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ALTON - Picture This & More, a professional custom framing business in Alton, is marking the one-year anniversary of their location on Broadway. Owner Quint Long said the new location has brought in more foot traffic and helped the company become part of a business community. Picture This & More was previously located at the Piasa Shopping Center on Delmar Avenue and has served the Alton community for over 30 years. Long bought the business from a retired couple eight years ago and moved to 17 East Broadway last year to contribute to the downtown Alton revitalization effort. “We were just wanting to jump on board with the revitalization of the downtown-Broadway corridor,” Long said. “John Simmons had a plan to bring more art-related, tourist-related businesses to downtown, and they kind of courted Picture This & More, and here we are.” Long said business has been booming since moving to Broadway. “The first year has been very exciting,” Lon

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ROLLA, Mo. - The Student Knights of St. Patrick have been selected to represent Missouri University of Science and Technology's student organizations during the 114th St. Pat's celebration in Rolla, Missouri. The students will be knighted during a coronation ceremony at 9 p.m. Friday, March 18, in Leach Theater of Castleman Hall, located on the Missouri S&T campus at 400 W. 10th St. in Rolla. Honorary Knights and the Queen of Love and Beauty will also be honored during the coronation. The practice of knighting students every spring can be traced back to the beginning of the 20th century, when Missouri S&T engineering students declared St. Patrick the patron saint of engineers. The 2022 student Knights of St. Patrick from the area is as follows: Edwardsville's Luke Goeckner, senior, computer science, Miner Theatre Guild

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MADISON – With less than 100 days until the green flag waves at the start of the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR) on June 5, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announce the race’s official name: Enjoy Illinois 300, sponsored by the Illinois Office of Tourism. “The Enjoy Illinois 300 establishes Illinois’ own World Wide Technology Raceway as the country’s standout track for stock car, open-wheel, and drag racing alike,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I promised to be our state’s best Chief Marketing Officer, and with the return of NASCAR to Illinois, visitors from around the nation have yet another reason to come explore all that Metro East has to offer. This is an incredible opportunity to showcase Illinois and we look forward to welcoming NASCAR fans to our great state.” The NASCAR Cup Series is enjoyed by millions of viewers across the

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Department of Corrections (IDOC) today announced legionella bacteria was detected during routine water testing at the Stateville and Joliet Treatment Center facilities this week. IDOC conducts quarterly legionella testing at all locations to detect the bacteria early and prevent further spread. Currently, no inmates or staff at either facility are exhibiting symptoms of the disease and all potentially affected individuals in custody have been notified. “Protecting the health and safety of the individuals entrusted to our care is the department’s top priority, which is why we routinely test for bacteria like legionella,” said IDOC Director Rob Jeffreys. “In partnership with IDPH, the department will continue to closely monitor inmates and will conduct rigorous water cleansing and follow up testing to ensure the bacteria is eradicated.” “Thanks to regularly scheduled testing, the

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ALTON - We often get excited about new efforts in our city, but we also know they are difficult to sustain. City Shapers is a two-year training process that is careful to listen to every voice in our city. Over the two years, we will focus on three phases: assessment, alignment, and activation. We are currently in the ASSESSMENT phase. This is requiring us to move much slower than many of us usually do. Instead of assuming we know what everyone wants or needs in Alton, we're taking our time to humbly listen to as many voices as we can. It takes time to build trust and develop friendships with people we don't always know. We believe it's worth it. So, step up to the mic! We want to hear your voice. The Alton City Shapers movement is inviting Altonians to share their voices through local gatherings called, "Listening Sessions." During the month of March, we have identified locations across Alton in an effort to bring us all together. We want to hear your thoughts about Alton. No

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EDWARDSVILLE — Metro East Humane Society (MEHS) has announced a $45,000 gift from the late Jerry and Harlene Gammill of Maryville, Ill. The gift will be utilized to launch a Spay/Neuter Voucher Program to provide fee waived spay/neuter services and rabies vaccines to targeted areas throughout Madison County in partnership with Madison County Animal Care and Control. Anne Schmidt, MEHS Executive Director, said, “The generous gift from the late Jerry & Harlene Gammill will serve two purposes: we're addressing overpopulation concerns; and, we are providing surgeries to clients who cannot otherwise afford them. We're extremely appreciative of this gift and the hundreds of animals it will help.” Katherine Conder, Directory of Madison County Animal Care and Control, stated, “Madison County Animal Care and Control is excited to be part of a spay and neuter program with MEHS. This program will target Granite City, Alton and Madison. All three of these areas are hig

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EDWARDSVILLE - Jennifer Korte, of Edwardsville, announced her campaign as a Republican for the 112th District of the Illinois House of Representatives today. Korte has a Bachelor’s Degree in social work from SIUE and a Master’s Degree in social work from St. Louis University. She worked as a social worker at Barnes-Jewish Hospital before becoming a stay-at-home mom in 2005. Korte has volunteered with a sexual assault victims advocacy center, pregnancy care center, PTO, and local schools. Most recently, she began advocating for parental rights. She is passionate about parental rights, senior citizens advocacy, mental health awareness, and women’s issues. “With my experience as a social worker and heart for advocacy, I will be a voice for the people in District 112,” said Korte. “I am simply a mom, trying to move Illinois in a positive direction. After talking with current state representative Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville), I realized how far removed

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CHICAGO – Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) National President Alex Otte and Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Director Omer Osman, today announced that the safety and technology provisions of the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, H.R. 3684, will translate into a reduction in traffic fatalities. “The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will not only make safer America’s roads and bridges, but it contains provisions that will prevent driving under the influence and distracted driving fatalities,” said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Every life saved means one less family - mothers, fathers, children - spared the unspeakable grief of losing a loved one to a traffic related crash.” Kelly noted that in 2020 there were 1,196 fatalities on Illinois roadways. In 2021, that number rose to 1,371. As of March 11, there have

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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 – Mar. 14, 2022 Piasa Valley Area: 6th and 7th St. 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 9th Street, with closures north and east of Alby/8th Street in place. 8th Street east of Alby is closed to Easton Street. With the road closures on 9th Street and Alby Street, access to Schwegel’s Market will be from the north. Access to the parking lots will be maintained during the construction. Please look for future updates on this. Turner Tract Area: Danforth Street pavement restoration will be starting soon. The alley south of McKinley east of Lincoln is back open to traffic, with pavement restoration happening

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ST. LOUIS — For a limited time, the American Red Cross has resumed testing all blood, platelet, and plasma donations for COVID-19 antibodies. Plasma from routine donations that have high levels of COVID-19 antibodies may be used as convalescent plasma to help meet the needs of COVID-19 patients with weakened immune systems. At the same time, the Red Cross blood supply remains vulnerable, and individuals are urged to schedule a blood or platelet donation. In the days and weeks ahead, it’s critically important the Red Cross maintains a readily available blood supply so hospital patients can receive the care they need. To make an appointment, use the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The Red Cross first tested donations for COVID-19 antibodies earlier in the pandemic to provide convalescent plasma for patients. When infection rates decreased and new treatment options became available, the Red Cross discontinued the

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SPRINGFIELD - The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has confirmed the presence of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in a non-commercial backyard flock (non-poultry) in Mclean County, Illinois. Anyone that owns birds or is involved with poultry production, whether on a small or commercial level, should be aware of this finding and take precautions to protect their flock. The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) is working closely with APHIS on a joint incident response. IDOA quarantined the affected premises, and birds on the properties will be depopulated to prevent the spread of the disease. Birds from the flocks will not enter the food system. “Producers and owners should review their biosecurity plans and prevent contact with wild birds and their droppings,” said Dr. Mark Ernst, IDOA State Veterinarian. “IDOA also strongly encourages all producers to keep birds indoors when possible.”

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City High School opened the Grounds City Café in 2022, and it has already been a success. The Café, which is run by GCHS S.T.E.P. Coordinator Kellie Hutchings and students, is open each morning 25 minutes before school and during 1 st and 2 nd hour by appointment. Students are getting hands-on experience, which will prepare them for future employment upon graduation.

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CARLINVILLE - There's something for almost everyone in a fast-moving new book on Madison County history that is loaded with facts and anecdotes. Writer Tom Emery of Carlinville is releasing The Madison County History Reader, a collection of over sixty of his articles on a wide array of subjects relating to the history, people, and places of Madison County. The reader is different than any other book on county history and looks at many fascinating aspects of the past in this area. Many leading towns in the county are covered in some fashion in the book, which is 170 pages long and fully illustrated. Topics include the origins of the county, pioneer experiences in Madison’s earliest days, as well as the Civil War era, and some of the remarkable women the county has produced. Other topics include world wars, education, natural disasters, sports, celebrities, and early holidays. Emery’s work is familiar to area readers, as his articles regularly appear across Madison County.

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ELSAH – Junior Hannah Meiser from Civic Memorial just wrapped up her basketball season one week ago when she and her team took home fourth place at state. She finished that season having played in all 38 games and scoring 101 points along the way. She should be a regular starter next season. Only one week later though, she begins another journey for the Eagles track and field team. She took to the track in the 6 th Annual Jersey Winter Thaw held at Principia where she ran the 1,600-meter race. It was her first run of the year and she mentioned being a little nervous. “For sure nerves were there. I didn’t expect much," she said. "I only got to practice for a week before I ran this race.” She still took home a 6 th place finish out of 36 competitors with a time of 5:42 for the one mile but feels she can improve upon her time. For her efforts so far in track and field and basketball, Hannah Meiser is one of the Tom Lane State Farm Insurance CM Female Athletes

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SAUGET - The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis has announced it is investigating the discovery of a body early Sunday morning at the Oz Nightclub in Sauget. A man - 29-year-old Jonathan Brown - was found shot to death outside the nightclub in St. Clair County. Sauget Police made the discovery of the body of the Black Jack, Mo., man. He was pronounced dead at 10:30 Sunday after a gunshot wound to his head. Anyone with information on the killing is asked to call the Sauget Police Department at (618) 337-5267 or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS.

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ALTON - The temps were cool, but there was plenty of Irish fun and entertainment Saturday in Alton businesses for the annual St. Pat’s Day Crawl. Jody and Stacy of Jerseyville said they had “a blast” at the Pub Crawl. “We love it,” the two said. “We are from Jerseyville and we don’t have to go far for a big St. Pat’s Day party. It has been great to go back to the bars and the scene.” Another said St. Patrick’s Day is their favorite holiday and said they thought Alton did it right on Saturday. “I think a lot of it has to do with our family heritage and the fact we like to drink and celebrate,” the person said. “I think Alton should also have a parade for St. Pat’s Day and make a day of it.” Mary Morrison of Morrison’s Irish Pub was all smiles Saturday. “It is nice to have everybody out to celebrate and come together,” she said. “This year will be a good year. Our

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ALTON - A man died after a crash in the 800 block of Brown Street in the early morning of March 13, 2022. The driver was later identified as Keith D. Brenner, 33, of Alton. This is the information from Alton Police Chief Marcos Pulido: "At 6:30 a.m. on March 13, 2022, Alton Police Officers and the Alton Fire Department were dispatched to the 800 block of Brown Street in reference to a traffic crash with probable injuries," the chief said. "Preliminary investigation revealed that the driver and sole occupant of a white Chevrolet S10 was traveling southeast on Brown Street from the area of Union Street. "The S10, for an unknown reason, crossed over the opposing travel lanes in the 800 block of Brown Street and partially overturned. The S10 collided with a wheelchair ramp which was attached to a residence in the 800 block of Brown Street as well as a tree. This S10 sustained extensive damage." Chief Pulido said life-saving measures were attempted on the driver, but unfortunately,

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BRIGHTON - The Macoupin County Sheriff's Office and Coroner's Office are investigating the death of a man who was found deceased in a vehicle submerged in water in the 3000 block of Miles Station Road in Brighton on March 12, 2022. At 9:43 a.m. on March 12, 2022, the Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office responded to Miles Station Road in Brighton location in reference to a vehicle in a lake. "Upon arrival, deputies discovered a vehicle submerged in the water," Macoupin County Sheriff Shawn Kahl said. "After removing the vehicle from the water, deputies located 31-year-old Kenneth Torrez of Brighton deceased inside the vehicle. "Torrez was pronounced deceased by the Macoupin County Coroner’s Office. The Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Coroner’s Office will be conducting the investigation."

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) commissioned 15 new Troopers of Cadet Class 134 at a graduation ceremony at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield, bringing the total ISP troopers added since 2019 to 279. Cadet Class 134 was a “Fast Track” class for certified police officers to become Illinois State Troopers through participation in an accelerated training program. The new Troopers will report to five ISP patrol districts throughout the state on Monday, March 14, 2022. Cadet Class 134 marks the sixth cadet class graduation under Governor JB Pritzker, which brings the total investment to 279 new Troopers since 2019. The Governor’s proposed ISP budget for Fiscal Year 2023 will be the largest in ISP history and will allow for an additional 300 new Troopers. “On behalf of the State of Illinois, I wish a heartfelt congratulations to the new Troopers of Cadet Class 134,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today, 15 brave men and

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SPRINGFIELD - The Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) reminds Illinoisians to test, inspect for expired alarms, and replace batteries in their smoke and CO alarms as they change the clock this weekend. “It’s simple, working smoke alarms save lives! Replacing broken or expired smoke alarms will provide an early warning and help prevent loss of life due to fire,” said Illinois State Fire Marshal Matt Perez. “Construction materials used in today’s homes are made from more synthetic materials which means they burn hotter and faster, while also producing toxic smoke. This means people typically have less than 3 minutes to escape their homes, which makes the early warning that smoke alarms provide even more vital.” The time change serves as a bi-annual reminder to test all smoke and CO alarms in your home. If you find an alarm that is not working or is expired, replace the alarm immediately with a new 10-year sealed battery alarm. Review your

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