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GLEN CARBON - Chris Wetherington has made a name for himself in the mixed martial arts community, but he’s not in it for fame. The MMA instructor has an impressive resume, including many Hall of Fame honors, a starring role in the upcoming movie “The Karate Breaker,” a host spot in “The Masters Council” television show on Talk About It TV, and features in multiple best-selling books about martial arts. But Chris and his wife, Valerie, are more interested in the humanitarian side of martial arts. Their anti-bullying and suicide prevention efforts have guided them through all of their work. “I was already still doing the good that I’m doing now. It’s just getting more around the world,” Chris explained. “With that platform, I’m able to help more people. It’s awesome. I’ve got a TV show. I’ve got a second one coming out. I’ve got a movie. I’ve got multiple movies that are going to come

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ALTON - Cha llenge Unlimited, an Alton-based organization helping those with disabilities find employment and housing opportunities, recently launched their redesigned website at cuinc.org with an emphasis on accessibility. Challenge Unlimited’s work to match employers with job candidates with disabilities is increasingly important as the unemployment rate for those with disabilities is about twice the rate of those without disabilities, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics . Stephanie Schrage with Challenge Unlimited said that’s just one of the many “wraparound services” they offer. “From an employment standpoint, from a housing standpoint … is it just an independent living question?” Schrage said. “Employment is a piece of that, but we also offer skills training, we offer job placement, job coaching, housing, so we definitely are wraparound services.” Schrage shared more about the organization and its revampe

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 will introduce new policies regarding IDs and cell phones for the 2024–2025 school year. “This year, we’re going to be tightening the focus in two areas of our handbook at all of our schools, but especially our secondary schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Patrick Shelton during the Board of Education regular meeting on July 29, 2024. Starting on the first day of school, students must wear IDs at all times in District #7 schools. Elementary students will keep their IDs at school, while secondary school students will take them home every night. Elementary students will also receive a temporary ID to use as a library card. If middle school and high school students forget their IDs, they will be issued a temporary ID to wear during the school day. Shelton said there will be a “progression of consequences” if students consistently forget their IDs. “There’s also the delineation

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FARMERSVILLE – Farmersville Community will host a Community Blood Drive in collaboration with ImpactLife on Wednesday, August 14. The event will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, located at 104 S. East St. in Farmerville in Montgomery County. ImpactLife, the provider of blood components for local hospitals, is urging residents to participate in the drive. Potential donors are encouraged to schedule an appointment by contacting ImpactLife Springfield at (800) 747-5401 or by visiting www.bloodcenter.org and using code 60000 to locate the drive. Appointments are requested to streamline the donation process. Donors must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being at least 17 years old (16 with parental permission available through www.bloodcenter.org ), weighing more than 110 pounds, and presenting a photo I.D. For questions about eligibility, individuals can call ImpactLife at (800) 747-5401. Donors who last gave blood on or before June 19,

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July 30th is a date that has witnessed a myriad of significant historical events, spanning the globe and touching various aspects of human life, from politics to science, sports to culture. St. Louis Spotlight: The Founding of Washington University in St. Louis (1853) Another notable event for the St. Louis Metro Area is the founding of Washington University in St. Louis on July 30, 1853. Established by a group of influential St. Louis citizens, including waymaker William Greenleaf Eliot, the university has grown to become one of the nation's leading research institutions. It has played a critical role in the educational and cultural development of the region, contributing significantly to the intellectual and economic vitality of St. Louis. Sports Triumph: Uruguay Wins the First FIFA World Cup (1930) On the sporting front, July 30, 1930, is remembered for the historic victory of Uruguay in the inaugural FIFA World Cup. Held in Montevideo, Uruguay defeated

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MADISON COUNTY - At 8:50 p.m. Monday, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for parts of Madison County. According to the NWS, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Alhambra and was moving southeast at 35 mph. It is unclear whether a tornado touched down or if any damage has been reported. Residents in the affected areas were advised to stay alert and take necessary precautions. These storms have moved out of the Madison County area. These photos were taken in the Alhambra area.

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O’FALLON - Andria’s Steakhouse hopes to open a new location in The Old Base Factory in O’Fallon, Illinois. The famous restaurant is known for its community feel. They hope to expand their menu and their customer base with Max and Muggs, an Andria’s Family Restaurant that would serve gourmet burgers, sandwiches and local brews. The new restaurant would be located inside The Old Base Factory off Obernuefemann Road in O’Fallon, which is in the process of being transformed into a food hall. Max Kenison, third-generation owner of Andria’s, said they are excited about the prospect of being included in the new food hall space. “We’ve been around for almost 46 years. Community members have become like family,” Kenison said. “Not only would this expand on what we’re currently known for, but it would also reinstate our commitment to our community.” Kenison promises that Max and Muggs would draw from the “historic

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced that inspection of westbound Interstate 270 between Illinois 3 and Riverview Drive in Missouri will require lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 30. One lane will remain open. All lanes will reopen by 4 p.m. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. 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. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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HIGHLAND — Annalyse Richter was crowned the 2024 Miss Madison County Fair Queen by retiring Queen Laini Bock during the pageant held on July 27, 2024, at the county fairgrounds in Highland. The event also saw Brooklyn Carter named Jr. Miss and Lyric Daniels of Collinsville awarded the title of Little Miss Madison County Fair. "Our 2024 queen family is complete," said a pageant spokesperson, celebrating the culmination of the competition. The pageant, a highlight of the Madison County Fair, draws contestants from across the county, providing a platform for young women to showcase their talents and community spirit. This year’s event continued the tradition, with participants vying for titles in various age categories. The newly crowned queens will represent Madison County at various events and functions throughout the year, promoting the fair and engaging with the community. The Madison County Fair, an annual event held in Highland, features a variety of attractions including

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– U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA)—Chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging—along with U.S. Senators John Fetterman (D-PA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) this week to introduce the Section 508 Refresh Act . This new bill would require federal agencies to take a series of actions to ensure people with disabilities can use the federal government’s technology. While Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires agencies to make federal technology accessible, a 2022 Senate Aging Committee investigation found that department and agency technology, particularly within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is often out of compliance. The investigation revealed how these accessibility failures were creating barriers for people with disabilities who rely on federal technology for essential services, including health care, employment services and Social Security benefits. “ So many Americans rely on programs an

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Fraternal Order of Police (ILFOP) State Lodge President Chris Southwood has issued the following statement regarding a labor contract grievance that was filed by a separate organization, not the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, on behalf of the former Sangamon County Sheriff’s deputy who has been charged with murder in the death of Sonya Massey: “We are the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police, strictly a fraternal organization. The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge is not the labor organization that filed the grievance on behalf of the former deputy who is jailed on murder charges. That dubious distinction rests with the Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council, which is a completely separate organization with different leadership, a different organizational structure and a different mission. The Illinois Fraternal Order of Police State Lodge had zero involvement in this grievance and yet we are bearing the brunt of the public outcry

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(Note: This is the first in a series of articles about artists who will be showcased at the Edwardsville Art Fair). Three artists will showcase their unique perspectives through exhibits showcased at the Edwardsville Art Fair on Sept. 27-29, 2024, at Edwardsville City Park. Brett Miley, Michael Plurad, and Bruce Toulmin each bring a distinct approach to digital artworks, providing visitors with an engaging and diverse experience. Miley, whose nature-based digital artworks aim to foster tranquility and educate viewers about various species, uses mandalas to present these creatures in an unprecedented light. "My goal is to help people find tranquility through my nature-based artwork and to show the beauty of these precious species and educate people about them. My mandalas show sides of these species in a way that they have not been seen before," Miley stated. Plurad draws inspiration from early 20th-century illustrators Arthur Rackham and Alphonse Mucha, blending modern techniques

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CHICAGO - On July 2, 2024, the State of Illinois received federal approval of its proposed Healthcare Transformation 1115 Demonstration waiver that will allow the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) to begin nation-leading work to expand Medicaid coverage. Assistance will soon address root causes of health disparities, such as housing and food insecurity, and help individuals transitioning from incarceration. “Here in Illinois, the 1115 waiver is the cornerstone of our broader strategy to address health-related social needs,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We are using it to direct Medicaid resources toward initiatives that address the root causes of health inequalities such as housing, food insecurity, unemployment, violence prevention, re-entry from prison settings, substance use treatment, and more. Illinois is leading the way in this work and once again setting the nationwide standard for what equitable, effective, and people-centric

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BELLEVILLE - Joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) teams are set to be in action as they conduct evaluations in the aftermath of severe weather and tornadoes that struck the region earlier this month. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Winnebago County and St. Clair County. Local, county, state, and federal PDA teams will be going door-to-door in the hardest-hit areas to verify and validate the damages caused by the severe weather that occurred on July 15 and July 16. This initiative aims to assess the extent of the damage and determine the necessary aid and resources for recovery. Media personnel interested in covering the event can contact Kevin Sur, Public Information Officer for the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security (IEMA-OHS), at Kevin.Sur@Illinois.Gov, or FEMA Region 5 External Affairs at FEMA-R5-news-desk@fema.dhs.gov for information on field teams and locations. The Illinois Emergency Management

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BETHALTO - In a display of athletic prowess and determination, the Civic Memorial High School boys' track team concluded an impressive season at the State Finals in Charleston. One of the most remarkable performances of the state track series was the 4x800 team of Lucas Naugle, Tulio Zampieri, Justice Eldridge and D.J. Dutton, who finished fifth in a new school record time of 7:51.34 after breaking their school record in the preliminaries on Friday. "We medaled in the 4x800 three consecutive years!" CM head coach Jake Peal said. The CM 800 relay squad are Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athletes of the Month. "I am so proud of the legacy D.J., Lucas and Justice are leaving at CM," Coach Peal added. "I also can't wait to see what Max Weber and Tullio can do the next two years leaving their own mark!" Dutton finished his CM career with a school record time of 1:56.58 for the 800 meters. "This was D.J.'s fourth 800 of the weekend between two prelims and two finals," Coach Peal said.

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July 29th is a date with a rich tapestry of historical events that have shaped the world as we know it. 1981: A Royal Wedding Captivates the World In what was dubbed the 'wedding of the century,' Prince Charles married Lady Diana Spencer on July 29, 1981. The ceremony at St. Paul's Cathedral in London was watched by an estimated 750 million people worldwide, making it one of the most-watched television broadcasts in history. The union of the Prince of Wales and Diana captivated hearts and minds, and their story, though later marked by tragedy, remains a significant chapter in modern royal history. 2005: Discovery's Return to Flight After the tragic loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia in 2003, NASA's Space Shuttle Discovery launched on its Return to Flight mission, STS-114, on July 26, 2005. By July 29th, the crew had successfully completed a series of critical tests and repairs in space, marking a significant step in the resumption of shuttle missions. The mission

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PIASA – Rocky Darr, a standout infielder and pitcher for Southwestern High School, led the Piasa Birds with a .353 batting average this past season. Darr, who excelled as a three-sport athlete, was recognized as an All-Conference selection in baseball, basketball, and football. Darr is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Piasa Birds. Darr, a three-year varsity starter in baseball, showcased his versatility and skill both at the plate and on the mound. He finished the season with a 3-1 pitching record, contributing significantly to the team's success. "He won a big game in Greenville for us," said Ryan Hanslow, Southwestern's athletic director and head baseball coach. Hanslow praised Darr's work ethic and leadership. "He is a hard worker and a hard-nosed kid," Hanslow said. "He was a coach on the field and our lead hitter, so he got things started for us. He was also very sound defensively." In addition to his achievements on the baseball

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Jen Kaggins (R-VA-02) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12) introduced bipartisan legislation to help older veterans avoid injuries from costly, dangerous falls. The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act would establish an Office of Falls Prevention within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and create a falls prevention coordinator role. The legislation would also create a pilot program for incorporating falls prevention programs into VA home modification programs and establish an assessment for veterans to identify those most at risk of falling. Since veterans, on average, have more chronic conditions than their non-veteran counterparts, additional programs could help to prevent unnecessary injuries or hospitalizations — and the massive expenses associated with falls. “Preventative health care measures give our nation’s veterans a healthier,

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DOW - A man from Kane has been charged after allegedly punching someone in the face and aggressively approaching a 10-year-old child at the Do Drop Inn in Dow. David A. Depper, 38, of Kane, was charged with one count each of aggravated battery in a public place and aggravated assault on public property. On June 22, 2024, Depper allegedly struck an individual “in the face with his fist” while at the Do Drop Inn. He then approached a 10-year-old child “with his arms flexed in a defensive posture and asked minor child if she ‘wanted to go.’” Jersey County court records indicate Depper was granted pretrial release. His preliminary hearing is set for Aug. 20, 2024. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects charged with criminal offenses are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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ALTON - Three local authors will host a book signing for their new book, “Still Perfectly I’Mperfect.” The signing will run from 12–2 p.m. on Aug. 10, 2024, at It’s Raining Zen in Alton. The book, a sequel to the bestselling “Perfectly I’Mperfect” edition that was published last year, tells the stories of 42 women who overcame personal hardships. Kim Skief, Eliza Poe and Tammy Egelhoff, three of the 42 authors featured in the book, will be present at the signing to share their stories. “The book has the potential to serve a wide range of people depending on what resonates for you,” Skief said. “The range of stories includes overcoming discrimination, serious health issues, tragic losses, abusive relationships, job loss. It just pretty much runs the gamut as far as challenges that can come up in life, and the goal being that despite how challenging these obstacles were for these women, they chose not to give into

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