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PONTIAC - At 1:25 a.m.on Feb. 26, 2022, Illinois State Police (ISP) officials investigated a two-vehicle traffic crash on South Prospect Road at Hall Court in Bloomington, McLean County, involving an ISP Trooper. On the above date and time, an ISP District 6 Trooper was stationary at the above location inside of a fully marked squad car with the emergency lights activated, in order to assist Bloomington Police Department (BPD) with a DUI investigation in the left lane of Prospect Road. A Volkswagen Utility, traveling southbound on Prospect, failed to yield to the stationary emergency vehicle and struck the rear end of the ISP squad car. The Trooper was treated at an area hospital for minor injuries. The driver of the Volkswagen, Michael A. Tibbitts, a 24-year-old male of Bloomington, IL, was arrested by BPD for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and cited for a violation of Scott’s Law, along with other traffic violations. So far this year, there have been nine ISP squad car

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METAMORA – Citing the urgent need to address the continued epidemic of opioid and meth addiction across the state, Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly announced today that ISP Metropolitan Enforcement Groups (MEGs) dramatically increased the percentage of dangerous drugs and weapons seized in FY 2021, recovering illegal drugs valued at approximately $71,000,000. “Through the strong state, local and federal partnerships of the MEG units, drug enforcement across our state is focused on apprehending violent, drug-trafficking criminals profiting off the pain of those losing loved ones to dangerous drugs” stated Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly. “The ISP is thankful for the community-based partnerships like those of the MEG units because it leads to a more united, more effective front pushing back against these merchants of misery causing of this ongoing epidemic.” The Illinois State Police (ISP) Metropolitan Enforcement Groups (MEGs)

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MARYVILLE – Our Lord’s Lutheran Church (OLLC), 150 Wilma Dr., Maryville, will offer a drive-through option for the imposition of ashes on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. Participants will remain in their car during this drive-through event. Upon arrival, Pastor Darla Ann Kratzer will come to your car window and step forward to hand you a single page with prayers. She will then step back and stand three feet from your car door when speaking. Then, using a long-handled cotton swab, she will impose a cross of ashes upon your forehead. This Ash Wednesday experience will be available during three convenient timeframes: 7:30-8:30 am, 12:00-1:00 pm, and 4:00-5:30 pm. In addition to Ashes-to-Go, Our Lord’s will observe Ash Wednesday with a 6:30 pm worship service in building. This service will also be livestreamed and can be viewed at ourlords.org/live. The mood of Ash Wednesday is somber as it starts a six-week examination of our lives. While ashes are a symbol of

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ST. LOUIS – Metro East Humane Society (MEHS) is joining forces with numerous local animal shelters and rescues to host the St. Louis Area Shelter Slumber Pawty, a live-streamed event taking place across 18 pet welfare organizations to raise funds and awareness of shelter-pet adoption in the St. Louis region. This collaborative event is being championed by Purina and will take place over a 24-hour period between Saturday, March 5, and Sunday, March 6, 2022. MEHS has recruited 10 super fans committed to raising $1,000 each for the shelter. These supporters will spend the night at their homes with a shelter pet and share updates with followers on social media regarding MEHS’ mission, designated slumber pawty buddy, and the progress toward their fundraising goal of $15,000. The 24-hour event will be showcased on multiple social-media platforms and reach nearly half a million followers through the organizations’ combined networks, in addition to participating individuals’

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SEE VIDEO: WORDEN - Worden, Illinois, held their annual “Wordi Gras” on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022. The event is a Mardi Gras style celebration complete with drinking, live bands and an excellent parade, all put on by a small town that only has about a thousand population. “We do Mardi Gras much better than those big cities!”, said one attendee. He went on to say “people come from all around to party at our Wordi Gras!” Rick Landrem, (husband of the manager of the Yellow Dog Bar and Cafe), said “Wordi Gras puts Worden on the map! It’s grown from two guys driving their trucks up and down main street, (circa 2006), to thousands of people having fun every year!” He’s right. There was plenty of fun to be had with all the great “rockin” music, fun parade, plentiful parking and don’t forget all the friendly locals. You might want to mark it on your calendar for next year. These photos

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O’FALLON, IL— March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month and HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital want people to understand how important it is to not delay preventive screenings which could detect colon cancer in its earliest stages. Providers at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Radiation Oncology Center will hold a Colorectal Cancer Awareness drive-through event to giveaway free at-home colon cancer test kits. The event will be Saturday, March 19 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Cancer Care Center of O’Fallon, located at 321 Regency Park, O’Fallon. The InSure ONE at-home screening test includes full instructions for an easy, water-based sampling for specimen collection. Patients MUST return the sample to the Cancer Care Center of O’Fallon between March 21-25. St. Elizabeth’s laboratory will analyze, and results will be reviewed by a physician to then be provided to each participant and their primary care provider. The kits are available while supplies last.

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ST. LOUIS – The fastest growing Paralympic sport is coming to St. Louis. As the High Performance Management Organization of USA Para Powerlifting, Logan University is proud to host the St. Louis 2022 World Para Powerlifting Parapan American Open Championships on its campus in Chesterfield on July 8-11, 2022. This will be the first time an international competition for the sport of Para powerlifting is hosted in the United States. The competition is open to athletes from all over the world and will include 20 individual medal events and one mixed team event. Pan American athletes (North America, South America and Central America) must participate in the St. Louis 2022 World Para Powerlifting Parapan American Open Championships to qualify for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. “To be the first to host such an event in the U.S. is an honor for USA Para Powerlifting, Logan University and the greater St. Louis community,” said Kelley Humphries-Mascoll, DC, MS, EMT-P,

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CARLINVILLE - Blackburn College is launching a new Center for Faculty Development and Inclusive Teaching. This new program will provide diverse learning opportunities for faculty such as workshops, seminars, and ongoing faculty orientation. It also will provide mini-grants for collaborative projects focused on inclusive teaching and learning as well as supplemental funding for books, materials, and supplies. The College recently was awarded a $50,000 Presidents’ Lab Development Grant from the Endeavor Foundation which will assist in funding the program. Provost Karla McCain explained how faculty development programs not only benefit the teacher but also prove to greatly enhance a student’s learning experience within the classroom. She said, “In addition to their work in classrooms, studios, and labs, our faculty have collective responsibilities for the curriculum of the college and for the academic policies that shape the environment of students’ holistic academic

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GLEN CARBON – Most pet owners do everything they can to protect the well-being of their dogs and cats, but one thing they often neglect to check is their teeth. As pets grow older, their bad breath is considered more of an annoyance than a sign their health is at risk. However, the bacteria that lingers in the mouths of our furry friends can circulate through their bloodstream, endangering their heart, kidneys, and liver. “As veterinarians, we often see cases of heart, liver, or kidney disease that may be exacerbated by a pet’s rotten teeth and inflamed gums,” said Dr. Jennifer Davis of Hawthorne Animal Hospital in Glen Carbon, Ill. “Protecting our pet’s oral health each day takes less than a minute and can possibly help them live a longer life. But according to studies, less than seven percent of owners regularly brush their pet’s teeth.” Daily Brushing and Yearly Exams – Two Ways to Safeguard Your Pet’s Smile During National

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA), along with the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) are encouraging Illinois farmers to set aside time to recognize Grain Bin Safety Week from February 20-26 and review safety practices while working in and around grain bins. Based on Purdue University’s 2020 Summary of U.S. Agricultural Confined Space-Related Injuries and Fatalities (ACSRIF) report, the U.S. documented 35 grain entrapment cases. The 35 cases represent an almost 8 percent decline in grain entrapments from 2019, when 38 entrapments were recorded. The total number of fatal and non-fatal entrapments is the second highest in the past six years. In 2020, Illinois Fire Departments responded to a nation leading 12 rescue incidents at Illinois grain bins/elevators, according to National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) data. “Often times we become complacent when doing tasks we have done a thousand times and for farmers that often means

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URBANA – Agriculture’s one big thing, according to Dennis Bowman , is this: feeding the world sustainably in the face of climate change. Ag has always been a complicated business, a mix of biology, geology, and weather influenced by ever-changing economics, politics, and public opinion. “One of the things we’re looking at right now is how we can use artificial intelligence to manage the changing conditions in production agriculture,” says Bowman. “Ag has always looked forward to the next technology advancement. We want to ensure it serves the people who rely on it daily.” Bowman has always been an early adopter and adapter of technology, transforming science-based knowledge into practical application for farmers. While studying ag science at Western Illinois University in the early 1980s, he was challenged in a one-credit course to figure out how computers might benefit farmers. With inputted information from the Illinois Agronomy Handbook

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ALTON - Jenny L. Voss, 39, of Sandoval, Ill. was charged Friday with four counts of failure to report an accident involving personal injury or death and other charges. She is accused of being involved in an accident on Dec. 31 at Landmarks Boulevard and Clark Bridge in which two people were injured. Two of the charges are for allegedly failing to report, and two are for allegedly leaving the scene. Bail was set at $50,000. ALTON - Kevin J. Patton, 25, of the 300 block of Pine Street, Carrollton, was charged Friday with aggravated driving under the influence involving great bodily harm. He allegedly was involved in an accident on May 27 in the 100 block of West Broadway while under the influence of fentanyl and the active ingredient in marijuana. Bail was set at $50,000. EAST ALTON - Aaron R. Glover, 28, was charged Friday with aggravated fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer and obstruction of identification. He allegedly fled from the police at more than 21 mph over

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EDWARDSVILLE - The killer of three Bethalto residents sat still, staring straight ahead Friday as the survivors of his victims forgave him and a judge sentenced him to life in prison. Brady Witcher, 43, of Birmingham, Ala., made no statement on his own behalf before Circuit Judge Kyle Napp sentenced him to the mandatory life sentence. The law provides that a killer of more than one person must be sentenced to life. All three of the relatives said on the witness that they don’t hate Witcher and wished that God would make him change his ways. “I see a man whom God has kept alive for a reason,” said Amber Higgins, the sister of victims Andrew Brooks and daughter of victim Shari Yates of Bethalto. “I know you are not a cold psychopath. God can turn it around and use it for good. My mom would have forgiven you,” Higgins told Witcher. Higgins’ sister, Sarah Chalberg, expressed similar sentiments but pointed out how tragic the crimes have been t

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SPRINGFIELD – Due to the continued decrease in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, and increase in available ICU beds, the Illinois indoor mask requirement will end Monday, February 28, 2022, at 12:01 a.m. Since the Governor announced his plan to lift the indoor mask requirement, the number of people in the hospital with COVID-19 has been cut in half and the number of ICU beds available increased by 24%. Illinois’ weekly COVID-19 case rate has also decreased by 70%, More than 8 million people in Illinois are fully vaccinated with an average of approximately 16,000 COVID-19 vaccines administered each day, including more than 4,600 first doses daily. “Throughout this pandemic, we’ve taken action to save lives and keep our economy open – and I’m proud that Illinoisans have done the hard work that has our made our state a leader in the Midwest,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Today, our hospitals are much better positioned to handle emergencies

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Daniel Stepp, age 36, of White Hall, Illinois, was arrested Wednesday morning by the White Hall Police Department. Stepp was charged with attempted burglary, burglary, possession of methamphetamine, criminal trespass on a residence, and theft greater than $300. Stepp had multiple Greene County arrest warrants and was previously charged on Monday night with criminal trespass of a building.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) has issued new guidelines for masking at the university for the spring semester. While masks will be optional in most indoor common areas, they will still be required in a few places and situations. Effective February 28 - the day the Illinois indoor mask mandate ends - masks will be optional in “most indoor campus spaces” such as the Morris University Center, University Housing, and common areas of the Lovejoy Library, according to an email sent to students. “Individuals should have a face-covering available and are expected to wear one in a private office or living space when requested by the occupant,” the email states. That said, there are also a few areas masks are still required on campus. These include classrooms and lab spaces during in-person instruction, healthcare, and childcare settings, COVID testing, and vaccination sites, Cougar Shuttles, and certain university events. Thes

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SANGAMON COUNTY - Madison County’s challenge to a new judicial subcircuits rule was dismissed Thursday by Sangamon County Circuit Judge Ryan Cadigan. Madison County State’s Attorney Thomas Haine had previously sued for an order declaring the act unconstitutional. Legislators approved a Judicial Redistricting Act on Jan. 5 and it was signed by Gov. Pritzker. The new law would create new subcircuits in Madison County and also modifications are set to occur in Cook County. Republican lawmakers have vehemently opposed the creation of new subcircuits. Judge Cadigan had granted a temporary restraining order and after more analysis, determined to dismiss the challenge. Haine had previously described the decision to divide Madison County into three judicial subcircuits as “rotten to the core” and now says he will take the issue to the state Supreme Court. “We intend to appeal the judge’s decision on Thursday,” Haine said. “I think the law look

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Kelsey Jo Morris, age 31, of Jacksonville, Illinois, was arrested Monday night on multiple drug-related charges. Morris was charged with bringing contraband into a penal institution, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was arrested by and is currently detained at the Greenfield Police Department.

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David Bennett, age 27, of Macomb, Illinois, was arrested late Sunday night by the Greene County Sheriff's Office. Bennett was charged with endangering the life/health of a child, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license and speeding over the statutory limit. His release has since been secured by bond.

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WOOD RIVER - Junior Mia Siebert has been a successful varsity cheerleader for the East Alton-Wood River squad for three years and has been All-Conference each year. Alison Beachum is the cheerleading coach at EA-WR. She thanked her mom, her sister, Emma, and Coach Alison Beachum for always pushing me to be the best she can be and always giving her support through the years. “I started cheering for the Junior Football League in kindergarten and continued each year up to eighth grade as well as cheered at LCHJ,” she said. “While in high school I‘ve been on the varsity football and competition team for three years. My favorite part of cheerleading is the friendships I’ve made and being able to represent our school at sporting events.” One of Mia’s favorite things is every Sunday she visits her grandparents for lunch and enjoys baking and cooking with my grandma. She believes cheerleading has taught her hard work and dedication. “Cheer

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