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SPRINGFIELD – An Alton pre-k teacher Amber Sims is a 2023 Illinois Education Association (IEA) RA winner. The state’s largest union, the Illinois Education Association (IEA), today honored those with an outstanding commitment to their schools, their students, their communities, and to public education. The awards were presented during the IEA Representative Assembly (RA). The RA is the legislative body of the IEA and helps the union set its agenda for the year. There are 1,200 IEA delegates, guests, and state dignitaries who attend the RA. The IEA award recipients were nominated and chosen for their awards by their peers. This was the nomination for Sims: Bob Haisman Teacher of the Year Award – Amber Sims (Alton) "Prior to becoming a pre-k teacher, Amber Sims was a paraprofessional in a classroom for students with autism. Amber enhances the image of a 'new teacher' by showing us that the title is not solely reserved for 22-year-olds. Anyone can become a new educator

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice (IDJJ) will host employment screening events in St. Charles and Alton next week. IDJJ has positions available at the five Illinois Youth Center locations in Chicago, Warrenville, St. Charles, Alton, and Harrisburg. Juvenile Justice Specialist positions have a starting salary of $54,648. Candidates must be an Illinois resident, at least 21 years of age, have a valid driver’s license and bachelor’s degree, and must be eligible to work in the United States. Interested applicants must attend a required screening event to be considered. March screening event details are listed below: Illinois Youth Center- 3825 Campton Hills Rd., St. Charles, IL March 21, 2023 Alton Mental Health Center, Auditorium, 4500 College Ave., Alton, IL March 23, 2023 All screenings begin at 8 a.m. and last four to six hours. Applicants should wear comfortable attire for physical agility testing and must complete an onlin

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today urged service members to be on the lookout for scammers pretending to be working for the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), and misleading individuals into sharing personal or financial information. Raoul said reported scams include imposter DFAS workers contacting service members and claiming there is an issue with the service members’ pay. The imposter DFAS worker demands confirmation of the service member’s personal information including name, rank and confirmation of their payroll deposit on www.myPay.dfas.mil, which is DFAS’s pay management website. The imposter then tells the service member they must return, by wire, gift card, or cryptocurrency, an incorrect payment the service member has received, which will immediately initiate a direct deposit of the correct amount. “Service members have worked hard for the pay and benefits they have received, while risking their lives for our country. The las

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GREENVILLE - A group of Greenville University students met with legislators, learned how to advocate for education policy, and more at a spring summit last month. Project L.E.A.D. (Leaders in Education Advocating for Diversity) is a task force of Greenville University education students who participate as student ambassadors, meeting monthly to discuss critical issues in diversity and equity in the field of education. Key events include two student summits in the fall and spring. Those summits bring students and faculty from multiple institutions across Illinois together to share ideas about diverse recruitment and scholarship, culturally responsive teaching and learning practices, and taking collective action toward social justice issues. During the 2022-23 school year, the Project L.E.A.D. group focused on learning how to be an education policy advocate, specifically receiving training on how to tell their story and meet with legislators to advocate for specific policies. This

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ALTON - People who have cardiac arrests may benefit from CPR, yet many people who witness cardiac arrest do not perform CPR. That’s why OSF Saint Anthony’s Health Center (1 St. Anthony’s Way, Alton) is hosting an upcoming first aid and CPR training class so Riverbend area residents are prepared to take action if necessary. The first aid and CPR training class will be held on Thursday, March 30, 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in the hospital’s Perpetual Help Center and led by a certified instructor. Space is limited and the deadline to register is Monday, March 27. The cost is $65.00/person. Registration can be completed by calling (618) 920-6816 or by email at susiesweetman22@gmail.com. “Knowing CPR and first aid can help save lives,” says Dennis E. Sands, MD, Chief Medical Officer, OSF Saint Anthony’s. “If your child or loved one isn't breathing, knowing how to do CPR could mean the difference between life and death. Emergencies can strik

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ST. LOUIS - Schnuck Markets, Inc. and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis (ULSTL) today announced that Schnucks customers and the company donated a total of $120,000 to support the Urban League through the third annual “Round Up at the Register” campaign that celebrated Black History Month in February. Customers donated $112,766 and Schnucks provided an additional $7,234. The campaign ran Wednesday, February 1 - Tuesday, February 14. Schnucks customers had the option at checkout to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar with 100 percent of donations in the St. Louis area supporting the non-profit organization’s Save Our Sons program, and round ups at Schnucks stores in other markets supporting the Urban League chapter in each respective area or the National Urban League. “We were honored to once again celebrate Black History Month with our decades-long partners at the Urban League,” said Todd Schnuck, Schnucks Chairman and CEO and pas

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced his office charged an Illinois Department of the Lottery employee on Wednesday for allegedly stealing books of instant lottery tickets and redeeming winning tickets for cash. A co-defendant is also accused of participating in the scheme by redeeming additional stolen tickets for cash. Attorney General Raoul charged Illinois Lottery employee Dean F. Derrick, 57, of Springfield, Illinois, with four counts of theft of governmental property greater than $500 but less than $10,000, Class 2 felonies punishable by three to seven years in prison; seven counts of official misconduct, Class 3 felonies punishable by two to five years in prison; and three counts of wire fraud, Class 3 felonies punishable by two to five years in prison. Derrick surrendered to the Sangamon County Jail on Wednesday after an arrest warrant was issued by the court. His bond was set at $15,000, and his next court date is scheduled for March 30. Raoul also charged Frazier

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS – The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Illinois announced Thursday the seizure of cryptocurrency valued at approximately $24,000 from an account believed to be involved in a fraud scheme against an O’Fallon resident. “Many of us are still learning the facts about buying and trading cryptocurrency, and as in many cases, scammers are targeting the vulnerable,” said U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe. “I appreciate the collaboration between the O’Fallon Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service for their efforts to recover the victim’s funds.” “The U.S. Secret Service is dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of U.S. financial systems and preventing the public from losing their hard-earned money to these types of scams,” said Stephen S. Webster, Resident Agent in Charge of the U.S. Secret Service Springfield Office. “Unfortunately, new technology has made it easier for individuals

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ROLLA, Mo. - Lee Coyle, a senior in engineering management from Granite City, Illinois, will be the First Guard in the 115th Celebration of St. Pat's at Missouri S&T. Andrew Winingar, a senior in engineering management from Independence, Missouri, will portray St. Patrick during the 115th celebration of St. Pat's at Missouri S&T. St. Pat and the court officially arrived on campus at approximately 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 15. Following a procession to the Jack Carney Puck and Plaza on the S&T campus, the court presided over the final day of Follies. The court will also participate in formal coronation ceremonies at 9 p.m. Friday, March 17, at Leach Theatre in Castleman Hall, located at 10th and Main streets in Rolla. Attendance is free and open to the public. At the event, the 2023 Queen of Love and Beauty will be crowned, and the Queen's Court will have titles bestowed. The 2023 celebration continues at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 18, with the St. Pat's Parade in downtown Rolla.

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SHIPMAN - The sister of Thomas Kelley, who was seriously injured in a car accident, has established a GoFundMe for him and his family members to assist with medical bills and other bills. Thomas owns a landscaping business and has been unable to work since the wreck. Thomas' sister, Sydney Hansen said: "Thomas is out of the hospital and doing much better, but he is still recovering from the injuries. He suffered a very bad brain bleed, plus other injuries." Hansen added: “It was a sudden tragedy and they need help for medical bills and she has also had to miss a lot of work, too. “They need help with house and car payments and more. Anything is appreciated, especially prayers and kind words to the family. “He will have quite a few months of physical therapy in his recovery. “We thank everyone for the prayers and encouragement they have provided the family so far.” Sydney describes her brother as “a very kind and very generous type. If anyone

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ALTON - David Eichen lived a life of service for nearly 30 years with the Alton Fire Department where he retired in November as a battalion chief, and he walked away with many memories of his days in uniform. Right after he retired, he said he hated to walk away and that it was very difficult, but he was ready for the next chapter of his life. David is also known for his ability to grow giant pumpkins and has been featured in multiple stories over the years with his late father, Howard. There is a photo that still circulates of a 200-pound whopper pumpkin the pair grew in 2013. He always gives away free pumpkins in his Alton neighborhood each year, again one of his many acts of service. He said since he retired, he made himself more available for his mother, who is in her 90s, and for friends. On David’s last day with the Alton Fire Department, Hit 'n Run had a serious fire in Alton, so he didn’t have any breaks before he closed his career on Nov. 21, 2022. Now, David

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EDWARDSVILLE - Doug Weber, vice president of Holland Construction Services, is the recipient of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s 2023 Construction Leadership Institute (CLI) Alumni Leadership Award. The CLI Alumni Leadership Award recognizes an outstanding graduate who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service to the St. Louis area building community. “CLI’s mission is to produce accomplished leaders who will improve the processes and outcomes in the construction industry,” said Chris Gordon, associate dean and professor in the Department of Construction and co-director of the Construction Leadership Institute. “We are delighted to present the CLI Alumni Leadership Award to Doug to recognize his outstanding record of industry leadership and active community engagement which exemplifies this mission.” Doug Weber was a member of the CLI’s 2009 class. Doug Weber has established himself as a prominent figure in the construction

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CARROLLTON - Several individuals have been arrested on charges including criminal sexual abuse, domestic battery, and more in Greene County since the beginning of March, according to the latest Jail Booking Report from the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. Harley D. Angel, 19, of Carrollton, was charged with criminal sexual abuse by use of force, and he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest out of Greene County. He was arrested by the Greene County Sheriff’s Department on March 1 and has since been released on bond. Devin D. Fair, 38, of Beardstown, was charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammo, title and registration offenses, and operating an uninsured motor vehicle. He was arrested by the Greene County Sheriff’s Department on March 11 and remains in custody. Patricia A. Kellington, 48, of Greenfield, was arrested by the Greene County Sheriff’s Department for battery and resisting a police officer. She was arrested on March 2 and has since

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CARROLLTON - The Greene County Sheriff’s Department has arrested three individuals for methamphetamine possession and other offenses in Greene County so far this month, according to their office’s latest Jail Booking Report. Trevor W. Hardwick, 41, of Hillview, was charged with possession of methamphetamine with the intent to deliver, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and he had an outstanding Failure To Appear warrant out of Greene County. He was arrested by the Greene County Sheriff’s Department on March 1 and remains in custody. Nicky D. Steveson, 45, of Roodhouse, was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and he had an outstanding Failure To Appear warrant out of Morgan County. He was arrested by the Roodhouse Police Department on March 7. The status of his release disposition was listed as “transferred,” though where he was transferred to was not noted. Madison L. Thomas-Reardon,

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ALTON - A few local Papa Johns locations are participating in a fundraiser to benefit the Alton Community Service League - the fundraiser begins today (March 16) and runs until this Sunday, March 19, at the Alton, Wood River, Glen Carbon, and Waterloo Papa Johns locations. Those who order Papa Johns from those locations on those days using the promo code “ACSL” will get 20% off their order, and 20% of that discounted price will be donated to the Alton Community Service League. Public Relations Chair Jean Conrady said that money goes right back into the community. “The Alton Community Service League really does a lot of volunteering, and also as part of raising funds, we also give back to the community all the funds that are raised in beautification or in ways to help other organizations get their groups going,” Conrady said. “We give back to the community in grants and we also do some beautification projects throughout the community.” She said

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with the CEO and President of Bi-State Development Taulby Roach to discuss MetroLink, the bistate transit system serving St. Louis and Metro East. During their meeting, the Senators heard from Mr. Roach about MetroLink’s new safety plan and proposed expansion to the transit system. Mr. Roach spoke about federal support for MetroLink, noting Durbin’s efforts to secure Federal Transit Administration (FTA) emergency relief funding to assist the transit system in recovering from extensive flooding in the Metro East region. “MetroLink fulfills an important service in keeping Illinois and Missouri connected,” said Durbin. “Senator Duckworth and I had an impactful conversation this afternoon with President of Bi-State Development Taulby Roach about the future of MetroLink and ensuring that the transit system remains safe and accessible for every

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, today sent a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Dr. Robert Califf urging them to enhance interagency coordination to address unlawfully marketed vaping products, and requesting more information about their enforcement efforts. Following a scathing independent review of FDA’s tobacco regulatory program that highlighted how inadequate enforcement efforts are jeopardizing public health, the agency recently announced its intention to convene a summit with DOJ related to tobacco enforcement, which Durbin’s letter commended. Durbin has slammed FDA for its continued lack of urgency as millions of children have begun using addictive e-cigarettes. For years, FDA has failed to regulate e-cigarettes—currently falling more than 18 months past a court-ordered deadline to review applications from vaping companies,

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GRANITE CITY - Seniors Dylan Boyd and Gwyneth Hale of Granite City High School were selected as Granite City Elks Lodge #1063 Students of the Month for February. The Elks Student of the Month Program is designed to recognize outstanding young men and women for achievements in school and community life-fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school, club and community service, industry and farming. Nominees are judged on multiple achievements including leadership skills, good moral character, community involvement, extracurricular activities, honors and award and scholastic ability. Each student receives a $100 U.S. savings bond and an Elks certificate of achievement. DYLAN BOYD Four-year varsity wrestler ... Two-time wrestling captain ... Four-year Honor Roll ... Had over 100 varsity wrestling wins ... 2-time IHSA State Qualifier and Regional Champion ... 3-time IHSA Sectional Qualifier ... Volunteer at Granite City Wrestling Club and Restoration Church ... All-Warrior Award

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SPRINGFIELD – St. Patrick’s Day means celebrations across Illinois. It also means that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is working with the Illinois State Police (ISP) and more than 200 local law enforcement agencies to help prevent impaired driving. No matter how you celebrate, make sure you and your friends stay safe this St. Patrick’s Day by remembering: “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High - Get a DUI.” “If you’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with dyed beer or other green substances, your No. 1 priority is finding a sober driver before the festivities start,” said Steve Travia, IDOT’s Director of Highways and Chief Engineer. “Waiting until after you’re impaired is too late. Plan ahead for a sober ride home to help ensure you and everyone else on the road get home safely.” Federal highway safety funds through IDOT are available to ISP and local law enforcement

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SPRINGFIELD – The Pritzker Administration is launching an all-out public awareness initiative to ensure Illinoisans retain their health insurance coverage when pandemic-era protections end and Medicaid eligibility verifications resume. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services’ public awareness effort, coined Ready to Renew , is a multi-platform outreach campaign that includes paid advertisements, print, digital and broadcast communication, and grassroots outreach to help Medicaid customers ensure they are ready for required upcoming coverage renewals. The primary goal of the Department’s Ready to Renew campaign is to help Medicaid customers who remain eligible ensure their coverage continues without disruption. “In Illinois, we’re ensuring everyone has access to quality healthcare coverage—and one of the ways we are doing that is by spreading the word about the Medicaid renewal process,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Now

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