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EDWARDSVILLE - Multiple firefighter units responded to a fire at 12:08 p.m. today on Horseshoe Bend Road. The homeowners came home to find the house on fire inside and called 911. Edwardsville Fire Department responded with two engines and immediately activated water tenders from Hamel, Marine, and Holiday Shores Fire Departments since there were no hydrants in the area. Edwardsville firefighters were able to get “knockdown” on the fire quickly and mutual aid fire departments provided additional manpower to help with overhauling the fire to be sure it was out. Mutual aid departments that responded include those listed above, along with Glen Carbon, Collinsville, and Wood River Fire Departments. No injuries were reported but the house was heavily damaged by smoke and heat. The American Red Cross and the homeowners' insurance company are assisting the homeowners with finding lodging.

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­ GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society brought the annual You Have a Voice! humanities speech competition back to the Ann Whitney Olin Theatre on March 30. For the first time, the winner was a dual-credit student from Civic Memorial High School. Senior Toni Reynolds, daughter of Kim and Scott Reynolds of Bethalto, earned first place with her speech entitled, “What Can One Learn from the Most Painful Moments?” Reynolds, whose finish earned her $100, was pleased with her win. “Being a high school senior going up against college students – I really was just here for the experience,” she said. “Winning it was more of a shock than anything.” L&C Speech Professor and PTK Advisor Elizabeth Grant was glad to host a live, in-person event. “Two-thousand-twenty-two was a great year of competition,” she said. “Not only was it great to be off of Zoom for our event, but it attracted TED-level

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has been named a Bicycle Friendly University (BFU) in the bronze category by the League of American Bicyclists. The designation, through 2025, comes after a thorough review focused on five criteria: equity, engineering, education, encouragement, and evaluation and planning. The honor recognizes SIUE’s cyclist-welcoming environment and notes the University’s commitment to the safety and comfortability of cyclists. On behalf of SIUE and with the help of several collaborative partners, Campus Recreation Assistant Director Dave Hagedorn led the extensive application process. “Thanks to partnerships with campus and community stakeholders, we were able to assemble a great list of SIUE-specific advocates for future efforts of this nature,” said Hagedorn. “Bicycling is a wonderful means of travel, commuting, recreation and fitness. The current high cost of transportation fuel, growing concerns about

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ALTON – Wendy Frazier, MD, has joined the Alton Multispecialists and Alton Memorial Hospital medical staff. Alton MultiSpecialists is located at 1 Professional Drive in Alton. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 618-463-8574. Dr. Frazier provides primary care for patients of all ages. She helps patients address both acute and chronic conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, depression, musculoskeletal injuries, urinary tract infections and many other conditions. She also offers annual wellness exams, well-child exams, school/sports physicals, well-woman exams and other general medical services. An Air Force veteran, Dr. Frazier earned her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2012 and completed a joint Family Medicine residency with the USAF and Saint Louis University in 2015. Prior to joining Alton MultiSpecialists, she provided care for patients at Scott AFB.

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ALTON - Cat Daddy's Tavern has been an ardent supporter of the Boys & Girls Club of Alton and the establishment will do it again on Thursday, April 14, 2022, with the Cat's Baseball Party at 203 West Third St. in Alton. Cat Daddy's has the annual affair to open the baseball season and also to support one of its favorite Alton charities - the Boys & Girls Club. Doors open at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, with food, drinks, door prizes, auction items, and much more. Last year, Cat Daddy's contributed $7,000 from the event to the Boys & Girls Club of Alton, and Executive Director All Womack Jr. said it was a very helpful donation. Womack said the annual baseball party is always a great time because it offers an opportunity to win a lot of prizes. "This is something Cat Daddy's likes to do," Womack said. "We are very appreciative. Our donations are down this year to date and this will really help. We want to pack Cat Daddy's next Thursday. It would mean a lot for the Boys & Girls Club an

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ST. LOUIS – S. M. Wilson & Co. has completed the new $6.8 million Highland Public Safety Building in Highland, Illinois. The 31,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility houses the city’s police, fire, and emergency medical services departments under one roof, including a communications, reception, and data center. The new facility will allow the city’s emergency services to double their capacity to meet increased demand in the future. The fire department moved into the facility last month. Police and EMS moved in earlier this year. S. M. Wilson was the general contractor and Loyet Architects was the architect. S. M. Wilson collaborated with the City of Highland as well as the design team on value engineering solutions to ensure that the project was delivered on time and within budget. The new facility features a training/community room, bunk rooms, locker rooms, and showers for first responders as well as a holding area and sally port for secure prisoner dropoff.

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Chamber of Commerce celebrated the grand opening of the Skin Care Center of Southern Illinois' newest location at 4575 Benes Street in Glen Carbon. They offer medical and cosmetic dermatology services and Mohs surgery in their state-of-the-art clinic. Patient-focused care helps them stand out in the industry. Supporters from the local business community present at the ribbon-cutting ceremony included Jeremy Colton (Big Frog Custom T-Shirts & More), Mary Jo Smith (Hospice of Southern Illinois), Dr. Kelly MacArthur, MD, Board Certified Mohs Surgeon, Jen Wagner (United Skin Specialists), Dr. Kari Sufficool, MD, Board Certified Dermapathologist, JoBeth Baker (clinic manager), Dr. George Nahass (United Skin Specialists Illinois Medical Director), Lisa Shoults Belflower (United Skin Specialists), Nicole Dicks (Village of Glen Carbon) and Laura Mattson (First Community Credit Union). Patients may book appointments at the Glen Carbon location

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COLLINSVILLE – The U.S. Postal Service today launched USPS Connect — a set of four delivery solutions that leverage ongoing network improvements, new equipment, new pricing and enhanced operational precision to meet evolving business package delivery needs. “USPS Connect provides businesses of all sizes what they have been asking for — an affordable way to meet consumer demand for fast delivery,” said Louis DeJoy, Postmaster General and CEO. “A pivotal point in our Delivering for America plan, it positions us to more fully leverage our network capacity to increase volume and revenue so we can continue to serve the American people with affordable, reliable mail and package delivery.” The USPS Connect program offers several solutions to help businesses of all sizes meet growing consumer demand for affordable, fast local, regional, and national deliveries and returns. The four USPS Connect business solutions are: USPS Connect Local

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ST. LOUIS - The deceased in a homicide in the 200 block of Ben Nevis Road in the North County Precinct has been identified as Keauntay Evans, 23 years of age, of the 100 block of Monteith Circle in St. Louis, Missouri, 63137. St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives are currently investigating the homicide. On April 5, 2022, at approximately 12:58 AM, St. Louis County Police Officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service for a shooting in the 200 block of Ben Nevis Road. Officers located an adult male suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. The victim was transported to an area hospital for life-saving treatment but succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. Please contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210 to speak to investigators if you have any information regarding the incident. To remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward, please contact CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477) if yo

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EAST ST. LOUIS - The Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) released information that it is investigating the shooting of a 21-year-old male in the 1300 block of North 44th Street in East St. Louis at 7:07 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5, 2022. This is a brief synopsis of the situation provided by ISP: Preliminary investigative details indicate the following occurred: East St. Louis Police Department requested the assistance of the Illinois State Police Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG) reference a reported shooting that occurred at the above time and location. Troopers administered aid, but the victim, a 21-year-old male from East St. Louis, was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. No further information will be disseminated at this time. Anyone who witnessed the shooting or has any knowledge of the incident is asked to contact Crimestoppers by phone at 314-725-8477 (TIPS). Witnesses can remain anonymous.

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GLEN CARBON - The Glen Carbon Police Department has continued its commitment to being at the forefront of Use of Force and De-Escalation Training Techniques. The Village of Glen Carbon makes every effort to ensure its officers are among the most highly trained in all of Illinois. In 2021, Sergeant Justin Click and Detective Ross Tyler attended the certified Realistic De-Escalation Instructor Course through the Force Science Institute. The Force Science Institute is regarded as the premier school of instruction for law enforcement officers pertaining to training techniques on de-escalating crises and potentially violent incidents. Sgt. Click and Detective Tyler have developed lesson plans on de-escalation techniques which have been recognized by the Illinois Training and Standards Board as certified training for police officers. Sgt. Click and Detective Tyler provide both classroom instruction as well as scenario-based instruction to all Glen Carbon Police Officers. On March

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SPRINGFIELD - Madison County will be the recipient of more than $68,000 in the 2022 Small Equipment Grant Program. Calhoun, Greene, Macoupin and St. Clair counties will also receive funding that is listed below. The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) announced today the recipients of the 2022 Small Equipment Grant Program. A total of $2.5 million was awarded to 104 fire departments/districts and EMS providers across the state. The program was established to provide grants of up to $26,000 each for the purchase of small firefighting and ambulance equipment. “All communities deserve safety, and this program helps ensure our smaller and rural fire districts aren’t left behind when it comes to the tools they need to do their jobs,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m proud to be able to provide more than 100 districts with new lifesaving equipment. It’s another way we can demonstrate our gratitude for all that they do to help their neighbors

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JERSEY - Spire is donating $5,000 to the Jersey County Sheriff’s Office during a check presentation at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Sheriff's Office at 114 N. Washington St. in Jerseyville. The Sheriff’s department will use the donation to secure additional resources and equipment for officers. Jersey County Sheriff Mike Ringhausen was very thankful for the donation and said it will help the office purchase equipment for officers including armor-plated carriers. “Daily, our officers could face dangerous, life-threatening situations," he added. "This donation from Spire allows us to secure equipment that will help protect our officers while as they protect our community.” The donation is being made on behalf of Spire’s STL Pipeline. “Spire continues our promise of advancing the communities we work and live in," Alex Sammet, Manager of Right of Way and Land Management for Spire, said. “This donation to the Sheriff’s Department will positively

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ST. LOUIS — Now is your chance to work at one of the most unique attractions in St. Louis. The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch on the St. Louis Riverfront is hiring for 40 positions ahead of the summer cruising season. “Here at the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch, we are dedicated to fostering an enjoyable and fun work environment for our team members,” says Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multi Modal Enterprises at Bi-State Development. “You’ll meet interesting people from all over the world while serving as an ambassador for St. Louis.” Open positions include riverboat operations roles such as deckhands, mates and even a riverboat captain, as well as ticket sales agents, servers and bartenders. Interested applicants should visit riverboatstljobs.com for more information about the jobs and to apply at the Riverboats at the Gateway Arch. EMPLOYEE PERKS All riverboat team members are eligible for a free Metro Transit pass, which is

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced an infusion of support from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families (ACF) will be awarded to Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville for Head Start and Early Head Start programs. “Head Start and Early Head Start programs are critical for kids throughout Illinois to have the tools they need to succeed both inside and outside of the classroom,” Duckworth said. “Investments in early childhood education and parental support programs aren’t just important during this pandemic, they are investments in our future. I’m proud to continue supporting these programs with Senator Durbin to help children reach their full potential.” “This federal funding will help give children in the Metro East the strong social and educational foundation they need to flourish throughout preschool, elementary school,

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) announced today that it has filed emergency rules prohibiting the sale or exhibiting of poultry and poultry products at swap meets, exhibitions, flea markets, and auction markets in Illinois to prevent the spread of avian influenza. The Department’s emergency rules take effect immediately and may be effective for up to 150 days. However, after 45 days, the Department will reevaluate based on the avian flu status at the time and may repeal the emergency rules at that point. If the situation requires further cancellation, the Department will continue to evaluate in 45-day increments for up to 150 days. “Protecting animal health in the state of Illinois remains our number one priority,” said Dr. Mark Ernst, IDOA State Veterinarian. “We are optimistic that as the migratory bird season comes to an end, we will see a decrease in exposure for our flocks here in Illinois and our neighboring states, and be able

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Gori Law Firm recently announced that Madeline Dixon has joined the firm as an attorney. Dixon will be working in the firm’s New Orleans office, located at 909 Poydras Street, Suite 2195. Born and raised in Shreveport, La., Dixon has always had an interest in the pursuit of justice. Upon graduating from Louisianan State University with a degree in political science, she then earned her Juris Doctor from the Paul M. Hebert Law Center in 2019. Since her admittance to the Louisiana Bar, Dixon has practiced law in New Orleans, working in the areas of personal injury, immigration, family law, workers’ compensation and criminal law. At The Gori Law Firm, her primary focus will be to fight for families who have negatively been affected by asbestos exposure, helping them to receive the compensation they deserve. “We are always excited to add new faces to our team and believe Madeline will make a great addition to our asbestos litigation practice

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JERSEYVILLE – In 2021, the City of Jerseyville began turning a community-shared vision into priorities and plans for a revitalization plan for the city’s historic downtown. A reimagined vision for Jerseyville’s downtown district first came to light through a series of conversations among members of the public, city leaders and local economic development staff, regional tourism stakeholders, and Illinois Department of Transportation representatives. The goal: To reimagine and re-energize Jerseyville’s downtown as a vibrant, family- and pedestrian-friendly, inclusive, and welcoming regional destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, and cultural experiences. City leaders have now brought in St. Louis, Mo.-based firm PGAV Planners to help guide Jerseyville through the next steps of the process. PGAV Planners provides urban planning, financial development analysis, economic development planning, and municipal advising. The PGAV company also offers architecture

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ST. LOUIS — United Way of Greater St. Louis and the St. Louis Regional Financial Empowerment Coalition are partnering together for St. Louis Metro Money Smart Month, offering more than 60 free events and classes on financial education and money management throughout April. This year, there will be in-person and virtual events for participants of all ages including pre-k to seniors, including several in Illinois. Celebrating its 10 th year in the St. Louis region, Money Smart Month is a community education program sponsored by the St. Louis Regional Financial Empowerment Coalition in partnership with United Way of Greater St. Louis, area libraries, community organizations, and financial institutions. Money Smart Month classes and events will be held throughout April to help individuals and families learn about money management, goal setting, saving for retirement or college, building credit, reducing debt, estate planning, and more. “Money Smart Month is a great opportunity

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SPRINGFIELD - Secretary of State Jesse White unveiled a new ad campaign featuring Phillip Hanks, an organ recipient who received five lifesaving organs from a single donor. The campaign marks the beginning of National Donate Life Month in April. “Phillip’s story shows how organ and tissue donation saves lives,” said Secretary White. “Phillip was able to be there for the birth of his granddaughter and he now works as an advocate for my office with the organ/tissue donor program. He reminds us that by registering to become an organ donor that you, too, could help change someone’s story.” Phillip needed the transplant because after a liver transplant in 2007, an extra valve in the liver produced scar tissue blocking an important vein, which required the five-organ transplant known as a multivisceral transplant. In April 2021, Phillip received a new liver, small and large intestine, stomach, pancreas and kidney. In the public service announcement

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