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EDWARDSVILLE – Illinois Republican governor candidates Darren Bailey, Richard Irvin, Max Solomon and Jesse Sullivan are expected to join more than 25 candidates for State and Local offices at a GOP Candidate Meet-and-Greet from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 21, 2022, at the American Legion, 58 IL-157, Edwardsville. The event is free and open to the public. Hosted by the Madison County Republican Central Committee (MCRCC), this event will kick off the final 6 weeks leading up to the June 28, 2022, Primary Election. For the first time in recent memory, Madison County Republicans hold most offices at the county level. This June marks a season of contested primary races for several local County Offices, as well as US House and Senate seats and State Congressional races. “In this unprecedented time in Madison County, we as conservatives will have choices at the ballot box,” said MCRCC Chairman Ray Wesley. “This is an opportunity to get to know these candidates,”

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COLLINSVILLE – Memorial Day Weekend is the traditional start of summer and this year’s Memorial Day Fireworks Celebration is extra special as it kicks off the celebration of the City of Collinsville’s 150th Birthday, the Sesquicentennial Celebration. The celebration is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of the City’s 150th Birthday with a day of fun. “We are very excited to once again put on the Collinsville Memorial Day Fireworks Celebration and are looking forward to a day of fun for the entire family,” Kimberly Caughran, Collinsville Parks, and Recreation Director said. The Collinsville Aqua Park opens at 11 a.m. and the Memorial Day activities start at 2 p.m. Roads in the area around will be closing Sunday morning prior to the start of the celebration to give time for the food trucks and vendors to set up. Food trucks will be located near the stage on Eastport Plaza and vendors will set up on Gateway Drive. Included in the Memoria

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EDWARDSVILLE - Lincoln Middle School in Edwardsville eighth-graders Andrah Salyer and Nolan Forinash have been recognized as this year's American Legion Award Winners. Lincoln Middle says this award goes to students who exemplify courage, honor, leadership, patriotism, scholarship, and service. The youth were granted the award by American Legion 5th Division Commander Larry J. Miller. Miller said he was honored to present the awards to the students.: “They are given to two students each year who are graduating from eighth grade or high school," he said. "They receive a certificate and a medal. We rely on the schools to give us the names of the students who receive the awards. I am always pleased to give out awards to these top students. I also encourage students to look at the American Legion oratorical contests and some of the other competitions at Legion.org ."

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County Police Crimes Against Persons detectives are currently investigating a homicide in the 1200 block of North Highway Drive which resulted in the death of an adult female. On May 17, 2022, at approximately 5:25 PM, St. Louis County police officers from the City of Fenton Precinct responded to a call for service for shots fired in the 1200 block of North Highway Drive. Arriving officers were fired upon by a male suspect who then fled the area in a white Chevrolet Impala. Officers attempted to stop the fleeing vehicle but the vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit lasted approximately 10 minutes, ending at Big Bend Road and Old Big Bend Road where the suspect turned the gun on himself. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene. One officer was injured due to glass breaking in the patrol unit when the officer was fired upon by the suspect. The officer was treated by EMS on the scene. No officers were struck by gunfire.

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The following are the Class of 2022 graduates at St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School. Donald Alexander Josselyn Allen Katy Arnold Justin Bell Matthew Bishop Noah Borkowski Kelsy Carey Evan Cheek Ava Deist Jescie Fitzgerald Boden Fraley Holly Forrester Cash Goetten Meredith Gray Chase Howell Jude Jones Abram Kribs Shane Lamer Samantha Lott Adelina Ruiz Carly Russell Grace Russell Maria Schroeder Josie Shipley Paul Slusser Lilly Smith Lily Wilkinson Luke Wilkinson Aubrey Wock Taylor Woodring Madalynn Woolsey

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EDWARDSVILLE — It’s official, Madison County‘s Plum Street property is sold. “In real estate, it’s never sold until it’s closed,” Chairman Kurt Prenzler said. “The sale isn’t official until the deed is conveyed On Tuesday, Prenzler signed the closing paperwork on the nearly 14 acres at Madison County Title Company. In February, The Staenberg Group, a multi-state development company with offices in St. Louis and Denver – offered $3.86 million for the county-owned property at the intersection of Illinois 159 and Governor’s Parkway. The company was the sole bidder on the land the county put up for sale in January. The county board approved the sale in March. The company paid the property’s appraised value. The company is also developing the nearby Orchard Town Center in Glen Carbon. Prenzler said the county wanted to sell the site so it did not have to maintain it, and to eliminate the county’s liability.

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THE CONVERSATION - The conditions that led to a shortage of baby formula were set in motion long before the February 2022 closure of the Similac factory tipped the U.S. into a crisis . Retailers nationwide reported supplies of baby formula were out of stock at a rate of 43% during the week ended May 8, 2022, compared with less than 5% in the first half of 2021. In some states, such as Texas and Tennessee , shortages were over 50%, which has prompted parents to travel long distances and pay exorbitant sums of money to grab dwindling supplies of formula for their babies. News that the Food and Drug Administration and Similac-maker Abbott have reached a deal to reopen the formula factory in Sturgis, Michigan, is welcome news for desperate parents, but it will do little to alleviate the shortage anytime soon. This is in no small part because of the very nature of America’s baby formula industry. I research and teach supply chain management , with a special focus on

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ST. LOUIS - St. Louis Downtown Airport (KCPS) announced that flight operations at the airport increased to a total of 101,938 during 2021, the highest total for the airport in the past five years. The total number of flight operations exceeds 2019 numbers by more than 5%, which is significant considering the coronavirus pandemic continued to significantly impact air travel in 2021. It represents a 31.2% increase over the 2020 flight operations, a strong signal private and business travel customers returned to the skies and flew in and out of the closest airport to downtown St. Louis. “The overall trend for the first quarter of 2022 confirmed the rebound is continuing and is likely to see even greater acceleration due to key events drawing more travelers to the region in the coming months,” said Mary Lamie, Executive Vice President of Multi-Modal Enterprises for Bi-State Development. Bi-StateDevelopment owns and operates the busiest general aviation airport in Illinois,

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URBANA – After a cold, wet spring Illinois farmers are racing to get their crops in the field. As large farm equipment moves along country roads, both farmers and those driving a vehicle should adopt a "safety first" attitude. The 2022 spring planting season is progressing rapidly with many workers moving at a rapid pace to keep up. During spring planting season, more slow-moving farm equipment travel on the roadways, creating potentially hazardous traffic jams where motorists in a rush least expect them. "Since many drivers are unfamiliar with the size and maneuverability of farm equipment, operators should use hazards and turn signals diligently. Avoid moving equipment during peak traffic times. For example, shuffle equipment in the middle day to avoid people driving to and from work and school. When yielding to oncoming traffic, slow down and be aware of soft shoulders. Avoid distractions, such as using cell phones when driving, and refrain from carrying passengers," says

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EDWARDSVILLE – Individuals scheduled to appear in Madison County Circuit Court can now sign up to receive text messages or email reminders about their upcoming appearances. Circuit Clerk Tom McRae announced the launching of the service on Wednesday. He said an individual would receive four text messages/emails starting one week before a scheduled court time for anyone enrolled in the new service. The Illinois Supreme Court authorized the use of text messages as an inexpensive reminder to patrons of the court system. “It is important for everyone to understand that text messages do not replace any type of legal or formal notification of a court date,” McRae said. “They simply serve as convenient reminders for those who choose to enroll in the optional program.” The reminders will be sent on days seven, five, three and one before the scheduled time. Those who would like to enroll in the program can go to the Circuit Clerk’s website and click on

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GRANITE CITY – Today, Joe Hackler, candidate for State Representative in the 112 th district, announced his endorsement from the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police. As Democrats cast votes to make our communities less safe, supporting law enforcement and first responders is more critical than ever before. With this key endorsement, police voiced their support for Hackler as the candidate to represent them in Springfield. “I am honored to have the support of our policemen and women and will fight every day to support them as they keep our communities safe,” said Hackler. “As crime skyrockets, I will continue to stand with law enforcement and take down the Democrats’ radical pro-criminal, anti-police agenda.” About the Fraternal Order of Police The Fraternal Order of Police, founded in 1915, is the largest organization of sworn law enforcement officers in the United States. With a proud tradition of officers representing officers, the FO

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) today issued the first pre-construction permits to social equity licensees established under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, which clears the way for the businesses to begin construction. The Department issued permits to Galaxy Labs, Mint Cannabis, and Star Buds Illinois. • Galaxy Labs, located in Richton Park, is 100% Latino and Black-owned • Mint Cannabis, located in Forest Park, is 51% Latino-owned • Star Buds Illinois, located in Rockford, is 66% Black-owned The cohort of craft grow licenses of which this group is a part, issued in August of 2021, is 88% Social Equity by ownership and 80% identify as nonwhite. “When Illinois legalized cannabis, it was essential that we do what no other state has done – make sure the most impacted communities benefited,” said Governor Pritzker. “I’m pleased to see that these diverse businesses are clear to start construction, and

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ROXANA - The Bacus family recently presented the Fourth Annual Shine Like Spencer Kindness Award to graduating Senior Sharlee Mason. The $500 award was established in memory of their son, Spencer Bacus who died in 2018 from a rare form of cancer. Spencer was described as a 2012 graduate of Roxana High School and known as "an extremely kind and caring young man who was a friend to all," Debbie Bacus said. When Spencer was three days old, we were told by doctors at Children's Hospital in St. Louis that most children born with his rare skin disorder (Giant Congenital Nevus) don't live past five years old. He certainly kept living - happily, joyfully, robustly – day after day, year after year, and inspired countless amounts of students and residents in his community and at SIUE. Spencer Bacus, 24, was an SIUE junior in the Department of Applied Communication Studies; Fine Arts Fellow, honor thespian, accomplished actor and performer, versatile musician – pianist, woodwinds,

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CARLINVILLE - On Saturday, May 14, 2022, Blackburn College in Carlinville, IL held commencement ceremonies on the campus’ Hudson Quad honoring 86 graduates from the class of 2022. These events marked the 153rd Commencement exercise for the College. The Blackburn Alumni Association presented its Outstanding Graduate Award at commencement. This year, two deserving seniors - political science major Blake Meyer of Greenfield, and elementary education major Brianna Milich of Washington, IL. - shared that distinction. During commencement, academic and leadership awards were presented to the graduating class, and one recognized Emily Fleck, a psychology major from Athens, IL, as class valedictorian. Dr. Mark L. Biermann, president of Blackburn, shared remarks and welcomed families and friends to celebrate a return to regular graduation activities on campus. “Gathering as we are today gives us a singular opportunity to pause, take stock, and think about what we have experienced,

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ALTON - St. Mary's Catholic School graduates are listed below: Corbin Barnard Michael Beaber Austin Brunaugh Alex Campbell Lucille Cassenti Olivia Certa Mackenzie Cochran Lucas Davis Isabel Downey Sharon Dugas Jackson Ehrman Laci Fischer John Hornsey Carson Jones Sofia Lamere Reese Livingstone Melanie Marshall Noah Menke Braden Nash Alexander Noll Owen Page Olivia Prediger Annie Rea Jack Rea Samuel Rea Stephen Stobbs Josephine Strack Joseph Ventimiglia Caleb Wade Madelyn Waters

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ALTON – Although Alton Memorial Hospital was unable to hold its annual Employee Awards Banquet again this year because of the pandemic, the hospital was still able to honor several of its top staff members during the recent Health Care Week. Cathy Wagner, manager of Surgical Services and the Cardiac Cath Lab, won the 2021 Leadership Award, as voted on by AMH senior leaders. “Cathy checked many of the boxes in 2021,” said AMH President Dave Braasch. “She demonstrated characteristics in getting results, integrity, continuous improvement and building customer-focused teams. During the most recent COVID surge, she routinely jumped in to lend a hand in staffing where needed. With all the disruptions, Cathy dealt fairly with everyone and listened to everyone’s input before making the final decision. Her response was poised and deliberate, always putting the patients first.” Wagner said that winning the award was a surprise to her because of all the grea

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CHICAGO – Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs today announced the return of more than $43,000 in unclaimed property to St. Andrew Ukrainian Church in Bloomingdale. The Treasurer’s Office recently found the unclaimed money and reached out to church officials to return it. The gorgeous Ukrainian Orthodox church, which is a cultural and religious center for Chicago’s west suburban Ukrainian community, has stepped up its charity work in Ukraine following the unprovoked and immoral Russian invasion. Unclaimed property, also known as I-Cash, refers to money or accounts within financial institutions or companies in which there has been no activity for several years. Unclaimed property includes forgotten bank accounts, unpaid life insurance benefits, the contents of safe deposit boxes and other items. In the case of St. Andrew, the Treasurer’s Office discovered the church was owed the money while conducting unclaimed property compliance audits of companies.

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ST. LOUIS - The transit advocacy organization Citizens for Modern Transit (CMT) has announced plans for its next virtual “Talking Transit” event, which is set for Thursday, June 9, at 8:30 a.m. via ZOOM. This event will highlight new initiatives underway through Metro Transit to expand accessibility and further improve safety and security on the St. Louis region’s public system, which is comprised of MetroLink light rail, 59 MetroBus routes, and the Metro Call-A-Ride paratransit fleet. The event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required and can be completed online at www.cmt-stl.org . Those in attendance will learn about the latest plans associated with the Northside-Southside MetroLink Study with St. Louis City and St. Louis County, the new Secure Platform Plan and the service profile of the organization moving forward. The panel discussion will feature Taulby Roach, President and CEO of Bi-State Development which operates Metro Transit for the

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ST. LOUIS - The CEO of St. Louis-based ProCare Health, a leader in the bariatric supplement market with a focus on after-surgery nutritional needs, is announcing the launch of a new supplement website. Nick Wiegand is one of four founders of WellRabbit, an e-commerce site dedicated to selling only physician-vetted products from qualified manufacturers. “I’ve launched several brands from the ground up. This gave me insight into just how many companies there are that offer counterfeit, substandard, or even dangerous supplements. There had to be a safe place for consumers,” said Nick Wiegand, the President of WellRabbit. “There are two goals for WellRabbit. We protect the consumer by giving them a high-quality product, and we protect the industry by making sure only authentic goods are sold.” WellRabbit was founded out of CEO Dr. Jeffrey Hendricks’ desire to help his sister, Teresa, beat breast cancer and live a healthier life. By taking integrative

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MARYVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announces a right lane closure on I-55/70 WB between Illinois 159 and 13-mile marker in Maryville Thursday, May 19, 2022, weather permitting, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM. These restrictions are needed to allow access for the weigh-in-motion vendor to perform repairs to the weigh-in motion sensors at the Weigh Station on I-55/70 in Maryville. Warning Lights of Southern Illinois will be providing traffic control. Full access will be restored by 5:00 PM. Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for trips through this area. To avoid the work area, when feasible, the use of alternate routes should be considered. Drivers are urged to pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow IDOT on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on

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