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CENTER SQUARE - A shortage of nurses has been developing in Illinois for many years and officials say things could get worse. The COVID-19 pandemic caused nurses to retire or leave the profession, but there were regional shortages before then, especially in downstate rural Illinois. According to the 2022 Trends in Nurse Staffing survey, more than 25% of respondents said they have more than 100 current openings for nursing positions. In 2019, only 9% reported over 100 openings. “Hospitals need cost-effective solutions to assist with the nursing shortage, including temporary and permanent recruitment, better and flexible shifts, and the increased usage of international nurses,” the report said. Susan Swart, executive director of the Illinois Nurses Foundation, said with fewer nursing students coming into the pipeline, the shortage will be compounding. “We are not producing enough nurses to fill the vacancies, so by 2025, the estimation is we are going to be short

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O'FALLON, IL. - September is Healthy Aging Month and HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and HSHS Medical Group are recommending ways that you and your loved ones can age healthfully. The way our bodies and minds age is not always out of our hands. While we may not be able to completely control the physical environments that we live and work in, such as home, office, school, or the grocery store, we can still choose to engage in regular physical activity, healthy eating, and forming strong social connections, all of which can help us to age healthily. “As you age, it is important to be consistent with your checkups to minimize the number of hospital stays and admissions that you experience,” said HSHS Medical Group Family Nurse Practitioner Deanna Weinacht, APRN. “It can also assist in the early diagnosis of many chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, and dementia.” Healthy aging is also about maintaining a healthy brain. According to th

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ST. LOUIS - St. Louis Blues Captain Ryan O’Reilly and Blues for Kids, the charitable trust of the St. Louis Blues, are seeking nominations for the 90’s Mighty RO’R program. The program, now in its fourth year, provides a memorable game experience to St. Louis area youth who display the core character traits of courage, compassion, leadership, perseverance, and respect and use them to make a positive impact in their family, school or community. “Growing up, my mom and dad instilled many great values in me and taught me the importance of being a positive influence on my environment and the people in my life,” said Blues Captain Ryan O’Reilly. “St. Louis is a great city with a bright future and this program helps to shine a light on the youth that are leading the way in our community.” A selection committee will review nominations and select one winner for every Blues home game. The winner will receive 4 game tickets, in-game recognition

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GLEN CARBON - September 24 marks the kick-off for Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois’ Nut, Candy, and Magazine (NCM) Program! Girl Scouts will be selling tasty treats and magazine subscriptions through October 23 rd . “As troops start their new Girl Scout year, the annual NCM Program is a great way for them to raise start-up funds,” said Katie Grayling, Director of Product Programs. “In addition to raising funds for their activities, girls also learn valuable life skills in the process,” Grayling added. Girls who participate in the NCM Program learn 5 life skills - goal setting, decision making, money management, people skills, and business ethics – while raising money for their Girl Scout adventures. Girl Scouts today dream big and want to make the world a better place. When you make a purchase from a Girl Scout, you are being a champion for girl ambition and helping her pursue her dreams. Customers will be able to select from usual favorites –

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WOOD RIVER – Today, Democratic Candidate for State Senate Kris Tharp (IL-56) announced the endorsements of the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) and the Illinois Education Association (IEA). “Teachers dedicate their lives to our children, acting as role models and offering guidance, and we have a responsibility to fairly compensate them and equip them with the resources they need to shape our future generations,” said Tharp. “Teachers are the backbone of our communities, and as State Senator, I will always prioritize protecting their right to unionize and ensure safe and healthy learning environments.” “Kris Tharp is a dedicated public servant who understands the importance of education and the dedication of the teachers and staff who work in our schools,” said IFT President Dan Montgomery. “The IFT has endorsed Senator Tharp because we know he will be the advocate students and teachers need in Springfield.” “Senator

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Saturday, September 17, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspect Brandon Holbrook, 30 years of age, of the 3100 block of Nebraska Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri, 63118, for three counts of Statutory Rape Second Degree and six counts of Statutory Sodomy Second Degree. A Mugshot of Holbrook is attached. Holbrook is being held on $500,000 cash only, no 10% bond. Please note, that charges are merely an accusation, and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: On September 12, 2022, an investigation was initiated regarding an inappropriate relationship between the suspect, Brandon Holbrook, and the 14-year-old victim. Of note, the suspect was a substitute teacher at Bernard Elementary School when he initially encountered the victim. Through investigation, it is believed the suspect began grooming the victim through social media platforms on

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SPRINGFIELD — The NFIB Illinois PAC has endorsed Jennifer Korte in the 112th District Illinois House race. The political action committee is comprised exclusively of NFIB members. “Our members support candidates who support small business. Jennifer Korte has shown that she understands the challenges facing Illinois’ job creators,” said NFIB State Director Chris Davis. “Our members believe Jennifer Korte will work to create, protect, and maintain an environment where small businesses can thrive and create jobs.” The NFIB Illinois PAC’s endorsement is critical to Jennifer Korte’s campaign. Small-business owners and their employees vote in high numbers and are known for actively recruiting friends, family members, and acquaintances to go to the polls. The PAC’s support is based on Korte’s policy positions and record on small business issues. “Small business owners across Illinois are experiencing generational inflation,

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ALTON - A capacity crowd of cancer survivors, their family members and care teams filled the conference center at Lewis & Clark Community College on September 15 as OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony’s Health Center recognized and celebrated survivorship. The annual Cancer Survivors Celebration featured in-person testimonials from cancer survivors, as well as several heartfelt videotaped patient stories. Additional highlights of the evening included a musical performance by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Martyr St. George, plus survivor recognition by years – from day old survivorship to 40+ years. Angie Halliday, nurse manager for the OSF Moeller Cancer Center, paid tribute to the survivors. “You are a cancer survivor from the day you are first diagnosed with cancer. Some of you are currently undergoing active treatments, some have recently finished treatment and some finished treatment many years ago. “No matter where you are in your journey, you are

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CHICAGO - A Cook County jury has awarded a total of $363 million to a Willowbrook woman who was diagnosed with an aggressive breast cancer after living about one-third of a mile from medical device sterilization plant Sterigenics for more than three decades. The trial was the first of many to come against operators of the Willowbrook plant, which has more than 760 lawsuits pending against it in Cook County Circuit Court for toxic emissions. Federal officials began investigating Sterigenics in 2018 after the community surrounding the Willowbrook plant was identified on a national map of health hazards from breathing toxic chemicals. Data reported by the company to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency showed the Willowbrook census tract was in the 99.9th percentile for cancer risk in the country. The EPA study pointed to Sterigenics’ EtO emissions as a potential cause, prompting public outrage and hundreds of lawsuits against the Willowbrook plant. The first plaintiff t

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GODFREY – National Adult Education and Literacy Week, Sept. 18–24, underscores the continued demand for programs and services for adult students who need to improve basic skills in reading, writing and math and obtain a high school equivalency certificate. More than 36 million adults nationwide, including 1.2 million here in Illinois, lack basic literacy skills that limit their ability to advance in education and at work. Lewis and Clark Community College is one of 72 adult education providers offering programs funded through the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) that improve and expand the nation’s available pipeline of workers by assisting those who lack the educational requirements to achieve gainful employment in today’s increasingly high-tech, global job market. “Adult Education focuses on a population of learners who have found the courage to give education another try,” said L&C Associate Dean of Adult Education Val Harris. “While

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ALTON – The next American Red Cross blood drive at Alton Memorial Hospital will be from 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 6, in the AMH café meeting rooms. To register, go to https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=AltonMemorial or contact Dave Whaley in AMH Marketing & Communications at 618-433-7947 or david.whaley@bjc.org . The Red Cross is thanking all those who present with a $5 e-gift card to a merchant of their choice. The Red Cross currently has about four days’ supply of most blood products. However, the Red Cross strives to keep a five-day supply of all blood types on hand at all times to meet daily patient needs and be prepared for emergencies requiring significant volumes of donated blood products. More donors are needed to help ensure the Red Cross can meet the needs of all patients, including in times of emergency. The need for lifesaving blood transfusions never takes a break. It’s important to have blood ready t

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Municipal League (IML) elected officers and members to its Board of Directors at its Annual Business Meeting, held September 17, as part of the 109 th IML Annual Conference at the Hilton Chicago. The IML membership unanimously elected River Forest Village President Catherine M. Adduci to serve a one-year term as President. Also elected during the conference were Fairview Heights Mayor Mark T. Kupsky as First Vice President and Hazel Crest Village President Vernard L. Alsberry, Jr. as Second Vice President. In addition to the officers, 35 Vice Presidents were elected to serve a one-year term, and six IML Past Presidents continue to serve, on the statewide organization’s Board of Directors. Village of Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick was re-elected to serve as a Vice President. “I am happy to continue my work with mayors from across the state to address the complex issues our communities face,” said McCormick. “By working together,

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GLEN CARBON - The Village of Glen Carbon is extremely lucky to have a Heritage Museum filled with historical artifacts compiled over many decades. Interestingly, the museum itself is a local landmark that was once the grade school, Village Hall, and library for Glen Carbon. Along with our local museum, the Yanda Log Cabin dates back to the 1850s, rediscovered in 1989 once the siding was removed. Maintaining the historical relevance of both structures and their collections is a job that Samantha Doolin, museum coordinator, takes great pride in managing. Samantha Doolin is very passionate about her important role with the Village of Glen Carbon. She’s excited about the wealth of information available to share with the community at both the cabin and the museum. When asked about her favorite aspect of the job, she didn’t hesitate to answer. “Everyday is different when working here. Reviewing the various collections and cataloging them, scanning articles or old photos,

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EAST ST. LOUIS – U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe announced today that Kenesha Burlison, 40, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced to 45 months in prison in connection with her theft from her former employer, an East St. Louis charity, and aggravated identity theft. Burlison served as the Director of Human Relations for Call for Help, Inc. from 2016 until her termination in 2020. Call for Help is a longstanding charitable organization in East St. Louis, that helps people overcome a variety of personal crises, ranging from sexual assault and poverty to homelessness and mental health issues. “Kenesha Burlison’s theft from Call for Help is particularly egregious in light of the essential, lifesaving services that the organization provides to communities in Southern Illinois,” United States Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe said. “We are proud to have organizations like Call for Help in our District and will continue to hold those who steal from them accountable

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ALTON - Illinois American Water announced Monday that it is anticipated that 3rd Street between Belle and Piasa is expected to open to traffic by sometime Tuesday with the completion of pavement restoration. Illinois American Water’s recent work has been to separate the Alton combined sewer system and install new sanitary sewers. Additional work is still needed in other areas and more information on that is below. Rob Lenhardt of Mac's said Illinois American ran into some obstacles in the sewer work because of some old tunnels they didn't know were there but said again he thinks they have done an outstanding job with the project. He saluted Kamudulski Excavating and Grading, S&S Engineering, and Illinois American Waer for the speed and efficiency of how they performed their tasks in this Alton project. "People don't realize how much work goes into this," Lenhardt said, who viewed what they were doing in recent days in front of his Alton business. They have done all this in

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EDWARDSVILLE – The 14th Annual Tiger Ambush Band Classic was once again a showcase for some of the best marching bands in Illinois and Missouri. First place overall at the 14 th Annual Tiger Ambush Band Classic Saturday at the Edwardsville High School field went to Salem Community High School Marching Wildcats in Class A, Mehlville High School Marching Panthers in Class AA, Rockwood Summit High School Silver Falcon Marching Band in Class AAA and Timberland High School Marching Wolves in Class AAAA. Salem, Mehlville, Rockwood, and Timberland all posted firsts in Outstanding Color Guard, Outstanding Percussion, and Outstanding General Effect. The Belleville East High School Marching Lancers were first in Outstanding Music for AAAA. The Salem Band is directed by John A. Randolph, Timberland by Courtney White, Mehlville by Tony Brown, and Rockwood Summit by Jeremy Loui. The competition on the EHS football field in the Sports Complex drew an estimated 4,000 spectators throughout

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WOOD RIVER - The 4th Annual Wood River Food Truck Festival is officially planned for Saturday, October 1 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in downtown Wood River. Food trucks will be parked along Ferguson Avenue between 1st St. and Wood River Avenue, and the event will feature live music, vendors and more. Several food trucks will be at this year’s event, including: Burgers STL Taylor's Fire & Smoke BBQ, LLC. Pig on a Wing Mericue Food Truck and Catering Cake POP a GO-GO The Taco Shack Presents T Mo's Eats Mo’z Sweet Treats Andy Russell with the Wood River Enrichment Network said if other food trucks are interested in participating, they can reach out through the Wood River Enrichment Network’s Facebook page , where more information about the event can also be found. This year will also see the return of vendors and live music, which Russell said were both popular at last year’s festival. “Last year we had several vendors sell out! We

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ALTON - A Meet and Greet, Question and Answer session with some of the candidates that are running for election in November will take place from 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at the Alton Flood Memorial Location at Ardent Mills in Downtown Alton. Candidates who will appear are Senator Kris Tharp, a candidate for the Illinois State Senate, Joe Silkwood, a candidate for Illinois state representative, Ebony Huddleston, a candidate for circuit judge, and John Barry Julian, a candidate for Circuit Judge. John Barry Julian, a candidate for Circuit Judge, and Ryan Jump and candidate for Chief Circuit Judge, will also be in attendance. Abe Lee Barham, the organizer of the event, said this will be a good opportunity for people to come out and ask questions of candidates. “We encourage people to ask questions and express your views and voice,” he said. “Every vote counts.” For more information, contact 618-799-9147.

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GODFREY - The Great Godfrey Maze opened back up for the season over the weekend. The ever-so-popular attraction located within Glazebrook Park has been a hit with families and is perfect for the little ones. The maze operates only on weekends. The hours are 6-10 p.m. on Fridays, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. The going rate for the maze is $7 for adults and can be enjoyed peacefully during the day, or for the little more adventurous in the pitch black of night. Flashlights are recommended at night of course. The maze officially opened on Friday, but the larger crowds weren't until Saturday evening. There were plenty of people out to enjoy the attraction. The layout of the maze changes from year to year and this year it is circus themed. Instead of the usual corn, this year's maze is comprised of tall-grown hemp. The change was forced after a short crop last year. The Godfrey Parks and Recreation Department had no choice but to cancel the maze las

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Friday, September 16, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspects Demetrius Green, 36 years of age, of the 6800 block of Robbins Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri 63133, for Robbery First Degree and Armed Criminal Action; and Andre Vantreece, 42 years of age, of the 4900 block of Genevieve Avenue in St. Louis, Missouri 63120, for Robbery First Degree, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. Mugshots of Green and Vantreece are attached. Green and Vantreece are each being held on $100,000 cash only, no 10% bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement for both defendants reads: On September 3, 2022, at 5:45 PM, at the Wal-Mart store at 3270 Telegraph Road, defendants placed two computer monitors into a shopping cart and pushed it towards a set of exit doors, having made no attempt to pay

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