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CHICAGO – Local school boards’ threat assessment procedures will be filed with local law enforcement agencies to increase student safety thanks to a measure spearheaded by State Senator Christopher Belt that was signed into law Friday. “As chair of the Senate Education Committee, one of my top priorities is student safety,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This law will ensure all schools are up to date with their procedures and give parents one less worry in case of a school threat.” Currently, each public school district is required to implement a threat assessment procedure that includes the creation of a threat assessment team. The team must consist of an administrator, teacher, school counselor, psychologist, school social worker and at least one law enforcement official. House Bill 4994 requires each local school board to file the threat assessment procedure and a list of the members on the school district's threat assessment team or regional behavior

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GODFREY - For current information regarding Lewis and Clark Community College’s operations during the pandemic, please visit lc.edu/coronavirus. 5/14 – Alton High School Tennis Tournament: 9 a.m., Andy Simpson Tennis Complex, Lewis and Clark Community College, 5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey. (618) 474-6974. 5/14 – Trailblazers Baseball vs. Heartland: 1 and 3:30 p.m., Lloyd Hopkins Field, Gordon Moore Park, 4550 College Ave. (618) 468-5352. 5/15 – Piano Recital, Featuring the Students of Victoria Sowders: 2 p.m., Benjamin Godfrey Memorial Chapel, Lewis and Clark Community College, 5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey. (618) 468-4731. 5/18 – Pre-Grad Party 2022: 2-4 p.m., The Grove, outside The Commons, Lewis and Clark Community College, 5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey. (618) 468-6400. 5/18 – Interactive Mural Unveiling: 2:15 p.m., The Grove, outside The Commons, Lewis and Clark Community College, 5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey. (618) 468-3200. 5/18 – 5

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FAIRMONT CITY – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with broadband expansion advocates in Fairmont City, including Mayor Michael Suarez, Library Director Katie Heaton and Collinsville Community Unit School District 10 Superintendent Brad Skertich to discuss her work to reduce broadband costs for working Illinoisans and highlight the newly announced Affordable Connectivity Program, which will help the more than 200,000 Illinoisans who currently lack broadband and help millions of low-income families afford internet access by reducing monthly bills by as much as $30, or $75 on Tribal lands. During the meeting, which comes during the same week broadband construction in Fairmont City began, Duckworth and the group also discussed the city’s recent success in securing broadband expansion for their underserved community after years of calling for equitable internet access. Photos from today’s meeting are available here. “Showing up for Metro East communities

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced that they will begin accepting applications from those interested in serving as a Federal District Court Judge in the Central District of Illinois. The Senators will be assisted by a screening committee whose task is to review and vet District Court candidates and advise the Senators regarding the candidates’ qualifications and fitness for the position. “Our constitutional responsibility to advise and consent is one of the most important duties we have in the Senate. As we make recommendations for lifetime judicial appointments, we will benefit from the guidance and insights of our distinguished screening committee,” the Senators said. “We thank the members of the screening committee for their willingness to serve and look forward to recommending qualified and experienced individuals to the White

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EAST ST. LOUIS – After an extensive investigation spanning more than a year, on May 14, 2022, the Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 6 arrested Deandre Cotton, a 38-year-old male from Bellville for First-Degree Murder and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. On April 19, 2021, at approximately 3:45 P.M., the East St. Louis Police Department requested ISP’s assistance in investigating a homicide that occurred in the parking lot of the Clyde C. Jordan Senior Citizen Center at 6755 State Street, East St. Louis. A 33-year-old male from Belleville was shot and transported to a regional hospital where he later died from his injuries. Cotton was identified as a person of interest in the case and on April 23, 2021, an arrest warrant for Cotton was issued for First-Degree Murder and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. On May 14, 2022, at approximately 8:47 a.m., the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force in conjunction with ISP tracked

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DOWNSTATE ILLINOIS – The Capital Development Board (CDB) today announced over $46 million in investments are moving forward to improve and renovate various state agency buildings in the state’s southern regions and $339,800 is going to Alton Mental Health Center. The project includes replacing and expanding the existing duress system. Pere Marquette State Park in Jersey County will receive $6,966,500. The Jersey project includes upgrading the water supply system to the park by connecting to the Jersey County Rural Water District or upgrading and fully staffing the existing water plant after determining the cost/benefit of each option. Also included is replacing the deteriorated water distribution system throughout the park. The funding will help address deferred maintenance projects at state agencies that have been stalled due to a lack of investment by previous administrations. “As a member of the House Appropriations - Human Services Committee, I know too wel

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EDWARDSVILLE - May is National Stop the Bleed Month and on Thursday, May 19, the Edwardsville Fire Department, along with partners from Anderson Hospital Region IV EMS will be offering complimentary Stop the Bleed classes at the Edwardsville Public Safety Building. The Edwardsville Fire Department, along with partners from Anderson Hospital Region IV EMS will offer "Stop The Bleed Classes" on May 19 at the times listed below: 9 – 10:15 a.m. 4 – 5:15 p.m. 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. Self-guided online courses can also be taken, and participants can print the completion letter and contact the Fire Department to schedule the hands-on practical and receive your completion certificate. Visit https://www.stopthebleed.org/training/online-course . Prior registration is required to maintain social distancing. For questions about the Stop The Bleed program or to register for a class at the Edwardsville Public Safety Building, call 618-692-7540. During this month and on

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SPRINGFIELD – In the second week of Women’s Health Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) today affirmed its commitment to covering abortion care for all Medicaid customers in the state of Illinois. As a freedom of choice state, Illinois is one of only 16 states that go beyond federal Medicaid limits and use state funds to cover abortions for people enrolled in Medicaid. The department covers both surgical and medical abortion services. “In this state, when we say that healthcare is a right and not a privilege, that includes the right to make reproductive health decisions – full stop,” said HFS Director Theresa Eagleson . “Every woman in our state deserves comprehensive and affordable access to health care, including abortion if that is the right decision for her. The choice to carry a baby to term is a physical, emotional, and economic one for the involved woman and those she

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County officials want to warn those visiting the Administration Building or Courthouse in downtown Edwardsville about road closures in downtown Edwardsville. On Monday, St. Louis Street between Main and Second streets will be closed due to ongoing construction projects. The street will reopen midweek, or once work is completed. In mid-April, construction started along Second Street at St. Louis Street and goes to High Street. Due to the construction and the installation of a new water line, the pedestrian crosswalk from the parking lot to the back of the Administration Building is closed and temporarily moved. There is crossing from the large lot where vehicles can access the small parking lot behind the building for handicap accessible parking. Additional signage and personnel are available to direct pedestrians where to cross the street. The county is asking the public not to cross or park in areas that are blocked off by barricades or caution tape.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke on the Senate floor on the need to quickly pass a bipartisan COVID-19 supplemental funding package, in order to ensure adequate supplies of tests, vaccines, and other medical supplies. Most urgently, it was reported last week that, without additional funding, COVID vaccines will soon be in shortage if the Food and Drug Administration authorizes second booster shots for all adults. This week, the U.S. officially hit one million deaths due to the COVID-19 virus, including more than 33,600 Illinoisans. “Right now, we are sleepwalking into the next potentially deadly wave. And we know the virus will continue to mutate and pose threats. We need to learn from the past two years—from our experience with Delta and Omicron—and act now to be ready for whatever comes next. Over the weekend, the Biden Administration warned that new sub-variants could fuel a wave that is forecast to infect 100 million Americans

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GRANITE CITY - Lawson Kimble has been chosen as an Illinois Principals' Association Outstanding Student and Citizen Award recipient. Lawson joins fellow Granite City student Abbey Haddix as one of the award winners. LAWSON KIMBLE Kimble is the captain of the hockey and volleyball teams and vice-president of the International Thespian Society. He has participated in two spring plays produced by the high school, along with participating in multiple clubs and sports: Hobby Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Hockey Club, Renaissance, Saturday Scholars Program, Secondary Honors, and Student Council. Kimble will be taking a gap year to play Jr. Hockey with future plans to play NCAA Division 1 while studying pre-law. He is attending a hockey camp at Harvard and Dartmouth this summer. Kimble's ultimate goal is to play in the National Hockey League and practice either sports or entertainment law. Honors : Renaissance Top 10; Elks Student of the Month; Mr. Warrior; Illinois State

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GRANITE CITY – Granite City High School senior Abbey Haddix was chosen as the Illinois Principals’ Association Outstanding Student and Citizen Award recipient. Lawson Kimble of Granite City High School was also chosen. “Lawson and Abby represent the best of GCHS. Their leadership and work ethic have excelled in the school and community,” said GCHS Assistant Principal Chris Hutchings. “It is our privilege to celebrate these students on behalf of the Illinois Principals’ Association.” ABBEY HADDIX Haddix is the president of the National Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a three-year soccer player, and a member of the Renaissance Club. She is planning to attend Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to study political science and Spanish. Honors : Renaissance Top 10; Personal Choice Award; Illinois State Scholar; May Carousel Court; Secondary Honors. Parents : Don and Mary Haddix. More on Lawson is in another story

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are currently investigating a child shot in the 2500 block of Harriet Walk which resulted in injury to a 3-year-old girl. On May 13, 2022, at approximately 8:17 AM, St. Louis County police officers from the Central County Precinct responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 2500 block of Harriet Walk. Officers located a child suffering from a non-life threatening gunshot wound. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Preliminary investigation has revealed the shooting appears to be accidental at this time. The investigation is very active at this time. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak with investigators if you have any information regarding this incident. To remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward, please contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477)

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GRANITE CITY – After meeting with Illinois Department of Transportation, the construction contractor, and the local agency oversight group, Granite City Community Unit School District #9 announced that a section of Johnson Road will be closed at the culvert towards McDonalds beginning on Monday, May 16. Entrance for Central Christian Church will remain open for Frohardt drop off and pick up, and we are anticipating possible bus delays based upon the road restrictions.

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CDC is Reporting 23 Illinois Counties are Now Rated at Medium Level; Public Health Officials Stress Importance of Being Updated on Vaccinations and Boosters; Vulnerable People Should Exercise Caution in Indoor Spaces SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 40,026 new confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Illinois, including 45 deaths since May 6, 2022. According to the CDC, 23 counties in Illinois are now rated at the Medium Community Level, including 14 counties in the northern part of the state, eight in the central part and one in Southern Illinois. At the Medium Community Level, people at risk of severe health outcomes are advised to take additional precautions to protect themselves from the virus, including masking up in indoor spaces. Currently, IDPH is reporting a total of 3,209,341 cases, including 33,705 deaths, in 102 counties in Illinois since the beginning of the pandemic. As of last night,

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ALTON - The Haskell Playhouse is one of Alton’s treasures and many have invested their hearts to preserve it and make it a place that draws people from far and wide. Some hoodlums in the Alton area must have other ideas about the beautiful house, built for young Lucy Jane Haskell by her grandfather, John Hayner, a legendary financier, and philanthropist. Lucy died four years after the playhouse was given to her on her fifth birthday in 1885 in Alton. The playhouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 30, 1974. Multiple times since Blue Ribbon Lighting installed some beautiful lights at the playhouse for the night, vandals have damaged the display installed by Kyle Batson. Margaret Hopkins of Alton, speaking for the Playhouse, and other board members, are highly upset with the vandalism that has occurred at the playhouse. First, they want Alton Police to be able to catch who is responsible and stop the acts from happening. Hopkins urged anyone who sees

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CARROLLTON – The Illinois Department of Transportation announces intermittent lane closures of Illinois 108 between the west city limit and east city limit of Carrollton beginning on Monday, May 16, 2022, weather permitting. Two-way traffic will be maintained by the use of flaggers. IDOT said this work is needed to maintain the pavement and it should be completed by the end of May. 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. The contractor on this project is Keeley & Sons from E. St. Louis, Illinois. 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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ALTON - Marquette Catholic has had a strong history in academic challenge competitions. This year, led by John Walters, the ACES squad placed 11th in the annual state competition. The Marquette Academic Challenge Team (ACES), formally known as WYSE, is a test-based competition where each team member is tested in two of the following subjects: Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Engineering Graphics, English, and Computer Science. Nina Walters and Breanna Gaither, finished fifth in Math and sixth in Chemistry, respectively, in the state competition. Shown in the first photo are, back row: Rodger Zawodniak, Nina Walters, Elizabeth Guenther, lsabel Silliman, Nathan Bennett, Peter Walsh, Drew Davis, Skylar Schuster, and Will Schwartz. Front row: Breanna Gaither, Marissa Statos, Kelsie Steib, Paige Masterson, Abigail Taylor, and Emma Bohannon. REGIONAL MEDAL WINNERS Back Row: Peter Walsh 2nd Biology, Will Schwartz 1st in Chemistry, Skylar Schuster 2nd in Chemistry, Dre Davis

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ALTON - Marquette Catholic's team of Adonnis Hopson, Noah Spencer, and Derrick Thomas placed third recently in the country in a national IDEATE Engineering Design competition. Their box folding device was designed to make the job easier for the workers at Project CU in St. Louis while also improving their self-esteem. Ten students, composing three teams from MCHS, participated in the IDEATE Engineering Competition. This is a nationwide competition that Marquette Catholic students started working on in October 2021, with the final project submission in February 2022. This is the fourth year Marquette Catholic's Intro to Engineering class has participated. Course instructor Michele Sands starts the process by touring the company that employs people with disabilities to understand their processes and challenges. "The reason I really enjoy this contest is the students apply their knowledge, create something of value, and see the impact they have first hand," Sands said. Team Tristar

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EDWARDSVILLE - Recently, members of the Edwardsville Police Department presented a $1,680 check to the Glen-Ed Food Pantry. The donation was much appreciated by Glen-Ed Food Pantry officials. Most Edwardsville Police Department members are usually clean-cut, but those who donated to the Pantry were allowed to opt out of shaving for a three-month period. "These efforts are part of a larger program where members of the department raise funds for different charities," the police department said.

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