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SRPINGFIELD — Following the House passage of House Bill 579, Governor JB Pritzker released the following statement: Today, with the House passage of House Bill 579, we’re one step closer to eliminating unnecessary barriers for residents who are eligible to receive health insurance. Through the adoption of a state-based insurance marketplace, we can expand healthcare access by effectively identifying traditionally underinsured communities, conducting effective outreach to them, and assisting in the enrollment process. As a result, more Illinoisans than ever before will be able to utilize a health insurance plan that works for them and their family. I’m thankful to Majority Leader Robyn Gabel for her leadership on this issue and I look forward to following the bill’s progress in the Senate.

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GRANITE CITY – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced pavement repairs on Illinois 3 from New Poag Road to the McKinley Bridge will require intermittent lane closures, weather permitting, starting at 5:30 a.m. on Monday, May 15. One lane in each direction will remain open at all times. All southbound lanes will be open weekdays from 6-9 a.m. and all northbound lanes will be open weekdays from 3-6 p.m. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. The project is expected to be complete by mid-June. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on Twitter at @IDOTDistrict8 or view area construction details on IDOT’s traveler information map on GettingAroundIllinois.com.

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BRUSSELS - On May 4, 2023, a Deputy Sheriff with the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a white 2010 Dodge Caravan at Illinois River Road near the American Legion in Brussels, Calhoun County, Illinois. Subsequent to an investigation, the driver, Lucas D. Jenkins, age 27, of Golden Eagle, Illinois was arrested for the following offenses: Unlawful Possession of Methamphetamine. Jenkins was arrested without incident and transported to the Jersey County Jail. All suspect(s) are innocent until proven guilty.

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GODFREY - The Godfrey Road renovation project by the Illinois Department of Transportation is a high-profile revitalization project, with the traffic close to Lewis and Clark Community College within the Village of Godfrey. Travelers heading for other destinations such as Jerseyville and Brighton and beyond also take the road to and from their work. Godfrey Mayor Mike McCormick said he knows a lot of people are trying to avoid that area, but he said if there are good weather conditions, IDOT may have the project in solid shape by the time school resumes. "I haven't had a lot of phone calls complaining about it," he said. "I thought we would, but I know when IDOT is done everyone is going to be very happy. It is a very busy area still, but it makes me smile that when finished it will be good for the Village of Godfrey." Mayor McCormick stressed it will be first-class when finished with sidewalks, curbs, and gutters, along with the actual resurfacing. "In the end, it will pay off,"

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WOOD RIVER - Bill Dettmers and Gary Ayres were sworn in as new Wood River City Council Members at the most recent meeting, and both said they are honored to serve on the council. Dettmers said the following: "I am humbled and appreciate the support I have received from the community. I will dedicate myself to serving the City of Wood River to the best of my ability." Dettmers said he and Ayres are like-minded in their thinking and are both analytical people and businessmen and look forward to the challenges ahead. Ayres said he is also honored to be serving as a new Wood River City Council member. He previously served as mayor of Wood River from 2001-2005. Ayres added that one of his goals is to see how to pay for the rec center that is in development. "I think that is our goal: to keep where taxpayers don't have an increase in taxes and getting a portion of the city out of a flood plain," he said. "Those are two big issues during campaign voters seemed to comment most. I am looking

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ALTON - Alton Police and Fire responded to a report of a shooting outside of the 1600 block of Rock Springs Drive on Wednesday night. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said the incident was reported to the police department at 7:34 p.m. "Officers arrived and located one male subject who had been shot with a firearm," Chief Ford said. "The victim was transported to a local hospital by the Alton Fire Department and later transferred to a St. Louis area hospital for further treatment. "The investigation is being conducted by members of the Alton Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division. The investigation is ongoing at this time." Anyone with information is asked to contact the Alton Police Department at 618-463-3505.

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GODFREY - It was a race to raise funds, and generous friends of Beverly Farm made sure the results were a photo finish. #RacingForBeverlyFarm is a 24-hour giving event where staff and donors come together to support the nonprofit’s work of providing loving, caring homes for adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. This year’s total of $709,760 raised surpassed the original goal of $650,000 for the fundraiser. “We are overwhelmed by the generosity demonstrated during #RacingForBeverlyFarm,” said Beverly Farm CEO Crystal Officer. “Our mission is to provide emotional security, dignified quality of life, and opportunities for growth to our residents. These funds enable our team to continue pushing for excellence in everything we do.” There were 587 total donors who participated in #RacingForBeverlyFarm. The theme of #RacingforBeverlyFarm was inspired by the Equestrian Center at Beverly Farm’s equine therapy horses that trot throug

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SPRINGFIELD – Throughout the month of May, the Illinois State Police (ISP) will celebrate National Law Enforcement Appreciation Month, a time when we come together to remember those who have lost their lives in the line of duty, honor those who have served and continue to serve, offer support to fellow officers and their loved ones, and for citizens to show their appreciation to the men and women who keep our communities safe while dealing with the inherent dangers of police work. “Law enforcement officers carry a heavy burden and put their lives on the line every day,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “During the month of May we honor these men and women who are sworn to protect us, and remember those we’ve lost in the line of duty. Their work is dangerous, demanding, and sometimes thankless. It takes a special, dedicated person to do the job. We should honor and show our appreciation for these brave souls this month and every month.”

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ALTON - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District will announce the winners of an island naming contest on Saturday, May 13 starting at noon at the National Great Rivers Museum in Alton. Students from both Jerseyville and Alton School Districts submitted name suggestions for the new islands and will be presented with certificates at the ceremony. The three newly created islands are part of the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program’s Piasa and Eagles Nest Island Habitat Rehabilitation and Enhancement Project. The winning students and their winning names will be announced at the ceremony and certificates will be presented by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers staff. The ceremony will take place during the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rivers Project Office’s Recreation, Education, and Conservation Festival, also known as REC Fest. The National Great Rivers Museum is located at 2 Locks and Dam Way in Alton. The St. Louis District is strategically

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ST. LOUIS - For the sixth consecutive year, Schnuck Markets, Inc. is proud to support the Folds of Honor Foundation through a “Round Up at the Register” campaign taking place at all 115 Schnucks and Eatwell Markets throughout the Midwest. Folds of Honor is a nonprofit organization that honors the sacrifices of fallen and disabled military veterans and, new this year, first responders by providing educational scholarships to their spouses and children. Last year’s efforts raised $850,000 which funded 170 scholarships. Starting today and continuing through Tuesday, May 30, Schnucks customers will be able to contribute to Folds of Honor at checkout simply by rounding up their purchases to the nearest dollar. Those customers who use self-checkouts and wish to give may choose a $1, $3 or $5 “Scan and Give” option. Schnucks Rewards members also have the opportunity to donate their Rewards points to Folds of Honor as part of the Donate Your Rewards program.

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SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker was joined today by Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton, Illinois State Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza, elected officials, and first responders to sign the Act-of-Duty Bill into law. HB 3162 retroactively provides Chicago police officers and firefighters disability benefits for the time they were unable to serve due to contracting COVID-19 between March 9, 2020, and June 30, 2021. “Since the darkest days of the pandemic, our first responders — police officers, firefighters, and EMS workers alike — have been on the ground, putting their own health and safety at risk to protect others,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “When our first responders are disabled on the job, they deserve comprehensive benefits. HB 3162, a bipartisan Act-of-Duty Bill, ensures they get the benefits they are entitled to.” “Our first responders serve and protect, heal and care, comfort and support, Illinois residents in their time

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JERSEYVILLE - It will be a busy summer at the Jerseyville Public Library with their Free Comic Book Festival coming up and several more events scheduled for this summer. The third annual Free Comic Book Festival will be held this Saturday, May 13 from noon to 3 p.m., and will feature a Smash Bros tournament, Jedi Lightsaber Training sessions, tons of door prizes, and much more. At the Free Comic Book Festival, the Smash Bros Tournament with prizes will begin at 2:30 p.m. Registration is required by May 11 for the tournament, but no registration is required for the Festival itself. The Festival will also feature a costume parade, crafts by the Jersey County Arts Council, a Wonder Woman cosplayer for photo opportunities, and professional face painting by Glitter Faces. The event is free and open to all ages, with or without a library card. Several other events are planned for the rest of this summer, including a live Zoom event on Wednesday, May 17 at 7 p.m. Olympic Gold Medalist

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SPRINGFIELD - Governor JB Pritzker and State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera joined firefighters today to honor and remember fallen firefighters and recognize those who went above and beyond their duties at the 30th Annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial and Medal of Honor Ceremony. “From the July 4th Highland Park massacre to intractable lithium-ion battery fires to last month’s devastating tornadoes, our firefighters respond to our most daunting emergencies with resolve and selflessness—mitigating disaster, reuniting families, and saving countless lives, while putting themselves in harm’s way,” said Governor JB Pritzker . “Congratulations to our Firefighter Excellence Award, Firefighter Excellence ‘Unit Citation’ Award, State Fire Marshal Life Safety Award, Medal of Honor, and Medal of Valor awardees. On behalf of the State of Illinois, thank you for your service—we couldn’t be more grateful.” “Firefighters serve

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ALTON – The 2023 season of the Alton Farmers' & Artisans' Market will begin on Saturday, May 13th (always Mother’s Day weekend) in the parking lot at the corner of Landmarks Blvd. & Henry Street in Downtown Alton, Illinois. The market will be in session, rain or shine, every Saturday morning from 8:00 a.m. until Noon through Oct 21 st . Shoppers will find a wide selection of locally-grown seasonal fruit and vegetables including heirloom varieties and organically grown crops, along with grass-fed beef, pasture-raised poultry, farm fresh eggs, local honey, hot and iced coffee, fresh bread and other baked goods, as well as ready to eat breakfast and lunch items. In addition, fresh cut flowers, potted plants, and a large assortment of hand-crafted artwork such as pottery, stained glass, soap, candles, and woodworking items will be sold. Special activities have been scheduled every week. Opening day will feature a Community Yard Sale; space is still available and booth registration

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TROY - The Triad High School girl's soccer program has never really had a goalie issue during head coach Matt Bettlach's tenure. Players graduate, and there's always another player ready to step up in net. This season, that player was senior Tavey Duncan. For her contributions in goal, Tavey is an Axes Physical Therapy Athlete of the Month for Triad. After playing JV soccer for three years, she finally got the call up to the varsity squad as the team's starting goalie. According to Bettlach, Duncan had some big shoes to fill after Kendall and Reagan Chigas, last season's goalies that split their time, graduated. Those two combined for a 25-1 record and a state title. Not only did Duncan have big shoes to fill, but extremely high expectations as well, and she was there to answer the call. "Everything starts with the goalie doing a good job," Bettlach said. "I couldn’t be more happy with the way she has played." “You can look at teams who may struggle, but when they

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ALTON - Alton Community Service League, at the final meeting of the year, lived up to its mission statement: Women volunteering individually and collectively for the betterment and beautification of the Alton Godfrey area. The total hours volunteered by all members was 2,517 hours with a total market value of $75,384.15. This year's Silver Bowl recipient, the member who has volunteered the most hours, is Sandra Goeken. Pictured are the women who have received the honor of being a volunteer of the month throughout the 2022-2023 year. Front row: Jean Conrady, Sandra Goeken, Silver Bowl Winner, Pat Cooper Back row: Bernie Wickenhauser, Diane Foster, Joanne Adams, Debra Olinde. The ACSL has again, through the help of the community, raised funds for area beautification and non-profits. Those grants, totaling $12,106.48, were awarded to the following: CHARITABLE Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, Alton Youth Symphony, Alton Area Animal Aid Assoc., Seasons of Life, Thrive Metro East, Serving

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ALTON - The Alton Symphony Orchestra performed their April 29th concert titled “An Evening with the Masters” featuring works written by Ludwig Van Beethoven, Franz Schubert and Modest Mussorgsky (Tushmalov) in Hatheway Hall at Lewis & Clark Community College. Orchestra President, Jessica Pottig, said after the concert, “It was a good night of music and the audience was great too. We’ve been performing for the Alton area community for over 75 years and it’s still a lot of fun." Jessica went on to say, “ Our conductor is Wm. Shane Williams. We (55 members) are very lucky to have someone of his talent and dedication to our Orchestra.” The next Alton Symphony Orchestra event will be their annual Trivia night on Saturday night, May 13th, (doors open at 6 p.m.), at the Alton VFW Post 1308, 4445 N. Alby St., Alton. For more information about future concerts, fundraising, musicians, auditions and more go to altonsymphonyorchestra.org . More photos

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ST. LOUIS - May is Osteoporosis Awareness Month. Research shows that dairy foods are integral for building and maintaining a lifetime of healthy bones because they contain nutrients like calcium, protein, vitamin D, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. “Getting these key nutrients in with 3 servings a day of dairy is important at every stage in life,” states Maggie Cimarolli, nutrition educator with the St. Louis District Dairy Council. 1-2-3 age groups… It is crucial for children and adolescents to consume enough dairy. Up to 90 percent of bone mass is accumulated by the age of eighteen. Children who achieve peak bone mass reduce their risk for developing osteoporosis, a bone-crippling disease, later in life. Adults also need to focus on dairy consumption throughout their lives. Bone loss and a reduced ability to replace bone tissue begins around the age of forty. Adults who consume a bone-healthy diet, engage in exercise, and eliminate bad habits like smoking

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GLEN CARBON - The Glen Carbon Village Board of Trustees passed several amendments to the Village Code and approved the appointment of several individuals to various boards and committees at Mayor Bob Marcus’s recommendation. Mayor Marcus made a few announcements at the start of the meeting, the first of which was that there are still a few vendor opportunities available for the Glen Carbon Homecoming event being held on Father’s Day weekend on June 16 and 17. More information and parade participation forms can be found on the village website . Neighbor nominations are now open for the 2023 G.L.E.N. Awards, awarded by The Gardening, Landscaping and Enhancing Nature (G.L.E.N.) Committee. Mayor Marcus said “winners will be selected based on their yards’ beautification efforts and can be a resident or business.” Online voting is available on the village website and winners will be featured in the next Village Communicator. Finally, Mayor Marcus

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MADISON COUNTY – Want to help young students sharpen their reading skills over the summer? Provide a safe, supervised place for kids to go after school? Help send a child to summer camp? It’s as simple as stopping for coffee or dining out. Salvation Army Week will kick-off with a “Dine to Donate” program on Monday, May 15, and will continue through Sunday, May 21. Seven area businesses will donate a generous percentage of their proceeds to the organization on a designated day. Funds received will help youth in our area through the After School Program, Summer Reading Program and summer camps. Participating establishments include: Monday, May 15 Scooters (Godfrey and Glen Carbon locations) Tuesday, May 16 Martin’s Tunes and Eats in Wood River Wednesday, May 17 Brown Bag Bistro in Alton Thursday, May 18 Santino’s in Alton Friday, May 19 Josephine’s Tea Room in Godfrey Saturday, May 20 My Just Desserts in Alton Sunday, May 21 Bakers & Hale

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