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SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Funds, a mutual fund investment used by local governments through the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office, has earned the top AAA rating from Fitch Ratings, Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said today. The Illinois Funds rating reaffirms the confidence Fitch and other ratings agencies have shown throughout all of Frerichs’ tenure. The funds have consistently received an AAA rating since he took office. “This is an example of an outside firm pointing out that we’re doing things right,” Frerichs said. “Every dollar we can earn through safe, smart investing is a dollar that local governments that take part in Illinois Funds don’t have to raise in property taxes or cut from vital services.” Established in 1975, more than 1,500 units of government such as cities, counties, libraries and school districts have invested in The Illinois Funds because it is a safe, liquid and competitive investment. The $10

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ALTON – YWCA Southwestern Illinois Accepting Applications for the 2025 Josephine Marley Beckwith Future Leader Scholarships YWCA Southwestern Illinois is excited to announce that applications for the 2025 Josephine Marley Beckwith Future Leader (JMBFL) Scholarships are now open. This prestigious scholarship program, open to senior girls attending Madison County high schools and residing in Madison County, awards $1,000 renewable scholarships to deserving young women. The JMBFL Scholarship honors the legacy of Josephine Marley Beckwith, a 2002 Woman of Distinction, and is made possible through the generous support of YWCA and the Women of Distinction Academy. “The JMBFL Scholarship opens doors for young women, empowering them to seize opportunities and shape a brighter future as tomorrow’s leaders,” said Dr. Wendy Adams, Co-Chair of the YWCA JMBFL Scholarship Committee. Applications for the JMBFL Scholarship are available at YWCA Southwestern Illinois, located

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EAST ALTON/GODFREY - Two local sex offenders have been charged with failing to register in Madison County as legally required. Chad L. Phelps II, 35, of Godfrey, and Michael C. Cherry, 35, listed as homeless out of East Alton, were both charged with their second or subsequent offenses of unlawful failure to register as a sex offender. Both charges were classified as Class 2 felonies. Cherry was additionally charged with a Class 3 felony count of unlawful possession of less than five grams of methamphetamine. A petition to deny Cherry’s release states he has repeatedly failed to register as legally required under the Sex Offender Registration Act. “Defendant is required to register as a sex offender,” the petition states of Cherry. “Defendant has a history of failing to appear for court appearances, a history violating probation, and a history of violating the laws of Illinois. Defendant is a flight risk.” Cherry’s extensive criminal history include

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JERSEYVILLE – A woman from New York has been charged in Jersey County with possession of a stolen firearm. Joanna A. M. Hodgins, 36, of Glen Park, N.Y., was charged with possession of a stolen firearm, a Class 2 felony. On Jan. 13, 2025, Hodgins allegedly possessed a 9mm Beretta pistol “with knowledge that it had been stolen, in that she had stolen said firearm,” according to court documents. Jersey County Sheriff’s Office records indicate Hodgins currently remains in custody pending a fitness examination. The issuance of charges is based solely upon probable cause and is not an indication of guilt. All subjects charged with criminal offenses are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department welcomed two new officers to its ranks following their graduation from the Illinois State Police Academy. Jacob Fedderke and Terrence Stokes completed their training at the academy and will now undergo additional training in the department's Patrol Division. The graduation ceremony was held recently, where Captain McCray and Sergeant Espinoza represented the department to congratulate the new officers on their achievements. “We are proud to see them take this significant step in their careers,” said the Alton Police in a statement. Fedderke and Stokes will spend the next several weeks training under the supervision of a Field Training Officer, a crucial period that will prepare them for their roles in the Alton community. The department expressed enthusiasm for their contributions as the two begin service. The addition of these officers reflects the department's ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety and community engagement.

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COLLINSVILLE — The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis has been activated to investigate a homicide that occurred early Tuesday morning in Collinsville. Police responded to the area for gunshots being heard in the area and found Portia L. Rowland, 32, fatally shot near a garage in the 1300 block of Olive Street in Collinsville shortly after 6 a.m. on Tuesday. More than 30 investigators from the Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis are currently involved in the investigation. Collinsville Police emphasized there is no indication of an active threat to the community at this time. Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Tips can be reported by calling 618-344-2131 Ext. 5924 or through Crime Stoppers at 866-371-TIPS (8477).

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O'FALLON - The O'Fallon Township High School District 203's Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC) Drill Team achieved notable success at the recent Mascoutah High School Drill Meet, securing two trophies. The O'Fallon team earned first place in Unarmed Regulation and second place in Inspection. The OTHS AFJROTC Drill Team's performance reflects their dedication and skill, with the team demonstrating precision and discipline in their routines. "Congratulations to our outstanding AFJROTC Drill Team," said SMSgt Branden Neeley, the team's instructor, who provided a photo of the event. The success at the drill meet not only highlights the team's abilities but also serves to promote the values of teamwork and leadership within the program. The OTHS community has expressed pride in the team's accomplishments, reinforcing the school's commitment to excellence in all areas of student development.

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NOTRE DAME, IND. — Katherine Johnson of Godfrey has been named to the Saint Mary’s College Dean’s List for the Fall 2024. To earn this academic honor at Saint Mary's, a student must achieve a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.6 on a 4.0 scale, have a minimum of 12 graded credit hours, no incompletes, and no grades lower than a C. Saint Mary’s College, located in Notre Dame, IN, is recognized as both a visionary forerunner and an enduring innovator in the education of women. As a private college, Saint Mary’s is committed to the social and economic empowerment of all women, a culture of human dignity and solidarity, and a focus on problem solving and research. With more than 60 undergraduate academic programs, as well as accelerated advanced degrees options, the school offers a strong liberal arts foundation in an atmosphere that encourages open discussion and close collaboration with professors and classmates. Founded in 1844, Saint Mary’s

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CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul, with three other states, today filed a lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump’s new executive order ending birthright citizenship. Attorney General Raoul and the coalition are challenging the order, arguing it violates the constitutional rights to which all children born in the U.S. are entitled. “That one of Donald Trump’s first day in office as president should be so diametrically opposed to our values as Americans is incredibly disappointing, though not surprising. The children born in the U.S. to immigrants are entitled to the rights and privileges that go along with U.S. citizenship,” Raoul said. “We need to discuss bipartisan commonsense immigration reforms, but denying birthright citizenship, which dates back centuries and has been upheld twice by the U.S. Supreme Court, is not the solution. As Attorney General, and as the proud son of Haitian immigrants, I will continue to stand with my fellow

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced today that four additional professions are now available for licensure via the Department’s new online licensing system, CORE (the Comprehensive Online Regulatory Environment). Introduced by IDFPR on October 30, 2024 , the Department will transition all licensing procedures to CORE in a phased implementation process over the next two years. The four license types are: Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA) Licensed Assistant Behavior Analyst (LABA) Behavior Analyst Continuing Education Sponsor Licensed Certified Professional Midwife “Today’s announcement is yet another significant milestone achieved by the Pritzker Administration in the IDFPR success story,” said IDFPR Secretary Mario Treto, Jr. “My team will continue its hard work in ensuring all professions and services are successfully transitioned to CORE, which will help more professionals work

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ELSAH - Jason Stratman, Library Outreach Manager at Missouri Historical Society, presents a talk, "A visit to the 1904 World's Fair," on Thursday, January 30, at 7 p.m. He will share his expertise on this pivotal event for St. Louis. Almost 190,000 people attended just the opening day, and welcomed more than 19 million visitors in seven months. Stratman's research includes the fair itself, and extends to many of the surrounding events. “A visit to the 1904 World’s Fair” will be presented at Farley Music Hall, 37 Mill Street, in Elsah, Thursday, January 30, at 7 p.m. The program is free and open to the public. Reservations are not required. Parking is available. Refreshments will be served following the lecture. The presentation will be streamed live, with registration available on historicelsah.org . This presentation is one of this year’s Hosmer-Williams Lectures sponsored by Historic Elsah Foundation and underwritten by Liberty Bank: A United Community Bank.

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ROXANA - In 2024, Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery supported over 100 local organizations through monetary donations, company-sponsored service projects, and employee volunteer efforts. Combined with employee giving and Phillips 66 corporate grants, the company invested over $1.1 million in total support. “This region has so much to offer and has amazing support systems to ensure the viability of the residents and communities through a network of not-for-profit agencies, educational institutions, and emergency response networks.” Said Melissa Erker, Director of Midcontinent Public Affairs for Phillips 66. “ We are proud to be able to invest in so many programs to benefit our neighbors and communities.” Through the local charitable giving budget, the Refinery donated over $355,000 to support educational, environmental, safety and well-being, and social advancement organizations and projects. Major gift recipients include the City of Wood River Re Center,

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ALTON — Centerstone is proud to announce the unveiling of its new community pantry, a resource designed to support individuals and families in need throughout the Alton area. The unveiling event will take place on Wednesday, February 5, at 9:30 a.m. at Centerstone’s Edwards Street clinic in Alton (Main St side of the building). All members of the community are invited to attend and celebrate this exciting addition to Centerstone’s continuum of services. The community pantry represents Centerstone’s continued commitment to addressing the mental and physical health needs of the communities it serves. Guests attending the event are encouraged to bring a non-perishable or basic essential item to help stock the pantry and contribute to this meaningful effort. “Our community pantry was inspired by some of our team members and is a reflection of Centerstone's commitment to meeting the needs of those we serve. It’s more than just shelves and supplies, it’

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COLLINSVILLE — A shooting early Tuesday morning, Jan. 21, 2025, in Collinsville has left one person dead, prompting an ongoing investigation by local authorities. The incident occurred just before 6:30 a.m. at the intersection of Olive Street and Indiana Avenue in Collinsville, where police discovered the victim in a driveway. The Major Case Squad Of Greater St. Louis announced it had been activated to investigate a homicide in Collinsville on Tuesday. Collinsville Police has said that more than 30 detectives are now assisting in the homicide investigation. Collinsville Police Department reported that multiple crews responded to the scene following the shooting. As of now, officials have not identified a suspect and are actively pursuing leads in the case. In light of the incident, police have communicated with Collinsville Community Unit School District #10 regarding potential modifications to bus stops due to road closures in the area. Authorities have stated that they do

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BETHALTO —1st MidAmerica Credit Union will award five $1,000 scholarships to area high school seniors in May. Applications are available online at www.1stMidAmerica.org . Applications are due Monday, March 31, 2025. Introduced in 2005, 77 area youth have benefited from the 1st MidAmerica Credit Union scholarships. Scholarships may be applied to tuition, fees or other educational expenses. 1st MidAmerica Credit Union has a mission of exceeding member expectations. Additional information can be found at www.1stMidAmerica.org

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ST. LOUIS, MO – Just Enduring , a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families who have experienced child loss, is hosting its second annual Bingo for Bereaved Parents Fundraiser on Saturday, March 1, 2025. The event will take place at St. Cletus School at 2721 Zumbehl Road, with doors opening at 6 pm and music bingo starting at 7 pm. Music bingo offers a fresh take on traditional bingo by using popular songs instead of numbers. Participants listen for song titles or artists listed on their bingo cards, marking them as they play. The first person to complete five in a row and shout "Bingo!" wins a prize. This fundraiser will also host a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. Tickets are $30 per individual or $240 for a table of eight, and refreshments are included. Sponsorship packages are available, each with their own benefits. These include: Diamond Sponsor $5,000 Platinum Sponsor $2,500 Gold Sponsor $1,000 Round Rock Star Sponsor $500 Proceeds from

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If you see your cardiologist and they throw out the term “heart failure,” your heart might figuratively skip a beat. The heart is a vital organ, and if it’s failing, should I be counting my days? While advanced heart failure will mean big life changes, Margy Goetten , APRN, a cardiology provider at OSF HealthCare, wants you to know that you can live with heart failure. What to know about heart failure Goetten says heart failure occurs when the organ can’t pump blood or relax like normal. “New heart failure patients may experience shortness of breath. They might have difficulty when laying down. They can’t breathe. Leg swelling and fatigue are also common,” Goetten explains. “But if heart failure is well controlled, a lot of people don’t have symptoms.” Milder cases of heart failure can be controlled by taking multiple medications – a cocktail of sorts that research has shown to help. Titrate medication, for

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SPRINGFIELD - Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement regarding President Trump signing an executive order on birthright citizenship: ? “President Trump’s executive order to strip birthright citizenship from people born in this country is unconstitutional. Here in Illinois, we follow the law. This is only the beginning of the new administration’s attempt to undermine the rule of law, and the people of Illinois can count on me to stand against unconstitutional actions."

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Gori Law Firm announced today its recipients of the 2025 Super Lawyers distinction. This year, five attorneys were recognized: Managing Partner Sara Salger and Partners David Aubrey, Jason Steinmeyer, Bob Marcus and Chris Layloff. The annual list, published by Super Lawyers, was made available on January 21, 2025. Every year, Super Lawyers awards outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas for their high level of peer recognition and professional advancements. Only five percent of attorneys in Illinois are given the title of Super Lawyer. Several attorneys from The Gori Law Firm have been recognized, with many receiving awards for consecutive years, including Salger, Aubrey, Steinmeyer, Marcus and Layloff. “The Super Lawyers distinction is a great honor, and we are extremely proud to see several of our attorneys awarded for their dedication to their profession and our clients across the country,” said Salger. The list announcement from

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SPRINGFIELD — Colleen Schumann, the reigning Miss Calhoun County, achieved a top finish out of 74 contestants at the 2024 Miss Illinois County Pageant held this past weekend in Springfield. Colleen was 16th overall at the pageant. The 2025 Miss Illinois County Fair Queen is Johnna Fulcher representing Henry County. In a heartfelt message following the event, Schumann expressed gratitude to the Calhoun County Fair Board for their support, including a special dinner and floral arrangements. “I met so many amazing girls from across the state and made memories that will last a lifetime,” she wrote about her Miss Illinois County Pageant experience. Schumann extended thanks to the Calhoun County Queens Club for their assistance during the pageant, highlighting the camaraderie among participants. “Tara, Stacey, and Emily, you guys are the best of the best,” she said, acknowledging their efforts to ensure her comfort throughout the weekend. The Miss Calhoun

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