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ST. CLAIR COUNTY - When Waterloo resident Mary Kinsey was killed last week in a tragic accident near Millstadt in St. Clair County, the single mother and nurse left behind two young boys. Mary died on July 12, 2022, at age 49, in a crash in the 3500 block of Bonsai in St. Louis at about 10:45 p.m. Mary was very devoted to her boys, her church, and Catholic High School. To honor Kinsey, a GoFundMe fundraiser was created to help her sons. "As a single mother, Mary worked full-time as a nurse and tirelessly supported her boys making all of their activities her top priority. Mary’s boys were her entire world," the GoFundMe reads. "She gave her talents generously to support athletics at Ss. Peter & Paul Catholic School as the President of the Booster Club and has served as the Chairperson of the Ss. Peter & Paul Church Picnic. “The loss is overwhelming for these young boys who must face the future without their beloved mother. Through God’s grace, Mary has raised resilient

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CARLINVILLE - The exploration of caves will be the topic of a one-hour, free program hosted by the Carlinville Public Library at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2. “Introduction to Caving: Safe, Fun, Responsible” will be presented by Jeffery Gosnell of Carlinville, a skilled cave explorer whose TikTok videos have attracted millions of views. Gosnell has explored caves for over twenty-one years, including hundreds of wild caves in Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia. He has assisted in the surveys of five previously unmapped caves. His presentation will discuss the science of the formation of caves, the wildlife of caves, rules of responsible cave exploration, and suggestions on how to begin exploring Illinois caves. “The presentation will appeal to both those who would just like to learn about caves without ever setting foot underground,” remarked Gosnell, “as well as those who would like to try caving for themselves.”

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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois State Police (ISP), under the direction of Governor Pritzker, submitted an emergency rule change to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office implementing broader use of clear and present danger reports that can bar applicants from receiving a Firearm Owners Identification (FOID) card or revoke a current FOID card. The rule change allows for the use and maintenance of historic clear and present danger information even if the subject was not actively seeking or holding a FOID card at the time a Clear and Present Danger report was made and allows for use of these reports in possible future evaluations. Since 2013, administrative rules have unnecessarily limited and complicated the ability of the Illinois State Police to consider Clear and Present Danger information over time. For example, the former administrative rule required a Clear and Present Danger to be “impending”, “imminent”, “substantial” or “significant.”

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ST. LOUIS, July 15, 2022 - Schnuck Markets, Inc. today announced that Schnucks customers, vendors and the company itself pledged a gift of $850,000 to benefit the Folds of Honor Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of veterans who were killed or injured in the line of duty. The Round Up at the Register campaign, which ran May 25 – July 4 at all Schnucks locations, enabled customers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar to benefit the foundation. One hundred percent of the funds will benefit Folds of Honor and will provide 170 educational scholarships. “Each year, our teammates, our vendor partners, and most importantly, our customers, join us on the Schnucks mission to Nourish People’s Lives by helping to provide educational scholarships to family members of injured and fallen service members through Folds of Honor,” said Schnucks Chairman and CEO Todd Schnuck. “Because of ou

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(BUZZ MAGAZINE) - America's first president, George Washington (1789-97) is responsible for the great success of the mule in the United States. A farmer and owner of a large plantation in Virginia, he was always searching for ways to improve agricultural procedures and products. He believed that progress for America depended on strong and hardy work animals, and was convinced that this meant the mule. Mules - a cross between a male donkey and a female horse - can do an equivalent amount of work as horse - or more - with less food and water. They also suffer less injuries and live longer than a horse. “Three mules can do the equivalent work of two draft horses on half the feed and not get hurt doing it,” said Ed Murphy of Murphy’s Draft Mules in Farmersville, a small town about 20 miles south of Springfield. Murphy's Mules is a fourth-generation, family-owned farm that raises prize winning draft mules. Presently, the operation is managed by Edward Murphy

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Edwardsville Police Department recorded 6 impaired driving arrests during the recent Fourth of July “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” safety campaigns with a host of other violations. The Edwardsville Police Department joined forces with more than 200 other state and local law enforcement agencies to get drunk and drugged drivers off our roads, encourage seat belt use, and enforce speeding and other traffic laws. Edwardsville Police Department Lt. Barry Jones said the effort featured high-visibility enforcement combined with a variety of outreach activities, including the Illinois Department of Transportation’s new media campaign: “It’s Not a Game.” The enforcement period was funded by federal traffic safety funds administered by IDOT as part of the statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Click It or Ticket” programs. In addition to the 6 DUI arrests, Officer

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New 9-8-8 helpline launches Saturday, July 16 MARYVILLE – The National Suicide Prevention Hotline’s 9-8-8 dial code is set to activate on Saturday, July 16, and State Senator Kris Tharp is highlighting its importance to community wellness in the Metro East. “In my experience as a law enforcement officer and jail administrator in Madison County, I can attest to the importance of offering services and support to individuals struggling with their mental health,” said Tharp (D-Bethalto). “I encourage residents to spread the word on this new 9-8-8 helpline, it could save a life.” For support, individuals in need can dial 9-8-8 on a phone to be connected with a trained mental health professional who can provide direct assistance during an emotional crisis. In Illinois’ Fiscal Year 2023 budget, implemented as of July 1 of this year, mental health care and community-based substance use disorder treatment providers were appropriated an increase o

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ALTON - Stutz Excavating has moved in an efficient fashion with the demolition of the old Alton building next to Germania. By the end of Monday, it appears much of the demo project will be completed. On Monday morning, Stutz was in place with a full team removing remains from the demolition. Stutz began the project on Friday and the building was dropped to the ground Friday afternoon.

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CHICAGO - This week is Lottery Week, which is a celebration of the role lotteries play in generating essential funding for their communities. Lottery Week runs from July 17th to 23rd and is a celebration of lotteries across the United States and Canada, in acknowledgment of their collective contributions to the communities they serve. “The Illinois Lottery has been part of local communities across the State of Illinois for almost 50 years with the primary purpose of generating funding to support K-12 education across the State,” said Harold Mays, Lottery Director. “When people play the Lottery, it’s a win for our state. Since 1985, Lottery players have helped generate more than $23 billion in essential revenue for the Common School Fund, which goes to support thousands of schools across the state.” “That’s a big win for the two million public school students and their families. About a quarter of every dollar spent on the Lottery goes t

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ALTON - Here is the weekly update regarding new and changing road conditions due to the ongoing sewer separation project. A link to the weekly update can be found here.

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EAST ALTON – The National Great Rivers Research and Education Center (NGRREC sm ) is welcoming three new environmental technicians to assist with field and laboratory support for various research projects. The technicians will primarily be monitoring the ecology and conservation efforts surrounding amphibians, reptiles, dragonflies, and damselflies. “I really like the tangible impact our work and findings have on the scientific understanding of amphibian ecology, and it feels like I am doing something beneficial for the world,” Environmental Technician Andrew Wilk said. “I also really enjoy working with this community of scientists.” The technicians will be working mostly with John Crawford, terrestrial wildlife ecologist, to continue data collection on the bird-voiced treefrog project in Southern Illinois as well as a salamander study taking place in the Smoky Mountains National Park that has been running for over 20 years. The newest project is a dragonfl

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ROLLING MEADOWS – Illinois State Police (ISP) officials announce the sentencing of Volodymyr Dragan, a 46-year-old male of Wheeling, IL, to 57 years in the Illinois Department of Corrections for Attempted Murder of an ISP Trooper and Aggravated Unlawful Restraint of another Trooper. The sentence resulted from two related 2019 incidents during which the defendant held one Trooper a gunpoint and shot another ISP officer during an attempted apprehension of the defendant. On August 15, 2019, ISP Officers executed an arrest/search warrant for Dragan at his residence in Wheeling, IL (Cook County). The arrest/search warrant stemmed from an earlier incident in which Dragan held an ISP Trooper at gunpoint during a traffic stop. During the execution of the warrant, shots were fired from inside Dragan’s residence, and an ISP Officer was shot through the forearm. The second ISP officer sustained life-threatening injuries and later recovered. At the time of the shooting, th

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ALTON - On Wednesday, July 20th from 2-6:30 p.m., Foster Township Hall will be hosting a blood drive sponsored by 'Given' it All for Guts'. Givin' It All For Guts is a local non-profit that raises funds to support the research of Crohn's Disease, Colitis, and IBD illnesses here at the Washington University in St. Louis. Our organization works with the Director, Dr. Matthew Ciorba, and has donated over $40,000 to date. Our donations have allowed Dr. Ciorba and his team of researchers to secure larger grants and continue their ground-breaking research. Along with our monetary contributions, we donate many care bags to local physician offices and infusion centers that help Crohn's and IBD patients during their visits. During the pandemic when most non-profits had to suspend fundraising efforts, Givin' It All For Guts saw a need and wanted to assist the communities in which we reside. We have successfully hosted many blood drives and will be hosting the next one in Fosterburg, IL.

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SPRINGFIELD - Secretary of State Jesse White is reminding residents to be on alert for scams claiming to be from the Secretary of State’s office or from “Illinois DMV” seeking personal information to defraud Illinoisans. White said there is a new round of fraudsters’ attempts to entice the public into falling victim to scam texts and emails. “I have zero tolerance for scammers who prey on people in desperate times,” said White. “My office is committed to protecting Illinoisans from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.” The most recent scam is a text message claiming to be from “Illinois DMV.” The text message states, “Due to increased fuel prices, State of Illinois has initiated rebate payments of $1500 per vehicle. Check eligibility.” This is a scam; do not click on the link. Visiting these fraudulent websites could place malware on the recipients’ devices or trick them into disclosing sensitive

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KANSAS CITY, MO. - Rockhurst University awarded 733 degrees at its spring commencement ceremony, held May 14, 2022, at Municipal Auditorium in downtown Kansas City. The following students were awarded degrees: Granite City, IL Nicholas Wilmsmeyer, Bachelor of Science The program featured two student speakers, with Emily Dickson, a nursing major, representing undergraduate students, and Joseph Straws, a Doctor of Physical Therapy recipient, representing graduate students. About Rockhurst University Rockhurst University, founded in 1910 and located in the heart of Kansas City, Missouri, is a Catholic university in the Jesuit tradition committed to providing inclusive, innovative and transformative education. As a comprehensive university and supportive community of nearly 4,000 students, its mission is to form lifelong learners in the liberal arts tradition who engage the complexities of our world and serve others as compassionate, thoughtful leaders. U.S. News

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GRANITE CITY - Granite City Community Unit School District No. 9 will host a Back to School Physical and Vaccine Clinic on Thursday, July 28 from Noon-4 p.m. at the Granite City High School Gym Annex. This event will be held to help protect students and others by meeting vaccination and school physical requirements. All incoming kindergarteners, 6th graders, and high school freshmen are required to have a school physical and updated shot records. WHEN Thursday, July 28 - Noon-4 p.m. WHERE • Granite City High School Gym Annex, 3101 Madison Ave. INFORMATION Who is eligible: Preschool-12th graders Appointments preferred, walk-ins welcome Patient’s Insurance including public insurance (Medicaid) will be billed for service No out-of-pocket fees for those who are eligible If you do not have insurance or have questions about vaccines please call Madison County Health Department at 618-692-8954, Ext. 2 WHAT TO BRING: Child with their parent or guardia

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BETHALTO - James (Jim) Cloninger didn't single-handily bring baseball to Bethalto, but he sure did have a big part in it. In 1972 Jim brought the Khoury League Baseball and Softball program to Bethalto. He and many volunteers helped build the original three ball diamonds at Southside Park as well as building the concession stands. All of those things are still there today. In memory and in honor of Jim a plaque will be hung up at the diamonds at Southside Park with a small ceremony taking place with Jim's former coaches and players. The plaque (pictured above) tells the story of how Jim had a dream and did what was necessary to make that dream come true. The Khoury League eventually grew into what is now select baseball, but back in the early 70s it got people into the game. Jim's daughter Bonnie Coleman remembers spending a lot of time out at those three diamonds with her dad. She still hangs out there sometimes now with her son who usually umpires games. She believes

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HARDIN - Tamitha M. Suttles, 33, of Jerseyville, is in custody for a pair of charges - residential burglary and theft over $500. On July 16, 2022, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office arrested Suttles. The investigation began on May 3, 2022, when the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a residential burglary and theft complaint in the 300 block of West Main Street, Hardin, Calhoun County, Illinois. Over the course of several months, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office developed suspect information and attempted to locate the suspect(s) involved. On July 15, 2022, Suttles was arrested on an active Calhoun County warrant for Failure to Appear on a charge of Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine. Suttles was lodged in the Jersey County Jail. On July 16, 2022, the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office interviewed Suttles and arrested her on the aforesaid new charges. The incident remains under investigation and further arrests are pending. All

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KAMPSVILLE - Zachary T. Blumenberg, 35, of Kampsville, faces drug-related charges after a court-authorized search warrant was done by the Calhoun Sheriff's Office at 8:38 p.m. on July 15, 2022, at his residence in the 100 block of North St. Louis Avenue in Kampsville. The Calhoun Sheriff's Office said subsequent to the execution of said search warrant, law enforcement officials discovered methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and hypodermic syringes. Subsequent to an investigation, Blumenberg was arrested on the following charges: Calhoun County Felony Warrant for Possession of Methamphetamine Calhoun County Warrant for Failure to Appear, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of Hypodermic Syringes. He was arrested without incident and lodged in the Greene County Jail. The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Pike County Sheriff’s Office. Blumenberg remains lodged in the Greene County

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CHAMPAIGN — A new analysis of reports from more than 35,000 people offers the most comprehensive assessment so far of menstrual changes experienced by pre- and post-menopausal individuals in the first two weeks after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Published in the journal Science Advances, the study adds to the evidence that significant numbers of people experience this unexpected side effect. “Menstruating and formerly menstruating people began sharing that they experienced unexpected bleeding after being administered a COVID-19 vaccine in early 2021,” the scientists who led the study wrote. Because vaccine trials typically do not ask about menstrual cycles or bleeding, this side effect was largely ignored or dismissed. Doctors who weighed in on the subject after hearing early reports about post-vaccination menstrual changes were often dismissive of patients’ concerns , said Kathryn Clancy , a professor of anthropology at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

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