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(The Center Square) - The state's top public health official announced Tuesday that she plans to leave her role amid a lull in COVID-19 cases after helping to set the state's pandemic policies for more than two years. Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike announced she would leave her $178,200-a-year post on March 14. Amaal Tokars, the agency's assistant director, will serve as interim director during a nationwide search to find a longer-term replacement. "It has been a great honor serving the people of Illinois as the director of the Illinois Department of Public Health," Dr. Ngozi Ezike said Tuesday in Chicago. "Being the state's top doc during a global pandemic has been challenging to say the least, but it's been an amazing journey to work with so many great public health professionals and leaders from all sectors." Ezike said she has no immediate plans on what she will do next but said she wants to take some time to be with her family. She said during the

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ST. LOUIS, MO. - Respected blues guitarist-vocalist and storyteller extraordinaire, Tab Benoit, has launched an ambitious 2022 Spring-Summer National Tour with some exciting Special Guest opening acts. Locally, Tab Benoit performs in St. Louis at The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd., Saturday, March 12. Show: 8PM Tickets: $40. Info: (314) 726-6161 or visit http://www.thepageant.com. Opening for Benoit is Whiskey Bayou Records label-mate and fine guitarist in his own right, Alastair Greene, supporting his recent Whiskey Bayou Records release, 'The New World Blues.'' "With a grin on his face and sparkle in his eye from all the love he was receiving he grabbed his trusty Thinline Telecaster and without a seconds hesitation ripped into an absolutely blistering introduction to “Why Are People Like That”, writes Splice Magazine in a recent live review. "His band laid out a perfect beat for Tab to weave his six-string magic. Tab’s vocal delivery was spot on, but his playing was

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CHICAGO, March 2, 2022 – March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and the Illinois Lottery and the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling (ICPG) are teaming up again to increase public awareness of the availability of problem gambling prevention, treatment, and recovery services. In support of Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the Illinois Lottery is promoting responsible play by encouraging Lottery players to: “Set A Limit. Stick To It.” Using insights captured in player research, the Lottery aims to improve gambling literacy and promote available resources for players who may need support. By setting limits - of time and money - players are able to feel more in control of their play behavior. “Promoting responsible play has always been a commitment at the Illinois Lottery,” said Harold Mays, Acting Director of the Illinois Lottery. “For most people, gambling is recreational fun. But we know that for a small number of people, it can create

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EAST ST. LOUIS - A 35-year-old man died after he was struck in a single-vehicle vs. pedestrian fatality accident at 1:57 a.m. on Feb. 28, 2022. The accident occurred on I-55 northbound at milepost 5, near East St. Louis in St. Clair County. The victim in the accident was Billy J. Herndon of Collinsville; the driver was a 34-year-old male of Valley Park, MO., and was operating a White 2018 Hyundai Elantra. The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by the Illinois State Police District 11 "Unit 1 was traveling northbound on I-55, at milepost 5, near East St. Louis," ISP said. "The pedestrian was walking in the right lane of the roadway and was struck by Unit 1. The pedestrian was fatally injured. The driver of Unit 1 was not injured. This is an open and ongoing investigation and no other details are available at this time."

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Midwest Living Magazine Names Stone Hill Winery Best Winery Out of Over 1100+ Wineries in Midwest HERMANN, MO – Stone Hill Winery has been named Midwest Living Magazine’s Best Winery in their 2022 Best of the Midwest edition. The award celebrates the region’s top spots in food, travel, lifestyle, and wellness. This recognition comes as the winery celebrates the 175th anniversary since its founding in 1847 as Missouri’s first winery. “It is an exceptional honor to be named the Best Midwest Winery by Midwest Living. Since my parents started the winery in 1965, their mission, and ours still today, is to always create the highest quality wines along with fantastic memories for every guest that visits. We love welcoming guests every day to our winery and introducing them to our region’s unique wine heritage. Looking at this year’s other winners, we are humbled to be in exceptional company and are deeply proud to be a standard-bearer of Missouri

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URBANA – With frequent summer thunderstorms, we should be diligent in scouting for tree issues that could become a larger problem. Proper preventative care can greatly increase a tree’s longevity. Important first steps Preparing a tree for weather-related disasters happens before the tree ever goes in the ground by making wise site and species selections, says Sarah Vogel, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. A tree in an unsuitable site can be costly to remove, or worse, cause damage to persons or property. Consider all site conditions. Consider genetic characteristics of the tree. Ensure the species isn’t an aggressive non-native. Use proper planting techniques to improve chance of survival. Planting trees too deeply is a major problem in landscapes, and symptoms from being planted even 1 inch too deep can take years to become evident. Properly prune a young tree to be structurally sound. This mitigates chances of a mature tree failure

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ALTON - Back by popular demand, the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau will celebrate local foods with an epic foodie experience throughout the month of June. Businesses and restaurants that serve up great burgers, wings, ice cream, and pizza will be highlighted throughout the month of June during Epic Food Month. Each week a different local favorite food will be celebrated. The epic weeks include: Epic Pizza Week, Epic Wing Week, Epic Burger Week, and Epic Ice-Cream Week. “We started highlighting our epic foods last year and it was an amazing success,” said Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau. “We had 100 different restaurants participate serving up thousands of burgers, pizzas and ice cream treats to residents and visitors alike. Now we want to take our epic foods to the next level.” Epic Food Month will kick off with Epic Pizza Week June 6 – 10; Epic Wing Week June 13 – 17; Epic Burger Week June 20 - 24, followed

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SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois State Museum (ISM) announces its new exhibition, Edgewise: Finding a Voice in a World Made for Men , which opens Tuesday, March 1 in Springfield. The exhibition opens during Women's History Month. It amplifies the voices of formidable women, queer, and non-binary people who have found ways to get a word in edgewise in a male-centric society. The Museum celebrates the voices and achievements of those Illinoisans who would not be silent. "We're excited that the voices of those who often 'can't get a word in edgewise' are front and center in this exhibition," said Illinois State Museum Curator of History Erika Holst. "We hope our visitors will enjoy the dynamic array of art and objects on view and learn about the people that created them." The stories told in Edgewise are the words and deeds of those Illinoisans who have made waves: artists, scientists, designers, teachers, homemakers, mothers, authors, performers, and dreamers. Some of the stories

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ELLISVILLE - Mueller Furniture, a 4 th generation, family-owned local business, was pleased to donate $25,000 worth of interior furniture to Faith Through Fire’s new Innsbrook Respite House opening on May 1, 2022. Faith Through Fire is an organization in the St. Louis Metro area that helps support breast cancer survivors and women going through breast cancer treatment. Faith Through Fire is opening the Respite House at the Innsbrook Resort in Innsbrook, MO to help support women who are going through this difficult time in their lives. Beth Wilmes, Founder, and CEO of Faith Through Fire said the purpose of the house is to allow women to come and have a healing weekend in between treatment sessions. “Cancer is just as much an emotional battle as a physical battle,” said Wilmes. “After experiencing breast cancer myself, it led me to want to do something for women emotionally after I finished my own treatment. Mueller Furniture’s donation is not just

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White recognized African American Heritage Month with a video honoring three of the state's leaders, including the Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Illinois Poet Laureate Angela Jackson, and Apostolic Church of God in Chicago Pastor Dr. Byron Brazier. Secretary White honored the following individuals: Illinois Department of Public Health Dr. Ngozi Ezike the first African American Director of the Department of Public Health in its more than 140-year history received the Distinguished Leadership Award . She has helped lead Illinois to reach a 70% vaccination rate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Illinois Poet Laureate Angela Jackson, the fifth Illinois Poet Laureate, received the Excellence in Arts Award . She joins the list of prestigious authors, including Carl Sandburg and Gwendolyn Brooks. Apostolic Church of God Pastor Dr. Byron Brazier received the Excellence in Community Service Award

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Community Unit School District #9 has announced its Young Authors winners for the 2021-22 school year. Each spring the Madison County Regional Office of Education recognizes Young Authors winners in grades K-8 from Madison County schools at a county-wide event. Students have the opportunity to share their books with each other, participate in reading/writing centric activities, and be entertained by a local author, storyteller, or performer. The 31st annual Madison County Young Authors Conference will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Edwardsville High School. Maryville Elementary School Principal Mark Lull is GCSD9's coordinator. Prather Sherine Bandela Piper Boyd Lincoln Conway Cordelia Carter Ariannah Plummer Khiry Randolph Paris Taylor Emersyn Williams Maryville 1st & 2nd Bria Daniels - 2nd Grade Lehanna Robinson - 2nd Grade Wilson 1st & 2nd Jaxon Jonas - 2nd Grade Sophia Villa - 2nd Grade Joseph Willaredt - 1st

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ALTON - Trenton A. Robertson, 31, of Belleville, is facing his fifth charge of domestic battery after pushing a female household member to the ground. He allegedly battered the woman on Feb. 27 after having been convicted of the same offense four times in 2019. Bail was set at $75,000. In November 2019, he was sentenced to three years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for domestic battery. EDWARDSVILLE - Shelley J. Meyers, 37, is charged with aggravated battery. She allegedly hit and kicked a police officer on Feb. 25. The charge was Monday. Bail was set at $20,000. EAST ALTON - Kaitlyn M. Lochmann, 31, of Florissant, Mo., was charged Monday with unlawful possession of methamphetamine. She allegedly possessed less than five grams of the drug on Sunday. Bail was set at $15,000. WOOD RIVER - Robby J. Layton, 43, of the 700 block of Wood River Avenue, Wood River, was charged with domestic battery. He allegedly grabbed a minor male on Sunday after having been convicte

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CHICAGO - Today Governor JB Pritzker announced the Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Dr. Ngozi Ezike is leaving the agency after three years of service. To celebrate Dr. Ezike's outstanding tenure and heroic service, the governor issued a proclamation establishing today, March 1, 2022, as #DrEzikeDay. Amaal Tokars, PhD., who is currently the Assistant Director of IDPH will serve as interim director while a nationwide search is conducted to find a permanent replacement. Dr. Ezike's last day will be March 14, 2022. "Dr. Ngozi Ezike has led the Illinois Department of Public Health for over three years, her tenure defined not only by her ability to provide the latest expertise and data, but also her empathy and compassion becoming a beacon of stability for millions during a time of tremendous uncertainty," said Governor JB Pritzker. "No number of sleepless nights and endless days could wear down her commitment to think first and foremost of Illinois most vulnerable.

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EDWARDSVILLE – Town and Country Bank is pleased to welcome Shelley Manthei to its growing mortgage lending team in Edwardsville. As a Mortgage Loan Originator, Manthei will assist clients throughout the Metro East with finding the perfect mortgage solutions that meet their distinct purchasing and refinancing needs. “We are so happy to have Shelley join our expanding mortgage team as a Mortgage Loan Originator based out of our Edwardsville location. Her wealth of experience in mortgage origination and extensive knowledge of unique programs and grants will be a true asset to homebuyers and our mortgage division. I believe her ability to develop deep relationships with homebuyers as well as efficiently work with all levels of our support staff will provide her clients with an exceptional mortgage experience throughout the loan process,” said Cass Wolfenberger, President and CEO of Town and Country Banc Mortgage Services. “I find that communication is the key elemen

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EAST ST. LOUIS – Ameren Illinois broke ground today on a $10.2 million solar energy facility in East St. Louis. The 2.5 megawatt East St. Louis Solar Energy Center will produce enough electricity to power 500 homes, while providing an economic boost to the region. It is the first power generation facility owned and operated by Ameren Illinois in the last 25 years. "With this project, we are harnessing opportunity and hope for the future," said Richard J. Mark, Chairman and President, Ameren Illinois. "For too long, communities like East St. Louis have been on the sidelines while others have reaped the rewards. Today, we're planting a seed of renewal that will put East St. Louis at the center of the clean energy revolution." The facility will be constructed on a 17-acre site on State Street across from East St. Louis Sr. High School. It will be comprised of more than 5,700 solar panels which will harness energy from the sun and feed the energy onto Ameren Illinois' local grid.

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WOOD RIVER - The Wood River Police Department has released information that the missing 15-year-old runaway has come home. The boy was reported safe and sound, police said. The missing report to Wood River Police came in at 3 p.m. on Monday, February 28, 2022. The Wood River Police thanked everyone for their help and cooperation after the youth’s missing report.

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SANGAMON COUNTY - On March 7, Illinois residents will have the opportunity to learn about the risks faced by property owners and rural communities along the proposed path of the Navigator CO2 Pipeline. Navigator CO2 Ventures , a Texas-based company with experience in the development of oil pipelines, wants to transport high-pressure, liquified CO2 from industry clients across South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Iowa to a predetermined location in Christian County, Illinois. The proposed pipeline will pass through 13 Illinois counties , including Hancock, Adams, McDonough, Henry, Knox, Fulton, Schuyler, Brown, Pike, Scott, Morgan, Sangamon, and Christian. The 1,300-mile-long CO2 pipeline is among the first of many expected to be proposed across the Midwest as part of a developing technology called carbon capture and storage. Despite very little public education on the proposed pipeline, representatives from Navigator CO2 Ventures will soon approach landowners in the path of the

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SPRINGFIELD – The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is launching a new “Abe for All” initiative to improve access, starting with special services March 3 for World Hearing Day. The museum will offer sign language interpreters for its theatrical presentations during the event, which runs 4-7 p.m. Museum staff, volunteers, and interpreters will wear clear face shields instead of masks, so speech reading is easier. Exhibits will be enhanced with QR codes and monitors to share written information. Admission is free and anyone is welcome to attend, but the goal is to gather feedback from the Deaf community on how to improve the experience for guests who are deaf or hard of hearing. Guests will have a chance to share their thoughts in surveys during their visit. “The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum is proud to share the story of America’s greatest president. We want every person to fully appreciate his legacy, and that means

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WASHINGTON, D.C.– Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), member of the U.S. Armed Services Committee (SASC) and a Purple Heart recipient who served 23 years in the Reserve Forces, announced that she will bring the Adjutant General of Illinois and Commander of the Illinois National Guard Major General Rich Neely as her virtual guest to tonight’s State of the Union address. As the Commander of the Illinois National Guard (ILNG), Major General Neely is responsible for the critical role the ILNG plays in helping train troops in places like Ukraine and Poland. “I’m honored to have General Neely as my virtual guest for this year’s State of the Union,” Duckworth said. “As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine escalates, the role of the Illinois National Guard remains critical for the region, which I know is so important to many Polish and Ukrainian Americans in our state. The Illinois National Guard’s State Partnership Program

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LITCHFIELD - Illinois State Police (ISP) District 18 Commander, Mark Gillock, announces the ISP will conduct Occupant Restraint Enforcement Patrols (OREP) in Jersey County and Macoupin County during the month of March. These OREP details allow the ISP to focus on safety belt and child safety seat laws. Illinois law requires all vehicle occupants (front seat and rear seat) to be buckled up! Seat belts are still one of the most effective safety devices, estimated to save nearly 14,000 lives each year. Half of vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes are not properly restrained. The objective of the program is to increase occupant compliance through education, child safety seat inspections, and enforcement.

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