at Alton Little Theater before a production of “Elephant’s Graveyard.” He has a

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