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ST. LOUIS – The 80,000-plus fans projected to attend the upcoming Enjoy Illinois 300 Presented by TicketSmarter NASCAR Cup Series race and related festivities will be entertained at every turn throughout race weekend. Live performances will begin at the Ballpark Village Fan Fest presented by Enterprise on Thursday, June 2, and will continue at World Wide Technology Raceway on Friday, June 3; Saturday, June 4; and Sunday, June 5, concluding with a post-race concert. Confluence Festival: Crossroads of Concert & Community – a showcase of innovation, talent, and live entertainment – represents the region’s communities coming together in welcoming NASCAR, the No. 1 form of motorsports in the U.S, to World Wide Technology Raceway. “We promised our fans a world-class event, and this festival will deliver on a wholenew level,” said Curtis Francois, owner, and CEO of World Wide Technology Raceway. “Collectively, with our incredible partners World Wid

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GRAFTON - The Village of Grafton is accepting applications for full-time and part-time patrolmen. Candidates must be certified through the Illinois Training and Standards Board. Starting pay is $21.50 per hour with time and a half for holidays. Applications can be obtained at the Grafton Police Department, 118 E. Main St., Grafton, IL., 62037, by e-mail at graftonilpd@gmail.com or on the City of Grafton web page; cityofgraftonil.com .

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Belleville - St. Clair County Transit District (SCCTD) today announced it will provide complimentary round-trip rides, via the SCCTD Trolley Bus, from the Belleville Transit Center (800 Scheel Street, Belleville, IL 62221) to the Art on the Square event, which is being held in the Belleville Public Square in downtown Belleville, from Friday, May 13, to Sunday, May 15. The SCCTD Shuttle Bus will drop riders at the corner of East Main and North Jackson streets. Art on the Square is being held from 4 to 9 p.m. on Friday, May 13; from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 14; and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 15. The SCCTD Shuttle Bus will begin service 10 minutes before the event opens each day. Trips will be made to and from the Belleville Transit Center and Art on the Square every 15 minutes throughout the duration of the event each day. The final trip each evening will depart from East Main and North Jackson streets 20 minutes after each day’s event is scheduled to end. “Art

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The Southern Illinoisan: Lowering prescription drug costs By: Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) May 4, 2022 Recently, I opened a letter from a constituent in Illinois. The woman—a nurse—was writing to me about her husband, a diabetic who has to use insulin four times per day. But a little while ago, as a result of insurance delays, he found himself without health coverage for two months—a span in which his insulin costs alone came out to more than $2,900. The two of them were frantic. They went round and round with their local pharmacist, desperate to find some—any—solution to get him the medication he urgently needed. His blood sugar levels doubled over the course of about 12 weeks, until, finally, they reached a point where they were forced to take out a loan to pay for the prescription his life depended on. This family isn’t alone. A recent poll found that this is a nationwide crisis, with 9 out of 10 voters saying that drug pricing refor

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PIASA - Southwestern High School has announced its 2022 Prom Court. The 2022 Prom Court is as follows: (from left to right) Emily Lowis, Hannah Nixon, Jelsie Biciocchi, Whitney Keith, Laini Bock, Prom Queen Quinn Owens, Prom King Aaron Frost, Caleb Mary, Ashton Seniker, Tanner Albrecht, Carson Cooley, and Charlie Darr.

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GODFREY - A new water tower is being built at 2609 Airport Road near Godfrey. Greg Bates, manager of Jersey County Rural Water Company, said the tower’s construction is expected to be completed in mid-July. The water tower will serve the southern end of the Jersey County Rural Water system, which extends from southern Jersey County into northern Madison County in Godfrey, Bates said. “Basically, it’s just to provide better pressure to the area in the reserves for high-demand times,” Bates said. A 250,000-gallon sphere sits on top of the tower, its design mimicking a “tee with a golf ball on top,” Bates said. For more information about the water tower, call Jersey County Rural Water Company at (618) 498-9534.

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EDWARDSVILLE – R.L.P. Development has announced plans to break ground on a 188-room hotel property in Edwardsville. The dual-brand Home2 Suites and Hilton Garden Inn will be conveniently located near the SIUe (Southern Illinois University Edwardsville) campus at the northeast corner of Illinois Route 157 and Governors Parkway. The property will feature an additional outparcel development offering commercial real estate space to be leased at a later time. "We are very excited to partner with R.L.P. Development on this project,” said Chris Brock, a Senior Director of Development with Hilton Worldwide. “These are two great Hilton brands, and they will be well-received in the market," Brock continued. “We are proud and excited to partner with Hilton on this project in this market,” said Robert Plummer, founder of R.L.P. Development. “We continue to grow our hotel company, providing great service to our guests and career opportunities for our team

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EDWARDSVILLE - Payton Wren, a Metro East Lutheran High School wide receiver, has made a decision to play college football on scholarship at Knox College in Galesburg. Wren announced his decision at a signing at MELHS late last week. Payton Wrenn is a Metro East Lutheran Male Athlete of the Month. Beginning senior year the started college football recruiting process started, Wren said. He considered multiple colleges, but in the end, he decided that Knox College was the best fit. When asked why he chose Knox College, he said: "The field, the weight room, and coaches' interest in me were the key factors in the decision." Wren will make a transition from 7 on 7 football at MELHS, to the normal 11 on 11 next season. He said the transition will not be hard because he played 11 on 11 football his freshman year at Metro. He will be a slot receiver for Knox College. Payton said he loved his mentors at MELHS over the past four years. "I have had a lot of people mentor me here and I grew

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CARLINVILLE - One of the most popular programs at the Carlinville Public Library returns this summer with a packed schedule of activities. “Read Beyond the Beaten Path” is the theme for the library’s Summer Reading Program for 2022, which features fun and enriching weekly activities for all ages. “We have a lot going on this summer, and we’re really excited about it,” said library director Hannah Miller. “Some of our activities are new, and some are old favorites. It’s a great opportunity to spend time in the library and enjoy the wonders of reading, which we hope will last for a lifetime.” There will be Story Time each Tuesday starting at 10 a.m., when pre-kindergarten youngsters will meet for stories, crafts, and activities with a central theme. At 1 p.m. each Tuesday, school-aged children will meet and split into three classes – one for kindergarten and first-grade, one for second- and third-graders, and another for fourth-

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Local Aesthetic Physician Educates Public on the Benefits of Collagen in Aging GLEN CARBON - Many people might be unaware that collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, found in bones, muscles and tendons. It’s also responsible for helping people maintain a youthful appearance. Kristen M. Jacobs, M.D, a local aesthetic physician with more than 14 years of experience, and International Best-Selling Author of “Live Life Beautifully (With a Little Help)” recently held a Collagen and Cocktails event at her office in Glen Carbon to educate people on the benefits of using products and services that help your skin produce more collagen. “I am always so excited to educate people about the important role collagen plays as you age,” Dr. Jacobs said. “Collagen is a protein found in your skin’s connective tissue, and it can help slow down aging, wrinkles and increase skin elasticity. When we don’t have enough of it, that lead

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WOOD RIVER - Lewis & Clark Junior High School and East Alton-Wood River High School celebrated Oiler Day this past week. There was such great participation for the event with both LCJH and East Alton-Wood River High School celebrating our Oiler Spirit. The student winner for wearing the most Oiler wear, head to toe, was Westin Hatch. He had four Oiler shirts on and is shown in one of the photos. The East Alton-Wood River High School winner was Meadow Contratto who is an alumnus of LCJH. Both students received a gift card and an athletic pass to all high school sports next school year. The four runner-up students are Somona A., Ethan B., Kale C., and Ben W.

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Granite City – Juniors Rowan Wallaceand Chloe Widel of Granite City High School were selected as Granite City Rotary Club Students of the Month for May. Students were nominated by teachers, and were chosen on the basis of academics, as well as scholastic, extracurricular and civic honors and awards, and organization membership and leadership. Each honoree will receive a framed certificate and a gift card, and will be recognized at the Granite City Rotary Meeting on Tuesday, May 10. ROWAN WALLACE Robotics Team Head Programmer ... Three-year Honor Roll ... Cross Country All Warrior Award ... Volunteer at Relleke Farm's Haunted Barn ... Daughter of Robert and Kelley Wallace. CHLOE WIDEL Member of Robotics Club as Lead Builder ... Three-year High Honor Roll and Secondary Honors ... Saturday Scholars ... Volunteer Peer Tutor ... Daughter of Rachelle Matheny. For more information about Granite City School District #9, visit Granite City Schools .

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ST. LOUIS – On Tuesday, May 3, Lumière Place Casino & Hotel officially transitioned into the legendary Horseshoebrand with a ribbon cutting ceremony. More than 100 Horseshoe St. Louis Team Members, city officials, Caesars Entertainment executives and the public gathered for the celebration. Caesars Entertainment Regional President, Bill Reeg, Horseshoe St. Louis SVP & General Manager, Brian Marsh and CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc., Jason Hall gave remarks prior to the group walking over to the newly constructed Horseshoe St. Louis entrance sign where the ribbon cutting took place. “We’re thrilled to officially become Horseshoe St. Louis,” said Brian Marsh, SVP & General Manager of Horseshoe St. Louis. “We’ve received nothing but positive feedback for the brand and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome our guests to the legendary Horseshoe.” Following the ribbon cutting, the group went inside to enjoy celebratory cake, pastries

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Blood donations needed ahead of summer $10 e-gift card, aluminum water bottle and sticker set for Red Cross donors in May ST. LOUIS— When schools let out for summer and families set off on vacation, the American Red Cross typically sees a decline in donors, which can impact patient care. It’s critically important that donors make an appointment to give now before heading out for summer activities to help maintain a stable blood supply in the coming months. Unfortunately, the need for blood doesn’t take a summer break. Volunteer donors are the only source of blood and platelets for patients with blood disorders, trauma victims and those experiencing difficult childbirths. In thanks for helping boost the blood supply, all who come to give through May 19, 2022, will receive a $10 e-gift card to a merchant of choice and will also be automatically entered to win a travel trailer camper that sleeps eight. Details are available at rcblood.org/camper . Those who

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Today, Governor JB Pritzker took the following bill action: Bill Number: SB0062 Description: Establishes that deposits to payroll cards are to be considered an indication of interest akin to withdrawals from such cards, unless the account holder charges inactivity fees. Action: Signed Effective: January 1, 2023 Bill Number: SB0145 Description: Extends the time allowed to claim the title of Physician Assistant with the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation to 60 days of becoming employed. Action: Signed Effective: January 1, 2023 Bill Number: SB1016 Description: Amends the Water Commission Act of 1985 to require the chairperson of a water commission be a resident of the home county to be appointed, one commissioner appointed by said chairperson, and one commissioner appointed by a majority vote of the majors of those territorial municipalities. Action: Signed Effective: January 1, 2023 Bill Number: SB1097 Description: Amends

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ST. LOUIS –The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will conduct its annual national food drive on Saturday, May 14. The Stamp Out Hunger food drive, which was first held in 1983, helps feed millions of Americans. The Stamp Out Hunger ® Food Drive is the country's largest one-day food drive and provides residents with an easy way to donate food to those in need. Locally, the NALC has partnered with the St. Louis Area Foodbank. The Foodbank will utilize all donations for distribution across the bi-state region in their 26-county service area in Missouri and Illinois. Customers are invited to make a donation of food or a monetary donation. If choosing to donate food, simply leave their donation of non-perishable food items next to their mailbox before the delivery of the mail on Saturday, May 14. Letter carriers will collect these food donations on that day as they deliver mail along their postal routes, and distribute them to local food banks, pantries, shelters

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CARLINVILLE - While pollinator populations have been in decline around the world, Blackburn College has been demonstrating its commitment to enhancing the habitat, spreading awareness, and ensuring these species have what is needed to thrive. As part of these efforts, Blackburn has received 2022 Bee Campus USA recognition, an initiative from the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation dedicated to sustaining pollinators. With a rich history of leading in sustainability and pollinators, Blackburn is currently the only college or university in the St. Louis region and southern Illinois to receive this distinction. The College has received the Bee Campus USA certification each year since 2019. Dade Bradley, a junior Environmental Biology major, has played a significant role within Blackburn’s Bee Program throughout his time on campus. He believes this designation can be impactful for Blackburn, the program, and the greater Carlinville community. “Being a Bee Campus within

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ROXANA – Nolan Tolbert is one of only four seniors on Roxana High School’s very young baseball team. He plays a huge role as a leader on his team in his final season. “The four of us have taken a lead,” Nolan said. “We had a bunch of seniors graduate last year that helped push us forward through the program and that’s what we’re trying to do is to put these young players through and get them better for the next upcoming years.” The four seniors were being celebrated Saturday afternoon in two of Roxana’s final home games. The Shells may have dropped the double header against Granite City Saturday afternoon (May 7), but Tolbert came up with arguably the highlight of the day. In the top of the sixth inning a Warriors player hit it out to shallow left-center field. Nolan sprinted to the ball and then made an incredible diving catch for the first out of the inning. “I was actually calling for my center fielder at the time and

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EDWARDSVILLE — The Illinois Metropolitan Investment Fund (IMET) Board once again selected Madison County Treasurer Chris Slusser to serve as a trustee as well as named him one of its newest officers. “It’s an honor to continue to serve on the IMET Board as well as be selected by my peers as the board’s Secretary,” Slusser said. IMET first picked Slusser to fill a vacant trustee seat in August 2021. He was selected to serve a three-year term at its annual meeting on March 22. “I think this speaks to Chris’s leadership abilities that he was already elected as an officer on our board of Trustees,” said Sofia Anastopoulos, Executive Director at IMET. “He is a statewide leader on public funds investing amongst county treasurers, and we value his expertise on our board.” IMET is a local government investment pool, governed by an eight member board of trustees, which manages more than $900 million in assets. IMET offers investment

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ST. LOUIS - Schnuck Markets, Inc. is proud to announce it has been selected as a 2022 US Best Managed Company. Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal, the program recognizes outstanding U.S. private companies and the achievements of their management teams. The 2022 designees are U.S. private companies that have demonstrated excellence in strategic planning and execution, a commitment to their people and fostering a dynamic, resilient culture, as well as strong financials. This year’s designees continued to propel their businesses forward by prioritizing purpose, investing in their workforces, and demonstrating their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. “We’re honored to be recognized as a US Best Managed Company,” said Todd Schnuck, Schnucks Chairman and CEO. “We accomplish our mission to Nourish People’s Lives through a shared strategic vision in our organization as well as through meaningful philanthropy in our communities.

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