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ALTON - The annual Alton Eagle Ice Festival on Saturday attracted a wide range of visitors to celebrate the return of the beautiful wintering American Bald Eagles to Southwest Illinois. Flock Food Truck was one of the Alton hosts for the event, along with The National Great Rivers Center, the Hartford Confluence Tower, and the Audubon Center at Riverlands hosted four different events for the widely attended official kickoff to the eagle-watching season in the Alton area. Cory Jobe, president/CEO of Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau, said: “Today we are here at Flock, one of the locations for the Alton Eagle Ice Festival. We have food trucks, adult drinks for kids, we have live ice carvers, we have an eagle meet and greet, music, and fire pits to stay warm. It is a beautiful day here. “We also have three other locations this year - the National Great Rivers Museum with free lock and dam tours today to view eagles on the Mississippi. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive

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EDWARDSVILLE — County Board member William S. “Bill” Meyer is being remembered as a man who served his constituents and worked hard for the taxpayers. Meyer, 75, of Hamel died Thursday due to health complications. The Republican spent 18 years serving County Board District 3 and 22 years as a Village of Hamel trustee and six years as Village of Hamel president. “He served his district faithfully,” Chairman Kurt Prenzler said. Prenzler said Meyer always said it was an “honor serving the hard-working men and women of his district.” “Bill was ‘Mr. Hamel,’” Prenzler said. “He represented northeast Madison County well and used his experience in business on the County Board.” Meyer served on the board from 2000 to 2016 and from 2020 to 2023. He served on various committees including building and zoning, transportation, grants, and finance. County Board member Mick Madison of Bethalto said Myer would be missed.

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ALTON - Over one year ago a diagnosis of ALS, a neurodegenerative disease known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, was given to Tracy Bogard. As the auto-immune system of the body is compromised, muscles are weakened causing great difficulty in movement. There are many documented cases in which the symptoms have been reversed, so ALS is now considered to be reversible for individuals who have shown determination and a positive mindset. It is heartbreaking to see a woman as vivacious and vibrant as Tracy not be able to continue helping others. Her constant goal in life has been to make a difference. Those that love her, know she has the determination, courage, and positive mindset to reverse her diagnosis. As the fundraising chair for the Riverbender Community Center, an active member of local P.E.O. Chapter JZ, (an international organization that raises funds to support women furthering their education), a volunteer for Helping Hearts Grow, (a lunch program during Covid), and many other

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ALTON - A driver involved in a serious traffic crash on Brown Street at the intersection of Spaulding Street in Alton on Friday has died, Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said Monday afternoon. Alton Police and Fire were called to the scene around 3:53 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023. The victim was flown via helicopter to a St. Louis area hospital for treatment after the accident on Friday afternoon. Ford said the Metro East woman later died at a St. Louis hospital. The chief identified the deceased woman as Sarah E. Pride, 37. Another driver was taken to a local hospital with minor damages. Ford said investigators determined that one vehicle crossed the center line into the oncoming traffic lane on Brown Street and struck an oncoming vehicle. The traffic crash investigation is being conducted by members of the Alton Police Department’s Traffic Division in conjunction with the Metro East Crash Assistance Team (MECAT). Ford said the exact cause of the accident remains under investigation

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EDWARDSVILLE - Junior A.J. Tillman played a pivotal role as point guard for Edwardsville's boys' basketball success in the 2022-2023 season. One big game was a 14-point outburst as the leading scorer for Edwardsville in the Tigers' 45-43 loss to O'Fallon in a Southwestern Conference boys basketball game on Dec. 6 at Lucco-Jackson Gym. It was a game where Tillman and the Tigers played well and competed hard, but in the end, the Panthers hit their shots and free throws when needed to pull out the win. Since that game, Tillman has been among the leading scorers for Edwardsville, currently averaging 10.5 points and 2.6 rebounds per game, scoring his season high of 18 points in a win over Riverview Gardens on Dec. 19 and also hitting for 15 points against Belleville East on Dec. 9 and 13 points twice, against Mary Institute-Country Day in the Scott Credit Union Shootout Dec. 10 and against Cahokia on Dec. 13. Tillman felt he played well, taking care of the ball and getting his shots when

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COLLINSVILLE - Senior center Emerson Weller led the way for Edwardsville's girls' basketball team on Jan. 5 with a 16-point performance against Collinsville in the Tigers' 51-30 win at Vergil Fletcher Gym. Edwardsville, who started off the season 2-5, has been enjoying success in the last month, especially over the Holidays in splitting four games at the prestigious Visitation Christmas Tournament, with seven wins following a narrow loss to St. Joseph's Academy in west St. Louis County 55-52 in the opening game of the St. Joseph's Shootout Jan. 7. Weller is an iCAN Clinic Female Athlete of the Month for the Tigers. Weller, who has signed to play next season at Missouri-St. Louis has been an instrumental part of Edwardsville's resurgence this year, following the loss of many key players to graduation. She felt getting to this point has been a great feeling, indeed. "It's a really good feeling," Weller said in a postgame interview that followed the win over the Kahoks. "We've really

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ALTON - A 27-year-old pedestrian died after a traffic crash Sunday on Landmarks Boulevard near the intersection of Ridge Street in Alton. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said the pedestrian who died is identified as Keyani L. Thomas, 27, of Alton. Chief Ford said at 8:36 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, the Alton Police Department was notified of a traffic crash on Landmarks Boulevard near the intersection with Ridge Street. The information given was that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle. "Officers arrived and observed that an uninvolved motorist had stopped and was attempting life-saving measures on the pedestrian who had been struck by the vehicle," Ford said. "Officers also attempted life-saving efforts before the Alton Fire Department arrived on the scene and immediately took over the efforts and transported the pedestrian to Alton Memorial Hospital. The pedestrian was subsequently flown via Arch Air Medical Services to a St. Louis area hospital where she was later pronounced

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EDWARDSVILLE - Students returned to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s campus welcomed by the smiling faces of staff and faculty to kick off the first day of the spring semester. The Office of Student Affairs coordinated the efforts of volunteers stationed around campus displaying “Ask Me!” signs offering guidance and encouragement as students walked to their classes. “The first day of the semester is always exciting,” said Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Miriam Roccia. “The energy is abundant as new and returning students eagerly search for welcoming faces and their classrooms.” The opening week of the spring semester continues with multiple events and activities. Event listings are available at siue.edu/kimmel and siue.edu/events . Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides students with a high-quality education that powerfully transforms the lives of all individuals who seek something greater

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BETHALTO - Sophomore guard Adam Ogden is averaging 12 points per game this season for the Civic Memorial Eagles. He's an even better 14 PPG in Mississippi Valley Conference action. "The work Adam puts in during the off-season has shown with his ability to score the ball," CM head coach Lee Green said. Ogden is a Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Male Athlete of the Month for the Eagles. "Adam has done a great job of complementing Sam in the post with an outside presence," Green added. Ogden is the team's second-leading scorer with 201 points so far this season, only behind Buckley's 273. Ogden loves to shoot the ball, especially the three, having made 29 of them which leads the team. He's got a 42 percent shooting average from the field which is also up there on the team. The Eagles are 7-10 on the season and 2-3 in the MVC. Ogden and the Eagles will be back at home this Friday when they take on the Jersey Panthers at 7:30 p.m.

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WOOD RIVER - The Wood River Police Department today urged residents to lock their cars when they are out of the vehicle. The City of Wood River has adopted an ordinance making it a violation if you are caught tampering with a vehicle. The citation is subject to a mandatory court appearance and a $500 fine. "With many home security cameras in the area, the police department is frequently contacted when a homeowner has caught someone trying the door handles on their vehicle, assuming it is someone looking for unlocked vehicles to commit a theft," Wood River Police Chief Brad Wells said. "Once they find the vehicle is locked they move on to the next vehicle. "Many people will argue if it is better to lock your vehicle or keep it unlocked. We have no law to govern what you do pertaining to locking your vehicle, so it is up to each individual. We always recommend locking your vehicle. There is no state law on the books pertaining to someone 'checking your door handle. "The new Wood River

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ST. LOUIS - The American Red Cross needs your help in 2023 and is asking individuals in Missouri and Arkansas to consider making a New Year’s resolution to become a volunteer in the local community by helping support the Red Cross's mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering. Locally, 2,600 people volunteer with the Red Cross. These local volunteers are part of the almost 300,000 people across the country whose support enables the Red Cross to respond to an average of more than 60,000 disasters every year and deliver more than 6.4 million blood products to hospital patients in need. Volunteers also help train more than 4.6 million people in Red Cross lifesaving skills; help provide nearly 550,000 services to military members, veterans, and their families; and to reconnect almost 9,000 families separated by war or disaster around the world. “Our Red Cross volunteers step up to help our neighbors here in the American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas each and every

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BETHALTO - Midwest Members Credit Union is proud to sponsor the “Eagles of the Month” program at Civic Memorial High School. Senior students are selected each month by members of the Civic Memorial faculty to represent each department. All students are awarded a certificate and a Subway gift card. Two Seniors (1 female student and 1 male student) that were selected each month will have the opportunity to compete for a $500.00 “Eagles of the Year” scholarship each at the end of the school year. November’s Eagles of the Month winners: Math - Kaydence Hibbs Fine Arts - Claire Shaw Social Studies - Autumn Bowman PE/Health - Mason Fries Choir - Carter Bloodworth Band - Dylan Moore Science - Alexis Collins English - Elijah Gruen C.T.E. - Kaitlynn Niemeyer Teacher of the Month winner: Social Studies - Charles Baldwin December’s Eagles of the Month winners: Math - Autumn Bowman Fine Arts -

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GRANITE CITY - Kaylyn Wiley, a senior outside hitter in volleyball, and also an outstanding basketball player in the winter is leaving her part in Granite City High School athletics. Grace Hurst coached Wiley in volleyball and said she could always rely on Kaylyn for her contributions to the team. “She was one of the most consistent players on the team if not the most consistent,” the coach said. “She led through her play in every aspect. She is also super positive and lifts all of her teammates up. She mixed her game up and continuously improved each game.” Kaylyn is a Stillwater Senior Living Female Athlete of the Month for the Warriors. Wiley was extremely versatile and also played back row for her as well. “She always goes after balls and made great plays, she read the hitters well, and also has a very high volleyball IQ.” Granite City head girls basketball coach Greg Vaughn said he was fortunate enough to coach Kaylyn (Pennie) Wiley throughout

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced today that the CDC is reporting 73 counties in the state are at an elevated level for COVID-19, compared to 65 in the previous week. Of those, 28 Illinois counties are at a High Community Level and 45 counties are at Medium Level. IDPH is reporting 16,281 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Illinois in the week ending January 1, and 20 deaths. “As we enter the new year, IDPH continues to closely monitor levels of COVID-19, the flu, and other respiratory illnesses in communities throughout Illinois,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “After the holidays, we are once again experiencing a rise in counties at elevated COVID-19 community levels, with 28 currently at High Level. As we monitor emerging variants, including a new more transmissible strain spreading in the northeastern U.S., I continue to recommend our residents take steps to prevent the spread of infection, protect those

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MACOUPIN COUNTY - A missing/endangered man was located alive in Henderson County and has been checked by EMT, Macoupin County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday. A Macoupin County man - Craig Winters - was reported missing Sunday and was driving a 2006 blue Honda Ridge Line. Winters was last seen at his residence on Goshen Road in Palmyra, IL. The sheriff’s office said he is suffering from dementia. The sheriff’s office thanked the Henderson first responders for their assistance in the situation.

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ROXANA - Chase Allen has been a special athlete for Roxana High School. He played the tackle position for the Shells’ football team and is also a wrestler. Coach Wade DeVries said Chase has been a leader in the weight room, which has played a large part in his success on the gridiron and in wrestling. Allen is a Midwest Members Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Shells. “Chase has been an essential part of our defense for the past three seasons,” Coach DeVries said. “Because of his position, nose tackle, he does not often have the stats or get the recognition that he deserves. He is also an outstanding wrestler.” At the end of December Allen had an 18-5 wrestling record with 15 pins, so he is also having an extraordinary season in that sport and should be strong in the post-season.

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PIASA - Garrett Beuttel is an up-and-coming Southwestern High School runner as a junior and will be a key member of the track team in the spring. Garrett is an Altonized Community Federal Credit Union Male Athlete of the Month for the Piasa Birds. Garrett has been a standout for Southwestern since his freshman year and had solid cross-country and track-and-field seasons since he started. He recorded a time of 18:30 in the IHSA cross-country regional. Garrett will be one of the Piasa Birds’ top track and field athletes in the spring and will run both the 1600 and 3200-meter runs. Garrett’s coach Gary Bowker said the talented athlete has always enjoyed running. “When Garrett stays focused, he is really hard to beat,” Coach Bowker said. “He ran really well this past cross country season and I expect great things from him when track and field starts in March.” Garrett and his younger brother, Bram, push each other all the time, Coach Bowker says. “Th

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COLLINSVILLE - This is the Good Shepherd Lutheran School Second Quarter Honor Roll. High Honor Roll with Distinction (Gr. 7&8 - GPA 4.00+) 8 th Grade: Isaak B., Grayson G., Dean H., Grace P., Kaitlyn Pe., Kaitlyn Pi., Alex R., Ben S., Connor S., Natalie T., Autumn W. 7 th Grade: Marion H., Lauren K., Dylan L., Calista S., Lily W., Bradley W., Josie W. High Honor Roll (Gr. 5&6 - GPA 3.51 to 4.0; Gr. 7&8 - GPA 3.51 to 3.99) 8 th Grade: Anna A., Bradley D., Lilly G., Emily K., Hayden S., Jacob S. 7 th Grade: Conner L., Ryan P., Owen T., Teagan W. 6 th Grade: Robert A., Matthew B., Brayden B., Rory D., Liam D., Brodie F., Caroline F., Kaleb G., Cooper I., Elle J., Prabhgun K., August K., Sydney L, Meghan M., Caleb M., Reeve M., Jake R., Hunter S., Alyssa S., Chance S., Noah W., Cali W., Jack Z. 5 th Grade: Will B., Isabella B., Caleb, B., Matti C., Owen C., Zion C., Ella F., Myla G., Agnes H., Sydney H., David K., Alexis K., Jacob K., Elise L., Natalie M.,

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GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College has teamed up with area high schools and fire departments to form the Fire Science Academy (FSA). The purpose of the FSA is to help incoming high school seniors take the initial steps needed to become a volunteer, on-call or full-time firefighter. L&C Fire Science Program Coordinator Ed Burnley says the idea came from Wood River Fire Chief Wade Stahlhut and East Alton-Wood River High School Superintendent Rob Miller. “The motivation was a recent decline in recruitment and fire department applications across the area,” Burnley said. “The hope is area fire departments will see an increase in the number of people interested in becoming a firefighter.” According to Burnley, the FSA will serve as a first step to an Associate in Applied Science in Fire Science for those considering a career in a fire service-related field. “These students will complete the cognitive and psychomotor components of

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) Director Colleen Callahan will step down from her post on Jan. 16 after nearly four years leading the state agency charged with managing, conserving and protecting Illinois’ natural and cultural resources. Callahan has served as director since March 1, 2019, when she was appointed by Gov. JB Pritzker. During that time, she guided the agency through a global pandemic, which resulted in millions of visitors seeking to nurture their physical and mental health in the outdoors at Illinois’ nearly 400 state parks, natural areas, and historic sites. During her time at IDNR, Callahan oversaw efforts to develop a strategic plan for the agency, with a focus on positioning IDNR as a leader on reducing the state’s carbon footprint and mitigating the effects of climate change. A climate action plan is currently under review and set to be released in early 2023. Callahan also ushered the agency into a new era o

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