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CHICAGO – Illinois Lottery players have a chance to win the largest Lotto jackpot of the year tonight - a massive $21.95 million. The last time the Lotto jackpot was more than this was in December 2018, when a single ticket purchased at a gas station in Prospect Heights took home the top prize of $22.5 million. So far this year, three Illinois Lottery players have won $1 million or more playing Lotto. Nearly six million winning Lotto tickets have been sold, and over $24 million in prizes were won in 2023. Lotto is an Illinois-only game that is played three times a week on Monday, Thursday, and Saturday. Lotto can be played for $2 per line, and tickets can be purchased in-store, online, or on the Illinois Lottery’s mobile app. ### About the Illinois Lottery: Founded in 1974, the Illinois Lottery has contributed over $24 billion (since 1985) to the state’s Common School Fund to assist K-12 public schools, as well as hundreds of millions of dollars to the Capital

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JERSEYVILLE - Keith Norman, executive director of Jersey County Emergency Management, released information from the National Weather Service on Wednesday afternoon about an Excessive Heat Warning through Friday for the region and where those in the county could go in case of a need. "A dangerous heat wave will continue through Friday," the news release from the Weather Service said. "Heat index values of 105-115 degrees are expected with locally higher values possible. This prolonged heat, coupled with little relief due to warm nightly temperatures, will pose health risks to vulnerable groups and those susceptible to heat-related illness." "Relief from the heat remains on track for this weekend, with below-normal temperatures forecast by Sunday." Norman said to Jersey County citizens - Daytime Cooling Centers Due to the dangerous heat that is now predicted to continue through Friday, Jersey County EMA has partnered with the Cities of Jerseyville, Grafton, Elsah, Otterville Baptist

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O’FALLON — When a friend or family member is grieving, it can be difficult to know what to say or do. Many people are afraid of saying or doing the wrong thing, but helping in small ways can be a source of comfort. HSHS Director of Post-Acute Care Amy Frederking, RN, BSN, explained, “What most people need after a loss is comfort and caring from family and friends; it doesn’t take much. Truly listening, acknowledging their feelings, running errands or simply being present for them are some ways you can support a grieving friend or family member.” According to National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), it is important to remember that there is no right way to grieve. Please be careful not to impose your ideas, beliefs and expectations on someone else, no matter how much you think it might help. Understand that the way a person might respond to a loss will reflect the cultural and family traditions that are unique to them. HSHS

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TROY – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that bridge repairs on U.S. 40 between Triad Lane and the Illinois 162/U.S. 40 intersection in Madison County will require intermittent lane closures for the two-part project starting, weather permitting, Friday, Aug. 25, at 7 a.m. Flaggers will maintain two-way traffic. This portion of the project is expected to be complete by the end of the day. To complete bridge repairs for the next portion of the project, one lane will be closed on the Silver Creek Bridge beginning Monday, Aug. 28. Temporary traffic signals will maintain two-way traffic for the duration of the project, which is expected to be completed by the end of November. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area

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ALTON - Alton Alderman Ray Strebel of the 3rd Ward will present a resolution which would authorize the execution of Ameren Illinois’ Energy Efficient Program Incentive Application and payment release authorization regarding decorative lighting on the Clark Bridge. Also, a resolution authorizing the disbursement of American Rescue Plan Act funds for projects within the City of Alton will be part of the discussion Wednesday night at Council along with a resolution authorization the execution of an Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Alton and Alton Township. Alderman Strebel said when he was first elected, a close friend of his, Scott Dixon, another local resident, showed him a bridge in Memphis that had its lighting redone and he thought it was amazing. He also said with LED changes, the cost savings to the city would be enormous. “It was a huge project, but I took the idea to Cory Jobe of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau, and Cory and I seem to shar

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ALTON - Four hours, 19 food trucks, 5,000 people. This is what you can expect at Alton’s Food Truck Festival from 4–8 p.m. this Saturday, Aug. 26 at the Alton Amphitheater. The Food Truck Festival is a favorite for local foodies. Attendees have the chance to try new dishes, support small businesses and enjoy a fun Saturday in Alton. “It’s just great to see so many people having a great time on the riverfront,” Dan Herkert said. “I’m biased, but we’ve got the best riverfront in the country…and it’s only going to get better.” Herkert is the chair of the Alton Amphitheater Committee, which partners with Sauce Magazine to organize the festival. Sauce Magazine promotes restaurants and sponsors food events across the Metro East. Herkert noted that their work has encouraged many food trucks to return to Alton’s festival every year because the event is so successful. There are currently 19 food trucks lined up,

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WOOD RIVER - The Wood River City Council officially voted to rename Old Alton Edwardsville Road to Tyler Timmins Drive during their meeting on Monday, Aug. 21. Tyler Timmins was a Pontoon Beach police officer who grew up in Wood River. He was shot and killed by a suspect in 2021. The shooter was sentenced to life in prison for Timmins’s murder. The road was originally slated to be named “Timmins Drive.” Mayor Tom Stalcup asked for this to be amended to “Tyler Timmins Drive.” The council voted to allow this amendment, and then they voted again to approve the renaming of the street. Both votes were unanimously in favor. Timmins is survived by his wife and daughter. Before the vote, Stalcup recognized the family members who were present at the meeting. He read the following statement in honor of Tyler Timmons: “We are honoring the legacy of Officer Tyler Timmins of the Pontoon Beach, Illinois, Police Department, who was shot and killed in

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HARDIN - A Jerseyville woman - 37-year-old Ashley M. Richey - was arrested by the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office at a deputy conducted a traffic stop at 5:29 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. A deputy with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Illinois Route 100, near Poor Farm Hollow Road in Hardin, Calhoun County. The Calhoun Sheriff's Office said Richey was arrested for the following offenses: Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The sheriff's office said Richey was arrested without incident and transported to the Jersey County Jail. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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DU QUOIN – Out of an abundance of caution and to ensure safety of parade participants and spectators, the Du Quoin State Fair Parade is canceled for Friday evening, August 25. The decision was reached after consultation with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and working with forecasts from the National Weather Service. The ribbon cutting ceremony will continue as scheduled at 5:30pm. “With forecasts projecting a high of 100 degrees and heat indexes between 111 and 117 degrees, we feel canceling the parade is in the best interest of our parade participants,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II . “This is not to take away from people enjoying the fair safely, but to avoid a clustering of families along the parade route and parade participants in costumes and uniforms from overheating. We are working to ensure the safety of all fairgoers and we encourage all to enjoy the Du Quoin State Fair safely. With the exception of

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced the first Illinois human West Nile virus (WNV)-related death in 2023. Testing by CDC confirmed the case was WNV-related. The individual, who was in their 90’s and lived in suburban Cook County, had an onset of symptoms of WNV in early August and died soon after. IDPH is also reporting 11 non-fatal cases of WNV confirmed to date this year. “We are sad to report the first death of the year from West Nile virus in Illinois,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra . “This death and the 11 additional cases are a stark reminder that West Nile virus poses a serious risk, especially to older people and those with weakened immune systems. While the weather is warm and mosquitoes are breeding, we should all take precautions to ‘Fight the Bite’. Please protect yourself and your loved ones by reducing exposures, repelling insects with clothing and repellants, and reporting locations at

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ST. LOUIS - Journalist Ray Hartmann broke the nationally-recognized news story about a Chesterfield man and “Sound of Freedom” crowdfunder who was charged as an accessory to child kidnapping. Hartmann discussed his perspective on the story, as well as the upcoming Republican Presidential Debate and more on Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com . The “Sound of Freedom” crowdfunder was identified as Fabian Marta of Chesterfield. While Marta was one of thousands of financial contributors to the film, the story caught national media attention due to the contradictory nature of the charges filed against him and the film’s plot about a former government agent rescuing children from human traffickers. Hartmann said he was happy to see his story gain national attention - not because of the charges or the film, but for an entirely different reason concerning Marta’s local reputation. “What I found out with sources is that Mr. Marta was better

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - The St. Louis Prosecuting Attorney's Office announced today it has issued charges against an 18-year-old suspect - Amanuel Taylor-Hutt - on Monday, August 21, 2023, of the 3000 block of N. Waterford Drive in Florissant, Missouri 63033, for Murder Second Degree, Armed Criminal Action, and Delivery of a Controlled Substance. A mugshot of the suspect was not available, police said. The deceased has been identified as Ra’hmello Stewart, 24, of the 11900 block of Iguana Terrace, St. Louis, Missouri, 63138. Preliminary investigation has revealed this homicide occurred as a result of a personal dispute between individuals known to one another. The probable cause statement reads: "On June 29, 2022, at approximately 1:35 a.m., Saint Louis County Police were called to the 11900 block of Iguana Terrace for a reported shooting. Upon responding to the scene, the victim, R.S., is observed to be suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. One 9mm shell casing was found

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ALTON - Members of VFW Post #1308 have given a lot through their military service. Now, it’s time for Alton to give back to them. The Post #1308 building, located at 4445 North Alby Street, will receive a new ceiling next week courtesy of Home Depot and community volunteers. The new tiles will sustain the building and keep it safe for veterans who utilize the VFW’s services. Associates from the Alton Home Depot branch will be out bright and early on Tuesday, Aug. 29 to replace the ceiling tiles. “We’re so thankful that somebody’s thinking about the VFW and trying to help us out,” Bob Myers, a Post #1308 member, said. “Our first goal is to help any and all veterans. This will help out a lot and bring attention that, hey, we’re still here.” VFW Post #1308 provides resources and support for veterans and their families. The Post is also open to the public, with a bar, Queen of Hearts drawings, bands, events and a hall available

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EDWARDSVILLE – Visitors to the Edwardsville Schnucks store this weekend will be able to chat with members of the Edwardsville Police Department and support a great cause: Special Olympics Illinois. Past and present members of the Police Department will volunteer their time on Friday, Saturday and Sunday (August 25-27) at the entrance to Schnucks, 2222 Troy Road. They will be collecting donations and selling special edition Law Enforcement Torch Run T-shirts, hats, pins and raffle tickets. The effort supports Special Olympics Illinois, which provides training and competition for more than 55,000 athletes, coaches, volunteers and other partners in the state. The volunteers will be at Schnucks this Friday from 4-8 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Edwardsville Officer Haylee Doerflein is heading up the local effort and hoping for an enthusiastic response from the community. Doerflein, who is marking her one-year anniversary with the department, said the cause

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ST. LOUIS - Schnuck Markets, Inc. is debuting two new options for customers who are looking for convenience while shopping at Schnucks and Eatwell Market stores. Previously, customers wishing to redeem Schnucks Rewards points or purchase gift cards at Schnucks had to visit a traditional check lane. Now these two actions can be completed when using self checkouts that are available at a vast majority of the company’s stores. “We continue to listen to our customers’ feedback and work to bring them more efficient shopping experiences in our stores,” said Schnucks IT Director Michael Wait. “Shoppers who prefer the convenience of self checkout can now enjoy the same perks and products as those who use our traditional check lanes.” To redeem Schnucks Rewards Points at self checkout, customers simply tap the “Schnucks Rewards” button on the terminal when ready to pay, open their Schnucks Rewards app, select “My Rewards” on the app

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EDWARDSVILLE - Prairie Farms Dairy is celebrating its 85th anniversary, and to commemorate the company's long-term commitment to the State of Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker issued a proclamation naming 2023 as the 85th Anniversary of Prairie Farms Dairy. Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II presented the proclamation to Prairie Farms during a ceremony at the Illinois State Fair on August 19. Matt McClelland, Prairie Farms' Chief Executive Officer/Executive Vice President, and Prairie Farms' Board President, Frank Doll, accepted the proclamation from Director Costello. "As we celebrate our 85th anniversary, it was an honor to accept the proclamation on behalf of our hard- working farm families. I am grateful to the Governor's Office for recognizing our cooperative's accomplishments," said Matt McClelland, Prairie Farms' Chief Executive Officer/Executive Vice President. "Our dairy farmers' commitment to providing high-quality milk has kept our brand strong

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GLEN CARBON - Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois will host the 5 th annual United We Lead Gala on Saturday, September 9, 2023 at Gateway Convention Center in Collinsville, IL. The United We Lead Gala, themed “Lead The Way” in 2023, brings together a wide range of people who share the same desire – to be a difference in girls’ lives. “We’re so excited for our upcoming United We Lead Gala,” said Heidi Koehl Weaver, Director of Development for Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. “We have lots in store for our guests that evening; it’s going to be a great night!” Carol Daniel, an inspiring speaker who recently retired from KMOX, will deliver the keynote address that evening. Carol has spent over 40 years in the media industry, and her work has been honored and celebrated by numerous organizations and associations. Carol is now the Senior Producer and Host at Nine PBS. If you are a fan of jazz music, you will be in for a treat b

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WOOD RIVER - The William M. BeDell Achievement and Resource Center (ARC) memorialized former Recreation Director, Dave Logan, on Saturday, August 19, by unveiling a water feature at the administrative offices. Logan passed on June 5, 2021, after 40 years of employment with ARC. Executive Director, Chad Rollins, said, “We remember Dave and the great love he had for people. He was a true positive light for our clients, families and staff at ARC.” Rollins unveiled the water feature constructed by ARC staff following an outpouring of memorial donations. The seven-foot by nine-foot fountain includes a granite stone inscribed, Dave Logan – A life well lived, proud father of three sons: Robert, Christopher, Patrick. 40 years of dedication to the William M. BeDell ARC. Family, friends, staff and clients attended the dedication and shared many fond memories of Logan. He was remembered for his kindness, humor and unfailing devotion to his family and to the ARC clients. T

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police welcomed 15 new troopers today from Cadet Class 143 at a graduation ceremony at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield. The new troopers will report to nine different Troops throughout the state on Sunday, August 20, 2023. Cadet Class 143 marks the 15 th cadet class graduation under Governor JB Pritzker. The total number of ISP troopers added since 2019 now stands at 483. “I couldn’t be prouder to congratulate Cadet Class 143 on their graduation from the Illinois State Police Academy today,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “We’ve added 483 ISP troopers since I first took office in 2019—and I have no doubt that this Lateral Entry Training Program class of 15 experienced women and men will continue to protect and serve with dedication and honor.” Cadet Class 143 was a Lateral Entry Training Program (LETP) class. To be eligible for LETP, applicants must be a certified police officer having

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WOOD RIVER - Following a City Council meeting on Monday, Aug. 21, Wood River’s heavily-contested cannabis dispensary will move forward. The City Council voted on an ordinance authorizing a Redevelopment Agreement with Tatich 34 Wood River LLC. This ordinance was submitted by the TIF Committee and would provide TIF Financial Assistance for Tatich 34 Wood River LLC at their property at 56 East Ferguson in Wood River. As a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district, this property would be able to use revenue from sales taxes and property taxes for development projects. The Council voted 4–1 in favor of the ordinance, with Councilman Bill Dettmers voting no. City Manager Steve Palen noted that last night’s vote was the last “roadblock” for the property owners, who can now move forward with opening the dispensary. He added that Tatich 34 Wood River LLC will have to undergo the same planning and permitting processes that all businesses complete before opening

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