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ALTON/GODFREY - Ford J. Green, 90, died at 9:36 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at Cedarhurst of Bethalto. Margaret Freer, who served with him for many years on the Village of Godfrey’s Parks and Recreation Department Board and helped with his program All God’s Children Shall Have Shoes, said she remembers him as “an angel” who cared deeply for his community. “There was no kinder person,” Freer said. “He loved life, he loved his community … him and his wife, they were both just wonderful people. The community has lost an angel, for sure.” Green married the former Colleen Winders on October 16, 1951, in Salem, IL. For many years, they volunteered together at several organizations in the Alton/Godfrey area, including Alton Memorial Hospital and Heritage Days. They helped start the Khoury League in Godfrey and were still involved when it was converted to Godfrey Park and Rec. They also ran the All God’s Children Shall Have Shoes

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JERSEY - Three Crime Stopper Awards were honored Tuesday at a Two Rivers Crime Stoppers meeting for their efforts to save a life. Deputy Katlin Edwards and Deputy Caleb Gibson were awarded a life-saving award for locating a subject who had attempted suicide. They provided life-saving measures until EMs could arrive on the scene. K9 Jax along with Deputy Decker was awarded a life-saving award for locating a suicidal subject who had fled into the woods. K9 Jax located the subject and he was provided with the help he need at that time. "Congratulations to these deputies and the extraordinary efforts they put forth to keep the citizens of Jersey County safe," Two Rivers Crime Stoppers said at the meeting.

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ST. LOUIS – Experience blues music like never before on the Arch grounds! Gateway Arch Park Foundation, in partnership with the National Blues Museum and the National Park Service, is thrilled to host Blues at the Arch, reimagined as a free music festival, Aug. 12-14, 2022 . The Blues at the Arch Festival pays tribute to St. Louis' storied blues history and showcases the talents of national and local entertainers in the North Gateway of Gateway Arch National Park, near the Eads Bridge and Laclede’s Landing. For the first time, the 2022 Blues at the Arch Festival will feature food trucks, a market, after-parties, and more on Friday, Aug. 12, and Saturday, Aug. 13. On Sunday, Aug. 14, guests are invited to attend a special Sunday Blues Brunch at 612North and explore the park and National Blues Museum. Additionally, local visual artists can enter a competition to design the 2022 festival poster. “We are eager to welcome guests from across the country to Gateway Arch

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ST. LOUIS -Nineteen doctors from Urology of St. Louis (USL) were recently recognized on a list of the Best Doctors in St. Louis. The list was created by Castle Connolly, an independent healthcare research and information company that compiles information to help people find the best and most qualified medical practitioners in their area. The list is compiled based on peer nomination, research, review and screenings. The nineteen doctors from USL that received this prestigious designation are Jacob Ark, MD, Gregory Auffenberg, MD, Steven Bigg, MD, Andrew Blackburne, MD, David Bryan, MD, Travis Bullock, MD, Etai Goldenberg, MD, Christopher Jaeger, MD, John McCarthy, MD, Jeffrey Parres, MD, James Rybak, MD, Steven Schneider, MD, Courtney Shands, MD, Matthew Spellman, MD, Seth Strope, MD, Christopher Vulin, MD, Brad White, MD, Elizabeth Williams, MD. William Critchlow, MD also made the Rising Stars list. “The fact that more than half of our doctors made this list is evidence of the

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ST. LOUIS – Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria’s next Giveback Tuesday event will take place on Tuesday, May 24th in Rock Hill, Missouri. Funds raised from the day will be donated to the Center for Animal Rescue and Enrichment (CARE STL) , a nonprofit organization that rescues animals in need and provides them with shelter. Plus, their foster program and adoption services connect these animals with people in the community. Every month, Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria features a local nonprofit organization and donates 100% of profits from the entire day to the charity. So far, Katie’s Pizza & Pasta Osteria has donated $321,500 to local nonprofit organizations. Funds raised from Giveback Tuesday will be applied to the CARE STL Emergency Medical Fund. This pays for specialized diagnostics and complicated surgeries, as well as 24-hour intensive care, that the on-site clinic is not equipped to treat. “Seeing a treated rescued animal be adopted into

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Jason Kendall, middle. is Alton Memorial Hospital’s May Employee of the Month. He received his award May 12 from Ronnie Greenwood, left, Plant Operations manager; and Dave Braasch, AMH President. An anonymous nomination for Jason said that “ while I was getting some breakfast (in the AMH café), I noticed Jason standing by the register. Then I noticed an extremely elderly man, very frail and wobbly, approaching with his breakfast tray. Jason swiped his badge to pay for this man’s breakfast. Jason said, ‘I got you.’ The man had hearing aids and did not hear what Jason had said to him. Jason did not stay around for any thanks or any accolades, he just went on his way. It literally made me cry to watch this all unfold in front of me. Jason was just giving from his heart, to a stranger, and wanted nothing in return. This truly represents our BJC Values of Compassion, Respect and Excellence. There is still goodness in this world. ”

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CHICAGO - This is my tenth update to the citizens of the 111 th district, as your State Representative. The Spring Legislative session ended in the early morning hours of Saturday April 9 th . We worked through the night and adjourned at around 6:00 am, after a fiery debate on the fiscal year 2023 budget, which did pass along party lines (I voted no). I was one of three House Republicans on our budget negotiation team; however, we were shut out of the discussions on the budget, and no appropriations working group meetings were held this year. The budget appropriates $46.5 billion, bolstered by ARPA funds and higher tax revenues. All of the remaining ARPA funds were spent, and no additional funds were appropriated towards the remaining deficit in the Unemployment Insurance trust fund. That deficit is now $1.8 billion, and now can only be paid off with benefit decreases and employer tax increases, which won’t take place until after the November election. With record inflation

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) announced the recipient of the first State of Illinois’ Wellness Partner Award to Aetna, one of the State’s ten insurance carriers. The new Wellness Partner Award was created to recognize the commitment to and innovative programming that is the hallmark of the nationally recognized “Be Well Illinois” program. Be Well Illinois was launched in January 2021 by CMS to improve the overall health and wellness of the State of Illinois’ workforce. “Making wellness simple, accessible, and engaging is our priority,” said CMS Director Janel L. Forde, “Aetna has worked tirelessly with the Be Well Illinois team to drive the mission of wellness forward and provide robust resources to all State of Illinois employees, retirees, and covered dependents.” Aetna has been instrumental in partnering with CMS to scale programming at an unprecedented statewide level. This included

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EDWARDSVILLE – In an effort to further its philanthropic efforts, The Gori Law firm announced the launch of its new internal giving initiative, Gori Gives. In 2021, the firm donated almost $300,000 to 90 different local community groups and nonprofit organizations. To continue this momentum, the program is designed to encourage staff involvement in community service and hands-on volunteer work for nonprofit organizations, locally, regionally, nationally – and even globally. “Our firm’s philanthropic mission is to empower our employees to invest their time and energy into helping others,” said Sara Salger, managing partner of The Gori Law Firm. “Each of us has certain skills and abilities, and we want those to go toward not only assisting with our legal capabilities, but also making a positive difference in the world.” While the firm participates in various charities and events throughout the year, such as the Edwardsville Route 66 Festival,

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ST. LOUIS - Today, Ameren Corporation (NYSE: AEE) released two updated, data-driven reports offering stakeholders deeper insights into the company's operations including its first environmental justice principles. The reports also discuss sustainable energy investments, energy assistance and economic development initiatives designed to support customers regardless of their background. Ameren's full environmental justice principles can be read here . "We know achieving our sustainability goals goes beyond making progress on environmental issues and involves addressing the needs and expectations of our communities," said Gwen Mizell, Ameren's chief sustainability and diversity officer. "Ameren's numerous efforts to support diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I), are crucial facets of a well-rounded sustainability strategy. These reports provide further insight to all our stakeholders, including our millions of customers, to show how we're living our vision, Leading the Way

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ST. LOUIS - The Bailey Foundation (TBF) is announcing its first Take Action Gala, which will take place June 26, 2022, from 6 pm to 10 pm at the Ameristar Casino Resort and Spa in St. Charles, MO. This will be an annual celebration of The Bailey Foundation’s work in the community and a fundraising event to support their initiatives. The nonprofit has enrichment programs where children can pursue their passion in dance, theater, music, and visual arts, in addition to nutrition services, child and family support programs, and community action initiatives. During the gala, a video production will be shown of children from different schools performing what they have learned, providing an example of what The Bailey Foundation offers. Attendees will listen to keynote speakers in the areas of early childhood education, economic development, and mental health awareness, to name a few, and experience an interactive panel discussion. The gala will also host a social hour with refreshments,

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CHICAGO - Intersect Illinois today announced that Illinois Manufacturing Excellence Center (IMEC) President, David Boulay, will join its board of directors. Boulay leads the organization dedicated to helping manufacturing enterprises in Illinois to be globally competitive. His appointment to Intersect Illinois’ board will strengthen manufacturing recruitment and expansion throughout the state. “Manufacturing is one of Illinois’ strongest industries and it is important that we showcase our proficiency in the industry as we talk to both domestic and global companies,” said Intersect Illinois CEO Dan Seals. “David Boulay will provide a tremendous asset to Intersect Illinois as we tell the story of Illinois’ supportive manufacturing ecosystem.” “Illinois manufacturing is strong, resilient, and innovative,” said Boulay. “I am excited to be a part of the Intersect Illinois board and help shed light on our state’s robust an

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ST. LOUIS - 2022 FAN EXPO St. Louis (formerly Wizard World), part of North America’s largest pop-culture touring expo, will return to STL this weekend. Thousands of fans will be on hand to celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests and more in its first year under the FAN EXPO name in St. Louis (produced as Wizard World St. Louis, 2013-19). This year it will be held at the America's Center at 701 Convention Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63101. The event will include appearances from many of your favorite tv and movie stars. Some of the current names on the list include: William Shatner (“Star Trek,” “Boston Legal”),Michael Rooker (Guardians of the Galaxy, Suicide Squad),Clerks cast reunion: writer/director Kevin Smith, Jason Mewes, Brian O'Halloran, Trevor Fehrman and Jeff Anderson,Carl Weathers (“The Mandalorian,” Rocky), "Smallville"

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today released the following statement on President Biden’s announcement of seven nominees to the bipartisan U.S. Sentencing Commission: “President Biden’s bipartisan slate of nominees have the experience and expertise needed for the important work of the U.S. Sentencing Commission. I look forward to holding a confirmation hearing for these nominees in the Senate Judiciary Committee in the near future to learn more about their records and approach to federal sentencing.” The U.S. Sentencing Commission is a bipartisan, independent agency within the federal judiciary that was created to establish policies and practices to reduce sentencing disparities and promote transparency and proportionality in criminal sentencing. To accomplish this, the U.S. Sentencing Commission collects and analyzes information on federal sentencing practices to help develop

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ALTON - Emma Barham, a senior at Alton High School, is an Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club Student of the Month. She is the daughter of Brian and Abigail Barham. Throughout high school, Emma has maintained a GPA over 4.0, with a current GPA of 4.398. She maintained this GPA while taking honors classes whenever she could, as well as taking AP classes to prepare herself for college. With her GPA, she has placed in the top 8% of her graduating class, being recognized as a 2022 silver medallion alongside around 50 peers, as well as recognized as an Illinois State Scholar. Her music career has been acknowledged as she was involved in the Tri-M Honor society this school year. She also has been honored as a Proctor and Gamble scholar and a Meridian Scholar through SIUE. The Meridian Scholarship is SIUE’s premier and most competitive academic award. For fall 2022, close to 1,300 applicants were considered and 210 were invited to interview. Meridian Scholars are 20 selected students out of these

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EDWARDSVILLE - Kloi Karban had an excellent senior season for the Edwardsville High girls volleyball team and on Wednesday, she signed a letter of intent to play for McKendree University in Lebanon in a recent ceremony. Karban was a major contributor to the Tigers' run to fourth place in the IHSA Class 4A state tournament in 2021, with 122 kills, 39 blocks, 39 assists and 37 digs during the season, It's that kind of work ethic and passion for the game that helped her choose the Bearcats for the 2022-23 season. Karban is an iCAN Clinic Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. "Hopefully, my passion for volleyball and my enthusiasm, on the court and off the court," Karban said during an interview that followed the ceremony. "That is what I'm excited about bringing to that team, both indoor and outdoor." Karban will also play beach volleyball for the Bearcats, helping to launch the program and hoping to get it off to a great start. "This is their first year of having it there," Karban

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ALTON - Anna Kane of Alton High School is one of the Alton-Godfrey Rotary Club Students Of the Month. She and Emma Barham of Alton High School were honored as Students of the Month for April at a regular meeting of the Rotary Club at Gentelin’s Restaurant. Anna is currently a senior at Alton High School and soon to be a freshman at the University of Missouri, Columbia. She is the daughter of Bob and Elaine Kane. Anna is working hard to achieve her academic goal of Platinum Alpha at graduation with a current GPA of 4.53. She is consistently named on the High Honor Roll, and her academic awards include National Honor Society, the Silver Medallion Award, and Academic All-Conference. In addition, she earned her Redbird Varsity letter as a freshman and played tennis all four years, finishing her tennis career as the proud recipient of the Robert Logan Memorial Scholarship. Anna served as one of two Senior Captains on the tennis team and was named the Student-Athlete of the Month for

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GODFREY - Godfrey Public Safety Administrator Chris Sichra advised motorists today to pre-plan for a temporary detour next week starting at 6 a.m. on Monday, May 16, 2022, on Wenzel Road. "Godfrey Public Works will be closing Wenzel Road to 'thru traffic' at Roach Road and at Seiler Road beginning Monday morning, 5/16/22 which will remain closed for approximately two weeks," Sichra said. "Local residents on Wenzel will still have access to their homes. The repair project will be focused on replacing a drainage culvert that runs under Wenzel Road near the Fosterburg Water Tank." Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick said the end result of this work will be a nice improvement in that area and will help with drainage. "We didn't want to do it until the county was done with the Seiler Road project," he said. Richard Beran has been the village engineer on the project and Jim Lewis and his public works staff will also execute the installation of the drainage culverts. Sichra said that local firs

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ALTON - The Flock Food Truck Park at the corner of Ridge Street and Landmarks in Alton makes its debut at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 12. The Flock Food Truck Park owner and staff made final preparations for the opening on Wednesday. Laura Windisch, one of the owners, with her husband, Matt, said she couldn't be more excited than she is to open the doors on Thursday. "We will have a cocktail bar and have food trucks periodically, and we will have a schedule we will post for customers," she said. "We are really excited. There have been a lot of hands in this." Alton Works has also been a major player in bringing the food truck park to reality, Laura said. This week's schedule begins from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m Thursday with Homestyle Grill as a food truck provider. From 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Pig on a Wing, T&S Smokehouse, Taqueria Los Reyes, and Homestyle Grill will be at the park. The Flock Bar will open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday. Flock's new signature house-crafted cocktails,

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BELLEVILLE – The Father McGivney Catholic High School girls soccer team finished a good regular season to their standards going 12-7-1. They began postseason play Wednesday night (May 11) against the Roxana Shells. The Griffins were victorious 5-2. Scoring two goals on the night, both from a couple of delightful direct freekicks, was freshman defender Devin Ellis. Ellis is a Byron, Carlson, Petri and Kalp LLC Female Athlete of the Month for the Griffins. It was her first high school post-season game, but she said she wasn’t nervous. “I just wanted to come in strong so we could advance,” Ellis said. “We beat them twice before and I knew they were going to come out strong, so I just had to prepare and be ready.” She was ready alright. She scored the first goal of the game in the 17 th minute. She stepped up to the freekick from about 20 yards out and curled it in off her right foot off the post and in. But more was yet to come. She scored the fina

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