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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announced today that it will continue to enforce emergency rules prohibiting the sale or exhibiting of poultry and poultry products at swap meets, exhibitions, flea markets, and auction markets in Illinois to prevent the spread of avian influenza. The Department’s emergency rules took effect on April 5, 2022. The emergency rules may be effective for up to 150 days; however, the Department is evaluating the need for the emergency rules every 45 days based on the most up-to-date avian influenza information. At the close of the first 45-day period, the Department has determined that the emergency rules should remain in effect as avian influenza has been detected in the State as recently as May 17, 2022. The Department will continue to evaluate in 45-day increments for up to 150 days. In conjunction with this announcement, Illinois 4-H will move all county fair 4-H poultry shows to an alternate format while the emergency

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today that the unemployment rate fell -0.1 percentage point to 4.6 percent, while nonfarm payrolls increased by +9,300 in April, based on preliminary data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and released by IDES. The March monthly change in payrolls was revised from the preliminary report, from +18,300 to +17,200 jobs. The March unemployment rate was unchanged from the preliminary report, remaining at 4.7 percent. The April payroll jobs estimate and unemployment rate reflects activity for the week including the 12th. In April, the industry sectors with the largest over-the-month gains in employment were: Leisure and Hospitality (+7,300), Manufacturing (+5,700), and Educational and Health Services (+3,500). The industry sectors that reported the largest monthly payroll declines were: Professional and Business (-11,100), Financial Activities (-2,200), and Trade, Transportation and Utilities

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THE CENTER SQUARE – A leading advocate for Illinois manufacturers is worried about price hikes and energy shortages this summer and into the future. “There is going to be a capacity shortage and we've seen warnings from utilities and regional grid operators talking about potentially rolling brownouts as soon as this summer,” said Mark Denzler, president, and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association. He said prices have been soaring at recent capacity auctions, which reserve energy capacity in the event that it is needed. Agencies are warning that families could be paying an extra $50 every month and that means businesses will be hit even harder. “When you consider what a manufacturer, a retailer, a restaurant will pay, it will be significantly higher,” Denzler said. “In a case of some manufacturers, they will pay millions and millions of dollars in higher energy costs.” Denzler said the energy available, especially in downstate

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MADISON COUNTY - Touchette Regional Hospital (TRH) is reminding the public of its Senior I.Q. (Improving Quality) Program and the importance of maintaining our health as we age to avoid health risks and concerns that are preventable. “This program is a coordinated and community-based approach to improve the quality of life for seniors 60 and older. We unite physicians, community agencies, home health care staff, social workers, family members, and volunteers who work together as a team for our clients,” says Cora Hughes, Manager of Volunteer Services at Touchette Regional Hospital. The overall goal of the Seniors I.Q. Program is to provide free aftercare services to the elderly to promote the best quality of life. The program assists seniors with developing individualized, holistic plans of care that improve seniors’ physical, spiritual and social well-being; performing home assessments that reduce safety risks in their homes; making connections with Medicare/Medicaid

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EDWARDSVILLE – With the addition of three new locations in the near future, Sivia Law has recently added additional staff to their team. In an attempt to keep up with demand, while maintaining a high-level of service, the firm has added a host of new hires. These hires include two Of-Counsel attorneys. One new staff member just so happened to be a former client. Etta Jackson, following the completion of her estate plan, was offered a position at Sivia Law. “I was so happy there was an opening,” stated Jackson, “I just fell in love with their processes, culture and current employees.” Jackson received her J.D. from Washington University School of Law, her Master’s in Business Administration from Columbia University, and her A.B. cum laude from Harvard University. She is licensed to practice law in Missouri and Illinois. Operating out of the Edwardsville location, Jackson joins Sivia Law with expertise in areas of business law primarily employment

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GLEN CARBON – Distinguished volunteer Rosemary Gruber from Belleville has been honored with the annual Heart of Gold Award by Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. This prestigious award recognizes the tremendous long-term impact a volunteer has had on girls and adults in his or her community through Girl Scouts, and it is the highest award a Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois adult volunteer can earn. Rosemary's impact on Girl Scouts is epic! A mother of three daughters and a retired registered nurse, she always made the time to help make a difference. Starting as a troop leader in the early 1970s, she has served in so many ways, including volunteering at day camps, helping fundraise, coordinating programs, training Program Aides, and serving as a nurse at events. At just shy of her 80th birthday, she still volunteers as a recruitment specialist who helps set up new troops and ensures new troop leaders feel welcome and well trained. “Rosemary exemplifies what it means to be

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Mike Bost (IL-12) and Rodney Davis (IL-13) yesterday succeeded in stripping language from the House Water Resources Development Act that would have limited access to affordable water for communities at Rend Lake, Carlyle Lake, and Lake Shelbyville. The provision would have set the stage for Governor Pritzker to terminate several existing contracts between the state of Illinois and the Army Corps of Engineers, forcing communities near Army Corps-managed lakes to pay more for water usage. “Once again, Governor Pritzker and liberal Democrats in Chicago and Springfield have completely disregarded the needs of Southern Illinois,” said Bost. “Resources are already stretched thin at the local level and terminating these contracts would have forced our communities to choose between affordable water and other necessary services. I’m pleased that Rep. Davis and I were successful in stripping this provision from the House

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ALTON - A free health fair for senior citizens on Wednesday at Senior Services Plus on North Rodgers in Alton was well-received with a large group in attendance. About 40 vendors participated and several senior and health-related agencies, including TRIAD, were also present. Seniors were able to learn about health care, wellness, legal issues and much more, plus have health screenings and participate in giveaways. Carrie Carter of the Older Adults Health Council said this event allows them to reach seniors in a special way with the health fair. She said she appreciated the partnership with Senior Services Plus and the other vendors for the event. Debbie Frakes, a spokesperson for Senior Services Plus, said it was an excellent turnout for the event. “We haven’t been able to hold one of these for three years because of COVID-19 and we had a lot of participants today and it worked out well,” she said. “We are so happy to have everyone back in the building.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - While the U.S. continues to struggle with a shortage of baby formula , Senate Democrats have introduced a bill which aims to give the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) greater authority and more tools to prevent future shortages. U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) joined U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) and Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in introducing the Protect Infants from Formula Shortages Act. The bill would require formula manufacturers to notify the FDA of potential supply disruptions; there are currently no such notification systems in place. It would also direct manufacturers to develop “risk management plans” regarding their supply of products and give the FDA authority to request records in advance or instead of in-person inspections, according to a press release from Duckworth’s office. Casey said it is his colleagues’ Congressional responsibility to ensure parents can safely

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EAST ALTON - Amoriah Gray, the 7-year-old author of “Amoriah’s Magic Afro Puffs,” will be signing copies of her book at Eastwood Elementary School in East Alton on Tuesday, May 31 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Angela Gray, Amoriah’s mother, said she hopes for a big turnout from Amoriah’s friends, teachers and fans. “We’re excited because it’s her school, and with her school friends being there, hopefully they’ll come out,” Angela said. “I did ask the principal if he could notify her teachers from her pre-K, and he said that he would, so we’re pretty excited about that.” Amoriah has previously held book signings in Wood River and Soulard, and was well-received at both. While this isn’t Amoriah’s first book signing, Angela said it also won’t be her last. “She plans to have a busy summer doing promotion for the book at various daycares and various vending events, and we may hav

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ALTON – Greg Lorsbach, a physical therapist with Alton Memorial Hospital’s Human Motion Institute, was named the 2021 Employee of the Year in a selection by hospital leadership from among last year’s 12 Employees of the Month. Although AMH was unable to hold its annual Employee Awards Banquet again this year because of the pandemic, the hospital was still able to honor several of its top staff members during the recent Health Care Week. “Greg is frequently mentioned by name during inpatient discharge phone calls, which is indicative of Greg's impression and impact,” said Sue Walker, MBA, manager of Rehabilitation Services at Alton Memorial. “He is humble and kind, the epitome of a great team player, and it is an honor to work with Greg.” Lorsbach graduated from Maryville University in 1991 with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Therapy. Greg has been with BJC since 2002 at AMH, then Missouri Baptist, then he returned to AMH in 2007. H

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EDWARDSVILLE – Illinois Republican governor candidates Darren Bailey, Richard Irvin, Max Solomon and Jesse Sullivan are expected to join more than 25 candidates for State and Local offices at a GOP Candidate Meet-and-Greet from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the American Legion, 58 IL-157, Edwardsville. The event is free and open to the public. Hosted by the Madison County Republican Central Committee (MCRCC), this event will kick off the final 6 weeks leading up to the June 28, 2022, Primary Election. For the first time in recent memory, Madison County Republicans hold most offices at the county level. This June marks a season of contested primary races for several local County Offices, as well as US House and Senate seats and State Congressional races. “In this unprecedented time in Madison County, we as conservatives will have choices at the ballot box,” said MCRCC Chairman Ray Wesley. “This is an opportunity to get to know these candidates,”

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COLLINSVILLE – Memorial Day Weekend is the traditional start of summer and this year’s Memorial Day Fireworks Celebration is extra special as it kicks off the celebration of the City of Collinsville’s 150th Birthday, the Sesquicentennial Celebration. The celebration is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of the City’s 150th Birthday with a day of fun. “We are very excited to once again put on the Collinsville Memorial Day Fireworks Celebration and are looking forward to a day of fun for the entire family,” Kimberly Caughran, Collinsville Parks, and Recreation Director said. The Collinsville Aqua Park opens at 11 a.m. and the Memorial Day activities start at 2 p.m. Roads in the area around will be closing Sunday morning prior to the start of the celebration to give time for the food trucks and vendors to set up. Food trucks will be located near the stage on Eastport Plaza and vendors will set up on Gateway Drive. Included in the Memoria

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EDWARDSVILLE - Lincoln Middle School in Edwardsville eighth-graders Andrah Salyer and Nolan Forinash have been recognized as this year's American Legion Award Winners. Lincoln Middle says this award goes to students who exemplify courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship, and service. The youth were granted the award by American Legion 5th Division Commander Larry J. Miller. Miller said he was honored to present the awards to the students.: “They are given to two students each year who are graduating from eighth grade or high school," he said. "They receive a certificate and a medal. We rely on the schools to give us the names of the students who receive the awards. I am always pleased to give out awards to these top students. I also encourage students to look at the American Legion oratorical contests and some of the other competitions at Legion.org ."

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are currently investigating a homicide in the 1200 block of North Highway Drive which resulted in the death of an adult female. On May 17, 2022, at approximately 5:25 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the City of Fenton Precinct responded to a call for service for shots fired in the 1200 block of North Highway Drive. Arriving officers were fired upon by a male suspect who then fled the area in a white Chevrolet Impala. Officers attempted to stop the fleeing vehicle but the vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit lasted approximately 10 minutes, ending at Big Bend Road and Old Big Bend Road where the suspect turned the gun on himself. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. One officer was injured due to glass breaking in the patrol unit when the officer was fired upon by the suspect. The officer was treated by EMS on the scene. No officers were struck by gunfire.

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The following are the Class of 2022 graduates at St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School. Donald Alexander Josselyn Allen Katy Arnold Justin Bell Matthew Bishop Noah Borkowski Kelsy Carey Evan Cheek Ava Deist Jescie Fitzgerald Boden Fraley Holly Forrester Cash Goetten Meredith Gray Chase Howell Jude Jones Abram Kribs Shane Lamer Samantha Lott Adelina Ruiz Carly Russell Grace Russell Maria Schroeder Josie Shipley Paul Slusser Lilly Smith Lily Wilkinson Luke Wilkinson Aubrey Wock Taylor Woodring Madalynn Woolsey

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EDWARDSVILLE — It’s official, Madison County‘s Plum Street property is sold. “In real estate, it’s never sold until it’s closed,” Chairman Kurt Prenzler said. “The sale isn’t official until the deed is conveyed On Tuesday, Prenzler signed the closing paperwork on the nearly 14 acres at Madison County Title Company. In February, The Staenberg Group, a multi-state development company with offices in St. Louis and Denver – offered $3.86 million for the county-owned property at the intersection of Illinois 159 and Governor’s Parkway. The company was the sole bidder on the land the county put up for sale in January. The county board approved the sale in March. The company paid the property’s appraised value. The company is also developing the nearby Orchard Town Center in Glen Carbon. Prenzler said the county wanted to sell the site so it did not have to maintain it, and to eliminate the county’s liability.

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THE CONVERSATION - The conditions that led to a shortage of baby formula were set in motion long before the February 2022 closure of the Similac factory tipped the U.S. into a crisis . Retailers nationwide reported supplies of baby formula were out of stock at a rate of 43% during the week ended May 8, 2022, compared with less than 5% in the first half of 2021. In some states, such as Texas and Tennessee , shortages were over 50%, which has prompted parents to travel long distances and pay exorbitant sums of money to grab dwindling supplies of formula for their babies. News that the Food and Drug Administration and Similac-maker Abbott have reached a deal to reopen the formula factory in Sturgis, Michigan, is welcome news for desperate parents, but it will do little to alleviate the shortage anytime soon. This is in no small part because of the very nature of America’s baby formula industry. I research and teach supply chain management , with a special focus on

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ST. LOUIS - St. Louis Downtown Airport (KCPS) announced that flight operations at the airport increased to a total of 101,938 during 2021, the highest total for the airport in the past five years. The total number of flight operations exceeds 2019 numbers by more than 5%, which is significant considering the coronavirus pandemic continued to significantly impact air travel in 2021. It represents a 31.2% increase over the 2020 flight operations, a strong signal private and business travel customers returned to the skies and flew in and out of the closest airport to downtown St. Louis. “The overall trend for the first quarter of 2022 confirmed the rebound is continuing and is likely to see even greater acceleration due to key events drawing more travelers to the region in the coming months,” said Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multi-Modal Enterprises for Bi-State Development. Bi-StateDevelopment owns and operates the busiest general aviation airport in Illinois,

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URBANA – After a cold, wet spring Illinois farmers are racing to get their crops in the field. As large farm equipment moves along country roads, both farmers and those driving a vehicle should adopt a "safety first" attitude. The 2022 spring planting season is progressing rapidly with many workers moving at a rapid pace to keep up. During spring planting season, more slow-moving farm equipment travel on the roadways, creating potentially hazardous traffic jams where motorists in a rush least expect them. "Since many drivers are unfamiliar with the size and maneuverability of farm equipment, operators should use hazards and turn signals diligently. Avoid moving equipment during peak traffic times. For example, shuffle equipment in the middle day to avoid people driving to and from work and school. When yielding to oncoming traffic, slow down and be aware of soft shoulders. Avoid distractions, such as using cell phones when driving, and refrain from carrying passengers," says

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