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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced the CDC is reporting all 102 Illinois counties remained at a low level for COVID-19 hospital admissions as of the middle of August, though wastewater surveillance is detecting rising Covid-19 activity. IDPH is continuing to closely watch COVID-19 data and also monitoring other respiratory viruses, particularly flu and RSV, ahead of the fall and winter seasons. “Although hospitalization rates and deaths from COVID-19 remain low, it is important for our residents to know that we are seeing rising COVID-19 activity across Illinois,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra . “We are fortunate the vast majority of Illinoisians have received immunity from a COVID-19 vaccine or previous infection that protects them against severe disease. However, COVID-19 continues to pose a risk for our seniors, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and those who are immunocompromised. IDPH is closely

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A U.S. District judge has sentenced an Arizona man to 100 months imprisonment after he admitted to trafficking more than 1,300 grams combined of fentanyl and heroin into southern Illinois. Jimmy Carrasco, 28, of Glendale, Arizona, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. Following his prison sentence, he will serve three years of supervised release. According to court documents, officers with the Illinois State Police conducted a traffic stop on Carrasco’s vehicle on Interstate 70 in Madison County on Oct. 5, 2021. During a search of the vehicle, officers recovered pills containing 771 grams of fentanyl and 616 grams of heroin. Co-defendant Luciano Gomezllanos-Martinez, 45, originally from Mexico, was a passenger in Carrasco’s vehicle at the time of the traffic stop. Gomezllanos-Martinez pleaded guilty to federal drug possession and illegal reentry charges and was sentenced to 46 months imprisonment on Jan. 18,

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JERSEYVILLE - Illinois American Water issued a boil water order Saturday afternoon for its water customers in the Jerseyville District operations. The boil water order was necessary after a minor flooding issue at the Jerseyville water treatment plant which was resolved, Illinois American Water customers impacted by the boil water order received a phone call notification Saturday afternoon from the company. The following communities served from the Illinois American Water treatment plant in Jerseyville are impacted by the boil water order: • Jerseyville • Fieldon • Nutwood Note: The Village of Hardin is not under a boil water order. Hardin has its own ILAW water treatment plant. During the boil order, customers should bring their water to a rolling boil for five minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. Water is OK for bathing, washing and other common uses. When the boil water order is lifted, impacted customers will receive a phone call from Illinois

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GRAFTON - Grafton’s Annual Family Fun Day will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. in Red Hawk Park. This year, there will also be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 7:00 p.m. to officially open a pair of anxiously awaited brand-new pickleball courts. So, gather up your children, friends, and family for this last hurrah of summer. The evening will feature face painting, balloon animals, rock painting, a DJ, pickleball, and so much more. The ‘Hungries’ will be no match for free hot dogs, chips, and water. Bring your own chairs and blankets and claim your spot. Come and check out QEM fire trucks, a Jersey County ambulance, Survival Flight helicopter, and a Grafton police car. Jersey County Queen and Little Miss will help celebrate this favorite community event presented by the City of Grafton Family Fun Day Committee. Laughter, fun and games are free to all! Photos provided by Dave Sanford, City Photographer.

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EDWARDSVILLE – Sewer line work will require a closure of the 100 block of Franklin Avenue while repairs are completed. The work is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, August 29, weather permitting. Franklin Avenue will be closed to all traffic between Illinois Route 159 and Longfellow Avenue. Repairs are expected to take one day. The repairs will be made by a third-party contractor to address issues arising from work on private property. Detours will be posted. "We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience," the City Of Edwardsville said.

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ALTON - State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) issued the following statement after Governor J.B. Pritzker vetoed legislation to lift the nuclear power plant ban in Illinois: “Illinois desperately needs to have more options to produce enough energy to meet the demands in our state. Our utility rates are going through the roof and the construction of new nuclear power plants is one solution to lower these costs. I co-sponsored the bill to lift the nuclear power plant ban as I believe this will allow our state to explore all the options to meet our energy demands, produce low-cost energy, and help boost our economy and provide more good paying jobs.”

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ALTON - Community members are invited to the Lucy Haskell Playhouse on Saturday, Sept. 9, to celebrate the dedication of their new gazebo. The Haskell Playhouse Association is excited to unveil its newest addition to the Alton community. From 10 a.m. to noon, guests can also enjoy pony rides, music by the Muny Band and two special guests. “Not only is the building being upheld, but so is the spirit of community,” Haskell Playhouse Association member Debbie S chuneman said. “We feel we actually owe it to the community, because they help us in so many ways. It’s our way of saying thank you.” In April, the Association started talking about adding to the area around the playhouse. With their fundraising efforts and several local donors, they were able to fund and construct a gazebo with four benches inside. The dedication and ribbon cutting will start at 10 a.m. on Sept. 9, followed by free activities until noon. “And by George, we have

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O’FALLON — On Friday, Nov. 3, at the 2023 Elizabethan Gala fundraiser, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Foundation will present Catherine Taylor Yank, owner and CEO of Jim Taylor, Inc., aka Taylor Roofing, with the 2023 Elizabethan Award. The award recognizes Catherine Taylor Yank for her commitment to HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and the expansion of healthcare services in southwestern Illinois. Catherine Taylor Yank is a longtime advocate of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and has dedicated years of service as a volunteer leader and philanthropist. Taylor Yank served on the HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Foundation Leadership Council (formerly the Friends of St. Elizabeth’s Hospital Board) from 2009 to 2023. Likewise, she served on the Hospital Sisters of St. Francis Foundation Board until July of this year. In 2017, Taylor Yank and her husband Greg Yank donated a $1 million life insurance policy to HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Foundation in support of the St. Elizabeth’s

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Friday, August 25, 2023, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued charges on suspect Rashaud First, 21 years of age, of the 1400 block of Lasalle Lane in St. Louis, Missouri 63104, for Resisting Arrest by Fleeing and Endangering the Welfare of a Child. A booking photo of First is attached. First is being held on $100,000 cash only, no 10%, bond. The probable cause statement reads: On the afternoon of 8/24/2023, Saint Louis County Detectives observed a dark blue Dodge Challenger with no license plates and heavily tinted windows on Halls Ferry Road. Detectives attempted to stop the vehicle but the vehicle fled at a high rate of speed, weaving in and out of traffic and failing to obey traffic control devices. A tire deflation device was deployed successfully. Near Riverview and Scranton the driver, (the defendant) threw a semi-automatic pistol out of the window. The vehicle came to rest near Scranton and West and the defendant exited the vehicle

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DOW - The Tri-County Antique Club “Olden Days” festival is coming up this weekend with two days jam-packed with activities and events for all ages, including live music, a car show, raffle drawing, food, games, and much more. The festivities kick off on Saturday, Aug. 26 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by Sunday, Aug. 27 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., on the Tri-County Antique Club grounds at 23946 State Highway 3 in Dow. The cost of admission is $5 per person and free for children 12 and under. Breakfast will be served on both days from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and other food will be available throughout. Saturday features Apple Pie Judging, two tractor pulls, and more, while Sunday features a car show, raffle drawing, and more. Saturday will also bring live music from a DJ, while Sunday will see a performance by Jim on Keyboard. A raffle drawing will be held on Sunday with prizes including a handmade quilt, pedal tractor, Sinclair Foods gift certificates, and much more. Raffle

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SPRINGFIELD – Eleven grants totaling nearly $750,000 have been awarded to Illinois land trusts to support stewardship on land protected by the Illinois Nature Preserves Commission, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources announced. The Nature Institute was awarded $78,500 for work in Madison County. Hire staff and purchase equipment to support ecological restoration through prescribed fire implementation and invasive species removal at John M. Olin Nature Preserve and Mississippi Sanctuary Nature Preserve. The goal of the Natural Areas Stewardship Grant program is to increase the delivery of much-needed stewardship activities to natural areas that are permanently protected within the nature preserves system. Stewardship needs on natural areas throughout Illinois have continued to outpace the ability to deliver these services by individuals, volunteers, organizations, and government agencies. This grant program is designed to fund projects that address this deficiency

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GODFREY – Melissa McKaig, of Jerseyville, joined the Lewis and Clark Community College Board of Trustees as the student representative in April 2023. McKaig is working on earning her associate degree in Nursing and plans to graduate in Spring 2025. She said she is honored to be able to serve L&C and does not take her responsibilities lightly. “My goal is to listen to my classmates and the staff on and off campus so that I can represent all of us in the best way possible,” she said. “We have a great campus, but like any organization, there is always room for improvement.” President Ken Trzaska said McKaig is a pleasure to work with. “The role of student trustee is vital, as the student serving in that role is the student body’s voice on the Board of Trustees,” Trzaska said. “McKaig takes this role seriously and performs her duties with the utmost professionalism.” McKaig decided to attend L&C because it i

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River Mayor Tom Stalcup has issued a statement regarding the city’s fifth annual Food Truck Festival and said work is being done on a compromise to hold the event. “The City of Wood River is glad that work is being done on a compromise to have the Food Truck Festival,” Stalcup wrote in a press release. “It is clear that this event is a favorite in our community. “We understand that the City needs better oversight on events like these and hope to move in a positive direction. Going forward, we will be reviewing our guidelines to be sure that events will benefit all businesses in the event areas.” The mayor said Wood River is experiencing “growing pains” between the business owners contributing to its revitalization. “I’m grateful that we have so many passionate business owners and residents that are committed to the revitalization and growth of our city. Sometimes when you have passionate people doing grea

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VENICE - Venice Community School District #3 has announced that they will build a new elementary school, with plans to break ground in Spring 2024. “What we’re looking forward to, as a school district, staff, community and students, is just opportunity,” Superintendent Cynthia Tolbert said. “Our educational learning environment is going to be better. We’re going to be able to offer more opportunities for the children. We’re going to have learning spaces that are going to be conducive to student learning.” This new building will mark the end of a tumultuous few years in the district. The previous Venice Elementary School was deemed structurally unsafe and condemned in September 2020. Students and teachers used virtual learning during the 2020–2021 school year before locating to the Melvin Price Depot in Granite City, a previous U.S. Army base, for the 2021–2022 year. Tolbert noted that the space has not been ideal. The district

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ALTON - Jennifer Sillivan has always loved sunsets. Now that she’s an empty-nester, she catches every one she can. Each night, she sets up a chair in front of the empty bank building near Alton Square Mall. She takes off her shoes and socks. And for 45 minutes, she sits with her feet in the grass and watches the sky. “It’s physically helpful and spiritually helpful,” Sillivan said. “And then it’s just a time to reflect on the day. What I loved, what I would like to be different. It’s just peace.” Sillivan started this ritual for herself, but she’s been pleasantly surprised to find that it resonates with other people, too. Recently, a man stopped his car, rolled down the window and asked what she was doing. When she explained, he asked if he could join her. “I said that would be lovely,” Sillivan remembered. “He was younger than me, and lonely. He said that he was lonely. And he just talked and talked and talked,

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ALTON - Over a year in the making, Bella’s Fashion 305 is celebrating their grand opening this weekend with food, a bounce house and lots of great clothing and products. Located at 1300 East Broadway, Bella’s Fashion 305 will sell clothing, perfume, accessories, candles and various household products at an affordable price. From 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 25–27, they will also sponsor giveaways and cookouts to mark their grand opening. “I just want to give the community something different,” owner Aaron Crowder said. “My clothes come from Miami and California. I pick out my own clothes, and I just want to give the community something different and cheaper.” He aims to choose clothing in styles that people might not usually find in the Alton area. In addition to clothes, the store will offer several personal and household items, including LED mirrors, wireless earbuds, wall prints and more. His goal is to keep every item under $20. This opening

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GLEN CARBON - Preliminary site plans for a new Heartland Dental office and two other commercial buildings in Glen Carbon’s Meridian Plaza have been approved following a vote from the Glen Carbon Village Board of Trustees on Tuesday. The new Heartland Dental office will measure 4,200 square feet and will be constructed on Lot 4 of Meridian Plaza along Route 157. The two commercial buildings will be zoned for commercial/office use and will be constructed on Lot 2. While a few tenants for these buildings have been identified, no further information about them was publicly available yet. Director of Community Development Erika Heil said at the Village Board meeting Tuesday that all of the necessary code requirements have been met and the plans have been unanimously approved by the appropriate committees. The Village Board unanimously gave the plans their final approval and construction on both projects is expected to move forward, though an exact timeline is still

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CREAL SPRINGS – Governor JB Pritzker and Saline River Farms today joined local leaders and partners to break ground on Saline River Farms’ new state-of-the-art USDA meat processing facility. Supported by the Economic Development for a Growing Economy Tax Credit (EDGE) program and a $1.5 million grant through the Meat & Poultry Supply Chain Capital Grant Program along with a $6 million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Saline River Farms’ expansion will create more than 400 jobs over the next several years. “This facility will soon become a state-of-the-art, 60,000 square-foot USDA meat processing plant — simultaneously improving our nation’s food supply by producing hundreds of thousands of pounds of beef a day while creating good-paying full-time jobs,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “More food getting to consumers’ grocery aisles and more jobs for hard-working Southern and Central Illinoisans is a win-win.

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SMITHTON, Ill. - COUNTRY Financial Representative Deric Blaha is pleased to support the Smithton Volunteer Fire Department with a donation of $1,500. The funds will be used to support the purchase of a new grain chute to be used during grain bin rescues. Today, grain bin structures serve as critically important facilities for farm operators to store and safeguard their harvests. But beneath this innocuous structure lies a hidden danger that, all too often, claims lives. Grain bin entrapments have been on the rise for years. Purdue University’s Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department has been documenting and investigating these incidents since the 1970s. In its most recent study, in 2022, the group tracked 83 cases including 24 fatalities. This represents a 41% increase over the 59 entrapment cases reported in just the year prior. “Grain bin incidents often lead to severe injuries and fatalities and take an immense emotional toll on farming communities,”

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul, as part of a coalition of 18 attorneys general, filed an amicus brief , defending Delaware’s commonsense laws that restrict access to assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines. Raoul and the coalition filed their brief in Delaware State Sportsmen’s Association, Inc. v. Delaware Department of Safety and Homeland Security in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. The attorneys general argue that the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution does not prevent states from enacting reasonable firearms regulations, including those that restrict the possession of unusually dangerous weapons and accessories to protect public safety, prevent crime and reduce the harms caused by gun violence. “I support Delaware and its commonsense laws to restrict access to assault weapons and large-capacity ammunition magazines. Like Illinois, Delaware is actively protecting its citizens and communities from deadly firearms,&rdquo

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