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WOOD RIVER - Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Oiler of the Month” program at EAWR High School. A Senior student is selected each month by members of EAWR faculty. Each student is awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. The Seniors selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for $1,000 “Oiler of the Year” scholarship at the end of the school year. February's winner is Isaac Thornton. Isaac is a Senior at EAWR and is involved in Football, Bowling, Golf, Student Council, Spirit Club, Senior Mentors, National Honor Society and RBGA YAC. Isaac has received honors with The National Honor Society, Captain of the Football Team two years and Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month two times. In Isaac's free time, he enjoys being a volunteer assistant coach for the JFL (middle school football team) and working with various non-profits and community events to help our local community. After graduation, Isaac is planning

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CARLINVILLE - Blackburn College’s Department of Music and Theatre is thrilled to announce an exciting lineup of performances for the spring 2025 season. From student recitals to musical productions and choral collaborations, these events will showcase the exceptional talent and dedication of Blackburn’s most melodic students and faculty. These events are open to the public and audiences of all ages. Studio Recital | Clegg Chapel, Hudson Hall Sunday, March 9 at 2:00 pm The spring season kicks off with the Studio Recital, an opportunity for students in applied voice and piano lessons to share their growth and artistry. Featuring an eclectic mix of genres—including classical, showtunes, and pop—the recital highlights the dedication of students as they present their work from the past academic year. Voice students will be accompanied by Professor of Music Dr. Joseph Welch. Spring Musical: Once | Bothwell Auditorium April 4 at 7:00 pm, April 5 a

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons detectives are investigating a homicide near West Florissant Avenue and Dunn Road that resulted in the death of an adult male. At 7:36 p.m., on March 2, 2025, St. Louis County police officers from the North County Precinct responded to a call for service for a shooting victim in the area of Graham Road and two additional victims at an area hospital. Officers determined that all individuals were shot in the area of West Florissant Avenue and Dunn Road. An adult male was pronounced deceased at an area hospital. The other individual who responded to the hospital suffered life threatening injuries but is expected to survive at this time. The third individual located at Graham Road was transported to an area hospital with non-life threatening injuries. No suspects are currently in custody. The investigation is ongoing. Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available. Please contact

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will now send out a monthly update of upcoming IDNR events and noteworthy items. March 1 Illinois fishing licenses go on sale Statewide Illinois residents 16 and older may purchase a fishing license for only $15. Visit the IDNR website for a full list of fees and available discounts. March 1-2 ACUI Spring Championships World Shooting and Recreational Complex Sparta | Randolph County The Spring Central Midwest Conference Championships is part of the Clay Targets Shotgun Bowl Series. This event will feature American, sporting, and doubles events. View all World Shooting and Recreational Complex events online . March 1-2 Black History Hikes Lincoln’s Tomb State Historic Site Springfield | Sangamon County Black history hikes at Oak Ridge Cemetery focus on Springfield’s Black community. Hikes begin at 2 p.m. Water and walking shoes are recommended. Find out more on

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ALTON – Creativity and mental health advocacy come together in an inspiring collaboration between Mooneyham Art, The Milton Schoolhouse, and Centerstone. Alton Art Expo is a groundbreaking exhibition and community gathering that highlights the healing power of artistic expression. The event will take place on Saturday, March 29th from Noon to 7 pm and Sunday, March 30th from Noon to 5 pm at The Milton Schoolhouse, providing an immersive experience where visitors can explore art’s role in mental health awareness and recovery. Art has long been a tool for self-expression, resilience, and healing. This event creates a welcoming space for artists and community members to engage in meaningful conversations about well-being, creativity, and personal growth. Through a curated selection of artwork, interactive discussions, and expert-led programming, attendees will gain insight into the intersection of art and mental health. “Bringing together artists, mental health professionals,

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Lottery is once again partnering with the Illinois Council on Problem Gambling (ICPG) to support March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in Illinois. Held annually, Problem Gambling Awareness Month is a nationwide initiative that aims to raise public awareness of the availability of problem gambling prevention, treatment, and recovery services. “At the Illinois Lottery, we are committed to encouraging responsible play every day," said Harold Mays, Director of the Illinois Lottery. “While most people gamble for entertainment, we understand that it can become a challenge for some. This month, we are focused on increasing awareness of the potential warning signs of problem gambling and ensuring people know where to turn for help.” The Illinois Lottery’s 2025 Problem Gambling Awareness Month campaign, themed " Help and hope are here: Call 1-800-GAMBLER ," seeks to foster greater awareness and empathy, break down barriers

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Historical Society will host its 2025 annual meeting on Sunday, March 16, at 1:30 p.m. in the museum located behind the Cheney Mansion at 601 N. State St. in Jerseyville. This event is free of charge and open to the public. The meeting will include a recap of 2024, plans for upcoming year, election of board members, and the announcement of the 2025 Cheney House scholarship winner. Guest speaker Rod Jackson will give a presentation based on a trip from Alton to Grafton, share the histories of communities that sprung up along the Mighty Mississippi River, and tell about the industries that attracted people to this area. Guests are invited to stay after the meeting to enjoy refreshments.

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Did you know that the average American family spends nearly 30 hours a month planning, shopping for, and cooking meals? That’s equivalent to almost a full workweek dedicated to getting dinner on the table! For busy families juggling work, school, and extracurricular activities, this can feel overwhelming. However, with effective meal planning strategies, families can save time, reduce stress, and even promote healthier eating habits. Let’s dive into some practical meal planning tips that can transform your kitchen chaos into a well-oiled machine. Understanding the Importance of Meal Planning Meal planning is not just about deciding what to eat; it’s a strategic approach to managing time, finances, and health. A well-thought-out plan can help families avoid the last-minute scramble for takeout, which often leads to unhealthy food choices and unexpected expenses. By dedicating a little time upfront, families can enjoy nutritious meals that cater to everyone’s

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JERSEYVILLE - Students from Jersey Community Unit School District No. 100 recently showcased their skills at the I.D.E.A. Regional Drafting Competition, which was held at Lewis & Clark Community College. The Lewis and Clark event featured a variety of drafting challenges. Among the Jersey participants, Cooper Gillis earned a third-place award in the "3D Architectural CAD" category, while Ella Smith also secured third place in "3D Assembly Modeling." Corah Derrick achieved notable recognition with a second-place finish in "3D Architectural CAD." The competition highlighted the students' hard work and dedication, with all participants receiving commendations for their outstanding efforts. Drew Short, a faculty member, expressed gratitude to Lewis & Clark Community College for facilitating this opportunity for the students.

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JERSEY — A fugitive was apprehended by local law enforcement on Feb. 23, 2025, after being spotted near a residence in Delhi. Shawn A. Wood, 35, was wanted by both the Alton Police Department and the Madison County Sheriff’s Office when Jersey County Sheriff’s Sgt. Kevin Ayres and Deputy Travis Trisler observed him walking along Old U.S. Highway 67. As Deputy Trisler approached Wood, he fled on foot but was quickly apprehended and subdued on the ground until Sgt. Ayres arrived to assist. During the arrest, authorities discovered that Wood was armed with a loaded handgun concealed in his wristband. Additionally, several grams of methamphetamine were found in his pocket. Following the arrest, law enforcement sought and executed a search warrant at the residence in Delhi where Wood had been staying. The search yielded several cannabis plants, assorted drug paraphernalia, and multiple open vehicle titles. Jersey County State’s Attorney Ben Goetten subsequently charge

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On March 3, 2025, we take a moment to reflect on significant events that have occurred on this date throughout history. Let's look at 1875, when the first performance of Johann Strauss II's famous waltz, 'The Blue Danube,' took place in Vienna. This composition not only became a classic of the waltz repertoire but also symbolized the elegance and cultural richness of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The piece remains popular to this day, often associated with ballroom dancing and celebratory occasions around the world. In 1931, the United States adopted 'The Star-Spangled Banner' as its national anthem. Written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812, the anthem encapsulates the spirit of resilience and patriotism for Americans. Its adoption marked a significant cultural moment, uniting citizens under a common symbol of national pride. Moving to the realm of sports, March 3, 1991, marked a historic moment in basketball when the legendary Michael Jordan scored 69 points in a single

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee—joined her fellow SFRC Democratic colleagues Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) in issuing the following statement on the Trump Administration’s reckless termination of nearly all U.S. foreign assistance programs: “It is clear that the Trump Administration’s foreign assistance ‘review’ was not a serious effort or attempt at reform but rather a pretext to dismantle decades of U.S. investment that makes America safer, stronger and more prosperous. There is no indication Secretary Rubio conducted a program-by-program review of the more than 9,000 awards or considered the dire national security implications of these rash actions. Ending programs first and asking questions later only

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY – The St. Louis County Police Department Bureau of Crimes Against Persons has identified Cortez Scott, 30, as the victim of a homicide that occurred in Bellefontaine Neighbors on February 28, 2025. Police responded to a call for service regarding a shooting in the 10100 block of Maraldo Place at 8:22 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found an adult male suffering from life-threatening gunshot injuries. Scott was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting is ongoing. Authorities have not released further details at this time. Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the St. Louis County Police Department at 636-529-8210. Those wishing to remain anonymous or potentially receive a reward can reach out to CrimeStoppers at 1-866-371-TIPS (8477). Additional information will be made available as it is obtained.

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JERSEYVILLE – If you’ve ever wondered how to make a T-shirt quilt or big block quilt, the Jersey County Arts Council has you covered with a series of quilting classes throughout the month of March. Classes will be held at the Jersey County Arts Council space in the First Presbyterian Church, located at 400 S. State St. in Jerseyville. Interested attendees will need to provide their own supplies, including fabric, but the first night of classes will include more detailed instruction on which items to buy. Some supplies will be available at each class for a fee. In addition to learning how to make a T-shirt and/or block quilt, the classes will also cover basic piecing, sewing, and quilting skills. Attendees are strongly encouraged to attend each class and do their “homework” to ensure successful completion. To secure your spot, a nonrefundable $20 donation to the Jersey County Arts Council is required. To find out more about the upcoming quilt classes and

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SPRINGFIELD - Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary record statewide total of 1,045 wild turkeys during the 2024-2025 fall archery turkey season. The total compares last year’s harvest of 803 and the 5-year average of 763 birds harvested. The previous record total for fall archery season was in 2015 when 851 turkeys were taken. This season 27,422 permits were sold (excluding landowner permits) compared to 25,741 for the 2023-2024 season. The season dates were Oct. 1, 2024 through Jan. 19, 2025 and all 102 counties were open for hunting. Harvest reports were 51% male and 49% female compared to 54% males and 46% hens last year. A total of 62% of hunters reported using crossbows versus 37% using compound bows and 1% using traditional bows. The top five counties for fall archery wild turkey harvest this season were Fayette, 37; Jefferson, 28; Pike, 25; Marion, 24; and Jo Daviess, 23. The table below includes the preliminary 2024-2025 county-by-county fall archery turkey

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and Ranking Member of the CST Subcommittee on Aviation, Space and Innovation—and U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) demanded answers from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Acting Administrator Janet Petro and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Acting Administrator Chris Rocheleau on why, despite Elon Musk’s conflicts of interest, each agency has or may soon award billions of dollars in federal contracts to private companies controlled by Musk while he serves as a government employee. “If accurate, this presents a striking new phase in Mr. Musk’s conflicts of interest. Mr. Musk holds unprecedented leverage over you and your agencies by directing ongoing efforts to substantially influence, alter, and undercut your departments’ operations, personnel, and funding. Simultaneously

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ)—founding co-chairs of the Senate’s first-ever Environmental Justice Caucus —joined U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA) and other Senate colleagues in introducing bicameral legislation to permanently codify the Office of Environmental Justice within the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD). The introduction of the Empowering and Enforcing Environmental Justice Act comes after Attorney General Pam Bondi’s recent order eliminating all environmental justice efforts at the DOJ on her first day as Attorney General. “The Trump Administration seems determined to undermine the protections aimed at helping every American—no matter their zip code—to be able to breathe safe air, drink clean water and live, work and play on uncontaminated land,” said Senator Duckworth. “Our bill would help ensure the Justice

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EDWARDSVILLE - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville concluded its annual Black Heritage Month (BHM) on Feb. 28, 2025. The month of February was amply seasoned with presentations, speakers, information, activities and events that challenged the mind, fed the soul and stirred the spirit. This year’s theme was Black Legacy: Embers of Resilience. The time evoked pride and joy, smiles and laughter. It provoked thought and raised questions. On display were creativity, community engagement and culture. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides students with a high-quality education that powerfully transforms the lives of all individuals who seek something greater. A premier metropolitan university, SIUE is creating social and economic mobility for individuals while also powering the workforce of the future. Built on the foundation of a broad-based liberal education, and enhanced by hands-on research and real-world experiences, the academic preparation SIUE students

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced investments in Holcim’s Chicago operational headquarters for the planned spin-off of its North American business to be named Amrize. Holcim’s $18.6 million investment in capital expenditures, bolstered by an Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) agreement with DCEO, will establish Chicago as the operational headquarters for its planned North American spin-off, poised to meet the growing needs for advanced building solutions across the country. “Illinois is thrilled that Holcim will continue to grow its presence in our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to our competitive incentive programs, paired with our skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, and commitment to innovation, Illinois continues to position itself as a premier destination for businesses to grow and locate.” As part of the State's comprehensive

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CHICAGO – Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced up to $10 million in funding for the Apprenticeship Expansion Competitive Grant Program to support workforce programs that expand Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) and pre-apprenticeship programs leading to RAPs. Grantees will be selected through a competitive Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process. “Since day one, my administration has prioritized expanding access to apprenticeship programs as a pathway to high-paying jobs,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “With the new Apprenticeship Expansion Competitive Grant program, we’re building on that commitment, initially prioritizing non-traditional and in-demand sectors to increase apprenticeship opportunities and support employers. These are the types of strategic investments that ensure we have a strong workforce in critical fields that drive future growth. And most importantly,

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