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JERSEYVILLE - Jersey Community Hospital (JCH) is excited to announce the beginning of a $1.2 million transformative infrastructure upgrade project. The initiative aims to enhance our facilities, benefiting our patients, employees and the community. Supported by funding, in part, from the USDA, this project will include a new roadway entrance to Wock Lane for better traffic flow, a new 100 spot employee parking lot and the new JCH Memorial Walking Trail. The centerpiece of this project is the development of a ½ mile JCH Memorial Walking Trail. This trail, funded in part by memorial gifts left to the JCH Foundation, will serve as a tribute to the visionaries of our JCH Wellness Center who were passionate about wellness on our campus. The walking trail will be available for use by our community members, staff and visitors. Additionally, as part of the commitment made by JCH to support valued patients and employees, a new 100 spot employee parking lot is planned. The upgraded parkin

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ALTON - The Fosterburg Fire Protection District is getting ready to host their 2nd Annual Meet & Greet event. The family-friendly community event will be held on June 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Emmanuel Free Methodist Church, located at 3993 Fosterburg Road in Alton. Lieutenant Jay Wright and Event/Fundraising Coordinator Michelle Price recently appeared on an episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to discuss the purpose behind the event and everything visitors can expect there. “Last year we just kind of put it together, trying to talk to the community without having emergency services - ‘Meet us before you need us’ was kind of the idea behind it,” Wright said. Price added: “Our community is so supportive of our department with everything that we do, and so this is just a small way for us to give back and get some excitement going.” She said the Meet & Greet will feature several emergency personnel apparatuses and a few

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) is celebrating the class of 2023 and their accomplishment of achieving a 98% first-time pass rate on the Integrated National Board Dental Exam (INBDE). “The SIU SDM Class of 2023 started their studies in 2019 pursuing their DMD through all of the challenges presented by the pandemic,” said SIU SDM Dean Saulius Drukteinis, DMD. “For this class to achieve a 98% first-time pass rate on the INDBE is truly a statement about the perseverance and hard work that these students put into earning their DMD degrees." The integrated examination for dental licensure, first administered in 2020, replaces the NBDE Part I and Part II, and covers the basic, behavioral and clinical sciences. According to the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations, the new exam combines content from several disciplines, requiring test takers to “integrate their knowledge of science with the clinica

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ST. LOUIS - Today, Mayor Jones and Governor Parson met at City Hall to discuss the needs of the Circuit Attorney's Office, as the Circuit Attorney resigned earlier than previously expected. The Mayor and Governor agreed that restoring faith in this office is critical to a functional criminal justice system. She also re-emphasized that the appointment should serve as a caretaker for the office who can make much-needed changes without the distraction of re-election politics in 2024. Mayor Jones appreciates Governor Parson’s commitment to engaging St. Louis’ elected and community leaders as he makes this critical decision, as well as St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell for his willingness to extend assistance in the interim. We remain ready to support the Circuit Attorney's Office through this transition.

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EDWARDSVILLE – The Illinois Department of Transportation announced today that asphalt resurfacing on Illinois 159 between E. Country Lane near Collinsville and Center Grove Road in Edwardsville will require intermittent overnight lane closures starting, weather permitting, at 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 23. One lane will remain open in both directions at all times. All lanes will be open by 7 a.m. each morning. The lane closures associated with this portion of the project are expected to be completed by mid-November. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during these restrictions. 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. 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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JERSEYVILLE - The Jersey Community High School Class of 2023 celebrated their graduation ceremony on Mother’s Day last Sunday, and Principal Jason Brunaugh congratulated the students and their friends and families on their achievement. “It has been a true pleasure to watch all of you - whether you come to us from the middle school, St. Francis, or transferred to JCHS - to watch you grow and develop into the young men and women sitting before us today,” Brunaugh said at the ceremony. “Parents, grandparents, family, and friends, please know that your love, devotion, and commitment are the main reasons for this once-in-a-lifetime achievement,” he added. “And parents, please never forget that you were your child’s first teacher and will always be their most important teacher. Congratulations on a job well done.” After all the graduates had been called on stage to receive their degrees, Brunaugh spoke further on the many “talents”

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GRANITE CITY – Seniors Ingrid Galeana and Xavier Paul of Granite City High School were selected as Granite City Elks Lodge #1063 Students of the Month for April. The Elks Student of the Month Program is designed to recognize outstanding young men and women for achievements in school and community life-fine arts, hobbies, athletics, church, school, club and community service, industry and farming.Nominees are judged on multiple achievements including leadership skills, good moral character, community involvement, extracurricular activities, honors and award and scholastic ability. Each student receives a $100 U.S. savings bond and an Elks certificate of achievement. INGRID GALEANA Color Guard and Dance Team Captain ... Four-year member of Color Guard and three-year member of Dance Team ... Renaissance Top-10 and Secondary Honors Award ... Best Color Guard Marcher in 2022 and Color Guard Award in 2023 ... Member of Foreign Language Club, National Honor Society, Spirit Club,

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FARMERSVILLE – The Illinois State Police (ISP) announced the death of another victim in multiple crashes that occurred on May 1, 2023, at approximately 10:55 a.m. on both northbound and southbound Interstate 55, between mile markers 72 and 78 near Farmersville in Montgomery County. Ruth M. Rau, 81-year-old from Sorento, succumbed to injuries last evening while in the hospital. A total of 72 vehicles are known to be involved in the crashes and 37 people were transported to area hospitals with injuries ranging from minor to critical. There are now eight fatalities associated with the crashes, including the following names previously released. Shirley Harper, 88-year-old from Franklin, WI. Joseph Bates, 73-year-old from Crystal Lake, IL Donna Bates, 71-year-old from Crystal Lake, IL Earl LeGrand, 64-year-old from Florissant, MO Michael Zinchuk, 55-year-old from Champaign, IL Amy Zinchuk, 54-year-old from Champaign, IL Otto Medina-Salazar, 58-year-old from Carthage,

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WOOD RIVER - Wood River City Council members narrowly voted to rescind an ordinance that would have allowed a dispensary to open in downtown Wood River after hearing several residents speak in favor of the business. The decision will now go to the voters in the form of a binding referendum on the ballot next spring. At a special meeting that was called to discuss the topic on May 17, several people made public comments in favor of allowing the dispensary. One such resident suffered from lupus, and said while she herself didn’t use cannabis, it could benefit others with the same or worse illnesses. “By stopping the progress of a cannabis dispensary in Wood River, you are denying access a more natural pain relief for people like me who suffer from chronic, long-term illness,” she said. “Cannabis has been long proven to offer medical benefits to those who suffer from this affliction, and some have worse afflictions than I do." She added that she wants

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ROXANA - The USA Swimming “Make a Splash Tour,” presented by Phillips 66, traveled to Roxana, IL on Monday, May 15. Wood River Refinery facilitated a visit to Central Intermediate Elementary School as part of the agenda. “Safety is our top priority at Phillips 66,” says Melissa Erker, Director of Government and Community Relations. “We welcomed the opportunity to help bring lifesaving information to our fenceline community.” Olympic swimmers Rowdy Gaines and Elizabeth Beisel hosted a morning assembly for Central students to teach the importance of learning how to swim. The athletes presented the four rules for water safety: learn to swim, get an adult if you go near the water, always swim with a buddy, and if someone is in trouble in the water, call for help, don’t go in. After talking about water safety, Gaines and Beisel pulled out their Olympic medals they earned during their Olympic swimming careers. Gaines showed his gold medal from

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ALTON - Dust off your disco pants and tease your hair up high! This 80’s Themed Adult Summer Camp will be a nostalgic blast-from-the-past weekend of creative fun planned for our 21+ crowd. Jacoby Arts Center brings you a visual, tactile, & auditory experience of fine arts & fun crafts taught by some of our best teachers and artists in the area. From reverse tie-dye to printmaking, swing dance to clay, this weekend offers something for every creative, new or experienced! Bring your girlfriends, your date or your grown kids for some cool memories! Choose from 1 or both days, Friday June 23 at 6pm and/or Saturday June 24 at 1pm. Did we mention, this Summer Camp is 80s themed? Come dressed in your best 80s get up for a chance to win the costume contest for a prize from Jacoby. We're looking for the biggest hair, the brightest neon, sweatbands, chunky jewelry, acid washed denim, jumpsuits, mesh, you name it! And if you can pull off a mullet -- be my guest! Check out the full schedul

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CHICAGO - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced a Vandalia, Illinois couple pleaded guilty in Fayette County Circuit Court to possessing and disseminating child pornography. The 2021 case was a result of an investigation Raoul’s office conducted into an alleged child pornography ring operating in Fayette County and is part of Raoul’s ongoing work, in collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies and local law enforcement officials throughout Illinois, to apprehend offenders who download and trade child pornography online. Andrew Wehrle, 39, pleaded guilty to two counts of dissemination of child pornography and one count of production of child pornography. He could face up to 26 years in prison. Amber Wehrle, 38, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of child pornography and one count of indecent solicitation of an adult. She could face up to 13 years in prison. Both individuals will be sentenced at a future date. “Child pornography is a heinous

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed the nomination of Jeremy Daniel to serve as a District Court Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois: “We are pleased that the Senate has confirmed Jeremy Daniel to serve as a District Court Judge for the Northern District of Illinois. He was highly regarded by our screening committee and brings strong qualifications and a wealth of courtroom experience—including serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Northern District—that will strengthen our federal bench.” In October 2021, the Senators announced that they would begin accepting applications from those interested in serving as a Federal District Court Judge in the Northern District of Illinois. The Senators were assisted by a screening committee whose

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member, and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois), Senate Judiciary Committee Chair, introduced a resolution designating the week of May 14 through 20, 2023 as National Police Week. The resolution was cosponsored by 77 of their colleagues. “It is now more important than ever to honor those who choose to serve in law enforcement. The world in which we live gets more dangerous every day, and we face rising crime and difficulty recruiting the next generation of law enforcement,” said Graham.“They risk their lives every day for our safety. This resolution is a small way to show our appreciation.” “Police Week is a time when law enforcement officers across the country travel to Washington to meet with lawmakers and honor their peers who have lost their lives in the line of duty,” Durbin said. “As our country continues to discuss how to make our

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SPRINGFIELD - Attorney General Kwame Raoul today joined a coalition of 12 attorneys general in support of robust anti-discrimination protections for transgender students. Raoul and the coalition submitted a comment letter to U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona expressing support for aspects of a proposed national rule that would prohibit schools from excluding transgender students from school sports at institutions that receive federal funding. The Department of Education has proposed a rule that would clarify how schools receiving federal funding can remain in compliance with Title IX, a federal civil rights statute, when determining a transgender student’s eligibility to participate on school athletic teams. “Transgender students should be afforded the same extracurricular opportunities as their peers,” Raoul said. “I will continue to fight to ensure young people who are transgender can join and participate in the full spectrum of school

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SPRINGFIELD - Fulfilling a campaign promise, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias has established the first-ever Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Officer position in the Secretary of State’s office. Dr. Margaret “Margie” Lawler, who joins the office today, will fill this important inaugural role, Giannoulias announced. Dr. Lawler brings significant experience, most recently serving as Blackburn College’s inaugural DEI Officer. She has been engaged in diversity, equity and inclusion efforts for over 12 years at institutions of higher learning, including key roles at Illinois Central College and the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. She also brings private sector experience from her years with Caterpillar, Inc. in Peoria. “I want to ensure the Secretary of State’s office implements equitable hiring strategies and promotes an inclusive culture that will improve interactions with customers and the public,” said Giannoulias. “This

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ALTON - Alton Main Street invites you to a fun event which spans seventeen pet-friendly patios and businesses on Saturday, May 20 th from Noon-8:00 p.m. Join us for the Pup Crawl, and yes you read that correctly - it’s a pub crawl with dogs! Tickets are on sale now at all participating locations, or you can get your ticket at the Alton Dog Park on the day of the event while supplies last. With your $10 ticket you will receive a bandana for your pet, a passport listing food & beverage specials and pet-friendly activities, shuttle service from Noon-8pm, all-day access to the Alton Dog Park, and a chance to win great prizes! Check in will take place at the Alton Dog Park from Noon-5:00 p.m. The Alton Dog Park can be found within Russell Commons Park, which is located under the Clark Bridge; enter via Ridge Street and follow the signs. During the event you can pick up information about how to purchase an annual pass. For a traditional pub crawl experience, grab a bite or a beverage

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ALTON - A 17-year-old Alton male has been charged with a count of Aggravated Battery With A Firearm in regard to the shooting incident that occurred at 2:59 p.m. on Tuesday in the 2600 block of Maxey Street in Alton. The Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office reviewed the facts of the case today and issued the following charges against the suspect: Jaylen T. Elliott, 17 years old, of Alton-Count I: Aggravated Battery with a Firearm. The arrest warrant was signed by the Honorable Judge Maher and the bond was set at $250,000. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford said today that Elliott remains in custody at this time.

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OTTERVILLE - By day, Maggie Bick is a Jerseyville West Elementary School teacher, but in her free time, she loves spending time doing outdoor activities on a family farm - recently, she and her daughter Olivia had a mushroom hunt to remember. Some of the Morrell mushrooms found on that day are showcased above, held by Maggie and her daughter on their farm in Otterville. Maggie said they ended up discovering 42 total mushrooms in the one particular day of hunting. To make the day even more special, it was Olivia's first time mushroom hunting at the age of 3 years old. Maggie said her daughter could barely contain her excitement when she found the huge mushroom. "One of the mushrooms weighed 7.5 ounces. We have never found any this big," she said. "We found most of these next to an Elm tree that was dying. We found a whole hill just covered by mushrooms. Four or five years ago, we found a great batch, but nothing like this. We were really excited to prepare them and eat them." Morel

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WOOD RIVER - During a heated Public Comment portion of the last Wood River City Council meeting , residents heavily criticized three councilmen - Jeremy Plank and newly-elected David Ayres and Bill Dettmers - for their behavior and obstruction of Mayor Tom Stalcup’s appointments at the last meeting. Pastor Dave Landry, who ran for City Council last election, referred to the councilmen as “The Angry Three.” “It’s time to stand up to these bully tactics of Jeremy, Dave, and Bill, and take our city back from outsiders who never grew up in Wood River and have no interest in Wood River’s success,” Landry said. “I’m not scared of bullies. I’m not scared of your money, I’m not scared of your tactics, I’m not scared of the anger that you stir up. “‘The Angry Three’ have no clue and haven’t even asked what great things are being developed in Wood River - only their own personal agenda …

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