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ST. LOUIS – On Tuesday, May 3, Lumière Place Casino & Hotel officially transitioned into the legendary Horseshoebrand with a ribbon cutting ceremony. More than 100 Horseshoe St. Louis Team Members, city officials, Caesars Entertainment executives and the public gathered for the celebration. Caesars Entertainment Regional President, Bill Reeg, Horseshoe St. Louis SVP & General Manager, Brian Marsh and CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc., Jason Hall gave remarks prior to the group walking over to the newly constructed Horseshoe St. Louis entrance sign where the ribbon cutting took place. “We’re thrilled to officially become Horseshoe St. Louis,” said Brian Marsh, SVP & General Manager of Horseshoe St. Louis. “We’ve received nothing but positive feedback for the brand and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome our guests to the legendary Horseshoe.” Following the ribbon cutting, the group went inside to enjoy celebratory cake, pastries

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Blood donations needed ahead of summer $10 e-gift card, aluminum water bottle and sticker set for Red Cross donors in May ST. LOUIS— When schools let out for summer and families set off on vacation, the American Red Cross typically sees a decline in donors, which can impact patient care. It’s critically important that donors make an appointment to give now before heading out for summer activities to help maintain a stable blood supply in the coming months. Unfortunately, the need for blood doesn’t take a summer break. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood and platelets for patients with blood disorders, trauma victims and those experiencing difficult childbirths. In thanks for helping boost the blood supply, all who come to give through May 19, 2022, will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice and will also be automatically entered to win a travel trailer camper that sleeps eight. Details are available at rcblood.org/camper . Those who

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Today, Governor JB Pritzker took the following bill action: Bill Number: SB0062 Description: Establishes that deposits to payroll cards are to be considered an indication of interest akin to withdrawals from such cards, unless the account holder charges inactivity fees. Action: Signed Effective: January 1, 2023 Bill Number: SB0145 Description: Extends the time allowed to claim the title of Physician Assistant with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to 60 days of becoming employed. Action: Signed Effective: January 1, 2023 Bill Number: SB1016 Description: Amends the Water Commission Act of 1985 to require the chairperson of a water commission be a resident of the home county to be appointed, one commissioner appointed by said chairperson, and one commissioner appointed by a majority vote of the majors of those territorial municipalities. Action: Signed Effective: January 1, 2023 Bill Number: SB1097 Description: Amends

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ST. LOUIS –The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will conduct its annual national food drive on Saturday, May 14. The Stamp Out Hunger food drive, which was first held in 1983, helps feed millions of Americans. The Stamp Out Hunger ® Food Drive is the country's largest one-day food drive and provides residents with an easy way to donate food to those in need. Locally, the NALC has partnered with the St. Louis Area Foodbank. The Foodbank will utilize all donations for distribution across the bi-state region in their 26-county service area in Missouri and Illinois. Customers are invited to make a donation of food or a monetary donation. If choosing to donate food, simply leave their donation of non-perishable food items next to their mailbox before the delivery of the mail on Saturday, May 14. Letter carriers will collect these food donations on that day as they deliver mail along their postal routes, and distribute them to local food banks, pantries, shelters

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CARLINVILLE - While pollinator populations have been in decline around the world, Blackburn College has been demonstrating its commitment to enhancing the habitat, spreading awareness, and ensuring these species have what is needed to thrive. As part of these efforts, Blackburn has received 2022 Bee Campus USA recognition, an initiative from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation dedicated to sustaining pollinators. With a rich history of leading in sustainability and pollinators, Blackburn is currently the only college or university in the St. Louis region and southern Illinois to receive this distinction. The College has received the Bee Campus USA certification each year since 2019. Dade Bradley, a junior Environmental Biology major, has played a significant role within Blackburn’s Bee Program throughout his time on campus. He believes this designation can be impactful for Blackburn, the program, and the greater Carlinville community. “Being a Bee Campus within

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ROXANA – Nolan Tolbert is one of only four seniors on Roxana High School’s very young baseball team. He plays a huge role as a leader on his team in his final season. “The four of us have taken a lead,” Nolan said. “We had a bunch of seniors graduate last year that helped push us forward through the program and that’s what we’re trying to do is to put these young players through and get them better for the next upcoming years.” The four seniors were being celebrated Saturday afternoon in two of Roxana’s final home games. The Shells may have dropped the double header against Granite City Saturday afternoon (May 7), but Tolbert came up with arguably the highlight of the day. In the top of the sixth inning a Warriors player hit it out to shallow left-center field. Nolan sprinted to the ball and then made an incredible diving catch for the first out of the inning. “I was actually calling for my center fielder at the time and

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Illinois Metropolitan Investment Fund (IMET) Board once again selected Madison County Treasurer Chris Slusser to serve as a trustee as well as named him one of its newest officers. “It’s an honor to continue to serve on the IMET Board as well as be selected by my peers as the board’s Secretary,” Slusser said. IMET first picked Slusser to fill a vacant trustee seat in August 2021. He was selected to serve a three-year term at its annual meeting on March 22. “I think this speaks to Chris’s leadership abilities that he was already elected as an officer on our board of Trustees,” said Sofia Anastopoulos, Executive Director at IMET. “He is a statewide leader on public funds investing amongst county treasurers, and we value his expertise on our board.” IMET is a local government investment pool, governed by an eight member board of trustees, which manages more than $900 million in assets. IMET offers investment

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ST. LOUIS - Schnuck Markets, Inc. is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2022 US Best Managed Company. Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, the program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies and the achievements of their management teams. The 2022 designees are U.S. private companies that have demonstrated excellence in strategic planning and execution, a commitment to their people and fostering a dynamic, resilient culture, as well as strong financials. This year’s designees continued to propel their businesses forward by prioritizing purpose, investing in their workforces, and demonstrating their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. “We’re honored to be recognized as a US Best Managed Company,” said Todd Schnuck, Schnucks Chairman and CEO. “We accomplish our mission to Nourish People’s Lives through a shared strategic vision in our organization as well as through meaningful philanthropy in our communities.

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CARROLLTON – Dotty Day, well known Greene County collector, will present a program on Red and White quilts in the Carrollton United Methodist Church sanctuary on Sunday, May 15, 2022. The program is part of a regular meeting of the Greene County Historical and Genealogical Society and will begin at 2 PM. The quilt tutorial will follow a business meeting and election of officers of the Society for the coming year. Quilts will be displayed throughout the sanctuary, and will feature part of Dotty’s collection of signature, friendship, applique and sampler Red and White quilts. Members and guests are welcome to bring one of their own Red and White quilts for display, explanation and discussion. Everyone is cordially invited to attend. The Church is located at the northeast corner of Maple Street and US Highway 67, with plenty of parking nearby. There is no charge to attend what will be an enjoyable and informative event.

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ALTON, IL – The US Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, will temporarily close Maple Island in West Alton, MO as well as Low Water Access Area on Chouteau Island, Illinois to all vehicles, pedestrians and fishermen due to high water. These project areas will re-open when water levels recede at a date that is yet undetermined. Further information will be made available when these areas are again accessible for recreation. For more information please contact the Rivers Project Office at 636-899-2600.

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GRANITE CITY - 1st MidAmerica Credit Union assisted Granite City Community Unit School District #9 to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, which occurred from May 2-6. 1st MidAmerica Credit Union donated a gift basket and a $50 gift card for each of the schools. "The support 1st MidAmerica Credit Union gives the educators in this area is just amazing," said GCSD9 Superintendent Stephanie M. Cann. "Our teachers were so appreciative of the gifts they provided. I cannot thank them enough for their continued recognition of our teachers and staff." The following GCSD9 staff members won the drawings at each school: Coolidge - Terri Kunz (Gift Basket), Scott Smallie (Gift Card) GCHS - Debra Mills (Gift Basket), Greg Vaughn (Gift Card) Frohardt - Marla Miller (Gift Basket), Cheryl Whitaker (Gift Card) Grigsby - Jessica Daniels (Gift Basket), Erin Cotter (Gift Card) Lake ESSC - Emilee Gilley (Gift Basket), Eric Mitchell (Gift Card) Maryville - Kate

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WEST ALTON – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Rivers Project Office, is partnering with the Audubon Center at Riverlands and TreeHouse Wildlife Rehabilitation Center to host the second annual Walk for Wildlife event on Saturday, May 14 th from 10am – 2:00pm. This fun-run style walk will benefit the TreeHouse Wildlife Center during the peak spring baby season while also supporting the conservation education team at the Audubon Center at Riverlands. Education Manager of the Audubon Center at Riverlands, Emily Connor, describes the event, “Visitors will have an incredibly unique opportunity to experience spring migration at Riverlands while participating in this educational 5k. You can walk or run through the course which features tons of wildlife education stations and activities. The entire day is sure to be a blast!” The 5k route will be closed to traffic as families and fun-runners can walk or jog down Riverlands Way to the Paul E. Bauer Memorial

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ALTON - Deputy Police Chief Jarrett Ford released recent stats that showed Alton issued 56 distracted driving citations in addition to 45 citations for various offenses during the April Distracted Driving Enforcement Period. The Alton Police Department joined forces with state and local law enforcement and highway safety partners for this enforcement effort. “Distracted Driving Awareness Month isn’t about citations – it’s about saving lives," Deputy Chief Ford said. "This enforcement period allowed the Alton Police Department to bring a heightened awareness to deter motorists from engaging in this deadly behavior." Ford said using your phone in anything other than the handsfree mode in Illinois is not only dangerous but also illegal. "'Drop it and Drive' is more than a catchphrase," he added. "It is advice that can save the lives of drivers, passengers, and other road users." The Illinois distracted driving campaign is funded with federal traffic safety funds

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ST. LOUIS - FreightWeekSTL returns May 23 through May 27 as a virtual event featuring seven engaging discussions focused on the latest trends and innovations influencing worldwide freight movement and highlighting the global access available from the St. Louis bi-state region. For the fifth consecutive year, the conference is being offered in partnership with Inland Marine Expo (IMX). IMX will host its in-person conference May 23-25 in downtown St. Louis, bringing hundreds of inland waterway experts and industry leaders to the St. Louis area. The combined events provide an opportunity to hear from and engage with freight and logistics experts, international shippers, carriers and other leading companies – as well as regional leaders from eastern Missouri and southwestern Illinois. “FreightWeekSTL 2022 will kick off with Innovation Day, during which we will share the latest advances in the efforts to develop an autonomous, zero-emissions railcar and also provide an update

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ST. LOUIS - Independence Center, a local nonprofit dedicated to helping adults living with mental illness, is spreading awareness during May as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the pandemic has drastically impacted the number of people suffering from anxiety and depression, making Independence Center’s services more important than ever. “You never know what someone could be struggling with behind closed doors,” said Independence Center Business Development Manager Abby Berger. “If you know someone living with a mental illness, it is important to be a resource for them. We have programs and help available for anyone trying to battle their mental health on their own and we’re here to support them.” Jim Pace, a member of the Independence Center, has dealt with his diagnosis of schizophrenia for most of his life. He said his involvement with the Independence Center has brought him an

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SPRINGFIELD - Tickets for the highly anticipated Willie Nelson & Family went on sale Saturday, May 7 at 10:00 a.m. on the Ticketmaster website . Fairgoers are reminded that Ticketmaster is the only authorized ticket broker for the Illinois State Fair. All other websites and offers may be fraudulent and buyers should beware. “Willie Nelson & Family is a great addition to an already amazing grandstand lineup,” said Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark. “Fairgoers can sing along with classics like ‘Always on my Mind’ to hits from his most recent album First Rose of Spring. This truly is a concert that will have something for every generation.” In addition to Willie Nelson & Family, Sam Hunt, Demi Lovato, Brooks & Dunn, TLC, Shaggy, Jon Pardi, Lainey Wilson, Chapel Hart, Disturbed, Nita Strauss, and Sammy Hagar and The Circle will headline the Illinois Lottery Grandstand stage. Look for an announcement soon on the final act. Friday, August 12

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“The 'Lost Speech' Found: ” Part of the Looking for Lincoln Conversations live online events SPRINGFIELD - On May 29, 1856, Lincoln gave the keynote address at a convention held in downtown Bloomington to establish a new political party opposed to the expansion of slavery—the Republican Party. The McLean County Museum of History and Looking for Lincoln are proud to collaborate on a public program about this pivotal moment in US history on Wednesday, May 18, 2022, at 7 pm. During the online presentation, learn why this speech came to be known as the “Lost Speech,” its impact on the creation of the Republican Party, and how the speech is not really “lost.” The program will be presented by Bill Kemp. Mr. Kemp has served as a librarian for the not-for-profit McLean County Museum of History for nineteen years. He has graduate degrees from the University of Illinois Springfield and Illinois State University. Viewers can watch and participate i

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ALTON - Illinois American Water’s work to separate the Alton combined sewer system and install new sanitary sewers continues. Below is information about this week’s road closures –May 9, 2022 Piasa Valley Area: Asphalt paving will begin at 6am on the morning of 5/9/22 on 6th Street between Alby and George Street, and Alby Street between 6th Street north to 12th Street. DURING THIS TIME, THE ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC. Residents need to park on side streets adjacent to these two roads during that time. 12th Street is closed east to George Street. A common detour of using 13th Street and Alton Street will not be allowed, and traffic will need to use Blair Avenue east to Henry Street during this closure on 12th Street. 10th Street is closed between Alby Street and George Street. Brick pavement restoration is currently happening on 8th Street. Please drive carefully in this area, as there is a lot of construction equipment moving around the different work areas.

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COLLINSVILLE - The Illinois State Police is investigating a fatal single-vehicle traffic crash that occurred at 4:20 p.m. on Friday, May 6, 2022, at Interstate 55 northbound exit ramp to Interstate 255 southbound near Collinsville. The operator of a 2017 Black Harley Davidson motorcycle - 73-year-old Dwayne T. Wendell - of Marshfield, Wisc., died in the accident. The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by the Illinois State Police District 11 PRELIMINARY: Preliminary investigative details indicate the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling on the exit ramp from Interstate 55 northbound to Interstate 255 southbound, near Collinsville, Madison County. For unknown reasons, the driver of Unit 1 left the roadway to the left and overturned in the median. The driver of unit 1 was ejected and fatally injured. The driver of Unit 1 was pronounced deceased on scene by the Madison County Coroner’s office. This is an open and on-going investigation and no other details

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Gallery photos may be purchased for personal use at: https://www.randymanning.com/Kentucky-Derby-at-Macs ALTON - As expected, Mac's Derby Day Party on Saturday attracted thousands of race fans to 315 Belle St. in Alton on Saturday. Rich Strike was the Derby surprise winner. The Block Party Concert that featured The Fabulous Thunderbirds Saturday night was also a big hit with the famous rock band. Tom Tojo of Eureka, Mo., said Mac's Derby Day Party is fantastic and is the next best thing to being at the Derby. He said he has also gone to the Derby three times. "The party here at Mac's has all the pomp and circumstance of the Derby." "It is a blast here and I love it here," he said. "Everybody is here to have fun. I think we will come back next year if we don't go to the Derby itself." Jerry and Janet Husgen of West County St. Louis said they come to Mac's Derby Day event every year. The couple said they love to watch the horses, but also the people at Mac's Party, especially

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