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HARDIN - On April 23, 2023, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a disturbance in progress on Godar Hollow, in Calhoun County, Illinois. A Deputy with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and an Officer with the Illinois Conservation Police responded to the disturbance. Subsequent to an investigation, on April 25, 2023, the Calhoun County State’s Attorney’s Office filed the following Criminal Complaints against Douglas J. Godar, aged 38, of Hardin, for the following offense: Aggravated Assault – Motor Vehicle Godar turned himself in to the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Alton Jail. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Illinois Conservation Police and the Calhoun County State’s Attorney’s Office for their assistance in this case. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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HARDIN - On April 22, 2023, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received a delayed complaint of a domestic disturbance that had occurred on April 21st at a residence on South Broadway in Kampsville. A Deputy Sheriff with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area and began an investigation. A Deputy Sheriff with the Pike County Sheriff’s Department also responded to the area to assist with the investigation. Subsequent to an investigation, Andrew G. Osborn, age 34, of Kampsville, was arrested on the following charge: Aggravated Domestic Battery – (Second or Subsequent Offense) Osborn was arrested without incident, and transported to the Jersey County Jail. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Pike County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance. We would also like to thank the concerned citizens who assisted in the reporting of this incident. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty. If you or

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ALTON – Just a week prior, in a heartbreaking 2-1 loss against cross-town rivals Marquette Catholic, it wasn’t a great night for the Redbirds, especially senior captain Katie Stark. She went down hard in the 34 th minute, initially holding her shoulder, and would not return to the game. A postgame interview with head coach Gwen Sabo declared that Stark had suffered a concussion. She missed the next two games against tough Granite City and Edwardsville sides and was at first unsure if she’d even be cleared for her Senior Night game. Alton athletic trainer Andy Renner did not clear her to play the day before against the Tigers but ruled her able to play last Friday. It came as a relief to her, and a struggling Alton team that missed her presence in the midfield. So, she made the start against Civic Memorial last Friday on Senior Night, a game where Alton celebrated seven seniors and salvaged a 2-1 win. Stark has been a varsity player her entire high school career

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Gori Law Firm recently announced its renewed partnership with the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) for 2023. As a gold-level sponsor of the organization, the firm supports the ADAO’s mission of education, advocacy and community initiatives geared toward asbestos awareness and prevention. A nationwide leader in asbestos litigation, the Edwardsville, Illinois-based law firm frequently works with individuals and families affected by asbestos exposure. Its continued partnership with the ADAO is part of its many efforts to invest in prevention and spread awareness of asbestos's critical and dangerous effects. “We are grateful for opportunities to support organizations like the ADAO, who, like us, fight tirelessly for the rights of individuals and families who have been adversely affected by asbestos and its related illnesses,” said Sara Salger, managing partner of The Gori Law Firm. “We hope that more and more people will rall

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ST. LOUIS - Schnuck Markets, Inc. has issued an allergy alert due to a mislabeling on select containers of Culinaria Nut Mixes. The products may have mislabeled packaging, and the Culinaria Cashew & Macadamia mix may contain almonds, which is an allergen for some people. Due to the mislabeling, the Culinaria Cashew & Almond Mix may not contain the correct ingredients listed on the package. Schnucks customers are urged to check for: Culinaria Cashew & Macadamia Mix 9 oz. UPS 4131822428 Best by date: 2/02/25 Lot Code: 3033 A9 Culinaria Cashew & Almond Mix 9 oz. UPS 4131822423 Best by date: 2/02/25 Lot Code: 3033 A9 Affected products may be returned to the nearest Schnucks store for a full refund or exchange. Customers with questions may contact the Schnucks Customer Care team at 314-994-4400 or 1-800-264-4400.

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ST. LOUIS - Old Bones, Inc. will be displaying new paintings along with new collages and paintings by Jennifer Dykeman at a garage in Soulard at Lami and Menard, 36104 on May 6 from 1:00 until 7:00 pm. It’s free. One day only. Refreshments. Old Bones, Inc. is a collaboration between artists Mark Regester and Andy Dykeman. https://www.instagram.com/oldbonesinc/ Mark was born in Scotland, raised in California and is a resident artist at 31art Gallery in St. Louis and his work has shown in numerous galleries throughout the US, Europe and South America. https://www.instagram.com/mark_regester_art/ Andy is from Alton, Illinois and is a local chiropractor and a resident artist at 31art Gallery in St. Louis, currently represented by Mineral Point Gallery in Wisconsin. https://www.instagram.com/andy.dykeman.art/ Jennifer is an art therapist and grief counselor at Evelyn’s House in St. Louis. Her paintings and collages have been extensively exhibited

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GLEN CARBON – Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSofSI) is proud to announce that Adriyanna Gutierrez of Lenzburg, Illinois has been awarded the Girl Scout Medal of Honor – a lifesaving award she received for demonstrating heroism in saving another’s life. October 14, 2022 was supposed to be a typical day. After school, Adriyanna came home to help care for her little brother while her mother was at work. She took him into a bedroom so he could sit on the bed and watch a television program. Noticing the adjacent room appeared foggy, Adriyanna went back into the bedroom to check on her brother. The bedroom had become foggy as well, and Adriyanna knew she needed to determine the cause. She first opened windows and doors to air out the space. As she explored the cause, she discovered smoke behind the bed and noticed a light. At that moment, Adriyanna realized she was battling a fire and sprung into action. Adriyanna called her cousin into the room to help her get

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JERSEYVILLE - A motorcyclist was tossed off his bike in a crash after striking another vehicle at the intersection of West County Road and U.S. 67 in Jerseyville on Friday morning. Jerseyville Police Chief Brad Blackorby said the crash has been turned over to the Illinois State Police for investigation. Blackborby said the Jerseyville Police were contacted by the Jersey Sheriff’s Office after a complaint of a motorcycle driving recklessly at a high rate of speed heading into Jerseyville. He also confirmed that ARCH Medical Air Services was called to the scene to transport the victim to a St. Louis Hospital for further treatment. He said he was not able to release any information about the victim’s condition. Blackorby also said the Illinois State Police would release any further information on the accident because they are conducting the investigation.

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Jimmy Holmes is a hit at every place he performs and was a big attraction this weekend at the Illinois Elvis Festival at the Gateway Center in Collinsville. Jimmy is an award-winning Elvis Tribute Artist from Demotte, Indiana. He has traveled across the USA and abroad showcasing his authentic tribute to the King. Attendees are left mesmerized by his ability to embody Elvis in the early 1970s. He has taken the Elvis industry by storm with his attention to detail and show-stopping performances leading to offers from promoters worldwide, citing his unique ability to create an illusion of Elvis like none other. He has won numerous awards in the ETA industry but his most cherished is when he was awarded the Dream King trophy on the Westgate stage in Las Vegas. The same location where Elvis played his hundreds of sold-out shows during his Las Vegas reign. Jimmy considers it an honor and a dream come true to be able to travel the world paying tribute to the greatest entertainer of all

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - Free Comic Book Day is slated for Saturday, May 6 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at all four Fantasy Books Inc. stores, including their Fairview Heights and Belleville locations, as well as Heroic Adventures in Edwardsville. Visitors can get three free comics of their choice, and one lucky person at each store location will also win one free comic book per week for one year. Tony Favello, general manager and co-owner of Fantasy Books Inc., said their current locations include their flagship store, Fantasy Books & Games in Fairview Heights, Star Clipper in Fairview Heights, Fantasy Books in Belleville, and Heroic Adventures in Edwardsville, which they acquired in 2011 but kept the original name in place. Participants must be in line before the stores open to receive a raffle ticket for the year of free comic books. Fantasy Books & Games opens at 9 a.m., while Star Clipper, Fantasy Books, and Heroic Adventures all open at 10 a.m. Becky Hollingsead with

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SPRINGFIELD – The unemployment rate around the region is under 4.0 percent in nearly all of the counties and Edwardsville and Alton unemployment numbers also are positive in the March 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Illinois Department of Employment Security analysis. As far as area counties, Madison County has a 3.5 percent unemployment rate in March 2023, down from 3.9 percent in March 2022, Calhoun remained steady at 4.2 percent compared to 4.2 percent last year in March, and Jersey was 3.5 percent compared to 3.7 percent in 2022. St. Clair County was 4.0 percent in March 2023, compared to 4.5 percent in 2022. Macoupin County is at 3.5 percent compared to 4.0 percent at this time last year. Greene County is 3.9 percent compared to 4.3 percent in March 2022. Alton has an unemployment rate of 4.6 percent in March 2023, compared to 5.2 percent a year ago. Edwardsville has a 2.8 percent unemployment rate in March 2023 compared to 2022 at the same time and Granite

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ALTON - Brown Street Baptist Church (BSBC) in Alton recently welcomed Daniel Sternquist as the new senior pastor of the church. The Sternquist family comes to Alton from California, and the church is planning an installation service for the new pastor within the next few months. "It is abundantly clear that the Lord directed our steps to Brown Street,” Sternquist said. “I consider it a true privilege to be a part of what God is doing through this church, and I'm excited to see how He will continue to use Brown Street to reach people for Christ." The Sternquists come to BSBC from First Baptist Community Church in Los Gatos, California. Pastor Sternquist served as the assistant pastor at his previous church since 2015. He completed his Master of Divinity from Faith Baptist Theological Seminary in Ankeny, Iowa in 2014. Sternquist also received his Bachelor’s degree in Biblical Studies, Bible Exposition, and Greek from Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, Iowa in

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Gallon jugs are oftentimes used for daily necessities like milk and water. But a new trend on social media could be a mixture for disaster. Blackout rage gallon, or “BORG” drinking, is the newest TikTok take on binge drinking. College students can be seen on social media mixing alcohol, water, sweet flavorings, and hangover remedies like Pedialyte. But while the consumers think water and electrolytes might protect them from hangovers, it didn’t protect some students from ending up in the hospital. In Amherst, Massachusetts – home of UMass Amherst – the local fire department handled nearly 30 ambulance transport requests due to significant alcohol intoxication . Deepak Nair, MD, a neurologist with OSF HealthCare Illinois Neurological Institute, says blacking out from drinking is very harmful. “High quantities of alcohol can cause direct damage to the brain,” says Dr. Nair. “In single settings of drinking where you’re having enough

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COLLINSVILLE - Collinsville Police presented a case to the Madison County State's Attorney's Office and today announced charges in the homicide of Vaeden J. Hawkes on April 24, 2023, in Collinsville. Murder charges have been filed against Isaiah T. Jenkins, 16, of Collinsville. The charges are as follows: Count 1: First-Degree Murder; a Class M Felony Count 2: First-Degree Murder; a Class M Felony Count 3: Unlawful Possession of a Stolen Firearm; a Class 4 Felony. Count 4: Aggravated Unlawful Use of Weapons; a Class 4 Felony. The Honorable Judge A. Ryan Jumper set the bond amount for Jenkins at $5,000,000. Jenkins is currently in custody at the Madison County Juvenile Detention Center.

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GRAFTON - Pere Marquette Lodge's Annual Mushroom Festival was described as a "blast" by organizers and more than 350 people came out and celebrated the spring season. The biggest mushroom found was 9.5 inches, the smallest was 11 millimeters and the most mushrooms found by one person was 49. "Our guide, Joe, took out over 350 people on Saturday, many of which were out in the woods hunting mushrooms for the first time," Arielle Niemeyer, the event coordinator and Pere Marquette marketing director, said. "A round of applause for our employees for their efforts. Like many local businesses, we have been dealing with a short staffing issue. The staff really came together and made it happen. We are grateful for our team, our customers, and such a beautiful place we can all enjoy." Niemeyer said this year's Mushroom Festival was the biggest one to date in 15 years. "We also had kid's activities, free face painting, and the guided hunt," she said. "It was a great day."

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ALTON - The 3rd annual Sandbach Strong Golf Scramble is being held tomorrow, April 29, starting at 8 a.m. at The Woodlands Golf Club & Banquet Facility located at 2839 Harris Lane in Alton. All proceeds raised from the tournament will go to The December 5th Fund, an organization “dedicated to helping families forget cancer, just for one day.” The event is a four-person scramble that includes contests like Closest to the Pin, Longest Drive, and more. Breakfast and registration begin at 8 a.m. with the tournament’s shotgun start beginning at 9 a.m. Last year’s tournament raised over $9,000 for The December 5th Fund and is currently on track to exceed those numbers for the tournament this year. “The December 5th Fund's mission is to give an amazing day without worry to local families dealing with cancer,” Executive Director Thomas Wiley said. “While families are out enjoying their day, D5F volunteers are back at their home tackling household

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GODFREY - Lewis and Clark Community College Building Futures YouthBuild AmeriCorps students participated in the annual Alton Spring City-Wide Litter Clean-Up on April 21. They focused on the Hunterstown neighborhood, near the Scott Bibb Center. Pictured are Isaiah Slater, Kyan O’Bannon, Aden Rochowiak, Nicholas Shea, Terrance Johnson, Rocky Hoffstot, Casio Manley, Vaughan Kuykendall, Tabitha Latchford and Sabastian Manning. For more information about YouthBuild AmeriCorps and L&C Adult Education, contact Pathway Resource Development Director Sabrina Davis at (618) 468-4150 or sdavis@lc.edu .

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GLEN CARBON - More than 16 million Americans suffer annually from rosacea, a chronic skin condition. Local aesthetic physician, best-selling author of “Live Life Beautifully (With a Little Help)” and owner of Ooh La La Spa, Anti-Aging & Wellness, Kristen M. Jacobs, MD is educating people about the symptoms and treatments for this disease during April, Rosacea Awareness Month. Some symptoms of rosacea include facial flushing or blushing, swollen bumps, a burning sensation, eye problems and skin thickening. This skin condition can impact anyone but it’s more common in middle-aged women. Although there is no cure, certain treatments can help reduce the signs and symptoms. “Our patients living with rosacea often say it can be embarrassing and it doesn’t need to be,” said Dr. Jacobs. “If you are frustrated with over-the-counter products not working, we offer several laser treatments and products that can help minimize the appearance of rosacea.

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WASHINGTON, D.C – Today, U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), along with U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), reintroduced two bills to expand and increase access to employment opportunities for underserved youth. The Helping to Encourage Real Opportunity (HERO) for Youth Act and the Assisting in Developing (AID) Youth Employment Act, which was previously titled the Creating Pathways for Youth Employment Act, will increase federal resources for communities seeking to create or grow employment programs and provide tax incentives to businesses and employers to hire and retain youth from economically distressed areas. “Lack of investment in our communities perpetuates a cycle of poverty, and unfortunately violence, that leaves too many young people without opportunities to reach their full potential,” said Kelly. “The HERO for Youth Act and the Assisting in Developing Youth Employment Act will help

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation ("IDFPR") announced today it received 2,693 applications for the upcoming Social Equity Criteria Lottery ("SECL"). This lottery will distribute the next round of 55 conditional adult use cannabis dispensary licenses across the 17 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Regions. The list of applicants participating in the SECL may be found on IDFPR’s website here . Applicants are encouraged to review the list and confirm that they have been properly listed for any BLS Region in which they applied. The SECL will be conducted by IDFPR with the Illinois Lottery in early- to mid-May. The date will be announced by IDFPR as soon as possible. “Our simplified online application process increased the accessibility for individuals of all backgrounds and from all over Illinois to have the opportunity to write the next chapter of the most equitable cannabis industry in the country,” said IDFPR Secretary

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