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ST. LOUIS - As part of its 5th annual Service Dog Salute program, Purina ® Dog Chow ® is launching the brand's first-ever Visible Impact Award in partnership with the Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans, a national coalition of service dog organizations. The award will celebrate the remarkable impact service dogs have on the daily lives of veterans experiencing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and recognize these outstanding service dogs and the organizations that trained them. How to Participate From now through July 22, 2022, veterans and their families or friends are invited to nominate their PTSD service dog for the opportunity to win the Dog Chow Visible Impact Award. Nomination requirements include a photo submission of the veteran and their service dog and sharing how the service dog has made an impact on the veteran on DogChow.com/service . Up to five service dog finalists will be selected based on those who best illustrate the life-changing

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CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. — As summer officially begins and people gather for holiday celebrations, the American Red Cross reminds communities that patients are counting now on the generosity of blood and platelet donors, especially around the Fourth of July. The Red Cross sees about a 21% decline in blood and platelet donations during holiday weeks, including Independence Day. When blood donations drop, so does the blood supply, making it extremely challenging to ensure blood is available when hospitals need it. By scheduling and keeping appointments in July, donors can help provide for those in immediate need of lifesaving care. To schedule an appointment to donate, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). As a thank-you for helping, all those who come to give June 30-July 10 will receive an exclusive Red Cross recycled cotton tote bag, while supplies last. Upcoming blood donation opportunities June 22-July 15

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WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH), Co-Chairs of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, along with U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA), sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin urging him to send more advanced artillery rocket systems and ammunition to Ukraine, as the systems are vital in Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s brutal invasion. The Senators commended the decision by the Biden administration earlier this month to send M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) to Ukraine and urged the Administration to send additional such aid given the amount of artillery Russia has at their disposal. The Senators encouraged Secretary Austin to send additional systems urgently, like HIMARS or the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), in order to level the playing field for Ukraine and allow them to halt Russian advances in the Donbas region and strengthen their counteroffensives

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College will welcome new and returning students to campus on July 14 for Summerfest, an express registration event designed to prepare students for the Fall 2022 semester. The event will run from 3-6 p.m., in The Commons and Grove areas of the McPike Math and Science Complex on the Godfrey Campus. Students can meet with program representatives and advisors, fill out financial aid forms, tour campus and complete the work necessary to start classes this fall. According to L&C Recruiter Amy Bowling, Summerfest is designed to streamline the enrollment process as much as possible. “Summerfest is a great opportunity for new students to come and get a feel for Lewis and Clark’s campus, programs, and community,” she said. “Anyone who has just graduated from high school or wants a career change will benefit from Summerfest and enjoy themselves.” Even students who have never attended L&C before can enroll with just a

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MADISON - As a follow-up to the recent School Safety Summit held by Madison County Regional Office of Education #41 in conjunction with the Madison County State’s Attorney, The Madison County Sheriff’s Department, and Madison County Mental Health, Regional Superintendent Rob Werden is providing this list of action items and future goals. The summit provided valuable insights regarding the ongoing collaboration that already exists between local school districts and law enforcement. We were pleased with the level of interaction and planning that has been taking place well before this summit. As an actionable item, ROE #41 will host semi-annual meetings between all participants. “We also plan to facilitate increased collaboration between law enforcement and all schools who might be in need of assistance”, Werden said. Another outcome of the School Safety Summit was the sharing of resources related to both safety and mental health. To ensure all public and privat

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ALTON - Alton Deputy Police Chief Jarrett Ford today announced there are charges after a report last week on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, of gunshots and a subsequent traffic crash in the area of the Clark Bridge. "Today, the Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the facts of the investigation and authorized a criminal charge of Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm against Jerone C. Hornbeak, 23, of St. Louis," Ford said. "Hornbeak is in custody at the Alton Jail." Ford continued: "Officers responded and located a vehicle that left the roadway and struck a tree on the southwest end of the Clark Bridge in Missouri. The driver of the vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries as a result of the traffic crash and was transported to a St. Louis area hospital. "Information gathered at the scene suggested the incident to have started as an apparent road rage incident involving two vehicles. Evidence of gunshots being fired was located on the Illinois side o

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BETHALTO - The Bethalto Police Department announced on Tuesday afternoon it needs the public's help in identifying a person of interest after a theft attempt at Ace Hardware on Monday, June 20, 2022. "The subject reportedly attempted to steal a lawn mower from Ace Hardware at approximately 1:10 p.m. on June 20, 2022," Bethalto Police Chief Mike Dixon said. "He entered the parking lot from the west and fled the parking lot eastbound on Illinois Route 140. "He was driving the green in color Dodge Caravan in the images. He is a person of interest at this point and has not been charged with a crime. "Anyone with information on his identity is asked to contact the Bethalto Police Department at 618-377-5266 ext. 1, or message the department on Facebook." It is important to remember the subject in the images is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville’s Alicia Diaz is following a family line with her major in the prestigious University of Arizona College of Engineering. Alicia finished on the Dean’s List for the Fall 2021 and Spring 2022 semesters. Her father, Jon, is a retired engineer. Roberto Diaz, her grandfather, and Octavio Diaz, her great-grandfather, were also engineers. Roberto and Octavio were both from Chile and moved to the United States in 1955. Alicia is the daughter of Sue and Jon Diaz of Edwardsville. She just recently completed her freshman year at the University of Arizona. Alicia is home for the summer and is also an active motorcyclist. This summer she is involved at SIUE as an instructor for motorcycles. Sue Diaz said her husband received his degree from Washington State University. Sue said she believes Alicia and the other students from Edwardsville School District 7 receive a strong education. "Alicia was prepared for college because of her high school education,”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Five years ago this week, my Republican colleagues and I were on a baseball field in Virginia practicing for the Congressional Baseball Game for Charity when a deranged, left-wing gunman opened fire at us. I was at the batter’s box when he began shooting. He was screaming “health care” at us while he was firing his rifle. He was trying to kill us because he disagreed with us politically. At the time, President Trump and Republicans were working to repeal and replace Obamacare and fix our broken health care system. By the grace of God, the only life that was lost that day was that of the shooter. There were two Capitol Police officers with us at the baseball field that day - Crystal Griner and David Bailey. They ran towards gunfire and shot back so my colleagues and I could run away from gunfire. I will never forget the thoughts that raced through my mind as we took cover to avoid the gunfire. I thought about my wife, my daughter and twin boys, my

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PESOTUM – Illinois State Police (ISP) K9 Odin will receive a bullet and stab protective vest thanks to a charitable donation from the non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. K9 Odin’s vest is sponsored by Don and Misty Fike of Galesburg, IL. and will be embroidered with the sentiment “Born to Love-Trained to Serve-Loyal Always.” Delivery is expected within eight to ten weeks. Vested Interest in K9s, Inc., established in 2009, is a 501(c)(3) charity whose mission is to provide bullet and stab protective vests and other assistance to dogs of law enforcement and related agencies throughout the United States. This potentially lifesaving body armor for four-legged K9 officers is U.S.-made, custom-fitted, and National Institute of Justice (NIJ) certified. Since its inception, Vested Interest in K9s, Inc. has provided more than 4,682 vests to K9s in all 50 states at a value of $6.9 million, made possible by both private and corporate donations. The

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BELLEVILLE - SIHF Healthcare and the St. Clair County Health Department are partnering to provide free HIV testing in observance of National HIV Testing Day. Testing will be available from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday, June 27, at Walgreens, located at 5890 North Belt West, Belleville, Illinois. This year’s testing is part of the Greater Than AIDS and Walgreens National HIV Community Partnership. “We provide HIV/AIDS services, including testing, provider referrals, counseling, and any additional services that a patient may qualify for,” said Larry Mayhew, Ryan White Program Manager at SIHF Healthcare. “The June 27 testing day is just another way for us to reach out to help people know their HIV status and to get healthcare and other assistance if they are positive.” To learn more about HIV services or to get more information on rapid HIV testing, call SIHF Healthcare’s Community Programs department at 618-482-7175.

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ALTON - Centerstone, a national leader in behavioral health care, will host a free Savvy Caregiver training to be held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – noon from August 3-31 at Centerstone, 2615 Edwards Street, Alton. The training will share valuable information and tools for people caring for individuals 60 years old or older, including those experiencing dementia or memory loss. The Savvy Caregiver provides instruction in caregiver self-care, decision making, and navigating family issues that may come up while being a caregiver. The training also addresses the need to keep the care receiver involved in daily tasks and activities to keep them active and content throughout the day. “Savvy Caregiver affords many the opportunity to hear from other caregivers and know that they are not alone in this journey of caregiving,” said Laura Kunz, Centerstone Senior Services Clinician. The training was created using a curriculum developed by the University of Minnesota and is

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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey County Arts Council is encouraging Jersey County residents to support the upcoming Jersey County fair by producing art to be entered for judging at Exhibitors Hall. Sherry Droste, vice president of the Arts Council, said, “The fair’s Exhibitors Hall celebrates artwork in every form, from growing flowers and fruits and vegetables to textile art to paintings and photography to antiques. It’s so much fun to wander through the building and see the level of creativity and talent.” Over the next two weeks, the council will offer classes during which participants can create artwork to be entered for judging at the fair. The council will explain the process for entering and will provide the entry form. Here’s this week’s lineup of classes: Thursday, June 23, 6 -8 p.m. - Matisse self-portrait collage. Darla Cavins will lead the class, which is open to all ages and will be held in the basement of the First Presbyterian Church i

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CHICAGO – The Illinois State Police (ISP) is warning the public not to engage in aggressive driving behaviors as the number of reported road rage incidents resulting in expressway shootings is increasing. Motorists are not only at risk of being involved in a traffic crash due to road rage but there is now the danger of being involved in an expressway shooting. “Over the past year, we’ve seen an increase in reported road rage incidents escalating into violence,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “As we head into summer, high temperatures can lead to hot tempers and people losing their cool, even the dangerous or deadly use of firearms. Getting ahead or getting even with another drive is not worth the risk of a deadly crash or violence. Keep calm and stay alive.” From January through mid-June, approximately 35% of expressway shootings ISP responded to in the Chicago area were classified as road rage incidents, according to self-admissions fro

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ROXANA - Firefighters responded quickly to a fire in the 300 block of Rohm Place in Roxana around 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, then extinguished the fire and pulled a dog to safety. Roxana Fire Chief Daryl Trask said he appreciated the quick response of all concerned. “The fire appeared to start in the back porch area,” he said. “With our mutual aid of Wood River and South Roxana, we were all there in a couple of minutes. We had a great response.” There was no one home at the time of the fire, but firefighters pulled out a dog in its crate and the dog was not injured. Ameren Illinois shut the power down because the meter was close to where the fire occurred, Chief Trask said. The chief added that the inside of the home appears to have minimal damage. He thanked the other fire departments for their constant assistance and said the mutual aid agreements are "priceless" to each community.

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ALTON - Mike Clark, the owner of Rise and Shine Repair Shoes in St. Louis, makes an every-other-week Monday visit to Cafe 111 in Alton. In many ways, his visits are a reminder of days of yesteryear when shoe shine specialists were plentiful. Every other Monday, Mike offers his services just outside Cafe 111. He works from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will be available at Cafe 111 on Monday, June 27, then back on alternate weeks. Cafe 111 is located at 111 E. 4th Street in Alton. Mike said he has been shining shoes for 47 years and that he still loves what he does for a living, the conversations he has with people, and the relationships he has developed over the years. “I love what I do and meeting all the different types of people I get to meet,” he added. The shoe shine specialist has worked all over the St. Louis area from conventions to events throughout the region. Jason Harrison is co-owner of Cafe 111 in Alton with his wife, Kayla. He said Mike provides a shoe-shine

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Letter To The Editor: Please accept this letter on behalf of my good friend and colleague, Major Jeff Connor, a candidate for sheriff of Madison County, Illinois. I have personally known and worked with Jeff for over twenty years, having first met him working as a detective on the Greater St. Louis Major Case Squad. I know of no one better qualified to hold this position. During his career, Jeff has distinguished himself as an outstanding law enforcement officer, a highly respected detective, and one of the St. Louis region’s top law enforcement leaders. Since 1986, Jeff has proudly served at every level and rank in the Granite City Police Department – from patrol officer, detective, supervisor, and executive/deputy chief of police. In 2014, because of his reputation and abilities, Jeff was selected by Sheriff John Lakin to serve as the chief deputy sheriff of the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, where he presently oversees law enforcement operations for the

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - On Monday, June 20, 2022, the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office issued warrants on suspect Zina Neal, 40 years of age, of the 2400 block of Stoney End Court in St. Louis, Missouri 63031, for Murder Second Degree and Armed Criminal Action. Neal is being held on $150,000 cash only, no 10% bond. Please note, charges are merely an accusation and Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in a court of law. The probable cause statement reads: On or about June 20, 2022, Defendant shot Delawrence Foggy with a firearm causing his death. The deceased has been identified as Delawrence Foggy Jr., 34 years of age, of the 2400 block of Stoney End Court in St. Louis, Missouri 63031. Detectives from the St. Louis County Police Department’s Bureau of Crimes Against Persons are leading the investigation.

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COLLINSVILLE – As director of services at the Collinsville Food Pantry, Angel O’Malley-Lipham has spent years helping to care for those who need a helping hand. Now she needs some help herself, and the community is stepping up with a benefit concert at the historic Miner’s Theatre. The concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. Saturday, July 9 at the theatre, located at 204 W. Main St. in Collinsville, and features three local acoustic acts: Strange Buffalo, 10-String Dream, and Dale Papp. The event is sponsored by Old Herald Brewery & Distillery. The event also will include a 50-50 and a raffle for a Blackstone grill donated by Collinsville BBQ Supply. Craft beverages from Old Herald will be available for purchase, along with soft drinks. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Advance tickets are available now through the Miner’s Theatre Facebook page. O’Malley-Lipham was diagnosed in spring of 2021 with stage four esophageal cancer that had sprea

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JERSEYVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announces the closure of IL 109 between Dow Road and Bethel Lane beginning on Monday, June 27, 2022, weather permitting. This will be a complete closure of the road, therefore, no traffic will be able to get through the closure area. This closure is needed to construct a new box culvert and it should be completed in approximately two weeks. The signed detour for this closure is as follows: Southbound IL 109 NB to W. County Rd in Jerseyville W. County Rd EB to US 67 US 67 SB to Godfrey Rd in Godfrey Godfrey Rd SB to IL 3 NB in Godfrey Northbound IL 109 SB to IL 3 IL 3 SB to Godfrey Rd in Godfrey Godfrey Rd NB to US 67 US 67 NB to Jerseyville W. County Rd WB to IL 109 SB At the completion of this closure, no other full road closures are planned. However, there will be intermittent day-time single-lane closures needed for 1-2 months to complete the resurfacing of IL 109. More information will be forthcoming to identify

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