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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced the winners of the 2023 Cream of the Crop Photo Contest , which provides an opportunity for young photographers to share their vision of agriculture in our state. Students who won first, second or third place in each age category will be awarded Bright Start scholarships. “Thank you to all the young photographers who shared their talents by participating in this year’s contest. We’re impressed with everyone’s creativity in capturing the beauty of Illinois agriculture,” Frerichs said. “Congratulations to the winners, who will be awarded Bright Start scholarships that they can use for qualified expenses related to their post-secondary education.” A cake reception will be held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 11 at the Illinois State Fair to celebrate the 11 th year of the Cream of the Crop Photo Contest and to honor the young photographers who won first, second or third place

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SPRINGFIELD – Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed SB 2195, also known as the “So Kids Can Move” initiative, which will allow thousands of children and youth with limb loss or limb difference to afford prosthetic care that enables them to participate in physical activities. This legislation makes Illinois just the fourth state in the nation to pass this act. “Our children deserve quality healthcare and today we take another step to make that a reality,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “I’m proud to sign this legislation into law that will provide thousands of children with the appropriate prosthetic care they need to participate in physical activities—ensuring they can remain active and healthy.” “The So Kids Can Move Initiative expands pathways to equitable healthcare by providing children and their families access to prosthetic care — and it is a critical step in the mission to ensure every child has access to the care an

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ALTON - On Aug. 8, Millennium Temple Church of God in Christ (COGIC) welcomed religious leaders for a week of worship to mark the 69th State Women’s Convention of the Southern Illinois Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. Mother Alberta Porter and Assistant State Supervisor Missionary Yolanda Joiner will lead conversations with women in the Millennium Temple COGIC congregation. Church member Sarah Porter explained that the State Women’s Convention is a chance for women to come together and worship. “They’re connecting together,” Sarah Porter said. “They’re having a worship. They are having Sunday School for the little kids. And we try to get everybody involved.” The week kicks off on Tuesday, Aug. 8 with a morning session led by Mother Alberta Porter, the supervisor of the Department of Women in the Southern Illinois Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. Joiner will lead the session at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. Thursday’s Queen Court Night will

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ALTON - Linda Petterson of Safe Food Specialist appeared on an episode of Our Daily Show! for the latest installment of the show’s Food For Thought segment. She discussed her series of upcoming Food Safety Manager Certification classes, her path to becoming a food safety instructor, and much more. “In my class, I tell stories, and that’s how people remember - I’ve got a lot of stories,” Petterson said. “People remember my stories - they’ll be taking the test and they’ll go, ‘Oh yeah, I remember her talking about her girl friend having celiac disease.’” Petterson will be hosting several upcoming food safety classes to help food industry professionals receive their Food Safety Manager Certification. The next class is on August 14 at the VFW in Staunton, and each class takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Future classes will be held everywhere from Casino Queen in East St. Louis to Johnson’s Corner in Alton and more.

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ST. LOUIS - The following students have been named to the Dean's List for the spring 2023 semester at Washington University in St. Louis. Edwardsville students are: Dev Mathur is enrolled in the McKelvey School of Engineering. To qualify for the Dean's List in the McKelvey School of Engineering, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 12 graded units. Dhruv Mathur is enrolled in the McKelvey School of Engineering. To qualify for the Dean's List in the McKelvey School of Engineering, students must earn a semester grade point average of 3.6 or above and be enrolled in at least 12 graded units. About Washington University in St. Louis Washington University in St. Louis is counted among the world's leaders in teaching, research, patient care and service to society. The university draws students to St. Louis from more than 100 countries and all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the Northern

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ALTON - Alton’s Fall City-Wide Litter Cleanup will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Sept. 9, rain or shine. The community is invited to pitch in by picking up bags, gloves, a free donut, and directions to areas that need cleaning. Registration stations are open from 8 a.m.-noon and located Downtown at the corner of 3rd & Belle Street and in Middletown at Fast Eddies Chicken at 7th and Central Avenue. At 9 a.m., groups are departing in Upper Alton from Taqueria Maya at 621 College Ave. and in North Alton from Joe K’s Restaurant, located at 2530 State St. If needed, groups can pick up supplies at Great Rivers Tourism Center, or Jacoby Arts Center two weeks prior. Alternatively, volunteers can simply pick up litter in their neighborhood and deposit it in their own trash & recycle bins. The bi-annual cleanups are coordinated by Pride, Incorporated, collaborating with numerous organizations, businesses and neighbors who share the vision and understanding that litter-free

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WOOD RIVER – Prepare for an unforgettable evening of unity, hope, and outstanding musical performances at the highly anticipated annual music festival, Amare's Rockin' for Recovery, proudly presented by Bickle Electric Heating & Cooling Contracting Co. This empowering event is set to raise awareness and pay tribute to the inspiring journey of individuals and families who have triumphed over substance use challenges. Organized by the Riverbend area nonprofit, Amare, the festival will take place from 4 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, transforming the Bethalto Central Park fairgrounds into a hub of entertainment and community connection. Aligned with the spirit of National Recovery Month, which takes place each September, Rockin' for Recovery is poised to educate and engage the public on the importance of treatment services, recovery, and the vital resources available to those navigating the path of substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders. Rooted in Wood River, Illinois

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ALTON - The Alton VFW Post 1308 invites everyone in the community to come out, enjoy a beer and support local veterans. With a long list of events ahead, member Chad Sibley says there’s no time like the present to see what your local VFW has to offer. The VFW provides many services to veterans and their families. But Post 1308 also has a bar, games and an upcoming quarter auction that they hope will help engage people and raise money for their community efforts. “We do more for veterans in the nation. That’s our slogan,” Sibley said. “We want to serve and we love to serve, and that’s why we joined. It’s kind of a way for us to keep serving our community and protecting our citizens. Whatever we need to do to help the community, especially veterans, we’ve got resources.” The VFW Post 1308 connects veterans with each other and services that could benefit them. For example, they often provide medical equipment like wheelchairs

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ALTON - The Alton Branch NAACP announced a leadership change as Leon Smallwood Bey is moving into the president's seat and vice president Rosetta Brown will now move into the first vice president position. The Alton NAACP branch is one of the oldest, strongest and active organizations around, Brown said. Mike Holliday Sr. has resigned his position as president due to health reasons. "The future of this grand organization will stay strong and will continue to move forward," Smallwood and Brown said. "We have a competent and committed Executive Board and also an entire membership who is very dedicated to The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) which is to ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights of all persons and to eliminate race-based discrimination." Vision Statement The vision of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People is to ensure a society in which all individuals have

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HARDIN - At 12:13 p.m. on Aug. 5, 2023, law enforcement officials from the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Conversation Police executed multiple court-authorized search warrants on Jefferson Street, Kampsville, Calhoun County, Illinois in reference to an on-going methamphetamine and firearm investigation. Subsequent to the execution of said search warrant, methamphetamine, methamphetamine-related drug paraphernalia, baggies, scales, firearms, firearms suppressor, and surveillance equipment was located and seized. Arrested as a result of the search warrant are: Derek A. Boxdorfer, age 38, of Kamspville, was arrested on the following charges: Unlawful Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine, Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (2 counts), Unlawful Possession of Firearms Ammunition by a Felon, Unlawful Use of Weapon (Firearms

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CHICAGO – The Mega Millions jackpot for tonight’s drawing has soared to a mind-blowing $1.55 billion – the largest Mega Millions jackpot in the game’s history and the third largest lottery jackpot won in U.S. history. Illinoisans across the state are lining up at their local lottery stores to snatch up a ticket in hopes that their chosen numbers or even a quick pick is the lucky combination that brings them the big win. So, are there any ‘lucky’ Mega Millions numbers? For every drawing, five white balls are drawn from a set of balls numbered 1 through 70, and one gold Mega Ball is drawn from a set of balls numbered 1 through 25. While the odds are exactly the same for each number to be drawn - because numbers are drawn completely at random - the following table outlines the numbers that have been drawn the most in 2023. Plenty of Mega Millions players in Illinois have already walked away with a lot of cash this year after their winning numbers

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The Illinois Flag Commission will select potential flags by September 2024 CHICAGO — Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed SB1818 which creates the Illinois Flag Commission for the purpose of exploring the creation of a new state flag and developing new state flag designs. The commission will make recommendations to the General Assembly concerning whether the current State flag should be replaced with a redesigned flag. By September 2024, the Illinois Flag Commission will select no more than ten potential flags and submit a report to the General Assembly by December 2024. “Throughout our 205-year history, Illinois has boasted two official state flags—and it may be time we create a new one that exemplifies the values of our great state,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “Today, I am proud to sign SB1818 to establish the Illinois Flag Commission to aid us in this process as we decide what our future flag should represent.” "Our state flag demonstrates

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois State Police (ISP) conducted Operation Safe Summer August 3-5, 2023 in St. Clair and Madison counties. The operation targeted known high crime areas, organized violent offenders, and structured criminal groups in the communities of the Metro East. Troopers from Statewide Anti-Violence Enforcement (SAVE) Unit (South), SAVE (North), Fatal 4 (South), Troop 4, Troop 6, Troop 8, Troop 9, Troop 10, ISP Air Operations, and the Public Safety Enforcement Group participated in the multi-day operation. The Firearms Investigations Unit, Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois provided additional support during the operational period. Operation Safe Summer Results Traffic Stops 420 Arrests 44 Felony Charges 46 Criminal Charges 80 Firearm Related Charges 31 Firearms Seized 18 Cannabis Seized 816 grams Controlled Substance Seized 56.4 grams

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ALTON - Legislation sponsored by State Representative Amy Elik (R-Alton) to create the Rural Education Advisory Council was recently signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker. “The Rural Education Advisory Council has been created to ensure that rural and small schools have a voice in Illinois’ education system,” said Rep. Amy Elik. “Small and rural school districts are faced with many challenges. The intent of this new law is to open the line of communication between the State Board of Education, State Superintendent, and small and rural schools.” Public Act 103-0497 (SB 1787) sponsored by Representative Amy Elik, amends the Illinois School Code to create the Rural Education Advisory Council. Provides that the purpose of the council is to exchange thoughtful dialogue concerning the needs, challenges, and opportunities of rural districts and to provide policy recommendations to the State. Rep. Elik added, “Rural and small schools desired a formal

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ALTON - Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford provided a report about a crash at 12:33 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023, involving a single vehicle on Alby Street near the intersection with Big Arch Road. Ford said the police department's preliminary investigation revealed that a distraction within the vehicle caused the driver not to see the vehicle in front of her slowing/stopping to turn and the driver subsequently swerved to avoid striking the vehicle and then left the roadway. "The vehicle subsequently overturned after swerving and leaving the roadway," Ford said. "The driver of the vehicle was transported via Alton Fire Department Ambulance to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries." Traffic in the area was disrupted by the crash for about 45 minutes when the scene was cleared.

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ALTON - Alton Little Theater’s 90th season is off to an exciting start as the theater prepares for several productions in the coming months. “I love to go to St. Louis, but I know that families may never get to see a first-class production in St. Louis. So we want to give them some exposure here,” said Lee Cox, the theater’s executive director and business manager. “We’re a real, legitimate theater, so they’re getting to see a quality show. There’s not a bad seat in the house.” To mark the end of summer, the theater is hosting Circus Kaput at 7 p.m. on Aug. 12. This touring circus act aims to give families a fun night before school starts. Tickets are $20 and include refreshments. “ a little magic, a lot of comedy and tricks and getting kids up on stage and letting them be part of the magic,” Cox said. “And I just love watching their faces when they see things and ‘How did he do that?’”

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GODFREY- Godfrey’s new tourism website, visitgodfrey.com , is now up and running - and much like the village itself, it’s ready for visitors. Developed by Riverbender.com , the site showcases several attractions, events, and more around the village to help spread awareness of the great things going on in Godfrey for visitors and residents alike. The Visit Godfrey homepage greets visitors with sweeping drone footage (and on-ground footage) of scenery and life around the village. Tabs for events , things to do , restaurants , or to plan your visit , as well as a search bar, line the upper right. Scrolling down reveals a list of upcoming events, a summary of the village, and tabs to learn more about attractions , restaurants , shopping , and other things to do around Godfrey. “I think it’s great,” Economic Development Director Jim Mager said of the new website. “I think it’s an exciting site - I like when you open it up, you see

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Gas prices have escalated around the region as AAA reports crude oil prices are on the rise and there have also been OPEC and Saudi Arabia extended production cuts. As of Friday, Aug. 4, 2023, some of the prices around the Riverbend on Gas Buddy are as follows: the Casey's on Broadway and Main in Alton stands at $3.89 for regular unleaded. Walmart has the lowest price in Godfrey at $3.74 per gallon for regular unleaded. Quik Trip on West Bethalto Drive has a price of $3.78 for regular unleaded as does Casey's on Illinois Route 140 and Fairway Alley. Phillips 66 on East Ferguson Avenue and Central Avenue in Wood River has a price of $3.89 a gallon for regular unleaded. Phillips 66 in West Alton is $3.59 a gallon for regular unleaded. The Shell station on Vandalia Street in Edwardsville has a price of $3.94 per gallon for regular unleaded, while Quik Trip in Edwardsville has a rate of $3.89 per gallon of regular unleaded. The statewide gas price average in Missouri is $3.63 for a gallon

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ALTON - A local family garnered attention as they celebrated their 55th family reunion this past weekend. August 4, 2023, was named Johnson and Sease Family Day in the City of Alton. The Johnson and Sease family reunion draws nearly 200 people every year. This year, family members traveled to Alton from Atlanta, Indianapolis, Memphis and Gary, Indiana. The reunion included a picnic and banquet, but before festivities began, the family lined the steps of City Hall to accept a proclamation from Mayor David Goins. “People find it interesting because we’ve been doing it for so long,” Brian Johnson, an Alton family member, said. “It really is something. My dad’s father had, like, nine brothers and sisters. And we are actually in touch with each one of those families.” This is why the reunion is so important to Brian: He gets to know the people who made him who he is and meet the younger family members who will carry on that legacy. All of the kid

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ALTON - The Liberty Bank Amphitheater hosted their “I Love the 90s” show on Aug. 4 with performances from Vanilla Ice, Rob Base, All 4 One and Tag Team. Community members from every generation came together to celebrate the night of nostalgia. “The ‘I Love the 90s’ show at the amphitheater was a great success that brought another large crowd to our riverfront for an evening of quality entertainment,” said Dan Herkert, a member of the Alton Amphitheater Commission. “It was great to see so many people having such a good time. The Amphitheater Commission is delighted to organize these events for our community.” As they waited for the show to start, attendees enjoyed food trucks, music by a local DJ and additional catering by Johnson’s Corner . They could also participate in a meet-and-greet after the performances. While the 90s music was especially fun for audience members who lived through the decade, the event drew people o

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