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Top Officer, Special Agent, Telecommunicator, and Forensic Scientist Honored for Their Actions and Accomplishments During 2021 and 2022 SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Brendan F. Kelly gathered today with ISP staff and their families, local law enforcement officers, and distinguished members of the public for the ISP Awards Ceremony. The ceremony was held to recognize individuals for their significant contributions and dedication to public safety. Director Kelly presented individuals with the following awards; Director’s Award of Distinction, Medal of Valor, Medal for Honor, Meritorious Service Medal, Achievement Medal, and Lifesaving Medal. Each award recipient was recognized for their exemplary service to ISP and the citizens of Illinois. “ISP’s greatest strength is our people – troopers, specials agents, telecommunicators, analysts – and I am proud and honored to work alongside them all,” said Director Kelly. “Integrity,

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WASHINGTON, MO. - The American Red Cross, is partnering up with the family and friends of Kristen Spaunhorst to host a blood drive in her honor Tuesday, Oct. 24, from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m. at Bank of Washington, 200 W. Main, Washington, MO 63090. Guillain-Barre Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy nerves located outside the brain and spinal cord. The first symptoms are weakness & tingling in the extremities, which is how it started for Kristen. As a result of this condition, Kristen has received blood products from generous blood donors. She encourages all eligible donors to give the gift of life. The American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage. Fewer donors than needed gave this summer, drawing down the national blood supply and reducing distributions of some of the most needed blood types to hospitals. Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, and there is an emergency need for platelet donors

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Department Crimes Against Persons detectives continued to investigate a homicide that occurred in the 7000 block of Glenmore Avenue in the city of Velda City, which resulted in the death of an adult male. The deceased has been identified as Myyo Lanos, 18 years of age, of the 3100 block of Lucas and Hunt Road in Velda City, Missouri 63121. On October 20, 2023, at approximately 5:44 PM, St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives were requested by the city of Velda City to investigate a homicide within their city limits. The investigation revealed at 5:22 p.m., officers from the Velda City Police Department responded to a call for a shooting in the 7000 block of Glenmore Avenue. Upon arrival, officers located a male victim lying in the street, suffering from at least one gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased on scene. Further investigation revealed the victim and an unidentified male suspect were engaged in an

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CHICAGO — Today, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced that two Illinois programs have been designated as part of 31 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs (Tech Hubs). T he Central Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Hub and the Chicago Area Quantum Tech Hub: The Bloch were selected based on their innovation and economic growth potential—they will now be eligible to apply for the second phase of the Tech Hubs Program to receive between $50 and $75 million in federal funding. “Home to world-class institutions and first-rate research centers, Illinois is transforming technology, biomanufacturing, and innovation at every turn,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I couldn’t be prouder that the Biden Administration has selected The Chicago Quantum Exchange’s the Bloch and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s iFAB Hub as two of just thirty-one inaugural tech hubs—opening

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County Chief Assessment Office (CCAO) will be working in Alton neighborhoods for the next several months to update its file for online property images. Starting Thursday, Oct. 26, staff from the CCAO will be taking street-view photographs of residential and commercial properties. The county is assisting Alton Township Assessor Sheryl Beilsmith in getting online with the county’s tax assessment system — DEVNET. Alton is the last township to come online with the county’s system. “We are excited to be able to provide Alton Township with help to bring them online with the rest of the county,” Chief County Assessor Denise Shores said. Shores said that once completed, taxpayers would be able to view their full assessment information online, and if they need help, they will be able to not only call Alton Township, but also the county. The photo project is expected to continue into early 2025. For more information contact the

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GODFREY - The Community Christmas Committee for United Way came together at Freer Auto Body recently for their first meeting to plan out this year's campaign. Liz Campbell will be the chair of the 2023 Community Christmas campaign. Community Christmas is a program during the holiday season that collects money and items for families and children including personal care goods, blankets, new coats, gloves, hats, scarves, toys, baby formula, diapers, and non-perishable food for area agencies. Right now, the campaign organizers want to know who wants to have a Community Christmas box stationed at their business. Campbell said she is thrilled to be a part of Community Christmas this year. "It is a great cause and a heartwarming experience," she said. "I’m hoping we can come together and spread holiday cheer to families in our area.” For those who want a Community Christmas collection box, contact the United Way at (618) 258-9800. Freer Auto Body has been the catalyst of thi

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EDWARDSVILLE - SIU School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) has opened registration for its annual Veteran’s Day event known as Veteran’s Care Day offering free exams, x-rays, cleanings, fillings and extractions to those who have military service. If this past Give Kids A Smile Day (GKAS) event, held annually during the October school holiday, is any indication, dental students and alumni will have a busy day in the clinic. “They’ve been all smiles when they come in here,” said Emily Bone, a first-year student dressed as a tooth fairy for this past October 9 day at the clinic for elementary school-aged children. “Coming here and seeing everybody in scrubs or scrub caps can be intimidating.” The tooth fairy and other welcoming faces, sans costume, are set up to greet students after their appointments in the nearby gym with games and patient education. Bone said, “We get to walk around help make the kids feel comfortable after

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O’FALLON — HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital is hosting an Electronics Recycling event on Saturday, Oct. 28 from 8 a.m. to noon. The collection vehicle will be located in the parking lot in front of the Health Center at 3 St. Elizabeth’s Blvd., O’Fallon, Illinois. The hospital’s Reverence for the Earth Committee invites the public to do their part to support environmental recycling efforts. “As a Franciscan ministry, we strive to be good stewards of the Earth and proudly offer collection events such as this to the community,” states Chance Beeler, HSHS St. Elizabeth’s manager of mission integration, spiritual care and volunteer services. “It is an opportunity to reduce waste and treat the planet with respect.” J&C E-Recycling will be managing the electronics recycling collection and will accept such items as computer towers, computer components, laptops and wire. Other items accepted include: Printers Cell Phones Electr

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JERSEYVILLE - Three individuals have been charged separately with offenses ranging from aggravated battery to driving under the influence and more, according to recent Jersey County court filings. Michael B. Wilson, 62, of Jerseyville, was charged with one count of aggravated battery on or about Oct. 14, 2023. Court documents allege Wilson “knowingly caused great bodily harm” to the victim in this case, specifically in that he “fractured and broke arm in three different places.” Wilson was charged with a Class 3 felony. Court documents indicate he is being held in the custody of the Jersey County Sheriff’s Department until his initial court appearance. Tyler P. Reynolds, 25, of Grafton, was charged with possession of a controlled substance and driving under the influence of alcohol. According to court documents, Reynolds was allegedly in possession of “15 grams of a substance containing cocaine” and drove a red Ford truck on Powerline

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Over 115 years after his death, Richard Edwards remains among the titans of nineteenth-century education in Illinois. A devoted champion of racial equality, he was never afraid to take a strong stand. Edwards is best known as the second President of Illinois State University in Normal, where he was at the forefront of racial progression during his time at the school from 1862-76. Born on Dec. 23, 1822 in Wales, Edwards emigrated to America with his family in 1833, eventually landing in Ohio. There, he attended a school taught by a farmer. Young Edwards was apprenticed as a carpenter at age sixteen and taught school near Ravenna Ohio for one term. Choosing to further his education, he left for Massachusetts in October 1844 before enrolling in July 1845 at what is today Bridgewater State in Massachusetts. He graduated in 1847 and became part of a long line of educational leaders that hailed from Bridgewater State, teaching there from 1848-53. Edwards also studied at Rensselaer

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WASHINGTON D.C. – U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, today announced two Illinois programs were selected by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) as part of the 31 inaugural Tech Hubs, selections in regions across the country primed for grown in innovation and job creation. The Chicago Quantum Exchange’s The Bloch: End-to-end Quantum Solutions at Scale and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Central Illinois Fermentation and Agriculture Biomanufacturing (iFAB) Hub were selected and are now eligible to apply for the next phase of the Tech Hubs Program, which will invest between $50-$75 million in each of 5-10 Designated Hubs. Duckworth, Durbin and Pritzker championed these applications, advocating fiercely for their selection. “Illinois is already a hub of agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and technology, making our state ideally positioned for these Tech Hub

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Name: Darrin Stamm Hometown: Dickinson, Texas Years of Service: 1986-1993 Branch: Army Rank: E-9 Wars: Afghanistan Submitter's Name: Karen Bock

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Name: Clarence (Bud) L. Gissler Hometown: Alton Years of Service: 1942 - 1945 Branch: Army Wars: WWII Submitter's Name: Marilyn J Stewart

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Name: David C. Miller Hometown: Salina, Kansas Years of Service: 1966-1987 Branch: United States Air Force Rank: 05/ Major Wars: Vietnam War / Conflict Medals Earned: Distinguish Service Medal; Air Medal with Four Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster; Small Arms Expert Pistol; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Combat Readiness Medal; National Defense Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with one Silver and Three Bronze Service Stars.; Air Force Outstanding Award with Combat V Device with Four Oakleaf Clusters; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Device, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Air War, Air Command and Staff College, Squadron Officers SCH, Survival Training; many other recognitions by ribbons and certifications. Message: We proudly and honorably present our military hero, Veteran Major David C. Miller. During his active duty service to the country, he flew as a Command Pilot in both the KC 135 Tanker and B52 Bomber aircraft during the Vietnam era war, earning

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Name: Paul "Buck" Rintoul Hometown: Godfrey Submitter's Name: John Hill

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Name: Jim Wasser Hometown: Collinsville Years of Service: 1955 Submitter's Name: Anna Kallal

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EAST ALTON - Photographers young and old are invited to join the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center’s (NGRREC sm ) World Water Day Photo Contest. Submissions should relate to celebrating the Mississippi River, which can be thought of as a tapestry of nature, heritage and beauty. “This is an incredible opportunity for the community to share their connection and love for the river,” Environmental Educator Jolena Pang said. Categories include connections to wildlife, the watershed, and the culture around the river. There will also be a youth category. “We hope to see photos that range from capturing the natural beauty of the river to how people use the river for transportation and industry and also how the river is enjoyed recreationally,” Pang said. The deadline for submission is Feb. 1 - the link to submit is here: https://forms.office.com/r/EPsn09XBvS . Don't miss your chance to share your unique perspective! About National

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EAST ALTON – Winter is quickly approaching, and Illinois RiverWatch is preparing to train community members to monitor chloride levels in local rivers, ponds, streams and wetlands. Identifying areas where salt use impacts water quality is essential for protecting habitats and keeping people and animals safe. “Much of this salt ends up in local waterways where it harms aquatic life,” said Danelle Haake, RiverWatch director and stream ecologist. “We are seeking volunteers who are willing to check on their local streams several times between November and April. Each monitoring trip could take as little as 15 minutes!” During the 2021 winter season, the Illinois Department of Transportation reported using more than 522,000 tons of salt on roadways throughout Illinois. The trainings will be held virtually on: Nov. 6, 6-7 p.m. Nov. 14, 7-8:30 p.m. Nov. 29, 6-7 p.m. Dec. 6, 7-8:30 p.m. Those interested can sign up for a virtual training on RiverWatch’s

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SPRINGFIELD - Halloween is a fun, spooky and exciting time for kids and adults as they scour for that perfect costume and people add spooky decorations to their homes. If you don’t keep fire safety in mind, Halloween and fall decoration can add an increased fire danger to your home that could create a real scary situation. According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), each year from 2017 to 2019, an estimated average of 9,200 fires were reported to fire departments in the United States over a 3-day period around Halloween. These fires caused an estimated annual average of 25 deaths, 100 injuries, and $117 million in property loss. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) reports that decorations were the first thing to ignite in roughly 800 reported home fires each year. More than two of every five of these fires occurred because the decorations were too close to a heat source, such as a candle or hot equipment. “Halloween is an exciting time for kids and talkin

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ALTON - Melvin Osburn, one of the most active advocates supporting the federally-legislated Lymphedema Treatment Act (LTA), is scheduled to be the guest speaker at the November Lymphedema Education Meeting in Alton – sponsored by OSF Rehabilitation Services. Riverbend region residents are invited to join the OSF Lymphedema Therapy team for this free educational session about Lymphedema and meet other people with Lymphedema. The November Lymphedema education meeting will be held: Thursday, November 2, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. OSF HealthCare Rehabilitation Services 228 Alton Square Mall, Alton, IL (Enter the Rehab office from the upper Mall parking lot, facing Alby Street, under the"OSF HEALTHCARE" sign.) Interested individuals should direct questions or requests for additional information to OSF Rehabilitation Services at (618) 463-5171. During the past 10 years, Mr. Osburn, a native and current resident of Jerseyville, IL, has shared his story with literally anyone

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