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SPRINGFIELD - Enrollment at Illinois community colleges continues to climb for the third straight year according to the Fall 2024 Illinois Community College Opening Enrollment Report, released today by the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB). The Illinois Community College System’s opening Fall 2024 enrollment report recorded an overall increase of 7.4%, the largest fall-to-fall enrollment growth in the last 15 years, outpacing last year's fall enrollment increase of 5.7%. "Our community colleges are stronger than ever, and the proof is in the numbers,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The Fall 2023 to Fall 2024 rate of enrollment incline for the Illinois Community Colleges System is outpacing growth nationally and is the best we’ve seen in 15 years. According to a report released by the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, Fall 2024 community college enrollment nationally increased 4.7 percent from the previous year as compared to the 7.4 percent

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EDWARDSVILLE - Prairie Farms Dairy, one of the nation's leading farmer-owned dairy cooperatives, went head-to-head with many national CPG companies to compete for the ConvenienceStore News Best New Products Awards. Prairie Farms came out on top in the Frozen Novelties and RTD Coffee categories with Best New Products Awards for its Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches and Barista Style Iced Coffee Drinks. "We want to thank Convenience Store News for giving Prairie Farms an opportunity to compete for the prestigious awards and the consumer panel for recognizing the superior quality of our Premium Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches and Barista Style Iced Coffee Drinks," said Matt McClelland, CEO/EVP of Prairie Farms Dairy. "The awards hold special significance because Prairie Farms and our thousands of convenience store operator partners are committed to ensuring on-the-go consumers have access to products that win on taste and deliver value." In February, Prairie Farms made a splash in the Single-Serve

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PEORIA – Governor JB Pritzker has announced that $7.9 million in grants will be awarded to support new grocery stores and equipment upgrades in underserved areas of Illinois. Multiple local food stores were part of the Pritzker grants initiative for grocers. The funding, which includes $6.9 million for the Illinois Grocery Initiative New Stores Program and $1 million for the Equipment Upgrades Grant Program, aims to combat food deserts and prevent grocery store closures across the state. Pearl Market Inc. in Alton, which will receive $239,550 for new refrigeration and lighting. Sinclair Foods in Jerseyville received $185,381 for eight new refrigerated cases, including walk-in freezer, dairy, produce, bakery and deli areas. Our Market At The Plaza Cooperative in Carlinville, awarded $2,393,174 for a full renovation and new store establishment. The announcement was made during an event at which Pritzker was joined by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

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BELLEVILLE - The St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency has announced that one month after federal disaster declarations were made in response to severe storms that impacted Illinois in July, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has approved over $67.7 million in grant assistance for residents. "This aid has reached more than 19,200 households across the state, with the number continuing to rise daily," the emergency management agency said. The storms caused significant damage in several counties, including Cook, Will, Winnebago, Henry, Fulton, St. Clair, and Washington. Residents in these areas who are uninsured or underinsured are encouraged to apply for assistance. The available support varies, as individual recovery needs may differ from those of neighbors and friends. The deadline for applications is set for November 19, 2023. Residents can apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov , download the FEMA mobile app, or contact the FEMA Helpline at 800-621-3362 fo

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SPRINGFIELD – To help pay tribute to veterans and honor their legacies and sacrifices, State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) and Senator Jason Plummer (55th-Edwardsville) are encouraging constituents to submit a photo and story of their loved one who served our nation so it can be displayed in the rotunda of the Illinois Capitol from November 11 through November 25 in honor of Veterans Day. “Having the Veterans Day Display at the Illinois Capitol is a special tribute and humbling reminder to the brave men and women who have served our country,” said Senator Harriss. “I look forward to visiting the display wall every year and reading the stories of our heroes.” "As someone who has worn the uniform, I understand how much this annual Veterans Day Display means to the men and women who have served their nation and the impact this has on their loved ones" said Sen. Plummer. "It’s a heartfelt tribute to those who have given so much for our

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EDWARDSVILLE - Delivering on Promises: The Legacy of the Civil Rights Act and Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, and the 2024 Presidential Election” will be the next topic of discussion for the Southern Illinois University (SIU) System’s Conversation of Understanding (COU), scheduled from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024 in the Morris University Center’s Legacy Room at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. To attend virtually, visit the SIU System YouTube Channel . In part, the discussion will celebrate six decades of progress while looking ahead to the future. The discussion will explore how these landmark pieces of legislation laid the groundwork for increased civil rights, economic opportunity and social equity. The panelists, SIUE faculty members, consist of: Bryan Jack, PhD, professor and director of SIUE’s Universities Studying Slavery Initiative in the Department of Historical Studies; Anthony Cheeseboro, PhD, associate professor in the

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ALTON — A traffic stop in Alton escalated into a brief pursuit and a crash Saturday afternoon, Oct. 26, 2024, resulting in a vehicle colliding with a residence and subsequently catching fire. At approximately 1:30 p.m., a Madison County Sheriff's Deputy attempted to stop a vehicle near State Street and West Delmar Avenue after receiving information that the occupant was wanted. The driver failed to comply, leading to a short pursuit. The chase concluded when the vehicle was traveling southbound near the 1200 block of West 9th Street, where it crashed into two vehicles and then struck the side of a house. The impact caused the suspect vehicle to ignite, which in turn set fire to the side of the residence. Authorities reported that the driver has temporarily eluded capture, although they indicated that apprehension is imminent. No injuries were reported, and the occupants of the crash declined medical attention. The situation remains under investigation as law enforcement

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ALTON — A vehicle involved in a police chase with a truck struck two other vehicles before crashing into a home on Ninth Street in Alton around 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024. Authorities reported that the driver of the vehicle that crashed into the house fled the scene. No injuries were reported among the occupants of the other two vehicles involved in the incident. Authorities were looking for the driver for questioning. Illinois State Police has also been contacted to assist Madison County Sheriff’s Office and the Alton Police in the case. The Alton Fire Department responded to the scene to extinguish a small amount of smoke that had begun to emanate from the house following the collision. More details on the incident are expected to be released as the investigation continues.

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ALTON - AP Cigar Co. will host its monthly After Hours event with a Halloween twist. At 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, community members are invited to smoke cigars, enjoy a barbecue and watch the 107th Alton Halloween Parade with AP Cigar. The event will be located at Mac’s new concert venue in the 300th block of Piasa Street. Mike Weller, owner of AP Cigar, noted his excitement to share the experience with Alton residents. “The goal is to have the most cigars on the Mississippi,” Weller said. “We want to try to give the most products. We want to try to give great service. More importantly, we want to give the ultimate experience of smoking a cigar in Alton.” AP Cigar hosts monthly After Hours events at Mac’s Downtown, but this month’s event will center around the Halloween Parade. Attendees can watch the parade while taking advantage of the AP Cigar deals. Every month, AP Cigar offers discounts on cigars during their Afte

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GODFREY - Authorities are investigating a serious head-on collision that occurred in Godfrey, on Friday evening, Oct. 25, 2024, At approximately 8:33 p.m. Friday, the Madison County Sheriff's Office and Godfrey Fire Department responded to the crash site on Godfrey Road (Highway 67) near Davis Lane. The Madison County Sheriff's Office said preliminary investigations indicate that the driver of a blue passenger vehicle was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes when the collision occurred with a southbound vehicle. Both occupants of the blue vehicle had to be extricated and were subsequently airlifted to hospitals in the St. Louis area. The driver of the southbound vehicle was also transported to a St. Louis hospital. All individuals involved in the crash are reported to be in critical condition. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected as authorities continue to gather information.

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GODFREY - In just a few years, Brittney Lehr of Carrollton took the degree she earned from Lewis and Clark Community College and used it as a first step on the way to earning a Juris Doctorate from SIU Carbondale and an assistant state’s attorney position with Sangamon County. After graduating as valedictorian of Carrollton High School’s Class of 2015, Lehr enrolled at Lewis & Clark Community College, where she earned an associate in applied science in 2016. According to Lehr, there were several reasons she chose L&C. “L&C is affordable and there are some great scholarships available,” she said. “I found some excellent networking opportunities with law enforcement agencies, professors and institutions.” Lehr credits Professor and Criminal Justice Program Coordinator Jessica Noble as a mentor who helped her navigate L&C as well as all the transfer programs at other institutions. “She cares about each of her students,” Lehr said. “She

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JERSEYVILLE - In an exciting display of creativity and scientific understanding, seventh grade science students at St. Francis Holy Ghost Catholic School recently completed a hands-on Science project, where they built interactive models of the solar system. This engaging initiative not only allowed students to explore the celestial bodies of the solar system but also to present their findings to their peers, enhancing their public speaking skills and collaborative learning. The project not only reinforced the students’ understanding of the solar system but also fostered a sense of community and shared learning. Under the guidance of their Science Teacher Joan Dougherty, students were tasked with creating dynamic models that accurately represented the planets, their orbits, and other features of our solar system. These interactive displays demonstrated the scale and distance of our known solar system. Each model was designed to illustrate key concepts of planetary motion,

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CHICAGO - Today, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) announced that the 19 Certified Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHC) participating in a federal Medicaid Demonstration Program are now offering mental health care and substance use treatment services under this new model. The model significantly increases access to behavioral health care, including crisis care, for individuals who may otherwise experience challenges accessing the services they need. “Thanks to the close collaboration with the participating providers and our sister agency, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), enhanced behavioral health services are now available to individuals at 19 locations across Illinois,” said HFS Director Elizabeth Whitehorn. “Access to high-quality behavioral health services is critical, and this program will help us to serve individuals who are in crisis and have previously struggled to access the services they need to be well.”

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ELSAH - Principia College students and faculty are focused on sustainability. Principia was recently recognized as a top performer in Sustainability Research by the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education. Two professors break down what this means for students and the Riverbend community. “Being one of the smallest colleges in the country, it’s pretty neat to be recognized for research!” said Dr. Karen Eckert, Director of the Center for Sustainability. Eckert and Dr. Nick Johnson, Chair of the Sustainability Department, noted that students do a lot of work with sustainability initiatives both on campus and in the surrounding area. Students have completed several research projects to promote more environmentally-friendly practices at Principia. But some of these students have also expanded their work to address sustainability in Elsah, Alton and beyond. Eckert and Johnson noted the importance of students working off campus to connect to the communities

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SPRINGFIELD — During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) wants to shed a light on common myths concerning breast cancer and mammogram detection screenings. Recent research compiled by the American Cancer Society indicates breast cancer cases have continually risen, by 1% annually, from 2012-2021 . During this time frame, researchers also discovered that the demographic seeing the largest increase in breast cancer diagnosis was women under the age of 50. HSHS encourages all women 40 years and older to put yourself first and schedule your mammogram . Myth : I don’t have symptoms of breast cancer, and it does not run in my family, so I don’t need a mammogram. Truth : Only 15% of women with a breast cancer diagnosis have a family member who has a history of breast cancer. Besides family history, other factors that lead to breast cancer are having dense breasts, never having been pregnant, higher body weight, lower physical

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COLLINSVILLE – Lane restrictions will be implemented on northbound I-55/70 between mile markers 13 and 14 starting Monday, October 28, 2024, at 7:00 a.m., as the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) conducts emergency bridge deck patching on the bridge over Keebler Avenue. The right lane will be closed, and all lanes are expected to reopen by 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, weather permitting. Motorists are advised to anticipate delays and to allow extra time for travel in this area. IDOT encourages drivers to consider using alternate routes when feasible to avoid the work zone. They also urge the public to pay close attention to changing conditions and signage in the area, adhere to posted speed limits, avoid using mobile devices, and remain vigilant for workers and equipment on site. For updates on IDOT District 8 activities, residents can follow the department on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8 or check area construction details on IDOT’s

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JERSEY COUNTY - Jersey County voters won’t see many contested races, but will have a few ballot questions to consider as they cast their votes in the Presidential election on Nov. 5, 2024. Here’s a look at what Jersey County voters can expect to see on their ballots: Local Candidates See No Competition This election, there aren’t any contested local races on the ballot in Jersey County. Republican candidates will be running unopposed for almost every local position except the State’s Attorney, which will see Ben Goetten run for re-election unopposed as an Independent candidate. Republican Mitchell P. "Mitch" Reynolds is running unopposed to become the next Jersey County Circuit Clerk. He will replace current Circuit Clerk Daniel P. Schetter. Ballot Questions, Local Referendum While these ballots will see a lack of contested races, there are a few state-level ballot questions, as well as a county-level referendum, for voters to consider. The count

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ROSEWOOD HEIGHTS—The Rosewood Heights Fire Department responded to a two-car accident on Friday night in the 500 block of East Airline, where one vehicle had rolled over. Upon arrival, firefighters discovered a truck that had overturned and another vehicle with significant front-end damage. Alton Memorial Ambulance was also dispatched to the scene, where it was reported that minor injuries occurred as a result of the collision. The Madison County Sheriff's Department is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident.

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PEORIA - Father McGivney is known for having a strong group of boys and girls distance runners, but another emerged this past week at the Peoria Heights Patriot Invitational. The Peoria meet saw 14 complete JV boys teams/136 runners; 34 varsity boys (284 runners) who competed on the legendary Detweiller Park. The future looks bright for the Griffins as the junior varsity team placed fourth. Eli Germann led the JV boys with a 20th place time of 18:35 for three miles and Andrew Leonelli was 26th with a time of 18:56 and Eric Rybak was 289th with a time of 19:02. Nolan Schmieder was 50th with a time of 19:45 and Harrison Siegel was 59th with a clocking of 20 minutes. Caleb Payne came in at 20:05 and Gabe Thiems in a time of 20:57. The JV performance was magnificent, Head McGivney Cross Country Coach Jim Helton said. Germann, Leonelli, and the JV boys are Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Male Athletes of the Month for Father McGivney. The varsity boys were again outstanding and raced to

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GLEN CARBON - The Father McGivney Catholic girls tennis team had an incredible season in 2024 under head coach Brian Taylor and two girls - Kennedi Taylor and Natalie Beck - emerged as state qualifiers in doubles. Kennedi is Brian's daughter. The two girls recorded two state wins at the IHSA 1A Tournament in Chicago. Beck and Kennedi Taylor are Byron, Carlson, Petri & Kalb Female Athletes of the Month for the Griffins. In the first round at state, Kennedi Taylor and Natalie Beck of Father McGivney defeated Flora’s Elise Duke and Jenny Powlless 6-0, 6-4. Taylor-Beck won their second match 6-0, 6-3, over Ana Dujurosvic and Margaret Anos of Lagrange Park (Nazarene Academy). In round three, the Griffins pair lost to Mia Kinkelaar and Ellie Link of Effingham (St. Anthony) 6-4, 5-7, 6-4 in a highly competitive match. In the third round of the championship bracket, Kenndi and Natalie lost 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 to Miaa Kinkelaar and Ellie Link of Effingham St. Anthony. Taylor said he was "extremel

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