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BETHALTO – The Civic Memorial girls basketball team was crowned Sectional Champions Friday night when they beat the Mattoon Green Wave 74-68. It’s the third time in program history the Eagles have achieved this feat. However, it’s the first time for senior forward Emily Williams. She made the start for what could have been her final high school basketball game. She didn’t play a lot of minutes and was kept off the scoresheet. While not in the game, Williams is usually standing or pacing around the bench in stress. “I haven’t really played much the last three years, so I’m getting to be on the court and actually part of the whole adrenaline, and it’s just crazy.” Back on Feb. 18, the Eagles played East St. Louis in another game that was decided in overtime. I remember sitting behind the bench and her saying, “I can’t sit down, it’s too stressful.” She seemed so stressed out almost to the point of tears.

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GREENVILLE – The Marquette Explorers recently traveled to Greenville High School for the Class 2A Regional Championship. No. 20, a junior center, Brody Hendricks, and the Explorers brought home their 12th Regional Championship after taking down the Greenville Comets 55-24. When asked how it felt to be a champion, Hendricks responded, “It feels great. It's the first time I have won a Regional Championship and it feels great to be a part of this team.” Part of being on a winning team is having all the players buy-in for one goal and the Explorers are a winning team. Hendricks said the Explorers work to become a better basketball team every day. “We are building everything across our team, working on getting better every single day, and it all led to this moment," he said. “We practice hard enough to earn this, so we’ll come back next year to do the same thing.” Basketball is a team sport and the Explorers had three players with point totals i

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ALTON - Below is information about this week’s road closures – Feb. 28, 2022 Piasa Valley Area: 6th Street east of Alby Street is open to George Street, with surface restoration work being completed as weather permits. Please drive carefully as some of the roadways are still rock surfaces. Alby Street is closed from 6th Street north to 8th Street, with closures north and east of Alby/7th Street in place. 7th Street from George to Mechanic Street is closed. North and east of the intersection of Alby/8th St. closures coming soon. Turner Tract Area: Danforth Street will be closing this week to all thru traffic to allow for sewer installation work. The alley south of McKinley east of Lincoln is back open to traffic, with pavement restoration happening as weather permits. Douglas Street, between State and Lincoln Streets is open, with pavement restoration happening as weather permits. Please drive carefully. Shields Valley Area: The west end of Greenwood Street is closed.

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The Conversation — Governments have delayed action on climate change for too long, and incremental changes in energy and food production will no longer be enough to create a climate-resilient future, a new analysis from scientists around the world warns. The world is already seeing harmful impacts from climate change, including extreme storms, heat waves and other changes that have pushed some natural and human systems to the limits of their ability to adapt. As temperatures continue to rise, transformational change is coming to how people live on Earth. Countries can either plan their transformations, or they can face the destructive, often chaotic transformations that will be imposed by the changing climate. I’m one of the authors of the climate impacts and adaptation report, released Feb. 28, 2022, as part of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s Sixth Assessment Report . The increasing alarm in these reports, which review the

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ST. LOUIS - Award-winning comedian and writer John Mulaney announced 16 additional shows on the second leg of his John Mulaney: From Scratch tour including stops in Portland, Seattle, Cleveland, Washington, D.C., St. Louis, and more. This latest announcement follows the addition of a third show, due to popular demand, in both New York and Chicago. Mulaney is returning to host Saturday Night Live for the fifth time on Saturday, February 26th. General on sale for tickets stars Friday, February 25th at 10 am local time on Ticketmaster.com . John Mulaney is a two-time Emmy and WGA award-winning writer, actor, and comedian. In 2018, he traveled the United States with sold out Kid Gorgeous tour, which was later released as a Netflix stand-up special and won the Emmy for Outstanding Writing in a Variety Special; In 2015, he released The Comeback Kid, also a Netflix original, which The AV Club called the “best hour of his career;” In 2012, his Comedy Central special New In

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EDWARDSVILLE – The pandemic has taken a marked toll on all individuals, presenting a variety of challenges as it has engendered salient adjustments in personal lives, learning environments and workplaces. Realizing and sharing in these challenges, numerous Southern Illinois University Edwardsville faculty, staff and students have gone above and beyond to support each other. In response to a social media call to highlight “SIUE Difference Makers,” nominations were abundant. Among those acknowledged for their positive impact was Tim Jacks, PhD, associate professor of computer management and information systems (CMIS) in the School of Business. “I'm incredibly fortunate to have a meaningful career where I'm able to make an impact on people at a personal level,” shared Jacks, who joined SIUE in 2012. “I am profoundly humbled by this Difference Maker recognition. The School of Business is full of faculty, staff, and administrators who make a difference

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Police cautions motorists who engage in acts that could endanger the safety of the motoring public. Illinois State Police officials have become aware of a planned event along several interstate corridors scheduled for Saturday, February 26, 2022 – Saturday, March 5, 2022, where truck drivers plan to conduct a “Convoy” causing traffic delays and potentially crashes. Illinois State Police Division of Patrol Colonel Margaret McGreal stated, “Though the Illinois State Police respects the rights of citizens to express their opinions in a lawful manner, there is great concern with any event that is designed to impede or block the normal and reasonable movement of traffic.” Colonel McGreal continued, “Traffic backups are a major contributing cause to traffic crashes which lead to property damage, personal injury, and even death. A planned event designed to impede normal traffic flow is dangerous to the innocent motoring

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I join the free world in strongly condemning Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. The Ukrainian people need our prayers, and they need our support through tough sanctions on Russia. Thugs like Vladimir Putin only respond to strength. Now is the time for severe economic consequences. Putin, his oligarch friends, and his corrupt government should feel great financial pain for their evil actions. I’m joining my Republican colleagues in supporting the Putin Accountability Act , the toughest sanctions on Russia ever proposed by Congress. The Putin Accountability Act would: Impose sanctions on Putin, his family members, his mistress, and his network of kleptocratic oligarchs Designate Russia as a State Sponsor of Terrorism Kick Russia out of the international SWIFT Code system, hampering their ability to move money around internationally Place sanctions on Russian sovereign debt in the secondary market and the Russian financial sector Immediately shut

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The Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce 501c3 Foundation is proud to announce they will be awarding four (4) $1,000 scholarships to high school seniors who are pursuing a higher education, including colleges, universities and vocational schools. The eligible high schools include Triad High School, Father McGivney High School and Maryville Christian School. “For the past three years, we have hosted our Annual Fore! The Foundation Golf Scramble each October” said Dawn Mushill, Executive Director, of the Troy/Maryville/St. Jacob/Marine Chamber of Commerce. “The Foundation receives 100% of the proceeds from the event. The scholarships are created to assist our high school seniors who are furthering their education” said Mushill. Applicants should visit the Chamber’s website at www.troymaryvillecoc.com or contact their school counselor. Scholarship applications are due no later than April 5 at 5:00 p.m. The scholarship winners will be announced

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PONTIAC - At 1:25 a.m.on Feb. 26, 2022, Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated a two-vehicle traffic crash on South Prospect Road at Hall Court in Bloomington, McLean County, involving an ISP Trooper. On the above date and time, an ISP District 6 Trooper was stationary at the above location inside of a fully marked squad car with the emergency lights activated, in order to assist Bloomington Police Department (BPD) with a DUI investigation in the left lane of Prospect Road. A Volkswagen Utility, traveling southbound on Prospect, failed to yield to the stationary emergency vehicle and struck the rear end of the ISP squad car. The Trooper was treated at an area hospital for minor injuries. The driver of the Volkswagen, Michael A. Tibbitts, a 24-year-old male of Bloomington, IL, was arrested by BPD for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and cited for a violation of Scott’s Law, along with other traffic violations. So far this year, there have been nine ISP squad car

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METAMORA – Citing the urgent need to address the continued epidemic of opioid and meth addiction across the state, Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly announced today that ISP Metropolitan Enforcement Groups (MEGs) dramatically increased the percentage of dangerous drugs and weapons seized in FY 2021, recovering illegal drugs valued at approximately $71,000,000. “Through the strong state, local and federal partnerships of the MEG units, drug enforcement across our state is focused on apprehending violent, drug-trafficking criminals profiting off the pain of those losing loved ones to dangerous drugs” stated Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly. “The ISP is thankful for the community-based partnerships like those of the MEG units because it leads to a more united, more effective front pushing back against these merchants of misery causing of this ongoing epidemic.” The Illinois State Police (ISP) Metropolitan Enforcement Groups (MEGs)

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MARYVILLE – Our Lord’s Lutheran Church (OLLC), 150 Wilma Dr., Maryville, will offer a drive-through option for the imposition of ashes on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. Participants will remain in their car during this drive-through event. Upon arrival, Pastor Darla Ann Kratzer will come to your car window and step forward to hand you a single page with prayers. She will then step back and stand three feet from your car door when speaking. Then, using a long-handled cotton swab, she will impose a cross of ashes upon your forehead. This Ash Wednesday experience will be available during three convenient timeframes: 7:30-8:30 am, 12:00-1:00 pm, and 4:00-5:30 pm. In addition to Ashes-to-Go, Our Lord’s will observe Ash Wednesday with a 6:30 pm worship service in building. This service will also be livestreamed and can be viewed at ourlords.org/live. The mood of Ash Wednesday is somber as it starts a six-week examination of our lives. While ashes are a symbol of

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ST. LOUIS – Metro East Humane Society (MEHS) is joining forces with numerous local animal shelters and rescues to host the St. Louis Area Shelter Slumber Pawty, a live-streamed event taking place across 18 pet welfare organizations to raise funds and awareness of shelter-pet adoption in the St. Louis region. This collaborative event is being championed by Purina and will take place over a 24-hour period between Saturday, March 5, and Sunday, March 6, 2022. MEHS has recruited 10 super fans committed to raising $1,000 each for the shelter. These supporters will spend the night at their homes with a shelter pet and share updates with followers on social media regarding MEHS’ mission, designated slumber pawty buddy, and the progress toward their fundraising goal of $15,000. The 24-hour event will be showcased on multiple social-media platforms and reach nearly half a million followers through the organizations’ combined networks, in addition to participating individuals’

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SEE VIDEO: WORDEN - Worden, Illinois, held their annual “Wordi Gras” on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022. The event is a Mardi Gras style celebration complete with drinking, live bands and an excellent parade, all put on by a small town that only has about a thousand population. “We do Mardi Gras much better than those big cities!”, said one attendee. He went on to say “people come from all around to party at our Wordi Gras!” Rick Landrem, (husband of the manager of the Yellow Dog Bar and Cafe), said “Wordi Gras puts Worden on the map! It’s grown from two guys driving their trucks up and down main street, (circa 2006), to thousands of people having fun every year!” He’s right. There was plenty of fun to be had with all the great “rockin” music, fun parade, plentiful parking and don’t forget all the friendly locals. You might want to mark it on your calendar for next year. These photos

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O’FALLON, IL— March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital want people to understand how important it is to not delay preventive screenings which could detect colon cancer in its earliest stages. Providers at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Radiation Oncology Center will hold a Colorectal Cancer Awareness drive-through event to giveaway free at-home colon cancer test kits. The event will be Saturday, March 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Cancer Care Center of O’Fallon, located at 321 Regency Park, O’Fallon. The InSure ONE at-home screening test includes full instructions for an easy, water-based sampling for specimen collection. Patients MUST return the sample to the Cancer Care Center of O’Fallon between March 21-25. St. Elizabeth’s laboratory will analyze, and results will be reviewed by a physician to then be provided to each participant and their primary care provider. The kits are available while supplies last.

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ST. LOUIS – The fastest growing Paralympic sport is coming to St. Louis. As the High Performance Management Organization of USA Para Powerlifting, Logan University is proud to host the St. Louis 2022 World Para Powerlifting Parapan American Open Championships on its campus in Chesterfield on July 8-11, 2022. This will be the first time an international competition for the sport of Para powerlifting is hosted in the United States. The competition is open to athletes from all over the world and will include 20 individual medal events and one mixed team event. Pan American athletes (North America, South America and Central America) must participate in the St. Louis 2022 World Para Powerlifting Parapan American Open Championships to qualify for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. “To be the first to host such an event in the U.S. is an honor for USA Para Powerlifting, Logan University and the greater St. Louis community,” said Kelley Humphries-Mascoll, DC, MS, EMT-P,

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CARLINVILLE - Blackburn College is launching a new Center for Faculty Development and Inclusive Teaching. This new program will provide diverse learning opportunities for faculty such as workshops, seminars, and ongoing faculty orientation. It also will provide mini-grants for collaborative projects focused on inclusive teaching and learning as well as supplemental funding for books, materials, and supplies. The College recently was awarded a $50,000 Presidents’ Lab Development Grant from the Endeavor Foundation which will assist in funding the program. Provost Karla McCain explained how faculty development programs not only benefit the teacher but also prove to greatly enhance a student’s learning experience within the classroom. She said, “In addition to their work in classrooms, studios, and labs, our faculty have collective responsibilities for the curriculum of the college and for the academic policies that shape the environment of students’ holistic academic

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GLEN CARBON – Most pet owners do everything they can to protect the well-being of their dogs and cats, but one thing they often neglect to check is their teeth. As pets grow older, their bad breath is considered more of an annoyance than a sign their health is at risk. However, the bacteria that lingers in the mouths of our furry friends can circulate through their bloodstream, endangering their heart, kidneys, and liver. “As veterinarians, we often see cases of heart, liver, or kidney disease that may be exacerbated by a pet’s rotten teeth and inflamed gums,” said Dr. Jennifer Davis of Hawthorne Animal Hospital in Glen Carbon, Ill. “Protecting our pet’s oral health each day takes less than a minute and can possibly help them live a longer life. But according to studies, less than seven percent of owners regularly brush their pet’s teeth.” Daily Brushing and Yearly Exams – Two Ways to Safeguard Your Pet’s Smile During National

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), along with the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) are encouraging Illinois farmers to set aside time to recognize Grain Bin Safety Week from February 20-26 and review safety practices while working in and around grain bins. Based on Purdue University’s 2020 Summary of U.S. Agricultural Confined Space-Related Injuries and Fatalities (ACSRIF) report, the U.S. documented 35 grain entrapment cases. The 35 cases represent an almost 8 percent decline in grain entrapments from 2019, when 38 entrapments were recorded. The total number of fatal and non-fatal entrapments is the second highest in the past six years. In 2020, Illinois Fire Departments responded to a nation leading 12 rescue incidents at Illinois grain bins/elevators, according to National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) data. “Often times we become complacent when doing tasks we have done a thousand times and for farmers that often means

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URBANA – Agriculture’s one big thing, according to Dennis Bowman , is this: feeding the world sustainably in the face of climate change. Ag has always been a complicated business, a mix of biology, geology, and weather influenced by ever-changing economics, politics, and public opinion. “One of the things we’re looking at right now is how we can use artificial intelligence to manage the changing conditions in production agriculture,” says Bowman. “Ag has always looked forward to the next technology advancement. We want to ensure it serves the people who rely on it daily.” Bowman has always been an early adopter and adapter of technology, transforming science-based knowledge into practical application for farmers. While studying ag science at Western Illinois University in the early 1980s, he was challenged in a one-credit course to figure out how computers might benefit farmers. With inputted information from the Illinois Agronomy Handbook

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