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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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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced today that Danielle Fischer, 29, of Edwardsville has been charged by a Madison County grand jury on six counts of criminal sexual assault, four counts of aggravated criminal sexual abuse, and two counts of child pornography. Fischer was charged with these acts while serving as the victims’ teacher. “It is sickening to see figures of authority abuse children,” Haine said. “Working with the Madison County Child Advocacy Center, the State’s Attorney’s Office’s Children’s Justice Division is dedicated to punishing such crimes, and doing our part to protect the children of Madison County.” The criminal sexual assault charges are Class One felonies, and carry a sentence of 4-15 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC). The aggravated criminal sexual abuse charges are Class 2 felonies, and carry a sentence of probation to 3-7 years in IDOC.

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SPRINGFIELD – Hunters in Illinois harvested a preliminary total of 147,004 deer during all 2021-2022 archery and firearm seasons that concluded Jan. 16. The total preliminary deer harvest for all seasons compares with a total harvest for all seasons of 162,752 deer in 2020-2021. During the 2021-2022 deer seasons, hunters took 43.75% does and 56.25% males. Archery: Archery deer hunters in Illinois took a preliminary total of 67,637 deer during the season that began Oct. 1 and concluded Jan. 16. The total archery harvest during the 2020-2021 season was 75,106 deer. Youth: Youth deer hunters harvested a preliminary total of 1,829 deer during the three-day Illinois Youth Deer Season Oct. 9-11, compared to 2,322 in 2020. Traditional Firearm Season : Hunters took a preliminary total of 69,990 deer during the Illinois Firearm Deer Season Nov. 19-21 and Dec. 2-5, compared with 77,160 deer taken during the 2020 firearm season. Muzzleloader: Hunters using muzzleloading rifles

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A vehicle lost control on the ice at the Humbert and Washington railroad tracks about 5:40 a.m. on Friday, February 25, 2022. Train traffic was stopped, while the railroad tracks were cleaned. The arms and crossing gates encountered significant damage. There were no injuries reported in the accident.

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St. John’s Community Care is happy to announce that we partnered with Adaptive Equipment & Caregiver Corner. The team at Adaptive Equipment is helping to train St. John’s Community Care’s program assistants in the Adult Day Centers. They review best practices and strategies to assist those who may be unsteady or rely on a walker or cane for balance. They are collaborating with St. John’s to offer a Home Safety Evaluation to their families. The assessment allows for family caregivers from St. John’s to have objective, professional eyes walk through their home and make recommendations on changes that would make the home safer and more accessible for the caregiver and person with disabilities. “It’s an outstanding partnership, and our staff at St. John’s learned so many new ways to manage and assist our participants positively and respectfully,” said Stacey Rhodes, Adult Day Program Director. Adaptive Equipment & Caregiver Corner was

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Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) hosted a town hall meeting Wednesday afternoon regarding racism at the university experienced by students, faculty and staff alike. At the meeting, students from the Black Unity Council shared a document with a list of demands for administration, and several campus community members shared their personal experiences. “In this document , you will find … a timeline of events that occurred at SIUE which reflects the systemic reoccurrence of racially-biased incidents for over a decade … as well as stats which support our stance that the university engages in the exploitation of its Black students and that they use us as a political formality,” said a member of the Black Unity Council at SIUE. “We’ve taken time to create a bulleted list of demands for administration to review,” they continued. “We don’t believe there’s anything in our list which the university can find

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ALTON - State Representative Amy Elik (R-Fosterburg) issued the following statement after the Sangamon County Circuit Court decision to maintain the Democrat’s scheme to change the way Madison County, Illinois voters elect their judges: “Regardless of today’s ruling, right is right, and wrong is wrong. The Democrat’s scheme to elect more Democrat judges by taking away the ability of Madison County voters to elect a judge countywide is just plain wrong. The Democrat-controlled legislature continues to pass laws that give themselves a competitive advantage, in this case, they overstepped their boundaries. I’m disappointed with the outcome but I remain optimistic that restoring integrity and fairness to the way we elect judges in Madison County will hold strong.”

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